Hell & Wellness

Stoicism may be a philosophy born of ancient times, but it’s recently made a comeback. Designed to make people more resilient, virtuous, and wise, it was once relied on by slaves to help them in dealing with the difficulty in their lives. Now, it’s frequently touted by tech titans and “thought leaders.” Matt and Rob dive into the implications of stoicism in the modern age.

Sometimes shame is used to bully, while other times it’s used to teach. Shame has even perhaps worked as a cohesive force on society. In this episode, Matt and Rob discuss the ins and outs of shame and whether it can actually be wielded as a positive force.

Ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic tea from the Amazon has become a trendy, life-altering brew consumed by hipsters, Silicon Valley, and the yoga crowd. Many say it’s the most significant spiritual experience of their lives. Others claim it’s like “10 years of psychotherapy in one night.” But what is it? How do you take it? And how did drinking a South American psychoactive brew become just as popular as microdosing, CBD, and partying in Tulum? Matt and Rob go deep to discuss the benefits and misconceptions surrounding this traditional spiritual medicine. Buckle up.

Conspiracy theories have gone mainstream. From old standards like Area 51 to relative newcomers like QAnon, people can’t get enough of conspiratorial thinking. Could it be that they’re actually addicted?

In this episode, Matt and Rob examine the concept of conspiracy theory addiction. Along the way, they get into the underlying conditions that may cause conspiracy theories to take root and grab hold of people's attention and, in extreme cases, impact their mental health.

“You 100% should NOT miss this episode!” -The Elders of Zion

Matt and Rob go for a deep dive into the work of author Michael Pollan and the impact he’s had on how America eats and views psychedelics. They focus on two of Pollan’s seminal books: ‘The Omnivore’s Dilemma’ and ‘How to Change Your Mind.’

They then debate each other on the efficacy and use of the Headspace guided meditation app. Is it a good way to onboard folks into meditation or does it represent everything that can go wrong when capitalism meets mindfulness?

00:00 - Intro + Disclaimer
01:59 - Michael Pollan
21:36 - Headspace
41:10 - Outro

Feels like everyone is switching between fasting and eating on a regular schedule these days. It’s called intermittent fasting. Is it a good idea? Also, Matt explains his newfound life as a runner and what it’s like to use a leading running app like Runkeeper. And Rob roasts the Marshmallow Test, one of the most famous psychological experiments ever conducted. Does it really measure a child’s ability to delay gratification?

01:56 - Intermittent Fasting
14:38 - Runkeeper
24:04 - The Marshmallow Test
00:00 - Outro

Seems like everybody commits to New Year’s Resolutions. But are they worth it and is it healthy to make them? How do resolutions stack up to setting everyday, achievable goals? 

And what’s up with Tulum? It’s been a popular wellness destination for people looking to experience everything from massive beach festivals to spiritual awakenings. But why did organizers of a recent multi-day arts fest think it was OK to party unsafely during a global pandemic? And how does Tulum reflect our best or worst behaviors?

01:35 - New Year’s Resolutions
14:17 - Tulum
32:42 - Outro

What is nonviolent communication, and could it be violent in the wrong form? Was Dr. Bragg’s championing of apple cider vinegar as a health elixir quackery or visionary? And you’ve likely heard of Marie Kondo’s book, 'The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up'–how does tidying up actually relate to personal health and wellness?

01:51 - Nonviolent Communication
18:05 - Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar
28:05 - Marie Kondo
39:10 - Outro

At the intersection of belief in conspiracy theories and the search for spiritual meaning exists the hybrid known as “conspirituality.” In our fourth episode, hosts Matt Ruby and Rob Kramer discuss how these two groups manage to come together across political divides to form an interesting, if troubling, new group.

 Is microdosing worth it? What exactly is spiritual bypassing and who's doing it? And who is Shaman Durek and what's he selling? It's the third episode of 'Hell & Wellness,' and hosts Matt Ruby and Rob Kramer are back to review health and wellness trends and traditions.

How do Impossible Burgers measure up to meat-based burgers–or just straight up vegetables for that matter? Is Buddhist meditation worth the time and effort? And is Netflix's 'Unwell' series a good look at health and wellness trends? It's the second episode of 'Hell & Wellness,' and hosts Matt Ruby and Rob Kramer are back to review health and wellness trends and traditions. 

Welcome to the first episode of our new podcast, 'Hell & Wellness,' hosted by Matt Ruby and Rob Kramer. Think of them as Siskel and Ebert for health and wellness trends and traditions. Will juice fasting get rated as "hell?" Will standing desks be deemed "well?" And what is up with this dude on 'Real Housewives of Wherever the Hell’ and his claimed ability to heal people–and what was that he said about cancer?? 

'Hell & Wellness' is a new podcast hosted by Matt Ruby and Rob Kramer. Subscribe now to get the 1st episode in your feed on Tuesday, Sep. 29th!

Matt Ruby is a comedian and dabbler in the health and wellness space. And Rob Kramer is a longtime meditator, yogi, and wellness neurotic who gave up guru chasing years ago. The hosts seek ways to improve their lives and enhance their overall wellness. But neither of them have much patience for the pretensions, BS, or quackery that run rampant in the wellness space. Think of them as the Siskel & Ebert for wellness as they discuss and review everything from traditions to trends. Along the way, they’ll separate the useful from the useless. The pure from the poison. And the hacks from the quacks.