Today’s episode is a little different—it’s a deep dive into nonfiction and the wellness industry with journalist and author Amy Larocca. Amy’s new book, How to Be Well, unpacks the cultural obsession with self-optimization and wellness, touching on everything from fashion to functional medicine, detox diets to supplements, and the way our bodies are treated and perceived in society.

As someone who was deeply embedded in the wellness and life coaching world in the late aughts (fun fact: my first two podcasts were about personal development), this conversation felt personal and powerful. Amy brings curiosity and compassion as she explores the historical, political, and very personal impacts of wellness culture on women—especially those of us who came of age in the girlboss era.

We talk about:

• The blurred lines between wellness as care and wellness as commerce
• How our generation was sold “detoxes” and green powders instead of medical care
• Why so much of wellness is rooted in privilege, access, and aspirational marketing
• What happens when social media gurus replace doctors
• How the term "self-care" evolved from political activism to spa-day slogans

Whether you’re navigating your wellness journey or untangling old beliefs about body image, health, and healing—this episode will hit home.

This Book Is for You If…

You’ve ever done a juice cleanse, bought a moon dust supplement, or considered if celery juice could change your life. Or if you just want to understand the cultural forces shaping the wellness movement with a critical but empathetic lens.

📚 Want more reads like this?

Check out our book list Wellness Gone Wrong: 10 Books That Unpack the Dark Side of the Industry → https://whattoreadnextblog.com/wellness-gone-wrong/

Books + Links Mentioned:

→ How to Be Well by Amy Larocca — Available wherever books and audiobooks are sold

→ Audiobook lovers: Amy narrates it herself!

Connect with Amy:

📸 Instagram: @amylaroccaauthor

🌐 Website: https://www.amylarocca.com/

Mentioned in this episode:

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In this episode of What to Read Next, Laura shares her personal journey of trying (and slightly failing) to create a Sunday reading retreat—and why a phone detox might be the key to getting back into a satisfying reading groove. From binge-watching Love Island UK to rediscovering how much joy a simple reading day can bring, Laura dives deep into creating your own reading retreat at home. She also dishes on Turkish TV drama, Dramione fanfic controversy, and why it might be time to rethink our relationship with social media.

Highlights:

• Laura’s attempt at a personal reading retreat and why it turned into a TV binge
• The joy of rewatching Love Island UK vs. disappointment with the USA version
• Updates on her Turkish TV Obsessed podcast, plus finishing As The Crow Flies on Netflix
• Latest bookish drama: Dramione fanfics being turned into books and the controversy around them
• Reflections on a past reading binge during a hurricane power outage — and why it was blissful without her phone
• How doomscrolling keeps us from reading (and how trauma can make stress feel "safe")
• Ideas to create your own reading retreat, including:
• Planning meals/snacks ahead
• Setting up a cozy space with candles, blankets, or ambiance music
• Trying a "try-on" session with different books — read first chapters and see what sticks
• Being okay with soft DNFs (“not right now”)
• Putting your phone on Do Not Disturb or out of sight
• Why it’s okay if your retreat means reading anything—from novellas to spicy books to cozy mysteries

Mentioned in This Episode:

📺 TV & Media:

• Love Island UK (and why Unseen Bits is the best)
• As The Crow Flies (Turkish series on Netflix)
• Early Birds Turkish novela fandom story

📚 Books & Bookish Talk:

• Rose in Chains (Dramione-inspired, darker political themes)
• Manacled and Alchemised (Dramione fanfics with heavy themes)
• Brief mention of Fourth Wing (not her favorite)

Favorite hurricane reading binge:

• Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood
• Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood
• Deep End (ARC) by Ali Hazelwood
• Only For One Night by Jessica James

Links & Resources:

👉 Visit whattoreadnextblog.com for daily updated book lists, from cozy mysteries to LGBTQ+ romances to beach reads for summer 2025.

👉 Sign up for the newsletter at whattoreadnextblog.com/newsletter to get even more book recs and updates.

Let’s Connect:

🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe—it helps others find the show!

📩 Have thoughts on reading retreats or your own phone detox? Message Laura at laura@whattoreadnextblog.com, she’d love to hear from you!

Mentioned in this episode:

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If you’ve ever watched Bravo’s Summer House and wished you could join a messy friend group getting sunburnt in the Hamptons, this episode is for you! Laura shares her favorite books that capture the same summer vibes—from Hamptons scandals to Fire Island shares and cozy small-town beach escapes. Whether you’re lounging poolside or dreaming of a sandy getaway, these books will transport you straight into the ultimate summer mood.

• Hotter in the Hamptons by Tinx
• Elizabeth in East Hampton by Audrey Bellezza & Emily Harding
• Serendipity by Becky Chalsen
• Seven Summer Weekends by Jane L. Rosen
• Summer on Sag Harbor by Sunny Hostin
• In Good Company by Kat Singleton

Loved these recs? Sign up for the What to Read Next newsletter for even more book recommendations delivered straight to your inbox. wtrnblog.substack.com

Mentioned in this episode:

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