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The Best Health and Wellbeing Podcasts You Need to Know About

14th March 2022

Fitness Health

14th March 2022

By Robyn Schaffer

Podcasts are the new Netflix. Everyone you know seems to be either listening to them or making them. In 2018, Apple estimated that there were over 550,000 podcasts out there. But this year, that number was raised to over 1 million. The people love their podcasts.

And we can’t blame them. Whether it’s on the commute, on a walk, or relaxing at home, podcasts are an easy way to unwind while learning something new at the same time.

Innermost's favourite podcast genre 

One particular genre of podcast we’ve been loving at the moment is, of course, health and wellbeing. From food and fitness, to sleep and mental health, there are endless options for educating yourself around the wellness trend and hearing a range of different opinions and views. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of our current faves just for you.

Happy listening!

The Food Medic 

 Hosted by Dr. Hazel Wallace, a renowned medic, blogger and personal trainer, the beauty of The Food Medic podcast is that you'll hear from the very best of nutritionists, trainers and experts in a range of fields from nutrition to exercise and everything in between. 

The aim of the podcast is simple, to cut through the noise when it comes to the facts around health and wellness. It's no surprise it's one of our favourites, is it? 

The Diary Of A CEO With Steven Bartlett

 Entrepreneur Steven Bartlett hosts a weekly podcast to inject insights from his learnings, business ventures and life experiences to give listeners a behind-the-scenes look into his life, and that of his celebrity and high-profile guests. Unscripted and full of nuggets of wisdom, if you need a bit of inspiration, The Diary Of A CEO podcast is a definite go-to for us. 

 

Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee

 

On a journey similar to our own, Dr Rangan Chatterjee is on a mission to simplify the health and wellness world. Similar to The Food Medic, Dr Chatterjee welcomes a range of guests to discuss the latest in the health and wellness world. You may recognise him from BBC1's programme "Doctor In The House", and now it's time to welcome him on your podcast channel of choice. 

Happy Place 

Radio DJ and TV presenter Fearne Cotton’s podcast Happy Place digs deep into one of the most-searched and talked about issues in society today: happiness. Whether we’re trying to pursue it or define it, the idea of happiness has been a hot topic in recent years. And it’s for good reason, what with our lives all becoming increasingly more busy and stressful. Fearne interviews someone different on each episode about their own experiences with mental health and pursuing happiness, as well as getting candid and real about her own, making for conversations that are simultaneously revealing, vulnerable, and inspiring. Previous guests have included Stephen Fry, Alicia Keys, Joe Wicks, Ellie Goulding and Chessie King.

Deliciously Ella

After becoming extremely sick with an autoimmune disease while at university, Ella Mills (previously Ella Woodward) decided to take her health into her own hands by curing her sickness through making changes to her diet. Having discovered that a plant-based diet could make such a dramatic difference to her quality of life, Deliciously Ella was born, and has since turned into a hugely successful business with recipe books, food products, a podcast and more. The Deliciously Ella podcast sees Ella and her husband Matt, the CEO of the company, interview an inspiring range of people within the health and wellness industry, where they debunk common myths, de-stigmatise mental health, and discuss how to make positive changes in your own personal wellness journey. Featuring an impressive roster of guests across health, wellness and lifestyle, we love this one for educating us about how body and mind are always interconnected.

iWeigh

Previously a Radio 1 DJ and now an actress and activist, Jameela Jamil has become one of the biggest presences on the internet thanks to her outspoken and fearless approach towards tackling societal problems like body image and wider women’s issues. Her empowering form of activism has culminated in iWeigh, a podcast that “challenges society’s definition of worth through weight by asking different thought-leaders, performers, activists, influencers, and friends about how they are working through their past shames to find where their value truly lies”. Guests have ranged from trans activist Munroe Bergdorf, and singer Demi Lovato, to actress Reese Witherspoon and actor Matt McGorry. At Innermost, we’re all about an informed, healthy and balanced approach to weight, so we can’t recommend this one enough.

Sleep With Me

It’s not what you think. Sleep With Me is a podcast all about trying to get you to go to sleep. Hosted by Drew Ackerman, each episode takes the form of a bedtime story. But a boring one. Yes, really. The idea is that each ‘story’ is interesting enough to distract you from the other things on your mind that might be worrying you or keeping you awake, while also being boring enough to send you to sleep. Genius? We think so. The aim of the game is for you not to hear the end of the story because, that’s right, you’ll be sound asleep.

Work, Play, Love

Work, Play, Love is hosted by another married couple who are also all about health and wellness. Lauren Fleshman is an author, marathon runner and coach, while her husband Jesse Thomas is a triathlete and Iron Man competitor (serious power couple, right?). On this well-loved podcast, Lauren and Jesse take the opportunity to talk about the balancing act that's their life. Between raising their two children, and dealing with work, training, social lives and more, this is the perfect podcast for anyone leading a busy lifestyle wondering how you can get it all done. Topics include staying motivated without a coach, building a healthy relationship with food, building confidence, and racing while grieving. Whatever you're worried about juggling, they've got it covered.

Well Far

Hosted by Women’s Health’s Digital Editor, Amy Lane, Well Far is a podcast all about running. But even if you aren’t a runner, don’t scroll away just yet. If you’re thinking about getting started, or just haven’t run in a while, this could be exactly the thing to accompany you while you get back out there. Each episode of Amy’s podcast contains expert running tips as well as a free guided yoga flow to stretch it out post-run. Amy discusses everything from hill sprints, to how to come back from injury, to pre and post-natal running tips, so whether beginner or pro and whatever your goal, don’t run without it.

So those are our favourite podcasts all about health and wellbeing. Let us know if you’ve listened to any of them and what you think, or hit us up with any other suggestions you have that we may have missed. We can’t wait to hear.

And if you're looking for more suggestions, click here to check out what we got up to in June with books, films, and more.

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Understanding Halal Collagen: A Guide to Quality, Sourcing & Supplements

Collagen has become a staple in many modern wellness routines, used to support everything from skin health to recovery and joint function. But as its popularity has grown, so too has the need for greater clarity around what’s in these products - and how they’re made. Case in point - halal collagen. Unlike other supplement ingredients, collagen is typically derived from animal sources. This makes its suitability under halal dietary guidelines less straightforward. Two collagen powders may look almost identical on the surface, yet differ significantly in how they are sourced, processed, and certified, meaning that one might be halal compliant and the other not so much. For anyone looking to incorporate collagen supplements into their routine, understanding these differences matters. This guide breaks down what exactly makes collagen halal and non halal, where confusion often comes in, and how to choose a supplement that aligns with both your values and your expectations for quality. What is halal collagen? Halal collagen refers to collagen that has been produced in accordance with Islamic dietary laws. While the term “halal” is often associated with food, the same principles apply to supplements, including collagen powders and capsules. In practice, this means that halal collagen must meet specific criteria across its entire lifecycle - not just in its final ingredient form. What makes collagen halal certified? Determining whether collagen is halal goes far beyond scanning an ingredient label. Collagen itself is most sourced from bovine (cow) or marine (fish) origins. Whether either is considered halal depends not only on the source, but on how it has been handled from extraction through to final production. Halal sourcing The sourcing of collagen is the first step to halal certification. Firstly, for a collagen product to be halal it must be sourced from a halal permissible animal such as cattle (bovine collagen) or fish (marine collagen). For bovine collagen, animals must be raised and slaughtered according to halal principles and Islamic rites collectively known as Zabiha. This includes: Invocation of Allah's name (Tasmiyyah) at the moment of slaughter. A swift cut to the throat to ensure humane treatment. Slaughtering conducted by a sane adult Muslim. The animal must also be healthy at the time of slaughter. Without the above considerations, collagen supplements cannot be considered permissible, regardless of quality. Halal processing Processing is the next critical factor in halal collagen certification. Collagen extraction often involves enzymes or chemical treatments to isolate and refine the protein. This hydrolysis process often uses enzymes to break down collagen into peptides. These enzymes must be plant-based (e.g., papain) or sourced from halal-certified animals; porcine-derived enzymes (like porcine trypsin) are forbidden. If any of these substances are derived from non-halal sources, the integrity of the product is compromised. Any solvents or processing aids used during extraction must also be free from ethanol or other non-halal alcohols. Halal collagen certification also ensures that no prohibited additives, such as non-halal gelatine carriers or animal-based anti-caking agents, were introduced during the manufacturing process. Halal Manufacturing Manufacturing standards are also highly important in making collagen supplements halal certified. Even when ingredients are halal, shared facilities or inadequate controls can introduce cross-contamination. As such, the manufacturing of halal collagen must follow the below guidelines: Non cross contamination: certified products are produced under strict conditions that ensure separation from non-halal substances throughout production, storage, and packaging. Complete surface cleaning: If a facility handles both Halal and non-Halal products, a rigorous, religiously supervised deep cleaning (often called Samak or Taharah) must occur between runs. Auditors must verify that no "Najis" (unclean/prohibited) residues remain. Common Misconceptions About Halal Collagen As collagen has become more widely used, a number of assumptions have emerged around its suitability within a halal diet. These are some of the most common. Collagen is Halal be default: because collagen is a natural protein, it’s easy to assume it meets dietary requirements. In reality, its origin and processing determine whether it is permissible. Marine collagen is always halal: While often suitable, this still depends on how the collagen is produced and whether non-halal substances are introduced during processing. Hydrolysed collagen is always halal: As with other forms of collagen, halal permissibility depends entirely on its source and production. There is also a tendency to equate “clean” or “natural” products with halal compliance. While these qualities can overlap, they are not the same. A supplement may be free from additives and still not meet halal standards. Benefits of halal collagen When halal collagen is produced with quality and integrity in mind, it can support a range of wellness goals. While we’ve spoken about these before, however below are some of the key benefits of halal collagen: It plays a role in maintaining skin structure and elasticity. Supports joint function and contributes to recovery following physical activity. They form part of a broader approach to looking, feeling, and performing at their best. These benefits are closely linked to how the collagen is sourced and formulated. Products that prioritise transparency, clean processing, and effective formats - such as hydrolysed collagen peptides - are more likely to deliver consistent results. For those seeking halal collagen supplements, this alignment between quality and compliance becomes key. How to choose a halal collagen supplement? Choosing a halal collagen powder or supplement should feel straightforward, but in practice it often requires a closer look. Below are some of the key things you should look for when purchasing halal collagen supplements: Certification is the most reliable starting point. A recognised halal certification confirms that the product has been assessed across sourcing, processing, and manufacturing. Clear information about where the collagen is sourced and how it is produced can indicate a more considered approach to formulation. The type of collagen also matters. Hydrolysed collagen peptides are widely used because they integrate easily into daily routines and are readily utilised by the body. The overall experience of the product. Taste, mixability, and ease of use all contribute to whether a supplement becomes part of a consistent routine - which is ultimately where results are seen. Is Innermost halal? In short, yes. Innermost products are halal certified, meaning they meet strict standards across sourcing, processing, and production. This ensures that every stage of development aligns with halal requirements. Innermost’s The Glow Blend contains high quality halal certified hydrolysed bovine collagen peptides and is formulated to support your skin and overall wellbeing, with extra nutrients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, biotin and folate. Alongside certification, our Innermost proteins and supplements focuses on clean, effective formulations designed to support real results. We prioritise ingredient quality, avoid unnecessary additives, and create products that fit seamlessly into everyday routines. If you’re looking for a collagen supplement that aligns with both your nutritional goals and your values, explore the Innermost range to find a halal-certified option that fits seamlessly into your routine. References Permadi, S., Ujilestari, T., Hakim, L et al. Characteristics and Applications of Collagen from the Animal By-Product as a Potential Source for Food Ingredients. Permadi et al. Reviews in Agricultural Science. 2024, 327-346. Click here. Aslan., H. The influence of halal awareness, halal certificate, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, attitude and trust on purchase intention of culinary products among Muslim costumers in Turkey. International Journal of Gastronomy and Food Science. 2023. Click here. Schmidt, M. M. et al. Collagen extraction process. International Food Research Journal. 2016. Click here.
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The Ingredient We Almost Didn't Put In The Energy Booster

The Ingredient We Almost Didn't Put In The Energy Booster

There's a question we ask about every ingredient before it goes into a product. Not "is this trending?" Not "does it look good on the label?" Just: does the evidence actually support putting this in? Most of the time, that question is straightforward. Either the research is there or it isn't. But occasionally you land on an ingredient where the science says yes and something else gives you pause. That's where formulation gets genuinely interesting. Beta alanine was one of those decisions. What Beta Alanine Actually Does Most people who've taken a pre-workout have felt beta alanine without knowing it. It's the ingredient responsible for the tingling sensation you get in your face, your neck, your hands. That feeling has a name: paraesthesia. It's harmless. But it's also the reason we nearly left beta alanine out. Before I get to that, the science. Beta alanine is a non-essential amino acid. On its own, it doesn't do very much. But inside muscle tissue, it binds with another amino acid called histidine to form something called carnosine. And carnosine is where the real work happens. During intense exercise, your muscles produce hydrogen ions as a byproduct of energy production. It's the build-up of those hydrogen ions, not lactic acid as most people think, that causes the burning sensation and the drop-off in performance. Carnosine acts as a buffer. It mops up those hydrogen ions and delays the point at which fatigue kicks in. The research on this is substantial. A 2012 meta-analysis published in the journal Amino Acids, covering over 40 studies, found that beta alanine supplementation consistently improved exercise capacity, particularly in high-intensity efforts lasting between one and four minutes. The effect size was meaningful and reproducible. This wasn't a promising pilot study. It was a decade of accumulated evidence pointing in the same direction. In practical terms: more reps before failure. More output before you hit the wall. Sustained performance over a longer window. So why the hesitation? The decision we almost got wrong The tingling. Not because it's dangerous. It isn't. The paraesthesia from beta alanine is a well-understood pharmacological response and there is no evidence of harm at the doses used in supplementation. But we had a real concern: if someone takes The Workout Blend for the first time and feels an unexpected tingling in their face, and nobody told them it was coming, we've just lost their trust. Possibly permanently. The easy path was to leave it out. Plenty of pre-workout formulas do exactly that, either because they're being cautious or because they want a smoother consumer experience. No ingredient, no explanation required. We talked about it a lot. And the conclusion we kept coming back to was this: removing an ingredient with strong evidence because it might confuse people is not how we want to make formulation decisions. That's the same logic that leads brands to include ingredients with weak evidence because they're more familiar, more comfortable, more sellable. The answer wasn't to remove it. The answer was to be upfront about it. The tingling means the beta alanine is working. It's a real physiological response to a real ingredient doing a real thing. If we believe in the science, we include the ingredient and we explain what's happening. That felt like the right standard to hold ourselves to. What the rest of the market does Most pre-workout formulas fall into one of two categories.The first is the stimulant-heavy formula. Stacked with caffeine at doses that produce a short spike, a noticeable crash, and not much else underneath. These sell well because the immediate sensation of energy feels like evidence that something is working. It often isn't, not in any meaningful physiological sense beyond what caffeine alone would do. The second is the proprietary blend. A long list of ingredients with no disclosed amounts, making it impossible to know whether any of them are present at doses that match the research. Proprietary blends let brands list an ingredient without committing to a dose that would actually work. Both approaches optimise for perception. Neither optimises for performance. What I'd recommend The Energy Booster (soon to be renamed to The Workout Blend) contains beta alanine alongside citrulline malate, which supports nitric oxide production and blood flow during training, BCAAs at a 2:1:1 ratio to safeguard lean muscle, and natural caffeine from guarana for sustained energy without the spike you get from synthetic sources. The formulation is built around what the research supports at doses that match the evidence. If you feel the tingling the first time you take it, that's the beta alanine. It's normal, it fades within 20 minutes or so, and it's a sign the formula is doing what it's supposed to do.
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