PODCASTS
Living with Allergies is a podcast exploring the real-life experiences of people living with allergies. Through open, honest conversations, it offers an insight into the emotional, practical, and psychological impact of allergies across childhood and adulthood. Each episode feels like a gentle glimpse into the therapy room, helping listeners feel understood, less alone, and better equipped to navigate daily life with allergies
In this episode of Living with Allergies, I’m joined by consultant nurse James Gardner for a deeply honest and insightful conversation about growing up with food allergies, living with an egg allergy, and the emotional impact allergies can have across childhood and adulthood.
James shares his personal journey of unknowingly living with an egg allergy throughout childhood, being labelled a “picky eater,” feeling excluded and only later recognising the true cause of his symptoms when training as a nurse. Together, we explore the hidden psychological burden of food allergies, including stigma, anxiety, relationships, dating and the pressure of constantly managing risk.
We also discuss:
• The emotional impact of living with severe allergies
• Food allergy anxiety and hypervigilance
• Hidden ingredients and fear around eating out
• Childhood experiences of exclusion and misunderstanding
• The overlap between allergies and feeding difficulties
• Self compassion after anaphylaxis
• The importance of validation, empathy, and psychological support
This episode offers an honest look at the reality of living with allergies beyond the physical symptoms, highlighting how allergies can affect identity, confidence, social experiences, and quality of life.
Whether you are a parent, healthcare professional, young person, or someone living with allergies yourself, I hope this conversation helps you feel more understood and less alone.
You can connect with James on Instagram at @AllergyNurseUK and learn more about his work at the Allergy Centre of Excellence.
In this episode, I speak with Dr José Costa, children’s allergy specialist, about his personal experience of living with severe allergies, including cat dander anaphylaxis and hay fever. José shares how he manages his own risk and reactions, alongside supporting his son, who has multiple allergies. We explore the challenges of parenting a child with allergies, including navigating reactions and the gradual process of relinquishing control as children move towards independence.
We also discuss the stigma that can surround allergies, and José’s strong advocacy for quality of life, supporting young people and families to feel confident in travelling, socialising, and living full lives. He reflects on how this approach shapes both his clinical work and the way he supports his own son, alongside how his lived experience and professional expertise come together in his care of families.
In this first episode, I speak with Professor Rosan Meyer, paediatric dietitian, about her personal experience of living with a shellfish allergy. We explore her journey to diagnosis in adulthood, her experiences of anaphylaxis, and the ongoing realities of managing risk in everyday life. Rosan shares openly about the overlap between anxiety and allergy, including moments where uncertainty can feel overwhel.ming, even as a healthcare professional. We also discuss how her lived experience shapes her clinical work, the impact of allergy on travel and family life, and the empathy she brings to the families she supports.