Alpha-gal syndrome is a potentially life-altering allergy triggered by the bite of the Lone Star tick and other tick species. Unlike most food allergies, reactions often occur hours after consuming mammalian meat or products containing alpha-gal, making diagnosis particularly challenging. As cases continue to emerge across Arkansas and the southeastern United States, awareness and education are more important than ever. In this episode, we sit down with a multidisciplinary panel of experts from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service and the Arkansas Department of Health to discuss the latest science surrounding alpha-gal syndrome. We examine how ticks contribute to the condition, the nutrition and food safety implications, challenges in healthcare and veterinary medicine, and practical strategies for prevention and management. We also hear firsthand from Extension Agent Summer Greenwalt about what it is like to navigate daily life while living with alpha-gal syndrome. Whether you're a consumer, healthcare professional, producer, educator, or simply someone who enjoys spending time outdoors, this conversation offers valuable insights into a condition that is reshaping how we think about food, health, and tick-borne diseases.