Episodios

  • Gratitude in Action: An Interview with Betsy Craig, Founder and CEO of MenuTrinfo

    Gratitude in Action: An Interview with Betsy Craig, Founder and CEO of MenuTrinfo
    Dec 18 2025
    Betsy Craig, founder and CEO of Menu Trinfo, turned her personal experience with autoimmune disease into a mission for food allergy safety. Since launching MenuTrinfo, she’s led initiatives in menu labeling and allergy training, including the development of Certified Free From™, the only global program providing in-person verification, testing, and validation of allergen-free claims for consumer-packaged goods. Tune in to hear how Betsy continues to focus on transparency, education, and ensuring the company’s positive long-term impact on the food allergy community.

    Visit Menu Trinfo and the Certified Free From Allergens certification program to learn more.

    Be sure to follow on social media platforms @menutrinfo & @cfffoods
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    45 m
  • Test with Confidence: A Conversation with Gary Falcetano, PA-C of Thermo Fisher Scientific on AGS Testing

    Test with Confidence: A Conversation with Gary Falcetano, PA-C of Thermo Fisher Scientific on AGS Testing
    Dec 4 2025
    In this conversation, we pull back the curtain on alpha-gal syndrome diagnostic testing at Thermo Fisher Scientific with Gary Falcetano, PA-C. Gary shares insights into how the alpha-gal syndrome test works and answers some of our most frequently asked questions. How do you talk to your provider about being tested? Is the test covered by insurance? What provider can order the test? He also dives into how Allergy Insider, Thermo Fisher’s patient resource, is bringing alpha-gal into the conversation. Tune in now to learn more!

    Gary Falcetano, PA-C, serves as Senior Manager Global Medical and Scientific Affairs for allergy at Thermo Fisher Scientific. Gary has been a Board Certified Physician Assistant for over 28 years, and is the host of Allergy Insider’s ImmunoCAST podcast.

    Visit Allergy Insider to learn more about their patient resources and be sure to follow on social media: @allergyinsider
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    33 m
  • The Whole Picture: A Conversation with Dr. Zachary Spiritos, Neurogasteroenterologist and Co-founder of EverBetter Medicine

    The Whole Picture: A Conversation with Dr. Zachary Spiritos, Neurogasteroenterologist and Co-founder of EverBetter Medicine
    Nov 10 2025
    Before being diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome, many of us often felt dismissed, bouncing from doctor to doctor and frequently hearing "it's all in your head" from specialists. Dr. Spiritos offers a refreshing alternative: he truly listens to his patients and recognizes connections across different body systems. Tune in to this episode to hear Dr. Spiritos discuss his holistic approach, his growing practice, and his informative and engaging social media presence!

    Dr. Zachary Spiritos is a Philadelphian turned North Carolinian, having made his way south for college and ultimately putting down roots after meeting his wife. He graduated cum laude from Davidson College before starting his medical training.

    Dr. Spiritos is a neurogasteroenterologist and co-founder of EverBetter Medicine who treats a wide range of gastrointestinal and liver disorders, with specialty interests in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional abdominal pain, motility disorders, and dysautonomia. This also includes postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). He is also well-versed in gastrointestinal complications associated with hypermobility syndromes, including Ehlers-Danlos (EDS). Passionate about patient education and a holistic approach to GI health, he integrates nutrition, lifestyle modifications, and gut-brain therapies into his practice.Outside of medicine, Dr. Spiritos and his wife stay busy with their two young kids. He enjoys hiking with his family, playing basketball, and exercising whenever he gets the chance.

    To learn more about EverBetter Medicine and to schedule an appointment with Dr. Spiritos visit:
    https://everbettermedicine.health/

    Follow Dr. Spiritos on social media @drzacspiritos
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    37 m
  • Be Heard: A Conversation with Dr. Aleksandra Brown, Board-Certified Dermatologist on Skincare and Beyond

    Be Heard: A Conversation with Dr. Aleksandra Brown, Board-Certified Dermatologist on Skincare and Beyond
    Oct 13 2025
    Dr. Aleksandra Brown, DO, FAOCD, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist at River Ridge Dermatology in Blacksburg, VA. Dr. Brown has become an active educator on social media, where she shares expert skincare tips, educational videos, and dermatology insights. In this episode, we dive into some of the most commonly asked questions regarding alpha-gal safe skincare, dermatologic procedures and taking an active role in your care. This is an information-packed conversation that you won't want to miss!

    Born in Derventa, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Aleksandra moved to the United States as an exchange student in 1999. She discovered her passion for medicine as an undergraduate working in an emergency room and later earned her D.O. from Des Moines University in 2009, receiving the Academic and Service Excellence Award for her outstanding leadership.

    Dr. Brown completed her internship at Ohio University and served as Chief Resident during her dermatology residency at Michigan State University in 2012-2013. Today, she serves as the Assistant Program Director for Lewis Gale Dermatology Residency, Clinical Faculty at the Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and Cosmetic Dermatology Instructional Faculty at the University of Virginia.
    An active educator on social media, Dr. Brown shares expert skincare tips, educational videos, and dermatology insights.

    Follow her on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook for the latest in skincare and dermatology.

    Fluent in Bosnian, Serbian, Croatian, and English, Dr. Brown resides in Blacksburg with her family and has been a trusted member of the River Ridge Dermatology team since 2013.
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    40 m
  • Be the Change: A Conversation with TAG Teen Contributor, Peyton Owen, on Becoming a Fierce AGS Advocate.

    Be the Change: A Conversation with TAG Teen Contributor, Peyton Owen, on Becoming a Fierce AGS Advocate.
    Sep 5 2025
    At age 16, Peyton Owen decided to take her alpha-gal diagnosis and use it as a force for good. Our very own TAG Teen Contributor is sharing some exciting updates full of new projects for the alpha-gal community! Last year Peyton jumped into the advocacy space by getting involved with the FARE Teen Advisory Group, which led to an amazing collaboration with K-12 Allergies and the launching of the AGS Gift Bags Project. Peyton shares what inspired her to get involved in advocacy work, her experience as a CFAAR Ambassador, researching colleges, travel tips, and so much more! You won’t want to miss this one, so tune in now!

    Visit Peyton's Corner to read more about her journey with AGS and her exciting advocacy updates.

    To learn more about FARE"s Teen Advisory Group and ways you can get involved visit: https://www.foodallergy.org/resources/teen-advisory-group
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    43 m
  • Epi is Awesome: A Conversation with Dr. Michael Pistiner, MD, MMSc on Allergic Reactions and How Epinephrine Gets Control.

    Epi is Awesome: A Conversation with Dr. Michael Pistiner, MD, MMSc on Allergic Reactions and How Epinephrine Gets Control.
    Aug 25 2025
    Dr. Mike Pistiner is not just an allergist and immunologist, he’s also an allergy dad and fierce patient advocate. In this episode, Dr. Mike breaks down what allergies are, typical signs and symptoms and how they're treated. Have you been curious about when is the right time to use epinephrine? Then this episode is for YOU! Tune in today!


    Michael Pistiner, MD, MMSc is Director of Food Allergy Advocacy, Education and Prevention for the MassGeneral Hospital for Children, Food Allergy Center. He has a special interest in food allergy and anaphylaxis education and advocacy, infant food allergy management, healthcare provider education, facilitating collaborations between the medical home and school health, and maintaining quality of life in children (and their families) with food allergies. Dr. Mike is author of "Everyday Cool With Food Allergies", co-author of the "Living Confidently With Food Allergy" handbook, and co-founder and content creator of AllergyHome.org.Dr. Pistiner is a fellow in the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), where he is a member of the Section on Allergy and Immunology Executive Committee, Council on School Health and the Massachusetts Chapter of the AAP. He is also a member of the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology and the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.Additionally, he serves on the medical advisory board of Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America, New England Chapter and is a voluntary consultant for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health School Health Service Unit.

    To learn more about the Food Allergy Management Bootcamp at MassGeneral visit: https://www.massgeneral.org/children/food-allergies/food-allergy-management-boot-camp

    To learn more about the FAMP-It resource visit: https://famp-it.org/
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    49 m
  • Super Powered: A Conversation with Erin Sherry, Author of Alpha-gal Gal Takes on the World

    Super Powered: A Conversation with Erin Sherry, Author of Alpha-gal Gal Takes on the World
    Jun 5 2025
    In her new children’s book, “Alpha-gal Gal Takes on the World,” Erin Sherry turns the challenges of AGS into strengths. Instead of focusing on all the things AGS takes away, her main character Alpha-gal Gal gains superhero powers to keep herself safe and educate others. Throughout the book, Erin’s superhero shares facts on alpha-gal in a non-fearful way, including important messages on social situations, substitutions, and being prepared for reactions. Tune in to Erin’s story to hear about the inspiration behind creating an uplifting and informative picture book for kids of all ages about AGS and food allergies.

    Follow Erin on social media @alphagalgal

    Purchase your copy of "Alpha-gal Gal Takes on the World" here on Amazon.
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    23 m
  • Open Arms: A Conversation with Eleanor Garrow-Holding, President and CEO of FAACT

    Open Arms: A Conversation with Eleanor Garrow-Holding, President and CEO of FAACT
    May 23 2025
    Meet Eleanor, a mom on a mission. When her son was diagnosed with severe food allergies in 2004, Eleanor was launched into a whirlwind of support and advocacy for the food allergy community, eventually leading her to found and lead the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Connection Team (FAACT). Alongside the FAACT leadership team, she provides the education, advocacy, awareness, and grassroots outreach needed for the food allergy community through programming available to all. Tune in to hear the story behind Eleanor’s incredible efforts and successes and her commitment to inclusivity that drives everything she does.To learn more about FAACT, their amazing resources, and Camp TAG visit: https://www.foodallergyawareness.org/Follow on social media @faactnewsEleanor Garrow-Holding has worked, educated, and advocated in the food allergy community since 2004. She was inspired to start this work after her son, Thomas, was diagnosed with life-threatening food allergies to tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and sesame; eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) triggered by milk and wheat; asthma; and environmental allergies. In December 2015, Thomas had a food challenge with wheat and was no longer IgE-allergic to wheat. After a 3-month trial with wheat and another 3-month trial with milk (post wheat) in his diet and upper endoscopies, he has also outgrown the wheat and milk triggers for EoE and is in remission from EoE as of July 2016. Thomas outgrew his peanut allergy in 2016 at age thirteen. In October 2019, at age sixteen, Thomas outgrew almond, sesame, and brazil nut and continues to avoid walnut, cashew, pecan, hazelnut, and pistachio.As CEO of the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team (FAACT), Eleanor provides leadership, development, and implementation for all of FAACT’s initiatives and programs, including Camp TAG (The Allergy Gang) – a summer camp for children with food allergies and their siblings that Eleanor founded in 2009. Eleanor has a Bachelor of Healthcare Administration degree from Lewis University in Romeoville, IL, and worked in hospital management for 15 years in Chicago and suburban Chicago prior to working in the nonprofit sector.After Thomas was diagnosed in 2004, Eleanor established a food allergy support group in a southwest Chicago suburb, Parents of Children Having Allergies (POCHA) of Will County, focusing on education and advocacy; chaired the FAAN Walk for Food Allergy in Chicago in 2007 and 2008; was awarded the FAAN Muriel C. Furlong Award for Community Service in 2008; and advocated in the Illinois state legislature on food allergy and Eosinophilic Disorders (EGID, EoE) issues. Thanks to the efforts of Eleanor and other patient advocates, legislation to ensure insurance coverage for elemental formulas was signed into law in 2007 and legislation establishing food allergy management guidelines for Illinois schools was signed into law in 2009.Eleanor joined the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network™ (FAAN) in 2009 as Vice President of Education and Outreach, where she oversaw educational initiatives, all food allergy conferences, the Teen Summit, Camp TAG (The Allergy Gang) now under FAACT’s umbrella, a Teen Advisory Group, support group development, and more. She advocated for the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Management Act (FAAMA) in Washington, DC, with her son Thomas as part of FAAN’s Kids Congress on Capitol Hill and also advocated on Capitol Hill for the School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act. Eleanor served on the expert panel for the CDC’s Voluntary Guidelines for Managing Food Allergies in Schools and Early Care and Education Programs and was a reviewer for the National Association of Education (NEA) Food Allergy Book: What School Employees Need to Know. Eleanor conducted numerous radio, television, and print interviews on food allergy issues and wrote articles for Allergic Living and Living Without magazines. She presented at national and regional conferences about food allergy management in school and restaurant settings and educated personnel in schools and school districts across the country on food allergy management in schools and continues to do so with FAACT.In 2013, Eleanor joined the Cincinnati Center for Eosinophilic Disorders (CCED) as Senior Specialist of Program Management at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Medical Center. There she led day-to-day clinical operations, clinical research projects, program development, marketing, and development.Eleanor has and continues to educate employees from numerous food industry companies and entertainment venues about food allergies, such as McDonald’s Corporation, The Hain Celestial Group, Mars Wrigley, all SeaWorld Parks, and more.Leading the charge at FAACT, Eleanor and the FAACT Leadership Team provides the education, advocacy, awareness, and grassroots outreach needed for the food allergy community. Eleanor serves on the National Peanut Board's Allergy Education Advisory Council, Global Allergy & Airways Patient...
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    49 m
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