Alan Levinovitz - Speaker

Dr. Alan Levinovitz is an Associate Professor of Religion at James Madison University. He is known for his expertise in religion, philosophy, and science, focusing on classical Chinese thought. He earned his undergraduate degree from Stanford and PhD from the University of Chicago.
Dr. Levinovitz's research explores how myths and rituals influence individuals' views on food, medicine, and technology, leading to vaccine avoidance and extreme fad diets. In 2015, Dr. Levinovitz published his book, The Gluten Lie, which debunks the myths perpetuated by celebrity doctors and nutritionists, addressing common food fears. His upcoming book, Natural (April 2020), examines the harmful consequences of equating "natural" with "good," shedding light on how this belief perpetuates misinformation about health choices, as well as justifications for sexism, racism, and flawed economic policies.
Dr. Levinovitz's work has garnered significant recognition and featured in publications such as Wired, The Washington Post, the Atlantic, Aeon, and Slate. He has been quoted in The New Yorker. He is frequently sought after for interviews and featured in articles and television shows, where he discusses the relationship between naturalness and various topics.
With his extensive knowledge, Dr. Levinovitz appeals to a diverse audience interested in gaining a unique perspective on issues such as farming, "fake" meat, GMOs, nuclear energy, public sentiment about economic policy, sports, and any aspect of culture where the concept of "natural" is invoked.