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Snake Oil For The Soul: Exposing Mental Health "Wellness" Grift

On this episode of the pod, Jess discusses the topic of misinformation in the wellness industry (specifically related to mental health) with special guest, Dr. Jonathan Stea. They delve into the history of wellness, the commercialization of the wellness industry, and the impact of alternative medicine. They also explore the concept of wellness and how it is often pitted against conventional medicine as the answer to the “root cause” of health issues. They discuss the pseudoscientific nature of alternative medicine and the predatory practices within the multi-trillion dollar industry. The two explore the psychological, cultural, and economic factors contributing to the industry's growth and the challenges in countering its damaging effects. They give some specific examples of mental mental wellness grift that might shock you. You won’t want to miss this!

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To Immunity and Beyond! Don't Toy Around With Vaccines

Measles, once on the brink of eradication in the U.S., is making a dangerous comeback. Cerise Marotta, Director of Advocacy and Education at Vaccinate Your Family, joined Jess to share her personal journey, the loss of her son to a vaccine-preventable illness, which shaped her life's commitment to vaccine education. They discuss the challenges of vaccine hesitancy, the concept of herd immunity, and the work being done by community health workers to educate and engage communities. The conversation highlights the need for empathy, tailored approaches, and storytelling to address vaccine hesitancy and protect against vaccine-preventable diseases. You don't want to miss this!

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Here Comes The Sun(screen), Little Darling

On this week's episode of the pod, Jess is joined by Esther Olu (aka "The Melanin Chemist" to talk about the chemistry of our skincare! We discuss the significance of "melanin-friendly" sunscreens and the importance of understanding hyperpigmentation to find effective solutions. We delve into the world of preservatives, exploring whether products can be adequately preserved without them. Our guest also shares her holy grail skincare product and ingredients she avoids. We tackle the common misconception surrounding sulfate and silicone-free products and analyze the in-flight makeup trend. Lastly, we address the issue of inclusivity in shade ranges, particularly for foundations, and advocate for better representation in the beauty industry. You don't want to miss this!

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