#155: Life Coaching Inc (ft. Ronald Purser)

It's Not Just In Your Head

Famed author of 'McMindfulness' returns to the podcast to discuss his latest article 'How the Life Coaching Industry Sells Pseudo-Solutions to Our Deepest Problems':

"The cultural pressures to become a self-made individual have intensified at the same time that sources of social support have decreased. Enter the life coach."

We discuss the many issues surrounding life coaches, credentialism (or lack of it) and how the industry is underpinned by the deeply flawed 'science' of Positive Psychology (and founding father Martin Seligman's troubling statements).

References:

How the Life Coaching Industry Sells Pseudo-Solutions to Our Deepest Problems: https://www.currentaffairs.org/2023/07/how-the-life-coaching-industry-sells-pseudo-solutions-to-our-deepest-problems

McMindfulness: How Mindfulness Became the New Capitalist Spirituality: https://repeaterbooks.com/product/mcmindfulness-how-mindfulne

Almost anyone can become a life coach. A hidden camera investigation reveals why that's a problem: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/marketplace-life-coach-1.6364745

Scientific Pollyannaism - From Inquisition to Positive Psychology: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-15982-5

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Harriet’s other shows:

WBAI Interpersonal Update (Wednesdays): https://wbai.org/program.php?program=431

Capitalism Hits Home: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPJpiw1WYdTNYvke-gNRdml1Z2lwz0iEH

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ATTENTION! This is a Boring Dystopia/Obligatory 'don't sue us' message: This podcast provides numerous different perspectives and criticisms of the mental health space, however, it should not be considered medical advice. Please consult your medical professional with regards to any health decisions or management.

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