Well Enough

The Independent

WELL ENOUGH is here to make sense of the wild world of health and wellness, answering the biggest questions and busting myths and misinformation wide open.  How do I know if my gut is healthy? Should I freeze my eggs? What is manifestation? Do I really need therapy? And why is everyone telling me to just be grateful? Join Fitness and Wellbeing Editor Emilie Lavinia and inspiring expert guests as we uncover the truth about mindfulness, the microbiome, fertility, relationships and more.  Each episode will tackle a new subject with the help of household names and leaders in their fields, dispelling the nonsense you might have read on TikTok and giving you peace of mind. Fascinated by the pursuit of wellness Emilie Lavinia is one of the UK’s leading health and wellbeing journalists. She’s tried every trend, treatment and life-altering practice, reported on it and lived to tell the tale.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Ateh Jewel on divorce, trying Ozempic and dating in her 40s

    1 DAY AGO

    Ateh Jewel on divorce, trying Ozempic and dating in her 40s

    Society loves to tell women that life peaks in their twenties. The story is that beauty and desirability have an expiration date. But for many, midlife isn’t an ending, it’s a turning point. This week on Well Enough, Emilie sits down with award-winning beauty journalist and brand founder, Ateh Jewel. After decades in an industry that often told her she didn’t fit the mold, Ateh is now reclaiming her narrative and sense of self with unapologetic joy. She challenges the cultural scripts that define women by their age or relationship status and explains why her 40s have been her most powerful decade yet. Ateh opens up about the moment that led to her divorce after a 26-year relationship and how she navigated the "feral" reality of modern dating as a midlife woman. You’ll also hear Ateh describe her experience as a black woman in the beauty industry, battling outdated and oftentimes ignorant views from those with financial power.  Ateh also shares the shame she experienced surrounding Type 2 diabetes, her candid experience with Ozempic, and why reclaiming her health through weightlifting was an act of radical self-love. Follow Well Enough on Instagram here Follow Emilie on Instagram here  Timecodes 00:00 Life After 40: Why Your Best Years Are Ahead 02:49 Childfree or Not: Defining Your Worth as a Woman 05:00 Surviving the Beauty Industry as a Black Woman 07:44 Why Beauty is Political 12:14 Overcoming Racism in Venture Capital 15:48 Diversity in the Beauty Industry 17:53 The Truth About Divorce After 26 Years 20:39 Finding Your Support System Post-Breakup 22:58 Reframing Divorce: Why It’s Not a Failure 25:50 Weight Loss Journey: Ozempic & Lifting Weights 28:28 Using Dating Apps in your 40s 31:40 Fetishization & Safety in Dating 34:05 Parenting Gen Z Girls in the Social Media Age 38:18 ‘Burn It Down’: How to Start Your Life Over 40:05 Strategic Advice for Navigating Divorce 43:00 Healing Trauma Through Pets & Routine 51:30 The Shame of Type 2 Diabetes & Sugar Addiction More from Ateh:  Find Ateh Jewel on Instagram here  Listen to Ateh’s podcast on divorce ‘The Big D’ here Ateh’s beauty brand is here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr
  2. Valentine’s Special: Sex expert Dr Tara on improving sexual wellness

    11 FEB

    Valentine’s Special: Sex expert Dr Tara on improving sexual wellness

    Sexual wellness is often reduced to physical sensation - but what if it could be the key to mental clarity, relationship harmony and professional success?  Today, Emilie sits down with Dr. Tara to explore the three dimensions of sexual health that most people ignore.  We dig into the root causes of the low self-esteem epidemic among women and challenge the restrictive cultural scripts we inherited from previous generations. Dr. Tara explains the tangible ROI of an orgasm and why "sex positivity" is about more than just being open-minded. We also navigate the dark side of digital intimacy, from the dehumanization of AI sex bots to the misogyny lurking in your DMs. This is a candid look at how reclaiming your sexuality can fundamentally change how you show up in the world. Follow the show: Follow Well Enough on Instagram here Follow Emilie on Instagram here  Timecodes 00:00 The 3 Dimensions of Sexual Wellness 01:48 Relationship Advice: Frequency & Communication 03:22 Defining Sex Positivity vs. Sex Negativity 05:13 Why Pleasure Is Medicine for Physical & Mental Health 07:29 Why Doctors Don't Talk About Sex 09:03 Overcoming Cultural Scripts & Sexual Repression 10:18 How We Teach Children Sexual Shame 12:42 The ROI of Orgasms: Career & Confidence 14:37 Building Sexual Self-Esteem & Intimacy 16:43 The Historical Roots of Low Self-Esteem in Women 18:32 Debunking "High Value" Woman Narratives 20:12 Morning Masturbation & The Hormonal Cocktail 22:48 Body Autonomy: Clothing & Self-Worth 24:53 The Reality of the "Trad Wife" Trend 26:33 Dealing with Unwanted DMs & Fetishization 28:27 The Madonna-Whore Complex Explained 30:38 Double Standards in Casual Sex & Dating 31:58 Best Sex Education Books & Resources 33:57 Clapping Back at Judgmental Comments 35:48 Idiosyncratic Masturbation & Vibrator Dependency 38:17 Sex Toy Recommendations: Discreet & Sustainable Options 39:52 The Dark Side of AI Sex Robots 42:13 Sex Therapist vs. Sex Coach: What's the Difference? 46:12 How to Practice Sexual Meditation 48:21 The Power of Sex Journaling & Affirmations More from Dr Tara: Luvbites on InstagramHer new book ‘How Do You Like It?: A Guide for Getting What You Want (in Bed)’  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    54 min
  3. Dr Karan Rajan on women’s health myths, intermittent fasting and glucose spikes

    4 FEB

    Dr Karan Rajan on women’s health myths, intermittent fasting and glucose spikes

    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.

    49 min
  4. Deliciously Ella founder Ella Mills: Building her nutrition empire, simple cooking tips, and beating wellness overwhelm

    28 JAN

    Deliciously Ella founder Ella Mills: Building her nutrition empire, simple cooking tips, and beating wellness overwhelm

    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.

    36 min
  5. Joe Wicks on protein, his controversial documentary, fatherhood & phone addiction

    21 JAN

    Joe Wicks on protein, his controversial documentary, fatherhood & phone addiction

    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.

    44 min

About

WELL ENOUGH is here to make sense of the wild world of health and wellness, answering the biggest questions and busting myths and misinformation wide open.  How do I know if my gut is healthy? Should I freeze my eggs? What is manifestation? Do I really need therapy? And why is everyone telling me to just be grateful? Join Fitness and Wellbeing Editor Emilie Lavinia and inspiring expert guests as we uncover the truth about mindfulness, the microbiome, fertility, relationships and more.  Each episode will tackle a new subject with the help of household names and leaders in their fields, dispelling the nonsense you might have read on TikTok and giving you peace of mind. Fascinated by the pursuit of wellness Emilie Lavinia is one of the UK’s leading health and wellbeing journalists. She’s tried every trend, treatment and life-altering practice, reported on it and lived to tell the tale.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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