Newsletter — RINA RAPHAEL

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The economics and cultural underpinnings of the health + wellness industry from journalist Rina Raphael. CHECK OUT THE FULL ARCHIVE

The Great Distancing: Watch wellness brands and influencers try to remove themselves from now "toxic" ideas.

The wellness vibe is shifting: COVID-19 pushed us to reevaluate health purchases, even health itself, with a bigger emphasis on sectors like mental health. Scientific evidence is being pushed to the forefront instead of waiting patiently by the sidelines.

The Pope gets into the wellness biz: As I report in today’s New York Times, religious institutions increasingly look to support followers’ health, emphasizing a holistic approach that goes beyond simply avoiding sickness.

Grandkids-on-demand: While Silicon Valley released a host of apps and technology—even robots⁠—to serve as elderly babysitters, digital health startups like Mon Ami and Papa invest in what’s irreplaceable: human connection.

The mental wellness tech boom: Investment banker Stephen Hays founded What If Ventures, a VC fund investing in early-stage startups centered on mental health and addiction recovery solutions.

The gym of the future: In the near future, your favorite fitness franchise might be located within your supermarket. Your cycle instructor will be replaced with an IMAX-like screen. And virtual reality headgear might become as commonplace as stretching therapists.

Rise of the wellness social club: Behold, we are now in the era of the $2K-a-month wellness club—luxe, Soho-House-like establishments that mix fitness with elite networking.