15: Ancient Wisdom: Modern Science with Michelle Hammond - Episode 1515: Ancient Wisdom: Modern Science with Michelle Hammond - Episode 15
UK Health Radio Podcast
Michelle Hammond reflects on what it means to be well in an age of AI, questioning optimisation culture and highlighting connection, belonging and simple daily choices. She introduces eight pillars of wellbeing and invites people to build a personal ecosystem that supports a more human, grounded life.
44:11•13 Aug 2026
Forward to Basics: Rethinking Wellbeing in an Age of AI
Episode Overview
- Wellbeing is often confused with constant optimisation, leaving people exhausted and disconnected.
- True wellbeing is deeply relational, shaped by how we connect with ourselves, others and the world around us.
- Technology and AI can support health, but they also risk amplifying misinformation and disconnection if used without care.
- Eight interconnected pillars—physical, emotional, connection, purpose, financial, nature, creativity and spirituality—offer a broader view of wellbeing.
- Small, ordinary acts like conversation, time in nature and community gatherings can be powerful supports for recovery and mental health.
“Perhaps wellbeing isn’t another destination to reach. It’s simply the way we choose to walk each other through life, one ordinary day at a time.”
What makes a recovery story truly inspiring? Here, Michelle Hammond turns a big modern question on its head: what does it actually mean to be well in a high-tech, always-on world? Rather than talking about yet another gadget, supplement or morning routine, she gently questions whether wellbeing has been confused with endless optimisation and self-improvement.
Across the hour, you'll hear Michelle weave together conversations from her clinic, training rooms and community work, including her plans for the Wallingford Wellbeing Festival at BunkFest. She talks about clients who feel "constantly busy, but strangely unfulfilled" and points out that no one ever tells her the problem is a lack of apps – instead they long for time, connection and a sense of belonging.
Michelle brings AI into the mix, not as the villain, but as a powerful tool with a light and a shadow. She asks, "Who will we choose to become alongside it?" and suggests that being human might be less about intelligence and more about how we love, grieve, forgive and show up for one another.
A big part of the conversation is her eight pillars of wellbeing – from physical and emotional health to connection, purpose, creativity, nature, finances and spirituality. She treats them less like a checklist and more like invitations to build a personal "wellbeing ecosystem", reminding you that you’re an interconnected whole, not a machine to be perfected.
This episode suits anyone feeling overwhelmed by wellness trends, technology and pressure to be a "better version" of themselves, including those in sobriety or recovery who want simple, human anchors rather than more rules. Michelle’s message is comforting: maybe wellbeing starts not with perfection, but with belonging, community and small everyday acts of care. It might just prompt you to ask: which pillar of your own wellbeing needs a little extra kindness today?
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