
Exploring Toxic Wellness with Lillian, the Gen Z Perspective
10/10/23 • 49 min
Host: Lauren McLaughlin
- Lauren introduces the focus of the episode: Exploring real life outside the studio and the doctor's office, focusing on health and well-being in today's world.
Guest
- Lillian, a Gen Z'er trying to navigate the complexities of the world today. Bonus: She's Lauren's daughter!
---
Topics Covered:
Mental Health Discussions:
- The importance of discussing mental health, especially in younger generations.
- Lillian's perspective as a Gen Z'er and the unique challenges they face.
- Lauren reflects on generational differences in approaching mental health.
Generation Views & Values:
- The lack of validation and seriousness towards Gen Z and Millennial concerns.
- The misconception of "flipping the switch" to happiness.
Seeking the Right Conversations
- The need for meaningful conversations rather than surface-level advice.
- The internet's role in knowledge and exposure for the younger generation.
Wellness Culture & Its Toxicity:
- The commodification of wellness and its superficial nature.
- The desire of Gen Z and Millennials to redefine the term wellness.
- The pitfalls of a culture focused on perfection and aesthetics.
Escapism & Nature:
- Lillian's experience on the Appalachian Trail and seeking escape.
- The healing properties of nature and connecting with others on the trail.
---
Key Quotes:
- "Mental health as a concept has been out there for a while, but are we really addressing the issue?" - Lillian
- "We can't just flip a switch. That's not how emotions work." - Lillian
- "I don't think we want to be talked down to; we just want to be listened to and heard." - Lillian
- "Our generation as parents navigating parenting and trying to have communication with our children has not been easy." - Lauren
- "Sometimes it just feels like we're all set up to fail." - Lillian
---
Lauren and Lillian emphasize the importance of understanding, empathizing, and changing the narrative around mental health and well-being, especially for younger generations. The conversation highlights the need for genuine connection and understanding across generations.
---
Links & Resources:
- [Y Pulse articles](https://www.ypulse.com/)
- [Appalachian Trail Information](https://www.appalachiantrail.org/)
Host: Lauren McLaughlin
- Lauren introduces the focus of the episode: Exploring real life outside the studio and the doctor's office, focusing on health and well-being in today's world.
Guest
- Lillian, a Gen Z'er trying to navigate the complexities of the world today. Bonus: She's Lauren's daughter!
---
Topics Covered:
Mental Health Discussions:
- The importance of discussing mental health, especially in younger generations.
- Lillian's perspective as a Gen Z'er and the unique challenges they face.
- Lauren reflects on generational differences in approaching mental health.
Generation Views & Values:
- The lack of validation and seriousness towards Gen Z and Millennial concerns.
- The misconception of "flipping the switch" to happiness.
Seeking the Right Conversations
- The need for meaningful conversations rather than surface-level advice.
- The internet's role in knowledge and exposure for the younger generation.
Wellness Culture & Its Toxicity:
- The commodification of wellness and its superficial nature.
- The desire of Gen Z and Millennials to redefine the term wellness.
- The pitfalls of a culture focused on perfection and aesthetics.
Escapism & Nature:
- Lillian's experience on the Appalachian Trail and seeking escape.
- The healing properties of nature and connecting with others on the trail.
---
Key Quotes:
- "Mental health as a concept has been out there for a while, but are we really addressing the issue?" - Lillian
- "We can't just flip a switch. That's not how emotions work." - Lillian
- "I don't think we want to be talked down to; we just want to be listened to and heard." - Lillian
- "Our generation as parents navigating parenting and trying to have communication with our children has not been easy." - Lauren
- "Sometimes it just feels like we're all set up to fail." - Lillian
---
Lauren and Lillian emphasize the importance of understanding, empathizing, and changing the narrative around mental health and well-being, especially for younger generations. The conversation highlights the need for genuine connection and understanding across generations.
---
Links & Resources:
- [Y Pulse articles](https://www.ypulse.com/)
- [Appalachian Trail Information](https://www.appalachiantrail.org/)
Previous Episode

Navigating Through Pain: A Heartfelt Conversation with Paige Stapleton
We're delighted to introduce Paige Stapleton, a successful business coach and sales strategist. Beyond her impressive professional credentials, which include being a Wall Street Journal bestseller, Paige has a personal story that will resonate with many of our listeners.
Lauren:
Today, we get an intimate look into Paige's life. Not only do I personally adore her, but I've witnessed her journey through pain and recovery.
Paige's Personal Journey:
- The Beginning: About four years ago, Paige began experiencing a nagging problem in her left glute, which she self-diagnosed as an issue with her sciatic nerve. The pain reached a point where she was constantly limping, struggling to lift her leg, and facing challenges driving her Jeep.
- Seeking Help: Paige sought out a chiropractor and dedicated six months hoping for a solution. Although there was slight improvement, the chiropractor eventually told her that her condition might be her "new normal." Refusing to accept this, Paige embarked on a journey exploring various treatments – from physical therapists to walking coaches and different healers.
- The Turning Point: A recommendation led Paige to another chiropractor. While initially skeptical due to a prior experience, after several sessions with him and a specific technique called dry needling, Paige began noticing significant improvements. The pain that once held her back began to subside.
The Emotional Toll:
- Facing Challenges: While the physical pain was debilitating, the emotional toll was equally challenging. The constant pain often led Paige to feel discouraged, impacting her self-confidence and causing her to doubt the treatments and herself. This emotional struggle affected her personal life, making her feel isolated despite having a supportive partner.
- The Lowest Point: One particularly challenging night, Paige found herself unable to walk post-treatment and had to crawl back to her bed. This incident, coupled with the need to use a walker, was an emotional low for her.
The Broader Impact:
Pain doesn't just affect one's physical health; it has a ripple effect, touching personal relationships and professional life. For Paige, who was building her business during this period, the pain was an additional challenge.
Lauren's Insights:
Many individuals hop from one treatment to another in their quest for relief – what Lauren humorously refers to as "promiscuous treatment hopping." This constant search can be draining and lead to further emotional distress.
Closing Thoughts:
Paige's journey is a testament to the importance of perseverance, seeking the right help, and the interplay between physical and emotional well-being. Her story underscores the need to remain open-minded and to believe in the possibility of recovery, even when faced with setbacks.
Next Episode

Living Young: The 100 is the New 30 Paradigm with Dr. Jeffrey Gladden
Our Guest: Dr. Jeffrey R. Gladden MD, FACC
Dr. Jeffrey R. Gladden MD, FACC is a distinguished authority in the field of longevity and preventive medicine. As the founder and medical director of Gladden Longevity + Advanced Performance Center, an esteemed clinic located in Dallas, Texas, he is dedicated to optimizing life energy, longevity, health, and performance.
- Intro:
- Introduction to Dr. Jeffrey Gladden.
- A deep dive into health, well-being, and how we can become our own medicine.
- Background:
- Dr. Gladden's journey from interventional cardiology to longevity medicine.
- Founding of the Gladden Longevity Institute in Dallas, Texas.
- Interventional Cardiology:
- 25 years of experience in Dallas, Texas.
- Training across Temple, Case Western, and the University of Colorado.
- Role in building heart groups, starting cath labs, and collaborating with medical device companies.
- Co-founding the Heart Hospital Baylor Plano.
- Personal Health Struggle:
- Dealing with fatigue, weight gain, depression, and brain fog.
- The challenging journey of seeking answers and treatments.
- Dealing with the emotional impact of health issues and the medical community's response.
- Discovering Age Management Medicine:
- Transition from traditional medicine to age management, functional, and integrative medicine.
- Overcoming personal health issues and rejuvenating physical and mental health.
- The role of thyroid activity and neurotransmitter creation.
- Living Young:
- Shifting focus from mere longevity to the quality of life and staying young.
- The importance of mindset in determining age and well-being.
- Setting an age goal and the impact on daily motivation and actions.
- New Book Release:
- "100 is a New 30: How Playing the Symphony of Longevity Will Enable Us to Live Young for a Lifetime".
- Insights into optimal health and thinking beyond just increasing years of life.
- Financial Aspect of Living Longer:
- The consideration of financial resources in the face of increased longevity.
- The idea of staying productive and active, irrespective of age.
- Mind and Body Connection:
- The concept of having a "30-year-old body and a 300-year-old mind".
- The limitless opportunities and impacts that come with maintaining physical health and accumulating wisdom over time.
Website: gladdenlongevity.com
LinkedIn: Dr. Jeffrey R. Gladden MD or Gladden Longevity
Instagram: @gladdenlongevity
Facebook: Gladden Longevity
Host of The Gladden Longevity Podcast.
Author of “100 is the New 30” and advocate for ageless living.
Expert in longevity medicine, health optimization and human performance.
If you like this episode you’ll love
Episode Comments
Generate a badge
Get a badge for your website that links back to this episode
<a href="https://goodpods.com/podcasts/the-other-side-of-the-studio-523354/exploring-toxic-wellness-with-lillian-the-gen-z-perspective-68098649"> <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/goodpods-images-bucket/badges/generic-badge-1.svg" alt="listen to exploring toxic wellness with lillian, the gen z perspective on goodpods" style="width: 225px" /> </a>
Copy