Episode Eight: Jack Trigger

Completing a marathon is a goal for many people. Often individuals look months, if not years down the line, carefully planning their training and nutrition. For Liv Polischeck, that seemed too easy. Not only did Liv want to complete a marathon whilst living with T1 diabetes, a success in itself, she gave herself just eight weeks to prepare.  Last weekend, Liv finished her first marathon race, covering a 42km hilly Las Vegas course. Today we not only discuss this amazing accomplishment, but the training, preparation and precise diabetes adjustments that allowed Liv to cover the course in such a blistering time. We also delve into her infectious positive attitude and mindset that has made her a firm favourite amongst the T1 community.  Sit back, relax and prepare to be blown away. 

Jack Trigger is a British Solo Sailor, specialising in Ocean Racing. A World Record Holder, sponsored athlete and lover of all things tech, Jack like all guests is also T1 Diabetic. Today we delve into the logistical nightmares that can arise whilst out at sea, the forward planning and rational thinking required to succeed in his sport and look ahead to the 2021 sailing season. 

This episode has been requested and consistently put off since I started the "Type One Al With..." podcast.  Today I take the plunge, the microphone is turned around and I become the interviewee. One of my closest friends joins me to talk openly and honestly about my own T1 diagnosis, my time in the pool, university experiences as well as the story behind how "Type One Al" came about.  

Jack Anderson was diagnosed with T1 diabetes in 2015. After battling with his diabetes  for a few years, Jack quickly figured out the best way to handle the condition and at the start of 2020, after a national lockdown was announced in the UK, set his sights on achieving the seemingly impossible. After just four months of training , Jack aimed to complete an Ironman Triathlon, incorporating a 3.8km swim, 180km bike, finished off with a marathon run. Oh and before even starting, a 200kg squat... Jack joined me to talk through his amazing achievement last year, the Amazon documentary that followed his journey, his diagnosis story, his experiences with CBD oil as well as discussing how fatherhood is awaiting him in 2021.  Sit back, relax and enjoy getting to know the man, the myth, the legend. Jack Anderson. 

This week I was joined by Sophie Lunnon. After both joining the "online diabetic community" at the beginning of 2020, I have been aware of Sophie and her mission to promote the benefits of a low carb lifestyle for some time. As you will hear in this episode, Sophie´s diabetes management is simply incredible, matching that of a non-diabetic and enjoying seemingly impossible levels of blood glucose control. Given the growing popularity of low carb lifestyles, especially within the T1 community, I was incredibly excited to have the chance to learn more about Sophies journey so far.   In this 30 minute episode we cover diagnosis, the benefits of low carb and high carb diets, useful resources for those looking to learn more about low carb options and most importantly what a Lunnon Christmas looks like... I hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I enjoyed recording it.  Merry Christmas. 

Stephen Dixon, a news anchor on the Sky News @ Breakfast show joins me. Stephen shares the story of his career in journalism, moving from working on local radio to featuring on national television. Stephen also shares his diagnosis story, his thoughts on diabetes "influencers" and explains how diabetes  should be viewed not as an opponent to fight, but rather a friend we have to learn to live with. it was a pleasure to have Stephen on the podcast and despite his platform and presence in the public eye, he was incredibly calm, down to earth and humble. 

For this episode I was joined by Brandon Mouw (@brandonmouwofficial). Brandon has a unique perspective, being diagnosed with T1 diabetes in 1987 at the age of just three, living with the condition for almost thirty years, then facing almost certain death due to complications caused by kidney stones. Brandon discusses his immense physical and mental battle, resulting in a pancreas transplant being carried out almost two years ago. Brandon shines a light on what many assume is a "cure" for diabetes, when in fact the reality is far more complex. 

This week I was joined by Jacob Weber, founder of Kinetic Diabetic. After touching on the current COVID pandemic across the world, Jacob and I discussed his life with diabetes since being diagnosed during University almost ten years ago.  Jacob also explains the movement he is trying to establish, attempting to reduce the rapidly rising rates of T2 Diabetes within his home country of Malaysia. As one of the most obese nations in Asia, Jacob hopes to use his social media presence to demonstrate it is possible to live a happy and healthy life with diabetes with just a few simple lifestyle changes. 

This week I was lucky enough to be joined by the lovely Kim Lishman, founder of @type1travels.  After graduating with a degree in Journalism, Kim decided to swap London for luggage and head across the world. Kim joined me from Vancouver, Canada, discussing how diabetes has affected her as well as how her “jet-setting” lifestyle came about and how it has been impacted by COVID-19.  Sit back, relax and enjoy getting to know the person behind the instagram account.