The Wellness Scoop Podcast

Were more connected than ever but is our tech making us healthier, or quietly harming us?

In this episode of The Extra Scoop, were joined by physicist and cancer researcher Dr David Robert Grimes to unpack what the science really says about technology and our health from EMFs and mobile phones to AirPods, microwaves, AI, and the platforms that shape our daily lives.

Dr Grimes explores why viral misinformation spreads so easily, how social media is rewiring our emotional responses, and why he compares todays tech giants to the tobacco industry. We also dig into the long-term risks of algorithm-driven platforms and ask whether fear around radiation and devices is rooted in real science or modern health anxiety.

This is a conversation that cuts through the noise, challenges fear-based narratives, and empowers you to think more critically in a digital-first world.

In This Episode, We Cover:

Whether phones, AirPods and microwaves pose any physical health risks



What the research says about EMFs and 5G



The rise of misinformation and why social media may be the new tobacco



The long-term impact of AI and algorithm-driven tech on learning and mental health



The real cost of constant outrage and viral content



Simple ways to spot health misinformation and protect your wellbeing online



How to stay informed without falling into fear



About the Guest:Dr David Robert Grimes is a physicist, cancer researcher and science writer with a PhD in medical physics. His work focuses on misinformation, public health and science communication. He writes for The Guardian, The Irish Times and BBC Future, and is the author of The Irrational Ape, which explores why we believe falsehoods and how to think more clearly in a world of misinformation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on The Wellness Scoop, we’re unpacking the stories that are reshaping the way we think about food, health, and community.

We start with a major new report exposing the rise of nutrition misinformation online — with up to 24 million people now at risk of following harmful diet advice from unqualified influencers. We dig into the shocking stats, the financial machine behind viral health content, and what needs to change if we’re going to rebuild trust in expert-led wellness.

Next, we look at the government’s quiet U-turn on a healthy food policy — after pressure from ultra-processed food giants — and why it matters more than ever in a cost-of-living crisis.

We’re also shining a light on the growing trend of real food heroes like Medjool dates, exploring the science behind their heart and gut benefits.

And finally… saunas. Yes, really. From Finnish forests 10,000 years ago to floating sauna parties in Liverpool, we explore why this ancient ritual is having such a huge cultural comeback — and what the science says about its impact on stress, sleep, pain and longevity.

Plus: a powerful personal story from actress Julia Stiles on body image, sample sizes, and learning to trust your body again.

Recommendations:

Julia Stiles' appearance on How to Fail with Elizabeth Day

The Badger Trust - good to know where to find help when you spot wildlife in need

Ella's book recommendation: Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano



Plus you can order Rhi's new book The Unprocessed Plate ⁠here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As summer approaches and body image pressures creep in, many of us start to feel more self-conscious — often without even realising it. In this episode of The Extra Scoop, we’re joined by registered dietitian and nutritionist Sarah Elder to unpack what it really means to have a healthy relationship with food.

Sarah brings over a decade of experience and a refreshingly compassionate, realistic approach to nutrition. Together, we explore how to tune into your body’s needs, challenge unhelpful thought patterns, and find a way of eating that feels intuitive, enjoyable and sustainable.

We also talk about the powerful influence of social media, childhood conditioning, and the subtle ways diet culture still shapes how we see food and ourselves — plus how we can break those patterns for the next generation.

Whether you're navigating years of food rules or simply want to feel a bit more at ease around eating, this conversation is full of gentle, practical ideas to help you reconnect with food in a way that works for you.

In This Episode, We Cover:

What a truly healthy relationship with food looks and feels like



Why it’s normal to want to feel good in your body — and how to do that without falling into restriction



How to start spotting hunger and fullness cues again



What intuitive eating and mindful eating actually mean in practice



Advice for navigating social media without feeling overwhelmed



The impact of generational food messaging — and how to break the cycle



One small, manageable step to help you shift all-or-nothing thinking



Why healthy looks different for everyone



About the Guest: Sarah Elder is a registered dietitian and nutritionist with over a decade of experience in clinical and community settings. She supports individuals in building a more balanced, relaxed relationship with food and specialises in gut health, hormonal wellbeing and the connection between food and mood. Sarah is passionate about cutting through the noise of diet culture and helping people reconnect with food in a way that’s intuitive, enjoyable and sustainable.

You can find her on Instagram @saraheldernutrition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we’re diving into the small (and slightly ridiculous) things that could be having a big impact on your health.

We start with the science behind fibre — and how eating more of it may actually help flush out forever chemicals from the body. Then there’s the rising concern over plastics disrupting our sleep, thanks to their unexpected effect on the body’s circadian rhythm.

We also explore the viral trends taking over wellness feeds right now — from fart walks to “Netflix bum” (yes, it’s real), plus the new wave of advice on why midlife strength training is so important for healthspan.

Elsewhere in the episode, we unpack how ozempic might change the world and we answer your listener question on how to reduce sugar cravings without falling into the restriction trap.

Recommendations:

Check out @sambentley for good, positive news that breaks through the doom and gloom!

Packing cases - a big stress saver before going on holiday

Pitta breads - versatile and reduces waste!

Charles Dowding's Youtube channel - namely his 'no dig' method. Lots of useful tips for your garden

Plus you can order Rhi's new book The Unprocessed Plate here

And don’t forget: The Wellness Scoop Live is happening on Saturday 14th June at Cadogan Hall — find your tickets here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cadoganhall.com/whats-on/the-wellness-scoop-with-ella-mills-and-rhiannon-lambert/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week’s episode, we’re diving into four surprising headlines that touch on everything from daily habits to big lifestyle shifts.

First up, new research reveals that just two weeks without mobile internet can reverse ten years of cognitive ageing and significantly boost mental health. We break down what happened in the study, and whether a digital detox could work in real life.

Then, we explore the idea of nondoing — a powerful wellness concept from Deepak Chopra that isn’t meditation or rest, but a deeper kind of stillness that reconnects you with yourself.

We also look at a bold claim from The Telegraph — that poor posture could shorten your life — and share practical steps to improve it, starting today.

And finally, a fun one: champagne might actually be good for your heart. But before you pop a bottle, we unpack what the science says (and what it doesn’t).

In today’s trend check, we explore the booming world of mushroom-based wellness drinks, from lion’s mane lattes to adaptogenic teas — are they worth the hype?

Recommendations:

The Irrational Ape - Dr David Robert Grimes

Apple TV's 'Your Friends and Neighbours'

Ella's chimichurri recipe: - ½ shallot/small red onion, 1 clove garlic, a large handful (25g) of fresh parsley, finely chopped, a small handful of fresh coriander (15g), finely chopped, 1 red chilli, 2 tablespoons cider vinegar,  5 tablespoons olive oil, pinch of salt

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