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In this episode of Well Enough, we sit down with Dr. Karan Rajan - NHS surgeon, author, and the internet’s favourite health myth-buster.  With millions of followers looking to him for clarity, Dr. Karan has made a name for himself by dismantling health myths and translating complex medical studies into accessible, life-changing advice. We dig into the topics dominating your social media feeds: Is "cortisol face" real? Do you actually have a "leaky gut"? And is intermittent fasting a miracle cure or a hormonal disaster for women? Dr. Karan explains why we need to stop treating our bodies like they are broken and start focusing on the unsexy but essential pillars of health. Follow Well Enough on Instagram here Follow Emilie on Instagram here  Subscribe to the Well Enough newsletter here Timecodes: 00:00 Fighting Health Misinformation 01:35 Intermittent Fasting for Women 02:35 Fasting for Weight Loss vs. Gut Health 03:55 Does Fasting Heal Leaky Gut? 05:30 What is Leaky Gut Actually? 06:50 IBS vs. IBD vs. Leaky Gut 07:45 The Truth About Glucose Spikes 08:55 Are CGMs Accurate for Non-Diabetics? 10:00 The Dangers of Glucose Hacking 10:50 Sleep Trackers & Orthosomnia 12:40 Cortisol Face & Belly Fat Myths 14:40 The "Wellness Washing" Industry 15:35 The 5 Unsexy Pillars of Health 16:40 Probiotics vs. Fibre 18:05 The 3-Month Fiber Challenge 19:10 Fibre Supplements & GLP-1 (Ozempic) 20:45 Inulin & Bloating Side Effects 23:25 Pregnancy, Protein & Constipation 24:35 The Gut-Skin & Gut-Brain Axis 26:10 Do You Need a Gut Detox? 28:30 Liver Detox Myths 29:55 Red Flags in Wellness Influencers 32:20 Carnivore Diet Risks 35:20 Advocating for Yourself at the Doctor 40:40 Dr. Rajan's #1 Health Tip More from Dr Karan New book 'This Is Vital Information'Dr Karan's Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wellness has never been louder, or more confusing. From six week bikini plans to “wellness-washed” products promising miracle quick fixes, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed before you’ve even made breakfast. This week on Well Enough, Emilie Lavinia sits down with Ella Mills, founder of Deliciously Ella. Ella sprung into the public eye in the early 2010s as a food blogger and has gone on to build one of the UK’s most trusted plant-based brands. She’s watched the wellness industry grow into a multi-trillion-dollar machine and she’s refreshingly honest about what’s gone wrong along the way. Ella shares what it really takes to build a household name, how she balances entrepreneurship with family life, and why true health has nothing to do with quick fixes or perfection.  Follow Well Enough on Instagram here Follow Emilie on Instagram here  Subscribe to the Well Enough newsletter here 00:00 Introduction  01:03 The Evolution of the Wellness Industry  02:18 Wellness Trends 03:26 The Truth About Ultra-Processed Foods 04:13 Stop Overcomplicating Wellness  05:42 Why the Wellness Industry is Failing Us  06:47 Overcoming Burnout and Mental Load  07:38 Sustainable Meal Planning for Busy Families  08:42 Small Habits: 5-Minute Meditation & Breathwork  10:31 Health is Not a Six-Week Bikini Plan 11:39 How to Eat More Fiber Daily 12:54 The 1% Rule for Habit Change 14:21 The Power of Community and Movement 15:52 What is Wellness Washing? 17:23 Moving Beyond "Biohacking" & Hype 18:48 Is Vegan Food Ultra-Processed? 20:47 The Rise of the Flexitarian Diet 23:02 10-Minute Recipe: Fancy Butter Beans on Toast 26:24 Morning Routines and Digital Detox 33:38 The Power of Doing "Well Enough" More from Ella: Deliciously Ella websiteElla’s InstagramElla’s new cookbook ‘Quick Wins’ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joe Wicks – a national fitness treasure – had a turbulent 2025. After speaking out against protein bars and ultra-processed food, he faced an unexpected backlash. Once the nation’s PE teacher during lockdown, Joe joins us to reflect on the emotional impact of that criticism, and how he balances family life with the pressure to maintain a flawless public image. In this candid chat, Joe discusses his new cookbook, which focuses on helping us add more protein to our diets, and brings his trademark warmth and honesty. He opens up about his concerns around social media, and shares how his children are beginning to understand his rise to fame. Follow Well Enough on Instagram here Follow Emilie on Instagram here  Subscribe to the Well Enough newsletter here Timecodes 00:00 Introduction 02:16 Why is Everyone Obsessed With Protein? 03:10 The Real Benefits of Protein for Women & Perimenopause 05:10 The "Protein Halo": Avoiding Ultra-Processed Food (UPF) 06:36 The Link Between Diet, Mood, and Mental Health 08:14 Why Joe Wicks Made the Controversial UPF Documentary 10:11 Facing Backlash from the Fitness Community 12:12 Why the Food Industry Stresses Joe Out 14:15 Is Healthy Eating Too Expensive? 16:32 The Power of Batch Cooking & Meal Planning 18:24 Rejecting "Perfection" in Nutrition 20:14 Joe Wicks on Vulnerability and "Off Days" 22:11 Why Authenticity is More Important Than a "Highlights Reel" 24:00 The Dangers of AI Filters and Fitness Influencers 25:54 How to Beat Phone Addiction 27:18 Joe Wicks on His Political Legacy (The Next Jamie Oliver?) 29:02 Homeschooling and Raising Healthy Kids 31:20 Joe’s Top Tip: How to Get Kids to Eat Vegetables 34:18 Transitioning from Veganism to an Omnivore Diet 37:16 The "Phone Free Dad" Rule & Importance of Sleep More from Joe Wicks: New book Protein in 15Joe’s websiteFollow Joe on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The advice to eat your greens is nothing new, but scientific research is now putting a specific number on just how much variety our bodies actually need. In this highlight from Well Enough, we return to the subject of the microbiome and the science of eating well.  Our guest is Dr Megan Rossi, also known as The Gut Health Doctor, who discusses a landmark study from the American Gut Project that changed how we view dietary diversity.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hormones frequently get a bad reputation, often being blamed for mood swings and feeling unwell. However, understanding how to support them can change your entire outlook on health.  In this highlight from Well Enough, host Emilie Lavinia is joined by Hannah Alderson, a hormone expert who believes that the negative PR around our body's chemical messengers needs to stop.  Hannah shares her perspective on finding balance and listening to your body signals - revealing her super simple hormone health toolkit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The sober curious movement is growing rapidly, with more people reevaluating their relationship with alcohol and seeking distinct alternatives that still feel special. In this refreshing highlight from the Well Enough podcast, host Emilie Lavinia explores the world of sobriety and mindful drinking. Millie Mackintosh is a former Made in Chelsea star and vocal sobriety advocate, sharing her journey with millions online. Professor David Nutt, a world-leading expert on alcohol, explains the science behind alcohol’s negative affect on our brains. In this clip, the focus is on practical enjoyment as Millie Mackintosh shares her personal recommendations.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The pursuit of longevity is currently one of the biggest trends in wellness, with celebrity routines often setting the standard for youthful appearances. However, it is important to distinguish between strict health protocols and cosmetic assistance.  In this clip, Emilie Lavinia is joined by Nadine Baggott, ITV’s resident beauty expert, and Dr Sophie Shotter, a leading longevity doctor. Together, they discuss the reality of aging in the public eye. In this clip, you will get the honest truth about why your favorite stars always look so glowing and perfect. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sleep is often the first casualty of a busy life, yet it remains the foundation of our overall health. In this Well Enough, Emilie Lavinia and ITV This Morning’s Dr Zoe Williams discuss the critical link between rest and our body's internal chemistry.  Dr Zoe is a trusted medical voice on our TV screens, who breaks down the science behind circadian rhythms and endocrine health. In this clip, you will learn exactly why getting a good night's sleep is not just about energy but is absolutely essential for healthy, functioning hormones.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gut health has become a dominant topic in the wellness world, but navigating the advice on nutrition can sometimes feel overwhelming. In this highlight from Well Enough, we’re joined by Dr Megan Rossi - also known as The Gut Health Doctor - and plant-based Chef Gemma Ogston. Together, they bring a blend of medical expertise and culinary practicalities to the table. In this clip, you will discover a surprising revelation about how our bodies utilize fibre. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is "toxic positivity" ruining your mental health? In this episode, we speak to former UK government Youth Mental Health Ambassador, Dr. Alex George, and psychotherapist and author Anna Mathur to dismantle the pressure to be happy all the time and explore the science of finding joy in the small things. We discuss the difference between dopamine hits and true happiness, why we wear "masks" to hide depression, and the biology behind stress and joy. Plus, Dr. Alex and Anna share actionable tools - like Alex’s brilliantly simple “2 minute rule” and cognitive reframing techniques - to help you build mental fitness, manage ADHD, and combat loneliness. More from Well Enough:  Follow Well Enough on Instagram here Follow Emilie on Instagram here  Subscribe to the Well Enough newsletter here Timecodes 00:00 The Role of Negative Emotions 00:51 Is Happiness Just Hormones? 01:29 Why Stress Blocks Joy (Fight or Flight) 02:14 Cortisol vs Serotonin 02:52 Dopamine Hits vs True Joy 03:41 The Dangers of Toxic Positivity 04:08 Depression and Wearing the "Mask" 05:27 Dr. Alex on ADHD & Vulnerability 06:55 Antidepressants and Breaking Stigma 08:05 The Loneliness of Hiding Feelings 09:28 Men's Mental Health & Fear of Abandonment 11:42 Mental Fitness vs. Mental Illness 13:43 Childhood Trauma & Suppressing Emotions 16:47 Neuroplasticity: Can We Rewire Our Brains? 18:32 Motivation vs. Discipline 19:55 Overcoming Self-Sabotage 22:26 Letting Go of Perfectionism 24:17 Combatting the Loneliness Epidemic 27:32 Decision Fatigue & Social Media Burnout 28:44 The Problem with Gratitude (And How to Fix It) 33:14 The 2-Minute Rule (ADHD Hack) 34:55 How to Build Healthy Habits (The Snowball Effect) 36:26 Reframing: "I Have To" vs. "I Get To" 39:20 Wellness Non-Negotiables: Rest & Nature More from today’s guests: Dr Alex’s new book ‘Happy Habits’ | https://www.amazon.co.uk/Happy-Habits-Steps-Build-Life/dp/0241771463 Anna’s new book ‘The Good Decision Diary’ | https://www.amazon.co.uk/Good-Decision-Diary-making-decisions/dp/0241707226 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over 500 million people follow the #fitness hashtag on Instagram — but behind the workout videos, transformation posts, and motivational reels, what’s it really like to be a fitness influencer? In this episode of Well Enough, Emilie Lavinia is joined by two leading voices in online fitness: Alice Liveing and Shakira Akabusi. Alice Liveing has half a million followers on Instagram and shares positive advice on staying fit, in a sustainable way. But that wasn’t always the case. She began her online career as ‘Clean Eating Alice’ - an approach to nutrition which ultimately caused an eating disorder and even affected her menstrual cycle. Today, she opens up on what that lifestyle was like, sharing tips from her brand new book. Shakira - AKA Strong Like Mum - has fitness in her veins. You’ll know her as a resident fitness expert on ITV’S Lorraine. More from Well Enough:  Follow Well Enough on Instagram here Follow Emilie on Instagram here  Subscribe to the Well Enough newsletter here Timecodes 00:00 Introduction 02:45 Why Lifting Weights Is Empowering For Women 04:00 "Influencer" vs Personal Trainer 06:50 The "Thinness" Trap & Misinformation 12:55 Best Self vs Thinnest Self 14:25 Performance Goals over Aesthetics 16:30 The Ozempic Era 18:30 Why We Hated PE at School 23:00 The Dangers of Viral Challenges 25:25 "Boring" Basics - Exercises That Work Best 27:30 Pros & Cons of Online Fitness Access 29:40 Gen Z, Longevity & Aesthetics 34:35 New Era of Female Sports Role Models 38:55 Cleaning Up Your Social Feed 40:05 Guide: Starting Fitness in Perimenopause 40:55 What is Progressive Overload? 42:15 Why Posture is Critical 44:55 Tips for Gym Anxiety 48:50 Wellness Non-Negotiables More from today’s guests: Alice’s new book ‘Give Me Strength’  Follow Shakira’s ‘Strong Like Mum’ Instagram  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Millie Mackintosh hit our TV screens in the early 2010s on reality show Made In Chelsea. Since then, she’s made the life changing decision to quit drinking. Now, she loves her sober lifestyle and supports a huge sober curious community online. In this emotional episode, she shares her alcohol free journey with world-leading authority on alcohol and drug science, Professor David Nutt. Together, they discuss the normalization of binge drinking culture, why Gen Z is rejecting alcohol and bust a common myth about tequila. You’ll hear strategies from Millie’s book ‘Bad Drunk’ - which she co-wrote with NHS GP Dr Ellie Cannon - charting her sober journey and documenting the profound mental and physical health benefits she experienced by quitting booze. Professor David Nutt will help you make informed decisions about your own alcohol consumption with an evidence-based look at how alcohol affects the body and brain.  More from Well Enough:  Follow Well Enough on Instagram here Follow Emilie on Instagram here  Subscribe to the Well Enough newsletter here Timecodes 00:00 Millie Mackintosh: My Life-Changing Decision to Quit Drinking  01:07 The Normalization of Binge Drinking Culture 02:12 Why We Drink: Alcohol as a Social Lubricant 03:30 The Stigma of the "Problem Drinker" 04:30 Understanding Shame and Dependency 05:15 Does Tequila *Actually* Make You Happy? 06:15 Why Gen Z is Rejecting Alcohol 07:22 The Immediate Benefits: Weight Loss and Clarity 09:20 Natural Dopamine Hits 10:35 Why Non-Alcoholic Wine Often Fails 11:30 The Science of "Functional" Alcohol Alternatives 14:35 How to Quit Alcohol 16:20 Navigating Pubs When You Don't Drink 19:00 Handling Peer Pressure and Social Cues 20:25 Losing Friends When You Get Sober 21:40 How to Tell If You Are Drinking Too Much 23:15 Helping a Friend: How to Talk About Drinking 25:40 Alcohol and Cancer Risk 26:45 Is Any Amount of Alcohol Safe? 28:05 The True Economic Cost of Hangovers 33:50 Advice for Partners  38:00 Sobriety and Parenting More from today’s guests: Millie Mackintosh’s book ‘Bad Drunk’ here  David’s book ‘Drink?: The New Science of Alcohol and Your Health’ here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jules Von Hep spent 20 years as a celebrity spray tanner, working with Hollywood actors and Victoria's Secret models. What did he learn? That every single person, no matter how "perfect," apologised for their body. Joined by expert Consultant Clinical Psychologist Dr Brendan J Dunlop, this episode explores the staggering impact of beauty standards on mental health. This episode tackles the body image crisis, exploring why we are all conditioned to dislike how we look. We explore the drivers - toxic masculinity, social media algorithms, and stagnant marketing and discuss the shocking stat that 48% of men are struggling in silence with body image problems.  Jules shares his powerful journey from body dysmorphia to true body confidence, and Brendan gives practical tips for mindset shifts to love your body. This episode will teach you how to normalize the "body wobble," reframe exercise as self-love, and finally build a better relationship with the person in the mirror. More from Well Enough:  Follow Well Enough on Instagram here Follow Emilie on Instagram here  Subscribe to the Well Enough newsletter here Timecodes: 00:00 How Body Dysmorphia Shaped My Life  01:05 Launching a Body Confidence Brand  02:15 Expert Opinion: Are Male Body Image Issues Common?  03:09 48% of Men & Boys Struggle With This 05:10 Spray Tanner's Secret: Everybody Has Body Doubts  06:30 Common Body Image Triggers  08:00 Where Do Male Beauty Standards Come From?  09:35 How the Social Media Algorithm Feeds Body Image Insecurity  10:30 The Truth About Men's Underwear Models  12:10 Wellness Culture and the "Homogenization" of Looks  13:30 Why the Male Body Standard is "Stagnant and Boring"  14:20 Ozempic, Steroids & the Warped View of the Male Body  16:20 Internalized Phobia: Body Image in the Queer Community 18:05 Strategy: How to "Flip the Script" on Negative Self-Talk 20:55 "Don't Punish, Nourish" Your Body 23:10 The RuPaul Rule for Self Compassion 25:05 The "Drip in the Ceiling": An Analogy for Mental Health  30:15 Mindset Shift: Confidence is a Journey, Not a Destination  32:00 Two Practical Tips to Build Self-Love Today More from today’s guests: Jules’s book ‘The Confidence Ritual’ here  Brendan’s book ‘The Queer Mental Health Workbook’ here Resources: Been There - Been There is a charity with an app that connects people aged 18 and over with a vetted and trained Mentor to help with any body image issues they may be experiencing. Young Minds Body Image support here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why are 12 million men in the UK suffering in complete silence? Men and boys are told to "man up," but suicide is still the biggest killer of men under 50. To mark Men’s Mental Health Awareness month, we’re joined by therapist to Lewis Capaldi and Sunday Times Bestselling author Owen O’Kane, and broadcaster and mental health campaigner Matt Johnson.  Together they discuss the most common symptoms of anxiety and depression that men, their colleagues, family and friends can look out for - and share simple tools for addressing the men’s mental health crisis. Follow Well Enough on Instagram here Follow Emilie on Instagram here  Subscribe to the Well Enough newsletter here Timecodes: 00:00 This is What Good Therapy is About  00:30 Defining Depression & Anxiety  01:15 Matt Johnson: My Experience with Severe Depression 02:20 The Hidden Symptom of Men's Depression 03:38 When To Seek Help for Depression 04:26 The Exhaustion of "Faking It" (Matt's Story) 05:27 A Therapy Technique: How to Relate to Your Depression 06:42 My Suicide Attempt: Learning Self-Compassion 08:12 The "Grim" State of UK Men's Mental Health Services 09:59 Has 'Diagnosis Culture' Become a Problem? 11:00 The 3 Parts of You: How To Rescue Your Inner Child 13:32 Why Men Struggle with Therapy (Wanting a Quick Fix) 15:30 The Problem with "Alpha Culture" and Self-Optimization 17:37 Toxic Masculinity: A Therapist's Personal Story 21:38 Men ARE Ready to Talk (But We Have a Problem with Teens) 23:13 Breaking Free from "What a Man Should Be" 29:22 "I Don't Want to Do The Feeling Stuff" - Why Men Fear Therapy 39:12 Free Tools to Use When You Can't Afford Therapy 44:43 The Practical Power of Hope (Even in Palliative Care) 50:47 The Dangers of the "Big Wellness" Industry Resources if you’re in need: Mind Charity | Useful contacts – suicidal thoughts Campaign Against Living Miserably Contact a Samaritan  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Social media insists your hormones need "balancing." But what if that term is just a marketing-fueled myth? We’re sold expensive powders, trackers that spike our anxiety, and restrictive diets, all while chasing a state of "balance" that doesn't medically exist. This confusion is taking advantage of our insecurities, promising a quick fix for symptoms that are often caused by the stress of modern life itself. Imagine finally cutting through that noise. This conversation, featuring insights from a GP and a nutritionist, dismantles the "balancing" trend and replaces it with a far more powerful concept: homeostasis. Discover the practical, foundational pillars that actually support your hormones—why eating breakfast is a non-negotiable, how a 30-second mindfulness trick can break the stress cycle, and the truth about supplements like berberine. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start supporting your body’s incredible, intricate design, this is the clarity you’ve been looking for. Dr Zoe Williams is a familiar face on our TV screens as resident doctor on ITV’s This Morning. She’s also a practising NHS GP. Hannah Alderson is a nutritionist, PCOS specialist and author of ‘Everything I know about hormones’.  Follow Well Enough on Instagram here Follow Emilie on Instagram here  Subscribe to the Well Enough newsletter here Timecodes: 00:00 What Does "Hormone Balancing" Actually Mean? 01:25 Why "Hormone Balancing" is a Marketing Term 02:05 Are "Hormone Balancing" Supplements a Marketing Ploy? 04:00 The Dangers of Health Trackers & Metric Anxiety 06:50 Subtle Signs of a Hormone Imbalance (Thyroid, Iron) 08:45 The One Question You Must Ask Your Doctor 10:50 The 6-Step Plan to Create an Optimal Hormone Environment 13:10 Meet Your Hormones: Estrogen (Superwoman) & Progesterone (Chill) 16:45 The Problem with At-Home Hormone Testing (Cortisol & Timing) 18:45 Pillar 1: How Poor Sleep Disrupts Your Hormones 20:30 Pillar 2: A 30-Second Hack to Stop the Stress Response 22:50 The "Four Ps" of Toxins Harming Your Hormones 25:55 Pillar 3: The First Step to Eating for Hormone Health 29:20 The #1 Nutrition Tip for Women: Eat Breakfast! 32:10 Should You Take Myo-Inositol & Berberine for Hormones? 40:25 The 30 Plant Points Hack (Simple Swops) 43:10 The Big Debate: The Contraceptive Pill 45:20 The Pill: Symptom Relief vs. Root Cause Treatment 52:05 The Hidden Risk: How The Pill Can Mask Endometriosis 56:40 The Panel's One Wellness Non-Negotiable Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.