061. American Detox: The Myth of Wellness and How We Can Truly Heal with Kerri Kelly

A community organizer, wellness activist and author of the book American Detox: The Myth of Wellness and How We Can Truly Heal, Kerri is recognized across communities for her work to bridge transformational practice with social justice. She’s been teaching yoga for over 20 years and is known for making waves in the wellness industry by challenging norms, disrupting systems and mobilizing people to act. Her leadership has inspired CTZNWELL, a movement to democratize wellbeing for all and is committed to creating the conditions where everyone can thrive.

In this interview, Jivana and Kerri discuss:

• the process of writing a book and finding your voice
• Kerri’s personal transformation which started with the death of her step father in the 9/11 attacks.
• the myth of wellness and its intersection with ableism, healthism, and the dangers of the concept of “cure.”
• Kerri's upbringing and how she struggled with perfectionism and the ways perfectionism steals us of possibility and true healing.
• Kerri describes the ways that we can’t be well when others are suffering and the work she has done politically to address this disparity
• the challenges for the yoga community in making wellness equitable
• white supremacy and the ways it has informed wellness

Kerri’s new book, American Detox: The Myth of Wellness & How We Can Truly Heal