What's The Juice

The podcast explores the gut-brain connection, specifically focusing on gut infections and the importance of the vagus nerve. It delves into the link between gut bacteria and respiratory issues, arthritis, and musculoskeletal problems. The speaker shares their personal experience with a pathogen and the impact of modulating the microbiome on autoimmune conditions. It also discusses the journey of improving gut health and addressing infections. Other topics include kidney health, functional medicine for symptom relief, benefits of fasting and protein diets, plant fibers and bacteria, and root causes of Hashimoto's.

It’s my honor to share this conversation with entrepreneur, reiki practitioner, activist and breathwork teacher Maryam Ajayi.   Maryam is the founder of DiveInWell, an organization dedicated to fostering diversity in the wellness industry by bringing together thought leaders, influencers, and educators who have the power to create deep change through examining how they can show up in their business in terms of accessibility and inclusion. Her company began its legacy by hosting salons and events that foster the open and difficult conversations that must be shared around inclusion and allyship both publicly in the health and wellness world, and privately in our personal lives and circles. DiveInWell has completely rebranded in 2020 and is committed to providing not only massively valuable educational resources, but events, workshops, free swims and so much more.   Maryam gives us all the juicy details in the pod as she shares her story, but here’s a quick sparknotes version: when her aspirations of becoming a young, Black, female Republican lobbyist stopped resonating, Maryam uprooted her life and moved from D.C. to NYC. One day, the universe truly had her back when she decided to splurge on a massage in hopes it would relieve her chronic pain. Little did she know, that seemingly innocent decision would completely change her life forever. Read full show notes HERE Connect with Maryam HERE Connect with Olivia HERE Shop Organic Olivia formulas HERE Maryam’s Company - DIVE IN WELL

Most of us are taught to brush 2-3 times a day and floss regularly, but what we aren’t told is the whole story on WHY these practices are so important. Taking care of our mouths is more than just protecting our smile… it about boosting our immunity, protecting against autoimmune conditions, and preventing infection. Since Dr. Victoria has been furloughed during the COVID crisis, she’s dedicated her time to educating herself on the infection. Over the past few months, she’s connected the dots between the virus and common oral bacteria, leading her to create some compelling hypotheses about the role of bacterial superinfection in COVID complications. Connect with Olivia HERE Shop Organic Olivia formulas HERE

My podcast has been silent since May 25th, and I'm finally ready to tell you what happened. This is an episode that I've been ferociously putting off for months because honestly, I'm still actively processing everything that happened. This episode of What's the Juice wasn't premeditated. It wasn't a scheduled recording, or part of our season one production plans. And yet, nothing over the past six months has gone "as planned"... so here we are. This episode is a raw recount of exactly what went down in March 2020 when BOTH of my parents almost lost their lives to the first wave of the novel Coronavirus. Our story kicks off at the beginning of the first COVID outbreak in New York and this makes it all the more unnerving. None of us knew anything back then. I was trying to figure this virus out in real time as my mom was being put on a ventilator and my dad was terrified for his life. I was called to rely on everything I've ever learned as a humbled herbalist with a newfound, deeper appreciation for Western Medicine to get them through. This is the next chapter of my growth. I told you guys What's the Juice would be an extension of our community, so Nick and I are here today, on the mic, recording all the wild details about how relentless patient advocacy, experimental drugs, round the clock prayer, and a few earth-side angels saved both my parents lives. You'll hear how facing the potential loss of my loved ones changed me as a person forever and helped me to realize my own mortality (and thus, what's truly important in life). You'll learn how hard it was to advocate for them in the hospital system, and why finding out what was in my mom's feeding tube formula (hint: corn) helped me make decisions that were better for her health and survival. You'll get our side of how the virus presented in our own bodies once we contracted it from my father. But most of all, you'll hear how LOVE for your family can give you the power to fight even when you don't have an ounce of strength left. This is a story about family coming together and deeeeep generational healing far beyond the virus. It was the worst time of my life, but it also showed me my relentless will to fight for the people that I love. And I'm a much better person for it today. Connect with Olivia HERE Shop Organic Olivia formulas HERE

THIS WEEK ON WHAT’S THE JUICE PODCAST Unless you’re new here, you’ve most likely heard me gush about my experience at ArborVitae School of Traditional Herbalism. Now, I haven’t always been a total herb nerd. This interest of mine was first ignited when I started buying supplements on Amazon and it quickly spiraled into a full-blown passion that just won’t quit! A few years ago I followed my gut to ArborVitae and I can say with 100% certainty that it was the right choice for me. I’ve learned SO much since I first started my program and it’s all thanks to my incredible, inspiring, brilliant teachers. This episode of What’s The Juice is a super special one for me because I get to introduce you to someone I’ve mentioned many times before: Richard Mandelbaum. Richard and Claudia Keel founded ArborVitae, and they’re the quintessential yin and yang team. In herbalism speak, where Claudia is the flower essence, Richard is the spleen qi... and they are both major herbalist GOALS.  Richard’s classes are full of Chinese Medicine (be still my heart), and he’s always encouraging his students to look at human health in a balanced way. He’s a Leo — so it’s no wonder that I resonate with him — but it’s his Aquarius moon AND Aquarius rising that make him such an innovator. Not only did he co-found an herbalism school in New York City, he’s also playing a vital role in shifting the way modern medicine approaches Lyme disease. Ready to get schooled by Richard Mandelbaum? (You’re gonna love it — I swear!)   Read full show notes HERE   Connect with Olivia HERE Shop Organic Olivia formulas HERE

Here’s the juice on this week’s pod guest: Alisa Vitti. Alisa is a wellness queen, researcher, and author, and in this episode of What’s The Juice, we talk all about biological cycles and something super eye opening: The Infradian Rhythm. Here’s what’s up with the infradian rhythm... Unlike the 24-hour circadian rhythm (which is the single natural rhythm for men), the infradian rhythm is a secondary 28-day cycle that affects six key systems in the reproductive-aged female body. The infradian rhythm impacts our: Brain Metabolism Immune system Microbiome Stress response system Reproductive system So yeah… It affects preeetty much everything. And because of this second natural rhythm, we are literally not the same person week after week. In any given month, we will experience four different biological phases that can be embraced and optimized, making us the most creative, productive, badass versions of ourselves! Read full show notes HERE Connect with Olivia HERE Shop Organic Olivia formulas HERE

Welcome back to another installment of WHO IS SHE. This week we’re getting to know a plant I think we can all vibe with right now… it’s our girl, AVENA SATIVA. So, technically our girl avena sativa isn’t an adaptogen but she totally moonlights as one. Avena is actually a nervine that responds well to adaptogens so she’s often combined with them so she can work her healing magic. She’s nourishing, lubricating, and gentle… so it shouldn’t be a surprise to learn that she’s one of the most comforting foods I can think of: Oatmeal. Read full show notes HERE Connect with Olivia HERE Shop Organic Olivia formulas HERE

Well, the time has come and this episode is just me, my microphone, and my herbalism school notes.... And I gotta admit, I freaking loved recording this episode because it gave me the opportunity to spill the juice on something I’m so so SO passionate about. As if it wasn’t already clear that talking about herbs turns me into a serious Nerd with a capital N, this episode totally gives me away.  Okay, so here are some fast facts about agrimony… Agrimony’s general profile: It’s a part of the rose family It’s a liver support herb (In fact, its common name is ‘liverwort’. Cute, right?) It’s an astringent, so it’s cooling and drying Its flavor is bitter, pungent, with a mild sweet and sour Are you ready? Because I’m about to go into full-on herbalist mode and I hope you’re here for it! Read full show notes HERE Connect with Olivia HERE Shop Organic Olivia formulas HERE

Episode #13 of What’s The Juice? is packed with real stories that I hope will inspire you to dig deep and get in touch with your intuition and inherent healing powers. To say I was moved AF barely scratches the surface of all the feels that came up for me during this conversation with Dr. Dani Olsen… and I just can’t wait for you to hear all about what she does and some absolutely incredible experiences she’s had. Dr. Dani Olsen is a real-life unicorn. She’s a chiropractor, craniosacral therapist, reiki master, intuitive, qigong practitioner, and is currently studying somiatry (body/mind/spirit healing). Pretty legit, right?  Connect with Olivia HERE Connect with Dr. Dani HERE Shop Organic Olivia formulas HERE

Dr. Kara, an acupuncturist focused on gut health and Traditional Chinese Medicine, joins the podcast to discuss topics such as dampness in TCM, liver Qi stagnation, and self acupuncture points. They also touch on the relationship between the liver and hormonal issues, the practice of qigong, and remedies for skin and hair health.