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. -2 дн.

    20. Pelvic Health 101: What Every Woman Should Know About Leaking, Pain, Prolapse & Pregnancy with Shalini Wiseman

    In this episode of The Wellness Script, pharmacist and host Lauren O’Reilly sits down with Shalini Wiseman, pelvic health physiotherapist, for a practical, eye-opening conversation about the part of women’s health so many of us were never properly taught: the pelvic floor. From leaking when you laugh, run or jump, to painful sex, recurrent UTIs, prolapse, pregnancy preparation and menopause-related changes, Shalini explains why pelvic health is not just a “post-baby” issue - and why the answer is not always more Kegels. This episode will help you understand what your pelvic floor actually does, when to seek help, what happens at a pelvic health physio appointment, and how breathing, posture, sport, childbirth and hormones can all affect pelvic health over time. If you’ve ever wondered whether leaking is “normal”, whether painful sex is something you just have to put up with, or what you should do before and after pregnancy to support your body, this conversation is for you. This episode is brought to you in partnership with two incredible sponsors: 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. 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 In this episode, Lauren and Shalini cover: 🔥 Why pelvic health physiotherapy is still under-discussed, even among healthcare professionals 🏃‍♀️ How sport, gymnastics, ballet, GAA and constant “core engagement” can contribute to pelvic floor tightness 💨 The connection between breathing, the diaphragm and the pelvic floor - and why relaxation matters as much as strength 🚽 What incontinence can look like, from leaking with sneezing or running to urgency and bowel symptoms 🤰 Why Shalini recommends thinking about pelvic health before pregnancy, not just after birth 🧘‍♀️ The role of perineal massage, pelvic floor relaxation and birth preparation from around 35 weeks 👩‍⚕️ What actually happens at a pelvic health physio appointment, including why an internal assessment can be so helpful 💬 Why painful sex is not something women should simply accept or push through 🔄 How prolapse, pessaries and structural support can help women stay active — from CrossFit to running to farming 🌸 How perimenopause and menopause can affect pelvic tissue, recurrent UTIs, incontinence and prolapse Disclaimer: This episode is for informational and educational purposes only and does not replace personalised medical advice. Always seek the advice of a healthcare professional if you have a health concern. 📌 Resources & Links Guest: Shalini WisemanProfession: Pelvic Health PhysiotherapistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pelvic_health_programs/ Find a pelvic health physiotherapist in Ireland: https://www.iscp.ie/find-a-physio Mentioned in this episode:YES Organic Lubricants — good quality lubricant options discussed in the context of painful sex and menopause.AniBall / Epi-No — birth preparation tools discussed alongside perineal massage.Vaginal oestrogen/local oestrogen — discussed for menopausal tissue changes, recurrent UTIs and pelvic health; speak to your GP, pharmacist or menopause specialist.Pessaries — discussed as structural support for prolapse, leaking and high-impact activity; assessment and fitting are important.

    1 ч. 8 мин.
  2. 3 июн.

    19. Grace Alice Ó Sé: The Sex Education We All Should Have Had

    In this episode of The Wellness Script, Host & Pharmacist Lauren O’Reilly sits down with Grace Alice Ó Sé, sex and intimacy educator, author and podcaster, for a deeply honest, shame-free conversation about sex, desire, pleasure and the education so many of us never received. Grace shares how her own experience with vaginismus, limited sex education and feeling “broken” led her into the world of sex education - first working with young people in schools, and later supporting adults and couples to build healthier, happier intimate lives. Together, Lauren and Grace explore why so many people feel alone in their sex lives, why libido is far more complex than a quick fix or supplement, and how desire can be responsive rather than spontaneous. They also discuss pain with sex, communication in relationships, the pleasure gap, body image, menopause, STIs, shame, and why sexual wellbeing deserves to be treated as part of our overall health. This is a conversation for anyone who has ever wondered if they are “normal”, struggled to talk about sex, felt disconnected from their body, or simply wants to understand themselves better. 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 Grace discuss: 🔥 Why so many adults feel they never received proper sex education 🧠 Grace’s personal experience with vaginismus and how it shaped her work 💬 Why shame keeps people from seeking support for sexual health concerns ❤️ The importance of your sexual relationship with yourself 📉 Why libido can drop, and why it does not mean you are broken ✨ The difference between spontaneous desire and responsive desire 🧩 Why desire is affected by stress, body image, relationship dynamics, communication and pleasure 🛏️ Why sex should feel “worth your while” emotionally, physically and mentally ⚖️ How gendered ideas about sex harm both women and men 🗣️ How to start better conversations with your partner about intimacy 💋 Why kissing, flirting and non-goal-focused intimacy matter ⛔ Why a temporary “sex ban” can sometimes help remove pressure 🌿 Why pain with sex is common but should never be dismissed as “normal” 🧴 The role of lube, arousal, foreplay and understanding how the body works 🌙 Menopause, sexual confidence and investing in your future sexual wellbeing 🧡 STIs, rejection, confidence and remembering that you are still worthy and desirable 📚 Grace’s book Sex Educated and the resources she recommends for learning more Resources & Links 📖 Grace Alice Ó Sé’s book: Sex Educated: https://sexualhealthwest.ie/product/sex-educated-by-grace-alice-oshea/ 🌐 Grace Alice Ó Sé: Grace Alice website: https://gracealice.com/ 📱 Follow Grace: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grace_alice_oshea/reels/ 🎧 Grace’s podcast: The G Spot with Grace Alice: https://gracealice.com/graces-work/podcasts/ 📚 Book mentioned: Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski 🎓 Grace’s courses: Libido Unlocked: https://gracealice.com/libido-unlocked/ 🎙️ Follow The Wellness Script on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnessscriptpod/ 📩 Download the free episode guide: wellnessscriptpod.com

    1 ч. 7 мин.
  3. 29 апр.

    17. Learning to Stop: Vanessa Ogbonna on Chronic Illness, Identity & Life After Professional Football

    Episode Description: This week on the Wellness Script podcast, we're joined by Vanessa Ogbonna - content creator, TV presenter, former semi-professional footballer, public health graduate, and one of the most refreshingly honest voices in the wellness space right now. Vanessa is known to many from winning The Traitors Ireland, but her story goes so much deeper than that. After getting Covid in January 2021 during pre-season, Vanessa began experiencing symptoms that would eventually lead to a diagnosis of lupus - an autoimmune condition - as well as sports-induced asthma. All while filming, playing football, and pushing through in true athlete fashion. Her body, eventually, had other ideas. In this conversation, we get into what it really looks like to navigate wellness with a chronic illness, why Vanessa draws such a clear distinction between fitness and wellness, and how losing her identity as a footballer forced a massive - and ongoing - reinvention. This one is packed with honesty, insight, and plenty of moments that will resonate whether or not you've ever kicked a ball in your life. In this episode, we cover: What wellness actually means to Vanessa right now - and why it changes with each season of life.Her lupus diagnosis, and how she pushed through symptoms for far too longThe difference between fitness and wellness (and why that distinction matters)Identity loss after leaving professional sport, and the long road to acceptanceGrowing up as an athlete and performing for love vs. performing for joyWhat it means to fundraise and train for the Dublin City Half Marathon with a chronic illnessAnti-inflammatory eating, gut health, alcohol, and why she keeps it practical - not perfectRepresentation in healthcare, women's health in Ireland, and why she chose public healthWhy community is now a core part of her wellness philosophyHer advice for anyone navigating health challenges, career pivots, or big life transitions Our SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Sona Vitamins, Ireland’s longest established nutritional supplement producer.Find Sona online at sona.ie, in pharmacies nationwide, and in selected health stores.Use SONAGIFT at checkout to have a free gift added to your order.Gift selected by Sona. Terms and Conditions apply. While stocks last.⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/wellness-script⁠⁠⁠ Resources & Links: 🔗 Find Vanessa: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyitsmenesser/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heyitsmenesserLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vanessa-ogbonna-687267131🔗 Mentioned in this episode: Lupus Ireland — Support and information for people living with lupus in IrelandPlan Ireland — The charity Vanessa is fundraising for via the Dublin City Half MarathonDublin City Half Marathon — Registration and infoWHO Definition of Health — Referenced at the top of the episode🔗 Topics discussed: Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus / SLE) — HSE InfoSports-induced / Exercise-induced asthma — Asthma Society of IrelandAnti-inflammatory eating — Harvard Health: Anti-Inflammatory DietThe Traitors Ireland (TV show)

    46 мин.
  4. 22 апр.

    16. Beating Burnout & Overwhelm: The Simple Nature Reset with Feebee Foran

    This week on The Wellness Script, Pharmacist and host Lauren O'Reilly is joined by the wonderful Feebee Foran - herbalist, forager, and founder of the natural skincare brand Forager. Feebee's energy is infectious, and her deep love of the land, traditional wisdom, and the plants that grow around us will have you looking at your daily walk in a whole new way. 🎯 What You'll Take Away How to use nature as a free, accessible tool for calming an overthinking mindA simple framework for building a grounding daily ritual - even if you're busy or live in a cityWhy getting your hands in the soil changes your mood (and Feebee's story of healing through grief)What foraging actually is, and how to start safely (her 5-plants-at-a-time rule)The fascinating oral history of the "wise women" who passed down plant wisdom for generationsHow to reframe the "weeds" growing around you — daisies, dandelions, nettle, chickweedA pharmacist and herbalist unpack the "toxic beauty" myth and why scaremongering isn't helpfulHow to bring green into any home - apartment, rental, or windowsillA life-giving mindset shift: trust that growth is happening, even when you can't see it yet*Our Sponsor*This episode is brought to you by Sona Vitamins, Ireland’s longest established nutritional supplement producer.Find Sona online at sona.ie, in pharmacies nationwide, and in selected health stores.Use SONAGIFT at checkout to have a free gift added to your order.Gift selected by Sona. Terms and Conditions apply. While stocks last.⁠⁠https://bit.ly/wellness-script⁠⁠ 🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned 🌼 Forager Skincare — Feebee's natural skincare brand, stocked in 100+ stores in Ireland, 12 in the US, and launching in the UK: https://www.forager.ie/ Follow Feebee https://www.instagram.com/forager.ie/ https://www.instagram.com/feebatron/ Follow The Wellness Script: 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/wellnessscriptpod🎵 TikTok: tiktok.com/@wellnessscriptpodCourses with Feebee: https://www.froe.ie/book-a-course/🌱 Daisies (Bella perennis) — sometimes called the "poor man's arnica" and traditionally used in soothing balms for bruises and skin🌿 Chickweed — traditionally used in balms for dry, irritated skin💛 Dandelion — a long-valued plant in traditional herbalism, historically cultivated for its leaves, roots, and flowers🍃 Nettle — nutrient-dense and traditionally used in tonics and topical preparations🌾 Easy-to-grow kitchen garden picks: mint, lemon balm, chamomile, rosemary, thyme, peas, kale, spinach, potatoes📚 Doctrine of Signatures — the traditional herbalist concept that a plant's appearance hints at how it can be used🍄 The Yew tree — a fascinating example of how nature inspires modern medicine (source of compounds used in chemotherapy)🐕 Borrow a dog, or find a walking buddy — Feebee's favourite daily nature ritualDisclaimer: This episode is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The views shared by guests are their own and do not replace guidance from your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare professional. Always consult a healthcare professional before making changes to your health routine, starting any new practice, or if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication, or managing a health condition. Never forage, consume, or apply any wild plant unless you are 100% certain of its identification and safety. If this conversation gave you a little nudge to step outside today, share it with a friend who could use a breath of fresh air. Subscribe, leave a quick review, and come say hi on Instagram and TikTok - I'd love to hear what resonated with you.

    49 мин.
  5. 15 апр.

    15. How to Use Your Breath to Calm Stress, Sleep Better and Build Resilience | Níall O Murchu, Breathwork Expert

    In this episode of The Wellness Script, Pharmacist Lauren O’Reilly MPSI is joined by Níall O Murchu, breathwork expert, former international athlete, and best-selling author, for a powerful conversation on why the way we breathe can shape how we feel, think, sleep, and respond to stress. Níall shares how severe childhood asthma first made him aware of the breath, how that evolved through sport, Shaolin training, yoga, and years of teaching, and why breathwork remains one of the simplest and fastest tools for regulating the nervous system. From mouth breathing and sleep quality to long exhales, cold exposure, and building resilience in modern life, this episode is a practical masterclass in using the breath as a daily tool for calm, recovery, and presence. Níall O Murchu’s journey from severe childhood asthma to becoming a leading voice in breathwork Why the breath is one of the fastest tools we have to calm stress and regulate the nervous systemHow modern life, pressure, and habit can lead to mouth breathing, poor sleep, and low-level anxietyA simple breathwork practice to use in traffic, before meetings, or in stressful moments: long, slow exhales The role of nose breathing, yoga, and mouth taping in retraining healthier breathing patterns How to use cold exposure as a tool for resilience, recovery, and presence - without overdoing itWhy stress itself is not always the problem — but staying stuck in it can be Níall’s books, app, and practical tools for bringing breathwork into daily life **Our Sponsor**This episode is brought to you by Sona Vitamins, Ireland’s longest established nutritional supplement producer.Find Sona online at sona.ie, in pharmacies nationwide, and in selected health stores.Use SONAGIFT at checkout to have a free gift added to your order.Gift selected by Sona. Terms and Conditions apply. While stocks last.https://bit.ly/wellness-script Links and Resources: Breathe with Níall: https://www.breathewithniall.com/Follow Níall: https://www.instagram.com/breathewithniall/The Blissful Breath by Níall O Murchu (Book)The Power of Cold by Níall O Murchu (Book)Breath by James Nestor Naze Nose Strips (not affiliated but mentioned): https://www.nazestore.com/Susanna Søberg and her cold exposure research summary referenced in the episode: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34755128/

    1 ч. 4 мин.
  6. 8 апр.

    14. PCOS, Endometriosis & Fertility with Dietitian Emer O'Driscoll

    In this episode of The Wellness Script, Pharmacist & Host Lauren O’Reilly is joined by Emer O’Driscoll, Senior Women’s Health Dietitian, fertility nutrition specialist, and intuitive eating counsellor, for a practical and compassionate conversation on PCOS, endometriosis, fertility, inflammation, blood sugar balance, and healing your relationship with food. Together, they break down how these conditions differ, how they’re diagnosed, and why so many women are left trying to piece together advice from the internet before getting the right support.They also explore what nutrition can realistically do to help, why there is no one-size-fits-all diet for either condition, and how simple foundations like eating regularly, slowing down while eating, supporting digestion, and looking at stress, sleep and movement can make a meaningful difference. The episode also touches on fertility, misinformation, and why a more personalised, weight-inclusive, intuitive approach to food can be far more helpful than restrictive diet rules.***Our Sponsor***This episode is brought to you by Sona Vitamins, Ireland’s longest established nutritional supplement producer.Find Sona online at sona.ie, in pharmacies nationwide, and in selected health stores.Use SONAGIFT at checkout to have a free gift added to your order.Gift selected by Sona. Terms and Conditions apply. While stocks last.https://bit.ly/wellness-script In this episode, we cover:The difference between PCOS and endometriosis, and why they’re often confusedHow PCOS is diagnosed using the Rotterdam criteria Why endometriosis diagnosis can be more complex and often takes time The role of inflammation in both conditions, and how nutrition may help support symptom management Why blood sugar balance matters, particularly for PCOS The importance of eating regularly and not skipping mealsHow stress, sleep, movement and diet all interact in fertility and hormonal health Why “unexplained infertility” may deserve a deeper look What intuitive eating actually means, and how it can help you reconnect with your bodyWhy personalised support from a qualified professional matters more than generic advice onlineResources mentioned:Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse ReschEmer O’Driscoll:On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/succeed_dietitian/Emer's Clinic Details: https://www.blackrockhealth.com/treatments-procedures/dietetics-nutrition/ms-emer-odriscollDisclaimer: This episode discusses PCOS, endometriosis, fertility, and nutrition for general educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace personalised medical care. If you are concerned about your symptoms, cycle, fertility, or diet, please seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, dietitian, or specialist healthcare professional.

    1 ч. 11 мин.
  7. 1 апр.

    13. What Dentists Wish You Knew with Ireland's Toothfairy, Dr Bronagh Keane

    In this episode of The Wellness Script Podcast, Lauren O’Reilly sits down with Dr Bronagh Keane, dentist, facial aesthetics practitioner, and founder of Phosphor Wellness Clinic, for a refreshing and genuinely useful conversation about oral health, natural smiles, and the dental advice more people need to hear. Together, they unpack the everyday habits that matter most for healthy teeth and gums, the truth about whitening products, why bleeding gums should never be ignored, and what people often get wrong about veneers, “Turkey teeth,” and chasing unrealistic smile ideals. Dr Bronagh also shares her conservative, whole-face approach to aesthetic dentistry and explains why the best results are the ones that still look like you. If you’ve ever felt confused by oral care advice online, anxious about the dentist, or curious about how to get healthier, brighter teeth without damaging them, this episode is packed with practical takeaways. *Disclaimer - this is for informational and educational purposes only. Please see your dentist or relevant healthcare professional regarding your individual health concerns for personalised advice. Our Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Sona Vitamins, Ireland’s longest established nutritional supplement producer. Find Sona online at sona.ie, in pharmacies nationwide, and in selected health stores. https://bit.ly/wellness-script **Show Notes** In this episode, we cover: 🔥 Why dental problems often creep up silently - and why pain usually comes later, not earlier🦷 Why regular dental check-ups and hygienist visits matter more than people think✨ The truth about “natural-looking” smile makeovers and why overly perfect teeth often look less natural🚫 What people need to know before considering veneers or dental treatment abroad💸 Why “cheap” dental tourism can become far more expensive in the long run😁 Whitening myths - including why whitening toothpastes and charcoal products may be doing more harm than good🪥 The difference between over-the-counter whitening and professional whitening🩸 Why bleeding gums are a red flag, not something to brush off🧵 Floss vs interdental brushes - and what actually works best between the teeth🫧 Mouthwash myths, including why using it straight after brushing may not be the best move😬 Teeth grinding, jaw tension, headaches and the ways stress can show up in the mouth💆‍♀️ Dr Bronagh’s holistic approach to facial aesthetics, smile design and subtle, confidence-boosting results🤍 Why the best cosmetic dentistry is conservative, tailored, and focused on enhancing what is already there

    53 мин.

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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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