The Modern Apothecaries: Brendan Murdock & Gabriel Weil on Sleep, Wellbeing, and the Future of Health

Brendan Murdock and Gabriel Weil have spent years refining the art and science of wellbeing. As the minds behind The Modern Apothecary, they explore the intersection of nature, science, and daily rituals—offering a refined perspective on what it means to live well.

Murdock has dedicated his career to reimagining health through botanical formulations and functional wellness. Weil has shaped the narratives of luxury, design, and lifestyle brands, bringing depth and storytelling. Together, they examine how modern life has reshaped our relationship with health, particularly sleep—arguably the most undervalued wellbeing pillar.

On the 13th March talk, they will discuss with attendees the role of sleep in a changing world, the science behind sleep, and how their philosophy of The Modern Apothecary fits into the future of self-care.

Our team sat down for a thoughtful conversation with the duo.

anatomē: The Modern Apothecary explores the fusion of botanical science and contemporary wellbeing. What was the original vision behind this approach?

Brendan Murdock: Ingredients, potions, scents, and skincare have always been my passions, and I wanted to bring those into the apothecary. I've long been fascinated by grocers, apothecaries, and grooming institutions from Vienna to Lisbon, Florence, and London. These places have historically provided solutions for wellbeing, and I wanted to reimagine that for today. My journey started with a modern Mediterranean restaurant in Shoreditch, followed by Murdock London, where I built a grooming collection and international barbering services. anatomē blends all that experience—a curiosity for ingredients, a drive to innovate, and a deep-rooted understanding of how rituals shape wellbeing.

anatomē: Your background spans luxury, design, and brand storytelling. How did you approach translating that expertise into the language of wellbeing?

Gabriel Weil: I joined anatomē to bring its formulations and philosophy into meaningful conversations with our community. In doing so, I realised that my work had always been about wellbeing—even though I had never framed it that way. Luxury goods and experiences enhance life, bring joy, and promote a sense of wellbeing, whether through craftsmanship, design, or sensorial experiences. The difference is that those moments are fleeting, whereas actual wellbeing is constant. It's not something you acquire; it's something you cultivate. Prioritising self-care, sleep, and daily rituals isn't just about feeling good—it's about creating a lasting balance. Looking and feeling good is the ultimate luxury because it stays with you long after an outfit or a holiday fades.

anatomē: Sleep is a central theme in the book. What do we misunderstand most about its role in our overall health?

Brendan Murdock: There's still this strange belief that needing less sleep is a sign of strength. People almost brag about getting by on four hours, but science doesn't back that up. Chronic sleep deprivation isn't reversible, and consistently sleeping less than six hours increases long-term health risks. Alcohol is another common misconception—people think it helps them sleep, but it actually disrupts deep rest. Older adults often assume they need less sleep, but many struggle with sleep continuity. Then there's the idea that staying in bed longer will help insomnia, when in reality, getting up and doing something calming is more effective. Sleep is an active process, and we're just beginning to fully grasp how essential it is to memory, immunity, and long-term health.

anatomē: The Modern Apothecary is both a book and a philosophy. How do you see this concept shaping how we approach health and self-care?

Gabriel Weil: This book is anatomē's foundation—a guiding principle without strict rules. We wrote it to be engaging and accessible, not prescriptive. It blends history, science, and practical insights, allowing people to take what resonates and leave the rest. There's no single formula to follow, only informed choices. It also serves as a great conversation starter because how we talk about health directly shapes how we practice it.

anatomē: How do you see functional botanicals evolving in the next decade, particularly in the context of sleep and mental clarity?

Brendan Murdock: Botanicals have always played a crucial role in medicine, but their full benefits have been somewhat overlooked, especially in Western cultures. That's changing now. We're seeing a renewed focus on plant-based healing, blending ancient knowledge with modern science. Apothecaries and wellness brands are emerging to bridge this gap. The next decade will bring more research-backed botanical solutions for sleep, stress, and cognitive function, proving what many cultures have known for centuries.

anatomē: We live in a world of overstimulation. How does storytelling help reframe the importance of sleep and restoration?

Gabriel Weil: Our culture glorifies productivity while undervaluing rest. Sleep isn't passive—it's an active biological function that requires care. Neuroscientist Matthew Walker calls it 'the greatest legal performance-enhancing drug,' yet we trade it for overstimulation—constant screens, late-night caffeine, and the illusion we can 'catch up' later.

Storytelling can shift this mindset. Research shows quality sleep improves memory, decision-making, and creativity. Instead of seeing sleep as lost time, we must frame it as the foundation for sharper thinking, emotional balance, and longevity. When we redefine sleep as an essential act of self-preservation, we reclaim its true power.

anatomē: Anatomē is known for its precision-led formulations. How do you balance scientific research with the more intuitive, ritualistic aspects of wellbeing?

Brendan Murdock: The modern apothecary is a balance of evidence-based science and emotional connection. Every formulation is grounded in research, ensuring efficacy. But rituals—aromatherapy, mindful application, daily habits—give those formulations meaning and longevity. We create products that work clinically and integrate seamlessly into personal rituals, so wellbeing becomes second nature rather than another task on a to-do list.

anatomē: You often speak about rituals as a form of self-expression. How does that apply to the way we structure our nights and mornings?

Gabriel Weil: At anatomē, we call these ritual practices because they should be personal, intentional, and adaptable. We don't dictate routines; we provide formulations and ideas to help people shape their own. The key is mindfulness—stepping out of autopilot and into a deliberate, grounding habit. Science backs this: repeated practices create neural patterns that reinforce stability and resilience. Whether it's an hour of yoga or a two-minute breathing exercise, being consistent and mindful matters the most.

anatomē: What would it be if you had to create one essential bedtime ritual that anyone could adopt?

Brendan Murdock: Keep it simple. Make your bedroom comfortable, listen to music, apply an anatomē oil, and unwind. Even five minutes of reading before lights out can shift your mindset. We should look forward to sleep—it's not just a necessity; it's a moment of restoration.

anatomē: What was your most surprising or revelatory insight while writing the book?

Gabriel Weil: That everything we do—consciously or unconsciously—is driven by the pursuit of wellbeing. We want to feel good, look good, experience joy, and find fulfillment. And yet, so often, we sabotage ourselves in the process. The paradox is evident: people push themselves to exhaustion chasing success, only to realise they've neglected their health. The Modern Apothecary reinforced a simple but powerful ideanatomē: wellbeing isn't an external pursuit. It's about balance, consistency, and knowing when to stop pushing and start replenishing.

anatomē: The idea of an apothecary feels both historical and forward-thinking. How do you define the "Modern Apothecary"?

Brendan Murdock: The modern apothecary is a balance of heritage and innovation, and at anatomē, we bridge scientific research with botanical wisdom to create evidence-based and deeply sensory formulations. We reimagine traditional remedies by integrating nutrition, aromatherapy, and wellness rituals, ensuring they are as functional as restorative. Our precision-led approach allows us to support sleep, stress, and performance in an instinctive and results-driven way. By merging the rigour of science with the intuition of self-care, we make holistic wellness practical and an integral part of daily life.

anatomē: What would it be if you could change one prevailing attitude toward health and wellbeing today?

Gabriel Weil: I'd encourage people to slow down—not drastically, but just enough to create space between action and reaction. A brief pause before sending an email, taking a bite, making a decision, or responding to a situation can shift everything. That moment of awareness leads to better choices, greater clarity, and a more intentional way of living. In a culture that equates speed with success, knowing when to slow down—deliberately and strategically—is one of the most powerful yet overlooked skills we can develop.

Brendan and Gabriel, will be in conversation on the 13th March at 6pm on Holmes Hotel, Chiltern Street London .  Book your place below.

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