Conspirituality: The Intersection of Wellness and Right-Wing Ideologies

Derek reveals how wellness culture can lead to dangerous political radicalization, merging spirituality with right-wing ideologies.

### The Intersection of Wellness, Conspiracy, and Radicalization in Influencer Culture
* 🌊 "Some municipalities do have water that is **turning the frogs gay**," a statement that sets the tone for a discussion about the strange intersections of **wellness culture and far-right ideologies**.
* 📜 The conversation begins with a Reddit post from a user in Maine questioning the prevalence of **alt-right figures** in the homesteading and gardening communities, revealing a dissonance between their interests in **sustainability** and their political views.
* 🌱 The host, Matt Bernstein, shares personal anecdotes about friends who have transitioned from wellness practices to **radical beliefs**, illustrating a **common trajectory** seen in many individuals.
* 🎙 Joined by Derek Baris, co-author of "Conspirituality," they explore the phenomenon of **"wo Anon," a blend of New Age spirituality and conspiracy theories** that often leads to **right-wing radicalization**.
* 🏡 They discuss the case of beauty influencer Raw Beauty Christie, who shifted from makeup content to homesteading and homeschooling, raising concerns about the **implications of her choices on her child's education**.
* 📚 The discussion highlights a homeschooling co-op with a strong evangelical agenda, emphasizing how the **rejection of public education** can lead to **indoctrination into fundamentalist ideologies**.
* 💔 The conversation touches on the **emotional turmoil** many face in modern society, leading some to seek refuge in traditionalism, which can inadvertently promote **conservative values**.
* 🔍 Finally, they dissect the dangers of misinformation in wellness spaces, emphasizing the need for **critical thinking and genuine research** to navigate the complexities of health and ideology in the influencer landscape.

### Navigating Beauty Myths and Influencer Controversies in Wellness
* 💁 "Nobody knows your body like you know your own body," emphasizing the **importance of personal choices** in beauty and health routines.
* ⚠ The text highlights two major red flags in beauty discourse, particularly when influencers frame their opinions as **controversial to capture attention**.
* 💧 The discussion includes the misconception about tap water safety, specifically referencing Flint, Michigan, while asserting that **most U.S. tap water is safe** due to stringent regulations.
* ☀ Tati Westbrook's claim of not needing sunscreen after removing seed oils from her diet raises concerns about **misinformation in the wellness community**.
* 🌿 The conversation critiques the fear-mongering surrounding seed oils, asserting they are **generally healthy and beneficial for heart protection**.
* 👩 It stresses the importance of **seeking expert advice over influencer anecdotes**, particularly regarding **women's health issues that have been historically neglected**.
* 🧘 The rise of the "tradwife" phenomenon is discussed, illustrating how these influencers can inadvertently **promote far-right ideologies** while romanticizing a past that was **not beneficial for women**.
* 💬 Lastly, the text emphasizes the need for **empathetic conversations** to counter misinformation and prevent individuals from **falling into harmful wellness narratives**.

The Crunchy to Far Right Pipeline

matt bernstein

The Intersection of Wellness and Far-Right Radicalization

Some municipalities have water that is allegedly affecting the behavior of frogs, leading to a discussion about the presence of alt-right individuals in the homesteading and gardening space.

The host, Matt Bernstein, shares his observations of people in these communities shifting towards conspiracy theories and far-right ideologies.

Derek Baris, the guest and co-author of the Conspirituality Project, discusses the political radicalization that can occur through alternative wellness practices, highlighting the common journey of public figures and influencers.

Christy's Journey: From Beauty YouTuber to Homesteading Mom

Christy, a former beauty YouTuber known for her relaxed approach and transparency, gained popularity for her candid makeup reviews and struggle with infertility.

After becoming pregnant in 2020, her content shifted to motherhood and mental health, eventually leading her to homesteading in Washington.

Christy's decision to homeschool her child through her sister's co-op sparked controversy, with the co-op's mission statement emphasizing a traditional, religious approach to education.

The Controversial Rise of Evangelical Homeschooling

A movement is emerging among evangelical and fundamental Christian families to homeschool their children, often rejecting the public school system.

This trend is criticized for its potential to perpetuate white supremacy and fundamentalist religious indoctrination.

The recent activities of a homeschooling co-op, including anti-LGBT protests and the endorsement of controversial movements, have raised concerns about the impact of this educational approach.

The Convergence of Spirituality and Right-Wing Ideology

Conspirituality, a term coined in 2011, describes the overlap between left-leaning wellness practices and right-wing individualism.

This focus on individualism has been a common thread in wellness spaces for 200 years, leading to a convergence of people pursuing spiritual lives while also hoarding resources and forming cult-like groups.

The anti-vax movement during COVID-19 highlighted this intersection, with a diverse group of protesters, including both right-wing individuals and hippies, coming together to challenge public health measures.

The Plandemic film, created by Mickey Willis, promoted anti-vaccine ideology and portrayed COVID vaccine development as a government conspiracy.

Willis has monetized anti-vax disinformation for years and gained a following through his controversial views.

The wellness community's rejection of politics and science often leads individuals to be drawn into conspiracy theories and propaganda, misidentifying the root causes of societal issues.

The Impact of Distrust in Institutions and the Rise of Clean Beauty

Distrust in large institutions, particularly for marginalized groups, has led to the rise of alternative healing companies.

Chemophobia, the fear of chemicals, has driven movements against various products, making it difficult to navigate conversations about their efficacy.

Tati Westbrook's launch of Halo Beauty, with its biotin supplements, exemplifies the trend of beauty influencers promoting clean beauty and making bold claims about their products' effectiveness.

Critique of Influencer Supplement Companies

Influencer supplement companies often rely on anecdotes and lack actual data, raising red flags.

They commonly list ingredient benefits without providing dose levels or linking to studies, which can be misleading.

The concept of synergy is often used to promote products, but without chemical proof or studied combinations, it can lead to negative interactions with medications.

Influencers often make controversial health claims, using fear tactics and personal anecdotes to push their agendas, which can lead to misinformation.

The speaker argues that most tap water in the US is safe, with exceptions like Flint, Michigan, and that the country's public health regulations are among the best in the world.

The demonization of seed oils and the idea that they are toxic is misleading, as they are generally heart-protective and beneficial for health.

The Influence of Wellness Beliefs and Conspiracy Theories

Wellness beliefs, like avoiding seed oils to prevent sunburn, often thrive in echo chambers and online spaces, leading to unchallenged ideas.

The government's fluoridation of tap water for dental health has been a focal point of various right-wing conspiracies, claiming it was aimed at controlling the population.

The intersection of white supremacy, Christian nationalism, and individualism has historically fueled right-wing movements, with the term "conspirituality" highlighting the overlap between spirituality and conspiracy theories.

The Influence of Charismatic Figures on Vulnerable Individuals

Charismatic influencers, like Tati Westbrook, exploit vulnerable individuals seeking answers to their struggles, such as infertility and health issues.

These influencers often offer definitive solutions, creating a parasocial relationship that makes it easier for followers to trust them.

The podcast discusses the importance of assessing the intention behind someone's beliefs and recommends seeking out actual experts, like Dr.

Jen Gunter, for reliable information on health-related topics.

The Influence of Tradwife Content Creators

Tradwife content creators are women who romantically portray 1950s housewife life, gaining millions of followers on social media.

Their content emphasizes homemaking, childbearing, and pleasing husbands, creating a troubling mix of normal and unsettling behaviors.

Ironically, many of these creators are earning significant incomes and running businesses while promoting a traditional femininity from a time when women had limited financial independence.

The Influence of Fundamentalist Religion in Modern Content

Ballerina Farm and Nara Smith, both Mormons, subtly promote fundamentalist religious ideals through their content, which some critics argue resembles far-right recruitment propaganda.

The luxurious lifestyles showcased in their videos create an illusion of privilege, leading to parasocial relationships and frustration among viewers.

The romanticized image of the past and the use of advanced technology for content creation contribute to a sense of blind privilege and frustration for those unable to replicate that lifestyle.

The QAnon Shaman's Impact and the Nature of Conspiracy Theories

The QAnon shaman, known for his theatrical costume and role in the January 6th Insurrection, has become a symbol of the far-right's performative nature.

He gained online traction in Arizona as a conspiracy theorist, later storming the Capitol and doing jail time for his actions.

After his release, he attempted to maintain relevance by selling yoga pants and running for Congress, reflecting a common trend of monetizing viral fame in the far-right movement.

The concept of the "other," including the portrayal of evil, has shaped Western culture and ideology over the centuries.

Misinformation spreads rapidly online, making it challenging to counteract harmful beliefs and practices.

One-on-one conversations and sharing good information are essential in helping individuals navigate potentially dangerous paths and making informed decisions that consider the broader community.