Tales of Serendipity: Rediscovering Memories, 3D-Printed Knobs, and Sweet Gestures (Episode 11)
Do you ever take a moment to appreciate the serendipitous moments life throws your way?
In this episode, host Lisa Brooks takes us on a journey of unexpected twists and turns in one of her days. From rediscovering long-forgotten high school memories on VHS tapes, to a chance encounter at a local library that leads to a surprising 3D-printed solution for a cherished typewriter, to small gestures of kindness, the day unfolds with discoveries of the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Breaking Free from Routine: The Oil Change Epiphany (Episode 10)
We each have our own habits and routines. How often do we stop to examine whether they are actually the best way to complete any given task?
In this episode, host Lisa Brooks shares about her ongoing frustration related to taking her car to the dealership for routine maintenance. Her frustration drives her to question why we cling to habits that cause us stress.
Desensitized to Danger: Navigating the Reality of Gun Violence (Episode 9)
Trigger Warning: Gun violence is a discussed topic on this podcast episode.
Have you ever stopped to think about how desensitized we've become to the harrowing reality of school shootings?
In this episode, host Lisa Brooks shares a personal and thought-provoking experience that may hit home for many of us as she delves into the difficult task of discussing the unimaginable with a child.
Sentiment to Sales: The Ice Cream Truck Negotiation Tale (Episode 8)
Do you have items from your past that hold sentimental value, even if they're collecting dust in the corner?
In this episode, host Lisa Brooks opens up about a parenting challenge many of us can relate to – the sentimentality attached to old toys.
The Power of Backup Plans: Lessons from a Wild Day (Episode 7)
Do you always have a backup plan?
In this episode, host Lisa Brooks takes us through how she managed a day filled with unexpected twists and turn, delving into how to build up the skills to manage challenging situations so you can remain grounded and prepared no matter what life throws your way.
Guilt and Gratitude: Parenting through Complexities (Episode 6)
Have you ever walked a mile in another parent’s shoes?
In this episode, host Lisa Brooks delves into her mixed emotions after attending the final home and school club meeting of the year. Along with deep gratitude towards the dedicated parents who volunteer their time, Lisa wrestles with feelings of guilt and inadequacy.
Celebrating Diaversaries: A Journey of Resilience and Reflection (Episode 5)
Ever heard of a “diaversary”?
In this episode of the “Perspectives from a Pomegranate” podcast, host Lisa Brooks reflects on her son's upcoming diaversary, a term that refers to the anniversary of being diagnosed with diabetes.
Why the Pomegranate: Embracing the Unconventional Nature of Unstoppable Seeds (Episode 4)
Picture this: a dinner table conversation surrounded by Lisa's foster family, discussing the unlikely question of what fruit each person would be.
In this episode of “Perspectives from a Pomegranate,” host Lisa Brooks shares the intriguing connection between her podcast and the enigmatic pomegranate.
From Hives to Hope: Getting to “Bite Proof” - Food Allergy Awareness Week (Episode 3)
Did you know that 1 in 10 adults and 1 in 13 children have food allergies?
In honor of Food Allergy Awareness Week, host Lisa Brooks takes us on an eye-opening journey of living with food allergies. As a mother of a child with multiple severe allergies, she recounts heart-stopping moments when her son experienced allergic reactions and the painstaking efforts she undertook to create a safe environment.
The Power of Asking: How I Became the Donations Queen (Episode 2)
Are you afraid of asking for things or requesting help?
In this episode of the “Perspectives from a Pomegranate” podcast, host Lisa Brooks shares her early experiences of asking for donations. From calling local pizza places to convincing one of the Steves from Apple to donate a computer for a high school raffle, her success in taking the plunge and making the ask helped her overcome the fear of speaking up and asking for things needed (and wanted!).
From Salami and Cheese to Permanent Housing: How Helping Another Woman Led to an Unexpected Friendship (Episode 1)
In this inaugural episode of the "Perspectives from a Pomegranate" podcast, Lisa shares her experience of meeting an unhoused woman outside a grocery store. Ultimately leading to both friendship and a successful effort to help the woman find permanent housing, Lisa reflects on their conversations and the challenges they faced.
Do YOU Know How Many Carbs Are In This Bowl of Pasta? I Do!!!
After my child was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, one of the first pieces of advice I got was to buy a food scale to weigh food to help figure out carb counts…because every detail mattered. Learn more about one of my favorite scales.
Navigating Halloween With Food Allergies and Type 1 Diabetes
Halloween — Most of the day revolves around food… and costumes. While a lot of parents are simply enjoying the day, parents of kids who have food allergies or Type 1 diabetes (or both) have more to think about than a costume.
Should I Use WiFi Or Cellular Data With Dexcom?
We were at the pool with another Type 1 family recently. They had just started using a Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) and we were talking about how helpful it is for a variety of reasons. The mom’s biggest frustration was how often “I lose data when following my daughter’s blood sugar remotely.”
Food Allergies Sometimes End in Tragedy
In the past week alone, I’ve seen three stories about food allergies causing a life-threatening reaction. Three. And those are just the ones I’ve picked up on via social media. Two of those stories had happy endings, and sadly, one did not. Clearly I’m not privy to the details of each situation, but based on what has been shared publicly, here are my observations.
Epinephrine Injectors Don't Always Work
Epinephrine injectors don’t always work. Yes, that’s what I said. Let it sink in. Epinephrine injectors don’t always work. This blog post was inspired by a post from a mom, Misty Gardner, in a food allergy support group. Her son just had a severe reaction during an accidental exposure to dairy and wound up in the Intensive Care Unit. Fortunately he is okay, but I was so moved by her experience and desire to educate others that I reached out to ask if I could share her story more broadly.
Defining Acceptable Risk For Our Children
Being a parent is tough for a lot of reasons. One of them is the worry most of us have about something bad happening to our children. We live in an age of school shootings and other tragedies. For those of us whose kids have life-threatening health conditions or other special needs, that risk can weigh heavily on our minds.
Going Back To School - With Type 1 Diabetes and Food Allergies
It’s that time of year – the return to school. While most parents are worrying about “the right” backpack or lunch box, parents of kids with special needs like Type 1 diabetes or food allergies are generally thinking about so much more than that.
"I'm Not Afraid of Low Blood Sugars" - Did I Just Say That?
Yes, I actually said, “I’m not afraid of low blood sugars.” And I said it to our new prospective endocrinologist! The words kept rolling around in my head the rest of the day. Is that true??? Sort of. I now have what I’d consider a healthy respect for: the nuances of diabetes, how quickly things can change, and the immediate action required to prevent or manage a low blood sugar.
Travel With Food Allergies And Type 1 Diabetes
That title sounds daunting even as I write it. But I’m here to tell you: you can travel with food allergies and Type 1 diabetes. It took me awhile to wrap my head around traveling anyway. We started small and worked our way into being more comfortable incorporating adventure into our lives.