The Zen Lobbyist: A Mindful Approach to Transforming Healthcare

by Gary Jacobs

The Zen Lobbyist offers a refreshing take on healthcare reform, blending personal wellness practices with systemic change. Gary Jacobs recounts his path from healthcare entrepreneur to advocate, drawing on experiences with meditation, yoga, and mindfulness to shape his unique approach to policy.

This book provides a framework for reimagining healthcare systems that goes beyond traditional medicine, emphasizing primary care, prevention, and collaborative solutions. Jacobs demonstrates how bipartisan efforts can bridge divides to create meaningful change, while also sharing the tools he uses to stay centered amid high-pressure environments.

Readers will find practical advice on managing personal health, leading with mindfulness, and advocating for a more compassionate healthcare system. The Zen Lobbyist is a powerful call to action for anyone seeking to improve both personal well-being and the health of society.

Genres: Nonfiction

190 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 9, 2025

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know this seems like a radical idea, but the author professes in this book that our politicians can set their "politics" aside and come up with a solution for healthcare and insurance that works for everyone. In this book, the author lays out his ideas and plans for healthcare in this country, including a holistic, preventative approach rather than a reactive approach based on individual symptoms.

He also addresses the issues on the side of the medical providers. The fact that there are not enough doctors that go into the field of primary care. The fact that medical professionals are burned out. And the fact that doctors and other medical professionals spend more time on administrative tasks and figuring out how to bill for something than the do on the care of the patient.

The author has great experience in the healthcare industry - both in the public and private sector. He also has extensive experience working on both sides of the aisle in D.C. The book does get a little in the weeds at times on the technicalities of different approaches to healthcare. But overall, this book is a great read for anyone that is concerned about our healthcare system and health insurance, and is interested in learning more.

I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Maria Paula Castellanos Monroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disruptive ideas.

I must confess that I initially thought it was a book about personal well-being... what I never imagined was that it would be about how personal well-being has implications and a direct impact on society and politics.

This is a book with disruptive ideas. Here, you won't find traditional critical analyses; on the contrary, you'll find a unique and particular proposal for healthcare reform, not only as a political or economic problem, but as a challenge that requires a social perspective of well-being and awareness.

Although some people may think that the ideas are idealistic, in my opinion, I believe that the author is correct in taking this text as a guide to tools that, at first glance, provide personal well-being, but when you zoom out, you realize the impact it has on a social level.

I think it's a very good, focused, and honest book!

[Steven Finkelstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

The term “lobbyist” often seems to have a negative connotation. However, that is what the author of this book considers himself to be. He is not advocating for big corporations, though. Instead, he is sticking up for the little guy, the average citizen who is always in danger of being trampled by the broken healthcare system in America.

When you read this book, you will learn what the author is doing to try and level the playing field. He lays out a framework for what a reimagined system might look like that treats people respectfully and fairly. While it’s difficult to say whether this vision will ever become a reality, the ideas in these pages are important ones, and well worth talking about.

[Carlos Romero · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me think more about the present and how to stop and breathe, The Zen Lobbyist, through Gary Jacobs story he shows his own health crisis and leadership and pleading for a kinder, more human system. What I liked the most is how he treats inner work, as an essential part to have real change.
Reading it, I often thought about moments I ignored my own health when I was chasing goals. The author shows how burnout, politics, and ego can block and avoid good intentions. But then he also gives practices as tools to be present. This book taught me an important message: be the change from within, then act outwardly, this book is an invitation to dare both self-healing and system healing.

[Marina Lujan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was surprised by how much The Zen Lobbyist actually covers. It goes beyond just talking about personal health and dives into the bigger picture: politics, systems, and the way those are connected to our well-being. It really made me see how much our everyday practices can shape the way we deal with challenges.
Gary Jacobs explains everything in such a relatable way, sharing his own story while weaving in mindfulness, yoga, and meditation, but always keeping it practical. I picked up tips I can actually use in my day-to-day life, and they don’t feel overwhelming at all. I really learned a lot from this book and I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to grow personally while also thinking about how we can build a healthier society.

[CarlitasFox · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting read
Gary Jacobs has come up with an enthralling and helpful guide to teach readers to apply mindfulness in their lives to improve their well-being and health. Nowadays, people live in a rush, they have more worries than some years ago and they don’t take care of their health. In “The Zen Lobbyist”, people will learn about techniques and different forms of meditation to reach a zen state and a better well-being. I was looking for a book that teaches yoga and I came across this one which I found very helpful. Everything is explained with practical examples and Gary’s experience as a healthcare entrepreneur. It’s really interesting and the techniques mentioned here are ideal to put into practice. All in all, I recommend it.

[Daniel Moreno · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book well worth reading.

This is a very interesting book because it addresses complex topics. Our author tells us about his experiences with entrepreneurs in the healthcare and meditation sectors. This turns out to be somewhat representative of health policies. The author has a very interesting point of view, since his main pillars are prevention, primary care, and facilitating care across political lines. While this book is not based on the latter topic, what he wants to show us is what has happened in history with these decisions and where they have led us. Despite the perhaps complex topics, the reading is fluid thanks to the author's effort to simplify and make everything clear. Without a doubt, this is a book well worth reading.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading The Zen Lobbyist by Gary Jacobs, I can assure you that what I most connected to this book was the relationship between healthcare policy and meditation, yoga, and mindfulness. I've been practicing yoga and meditation for years, and I can say that they are very powerful practices for well-being. This book not only offers ideas for reforming the healthcare system, but also invites us to look inward. It made it clear to me that you can't transform a system if you're not centered and balanced. Definitely, if you're looking for a read that inspires you to take action, without neglecting your inner balance, this book is for you.

[Margarita Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This very interesting read blends self-care and the healthcare system. “The Zen Lobbyist” will take you in a deep read about how the health system can affect your health and well-being. From an approach of prevention and traditional medicine this book wants to change the way of we see health system. This read will change the way of what you think about medicine and how can change in the next years. Without a doubt here you will find helpful information and concise advice to take better decisions that concern your health. Great read to share and talk about

[C Reed]

Thanks to Goodreads giveaway for the opportunity to read and learn more about lobbyists, PACs and mindful connections.

I have no idea how to rate this book. The best way to decide if you want to read it is to look at my highlights.

I really wish we each had a primary care and a care team, but I just don’t see it in my lifetime when we can’t even have science and facts available.
We are a country that still has the best care for the rich, and the author believes congress cares to change that!

[Kimberly Hendricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book. I’m looking forward to reading it.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

The Zen Lobbyist by Gary Jacobs is a thoughtful blend of memoir, mindfulness, and healthcare reform. Jacobs shares how a personal health crisis reshaped his views and makes the case for more compassionate, prevention-focused care. Not heavy on policy details, but full of heart and hope. A good solid read.