Shows
Don't Feed the Fear: Food Allergy Anxiety & TraumaBuilding Bravery: Tackling Allergy Anxiety with Dr. Katherine DahlsgaardSend us a textIn this week's chat about choices, psychologist/researcher Dr. Katharine Dahlsgaard and your host Dr. Whitehouse explore what we can do about the emotional side of food allergies, exploring when everyday anxiety crosses the line into specific phobia and how to address it. Dr. Dahlsgaard walks us through her research demonstrating that exposure therapy, including the proximity challenges, like smelling or being close to an allergen, to help recalibrate fear responses.We discuss balancing safety with bravery through the healing lens of being “safe enough,” address the overlap of food allergies with...2025-07-1545 min
Don't Feed the Fear: Food Allergy Anxiety & TraumaCreating a Healthy Food Foundation with Children's Dietitian Lucy UptonSend us a textIn this episode, host Dr. Whitehouse welcomes dietitian-author Lucy Upton @childrensdietitian to explore developing healthy relationships with food. Topics discussed include:Nervous system–informed eating strategiesSafe and science-backed early allergen introductionThe gut-brain-axis, vagus nerve, and mental health connection Medicalization of food and how to combat itLucy's "3 Fs" for encouraging balanced eating habits in childrenWhether you're already navigating food allergies, trying to prevent them for your little ones, or simply aim to feed your family with more calm and confidence, this encouraging conversation offers science-based guidance and practical tools....2025-07-0853 min
Don't Feed the Fear: Food Allergy Anxiety & TraumaFood Allergies and Kissing Part 3: Charlotte's StorySend us a textThis episode is the third in a series of recent discussions about Food Allergies and Intimacy. I encourage you to listen to Parts 1 and 2 to provide the medical background and social/emotional context for this episode.In this deeply touching conversation, I sit down with Portia Barton, whose tween daughter Charlotte tragically died in 2022 from a mysterious allergic reaction. While she shared part of the story at the time, understandably some details remained unclear as the family processed and mourned their child's death, and gathered information trying to understand the events...2025-06-1734 min
Don't Feed the Fear: Food Allergy Anxiety & TraumaFather’s Day Tribute with Thomas Silvera of the Elijah-Alavi FoundationSend us a textIt was an honor to record this Father's Day and Men's Mental Health month episode with Thomas Silvera, co-founder of the Elijah‑Alavi Foundation. In this discussion, Thomas revisits the tragic passing of his 3-year-old son, Elijah, due to a fatal allergic reaction at daycare, and explore how that loss sparked a nationwide advocacy movement. He shares the Foundation's progress with Elijah's Law, and also speaks candidly about being a food allergy Dad, his own mental health journey, racial and socioeconomic inequity in food allergy and asthma, and what we can do about it...2025-06-1055 min
Don't Feed the Fear: Food Allergy Anxiety & TraumaFood Allergies, Dating, and Intimacy with Sloane Miller, Part 2Send us a textIn Part 2 of our series on dating and intimacy with food allergies, author and mental health professional Sloane Miller joins me to explore the emotional and social dimensions of navigating relationships while managing food allergies.We delve into the complexities of identity, self-trust, communication, and vulnerability that individuals with food allergies may encounter in romantic contexts. Our conversation also focuses on how parents can proactively prepare their children for these experiences through early empowerment, fostering resilience and self-advocacy.Please note: This episode contains discussions on mature topics, including dating...2025-06-0348 min
Don't Feed the Fear: Food Allergy Anxiety & TraumaFood Allergies, Dating, and Intimacy with Dr. Scott Sicherer and Sloane Miller, Part 1Send us a textIn this insightful episode of Don't Feed the Fear, researcher/physician Dr. Scott Sicherer and author/food allergy coach Sloane Miller join Dr. Amanda Whitehouse for a panel discussion focusing on the complexities of dating and physical intimacy for individuals with food allergies.The group discusses evidence-based guidelines for kissing and physical intimacy when managing food allergies. Dr. Sicherer shares findings from his research and provides practical advice for patients. The discussion includes common concerns and questions voiced within the allergy community, emphasizing the importance of open communication with partners and...2025-05-2754 min
Don't Feed the Fear: Food Allergy Anxiety & TraumaThe Legal Landscape of Food Allergy Accommodations with Laurel FrancoeurSend us a textSeason 4: I Don't Want to Talk About PoliticsIn this important episode, we’re joined once again by legal advocate and friend of the show, Laurel Francoeur, to unpack the Texas v. Becerra lawsuit—a case brought by 17 states challenging how the federal government enforces Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. This law is crucial for ensuring students with disabilities, including those with food allergies, receive the medical support and accommodations they need at school.Francoeur helps us make sense of the current legal landscape, including why this lawsuit is on p...2025-05-2033 min
Don't Feed the Fear: Food Allergy Anxiety & TraumaRemembering Allison Rose & Saving Lives in Her HonorSend us a textIn this special Food Allergy Awareness Week episode, we sit down with Chief Mike and Becca Suhy, the founders of the Allison Rose Foundation. Their vibrant, fun-loving, caring, and slightly mischievous daughter Allison's life was tragically cut short by anaphylaxis during her first semester at college. Through their heartbreak, the Suhys have created the foundation as a way to continue caring for Allison—working tirelessly to ensure no other family experiences the same unimaginable loss.The Allison Rose Foundation is dedicated to preventing food allergy deaths through education, advocacy, and access to...2025-05-1444 min
Don't Feed the Fear: Food Allergy Anxiety & TraumaPoetry Month and April Fools: Author and Poet Sandra Beasley's Take on Food Allergies and HumorSend us a textThis season’s book club episode kicks off National Poetry Month with memoirist and poet Sandra Beasley. She expertly weaves her wit and wisdom on her own experiences into her writing and discussion about life with food allergies. In this episode, we talk about: ✨ Allergies as a punchline or lazy plot device & the impact of these portrayals on real people ✨ Topics we need to discuss more including alcohol and allergies and availability of stock epinephrine on airplanes and in other public places✨Shifting from being cared for to becoming a caregiver...2025-04-0148 min
Don't Feed the Fear: Food Allergy Anxiety & TraumaHope for Food Allergies: Dr. David Stukus on Allergy Innovations and the Doctor-Patient ConnectionSend us a textSeason 3: Strengthening our Support Systems Renowned allergist Dr. David Stukus joins Dr. Whitehouse to discuss the evolving landscape of allergy treatment and what it means for those living with food allergies. We discuss promising new therapies, advancements on the horizon, and what patients should know about emerging treatment options. Beyond the science, we also examine the importance of a strong doctor-patient relationship—what Dr. Stukus sees as the barriers to this and how open communication, trust, and collaboration can improve both medical outcomes and quality of life. Photo credit: Natio...2025-03-1946 min