In the Tall Grass

Progress can sometimes be difficult to see. In this Tick Byte episode, Candice and Debbie pause to look back at how far they have come in the last five years. Through mitigating risk with some grace and a little humor, the Gals give an inside peak into how their journey has evolved. Tune in to hear them chat about the practice it took to get to where they are now and how they harnessed resources to manage the inevitable fear.

Dee Nash contracted alpha-gal syndrome in her very favorite place: her garden. But she didn't let that stop her from doing what she loves most. In this episode, Dee shares the steps she took to overcome her fear and build the courage to get back into the garden and reclaim her life. Tune in now to hear Dee's story and how she's choosing to live a life of hope.Dee Nash is an author, speaker, and garden coach, born and raised in Oklahoma. She lives with her husband in a log cabin on 7.5 acres between the Great American Prairie and the beginning of the deciduous forest. In other words, east of I-35. She gardens approximately an acre and a half growing vegetables, herbs, fruit trees, roses, daylilies, native plants, and other favorite perennials. She wrote a regular gardening column for Oklahoma Living Magazine. She’s also written for Oklahoma Gardener, Organic Gardening, Fine Gardening, flower magazine, The Oklahoman, and The Daylily Journal. She also wrote online for HGTVGardenFiskars Corporation, Lowe’s Corporation, and Proven Winners Plants. Dee has a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism-Professional Writing from the University of Oklahoma with an emphasis in Botany. Her first book The 20/30-Something Garden Guide, a no-fuss, down and dirty Gardening 101 for anyone who wants to grow stuff was published in February 2014.Find Dee online at: Red Dirt RamblingsFollow Dee on Instagram & Facebook: @Reddirtramblings and on Pinterest: Dee Nash

Sometimes, it’s hard to believe that healing is possible. But Dr. Jaban Moore refuses to accept that. After facing his own health battles, Dr. Jaban dedicated his career to restoring health through a comprehensive and multi-therapeutic approach. Tune in now to hear how Dr. Jaban turned his own struggles into a commitment to help others.Dr. Jaban Moore’s passion for restoring health through a multi-therapeutic approach came from a young age when his mother was diagnosed with Diabetes after a 3-year struggle trying to figure out what was causing her health to decline. Through this experience, Dr. Moore found his mission to discover the root cause of a condition so that the progression can be stopped so the next person doesn’t have to go through a story like hers.During chiropractic school when his own health journey began he started to decline physically with no known cause at the age of 25. Over the next year, he searched for answers with many different doctors. He was experiencing, fatigue, joint pain, and low testosterone. After some testing and further investigation, Dr. Moore was found to be positive for Lyme. After consulting several doctors and trying many treatments, Dr. Moore found relief and has been symptom-free for over 5 years now. Dr. Moore’s professional and postdoctoral training includes True Cellular Healing, Chiropractic Plus Kinesiology, Applied Kinesiology, Clinical Kinesiology, Acupuncture, Bio-Resonance Therapy, Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT), Nutrition, Rehabilitation, Functional Medicine and Blood Laboratory Analysis.He has taken courses on Mastering Functional Blood Chemistry, Mastering Thyroid, Mastering Brain Chemistry, and has trained with several Lyme disease and parasitology experts. He founded Redefining Wellness Cener in Kansas City, Missouri.Follow Dr. Jaban Moore, DC on his social media accounts : @drjabanmoore and @redefiningwellnesscenter_For more information about Dr. Moore's practice, Redifining Wellness Center, visit their website: https://www.redefiningwellnesscenter.com/Interested in learning more about Insect Shield? Check out InsectShield.com for more info on their EPA-registered products and use code TWOALPHAGALS to save 15% on your first order. Your purchase not only saves you money, but it also directly supports the work we’re doing at Two Alpha Gals.

In our new Tick Byte series, we address one common question from the community. After listening to the expert answer, we dive into a brief discussion from our own personal experiences. In this episode, we share a question that is answered by Gastroenterologist, Dr. Sarah McGill. Have you wondered, if you have IBS, should you get tested for AGS? Tune in now to hear Dr. McGill's answer and some of our own insights from past IBS experiences. You won't want to miss this one!For more answers to common questions about AGS, check out our YouTube channel where we ask the experts the things you want to know most.Visit our YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@twoalphagalsTo learn more about Insect Shield visit InsectShield.com and use code TWOALPHAGALS to save 15% off of your first order!

From competitive Irish dance to soccer, rugby, ice hockey, and even Olympic weightlifting, Maeve Willis infiltrated the world of sport. But she didn’t stop there. Maeve used her extensive athletic experience to build a career in mental performance coaching. Through it all, she was unstoppable, even by traditional expectations of female athletes or her deadly food allergies. Listen now to her amazing story on how her food allergies led her to confidently embrace authentic self expression, and how she uses growth to change obstacles into opportunities.As a competitive Irish Dancer, Maeve has danced at World Championships twice and North American Championships seven times. Her collegiate career in rugby culminated in a 2013 state championship, and in her senior year of college, she completed her first marathon. She has competed in Olympic Weightlifting since 2018, and currently competes for Team Ireland in Olympic Weightlifting, where she was the 2022 Irish National Champion in the 59 kg weight class.Maeve is a business owner, performance coach, licensed social worker, competitive athlete, and food allergic patient. Her food allergies include peanuts, nuts, dairy, eggs, mustard, sesame, and shellfish. Food allergies have both been an obstacle as well as a defining part of the path forward for her for her whole life. You can find her on instagram @_maevewillis and her mental performance business @atgmentalperformance. To learn more about Insect Shield visit InsectShield.com for more info on their EPA-registered products and use code TWOALPHAGALS to save 15% on your first order. Your purchase not only saves you money, but it also directly supports the work we’re doing at Two Alpha Gals.

This past week, we joined Sharon Forsyth, Director of the Alpha-gal Information Awareness Campaign, in Richmond, Virginia, to offer testimony as to the importance of HB93 - a bill that would add AGS to the list of conditions in the Commonwealth of Virginia required to be reported to the CDC. In this episode, Sharon breaks down the bill and why it’s important, and shares with us her own motivation for becoming a force in this community. You won’t want to miss our conversation with the brilliant mind behind AlphaGalInformation.org!Visit Alpha-gal Information here: https://alphagalinformation.org/And on social media at: https://www.facebook.com/AlphagalInformation/Check out InsectShield.com for more info on their EPA-registered products and use code TWOALPHAGALS to save 15% on your first order. Your purchase not only saves you money, but it also directly supports the work we’re doing at Two Alpha Gals.

If you’ve heard about alpha-gal syndrome on the national news, you’ve probably seen “The TickGuy,” Dr. Thomas Mather, director of The University of Rhode Island’s Center for Vector-Borne Disease and its TickEncounter Resource Center. For the last 40 years, Dr. Mather has been researching ticks, much of that time at URI reimagining tick-borne disease prevention education. In this episode, Dr. Mather shares all about ticks, how to prevent tick bites, and what to do should you find a tick on you. He provides a wealth of resources you won’t want to miss, so tune in now!One of the nation’s leading tick experts, Thomas Mather, Ph.D (a.k.a. the TickGuy) is professor of public health entomology at the University of Rhode Island. He is director of URI’s TickEncounter Resource Center. His research interests include the ecology and control of ticks. His outreach through the nationally prominent website TickEncounter includes a variety of platforms for tick prevention education focused on increasing people’s tick literacy and preventing tick-associated diseases.Visit www.tickencounter.org to learn how to safely remove and identify ticks. Dr. Mather recommends Insect Shield permethrin treated clothing as a first line of defense against tick bites and tick borne illnesses, and check out this recent video interview: Preventing Tick Bites and Avoiding Lyme Disease.Be sure to visit InsectShield.com for more info on their EPA-registered products and use code TWOALPHAGALS to save 15% on your first order and support Two Alpha Gals.

Celebrating the holidays with alpha-gal is not always easy. But in between the accidents and the incidents, we still try to find the joy (or at least a little humor). In this episode, we chat about our holiday experience in three parts: the good, the bad, and the funny. Tune in for a little laughter and to hear about the lessons we learned during our 4th holiday season living with AGS.Vegan Cinnamon Bread: https://makeitdairyfree.com/vegan-cinnamon-quick-bread/Learn more about Insect Shield and all of their EPA-registered products here: http://www.insectshield.com/?ref=TWOALPHAGALSUse code TWOALPHAGALS to save 15% on your first order!

In a world filled with ticks and other biting insects, Insect Shield can help you get back outside. We sit down with Mary Collins, VP of Business Development at Insect Shield, to learn more about what sets their EPA-registered insect repellent and apparel apart from the rest. Mary explains how Insect Shield’s technology provides effective, invisible, and odorless protection against ticks, mosquitoes, chiggers, and no-see-ums. Listen in to hear about the first-ever EPA registered insect repellent apparel and gear, tested and proven to prevent bug bites.Learn more about Insect Shield and all of their EPA-registered products here: https://www.insectshield.com/?ref=TWOALPHAGALSFollow Insect Shield on social media: @insectshieldMary Collins is the Vice President of Business Development and joined Insect Shield LLC in 2007 as sales manager. In 2012, Mary relocated to Shanghai China to oversee international business development, the Insect Shield China treatment plant, and the building of Insect Shield Vietnam in 2014. She is an integral part of growing Insect Shields’ international presence and operations. Mary also manages a variety of outreach programs designed to help educate the public on insect borne diseases, their risks, and prevention. Previous to her time at Insect Shield, Mary worked at ExOfficio with Insect Shield EVP Rick Hemmerling for 19 years in a variety of positions from marketing to product development and sales including the original launch of Insect Shield apparel. Mary holds a Bachelor of Science in Textiles & Apparel from Cornell University.

In this episode of Fresh Tracks with Taylor, we dive into prepping for a trip to the backcountry. Taylor shares how AGS has changed his packing strategy, including his top tips for staying AGS-safe when hours from medical care, and Bennett offers a fresh perspective as the support person. Whether you are the outdoorsman with alpha-gal or supporting a friend in the field, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, Jason Linde, Senior VP of Advocacy at FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education), shares FARE’s current initiatives to empower and enhance the lives of individuals living with allergies. Check out Jason’s personal story on what brought him into the world of advocacy, specifically for those living with food allergies, and learn steps you can take to help impact change because, in his own words, “the only way we can grow is to grow together.”As FARE’s Senior Vice President, Advocacy, Jason advocates on behalf of the food allergy community in front of Congress and federal agencies like the CDC, FDA, and NIH. Jason knows the challenges food allergy families face because he was born allergic to milk and tomatoes and remembers giving away most of his Halloween candy or watching his Mother search for substitute ingredients for his meals. Jason comes to FARE with more than 25-years of advocacy experience including serving as a Chief of Staff or Senior Advisor to three members of Congress, managing successful political campaigns in every region of the country, and leading an award-winning public affairs rebranding effort at a global communications firm. In addition, Jason is an Adjunct Professor at Johns Hopkins University. Jason graduated Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Syracuse University and earned a Master’s Degree at George Washington University. He lives in Maryland with his wife and their son, Jack. For more information about FARE visit: https://www.foodallergy.org Follow on social media: @foodallergyThe FARE fly-in is scheduled from March 4-6, 2024. Reach out for more information at: https://www.foodallergy.org/contact-us

Have you ever wondered what it was like to travel with The Gals? Well, now is your chance!Ride along with the Two Alpha Gals as they venture out on roadtrip to the FARE Summit in Orlando, Florida. Hear the gals chat about some of the steps they took prior to leaving, the planning they did along the way, and their observations on how far they’ve come since diagnosis. Tune in for a little education, a lot of laughs, and a few details on their secret Googling.

In this first episode of our brand new series Fresh Tracks with Taylor, we head back into the woods with Taylor Ernst, hunter and outdoorsman. TAG’s very own Bennett Wickre chats with Taylor about reinventing his favorite hobby to accommodate his alpha-gal diagnosis. Taylor and Bennett discuss what it means to be outdoors and the impact of required change to the things you love. Stay tuned for more conversation with the alpha-guys as we explore what it means to make fresh tracks.

We're spilling the tea... uh, we mean bourbon! Just because we live with alpha-gal syndrome does not mean we should have to miss out on all the fun. In this Tick Bytes episode, we talk about necessary considerations for alpha-gals when consuming alcohol, including the cofactor effect and sources of sneaky mammal in various types of alcoholic beverages. We even offer some of our favorite options if you’re struggling to find alpha-safe drinks. So, pull up a chair. This is an episode you won't want to miss. Cheers!If you are visiting VA or are a local, be sure to check out some of our favorite spots:Blenheim Vineyards: https://www.blenheimvineyards.com/Early Mountain Vineyards: https://www.earlymountain.com/J.H. Bards Spirit Co.: https://www.jhbards.com/main

In this episode, Matt Frazier, ultramarathoner and NY Times bestselling author, shares his inspiring journey to become a plant-based athlete. Hear how his goal to qualify for the Boston Marathon ultimately led him to pioneer the plant-based community No Meat Athlete. You won’t want to miss his tips and encouragement for incorporating small steps into your daily life to achieve larger goals.Matt Frazier is a plant-based ultramarathoner, Founder of No Meat Athlete, host of The Plant Based Morning Show and author of numerous books including, No Meat Athlete and The No Meat Athlete Cookbook (which Sports Illustrated named one of the 7 Best Health & Wellness Books of 2017). He is also the co-author of The New York Times Bestseller The Plant Based Athlete.Follow Matt on social media: @therealmattfrazier, @nomeatathlete_official @complement and @PlantBasedMorningShowLearn more about the plant-based community, No Meat Athlete, here: https://www.nomeatathlete.com/

Did you know that living with alpha-gal syndrome means reinventing parts of every aspect of life?Yes! And it means reinventing the kitchen from top to bottom, from the food and drinks you consume to grocery shopping, pantry staples, and stand-by recipes. But there are a few steps you can take to simplify this process and reduce the overwhelm. Tune in to hear Candice and Debbie’s tips for taking the first step to kitchen reinvention.For more information about our Alpha-Gal 101 Resource Guide visit: https://www.twoalphagals.com/merch-store/p/alpha-gal-101-resource-guide*Use Code TALLGRASS at checkout for $3 off*

Can food allergies cause trauma? When should I see a therapist? Do I need to see a food allergy informed therapist? In this episode, we’re previewing our Mental Health Minutes YouTube Series where psychologist Dr. Paige Freeman answers questions on Mental Health and alpha-gal syndrome or other food allergies.Mark your calendars because the entire Mental Health Minutes series of new questions will be live August 30 on our YouTube channel @TwoAlphaGals. If you are loving our podcast please like, subscribe and share and be sure to leave us a review. Thanks for listening!You can learn more about Dr. Freeman and her telemental health services atwww.paigefreemanphd.comFollow Dr. Freeman on Instagram @anxiety_psychologist, Facebook @PaigeL.Freeman, Ph.D, PLLC and Twitter@PaigeFreemanPHD

The world is finally talking about alpha-gal syndrome! In this Tick Byte episode, we discuss the recent report from the CDC and the news coverage addressing the startling facts about AGS - many more people have it than was originally thought and medical professionals don’t know enough about it. So what do we do now? Listen in to hear what we think! NPR:https://www.npr.org/2023/07/31/1191034065/the-cdc-says-millions-of-americans-might-be-living-with-an-allergy-to-meatNBC News:https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/alpha-gal-syndrome-red-meat-ticks-lone-star-rcna96636CNN:https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/27/health/meat-allergy-alpha-gal-cdc/index.html#:~:text=Alpha%2Dgal%20isn't%20like,to%20what%20they're%20eating.MedPage Today:https://www.medpagetoday.com/allergyimmunology/allergy/105685Fox News:https://www.foxnews.com/health/mysterious-illness-triggered-tick-bite-affect-thousands-many-doctors-unaware

Alpha-gal syndrome is about giving up the things that we know as lifestyle staples for the sake of our health. So how do you reinvent your life in a way that allows room for treating yourself? In this episode, we share our own recent experiences in finding the sweet spot between stretching the boundaries of your comfort zone and indulging safely. We talk about why it’s important to us to allow ourselves a treat - an experience, a dessert, or whatever brings the most joy - and the steps we put in place to minimize risk.A special shoutout to @mabelmaesbakery in Charleston, SC and @cinnaholic in Pigeon Forge, TN. Be sure to follow them on social and give them a try if you are in the area!

Alpha-Gal Syndrome looks different for every person living with it. In the most extreme cases, it means giving up so much more than just meat and general mammal products; it means avoiding products that contain even the smallest traces of mammal byproducts. Taylor Ernst falls into that category. Taylor, an avid hunter, spent months baffled by life-threatening symptoms before finally being diagnosed with AGS. Check out Taylor's story to hear how he's coping with alpha-gal syndrome by viewing life through a new lens and using his experience to help others.Tick season is in full swing so don't forget to take extra precaution when heading outdoors. Insect Shield provides a variety of products including everything from repellent to gear and right now, they're offering our listeners a 15% discount with code TWOALPHAGALS. Visit them at https://www.insectshield.com/discount/TWOALPHAGALS?ref=TWOALPHAGALS