The Wellness Script

Lauren O'Reilly

The Wellness Script is a health and wellness podcast grounded in evidence, not trends. Hosted by pharmacist and media contributor Lauren O'Reilly, the show brings you clear, practical conversations with leading experts across health, nutrition, psychology, medicine, and lifestyle — helping you make informed decisions about your wellbeing without the overwhelm. Each episode breaks down complex topics into accessible, science-backed insights you can actually apply to everyday life. From hormone health and gut health to mental wellbeing, preventative care, and healthy habits, The Wellness Script cuts through misinformation and puts evidence first. Whether you're looking to understand your health better, build sustainable habits, or simply feel more informed and empowered, this podcast is your trusted source of truth. New episodes weekly.

Episodes

  1. Stop Restricting in January: Ciara McNulty's 'Abundance' Approach

    6 DAYS AGO

    Stop Restricting in January: Ciara McNulty's 'Abundance' Approach

    In this episode of The Wellness Script, host Lauren O'Reilly sits down with Ciara McNulty, Registered Dietitian (RD), to cut through the January noise around detoxes, restriction, and "reset" culture. Ciara shares a calmer, evidence-based approach: shift your focus from what you should cut out to what you can add in: more protein, more fibre, more colour, and more variety, so you feel fuller for longer, more energised, and more stable in your mood and concentration. They also unpack practical strategies for real life: how to shop smarter without obsessing over ingredients, how to build balanced meals while travelling or relying on convenience foods, what "good gut health" actually looks like, and when supplements like probiotics may (or may not) be worth it. The conversation also explores intermittent fasting, the risks of under-fuelling (especially for active women), and why losing your menstrual cycle is a sign your body needs support - not more discipline. Season 1 Sponsor: This episode is proudly supported by Sona Vitamins, Ireland's longest-established nutritional supplement producer with over 40 years of science-led expertise. You can learn more and explore their full product range here: https://bit.ly/49nFkuv  Show Notes In this episode, we cover: 🔥 Why January shouldn't be about restriction - and how "abundance" is a better starting point 🥩 Protein + fibre + whole grains: building meals that keep you full and energised 🌈 Gut health made simple: why variety matters, and the "30 plants a week" idea (made realistic) 🛒 Shopping smarter: planning before you go in (or online shopping to avoid impulse buys) 🧾 Food labels without the overwhelm: what's worth noticing (high added sugar, salt, saturated fat) - and what isn't 🍵 Detox culture: why your body already detoxes (and why detox teas/juices can be misleading) ⏳ Intermittent fasting: who it may suit, who it doesn't, and why it's just one tool reflects appetite + lifestyle 🏋️‍♀️ Fuelling for training: why performance and recovery depend on eating enough (and not just "being disciplined") ⚠️ Under-fuelling & hormone health: low energy availability, missed periods, and why it matters beyond fertility 🩺 Missed periods: when to check in with your GP, and how diet + stress + training can play a role 🧠 Nutrition for work performance: why carbs matter for concentration, and why wholegrains help steady energy 🐟 Omega-3s: food-first options + algae-based alternatives for those who don't eat fish 🥣 Probiotics: why they're strain- and dose-specific, when to consider them (e.g., post-antibiotics), and food-first options 🥫 Convenience foods without guilt: the "ready meal + bag of rocket" rule for easy upgrades 🍽️ Eating well while travelling: the simple "balanced plate" template + the restaurant side-veg hack 🔗 Links & Resources Ciara McNulty (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/ciaramcnultyrd?igsh=YzJpcTV5dXF2bjc=  Sona Vitamins (Sponsor): https://sona.ie

    44 min
  2. The Year of Prevention: Dr. Sonja Bobart's Head-to-Toe Health Checklist

    14 JAN

    The Year of Prevention: Dr. Sonja Bobart's Head-to-Toe Health Checklist

    In this episode of The Wellness Script, Pharmacist and host Lauren O'Reilly sits down with Dr Sonja Bobart, GP and founder of D4 Medical, to unpack what it really means to prioritise prevention over cure. From building a simple annual "baseline" with your GP to understanding silent risks like high blood pressure, cholesterol changes, diabetes and kidney disease, Dr Sonja shares a practical roadmap for screening across life stages. The conversation also dives into metabolic syndrome, gut health, and the real-world role of GLP-1 weight-loss medications - including who they're for, how they're monitored, and why stigma has to go. You'll also hear Dr Sonja's clear, compassionate guidance on perimenopause and HRT, why blood tests can still matter, and how to advocate for yourself confidently in the consultation room. Season 1 Sponsor: This episode is proudly supported by Sona Vitamins, Ireland's longest-established nutritional supplement producer with over 40 years of science-led expertise. You can learn more and explore their full product range here: https://bit.ly/49nFkuv  Show Notes In this episode, we cover: Why prevention gives you autonomy - and can reduce long-term complications and costs The "silent" conditions worth checking regularly (BP, cholesterol, diabetes risk, kidney health/urine) Why trends matter: comparing results year-on-year, not just one-off "normal" ranges What a proper annual check-up can look like from 40+ (a head-to-toe approach) Metabolic syndrome explained: the cluster of markers to watch (including BP around 130/80, waist circumference, HDL, fasting sugars, triglycerides) "Know your numbers" - and why fasting measures can add context beyond longer-term averages GLP-1/GIP medications: how they come up in clinic, who they're suitable for, contraindications, and follow-up frequency Gut health: what "healthy gut" looks like, symptoms to listen to, and why food-first still matters The power of a symptom diary (and how it helps distinguish stress-driven patterns) Probiotics basics: strain variety, CFU ranges, and why it can get worse before it gets better Eye health after 40: sunlight risk, macular degeneration, and protective habits (including good sunglasses) Perimenopause: surprising symptoms (including joint pain/frozen shoulder) + why bloods can help rule out other causes HRT explained: body-identical oestrogen/progesterone, timeline to effect, Mirena as part of HRT + contraception Genitourinary syndrome & vaginal oestrogen: why systemic HRT may not solve local symptoms How to prep for a GP appointment: write a list, prioritise top 3, book a double appointment, take notes, and don't be embarrassed Links & resources (mentioned in the episode) D4 Medical: https://www.d4medical.net/  Dr Sonja Bobart: https://www.instagram.com/d4medgp/?hl=en  Cervical screening (Ireland): https://apps.cervicalcheck.ie/check-eligibility/check-eligibility.596.checkeligibilityv2.html  Sexual health screening (Ireland): SH:24 - https://sh24.ie/

    51 min
  3. 1. Stronger, Not Smaller: Emma Dowling on Women's Strength, Longevity and Letting Go of Diet Culture

    7 JAN

    1. Stronger, Not Smaller: Emma Dowling on Women's Strength, Longevity and Letting Go of Diet Culture

    In this episode of The Wellness Script, host Lauren O'Reilly, pharmacist and evidence-based wellness advocate, sits down with Emma Dowling, founder of Empowered Movement and specialist female strength coach. If you've ever felt like you're "doing everything right" with training and nutrition but nothing is changing, Emma unpacks why that happens - and how to fix it. From under-fuelling and all-or-nothing workouts to strength training in pregnancy, prolapse, diastasis and the crucial muscle-building years between 35–45, she shares a practical, compassionate roadmap to feeling stronger at every stage of life. This isn't about shrinking your body; it's about building one that carries you well into your 70s, 80s and 90s. Season 1 Sponsor: This episode is proudly supported by Sona Vitamins, Ireland's longest-established nutritional supplement producer with over 40 years of science-led expertise. You can learn more and explore their full product range here: https://bit.ly/49nFkuv  Show Notes  In this episode, we cover: Why "I'm doing everything right" often isn't the full story How to set your goals (not Instagram's): strength, energy, weight loss, confidence Under-fuelling, evening/weekend overeating and how to break the cycle Diastasis & prolapse explained in simple terms – and how training can help The latest thinking on strength training in pregnancy and postnatally How much training is "enough" – and why 3 x 30–35 mins/week can be plenty Simple, non-intimidating nutrition principles: protein, colour, fibre and adding more in Why muscle is your "health pension" between ages 35–45 Building your village: asking for help so your health isn't last on the list Links & Resources Emma Dowling – Empowered Movement Website: https://www.empoweredmovement.ie/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowered_movement.ie/

    45 min
  • 3 Episodes

About

The Wellness Script is a health and wellness podcast grounded in evidence, not trends. Hosted by pharmacist and media contributor Lauren O'Reilly, the show brings you clear, practical conversations with leading experts across health, nutrition, psychology, medicine, and lifestyle — helping you make informed decisions about your wellbeing without the overwhelm. Each episode breaks down complex topics into accessible, science-backed insights you can actually apply to everyday life. From hormone health and gut health to mental wellbeing, preventative care, and healthy habits, The Wellness Script cuts through misinformation and puts evidence first. Whether you're looking to understand your health better, build sustainable habits, or simply feel more informed and empowered, this podcast is your trusted source of truth. New episodes weekly.

Information

  • Creator
    Lauren O'Reilly
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    3
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026
  • Show Website
    The Wellness Script