61: Olive Oil Exposed – The Most Important Secrets About Storage, Quality & Longevity with Cody Wells

In this episode of Made for Health, Dr. Aaron Hartman sits down with Cody Wells, from Olive Oil Taproom–Midlothian, LLC, to uncover the fascinating world of olive oil—from ancient history to modern health science.

Cody shares his unique journey from nursing to entrepreneurship, and why he’s passionate about helping people experience the richness and health benefits of authentic olive oil. Together, they explore the cultural significance of olive oil, how it’s made, and why not all “extra virgin” labels can be trusted.

Listeners will gain a practical understanding of how to identify high-quality olive oil, why polyphenols are so powerful for health, and how simple daily habits can make olive oil a cornerstone of both nutrition and longevity.

✅ Show Highlights:

• Cody’s path from nursing to owning a specialty olive oil shop
• The rich history and cultural significance of olive oil
• How olive oil is produced—and why process matters
• Understanding polyphenols and their health benefits
• How to spot authentic extra virgin olive oil versus common frauds
• Tips for storage, sourcing, and using olive oil daily
• Why high-quality olive oil is both a culinary staple and a healing food

🎯 Some Questions We Explore:

• How did Cody transition from healthcare to olive oil entrepreneurship?
• What makes authentic extra virgin olive oil different from the rest?
• Why is polyphenol content so important for health?
• How can consumers avoid buying fraudulent or low-quality oils?
• What’s the best way to store and use olive oil for maximum benefit?

💡 In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• The science behind olive oil’s role in reducing inflammation and supporting heart health
• Why olive oil quality standards vary—and how to find trustworthy sources
• How environmental factors and freshness affect flavor and health benefits
• The daily intake recommendations for maximizing olive oil’s protective effects
• Practical tips for making olive oil part of an everyday wellness routine

🌐 Resources & Links:

• Instagram – Olive Oil Taproom: @oliveoiltaproom
• Dr. Aaron Hartman – Richmond Functional Medicine: richmondfunctionalmedicine.com
• YouTube – Richmond Functional Medicine: Watch Here
• LinkedIn – Dr. Aaron Hartman: Connect Here

🎧 Closing Call to Action:

👉 Ready to transform the way you think about olive oil? Subscribe to Made for Health, share this episode with a friend, and start upgrading your meals—and your health—with the world’s most ancient superfood.