The Dangers of Health and Wellness Gurus - PART I
In the next two episodes of The Mind Change Podcast, Heather McKean sits down with Kent McKean and McKenzie Brewster to discuss a critical and timely topic: the dangers posed by health and wellness gurus. This conversation comes at a moment when society is inundated with influencers who offer advice on everything from diet and exercise to mental health. Historically, people relied on doctors, therapists, or clinicians for guidance on essential health and wellness decisions. However, with the rise of social media, many now turn to TikTok and Instagram influencers, who, while often excellent content creators and marketers, may not always be the most reliable or qualified sources on the subjects they address.
In todayβs episode, Heather shares her personal experience with a toxic wellness guru to illustrate how unhealed trauma can lead us into dysfunctional and dangerous environments. Her story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of understanding the subconscious drivers behind our decisions and the dangers of misplaced trust.
The conversation also delves into the psychological dynamics that make individuals susceptible to such figures, exploring how childhood programming and trauma can create a propensity for seeking authority figures to guide our choices. The discussions highlight the need for self-awareness and authenticity, especially in the context of health and wellness.
The key points they discuss include:
Heather's experience with a wellness guru and the red flags she ignored
The impact of trauma on her choices
How childhood programming can make individuals vulnerable to manipulative figures
The similarities between wellness gurus and cult leaders
The profiles of both leaders and followers
The importance of self-awareness and the role of the Mind Change community in promoting integrity and safety
Heather's personal story and insights provide a powerful reminder of the dangers posed by unhealed trauma and the importance of taking responsibility for one's own healing journey. Dive in! Discover the potential dangers posed by influencers who may not be qualified or reliable sources.
Please look out for part 2 of The Mind Change Podcast to learn more about the hidden dangers in the wellness industry and how to protect yourself from manipulative figures.
In this episode, you will learn:
π The hidden dangers of health and wellness gurus
π± How influencers affect our health decisions
π The role of trauma in seeking guidance
π© Recognizing toxic patterns in wellness communities
π΅οΈββοΈ The subtle signs of a cult-like environment
π§ The psychological profile of unhealed healers
π The shift from genuine help to manipulative control
βοΈ The dynamics of power and influence in guru-follower relationships
π¨ Identifying red flags in wellness gurus
π€οΈ Personal stories of trauma and healing
π Get Heatherβs book - βMind Change: Changing The World One Mind At A Timeβ
π Courses
π Retreats