The Wellness Scoop

• Reversing Inflammation, Power Naps & The Fall of Weight Watchers/Diet Culture

  In this week’s episode of The Wellness Scoop, we’re diving into some of the biggest shifts and studies shaping the future of health and wellness. We look at a powerful new study showing how switching to a traditional diet for just two weeks can reduce inflammation and boost immunity — without supplements or complex protocols. It’s part of a growing movement back to simpler, seasonal, plant-forward eating. We also explore the link between high blood pressure and dementia risk. A large-scale trial found that addressing cardiovascular health in midlife — through medication and lifestyle changes — could reduce dementia risk by 15%. We break down what that means in practical terms. WW (formerly WeightWatchers) is reportedly heading for bankruptcy, and it’s raising big questions about the future of diet culture. With the rise of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, we’re seeing a shift toward science-backed, compassionate health strategies that move away from guilt, tracking, and restriction. Rhi brings back a fascinating study on daytime napping and brain health — showing that a short daily nap may help slow brain ageing and preserve brain volume. Plus, we look at the wellness trends forecast for 2025 — from high-protein breakfasts and mastic gum to brain flossing, okra water, and metabolic tracking tools. What’s worth paying attention to, and what’s just another layer of over-optimising? Recommendations: Batch-cooking quinoa! A real time saver for when you're having a busy week Sparkling water, super tasty and without additives. Panorama's investigation into baby food pouches - worth watching ahead of the discussion next week Live Show Tickets - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cadoganhall.com/whats-on/the-wellness-scoop-with-ella-mills-and-rhiannon-lambert/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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• The Extra Scoop: Are Our Phones Making us Miserable?

  We’re living in a screen-saturated world—and many of us are starting to ask: what’s all this phone time actually doing to our brains? In this episode, we’re joined by TJ Power, neuroscientist, founder of The DOSE Lab, and author of The DOSE Effect. TJ’s work explores how our brain chemicals—dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins—shape our mental wellbeing, especially in a digital age where constant scrolling is the norm. In This Episode, We Cover: What dopamine is and how it’s affected by our screen habits How social media and phone use influence mood, motivation, and mental health Whether excessive phone use is actually addictive—and what the warning signs are The science behind phone-free mornings and pre-bed habits How constant scrolling might be affecting your emotional resilience Common myths about dopamine and tech Three practical, science-backed ways to reset your brain and improve focus Live Show Tickets - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cadoganhall.com/whats-on/the-wellness-scoop-with-ella-mills-and-rhiannon-lambert/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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  37:50
• Cold Plunges, Morning Routines & The 3 Bursts of Ageing

  In this week’s episode of The Wellness Scoop, we’re diving into some of the most talked-about trends and headlines in health and wellness. We look at the new science around ageing reveals we don’t age steadily — but in three distinct bursts at 34, 60 and 78. What’s happening inside our bodies, and what can we do about it? Are cold plunges actually hurting your muscle growth? We break down the bold claim that they reduce gains by 66% — and what the research really shows. Olive oil shots are the latest TikTok wellness craze — promising better digestion, fewer cravings and glowing skin. But do the benefits hold up beyond the buzz? We also look at the trend of morning routines.  Plus, we discuss a major new report on alcohol and breast cancer risk, explore whether pets might actually make us happier than our partners, and ask whether wellness routines have gone too far in the pursuit of “optimization.” And in our listener question this week: how do you talk to kids about “unhealthy” food without creating shame or fear? Recommendations this week: Ella's film picks: We Live in Time and Wicked Signs by Laura Lynne Jackson Reign - a gripping TV series Live Show Tickets - ⁠https://cadoganhall.com/whats-on/the-wellness-scoop-with-ella-mills-and-rhiannon-lambert/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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  59:42
• The Extra Scoop: Can You Eat Your Way to Glowing Skin?

  Is glowing skin all about luck, or can your diet really make a difference? In this 15-minute conversation, we’ll dive into the buzzwords, nutrients, and so-called "skin superfoods" that claim to transform your skin. We’ll also explore lifestyle factors like stress, hydration, and sleep, and ask whether supplements and trendy fixes really live up to the hype. Plus, we’ll reflect on the pressures and unrealistic beauty standards that impact how we feel about our skin. We’re joined by Dr. Thivi Maruthappu, Consultant Dermatologist and Nutritionist, to discuss how diet and lifestyle impact skin health. In This Episode, We Cover: Whether diet truly affects skin health or if it’s more about genetics Key nutrients and "skin superfoods" that can make a difference The role of stress, hydration, and sleep in skin health The effectiveness of supplements, including collagen and beauty gummies Whether quick fixes like face sculpting devices and LED lights actually work Dr Thivi Maruthappu is the author of SkinFood: Your 4-Step Solution to Healthy, Happy Skin Live Show Tickets - https://cadoganhall.com/whats-on/the-wellness-scoop-with-ella-mills-and-rhiannon-lambert/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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  21:36
• Longevity, Collagen & the Perfectionism Trap

  In this week’s episode, we explore the link between movement, health, and body image—asking whether it’s time to rethink what it means to be fit at any size. From inclusive workout spaces to powerful personal stories, we look at how fitness and longevity go beyond the scales. Green tea is making headlines for its potential brain health benefits in older adults, but what does the science actually say? And how does it stack up against coffee? We break down the latest research, plus what to look for in a good-quality brew. Collagen coffee is the latest beauty-meets-wellness trend—but is it just frothy marketing? We look at what collagen really does, who might benefit, and whether your morning latte is the best delivery method. We also dive into a brilliant piece from Style Magazine in The Times about perfectionism and the pressure to optimise every part of our lives. Is the pursuit of betterment actually stealing your joy? And could “good enough” be the healthiest choice of all? We take a closer look at how to age in the healthiest way possible—breaking down the latest research on healthspan and what we can actually do now to support our long-term wellbeing, from diet to mindset to movement. Plus, Ella shares her New York adventures, Rhiannon talks about oat bars, and we unpack SACN’s latest update on ultra-processed foods—why not all UPFs are created equal, and what this means for plant-based eating. Recommendations this week: Is Maximising’ Your Life Making You Miserable? A great article from Style Magazine in this weekend’s Times Rhi's easy to make oat bars - quick and delicious Book recommendation - I May Be Wrong Live Show Tickets - https://cadoganhall.com/whats-on/the-wellness-scoop-with-ella-mills-and-rhiannon-lambert/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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