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. New episodes weekly. Download your free wellness guides & episode summaries here: https://wellnessscriptpod.com

  1. 1d ago

    31. People Pleasing, Self-Belief & How to Actually Change Your Patterns | Aisling Kennedy

    Why do we keep repeating patterns we know aren’t serving us - even when we’re completely aware we’re doing it? In this episode of The Wellness Script, host & Pharmacist Lauren O'Reilly is joined by Ireland's only Self-Belief and People Pleasing Coach, Aisling Kennedy for a conversation about people pleasing, self-belief, confidence, self-trust and the patterns that quietly influence how we make decisions and show up in our lives. Aisling shares her own journey from seeking external validation and struggling with people pleasing to changing the way she approached her career, relationships and sense of self. Together, Lauren and Aisling explore why simply knowing that you people please, overthink or self-sabotage often isn’t enough - and what you can actually do next. They discuss the difference between confidence, self-worth and self-belief; why we can mistake fitting in for belonging; how journaling and voice notes can help us process our thoughts; and Aisling’s practical 4 Rs framework — Rewire, Repeat, Reward and Reflect — for creating lasting behavioural change. They also explore manifestation, the stories we repeatedly tell ourselves, boundaries, fear of other people’s opinions and why small acts of doing things differently can gradually build evidence that you can trust yourself. If you’ve ever found yourself thinking “I know I do this… but how do I actually stop?”, this episode is for you. The Wellness Script Season 4 is proudly sponsored by Elave Skincare - iconic Irish skincare, made in Ireland since 1934 and created with sensitive skin in mind. EXCLUSIVE LISTENER OFFER: Use code WELLNESS for 20% off at the elaveskincare.com In this episode, Lauren and Aisling discuss: What people pleasing actually looks like - beyond simply saying yes when you want to say no Why seeking external validation can become such a powerful behavioural pattern The difference between confidence, self-belief, self-worth and self-trust Why confidence is often a skill rather than something you either “have” or don’t How people pleasing can influence our careers, relationships, friendships and everyday decisions Why becoming aware of a pattern is only the beginning How our fear of the worst-case scenario can keep us stuck Aisling’s 4 Rs framework: Rewire, Repeat, Reward and Reflect Why small repeated actions can help us build evidence that we can handle difficult things The importance of rewarding effort — not just perfect outcomes How reflection can replace shame with learning Journaling, voice notes and other ways to process your thoughts EFT tapping and how Aisling incorporates it into her work Manifestation, mindset and becoming more aware of the opportunities around us Why “fitting in” and genuinely belonging aren’t the same thing Learning to make decisions based on what you want rather than what you think other people expect Handling opinions from friends, family and the people closest to us Practical ways to begin building greater self-belief this week Connect with Aisling: Aisling also shares her 7-day self-belief challenge, available through her Instagram, designed around small practical steps including journaling, questioning your patterns and EFT tapping. Check it out on Aisling's Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/coachaislingkennedy/ Connect with The Wellness Script: Follow The Wellness Script and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode. https://www.instagram.com/wellnessscriptpod/ Follow Lauren: https://www.instagram.com/itslaurenoreilly/ The Wellness Script is for educational and informational purposes only and does not replace personalised medical or mental health advice from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

  2. Sep 23

    30. Pharmacist Takes: Red Meat, The Supplement Checklist & Finding Balance with Lauren O'Reilly MPSI

    In this episode of The Wellness Script, host & Pharmacist Lauren O’Reilly sits down with the questions listeners have been sending in for a special Episode 30 Ask Me Anything. From creatine and magnesium to electrolytes, multivitamins and red meat, Lauren takes a pharmacist’s lens to some of the health and supplement conversations that have become increasingly difficult to navigate. Is creatine genuinely worth taking? Does magnesium actually improve sleep? Do you need electrolytes every time you exercise? Is a daily multivitamin helping you live longer? And what does the evidence really say about red meat, processed meat and bowel cancer risk? Lauren also shares the simple checklist she uses when assessing supplements: what are you taking it for, what does the evidence actually support, is the dose appropriate, could you be duplicating ingredients, and could it interact with medication? This is an episode about moving away from all-or-nothing health advice and learning how to make informed decisions with a little more context, scepticism and nuance. For general education only; always seek individual advice from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. This season of The Wellness Script is proudly sponsored by Elave Skincare - iconic Irish skincare, made in Ireland since 1934 and created with sensitive skin in mind. Elave Skincare: elaveskincare.comInstagram: @elaveskincareDiscount code: WELLNESS for 20% off online Key topics covered Why red meat and processed meat should not be treated as the same thing.What the evidence actually tells us about processed meat and colorectal cancer.Why cancer classifications describe the strength of evidence, not simply how dangerous something is.Lauren’s pharmacist checklist before starting any supplement.Why “this nutrient is important” does not automatically mean “taking more will benefit me”.The large 2024 multivitamin study and the healthy-user effect.Supplement duplication, excessive doses and medication interactions.Why creatine monohydrate has one of the stronger evidence bases in sports supplementation.Creatine, muscle performance, water retention and serum creatinine.What the evidence actually says about magnesium for sleep.When electrolytes are useful, and when ordinary food and water are enough.Why oral rehydration solution is different from a sports electrolyte drink.“Don’t start with the supplement. Start with the reason that you’re taking it.”

  3. Sep 16

    29. Your Movement Reset: When to See a Physio, How to Prevent Injury & Moving Better | Aisling Frawley

    In this episode of The Wellness Script, pharmacist Lauren O’Reilly sits down with Aisling Frawley, Chartered Physiotherapist, Pilates instructor and movement educator, to talk about something many of us only think about once something starts hurting: physiotherapy. Do we really need to wait for an injury before seeing a physio? Aisling explains what actually happens during a physiotherapy assessment, the role of rehabilitation and movement alongside hands-on treatment, and why the goal should be getting you back to the things you want to do. They explore common complaints including back and neck pain, the impact of long days spent sitting, injury prevention when training for a goal and the value of small “movement snacks” throughout the working day. They also discuss Pilates, walking, exercise trends, the pressure to follow an all-or-nothing training routine and what life is really like working pitch-side as a sports physiotherapist. If you sit at a desk, are getting back into exercise, have been ignoring a persistent niggle or simply want to understand your body and movement better, this conversation is a practical place to start. Show Notes In this episode, we cover: What physiotherapy actually involvesWhy physio is about more than hands-on treatmentWhen it may be worth seeking professional advice for pain or injuryThe difference between reacting to pain and thinking preventativelyWhat happens during your first physiotherapy appointmentCommon back, neck and desk-related complaints Aisling sees in practiceWhy staying in one position for hours can be more relevant than chasing “perfect posture”Aisling’s simple “movement snacks” for working daysHow Pilates can complement rehabilitation and everyday movementWhy simple, foundational movement often beats complicated fitness trendsWalking, step counts and moving when you do not feel up to a full workoutWhat really happens when a sports physio runs onto the pitch Our Sponsor & Exclusive Discount: This episode is brought to you in partnership with Elave Skincare - gentle, fragrance-free skincare developed for sensitive skin, made in Ireland by the Gardiner Family Apothecary. Discover the full range at ⁠⁠www.elaveskincare.com⁠⁠ and use code WELLNESS for 20% off your order. Follow The Wellness Script: https://www.instagram.com/wellnessscriptpod/ Links & resources Connect with Aisling: Elevate Wellness: Elevate Wellness website Aisling on LinkedIn: Aisling Frawley MISCP on LinkedIn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aislingfrawley_/?hl=en Other useful resources: WHO physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidance: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240015128? HSE Back Pain: https://www.hse.ie/conditions/back-pain/? For general education only; always seek individual advice from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

  4. Sep 9

    28. How to Start Running, Train Smarter & Stop Comparing Yourself with Olympian Nadia Power

    In this episode of The Wellness Script, pharmacist Lauren O’Reilly sits down with Irish Olympian and Swifter co-founder Nadia Power to take some of the pressure, confusion and intimidation out of running. “It's very cool to be seen trying and getting better at something.” - Nadia Power As running continues to grow in popularity, so too has the pressure to run further, faster and harder. But does becoming a runner really have to mean chasing a marathon? Nadia shares what two decades in athletics have taught her about starting slowly, building training sensibly, fuelling your runs, incorporating strength work and choosing gear that actually helps. She also explains why your everyday run shouldn't feel like a race, and why comparing your 5K with somebody else's online rarely tells the full story. Lauren and Nadia also go beyond beginner running advice to explore Nadia's experience representing Ireland at the Tokyo Olympics, the disappointment that existed alongside that achievement, her transition from elite sport into entrepreneurship, and what athletics taught her about discipline, resilience, rest and showing up even when motivation isn't there. Whether you're considering your first run, getting back into exercise or simply trying to build a healthier relationship with training, this is a refreshingly realistic conversation about making movement work for your life. Our Sponsor & Exclusive Discount: This episode is brought to you in partnership with Elave Skincare - gentle, fragrance-free skincare developed for sensitive skin, made in Ireland by the Gardiner Family Apothecary. Discover the full range at ⁠⁠www.elaveskincare.com⁠⁠ and use code WELLNESS for 20% off your order. Follow The Wellness Script: https://www.instagram.com/wellnessscriptpod/ About Our Guest, Nadia: Nadia Power — World Athletics athlete profileNadia represented Ireland in the women's 800m at the Tokyo Olympic Games and has a listed 800m personal best of 2:00.98.Nadia Power — World Athletics SwifterFounded by Nadia Power and James Madden and designed in Ireland.Swifter Nadia's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nadiapower_/?hl=en Swifter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getswifter/?hl=enNadia's YouTube: youtube.com/@nadiapower800

  5. Sep 2

    27. Dr Harriet Treacy: The Truth About Obesity, GLP-1s & Why Willpower Isn’t the Problem

    In this episode of The Wellness Script, host & pharmacist Lauren O’Reilly sits down with Dr Harriet Treacy, medical doctor and founder of BeyondBMI, for an honest, evidence-led conversation about obesity, GLP-1 medicines and the future of weight management. After witnessing the downstream effects of unmanaged chronic disease while working in emergency medicine, Harriet became determined to build a better model of obesity care: one that combines medical treatment with nutrition, psychology, health coaching and compassionate long-term support. Harriet explains why obesity is a complex, chronic and relapsing disease, not a failure of willpower, and why the advice to simply “eat less and move more” leaves so many people feeling blamed and defeated. She breaks down weight set point, hunger hormones, why the body can resist weight loss and what can happen when GLP-1 medicines are stopped. Lauren and Harriet also explore the limitations of BMI, the rise of oral GLP-1 treatments, cost and access in Ireland, and why medication should form part of personalised care rather than become another quick fix. This is a nuanced, stigma-free conversation about moving the focus away from weight alone and towards health, quality of life and care that treats the whole person. “Blame, shame and guilt never made anybody weigh less. It never made anybody healthier. It certainly never made anybody happier.” - Dr Harriet Treacy Medical disclaimer: This podcast is for general information and education only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The information discussed may not be appropriate for your individual circumstances. Always speak to your doctor, pharmacist or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping or changing any medicine or treatment. References to specific medicines or brands do not constitute an endorsement. Our Sponsor & Exclusive Discount: This episode is brought to you in partnership with Elave Skincare - gentle, fragrance-free skincare developed for sensitive skin, made in Ireland by the Gardiner Family Apothecary. Discover the full range at ⁠www.elaveskincare.com⁠ and use code WELLNESS for 20% off your order. 🎧 Show Notes: In this episode, we cover: 🩺 How working in emergency medicine changed Harriet’s view of chronic disease and obesity care🧠 Why obesity is a complex, chronic and relapsing disease - not simply a matter of willpower⚖️ The biology of weight set point and why the body can fight attempts to lose weight🍽️ Why restrictive diets can increase hunger and become difficult to sustain💉 How GLP-1 medicines work and why medication alone is not a complete treatment plan⏳ Why obesity medicines may need to be considered as long-term treatment💊 What new oral GLP-1 options could mean for access, acceptance and inappropriate use🚫 Why these medicines should not be treated as casual or cosmetic weight-loss tools💶 The cost of treatment, reimbursement challenges and the wider economic impact of obesity📏 The limitations of BMI and why weight alone does not tell the full story🌙 How sleep, sleep apnoea, mental health, life stages and social connection influence health🤝 The importance of multidisciplinary care involving doctors, dietitians, nurses and health coaches💬 How weight stigma - including internalised stigma - can stop people seeking support❤️ Why compassionate, personalised care creates a very different patient experience Links and resources BeyondBMI — doctor-led, multidisciplinary weight-management care in Ireland Dr Harriet Treacy: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drharriettreacy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-harriet-treacy-36580695/ HSE: Obesity overview — information on causes, diagnosis, treatment and support HSE: Medicines used to treat obesity — information on prescription treatments, eligibility and common side effects

  6. Jul 22

    26. How to Stop Stress Becoming Burnout with GP Dr Sonja Bobart / TWS LIVE

    “Life is not a to-do list.”Dr Sonja Bobart In this special live episode of The Wellness Script, Lauren O’Reilly welcomes Dublin GP Dr Sonja Bobart back to the podcast for an honest and practical conversation about stress, burnout and the physical signs that your body may be struggling. From headaches, digestive issues and disrupted sleep to lowered immunity, skin flare-ups and feeling constantly “wired but tired”, Dr Sonja explains how chronic stress can show up in ways we do not always recognise. She shares how to distinguish everyday pressure from burnout, when it may be time to speak to your GP and why rest, boundaries and social connection are essential parts of looking after your health. Lauren and Dr Sonja also unpack some of the biggest wellness claims circulating online, including “cortisol face” and adrenal fatigue, and discuss why self-diagnosing through social media can lead people to spend money on tests and treatments they may not need. Recorded in front of a live audience in Dublin, this episode offers a timely reminder that life is not a to-do list and that protecting your wellbeing before you reach breaking point is one of the most powerful things you can do. This episode is brought to you in partnership with two incredible sponsors: Otosan - a trusted range of natural solutions for the whole family, across nose, throat and ear care. From seasonal support for hay fever and travel to the wider family range, Otosan is available in health stores and pharmacies nationwide. Explore the full range at ⁠https://https://www.naturalmedicine.ie/stockist-locator⁠ Elave - gentle, fragrance-free skincare developed for sensitive skin, made in Ireland by the Gardiner Family Apothecary. Discover the full range at ⁠www.elaveskincare.com⁠ and use code WELLNESS for 20% off your order. In this episode, we cover: 🔥 The difference between acute, episodic and chronic stress ⚠️ How to recognise when everyday stress is becoming burnout 🧠 Why burnout can affect your mood, behaviour and physical health 🤕 The surprising ways stress can appear, including migraines, IBS, eczema, jaw clenching and poor sleep 🦠 How prolonged stress may affect immunity and inflammation 💼 Why work pressures, constant emails and moving goalposts leave people feeling as though they are never finished 🧑‍⚕️ When stress is a valid reason to make an appointment with your GP 📝 Why keeping a symptom diary can help you identify patterns and make the most of your appointment 🩺 When blood tests may be useful and why testing should have a clear clinical purpose 📱 The truth about “cortisol face” and adrenal fatigue ☕ How caffeine and alcohol can intensify anxious, overstimulated feelings 😴 Why sleep, movement, social connection and time away from screens matter 🚶 The potential impact of a simple 15-minute walk 🤝 Why hobbies, exercise classes and community are important for long-term wellbeing 📋 How setting three realistic priorities can prevent every day from feeling like a failure 🚧 The importance of boundaries around work, emails and your personal time 🌿 How to build small moments of calm into even the busiest day 📆 Why the second half of the year is the perfect time to reset before stress begins to build Dr Sonja Bobart and D4 MedicalVisit the D4 Medical website Follow Dr Sonja on Instagram@d4medgp The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, TILDAExplore TILDA’s research Creative activities, hobbies and wellbeing in later lifeRead the TILDA report The health impact of loneliness and social isolationRead the U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory Start With Yourself by Emma Grede (book mentioned) Follow The Wellness Script on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnessscriptpod/

  7. Jul 15

    25. From Six-Figure Debt to Financial Security: Kel Galavan's Financial Wellbeing Special

    Money might not be the first thing that comes to mind when we talk about wellness, but financial stress can affect our sleep, relationships, mental health and even how stress presents physically in the body. In this episode of The Wellness Script, pharmacist and host Lauren O’Reilly is joined by Kel Galavan, qualified financial adviser, author of Mindful Money and founder of Mrs Smart Money. This is a practical, judgment-free guide to taking control of your finances, regardless of where you are starting. Kel explains how to complete a simple money audit, spend without guilt, build financial breathing space, understand your pension and begin thinking about long-term investing without becoming overwhelmed. This episode is brought to you in partnership with two incredible sponsors: Otosan - a trusted range of natural solutions for the whole family, across nose, throat and ear care. From seasonal support for hay fever and travel to the wider family range, Otosan is available in health stores and pharmacies nationwide. Explore the full range at ⁠https://https://www.naturalmedicine.ie/stockist-locator⁠ Elave - gentle, fragrance-free skincare developed for sensitive skin, made in Ireland by the Gardiner Family Apothecary. Discover the full range at ⁠www.elaveskincare.com⁠ and use code WELLNESS for 20% off your order. Show Notes In this episode, Lauren and Kel discuss: 💶 How Kel went from six figures of debt to financial security 🏠 Buying a house before the financial crash and watching it lose half its value 👩‍👧‍👦 The school collection moment that made Kel reconsider how she was living and working 📉 Why reaching a net worth of zero can be an enormous financial milestone 🛍️ How Kel’s no-spend year reduced her family’s outgoings by more than €27,000 🚦 The simple green, amber and red money audit you can complete using one bank statement 💚 How to spend money on what genuinely matters to you without guilt 🧠 The link between financial stress, anxiety and physical wellbeing 📱 How social comparison creates pressure to look richer and more successful than we feel 🗣️ Why Kel believes we should remove the word “should” from conversations about money 📚 Why money management is a skill that anyone can learn 👩 The financial confidence gap and why women often retire with smaller pensions 🤱 The long-term financial impact of caring responsibilities and time away from work 🏥 How to review your health insurance based on the benefits you will actually use 💼 Why your pension should be viewed as your future income and a source of independence 📈 The five main ways people build wealth and why you do not need to pursue all of them 🛟 The financial “life jacket” to put in place before beginning to invest ⏳ Why successful long-term investing should feel more like watching paint dry than gambling 🕊️ How good financial foundations can move you from making difficult decisions to having genuine choices Resources & Links 🌐 Visit Mrs Smart Money Kel’s financial education, coaching and investing resources. 📖 Explore Mindful Money by Kel Galavan A practical Irish guide to building healthier money habits and greater financial security. 📱 Follow Kel on Instagram 💼 Connect with Kel on LinkedIn 🧾 CCPC Budgeting Resources Budgeting tools, spending calculators and information on managing debt and savings. 🏥 Health Insurance Authority Comparison Tool Compare Irish health insurance plans based on the cover that matters to you. 🏦 CCPC Guide to Starting a Pension 💰 Revenue Information on Pension Tax Relief 📊 CCPC Guide to Investing 📥 Download the Free Wellness Script Episode Guide Find the key takeaways, expert insights and practical exercises from every episode. 🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? Follow The Wellness Script with Lauren O’Reilly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube, and share it with someone who wants to feel more confident and in control of their money.

  8. Jul 8

    24. The Sensitive Skin Episode: Eczema, SPF, Retinol & Skin Barrier Advice with Joanna & Tom Gardiner

    In this episode of The Wellness Script, pharmacist and host Lauren O’Reilly sits down with Joanna Gardiner and Tom Gardiner of Elave Skincare, the mother-and-son duo behind one of Ireland’s most trusted family skincare brands. The Gardiner family skincare story began in 1934, when Joanna’s grandfather opened Ireland’s first family skincare apothecary. Over 90 years later, Elave remains a family-run Irish brand, developed and manufactured in Dundalk, and trusted by generations of Irish households for sensitive, reactive, eczema-prone and dry skin. In this conversation, Joanna and Tom explain why sensitive skin is not just a beauty issue — it is a wellness issue. They break down what actually damages the skin barrier, why so many people are reacting to products, how trends like over-exfoliation and young people using retinol can cause problems, and what to look for when choosing gentle skincare and SPF. Lauren also shares why, as a pharmacist, she has been proud to recommend Elave and Ovelle products for years, and why working with a brand rooted in pharmacy, formulation and Irish family heritage means so much. If you have sensitive skin, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, dry skin, irritated hands, reactive skin, or you simply want to simplify your skincare routine and protect your skin barrier, this episode is for you. This episode is brought to you in partnership with two incredible sponsors: Otosan - a trusted range of natural solutions for the whole family, across nose, throat and ear care. From seasonal support for hay fever and travel to the wider family range, Otosan is available in health stores and pharmacies nationwide. Explore the full range at https://https://www.naturalmedicine.ie/stockist-locator Elave - gentle, fragrance-free skincare developed for sensitive skin, made in Ireland by the Gardiner Family Apothecary. Discover the full range at www.elaveskincare.com and use code WELLNESS for 20% off your order. 🎧 Show Notes: In this episode, we cover: 🧴 Why sensitive skin is a wellness issue, not just a beauty concern🌿 The 90-year Gardiner family skincare story behind Elave and Ovelle🧼 Why sulfates, soaps, perfume and harsh products can worsen sensitive skin🚿 The shower and shampoo mistakes that may be irritating your skin barrier🧒 Why children and young people do not need anti-ageing actives like retinol🔥 How overusing actives can trigger irritation, redness and barrier damage☀️ What to look for in an SPF if you have sensitive or reactive skin💧 Why “less is more” is often the best skincare advice👐 How to care for dry, cracked hands and dermatitis-prone skin🧠 The emotional impact of eczema, psoriasis, rosacea and chronic skin conditions🏭 How Elave develops and manufactures its products in Dundalk🌎 What B Corp certification means for the future of the brand👩‍⚕️ Why pharmacy advice still matters when it comes to choosing skincare 💬 “When your skin feels better, you feel better.” - Joanna Gardiner 📌 Resources & Links: 🛍️ Explore Elave Skincare: https://elaveskincare.com/📱 Follow Elave Skincare on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elaveskincare/🎙️ Follow The Wellness Script for more evidence-based health and wellness conversations: https://www.instagram.com/wellnessscriptpod/💌 Download your free episode guide at wellnessscriptpod.com

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. New episodes weekly. Download your free wellness guides & episode summaries here: https://wellnessscriptpod.com

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