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Read. Talk. Grow. Podcast: 52. Science or snake oil? Examining the wellness industry

A podcast where we talk about books — especially fiction, memoir and narrative nonfiction — that deal with important health topics.

Science or snake oil? Examining the wellness industry

Episode Summary

Are you eager to try the latest serum or supplement — or are you suspicious of every wellness influencer who crosses your social media feed? Either way, there’s much to learn and consider in Kelsey Rae Dimberg’s novel “Snake Oil” about the wellness industry. Kelsey and Mayo Clinic integrative medicine expert Dr. Brent Bauer give us a nuanced view of integrative medicine and the business of wellness.

This episode was made possible by the generous support of Ken Stevens.

Episode Notes

We talked with:

  • Kelsey Rae Dimberg is the author of Snake Oil and Girl in the Rearview Mirror. She received an MFA from the University of San Francisco and is a recipient of the Swarthout Award in Writing. She was the Editor-in-Chief of Arizona State University’s literary magazine, Lux. Before writing novels, she worked for startups like Google and Groupon. Born in Seattle, she’s moved all over the West and Midwest and currently lives in Chicago.
  • Brent Bauer, M.D., is board certified in internal medicine. He is the research chair for Mayo Clinic Integrative Medicine and Health and a doctor in the Division of General Internal Medicine. He is also a professor of medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. Dr. Bauerfocuses on the scientific evaluation of integrative medicine therapies. He has served as medical director of Rejuvenate, the first spa at Mayo Clinic, and of the Well Living Lab, a collaboration between Delos and Mayo Clinic that is exploring the impact of the indoor environment on wellness.

Purchase “Snake Oil”

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Disclaimer

The podcast is for informational purposes only and is not designed to replace the physician’s medical assessment and judgment. Information presented is not intended as medical advice. Please contact a healthcare professional medical assistance with specific questions pertaining to your own health if needed.