Available to book
Alan Levinovitz
Marketing
Emotional Intelligence
Empathy
Decode cultural myths around food and health with Dr. Alan Levinovitz, speaker on religion, science, and natural philosophy. Alan helps organizations understand how beliefs shape decisions, delivering expert insights featured in The Washington Post, The Atlantic, and Wired.
Personal Wellbeing
Academic
Healthcare
Author
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, he published his book, The Gluten Lie, which debunks 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.
His work has garnered significant recognition and has been featured in publications such as Wired, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, Aeon, and Slate. He has been quoted in The New Yorker and 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.
Topics, sessions and talks
Alan Levinovitz explores embracing uncertainty, arguing it enriches life and enhances decision-making, challenging the notion that certainty is always attainable or desirable.
Alan Levinovitz challenges the misconception that "natural" equates to health, exploring how this belief can mislead consumers and impact their choices.
In this session, attendees will learn the art of storytelling and how it can be a powerful tool for communication and connection. They will discover how to craft compelling narratives that captivate and inspire others, and unleash the magic within their own stories. By mastering the power of storytelling, attendees will be able to engage and influence their audience, whether in personal or professional settings, leaving a lasting impact on those they interact with.
Alan offers a unique blend of insights from religion, philosophy, and science. He challenges common myths and encourages critical thinking about everyday beliefs. His expertise in debunking popular misconceptions, especially around the notion of "natural" versus "good," can inspire your team to make more informed decisions in personal and professional contexts.
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frequently asked questions
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Email alan.levinovitz@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Alan's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
Alan Levinovitz draws on academic research into myth and ritual to examine how cultural beliefs shape decisions around food, medicine, and technology, using published findings and case studies — including those from his books The Gluten Lie and Natural — to challenge widely held assumptions about health and naturalness.
Alan Levinovitz speaks on embracing uncertainty in decision-making, the mythology of "natural" as a health marker, and the role of ritual and myth in shaping beliefs about food, medicine, and technology. He is an Associate Professor of Religion at James Madison University and author of The Gluten Lie, with work featured in Wired, The Washington Post, and The Atlantic.
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