Food allergies affect millions of children across the U.S., but what if many could be prevented before they start?

In this episode of A Dose of Optimism, host Omkar Kulkarni speaks with Daniel Zakowski, CEO of Ready, Set, Food!, and Dr. Jaclyn Bjelac, pediatric allergist and immunologist at the Cleveland Clinic, about the groundbreaking science and strategies behind early allergen introduction.

Daniel Zakowski shares how a personal family experience led to the creation of Ready, Set, Food!, a company making it simple for parents to safely introduce common allergens like peanut, egg, and milk during infancy. He explains the public health impact, from insurance coverage to Medicaid partnerships and legislative progress across states.

Dr. Bjelac brings the clinical perspective, breaking down decades of research and the pivotal LEAP study that changed everything, proving that early exposure can reduce peanut allergy by more than 70%. She explains the connection between eczema and food allergies, and why empowering parents with the right information can transform lives.

It’s an inspiring look at how science, innovation, and advocacy are reshaping the future of childhood health, one spoonful at a time.

Episode Resources:

Centene Corporation: Managed Care & Healthcare Solutions

Aetna: Health Insurance Plans

Medicaid: Keeping America Healthy

Learning Early About Peanut Allergy (LEAP)

Oral immunotherapy (OIT)

Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT)

Epicutaneous Immunotherapy (EPIT)

Peanut Allergy Drop

Allergy Therapeutics advances peanut allergy vaccine with promising early trial data

Connect with Dr. Jaclyn Bjelac:

Cleveland Clinic - Dr. Jaclyn Bjelac

Cleveland Clinic Instagram

Dr. Jaclyn Bjelac LinkedIn

Dr. Jaclyn Bjelac Instagram

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Ready. Set. Food! Website

Ready. Set. Food! Instagram

Daniel Zakowski LinkedIn

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KidsX Website

KidsX LinkedIn

Children's Hospital L.A. Website

Children's Hospital L.A. Instagram

Children's Hospital L.A. LinkedIn

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Nabla Website

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The content, views, opinions, and information presented on this podcast do not reflect the views of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles or of the sponsors o

In this episode of A Dose of Optimism, host Omkar Kulkarni sits down with Dr. David Feinberg, Chairman of Oracle Health and one of the most influential leaders in modern medicine. From his beginnings as a pediatric psychiatrist to leading organizations like UCLA Health, Geisinger, Google Health, and now Oracle Health, Dr. Feinberg has always focused on one thing: making healthcare more compassionate, connected, and human.

Together, they explore how artificial intelligence and data are transforming care, not by replacing doctors, but by empowering them. Dr. Feinberg shares how Oracle Health is building a more open, equitable system that connects patients, providers, and communities in ways that make care simpler and smarter. It’s a conversation about innovation, empathy, and the belief that better data can lead to better care, and ultimately, better lives.

Episode Resources:

Oracle Health EHR

Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia

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David Feinberg LinkedIn

Oracle Health Website

Oracle Health LinkedIn

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KidsX Website

KidsX LinkedIn

Children's Hospital L.A. Website

Children's Hospital L.A. Instagram

Children's Hospital L.A. LinkedIn

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Nabla Website

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“The content, views, opinions, and information presented on this podcast do not reflect the views of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles or of the sponsors of the podcast. CHLA does not endorse the views, opinions and information presented on this podcast and CHLA specifically disclaims any legal liability or responsibility for the podcast’s content.”

What does the future of diabetes and nutrition look like for kids?

In this episode of A Dose of Optimism, host Omkar Kulkarni speaks with two remarkable pediatricians shaping that future from different angles. Dr. Larry Deeb, a pioneer in pediatric endocrinology, looks back on five decades of diabetes care, from the days of urine glucose tests to the revolutionary technology of continuous glucose monitors and automated insulin pumps. He explains how innovation has transformed type 1 diabetes from a life-limiting illness into a manageable condition and shares what’s next in early screening and prevention. Then, Dr. Senbagam Virudachalam joins to discuss how food access and education are central to preventing chronic disease. She shares the story behind Home Plate, a six-week food-skills program that empowers parents to cook healthy meals, strengthen family connections, and build long-term health habits from a child’s first 1,000 days of life.

Together, they paint a picture of a future where science, empathy, and systems-level change work hand-in-hand to help children live longer, healthier lives.

Episode Resources:

Home Plate: An Intervention Empowering Low-income Parents to Prepare Healthy Food at Home

WIC: USDA's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children

SNAP: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

SNAP-Ed Connection

Connect with Dr. Larry Deeb:

Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Website

Life for a Child Website

Life for a Child Instagram

Dr. Larry Deeb LinkedIn

Connect with Dr. Senbagam Virudachalam:

The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Website

University of Pennsylvania

Dr. Senbagam Virudachalam LinkedIn

Connect with us:

KidsX Website

KidsX LinkedIn

Children's Hospital L.A. Website

Children's Hospital L.A. Instagram

Children's Hospital L.A. LinkedIn

Learn more about our sponsor:

Nabla Website

Nabla LinkedIn

“The content, views, opinions, and information presented on this podcast do not reflect the views of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles or of the sponsors of the podcast. CHLA does not endorse the views, opinions and information presented on this podcast and CHLA specifically disclaims any legal liability or responsibility for the podcast’s content.”