How You—Yes, YOU!—Can Help Make Wellness More Diverse and Accessible

Today’s long overdue podcast is about why accessibility and diversity have been such a problem in the wellness world, and how we can all begin to support that changing. I wanted to feature people from different aspects of the wellness world to really paint a larger picture about the limiting factors at play, from doctor bias to the lack of diversity in workout studios to the unique challenges of breaking into the food startup world—to illustrate that there’s no part of the wellness world that’s untouched by this problem.

My first guest today is Chrissy King, a writer, speaker, fitness and strength coach, as well as the teacher of the Anti-Racism for Wellness Professionals Class, which I’m signed up for. You can find Chrissy online at chrissyking.com, and on Instagram @iamchrissyking. We talk about why anti-racism work is fundamental to wellness, what you can personally do when your favorite wellness spots (gyms, restaurants) aren’t diverse, and what needs to happen AFTER we educate ourselves in order to create real change.

My next guest today is Ibhraeem Basir, the founder of A Dozen Cousins, one of my favorite food brands. You can find A Dozen Cousins online at adozencousins.com and on Instagram @adozencousins. We talk about what anyone can do to support the expansion and success of Black-founded businesses, his advice for anyone worried about cultural appropriation in the food world , and his company’s social initiatives to help bring healthy eating to communities in need.

My last guest today is Dr. Tosin Odunsi, an Obstetrics & Gynecology physician. She’s the founder of The Mentorship Squad, a community comprised of Black and Latinx women seeking mentorship along their journey to becoming U.S. physicians. You can find Dr. Odunsi on instagram @lifebytosin and online at lifebytosin.com. We discuss why many common wellness treatments today actually have their roots in the abuse of Black people, why Black people consistently have higher rates of acute and chronic diseases, including COVID-19, and why only 5% of doctors are Black, and only 2% are Black women—and how we can help change those numbers.

This is an important episode, and I hope its startles you, inspires you, and makes you think, I’d love to hear your thoughts and learnings on Instagram–please screenshot and tag me (@lizmoody) and my guests and share your thoughts.

PS: Healthier Together is officially a number one best-seller! You can get your copy on Amazon or at lizmoody.com/cookbook. Please keep sending me your creations on Instagram—they make me so happy!

Healthier Together cover art by Zack. Healthier Together music by Alex Ruimy.