Type 1 Club Podcast

In this episode, Jacqui is joined by Ellen Chaplin, a type 1 mum who shares her family’s experience of diagnosis, diabetes technology and resilience.Ellen’s daughter Charlotte was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at six years old, just days before Christmas. What began as a routine appointment quickly became a life-changing hospital admission, marking the start of an intense and emotional learning curve.Ellen reflects on navigating diagnosis in a rural area, learning to trust diabetes technology and finding balance around food, independence and school life. She also shares the impact of an unexpected brain tumour diagnosis of her own and what it meant to hand over her daughter’s diabetes care while facing major surgery.This episode is a powerful reminder that life with type 1 diabetes unfolds alongside real life, messy, unpredictable and deeply human.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: [email protected]

In this episode, Jacqui sits down with Jye Warren, a dad, social worker and person living with type 1 diabetes, for an honest and deeply human conversation about diagnosis, mental health, masculinity, parenting and finding the right support.Diagnosed at 25, Jye shares what it was like navigating type 1 diabetes as a young adult with limited education, minimal support and the realities of young adult social life. He speaks candidly about burnout, denial, complications and the turning point that came with fatherhood and finally finding a healthcare team that truly understood him.This episode also includes a special and heartfelt conversation between Jye and Jacqui’s son Harvey, offering a powerful glimpse into peer connection and what it means for kids living with type 1 diabetes to feel seen and understood.Connect further with Jye on Instagram hereFurther 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: [email protected]

In this episode of The Type 1 Club, Jacqui is joined by Jenna from Type One Vibes to talk about the realities of preparing for a major life event, including weddings while living with Type 1 diabetes.Jenna shares her experience navigating the lead-up to her wedding with Type 1, unpacking the often unseen mental load that comes with managing blood sugars, stress, expectations and routines during big, emotional events. From planning ahead and troubleshooting “what if” scenarios to letting go of perfection on the day, Jenna offers honest insight into how Type 1 can show up during milestone moments.Together, Jacqui and Jenna discuss practical strategies for event preparation, including how to plan for long days, unpredictable schedules, food, alcohol, dancing, photos and adrenaline — all while still wanting to feel present and enjoy the moment. They also explore the emotional side of big events: body image, pressure, comparison and the grief that can quietly sit alongside joy.This conversation is both grounding and empowering, offering reassurance that with preparation, flexibility and support, people living with Type 1 can show up fully for life’s biggest moments — without needing everything to be perfect.Connect further with Jenna on Instagram: @tyeponevibesFurther 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: [email protected]

In 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: [email protected]

We’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: [email protected]

In 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: [email protected]

In 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: [email protected]

Jess 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: [email protected]

In 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: [email protected]

In 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: [email protected]

In 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: [email protected]

In 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