100NO 628: Belleness vs Wellness with Sam Gowing

Sam Gowing is a favourite of 100 Not Out … this is her 6th time on the show!

You can listen to her previous on episodes 86, 130, 263, 483 and 565.

Sam is a clinical nutritionist, has a Masters in Gastronomic Tourism from the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu … travels the world helping high-end hotels master their menus and so much more.

In this episode, we reflect on the changing dynamics of the wellness industry, the impact of social media on health trends, and the rise of longevity movements that challenge traditional approaches. Sammy shares her insights on how to navigate the plethora of health information available today and emphasize the importance of authenticity, evidence-based research, and community in leading a fulfilling life. Whether it’s understanding the roots of wellness or identifying the fads with the “pungent aroma of fadness,” this conversation is packed with wisdom and humor. So, sit back and enjoy as we unpack how to continue making the rest of your life, the best of your life!

Listen out for –
01:00 Defending Wellness Misconceptions
06:44 “Jess Ainscough’s Story and Unexplained Outcomes”
10:09 Struggling with Different Health Values
13:16 “Healthcare’s Political Bias Impact”
16:18 Choices, Freedom, and Wellness Trends
21:02 “Medicalization Boosts Longevity Industry”
23:04 Community: The Key to Longevity
26:05 “Trusting Evidence Over Fads”

Topics we cover include –

1. Discussion on Belleness vs. Wellness
   • Sammy Gowing’s motivation for writing about the wellness industry.
   • Reflection on wellness being discredited and the misconceptions around it.
2. Response to Netflix Series on Apple Cider Vinegar
   • Damian Kristof’s emotional reaction to the series.
   • Highlighting the agenda of the series to discredit certain wellness practices.
   • Discussion on the portrayal of Jess Ainscough and the controversy around her methods.
3. Societal Reactions to Health Decisions
   • The challenge of accepting diverse health choices.
   • Personal anecdotes and reflections on the matter.
   • The impact of age and experience on understanding different perspectives.
4. Consequences of Wellness Industry Missteps
   • The potential for harm when following unverified wellness trends.
   • The role of social media in spreading wellness and longevity fads.
   • Discussion on whether similar controversies like Belle Gibson’s could happen again.
5. Current and Future Trends in Longevity
   • Observations on how the wellness industry is evolving into the longevity space.
   • Damian Kristof’s views on medicalization of wellness and longevity.
6. Community and Longevity
   • Sammy’s insights on community being a core component of healthy living.
   • Personal experiences with older adults and their lifestyle practices.
7. Handling the Barrage of Health Fads
   • Advice on discerning credible health information from fads.
   • Importance of evidence-based research and being aware of the origins of wellness claims.