Podcast
Type 1 Club Podcast
Hosted by Type 1 Foundation · EN
Welcome to the Type 1 Club - Navigating Type 1 Together
A podcast hosted by the Type 1 Foundation, a community who intimately understand the challenges and triumphs of raising a child with Type 1 Diabetes.
Join us as we share others personal experiences, insights and expertise to inform, educate and empower others on this journey. With knowledge, compassion and support, no one should ever feel alone in managing Type 1 Diabetes.
Welcome to the Type 1 Club.
30episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 33: One Family's Type 1 Journey (Part 2 - Life on the Road)
Feb 1800:20:26Tap to summarizeIn Part Two of this conversation, Jacqui and Liz shift from diagnosis to what life actually looks like afterwards and how Type 1 doesn’t have to limit dreams, adventure, or possibility.Liz shares how her family made the bold decision to continue with their long-held dream of travelling Australia, even after both of her sons were diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Eighteen months after Dan’s diagnosis, the family packed up their off-road van and began a 12-month lap of Australia, tackling some of the most remote regions in the country.Liz walks us through the real-life logistics of managing Type 1 for two children while living on the road — from organising spare loan pumps, transmitters, CGMs, and NDSS supply drops, to carefully planning resupply points in towns like Cairns, Darwin, and Broome. She explains how preparation, organisation and flexibility made it possible to travel far from hospitals without fear.Together, Jacqui and Liz reflect on how confidence grows over time — from the fear of letting a child out of your sight after diagnosis, to navigating remote hikes, off-grid living and day-to-day adventures. Liz also highlights the role of technology, including pumps, CGMs and Starlink internet, in helping families stay connected, safe and supported wherever they are.The episode wraps with practical tips for travelling with Type 1, including hypo treatments that work best on the road and a message that sits at the heart of Liz’s journey: Type 1 is something her children carry, not something that defines or limits them.Further Resources: Type 1 Foundation WebsiteFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupIf you'd like to share your story with our podcast listeners, please email: podcast@type1foundation.com.au
Transcribe →Episode 32: One Family's Type 1 Journey (Part 1 - Double Diagnosis)
Feb 400:35:29Tap to summarizeWe’re kicking off 2026 with a powerful and deeply moving conversation.In this episode of The Type 1 Club, Jacqui is joined by Liz Blackburn, a mum to two energetic boys, Jimmy and Dan, both living with Type 1 diabetes. Liz shares what it’s like to walk the diagnosis road not once, but twice and how experience, intuition and community shaped their family’s journey.Liz takes us back to Jimmy’s diagnosis, which unfolded while the family was on holidays on the NSW mid-north coast. What began as bedwetting, excessive thirst and weight loss quickly escalated into a late-night ambulance transfer and an urgent hospital admission, just in time to prevent DKA.Three years later, the story takes an unexpected turn. After choosing to participate in Type 1 Screen (listening to Episode 17 for further information), Liz and her family learned that their younger son Dan had positive antibodies. With monitoring underway, the family hoped diagnosis might still be years away, until subtle symptoms appeared during another coastal break. This time, knowledge and preparation meant Dan was diagnosed early and safely, surrounded by his family and medical team back home.Further Resources: Type 1 Foundation WebsiteFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupIf you'd like to share your story with our podcast listeners, please email: podcast@type1foundation.com.au
Transcribe →Episode 31: The Heart Behind the Care Packs: Bianca's Story
Dec 1700:21:03Tap to summarizeIn our final episode for 2025, host Jacqui Kidman sits down with the incredible Bianca Ward — Type 1 mum of two, longtime supporter of the Type 1 Foundation and the heart behind the Care Packs program.Bianca shares her family’s deeply personal journey through her daughter Daisy’s diagnosis at age 2, followed by her son Daniel’s diagnosis a few years later. She reflects on the shock, the fear, the finger-prick monitoring and the slow process of accepting a second diagnosis — all while raising a newborn. Her honesty is raw, generous and instantly relatable to any parent walking this path.From attending her first Foundation Christmas party in 2017 to now leading the Care Packs program, Bianca explains how these beautifully curated packs come together — and why they matter so much. Each Care Pack is personalised, thoughtfully built and designed to feel like a hug during one of the most overwhelming times a family can face. They include practical tools, comforting items, sibling resources, samples, medical alert supplies and special touches chosen with love.Bianca also discusses her passion for connecting families, helping parents find their "people," and making sure no one faces Type 1 alone. From Tiny-Tots sessions to Grandparent Webinars, Mum Dinners to Christmas events, she works to ensure every family has somewhere to land.Further Resources: Type 1 Foundation WebsiteFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupIf you'd like to share your story with our podcast listeners, please email: podcast@type1foundation.com.au
Transcribe →Episode 30: Surviving DKA and Thriving with Type 1: Kimmie and Priya's Story
Dec 300:34:54Tap to summarizeIn this powerful and emotional episode, Jacqui sits down with Kimmie, mum to Priya, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at just three years old after a terrifying brush with DKA.Kimmie opens up about the traumatic lead-up to Priya’s diagnosis — weeks of illness following a tonsillectomy, multiple GP visits, and a heartbreaking moment when she found her daughter unconscious on the floor. She shares what it was like to rush to hospital, hear the words “she could die,” and watch insulin quite literally save her daughter’s life overnight.Together, Jackie and Kimmie talk about what life has looked like since: the transition from MDI to pump and CGM, starting school, navigating identity and confidence, and the mental load of parenting a young child with Type 1.This is a must-listen for parents of little ones newly diagnosed, and for anyone who’s ever felt the weight of this condition. Kimmie’s honesty and advocacy will stay with you long after the episode ends.🧠 What You’ll Hear Priya’s traumatic diagnosis story and how COVID isolation delayed early signs What DKA looked like for a 3-year-old and the lifesaving role of insulin Moving from injections to tech (Omnipod and Dexcom) Helping Priya navigate school life and self-confidence with visible devices Why advocacy and gentle awareness matter in classrooms The importance of parental mental health and therapy How Kimmie reframes “diaversaries” as family milestones of growth and strengthFurther Resources: Type 1 Foundation WebsiteFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupIf you'd like to share your story with our podcast listeners, please email: podcast@type1foundation.com.au
Transcribe →Episode 29: From ADHD to Type 1–Jess's Journey Supporting Millie Through Dual Diagnoses
Nov 2000:35:33Tap to summarizeJess shares the journey of parenting through two life-changing diagnoses — first understanding Millie’s neurodivergence and then adapting to the demands of daily diabetes management. Together, they talk about the unique challenges (and insights) that come with balancing both, how ADHD influences diabetes care and the strength it takes as a parent to navigate constant learning, advocacy and support.This episode is a powerful reminder that every child’s path is different and that understanding, flexibility and community can make all the difference. What You’ll Hear Millie’s ADHD diagnosis story and how it shaped Jess’s parenting The shock of Millie’s later Type 1 diabetes diagnosis How ADHD impacts diabetes routines, focus and food decisions Strategies Jess uses to support Millie’s independence and confidence The emotional load of parenting a child with multiple diagnoses Why connecting with other families who “get it” can be so grounding The importance of compassion — for your child and yourselfFurther Resources: Type 1 Foundation Website Follow us on Instagram Join the Facebook GroupIf you'd like to share your story with our podcast listeners, please email: podcast@type1foundation.com.au
Transcribe →Episode 28: Mastering Carb Counting with Andi Balog
Nov 500:33:30Tap to summarizeIn this week’s episode of the Type 1 Club Podcast, Jacqui is joined once again by Andi Balog, also known as The T1D Nutritionist, to take a deep dive into one of the most important (and often confusing!) aspects of Type 1 diabetes management: carbohydrate counting.Andi shares her personal journey with carb counting from diagnosis to mastering the skill, and offers practical tools, mindset shifts, and strategies to build confidence and reduce overwhelm when managing food and insulin.If you’ve ever felt unsure about carb counting, confused by food labels, or stuck relying on packaged food for ease, this episode is packed with tips to help you take the next step toward more accurate, flexible and empowered diabetes management.Connect further with Andi @thet1dnutritionistCarb counting masterclass Or visit The Type 1 Foundation Website Further Resources: Type 1 Foundation Website Follow us on Instagram Join the Facebook GroupIf you'd like to share your story with our podcast listeners, please email: podcast@type1foundation.com.au
Transcribe →Episode 27: Navigating Two Diagnoses: Megan's Journey with Beau's Type 1 Diabetes and Epilepsy
Oct 2200:33:50Tap to summarizeIn this heartfelt episode of the Type 1 Club Podcast, host Jacqui Kidman sits down with Megan, a fellow Type 1 Mum, to share the powerful story of her son Beau, who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes just after his first birthday — while the family was already navigating his epilepsy diagnosis.Megan opens up about the early warning signs that were missed, the instinct that something wasn’t right and the overwhelming emotions of managing two complex conditions at once. She also reflects on what it’s been like supporting Beau through early childhood with diabetes, building confidence in decision-making and finding the support she needed as a Mum.This episode is an honest look at mother’s intuition, advocacy, and the resilience it takes to keep showing up, day after day.💡 In This Episode You’ll Hear: How Beau’s epilepsy diagnosis unfolded — and how it masked early signs of diabetes The missed clues and hospital visits leading up to Beau’s Type 1 diagnosis at age 1 The shock of managing two life-altering conditions in a baby The emotional toll and how Megan found strength and support Navigating early childhood diabetes — pumps, CGMs, daycare, and fussy eating What it’s like when dad also lives with Type 1 — and how the family learned together How childcare managed Beau’s care (and the gaps in training and support) Megan’s reflections on self-care, therapy and finding her community Connect further with Megan and Beau: Instagram: @beau.t1d Further Resources: Type 1 Foundation Website Follow us on Instagram Join the Facebook GroupIf you'd like to share your story with our podcast listeners, please email: podcast@type1foundation.com.au
Transcribe →Episode 26: From Diagnosis to Determination: Olly Green's Type 1 Journey and 220km Challenge
Oct 800:42:53Tap to summarizeIn this inspiring episode of the Type 1 Club Podcast, host Jacqui Kidman sits down with Olly Green, an 18-year-old from Melbourne who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes during lockdown in 2020. Olly shares his powerful story — from the shock of diagnosis at age 14, navigating stigma and confidence, to finding his rhythm as an athlete and now setting an incredible goal: running 220km from Point Lonsdale to Portsea to raise awareness and funds for Type 1 Diabetes research.This is a conversation about resilience, growth, and turning challenge into motivation. Ollie’s story is a must-listen for teens, parents, and anyone navigating Type 1.💡 In This Episode You’ll Hear: Ollie’s diagnosis story during lockdown — and the sudden onset of symptoms The emotional and social challenges of being diagnosed as a teenager How stigma and confidence played into his journey of telling others His memorable supermarket hypo story (yes, involving an unpaid chocolate milk!) Lessons learned managing Type 1 while playing elite-level football The importance of routine, trial and error, and learning from mistakes Transitioning to the Omnipod pump and how it changed his management Preparing for a 220km run to raise $10,000 for Type 1 Diabetes research Advice he’d give to his younger self — and to other teens with Type 1 His go-to hypo treatment (and a very strong opinion about red snakes 🐍😄)🏃♂️ Support Ollie’s Run:Ollie will be running from Point Lonsdale to Portsea (220km over 6 days, Nov 9–14) to raise funds for Breakthrough and Type 1 research.🎯 Goal: $10,000📲 Donate or follow his journey via Instagram: @OllyGreennn(Link in bio for donations)Further Resources: Type 1 Foundation Website Follow us on Instagram Join the Facebook GroupIf you'd like to share your story with our podcast listeners, please email: podcast@type1foundation.com.au
Transcribe →Episode 25: Drew's Story of Acceptance, Identity & Living the Good Life with Type 1
Sep 2400:46:03Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Type 1 Club Podcast, Jacqui sits down with Drew Harrisberg, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 21 years old.Drew offers a powerful reflection on the early days of diagnosis. From the shock and sleepless nights to gradually building confidence and trusting himself to navigate T1D. He talks about his journey to make peace with uncertainty, the lessons learned along the way and the importance of empathy, support and not expecting perfection.💬 In this episode: Recognising symptoms and acting quickly The emotional rollercoaster of diagnosis How type 1 impacts every aspect of daily life and how to adapt Support networks, honesty, and the value of sharing the reality (not just the wins) Drew’s advice to go easy on yourself and take it one day at a timeThis candid, grounded conversation is a reminder that you don’t have to have it all figured out to be doing an incredible job. Drew speaks with vulnerability, humour and heart. A role model, a voice that will resonate with many.🔗 Connect with Drew:Follow Drew on Instagram: Drews Daily DoseFurther Resources:Type 1 Foundation WebsiteFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook Group
Transcribe →Episode 21: Running Toward a World Record: Brodie's Type 1 Story
Jul 30, 202500:34:08Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Type 1 Club Podcast, Jacqui chats with Brodie Sharpe — runner, advocate, and founder of TypeRun_Diagnosed at age 15, Brodie shares his personal journey from learning to manage life with Type 1 to launching a global Guinness World Record attempt. Along the way, he has found purpose, strength, and a sense of belonging through movement and connection.Whether you're a runner, parent, or just looking for inspiration, Brodie’s story is a powerful reminder of how one step at a time can lead to something extraordinary.🏅 World Record Attempt:Beginning August 26, Brodie will take on an incredible challenge — attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the most consecutive marathons run by a male living with Type 1 diabetes.That’s 26 marathons in 26 days.And on Day 27 (September 21), he’ll keep pushing, competing in the Western Sydney Half Ironman, with his brother by his side.Living with Type 1 for nearly six years, Brodie’s mission is clear: raise $26,000 for the Type 1 Foundation and prove that life with diabetes has no finish line.💬 What We Cover: Brodie’s diagnosis story and navigating life with T1D from age 15 How running helped him regain control and confidence The story behind the Guinness World Record relay and what it meant The creation of TypeRun_ and the power of community Using movement as a tool for physical and mental wellbeing Advice for anyone wanting to take that first step — on the track or in their T1D journey🔗 Connect with Brodie: Follow Brodie on Instagram: Typerun_Donate here Further Resources: Type 1 Foundation Website Follow us on Instagram Join the Facebook Group
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