The Gospel of Wellness

Gyms, Gurus, Goop, and the False Promise of Self-Care

By: Rina Raphael

Narrated by: Rina Raphael

"Narrating with a reporter's eye for detail, Rina Raphael delivers an in-depth exploration of the contemporary wellness industry with its laser-like marketing focus on women."- AudioFile Magazine

This program is read by the author.

Journalist Rina Raphael looks at the explosion of the wellness industry: how it stems from legitimate complaints, how seductive marketing targets hopeful consumers–and why women are opening up their wallets like never before.

Wellness promises women the one thing they desperately desire: control.

Women are pursuing their health like never before. Whether it’s juicing, biohacking, clutching crystals, or sipping collagen, today there is something for everyone, as the wellness industry has grown from modest roots into a $4.4 trillion entity and a full-blown movement promising health and vitality in the most fashionable package. But why suddenly are we all feeling so unwell?

The truth is that deep within the underbelly of self-care—hidden beneath layers of clever marketing—wellness beckons with a far stronger, more seductive message than health alone. It promises women the one thing they desperately desire: control.

Vividly told and deeply reported, The Gospel of Wellness reveals how this obsession is a direct result of women feeling dismissed, mistreated, and overburdened. Women are told they can manage the chaos ruling their life by following a laid-out plan: eat right, exercise, meditate, then buy or do all this stuff. And while wellness may have sprung from good intentions, we are now relentlessly flooded with exploitative offerings, questionable ideas, and a mounting pressure to stay devoted to the divine doctrine of wellness. What happens when the cure becomes as bad as the disease?

With a critical eye, humor, and empathy, wellness industry journalist Rina Raphael examines how women have been led down a kale-covered path promising nothing short of salvation. She knows: Raphael was once a disciple herself—trying everything from “clean eating” to electric shock workouts—until her own awakening to the troubling consequences. Balancing the good with the bad, The Gospel of Wellness is a clear-eyed exploration of what wellness can actually offer us, knocking down the false idols and commandments that have taken hold and ultimately showing how we might shape a better future for the movement—and for our well-being.

A Macmillan Audio production from Henry Holt and Company.

©2022 Rina Raphael (P)2022 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"Next-level revelatory... You’ll never look at an Instagram ad for organic face wash the same way again. I found myself repeating many anecdotes to friends while I was reading, which is always the sign of a good book.” —Sarah Knight, New York Times bestselling author of The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck

“Raphael articulates why women go on yoga retreats, start cleanses, and think we can only feed our kids organic, from scratch meals… A smart, reassuring read that you'll want to keep on hand for the next time Instagram tries to convince you that this supplement or that expensive new workout trend is The One.” —Virginia Sole-Smith, author of The Eating Instinct

"This groundbreaking book explores something I’ve always suspected: that wellness harbors a dark side impacting women’s self-esteem, body image, and mental health. The Gospel of Wellness takes a much-needed magnifying glass to an industry left unchecked." —Rachel Bloom, Golden Globe winner for Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and author of I Want to Be Where the Normal People Are

Absolute must-read!

I cannot recommend this book enough. I have bought several copies and given to every family member who has ever reposted terrible health advice on social media. Raphael’s reading of her own book was perfect!

Fun and important read

This book was a fascinating listen, and often quite funny too. But more importantly the information, which was meticulously researched, has stayed with me. I find myself thinking about choices im making as a consumer and using what I’ve learned in this book to not fall for the marketing hype behind products. Highly recommend!

Loved it!

This book was just what I needed as I was starting to feel wellness burnout

Excellent assessment of the religious dimensions of wellness today.

Convinced me that organic food just isn’t worth it!

Lots of pickups in the recording — not seamless.

Insightful

Great insights into so many things we rarely question. This book is a well-researched, thoughtful consideration of the wellness industry. The author does a nice job reading and presenting her work