Tanya Mosley

If you're just joining us, my guest is journalist and author Amy LaRocca. We're talking about her new book, How to Be Well, Navigating Our Self-Care Epidemic, One Dubious Cure at a Time. We'll continue our conversation after a short break. This is Fresh Air.

If you're just joining us, my guest is journalist and author Amy LaRocca. We're talking about her new book, How to Be Well, Navigating Our Self-Care Epidemic, One Dubious Cure at a Time. We'll continue our conversation after a short break. This is Fresh Air.

Okay, Amy, let's talk a little bit about the use of language. You have a fascinating few chapters or a few sections where you really break down language in the wellness industry. And you write that wellness is just as much about looking better as it is about feeling better. And that line between the beauty industry and the wellness industry has all but disappeared.

Okay, Amy, let's talk a little bit about the use of language. You have a fascinating few chapters or a few sections where you really break down language in the wellness industry. And you write that wellness is just as much about looking better as it is about feeling better. And that line between the beauty industry and the wellness industry has all but disappeared.

Okay, Amy, let's talk a little bit about the use of language. You have a fascinating few chapters or a few sections where you really break down language in the wellness industry. And you write that wellness is just as much about looking better as it is about feeling better. And that line between the beauty industry and the wellness industry has all but disappeared.

Yes. So you break down how certain trendy wellness and beauty buzzwords are really just new packaging of old ideas. And I just heard you use one of those words, and that's glow. Glow is everywhere. It's on my vitamin labels, on my makeup, my cleansers, my serums.

Yes. So you break down how certain trendy wellness and beauty buzzwords are really just new packaging of old ideas. And I just heard you use one of those words, and that's glow. Glow is everywhere. It's on my vitamin labels, on my makeup, my cleansers, my serums.

Yes. So you break down how certain trendy wellness and beauty buzzwords are really just new packaging of old ideas. And I just heard you use one of those words, and that's glow. Glow is everywhere. It's on my vitamin labels, on my makeup, my cleansers, my serums.

But what we're really talking about when we say glow is another word that we don't really use because it's ageist, and that's youthfulness.

But what we're really talking about when we say glow is another word that we don't really use because it's ageist, and that's youthfulness.

But what we're really talking about when we say glow is another word that we don't really use because it's ageist, and that's youthfulness.

Do you think consumers are fully aware of what we're being sold? Because now we're in the moment of body positivity, and we're also talking so much about ageism. And so are we really understanding that when we use those terms, we're really saying the same things?

Do you think consumers are fully aware of what we're being sold? Because now we're in the moment of body positivity, and we're also talking so much about ageism. And so are we really understanding that when we use those terms, we're really saying the same things?

Do you think consumers are fully aware of what we're being sold? Because now we're in the moment of body positivity, and we're also talking so much about ageism. And so are we really understanding that when we use those terms, we're really saying the same things?

Right, because those drugs were developed for diabetes, but now they're being used for weight loss.

Right, because those drugs were developed for diabetes, but now they're being used for weight loss.

Right, because those drugs were developed for diabetes, but now they're being used for weight loss.

Let's talk a little bit about Mendo and the roles that they play in all of this. Especially as consumers, I thought it was very interesting you wrote about the story of HIMS. That's a brand, a wellness company that seems to market any man who spends any time online, a HIMS ad has come up before you.

Let's talk a little bit about Mendo and the roles that they play in all of this. Especially as consumers, I thought it was very interesting you wrote about the story of HIMS. That's a brand, a wellness company that seems to market any man who spends any time online, a HIMS ad has come up before you.

Let's talk a little bit about Mendo and the roles that they play in all of this. Especially as consumers, I thought it was very interesting you wrote about the story of HIMS. That's a brand, a wellness company that seems to market any man who spends any time online, a HIMS ad has come up before you.