Some of the hardest parts of living with food allergies are the ones no one else ever sees.

In this episode of Beyond the Label with Asteryx, I'm joined by Grace for an honest conversation about the emotional side of food allergies, the pressure to always be prepared, the moments that quietly chip away at your confidence, and what it looks like to build a life that isn't defined by fear.

We talk about the mental load that comes with allergies, learning to advocate for yourself without feeling like a burden, navigating relationships, and finding confidence in a world that doesn't always understand. Grace also shares how she's built a career and life she's passionate about while living with multiple food allergies, proving that your diagnosis doesn't have to limit what's possible.

Whether you've lived with allergies your whole life, are newly diagnosed, or love someone who has them, this conversation is a reminder that there's so much more to the story than what's on your plate.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The parts of food allergies most people never see
• Carrying the invisible mental load every day
• Self-advocacy without losing yourself
• Relationships, confidence, and feeling understood Building a full life alongside food allergies
• Grace's advice for anyone learning to navigate this journey

Timestamps:

00:17 Introduction

02:25 Grace's Background with Food Allergies

07:21 The Journey of Creating Allergy Content

12:13 The Mental Load of Living with Allergies

16:45 Navigating Life Transitions into Adulthood

21:54 Advocating for Oneself in Social Situations

24:04 Navigating Social Situations with Allergies

28:51 Finding Identity Beyond Allergies

31:11 The Power of Sharing Your Journey

36:28 Advice for Those Struggling with Allergies

42:59 Changing Perceptions of Allergies

47:30 Closing

If this episode meant something to you, we'd love for you to leave a review, share it with someone who needs to hear it, and follow Beyond the Label for more conversations that go beyond the diagnosis.

Connect with Grace:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allergylifewithgrace?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@allergylifewithgrace?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Connect with Asteryx: https://linktr.ee/asteryxcollective

Food allergies don't have to put your life on hold.

In this episode, Kassidy sits down with Catherine, creator of Cook It Up Catherine, to talk about what it actually looks like to build a full, adventurous life while managing food allergies. From studying abroad and traveling internationally to navigating college dining halls and finding confidence in unfamiliar situations, Catherine shares the practical strategies, and mindset shifts, that have helped her stop letting fear make every decision.

This conversation is full of honest truths and encouragement for anyone who's wondering if they'll ever be able to do the things they dream about because of their allergies.

The answer isn't that life gets easier, it’s that you become more capable than you ever imagined.

Topics discussed:

• Growing up with food allergies
• Navigating college with confidence
• Traveling internationally with allergies
• Preparing without letting fear take over
• Building confidence through experience
• Advice for anyone feeling limited by their diagnosis

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction
02:18 – Catherine's Food Allergy Journey
04:07 – Cookbook Creation
08:17 – Traveling Abroad with Allergies
12:35 – Cultural Differences and Allergies
18:35 – Social Dynamics with Food Allergies
21:11 – Transitioning to College
29:27 – People Outside of Allergies

31:23 – Advice for Those with Allergies

32:16 – Changing Allergy Perceptions

34:53 – Closing Remarks and Shoutouts

Connect with Catherine:

https://www.instagram.com/cook_it_up_catherine?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Connect with Asteryx:

https://linktr.ee/asteryxcollective?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=4ef7e569-7172-4191-827b-a69b03d8896d

The diagnosis is only the beginning of the story.

In this episode of Beyond the Label with Asteryx, Kassidy sits down with Daphne to talk about the realities of living with food allergies beyond the doctor's office. From her experience with Xolair to navigating anxiety, fear, confidence, and the everyday challenges that don't always get talked about, this is an honest conversation about life with allergies and the person behind the diagnosis.

Together, they explore what it means to balance safety with actually living your life, how food allergies can impact mental health, and why healing isn't always a straight line.

Topics discussed:
• Daphne's food allergy journey
• Her experience with Xolair
• The mental health side of food allergies
• Anxiety, fear, and navigating uncertainty
• Finding confidence while living with allergies
• Life beyond the diagnosis

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Daphne's Allergy Background

03:15 Discovering and Outgrowing Nut Allergies

05:38 Starting Xolair and Its Impact on Anxiety

08:00 Realization of Being Less Allergic Than Thought

09:35 Mental Health and Allergy Anxiety in College

12:17 Food Allergy Anxiety and Therapy Options

15:48 Negative Experiences at Food Establishments

21:35 College and Food Allergies

23:42 Travel and Successes Abroad

29:45 Social Dynamics with Food Allergies

32:39 How Food Allergies Shaped Daphne as a Person

36:19 Hobbies and Interests Outside of Allergies

37:12 Advice for Newly Diagnosed and Xolair Users

46:03 Closing Remarks and Social Media Shoutouts

Connect with Daphne:

https://www.instagram.com/daphsfoodfinds?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Connect with Asteryx:

https://linktr.ee/asteryxcollective

Food allergies change what you eat, but they shouldn't determine who you become.

In the first episode of Beyond the Label, Kassidy shares the philosophy behind the show, why she believes the food allergy conversation is missing something important, and what inspired her to start this podcast.

After 23 years of living with 10 anaphylactic food allergies, Kassidy has learned that the biggest challenges often have nothing to do with food. They're about identity, relationships, independence, fear, confidence, and figuring out how to build a life that feels bigger than your diagnosis.

This episode dives into the conversations that aren't happening enough, the mission behind Beyond the Label, a little bit of Kassidy's story, and what listeners can expect from future episodes.

Because this show isn't just about food allergies. It's about people.

Topics discussed:
• The philosophy behind Beyond the Label
• Why the food allergy conversation needs to evolve
• Kassidy's personal journey with food allergies
• The hidden challenges that come with living with allergies
• What to expect from future episodes and guests

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:20 The Human Experience Beyond the Diagnosis
04:03 Why Beyond the Label and Asteryx
06:25 What to Expect from Beyond the Label
09:40 More About Kassidy and Asteryx
14:17 Closing Thoughts

Connect with Asteryx:
https://linktr.ee/asteryxcollective