Availability dot

Available to book

Speaker on food myths & belief systems

Alan Levinovitz

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.
Alan Levinovitz

Book Alan

Charlottesville, United States

Starting from

$2k–5k

Send an email

loading@getapeptalk.com

Give us a call

+44 203 835 2929

Enquire Alan Now

Availability dot for speakers
Instant quote
No upfront fee
Vetted speaker

Alan Levinovitz's biography

At a glance

  • Associate Professor of Religion specializing in myths, food, and technology.
  • Author of "The Gluten Lie," debunking common food myths.
  • Critic of equating "natural" with "good" in health and policy.
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

Being Comfortable With Uncertainty
Alan Levinovitz explores embracing uncertainty, arguing it enriches life and enhances decision-making, challenging the notion that certainty is always attainable or desirable.
Why Natural Doesn't Mean Healthy
Alan Levinovitz challenges the misconception that "natural" equates to health, exploring how this belief can mislead consumers and impact their choices.
The Power Of Ritual
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.

Why we recommend booking Alan

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.

Featured Projects

Project image

frequently asked questions

Something not covered here?

What topics does Alan Levinovitz specialise in?
Alan Levinovitz specialises in discussing religion, philosophy, science and more.
What is Alan Levinovitz's speaking style like?
Dr. Levinovitz delivers insightful, accessible presentations that challenge common beliefs and encourage critical thinking. His engaging style appeals to diverse audiences interested in the intersection of science, culture, and philosophy.
How can I book Alan Levinovitz for my next event?
Email alan.levinovitz@getapeptalk.com or call us 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 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. As speaker agents, PepTalk can secure Alan Levinovitz for commercial and corporate events, conference keynotes, leadership talks, celebrity brand endorsements & partnerships, personal appearances, and motivational speaking engagements. We can assist with enquiries about Alan Levinovitz's speaking fees, availability, and booking process for private business functions, industry conferences, and team events. Please note, for media interviews, autographs, charity appearances, or personal matters, we recommend contacting Alan Levinovitz directly.
Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. We work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

Can I request autographs, personal greetings, signed merchandise, or fan mail from the speakers?

Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

How can I report an issue or make changes to an expert profile?

If you notice something that needs attention or have any queries regarding an expert speaker profile, feel free to email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.

Can I book podcast guests through PepTalk?

Yes. PepTalk books commercial podcast guests every week of the year. A high-profile voice can boost your podcast's reach and deliver ideas to your audience at scale. Fees typically start from £1,200 / $1,500, depending on the expert. Our network includes bestselling authors, industry leaders, and cultural figures who have appeared on leading global podcasts — and many host their own. Whether you want bold insights, candid stories, or deep expertise, we'll help you find the right guest to elevate your show. Contact us today to book your next podcast guest.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Help, I need a last-minute speaker for my event!

No problem! We often handle last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, comedian, awards or event host quickly — almost anywhere in the world. However, speaker availability might be limited as the event date approaches. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.