The holiday season is a time for laughter, togetherness, and creating special memories. But for families managing food allergies, it can also bring unique challenges—extra planning, heightened stress, and the worry of staying safe during celebrations. In this episode, we’re talking about how to balance the joy of the season with the realities of food allergy management. We’re joined by licensed psychologist, Amanda Whitehouse, PhD, who will share thoughtful strategies for reducing holiday str...
It's often said that the food on the Hanukkah table is more than just a meal—it's a powerful vehicle for storytelling, education, and a communal celebration of faith and resilience. But how do we bridge the gap between embracing those rich cultural traditions and keeping all our loved ones with food allergies safe and included? We’re tackling that crucial question. We are so pleased to welcome food allergy advocates and parents, Jen and Seth Togal, to share their invaluable tips and creative ...
We all know the teen brain is still growing and changing—and that means it doesn’t always think or act like an adult brain. The teen years are full of discovery, independence, and yes, a bit of risk-taking. But what happens when you add food allergies into the mix? How do brain development and decision-making affect how teens manage their safety and choices? To help us unpack this fascinating topic, we’re joined by renowned psychologist, Nancy Rotter, PhD, who will share insights into ho...
Living with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) requires constant awareness and preparation—but what happens when you hit the road or board a plane? We’re joined by content creator and patient advocate, Jenna Gestetner, who’s sharing her top strategies and favorite tips for traveling safely and confidently with MCAS. Resources to keep you in the know: Mast Cell Disease SocietyFAACT's Allergy SummitJennaXHealthInstagram: JennaXHealthTikTok: JennaXHealthYouTube: JennXHealthLinkedIn:...
Over the past year, the food allergy world has seen some truly exciting momentum—from new treatment approaches to innovative ways to deliver life-saving epinephrine. One breakthrough that has sparked a lot of conversation is the first FDA-approved epinephrine nasal spray, offering the first needle-free option for emergency allergic reactions. We’re thrilled to welcome someone at the center of this innovation: Rich Lowenthal, Co-founder, President, and CEO of ARS Pharma—the company behind neff...
We all know what it’s like to manage food allergies in our own kitchens — but what happens when that kitchen belongs to a busy restaurant? We’re taking you behind the scenes with Chef Keith Norman, FAACT Board Member, Assistant Executive Chef, and Food Safety Manager at the South Point Hotel, Casino, and Spa. Chef Keith is sharing what it really takes to keep guests safe, plus some practical tips for anyone managing food allergies or special diets when dining out. Resources to keep...
Earlier this month, more than 2,500 allergists and healthcare professionals gathered in Orlando, Florida, for the annual meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology—better known as ACAAI. It’s one of the biggest events of the year where experts share the latest research, treatments, and guidelines in allergy and immunology. We’re thrilled to be joined by this year’s keynote speaker, program chair—and FAACT Medical Board Member—Dr. Kristin Sokol, MD, MS, MPH, who shares...
The holidays are here—and that means airports, carry-ons, and crowded flights. But for those managing food allergies, air travel comes with extra challenges that require thoughtful preparation and a bit of attentiveness. Joining us today is airline correspondent, safety advocate, and founder of The No Nut Traveler, Lianne Mandelbaum. Lianne has been a leading voice for safer skies for passengers with food allergies, and she’s here to share practical tips—from pre-boarding strategies to proact...
You’ve probably heard of Oral Immunotherapy—or OIT—a treatment that’s gaining attention in the food allergy world. But what’s it really like to go through the process? Many families discover there’s more to OIT than they expected. To help unpack the basics and offer clarity, we’re talking with allergist, Dr. Brian Vickery, about what to know before beginning this journey. Resources to keep you in the know: Resources to keep you in the know:FAACT's Food Allergy Treatments SectionFAACT's ...
Just like with food allergies, there are other conditions where avoiding certain foods is essential. One of those is Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease, or EGID. To help us better understand this complex condition, we’re joined today by Melissa Sauter—an advocate, parent, and Founder of Eosinophilic Parents of Utah. Melissa brings both personal experience and deep knowledge, and her positive outlook will leave you not only inspired but also better informed about life with EGID. Resources t...
As kids, we often rely on our families to help keep us safe from allergens. But what happens when you’re an adult heading out to restaurants, clubs, or Halloween parties? Today we’re joined by Food Allergy Content Creator, Influencer, and Sarah and Spices founder, Sarah Danna, who’s here to share practical tips for staying safe while still having a fun, worry-free Halloween. Resources to keep you in the know: Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency PlansSarah and Spices WebsiteFollow @sarahandspice...
Even the most experienced patients and caregivers can sometimes become a little too comfortable when it comes to managing epinephrine. Over time, it’s easy to overlook key details or forget important steps. To help everyone stay sharp and fully prepared, renowned allergist, Dr. Michael Pistiner, joins us to talk all things epinephrine. Think of this conversation as both a refresher and a quick self-check to be sure you’re up-to-date and ready when it matters most. Resources to keep you ...
Anaphylaxis can happen to anyone, at any time — but when it comes to infants and toddlers, the signs, symptoms, and response can feel especially overwhelming. Do reactions look the same as in older children or adults? What about emergency steps and epinephrine dosing? To bring clarity and confidence to caregivers and the food allergy community, we’re joined today by renowned allergist, Dr. Michael Pistiner, who will help clear up common questions, confusion, and fears around managing anaphyla...
Halloween should be all about treats—whether that’s non-food goodies or allergy-friendly sweets—without the scary surprises. Joining us is FAACT advocate, No Nuts Mom’s Group Los Angeles Leader, and Allergic Living contributor, Ashley Smith, who’s here to share wickedly fun school ideas and tips for creating a safe, old-fashioned Halloween everyone can enjoy. Resources to keep you in the know: FAACT's Halloween Resource CenterFAACT's Teal Ghost KitFAACT's Halloween Safety Tips PosterFAA...
A new food allergy diagnosis—whether it’s your own or a loved one’s—can feel overwhelming. What many people need most in those early days are practical, real-world tips to make life feel manageable again. We’re joined by FAACT-recognized support group leader, physician's assistant, and advocate, Charity Luiskutty, who shares down-to-earth advice for those newly diagnosed, as well as smart reminders to help seasoned patients stay confident and on track. Resources to keep you in the know:...
We are joined by Carina Venter, PhD — gut diversity expert, researcher, and registered dietitian—to unpack how gut health influences people living with food allergies. She’ll also share insights on using everyday foods as a powerful tool to help prevent food allergies in infants. Resources to keep you in the know: FAACT's Latest Research of Food Allergy PreventionFAACT's What to Do to Protect Against Food AllergiesLet's Grow Happy Feeding Allergen GuideYou can find FAACT's Roundtable Podcast ...
Making sure kids get the nutrition they need is always important—but for families managing food allergies, it can feel especially challenging when safe food options are limited. We’re joined by FAACT Medical Advisory Board Member, Owner of ALnourished, and Registered Dietitian, Alison Cassin, MS, RD, LD, to talk about how to meet essential nutritional needs, smart ways to swap ingredients, and when supplements may be helpful. Together, we’ll explore practical strategies for building a healthy...
Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) represents one of the most promising treatments for individuals living with food allergies. Yet, beyond clinical studies, the true story lies in what families experience every day while undergoing OIT. Joining us is FAACT’s Medical Advisory Board Director and board-certified allergist, Dr. Shahzad Mustafa, who will help us explore OIT in everyday life — from its practical challenges to its life-changing impact. Resources to keep you in the know: Food Allergy Tre...
Children in early childhood education programs are among the youngest and most vulnerable when it comes to food allergies. To address this critical gap, a dedicated group of professionals created the Early Childhood Anaphylaxis Collaborative. Today, we’re joined by Thomas Silvera—founder of the Elijah-Alavi Foundation and a founding partner of the Collaborative, as is FAACT's CEO, Eleanor Garrow-Holding—to explore how this initiative is making a difference in food allergy communities nationwi...
In our last conversation with Amanda Whitehouse, PhD, she shared her mission of helping patients and caregivers move beyond food allergy anxiety, fear, and trauma so they can truly live whole and joyful lives. She also touched on the fascinating role the nervous system plays in that healing process. Today, we’re joined by licensed psychologist, Dr. Whitehouse, who’s here to take us on a deeper dive into the impact of the nervous system. Resources to keep you in the know: Amanda Whitehouse, Ph...