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

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.

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

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/

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.

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 @faactnews

Eleanor 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...

Robyn Lao knows first hand how challenging it can be to eat at restaurants when living with food allergies. Since her nine-year-old daughter Addie was diagnosed with several life-threatening food allergies as an infant, the family has generally avoided eating out. So when the family recently ventured out to a local restaurant for a meal, they were blown away by the clarity and transparency the menu provided regarding food allergens.That experience inspired the Lao family to introduce ADDE’s bill, which would require restaurants in California to label menu items that contain any of the 9 major food allergens. Tune in now to learn more about Robyn and Addie’s incredible mission to make dining out safer for the food allergy community!

To learn more about the ADDE Act and how to get involved visit: www.addietellsall.com

Follow along on social media @addie.tells.all


Robyn is originally from San Francisco and has been an NP for over 15 years. She received her Masters in Nursing from University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) in the Pediatric Acute Care NP program and her Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) degree in Healthcare Leadership from the University of San Francisco.  She was a Pediatric ICU (PICU) nurse at UCSF and started a PICU/transport NP program at UCSF as part of her doctoral project.  She has experience as a pediatric critical care nurse practitioner and has been practicing in pediatric surgery for over 10 years. She helped launch the pediatric general surgery program at Shriners Northern California, and she helped University of California Davis Children's Hospital (UCD ) become one of the first Level 1 Children’s Surgery Centers verified by the American College of Surgery.  She was a past president of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP)- San Francisco chapter, and she was the founding president of the NAPNAP Sacramento Chapter. She now has been the Legislative Chair of NAPNAP Sacramento for the past 3 years, and she just completed a 2 year term as Director of Practice and Quality on the national board of the American Pediatric Surgical Nurses Association (APSNA). 

Driven by her own daughter’s diagnosis of 33 food allergies, Sherrina Gibson is passionate about food allergy inclusion. Founder and CEO of Carter Consulting, Sherrina brings a community-first, evidence-based approach to everything she does whether she's helping clinics tell their story through data or advancing food allergy awareness at the systems level. In this episode, Sherrina shares more about her impactful work and provides details on Feeding Allergy Awareness RVA, an upcoming event bringing together education and collaborative solutions for support in the food allergy community. Listen now and join us at the event in Richmond on May 15!


Sherrina Gibson is the Founder and CEO of Carter Consulting, a nationwide firm that helps health organizations use data to drive equity and impact. Her passion is advancing food allergy inclusion in public health research, quality improvement, and within community organizations, inspired by her daughter’s journey with multiple food allergies and asthma. 
Whether she's helping clinics tell their story through data or advancing food allergy awareness at the systems level, Sherrina brings a community-first, evidence-based approach to everything she does.

To register for Feeding Allergy Awareness RVA (5/15/25) visit: https://www.wric.com/calendar/?_escaped_fragment_=/show?start=2023-10-25#!/details/feeding-community-health-rva-solutions-for-food-allergies/15433146/2025-05-15T09

To learn more about Richmond Food Allergy Support visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/375242322502115/?locale=zh_CN

Sometimes the biggest strides in our healing journey happen when we start to acknowledge the tiny wins, or micro joys, that show up each day. In this episode, we talk about joy of all sizes. Tune in now, and let us know what’s bringing you joy these days!

Dr. Sarah McGill, gastroenterologist at the University of North Carolina, identified a pattern in her patients testing positive for alpha-gal syndrome when presenting with only GI symptoms, specifically after eating red meat. In this episode, we talk to Dr. McGill about what led her to start testing her GI patients for alpha-gal syndrome, as well as the guidance she co-authored for the American Gastroenterological Association regarding her findings. Listen now to learn more about Dr. McGill's research and how she's helping to raise awareness of the GI-only onset of AGS.



For more information about Dr. McGill's practice or to book an appointment visit:
https://www.med.unc.edu/medicine/gi/people/sarah-mcgill-md-msc/

Read Dr. McGill's Guidance Here:
https://www.cghjournal.org/article/S1542-3565(23)00040-X/fulltext

Tick-borne disease often feels like it takes everything from you. Meghan Bradshaw is no exception. As a healthy 20-something, Meghan’s health suddenly declined. Her journey led her from misdiagnosis to multiple joint replacements, fusions, and physiological and emotional devastation. Rather than sitting back and accepting her illness, Meghan instead chose to use her experience to inspire change. Check out her story and listen in to what she’s doing now!

To learn more about the work Meghan is doing visit: https://www.meghanbradshaw.com/

Be sure to follow Meghan on social media platforms @mcbradshaw

To learn more about Center For Lyme Action and the 2025 Virtual Fly In visit: https://centerforlymeaction.org/events/

The Alpha-gal Allergen Inclusion Act (HR 9382)
In August 2024, Congressman Van Drew introduced H.R. 9382, the Alpha-gal Allergen Inclusion Act (AGAIA). This bill will amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to add alpha-gal to the definition of “major food allergen.” If enacted, the bill will require labeling of alpha-gal on packaged foods sold in the U.S. in the same way other top allergens such as milk, eggs, and peanuts are currently labeled.

To fill out the two-minute form asking your Representative for support visit: https://alphagalaction.org/take-action-on-the-alpha-gal-allergen-inclusion-act/

Ali knew something was not right, even when she was told repeatedly, “everything is normal.” Although relentless in her pursuit to find answers, it still took more than six years for her lyme diagnosis. Ali walks us through her journey and how it began by shifting her mindset to show up each day. Her “5 Minute Mindset” inspired her work at The Tick Chicks, a platform built to help others see the light at the end of the tunnel. You won't want to miss this empowering conversation, so tune in now!

Ali, lives in LA with her family and is the founder of the Tick Chicks, a platform where she blogs, hosts The Lyme Time podcast, and offers incredible resources for diagnosing, managing, and healing Lyme disease. 

To learn more about the work Ali is doing at the Tick Chicks visit: https://thetickchicks.com/
Find Ali on all social media platforms @thetickchicks
Listen to inspiring stories and interviews on the Lyme Time Podcast

Using your auto-injector is NOT like pulling the pin on a grenade! In this episode, we share our experiences with anaphylaxis and how we let fear cloud our understanding of the relief brought by proper treatment, including epinephrine. Anaphylaxis can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be. Preparation is key. We discuss the steps we take and the tools we have in place for when a reaction hits. Join us for an open conversation on preparing for the worst case scenario. 

To learn more about allergy & anaphylaxis emergency plans visit FAACT:
https://www.foodallergyawareness.org/food-allergy-and-anaphylaxis/what-is-anaphylaxis/allergy-and-anaphylaxis-emergency-plans/

In this episode, we welcome Amanda Orlando back to the podcast to chat about the Free To Be Me Society’s 2025 retreat, happening April 4-6, 2025 in Toronto, Canada. This year’s retreat focuses on repose: a state of rest, sleep, or tranquility. Amanda shares the inspiration behind the event and explains why the emphasis of the retreat this year is on rest and mental wellbeing.

Early bird registration ends January 2, so get your tickets today! https://www.freetobeme.ca/


Learn more about Free to Be Me Events and Amanda at:
@EverydayAllergenFree 
My blog: Everyday Allergen-Free 
Free To Be Me
@FreeToBeMeEvents

Olivia and Steve Abrams have every reason to hate ticks. After navigating their own battles with Lyme disease, the dynamic duo set out to find a solution to reduce tick exposure. But what started as a personal journey became a mission to help others reduce the risk of tick-borne disease transmission through the development of TiCK MiTT. Tune in now to hear more about the passion and innovation behind Olivia and Steve’s simple, effective tool to remove ticks before they attach!

Follow TiCK MiTT on social media @tick.mitt

To learn more about TiCK MiTT, tick tips, to purchase your TiCK MiTT and Check Yo Self Merch visit: https://tickmitt.com/

Use code TICKFREE for 10% off your entire order!

Thomas Silvera and his wife Dina lived through a parent’s worst nightmare when they tragically lost their three-year old son to an allergic reaction at his daycare facility. In this conversation, Thomas shares how they have turned their tragedy into a mission to help save the lives of other food-allergic children across the country through awareness, education, and changing the law. You won't want to miss this inspiring conversation, so tune in now!

To learn more about the Elijah-Alavi Foundation visit: https://www.elijahalavifoundation.org/

Follow along on social media @elijahsecho

It’s that time of year again! And because so many of our holiday traditions revolve around food, we thought we would re-release our Thanksgiving episode.

We often feel like we miss out on delicious comfort and tradition due to our alpha-gal restrictions. Not this year, because it’s all about safe foods! In this Holiday Mini, The Gals share some of their favorite Thanksgiving recipes & tips for having a joyful experience.

Find some of our favorite holiday recipes on our blog at:

https://www.twoalphagals.com/blog/feasting-ag-safe
https://www.twoalphagals.com/blog/thanksgiving
https://www.twoalphagals.com/blog/comfort-joy

Ali Moresco didn’t always feel well enough to be the advocate she is now. But her long fight with Lyme Disease inspired her to influence and change the world around her. As founder of Moresco Public Relations and Communications where she marries patient needs with client goals, and her service to various Lyme advocacy groups where she continues to lobby and fundraise, Ali is a champion for healthcare causes. Listen now and be inspired! 

Follow Ali on social media: @alitmoresco

To learn more about the work Ali is doing with Moresco PR visit: https://www.amorescopr.com/

To learn more about Project Lyme visit: https://projectlyme.org/

Pharmacist Andrew Mize and Pharmacy Tech Corrie Newman are making their pharmacy alpha-gal safe. But they aren’t stopping there - they’re on a mission to help other pharmacies do the same. In this episode, we discuss the steps they’re taking to help the AGS community and how they plan to expand that across the country. And you won’t want to miss the wealth of tips they offer for getting your medications safely.

Andrew Mize is a pharmacist and owner of Debbie’s Family Pharmacy in Rogers, Arkansas. Corrie Newman also works at Debbie’s Family Pharmacy as Compounding Director and Pharmacy Tech. Andrew and Corrie started to notice an increase in the number of alpha-gal patients needing services at their pharmacy, so they decided to address the rising issue. 

Learn more about Debbie's Pharmacy at: https://www.debbiesfamilypharmacy.com/ 

Corrie and Andrew wrote a very informative blog post and created an amazing Alpha-gal Patient Resource for navigating your pharmacy needs safely. Check it out on our website!

Every good story has a hero and a villain. And a solution. Dr. Bill Rawls is on a mission to get people to become the hero of their own story to reach healing. As a practicing physician, Dr. Rawls noticed that people with chronic illnesses weren’t getting well. So he is using what he learned in his own healing journey to help others own their recovery. If you’re still struggling with chronic illness, this episode is for you! Let Dr. Rawls be your guide to becoming the hero of your story.


For over 30 years, Dr. Bill Rawls has dedicated his life to medicine. When a health crisis with chronic Lyme disease abruptly changed his quality of life, he came face to face with the limitations of modern medicine and began to explore the vast possibilities of alternative treatments. Restoring his health through holistic and herbal therapies inspired him to share his revelations on the importance of cellular wellness for defending against microbes and other root causes of illness. Today, he works to bring life and vitality to others as he helps them establish their own paths to wellness through modern herbology.

Through his bestselling books, Unlocking Lyme and The Cellular Wellness Solution, Dr. Rawls demonstrates why crucial herbal phytochemicals are key to protecting cellular health and strengthening the body's defense against illness. Dr. Rawls is also the founder of Vital Plan, a holistic health company, where he developed the signature Restore Kit™, an advanced herbal protocol that has helped thousands to reclaim vibrant health. 

Dr. Rawls is a #1 bestselling author and seasoned speaker and interviewee. With a compassionate approach and an incredible depth of knowledge, Dr. Rawls has a distinct ability to make scientific concepts accessible and enriching for everyone.


To learn more about Dr. Bill Rawls visit: https://rawlsmd.com/
Follow Dr. Rawls on social media: @rawlsmd

To learn more about Vital Plan visit: https://vitalplan.com/
Follow Vital Plan on social media: @vitalplan