Allergy Actually
Welcome to Allergy Actually — where real talk meets real science.
We’re your bestie allergist moms—Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd—and we’re here to help you stop sneezing, scratching, and second-guessing your allergy care.
With a combined 40+ years of clinical experience, we break down the science behind allergies into practical, real-life solutions. From pollen to peanuts, asthma to anxiety, we unpack it all with empathy, humor, and honest conversations.
Whether you're a parent navigating a child’s food allergies or someone just trying to breathe easier, you'll find clarity, community, and calm here.
Subscribe for weekly episodes that mix evidence-based medicine, lifestyle tips, and the kind of advice you’d expect from your smartest, kindest mom friend.
Because living well with allergies shouldn’t feel so hard—and you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Allergy Actually
5 Gifts to NEVER Give Someone with Allergies, a Holiday Gift Guide | Episode 25
Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts That Feel Good (Allergy & Sensitivity Friendly)
If you’ve ever tried to find the perfect holiday gift for someone with food allergies, asthma, eczema, or fragrance sensitivities, you know it can feel overwhelming. What is safe? What won't trigger a reaction?
In this fun and practical episode of Allergy Actually, your bestie allergist moms – Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd – break down what truly works. They share personal stories and creative ideas to help you navigate gift-giving without guesswork or stress.
From safe self-care items and cozy home products to meaningful experience gifts and non-food alternatives, this episode is your guide to choosing presents that feel safe, beautiful, and genuinely supportive.
EPISODE IN A GLANCE
01:31 The Value of Experience Gifts (The $20 Shopping Spree & Museum Memberships)
03:55 Gifts to Avoid: Fragrance, Bath & Body Works & Eczema Triggers
07:12 The Best Teacher/Coworker Gift: Making Cash Thoughtful
08:16 The Holiday Gift-Giving "Avoid List" (Alcohol, Scented Items, Live Plants)
13:00 Costume Hacks for Eczema/Sensitive Skin (Layering!)
WRITE A PODCAST REVIEW
SEND US A SUGGESTION
allergyactually@gmail.com
ABOUT HOSTS
KARA WADA, MD
Dr. Kara Wada is a quadruple board-certified physician in allergy, immunology, and lifestyle medicine, and founder of the Immune Confident Institute. As a Sjogren’s patient and life coach, she combines modern medicine with lifestyle and mindset practices to help patients harness their body's ability to heal.
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube
TikTok
AMBER PATTERSON, MD
Dr. Amber Patterson is a world-renowned allergy and immunology expert pioneering the future of immunotherapy. As the U.S. ambassador for ILIT™ Protocol (a 3-injection allergy shot protocol), she is redefining allergy care through her practice, Auni Allergy®, and the groundbreaking Auni® ILIT™ Learning Network.
Website
Instagram
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube
MEAGAN SHEPHERD, MD
Dr. Meagan Shepherd is a board-certified allergist and immunologist with nearly 15 years of experience specializing in advanced immunotherapy. She is known for her practical, evidence-based approach and her unique focus on "allergy-conscious living"—designing homes, habits, and lifestyles that improve her patients' quality of life.
Podcasts we love
Check out these other fine podcasts recommended by us, not an algorithm.
