911. The viral olive oil shot: It’s worth the hype
Author: Krista Williams & Lindsey Simcik | Wellness & Personal Growth Hosts
September 29, 2026
Duration: 1:11:35
In this episode, Maya Ayed, founder of Alya Health, joins us to talk about why some of the most powerful health practices may be much simpler than we’ve been led to believe. She shares the Tunisian family tradition that changed her relationship with food, her gut, and her health.
From olive oil + polyphenols to gut health, blood sugar, hormones, and eating seasonally, Maya breaks down the lessons she brought from Tunisia into her life in the US. She also shares how her own health struggles became the catalyst for leaving tech and building a company around women’s health.
We also get into entrepreneurship, trusting your path, knowing when to make a career pivot, and why “less is more” might be the wellness philosophy we need right now. This conversation is about personal growth, nourishing your body, and building a life + business with purpose.
We also talk about:
Maya’s Tunisian roots + the Mediterranean lifestyle
How her own bloating, fatigue, and skin issues led her to investigate her gut health
The difference between regular olive oil + high-polyphenol olive oil
Gut health, inflammation, blood sugar, and metabolic health
Why eating seasonally + prioritizing whole foods can change how we nourish ourselves
The wellness industry’s obsession with supplements, powders, and quick fixes
Leaving a career in tech to pursue women’s health
How Maya built a community before she built her company
Why you’ll never feel completely ready to make a big career leap
Entrepreneurship, resilience, identity, and having fun along the way
Resources:
Go to https://alyahealth.com/s/almost30 and use code ALMOST30 for 20% off.
Alya Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drinkalya/
Alya TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drinkalya
Maya’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayafromtunisia
Maya’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayaayed/
Sponsors:
EllaOla | Go to https://EllaOla.com/ALMOST30 for 20% off your first purchase.
Instant Hydration | Go to https://instanthydration.com/ALMOST30 and use code ALMOST30 for over 40% off your first subscription order.
BetterHelp | Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/almost30.
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The Real Real | Get $25 off your first purchase when you go to therealreal.com/ALMOST30.
Upwork | Visit https://Upwork.com right now and post your job for free.
Rebel | Go to https://fromrebel.com for home, baby, outdoor, and more, all at up to 70% off the brands you already love.
Larineco | Get 50% off at https://buylarine.com/ALMOST30.
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