Christa Nannos is a 30-year-old American actor, writer and Lyme disease educator from Los Angeles, California. Ms. Nannos was bitten by a tick when she was 9 years old. Her Lyme disease remained mostly dormant until she was exposed to parasites while on a mission trip to Guatemala. During the following 10 years, she was misdiagnosed with mental health illnesses, Candida, SIBO, Overactive Bladder Syndrome, IBS and more. Despite being mistreated by the medical community and suffering from debilitating physical symptoms, Ms. Nannos focused on maintaining a positive mindset and used laughter as a healing tool. If you would like to learn more about how a comedic actress and writer is using laughter as a Lyme disease healing tool, then tune in now!

Introduction

• Today’s special guest: Lacey Anderson, a Registered Nurse (RN) with a specialty in Sexually Transmitted Infections and mental health from Alberta, Canada.
• The focus of today's episode: Lacey's personal and professional journey dealing with Lyme disease, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, and Toxoplasmosis.
• Why you don't want to miss this: Lacey's rich clinical experience coupled with her personal journey through chronic illnesses offers a nuanced perspective on mental and physical health.

The Healthcare System: A Double-Edged Sword

• Personal challenges faced within the Canadian healthcare system.
• Comparisons between U.S. and Canadian healthcare models, particularly in treating chronic conditions.

Nervous System Health

• Deep dive into how the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems are affected by chronic conditions like Lyme.
• Suggestions for potential treatment protocols.

Navigating the Healthcare System

• Importance of clear communication with healthcare professionals.
• Lacey's tips, especially valuable given her experience as a nurse.

Medical Frameworks: Blessing or Curse?

• An exploration of medical frameworks, both as a patient and healthcare provider.
• How these frameworks can be restrictive when dealing with complex illnesses.

Holistic Health: A New Approach

• Lacey's holistic approach to treating her conditions.
• The intersection of physical, emotional, and spiritual elements in healthcare.

Conditions and Treatment Regimens

• Current treatments Lacey is undergoing for her diagnoses.
• The power of herbal protocols and lifestyle changes.

Sensation, Pain, and Chronic Illness

• Lacey's experiences with internal organ sensation changes and "thunderclap headaches."
• Why understanding the unique types of pain can help in treatment.

Transmission of Lyme and Co-Infections

• Existing research and gaps in understanding Lyme transmission, particularly in sexual transmission.
• Lacey's expert insights into this controversial topic.

Closing Remarks

• How you can follow Lacey's ongoing journey and glean more insights into chronic illness management.

Tick Boot Camp’s guest today is Ashley Iovinelli. Ms. Iovinelli is a 32-year-old integrative nutrition coach from Naperville, Illinois. She was a 28-year-old new mother when she first started to experience the symptoms of a tick disease. She went from being an active mother to not being able to move from the couch. Ms. Iovinelli had unexplainable pain that migrated throughout her entire body. She was tested for Lyme at the beginning of her journey, but it came back negative. It wasn’t until a year and a half later that she finally received a positive test. If you would like to learn more about how Ms. Iovinelli is helping others with Lyme through her health coaching and blog, Wheatgrass Warrior, then tune in now!

Tick Boot Camp’s guest today is Melanie Hubert. Ms. Hubert is a 28-year-old personal trainer from Miami, Florida. Ms. Hubert was just 12 years old when she was diagnosed with Lyme disease. She was a troublesome child because of issues that stemmed from Lyme. In 2017, Ms. Hubert suffered from an extreme relapse. She was underweight, had severe skin issues, and couldn’t shower or dress herself. She had to move back home. Ms. Hubert then started seeing a holistic medicine doctor and began her Lyme treatment journey. If you would like to learn more about how Ms. Hubert stays so positive despite having had Lyme for more than half of her life, then tune in now!

Tick Boot Camp’s guest today is Stela Sulzdorf. Ms. Sulzdorf is a 30-year-old yogi from the United Kingdom. She initially started to experience the symptoms of a tick disease when she was just 20 years old, and they forced her to drop out of the University of the Arts London. Her health declined even further in 2016, when she started to have flu-like symptoms and throat infections. She also developed chest pain, knee issues, and started to have seizures. When she finally received a positive Lyme test in February of 2019, she was prescribed Doxycycline. Ms. Sulzdorf had terrible Herxheimer reactions that increased her seizures. If you would like to join Ms. Sulzdorf at the beginning of her Lyme treatment journey, tune in now!

In this episode, we are thrilled to be interviewing Professor Ed Breitschwerdt, a renowned expert in the field of Bartonella research, often a co-infection of Lyme disease. He is currently a professor of medicine and infectious disease at North Carolina State University and an adjunct professor of medicine at Duke University Medical Center. He has written 186 research studies with the word "Bartonella" in the title.

Research Lab: His laboratory focuses on testing animals, especially companion animals like cats, dogs, and horses, for vector-transmitted infectious diseases, like Bartonella and Lyme disease. Through years of intensive research, Professor Breitschwerdt and his team have become the reference laboratory for these diseases in animals.

An Expert in the Field: Professor Breitschwerdt also directs North Carolina State University's Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory in the Institute for Comparative Medicine, co-directs the Vector Borne Diseases Diagnostic Laboratory, and has co-supervised the Tick-transmitted Diagnostic Laboratory since 1984. He has also supervised a biosafety level P-3 research laboratory.

The Focus on Bartonella: Currently, there are about 15 to 16 known species of Bartonella causing diseases in humans. The most common disease caused by Bartonella is endocarditis, a life-threatening infection of the heart.

Bartonella and Schizoaffective Disorders: Professor Breitschwerdt has performed studies strongly suggesting a connection between Bartonella infections and psychosis, mood disorders, and Tourette's syndrome. A study found that almost all schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder patients tested positive for Bartonella and had symptom relief once receiving proper treatment.

Bartonella's Effect on the Microbiome and Immune System: Chronic infection with Bartonella can alter the normal microbiome of the intestinal tract, likely due to immunosuppression or the disruption of immune modulation. Different strains of Bartonella may also lead to different symptoms in the human body. Once Bartonella enters the host, it becomes predominantly intracellular, infecting many different types of cells.

Role of Galaxy Diagnostics in Bartonella Research: Galaxy Diagnostics, where Professor Breitschwerdt is the Chief Scientific Officer, has played a significant role in progressing Bartonella research and testing. This organization uses insect growth media and digital PCR for cultivating and identifying Bartonella in blood tests. Galaxy Diagnostics has become one of the leading Bartonella testing labs in the world.

Bartonella Transmission: Professor Breitschwerdt cited numerous studies he's performed which suggest Bartonella can be transmitted sexually, through blood transfusions, congenitally from mother to child, or through a variety of vectors like ticks, cats, and bats to human beings.

The Importance of Animals in Understanding Bartonella: Studying the effects of Bartonella in animals can provide important insights into how it behaves in humans. In some instances, the same Bartonella species can cause different diseases in humans and animals, adding another layer of complexity to the research.

Closing Thoughts: Though there are still many questions surrounding Bartonella, researchers like Professor Breitschwerdt are working tirelessly to deepen our understanding.

Tick Boot Camp’s guest today is Sophie Ward. Ms. Ward is a 25-year-old podcaster, blogger, and travel agency owner from North West, England. Ms. Ward was an elite swimmer training for the London 2012 Olympics when she first started to experience the symptoms of a tick disease. She had extreme weight loss, gut issues, burning at the soles of her feet, and a low core body temperature. Doctors told her she was anorexic and depressed. After five years, Ms. Ward finally tested positive for Lyme disease. She has focused her healing around gut health. If you would like to learn more about how Ms. Ward uses her many talents to inspire other Lymies to take on whatever challenges come their way, then tune in now!

In this episode, we are incredibly fortunate to host none other than Dr. Armin Schwarzbach, a tour de force in Lyme disease research and a pioneer in its diagnosis and treatment. Hailing from Germany, Dr. Armin's contributions have illuminated the international stage, leaving an indelible impact on thousands of lives across the globe.

Key Highlights:

1. Dr. Armin Schwarzbach's Background: Dr. Armin, a globally recognized Lyme disease expert based in Germany, started his medical journey in multiple hospitals and labs, gradually progressing to laboratory medicine. He's the founder of the internationally acclaimed Armin Labs that performs over 500 daily tests for the Lyme community, serving over 150 countries.
2. Dr. Armin's Contribution to Lyme Education: Beyond diagnostics, Dr. Armin dedicates his time to educating other doctors about Lyme disease. He's part of the International Lyme and Associated Disease Society (ILADS) and the International Lyme and Associated Disease Education Foundation (ILADEF).
3. From Treating a Spectrum of Diseases to Lyme Specialization: Dr. Armin has an impressive history of diagnosing and treating diseases from AIDS, malaria, to salmonella. His focus shifted to Lyme disease after witnessing the transformative impact of Lyme treatment on multiple sclerosis patients.
4. Active Involvement in Medical Organizations: Dr. Armin is deeply involved in both American and European medical organizations, aiming to spread knowledge and establish more effective Lyme disease treatment protocols.
5. Opening Armin Labs: Armin Labs was born out of Dr. Armin's commitment to aiding the Lyme community. The decision to establish the lab wasn't profit-driven; instead, it was about delivering quality service to a largely underserved community.
6. The Multi-Faceted Nature of Lyme Disease: Lyme disease isn't a simple one-bug, one-drug issue. The disease involves complex interactions between the infection, inflammation, and immune dysfunction. Individualized diagnostic profiles are necessary to develop effective treatments.
7. Quality and Affordability of Lyme Testing: Dr. Armin emphasizes the need for affordable and quality Lyme disease tests. His lab offers comprehensive tests that check for a broad spectrum of infections, inflammatory markers, and immune dysfunction markers.
8. Understanding Co-Infections: Besides Borrelia, the bacterium that causes Lyme, many other infections could trigger similar symptoms. Doctors and patients should be aware of the complex nature of co-infections in Lyme disease management.
9. Findings from Dr. Armin's Research Study: One of Dr. Armin's studies found that a significant number of patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia had antibodies for Borrelia, indicating a potential misdiagnosis or overlooked co-infection.
10. Dr. Armin's Future Plans: Dr. Armin's ongoing mission is to continue improving Lyme disease testing and developing more effective, affordable treatments. He is also pushing for greater cooperation with vets to improve Lyme disease understanding and diagnosis.

Brett Knight is a 26-year-old licensed personal trainer currently working full time parenting her son and healing from Lyme disease. She has been managing Lyme-related health issues for “all of her adult life” and her earliest symptoms presented by the age of 17.

Ms. Knight’s Lyme symptoms began with “feeling off,” “ringing in [her] ears,” and insomnia. Over time, she suffered from back pain, fevers, difficulty walking, and loss of the ability to lift her arms.

For 3 years she visited with medical doctors who misdiagnosed her with Chronic Fatigue and Depression. Finally, at the age of 20, a family friend and the founder of Infusio, Philip Battiade, was visiting her in-laws and utilized a biofeedback machine to diagnose her with Lyme disease. The Lyme diagnosis was later confirmed by blood testing.

Ms. Knight’s circuitous Lyme disease journey included stem cell therapy at Infusio in Germany, breast implant and explant surgeries, competitive bodybuilding, vitamin therapy, dietary changes and “game changing” Bee Venom Therapy (BVT).

If you would like to learn more about how a young mother is balancing parenting and healing by using a diverse set of modalities, then tune in now!

Welcome to another episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, where today we're thrilled to have Nikki Schultek as our special guest. Nikki, hailing from Wake Forest, North Carolina, shares her journey from being a vibrant individual to facing severe health challenges like chronic Lyme disease, and how it led her to become a pivotal figure in the fight against chronic diseases through her work with the Alzheimer's Pathobiome Initiative and Intracell Research Group.

Nikki's Background and East Coast Roots

• Originally from the East Coast, Nikki's accent gives away her roots despite her current residence in North Carolina with her family, including two boys, a golden doodle, and her supportive husband.

The Tick Encounter

• Nikki recounts a critical moment of finding an engorged tick, mistaken for a watermelon seed, highlighting the importance of regular tick checks in her family's life, especially given their pet's history with ticks.

Educational Journey

• Despite an initial interest in science, Nikki pursued a degree in marketing, French, and international business at Villanova University. She reflects on how her career in the pharmaceutical industry, including roles at Pfizer and Genentech, equipped her with a unique perspective on healthcare and disease management, particularly in neurology and stroke care.

Personal Health Crisis

• Nikki shares a harrowing account of her health deteriorating in her early 30s, leading to severe respiratory issues, joint pain, and neurological symptoms. Her quest for answers led her to a life-changing Google search connecting her symptoms to chronic bacterial infections, including Lyme disease.

The Turning Point with Dr. Charles Stratton

• The discovery of Dr. Charles Stratton's work on chronic infections was a turning point for Nikki. She details how his guidance and a regimen of antibiotic therapy, overseen by her empathetic primary care doctor, began her road to recovery.

The Path to Research and Advocacy

• Motivated by her experiences, Nikki delved into research, advocating for a diagnostic approach that looks beyond symptoms to the root causes of diseases like Alzheimer's. She emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to bridge gaps in understanding complex diseases.

Alzheimer's Pathobiome Initiative

• Nikki discusses founding the Alzheimer's Pathobiome Initiative (AlzPI), focusing on the diverse factors contributing to Alzheimer's disease (like Lyme disease) and the potential of targeted treatments based on precise diagnostics. She co-authored a research study on this topic and wrote an Op-Ed article breaking it down: Evidence Shows Germs May Cause Alzheimer’s—It’s Time for Researchers and Doctors to Act on It

Advocacy for Precision Medicine

• The conversation highlights Nikki's advocacy for precision medicine, emphasizing the need for a consensus in diagnosing and treating diseases rooted in chronic infections. She shares insights into the challenges and opportunities in this field, including the potential impact of COVID-19 on public and medical understanding of infectious diseases and their long-term effects.

Call to Action

• Nikki encourages listeners to engage in their health advocacy and underscores the importance of collaborative research in tackling complex health issues. She calls for more research into the balance of microbes within our bodies and how it influences health and disease.

Closing Thoughts

• Nikki's story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for scientific innovation to transform lives. Her work with the Alzheimer's Pathobiome Initiative stands at the forefront of a new approach to understanding and treating Alzheimer's disease, rooted in the intricate relationship between our bodies and the microbial world.

Contact Information

For those interested in learning more about Nikki Schultek's work or getting involved with the Alzheimer's Pathobiome Initiative, visit AlzPI.org and IntracellResearchGroup.com.

Learn More

Discover more enlightening and inspiring conversations on the Tick Boot Camp Podcast. Dive into our extensive archive of interviews featuring experts, survivors, and advocates in the battle against Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Each episode is designed to educate, empower, and connect our community, offering insights into prevention, treatment, and recovery. Join us on this journey to health and healing.

Laura Arnal is a 47-year-old Lyme disease health coach, author, patient advocate, and co-founder of the PREFACE group (Patient Resource Facilitator Europe). She is the author of the French language book titled “I Overcome Lyme Disease” (J’ai sumonte la Maladie de Lyme - Editions Odile Jacob).

Ms. Arnal was born, raised, and educated in France. In 2009, she, her husband, and their 3 children moved to Germany “to discover another culture.” Shortly after the move to Germany, the Arnal family “decided to take a trip from New York to Boston with an RV. An extraordinary adventure for Europeans!”

During the tour of the northeastern US, they “visited friends living at Yale” University, located near Lyme, Connecticut. The day after spending an afternoon in the friends’ Connecticut garden, Ms. Arnal felt “strange and tired.” She initially attributed the symptoms to “jet lag” and when the symptoms persisted for several days and then weeks, she concluded she “caught a virus” on the flight from Europe.

Ms. Arnal’s health steadily declined for 5 years resulting in visits to 69 doctors in 3 countries before she was diagnosed with Lyme disease by a German Internist. “This doctor made this diagnosis by my detailed medical history …[and] by listening precisely to my symptoms.”

After securing a diagnosis, Ms. Arnal joined several Lyme disease social media groups to seek advice about how to find a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor (LLMD). After building and sorting the list of social recommended LLMDs, she treated with the famous Lyme pioneer Dr. Daniel Cameron (Tick Boot Camp Podcast episode 233).

If you would like to learn more about how a French patriot living in Germany crossed international borders in 2 continents to heal from Lyme disease, then tune in now!

Tricia “Trish” Baden is the 33-year-old Candle Scientist behind Flores Lane from West Hollywood, California. Her Lyme disease journey began while on a cabin trip with her ex-boyfriend and his family to Northern Wisconsin when she was 23 years old.

Ms. Baden became immediately ill during the last day of her trip with a sore throat, bump on the back of her head, and a fever. Her symptoms progressed and she developed neurological problems in addition to various other symptoms from head-to-toe.

Ms. Baden kept fighting for her health and was misdiagnosed with early on-set Parkinson's disease and depression. She knew deep down that there was more to the story.

Over a year later, Ms. Baden was diagnosed with stage 4 neurological Lyme disease, Babesia, and Bartonella after seeing almost 30 different doctors. She has used a wide variety of treatments and is

If you would like to learn more about how a curious scientist used her God-given talents to overcome medical incompetence and use what she learned to become the founder/CEO of Flores Lane, then tune in now!

PS Ali Moresco special guest co-hosted this interview with Matt from Tick Boot Camp!

Hayden Crook is a 28-year-old youth pastor from Bend, Oregon. He graduated from the elite University of Oregon with a bachelor’s degree majoring in Psychology and Business.

After college, Pastor Crook was appointed Youth Pastor for one of the largest churches in the State of Oregon. In this capacity, he supervised youth mission trips, including a mission to cut firewood for a Native American reservation. On the second day of the firewood mission trip, he suffered a headache and dizziness that “never went away.” The symptoms progressed from brain fog and memory issues to the loss of his capacity to speak and then he became bedridden.

Pastor Crook’s undiagnosed symptoms became so aggressive and debilitating that his wife had to leave her job to become his full-time caregiver. He was unable to perform basic elements of self-care including toileting himself without the assistance of his wife.

Visiting over 50 doctors and 2 extended hospitalizations did not result in a diagnosis. In part, his diagnosis was delayed by a medical bias that the former Division 1 football player was afflicted by concussion-related disease. He was also misdiagnosed with a CerebroSpinal Fluid (CSF) Leak, a sinus infection, and mental illness.

He was finally diagnosed with Lyme disease by a Naturopathic Doctor in Bend, Oregon. The clinical diagnosis was confirmed by blood testing from IGeneX.

If you would like to learn more about how a Pastor, psychology major and former Division 1 athlete is building a toolbox of spiritual, emotional and physical tools to heal from Lyme disease, then tune in now!

Katie DePaola is an entrepreneur, author and the creative force behind a globally recognized education and training program. She is the founder of Inner Glow Circle, a company dedicated to training and certifying woman as life coaches. Ms. DePaola’s Lyme disease experience began with a tick bite suffered the summer before she moved to Nashville, Tennessee to attend the elite Vanderbilt University. For the 9 years following her tick bite, the formerly energetic young woman suffered declining health with symptoms that included extreme fatigue, constant pain, mood swings and paralysis to her hands, feet, and face. Despite consulting and treating with over 30 health care practitioners, her mysterious illness went undiagnosed until she visited the famous LLMD Dr. Joseph Jemsek, MD. Between 2014 and 2017, she treated with several well-known Lyme disease specialists where she learned how to rebuild her health and, in the process, discovered her life’s purpose! Ms. DePaola’s spiritual journey laid the foundation for her to build and run a successful business and in 2020 to publish the acclaimed book “At Least You Look Good: Learning How to GLOW Through What You Go Through.” If you would like to learn how a young entrepreneur discovered her Greatest Level of Want (GLOW); i.e., want for herself, for others and for the world, then tune in now!

Tick Boot Camp’s guest today is Rhisa Marie Parera. Ms. Parera is a 30-year-old multimedia journalist and yogi from Union City, New Jersey. After a senior trip in high school to Upstate, New York, Ms. Parera had extreme abdominal pain. She also started to experience migraines and dizzy spells. She first saw her primary care physician, but received no concrete answers. After seeing over 30 doctors, she was given medicine for depression. Her concerns and symptoms were routinely dismissed by most doctors because she was a woman. She lost her job, her friends, and could barely function. Ten years after her initial symptoms, Ms. Parera finally had an appointment with a female doctor who tested her for Lyme disease. If you would like to learn more about how Ms. Parera is giving back to the community of Lymies who have helped her, then tune in now!

In this episode, we chat with Ben Ahrens, the founder of Re-Origin, about his inspiring journey to recover from Chronic Neurological Lyme Disease using neuroplasticity. At the age of 25, Ben found himself bedridden for over 3 years, despite conventional medical treatment. It was then that he discovered neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize itself and form new neural connections.

Ben attended an online class in neuroanatomy at UC Berkeley and learned about the incredible results that applied neuroscience or "neuroplasticity training" had achieved with chronic pain, physical rehab, and even immune-related conditions. He realized that the brain is the "chief orchestrator" of all mental, physical, and emotional processes and decided to heal himself with this approach.

Over the years, Ben consulted with top neuroscientists and doctors from around the world, eventually developing a program and process called The Brain Trust™ that could replicate his success at scale for a wide range of debilitating conditions. This program serves as the cornerstone of Re-Origin.

Through the power of neuroplasticity, Ben healed himself from Lyme, CFS, and Hypersensitivity disorder. He joined forces with Innovative Medicine, earning advanced certifications in biological medicine and becoming an AADP Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner in the state of New York. Together, they work on untangling some of the world's most complex chronic conditions.

If you're interested in learning more about how the power of neuroplasticity could provide hope for a new path to recovery, tune in now!

Noel Elie is a 35-year-old actor, model, director, producer and entrepreneur from Los Angeles, California. Her acting resume includes appearances on CBS’s Blue Bloods, CW’s Dynasty, NBC’s Shades of Blue and ABC’s Shark Tank. In her business life, she worked with many iconic brands and NY Times bestselling authors until she became chronically ill. Approximately one year ago, Ms. Elie developed debilitating symptoms; including, brain fog, tremors, chronic fatigue, anxiety, and depression. When these symptoms “kicked into high gear,” she visited a carousel of 8 doctors before she was diagnosed with Lyme disease. The diagnosis inspired Ms. Elie to utilize traditional and alternative treatment modalities such as antibiotics, vitamin IV therapy, plant therapy (Ayahuasca), and Kambo (frog poison). If you would like to learn more about how an uber talented entertainment and business professional is writing and producing the script to recover her health from Lyme disease, then tune in now!

Join Tick Boot Camp for an exclusive live interview from the ILADS Conference with renowned neuropsychologist Dr. Leo Shea. Dr. Shea, a past president of ILADS, shares groundbreaking insights into the physiological underpinnings of psychiatric and psychological symptoms in Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

Key Takeaways:

• The historical shift from viewing psychiatric conditions as theological to recognizing their physiological basis
• The importance of a multidisciplinary approach involving both medical and psychological professionals
• The impact of misdiagnosis and "medical gaslighting" on patients' mental health
• The role of social isolation, loss of purpose, and identity in the healing journey
• How inflammation and infection in the brain can contribute to cognitive and psychiatric symptoms
• The influence of trauma, both past and present, on the presentation of Lyme disease
• The significance of addressing environmental factors like mold and heavy metals
• ILADS' recommendation for a team-based approach to Lyme disease treatment

Resources & Links:

• Follow the latest ILADS updates: ILADS.org
• Learn more about Dr. Leo Shea: Saint Michael’s College Spotlight
• Stay connected with Tick Boot Camp: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok | Twitter (X)

Kymberlie Stansell is a 38-year-old Duke University educated Lyme disease coach and “Wellness Sleuth.” Ms. Stansell’s Lyme disease journey began after she graduated from college and moved to New York in pursuit of an acting career. For 15 years she consulted with scores of doctors, spending tens of thousands of dollars eventually searching herself into diagnostic exhaustion. Finally, she was diagnosed with Lyme disease by a doctor in New York City. If you would like to learn more about how a Lyme coach had to connect with her inner sleuth to find clues to her health questions, then tune in now!

In this special live episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we sit down with Braden and Bill Rawls, co-founders of Vital Plan, at the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) Conference. They share insights on how Vital Plan is creating high-quality herbal supplements and support services for individuals battling chronic Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Learn how a sustainable business model can empower the Lyme community and improve health outcomes.

Key Takeaways:

• Customer Feedback Drives Innovation – How listening to customers has shaped Vital Plan’s product development and support services.
• For-Profit vs. Non-Profit Models – Why Vital Plan chose a for-profit approach to better serve the Lyme community.
• The Healing Journey Requires More Than Just Supplements – The role of emotional and physical support in recovery.
• Gut Health & Herbal Therapy – The impact of antibiotics on gut health and why herbs can be a gentler, long-term solution.
• Affordability & Value – How Vital Plan offers cost-effective and high-quality herbal solutions compared to other treatments.
• Building a Toolbox for Health – The importance of proactively managing health with a variety of tools.
• The Power of Community – How fostering a supportive and positive community is crucial for healing.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in holistic health, the Lyme disease community, and mission-driven businesses that put people first.

Resources & Links:

• Follow the latest ILADS updates: ILADS.org
• Learn more about Braden Rawls & Vital Plan: RawlsMD.com
• Stay connected with Tick Boot Camp: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok | Twitter (X)

Dr. Alan MacDonald is an Ivy League educated medical doctor and the first Lyme Literate Pathologist. Dr. MacDonald practiced as a "Doctor's Doctor" on Long Island, New York at the onset of the Lyme disease pandemic. Dr. MacDonald pioneered the use of pathological techniques to prove that untreated Lyme disease can result in a patient's death. He also perfected direct diagnostic testing to prove seronegative chronic active Lyme disease. Additionally, Dr. MacDonald proved Lyme disease caused fetal deaths, stillbirths, and sudden infant deaths. Lastly, he was the first to link Alzheimer's disease to Lyme infections. If you would like to learn more about how America's first Lyme Literate Pathologist pioneered many of the mainstream diagnostic and treatment techniques used by medical practitioners and Lyme researchers, then tune in now!

Jim Miller is a 38-year-old professional mixed martial arts athlete from Sparta Township, New Jersey. He currently holds the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) records for the most wins, most bouts, most submission wins, and most fight time (6:03:59) in the lightweight division. He has been awarded Fight of the Night 7 times and Fight of the Year.

In 2016, after losing a unanimous decision, he decided he would announce his retirement after a final bout at UFC 200. Because he believed that 11 years of MMA had taken a physical toll, he planned to stand in the middle of the Octagon, “thank his fans, and call it a career.”

Prior to his retirement bout, he visited his doctor and described the ever-widening array of symptoms that began in 2013, the same year he suffered a tick bite. His doctor diagnosed him with and began to treat him for Lyme disease.

Initially, he treated with 6 months of doxycycline and followed a disciplined exercise, diet, and mindset strategy he developed for MMA bouts. When his symptoms returned, his doctor prescribed an additional 2 years of antibiotic treatment.

After treatment, Mr. Miller returned to the Octagon and defeated Ultimate Fighter Champion Joe Lauzon on Fox in Vancouver and then put on his best performance of the year by defeating Thiago Alves at UFC 205 in New York.

If you would like to learn how Lyme disease landed a near career end blow to a UFC mixed martial arts legend, then tune in now!

Greg Lee is the 55-year-old founder of the Lyme Research and Healing Center and GoodbyeLyme.com. He is a nationally recognized expert in the use of Chinese herbs and alternative medicine for the treatment of persistent infections.

Mr. Lee began his career as a systems engineer on NASA projects such as the Hubble Telescope, the Space Station, robotics, and climate modeling projects. The stresses of working on multiple space projects caused Mr. Lee to suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) which he managed with medications until he resolved the illness after treating with an acupuncturist.

The relief offered by the alternative treatment inspired Mr. Lee to change his career path. He returned to college to become a Master of Acupuncture and he also earned a Chinese herbal certification before opening a healing practice for chronic pain in Fredrick, Maryland.

Two concurrent events inspired Mr. Lee to narrow the scope of his healing practices focus on Lyme: first, many of the patients he successfully treated for fibromyalgia tested positive for Lyme disease, and second, his daughter was bitten by an infected tick.

If you would like to learn more about how you may benefit from herbals, alternative treatment, and the Lyme Research and Healing Center on your Lyme disease healing journey, then tune in now!

PS Greg has offered an exclusive free download to Tick Boot Camp listeners detailing the Top 5 Essential Oils for Lyme Disease!

Introduction: In this powerful episode, Tick Boot Camp Podcast Rich Johannesen and special guest co-host Dan Wagner welcome Lyme disease survivor and advocate Sophia Denison. Dan shares insights on his new Global Lyme Alliance-sponsored podcast, Lyme Plus, which he co-hosts with Kenzie Vath, where they spotlight essential information from doctors and researchers in the Lyme disease field. Rich then introduces Sophia, an inspiring young leader in the Lyme disease community, whose journey of resilience has fueled her advocacy efforts.

Sophia’s Advocacy and Community Engagement: Sophia Denison recounts her transformative journey from Lyme disease patient to a leading activist. Now fully recovered, she dedicates herself to raising awareness and empowering others. As an ambassador for the Global Lyme Alliance, she has organized community events, including a screening of The Quiet Epidemic documentary on her college campus. She discusses how storytelling opens up powerful dialogues and fosters empathy, helping others understand the struggles of Lyme disease sufferers.

Sophia’s Early Life and Initial Symptoms: Growing up in Barrington, Illinois, Sophia was an active child who participated in sports and triathlons. However, at age seven, she began experiencing unexplainable symptoms, including intense stomach pain, weight loss, and severe anxiety. Her symptoms were initially misdiagnosed as gastrointestinal issues and anxiety, which delayed her Lyme diagnosis for over a decade.

The Challenges of College and Escalating Symptoms: Upon starting college, Sophia's symptoms intensified. She faced body pain, fatigue, and unusual neurological episodes like uncontrollable laughing and crying. Balancing academic demands while sharing facilities with other students added to her stress and exacerbated her symptoms. Despite seeking help from specialists, her symptoms were often dismissed as stress-related.

Sophia’s Search for a Diagnosis and the Role of IGeneX Testing: Sophia recalls the emotional toll of visiting multiple specialists, only to be told her symptoms were "all in her head." Desperate for answers, she decided to undergo a Lyme test with IGeneX. With encouragement from her best friend and neighbor, Lulu, who shared her own Lyme story, Sophia pursued testing that finally confirmed her suspicions.

Discovering a Treatment Path in Germany: Sophia sought treatment at Klinik St. Georg in Bad Aibling, Germany. There, she underwent treatments including whole-body hyperthermia, blood ozone therapy, and detoxification therapies. The intensive treatment program helped Sophia begin her journey toward health, though it was a difficult path both emotionally and physically.

Building a Personalized Toolbox for Recovery: Recovery for Sophia meant building a personalized "toolbox" of health strategies. Today, she maintains her health through supplements, a balanced diet, regular movement, and stress management. She emphasizes listening to her body, and understanding its needs has allowed her to reconnect with herself and rebuild her life.

Lessons Learned and Empowering Advice for the Lyme Community: Sophia’s key advice to others is to trust that their symptoms are real. By tuning into her body's signals and understanding its resilience, she was able to shift her perspective on Lyme disease. Sophia encourages patients to see their bodies as allies and lean into their strength through the journey. Her recovery serves as a beacon of hope for Lyme patients, demonstrating that healing is possible.

Action Items and Future Goals: Sophia is committed to her work with the Global Lyme Alliance and other organizations to connect Lyme patients with Lyme-literate healthcare providers. By sharing her experiences, she hopes to continue empowering others and raising awareness of Lyme disease.

Conclusion: This episode offers a hopeful message for Lyme sufferers worldwide. Sophia Denison’s journey from illness to advocacy serves as a reminder that recovery is achievable, and her story encourages listeners to trust their instincts, seek proper care, and find a supportive community.

In this episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, Dr. Chris Turnpaugh of Turnpaugh Health shares his holistic approach to treating chronic Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. He discusses the importance of addressing the whole body, not just killing the pathogen, and the role of neuroplasticity in recovery. Key topics include:

• Overview of Turnpaugh Health's multidisciplinary practice
• Dr. Turnpaugh's educational journey from chiropractic to functional medicine
• The inside-out approach of chiropractic and its impact on the nervous system
• Neuroplasticity and its influence on immune function and mood disorders
• Natural antimicrobials like Crypto Lepus and Cat's Claw
• Biofilm disruptors such as medical-grade stevia and NAC
• Supplements for sleep, mood, and mitochondrial support

Dr. Turnpaugh provides valuable insights and practical recommendations for chronic Lyme patients seeking a comprehensive path to healing.

Key Takeaways:

• Multidisciplinary approach addressing physical, emotional, and mental aspects of chronic illness
• Importance of supporting the body's physiology, not just killing pathogens
• Role of neuroplasticity in chronic Lyme and strategies for retraining the nervous system
• Natural antimicrobials and biofilm disruptors as part of a holistic treatment plan
• Supplements for sleep, mood, and mitochondrial health

About Dr. Chris Turnpaugh: Dr. Chris Turnpaugh is the founder and President of Turnpaugh Health & Wellness Center, leading a team dedicated to patient-focused, integrative care. With post-doctorate certification in functional neurology and training from the Carrick Institute, the Institute for Functional Medicine, and A4M, he specializes in autoimmune diseases, thyroid disorders, neurological conditions, and anti-aging medicine.

Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Turnpaugh is an educator, teaching healthcare providers nationwide about functional medicine principles. He is an active member of the International Lyme Disease Association, PCA, A4M, IFM, and the International Association for Functional Neurology.

When he’s not treating patients or educating practitioners, Dr. Turnpaugh enjoys hiking, scuba diving, and cheering on his favorite college football team.

Products & Resources Mentioned Available on Dr. Turnpaugh's Website:

• Liposomal Cryptolepis: Broad-spectrum natural antimicrobial effective against Lyme, Bartonella, and other tick-borne infections
• Cats Claw Elite: Natural antimicrobial with anti-parasitic properties
• As Soon As you are Bit (ASAB - ASAB 2): ASAB is a potent herbal formulation meticulously crafted to combat tick-borne infections and ASAB 2 coverage extends to address persister cells that may emerge due to antibiotic usage and is effective against parasites.
• Mellow (Serenity DHH-B Complex): Sleep aid containing Dihydrohonokiol-B from Magnolia Bark to calm the nervous system
• Extinguisher: Anti-inflammatory blend with Turmeric, Resveratrol, Perilla Seed Extract, and Quercetin
• MitoSpark: Supports mitochondrial health and function
• Bitter X: Herbal bitters to support detoxification and bile flow for things like microplastics
• NAC+: Glutathione precursor to support detoxification and antioxidant status
• Turmero XL: Highly bioavailable turmeric extract for reducing inflammation
• Rejuvenate: Supports mast cell function and dampens inflammatory responses
• immunoREBOOT: Helps retrain the immune system and reduce inappropriate reactions

Follow & Subscribe: If you enjoyed this episode of our Tick Boot Camp Podcast, be sure to subscribe and leave a review! Connect with us on social media for more expert interviews and insights into functional medicine and chronic illness recovery.

Laura Perry is a 37-year-old myth busting Integrative Health Practitioner from Richmond, Virginia. Despite suffering from unwellness for most of her life, she succeeded in securing a very stable and lucrative job in corporate America.

During her lengthy diagnostic journey, she treated with 15 allopathic doctors who misdiagnosed her “over and over again.” In 2019, she abandoned the western medical system and utilized Bioresonance testing. She tested positive for “Borrelia, Babesia, Bartonella and Rickettsia.”

Finally securing a diagnosis permitted Laura to treat her “own Lyme by addressing immune system dysregulation.” First, she remediated mold contamination in her home. Next, she had to address parasites and cell danger response. Thereafter she moved “on to treating with things like the parasite zapper and CellCore IS tinctures” for Lyme disease and co-infections.

After much trial and error, Ms. Perry developed a “muscle testing method that provides the ability to hone in on what is driving symptoms very quickly.” With the support of her entrepreneurial husband, she left corporate America to share her method by building Revealing Healing. Revealing Healing is a program designed to help “those who want to heal and to do it themselves” with gentle guidance from Ms. Perry for the first few months.

If you would like to learn more about how the 12 week Revealing Healing program can provide you with the tools and information required to foster self-healing from Lyme disease, then tune in now!

Erin Meyers is a 39-year-old culinary artist from Bakersfield, California. Ms. Meyers moved to California after living most of her life in the eastern US Lyme belt.

Ms. Meyers’ Lyme journey began during childhood with classic migrating symptoms that were misdiagnosed as growing pains, IBS and SIBO. Her symptoms were treated individually, not collectively, for over 30 years resulting in a delayed Lyme disease diagnosis.

Securing a diagnosis permitted Ms. Meyers to build a cookbook of medical recipes to rebuild her immune system including IV ozone, ozone saunas, acupuncture, muscle testing for herbals and energy healing.

Today, Ms. Meyers is recovering from dental cavitation surgery and preparing herself physically and emotionally for the next steps in her treatment journey.

If you would like to learn more about how a culinary artist overcame decades of medical system failure to unearth the recipe for successfully treating Lyme disease, then tune in now!

Dr Richard Horowitz is an internationally recognized Lyme Literate Medical Doctor (LLMD), author of 2 New York Times bestselling books and co-author of the 2018 Housing and Human Services (HHS) Tick-Borne Disease Working Group (TBDWG) report to Congress. He has treated more than 14,000 Lyme disease patients earning him the reputation as the LLMD to the stars.

During his career, Dr. Horowitz has learned that Lyme disease and chronic illness can be healed if treated holistically, i.e., physically, emotionally, and spiritually. His patients have also taught him that Lyme disease is a symptom of a chronically ill earth, suffering ongoing ravages of climate change.

In his third book, Starseed R/evolution - The Awakening, Dr. Horowitz demonstrates that our planet can be saved from peril if the Lyme disease community can set aside differences and join forces to lead the world’s communities to individual and collective healing.

Described as a “Gulliver’s Travels for the twenty third century, Starseed R/evolution utilizes satire, adventure, pop psychology, mystical exploration and a breath of fresh air in a world choking on its own hubris.” The book captures the scope of the threats and solutions required to prevent the ecocide facing our planet.

Tick Boot Camp’s guest today is Randi Goodman, a Marketing Executive and Manager that has developed programs for several of the largest companies in the US. After a personal battle with Lyme Disease, she leveraged her marketing skill set and launched the platform “Think Lyme” to advocate for advancing physician and patient awareness for early Lyme Disease diagnosis. If you would like to learn more about how Randi Goodman is sharing her journey to inspire doctors and patients to pursue early tick disease diagnosis and treatment, then tune in now!

Colonel Nicole Malachowski is a nationally recognized fighter pilot and military commander. Her 21-year military career included flying 26 combat missions, serving as the first female Thunderbird pilot, serving as a White House Fellow in the administrations of Presidents Bush and Obama, and commanding the 333rd Fighter Squadron at Seymour Air Force Base in North Carolina. Colonel Malachowski is a member of the National Women’s Hall of Fame and is the recipient of 11 Air Force medals including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal.

As commander of the 333rd Fighter Squadron, she participated in outdoor training “without taking precautions for preventing insect bites.” Upon returning from training, she visited military doctors to be treated for “flu like symptoms” and an “EM rash.” The doctor diagnosed her rash as a spider bite “because [they] don’t have Lyme in North Carolina.”

Shortly thereafter, Colonel Malachowski was stationed in Newport, Rhode Island and discovered an engorged tick on her leg. Her military doctors warned her to “watch for a rash,” which never appeared. Three months later she tested IgM positive for Lyme disease and was prescribed 28 days of antibiotics.

Colonel Malachowski’s health quickly declined over the course of the 3 years following her 2nd tick bite. She became wheelchair bound despite treating with 24 military and civilian doctors. She was finally “fully diagnosed” after she was granted permission to treat at the civilian Dean Center for Tick Borne Illness – Spaulding Rehabilitation Network.

Unfortunately, the late-stage diagnosis and treatment were too late to preserve Colonel Malachowski’s military career. She was forced to retire in 2017 because she contracted “tick-borne illnesses.” Today, Colonel Malachowski is a public speaker and patient advocate for people suffering from tick-borne illnesses.

If you would like to learn more about how a fighter pilot is using her military education, experience and training to win the battle with Lyme disease, then tune in now!

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Morgan Lucas, a 31-year-old naturopathic doctor from San Diego, CA, about her journey with Lyme disease. Morgan shares her story of overcoming the challenges of Lyme, how her life changed because of it, and her passion for helping others navigate their own health challenges.

Key Points:

• Dr. Lucas' life before Lyme disease: a high-achieving student, Miss New Hampshire Teen USA, and working in digital marketing analytics
• She first got sick at 24 years old, experiencing flu-like symptoms after an insect bite, along with chronic fatigue, chemical sensitivities, insomnia, muscle weakness, brain fog, and digestive issues
• Dr. Lucas received her Lyme disease diagnosis at age 27 after seeing between 8-10 doctors and being misdiagnosed with multiple conditions
• Her treatment for Lyme disease included detoxification, ozone therapy, infrared sauna, herbal medicine, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, frequency therapy, and more
• Although Dr. Lucas is 90% back to her old self, she still experiences flares, recently from mold exposure
• Her life is now focused on self-care and helping others as a naturopathic doctor
• Advice for those struggling with Lyme disease: be patient, prioritize yourself, and ensure you're not being exposed to mold or other toxins while treating

Dr. Lucas' background:

• Graduated with honors from Johns Hopkins University in Economics and Applied Math & Statistics
• Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University
• Licensed Naturopathic Doctor in California
• 2 years of experience in digital marketing analytics prior to pursuing naturopathic medical school

Connect with Dr. Morgan Lucas:

• Book a free 10-minute discovery call or book an appointment
• View Dr. Morgan's link tree

Tori Piskin is a 30-year-old comedian, producer, editor and podcaster from Los Angeles, California. Ms. Piskin was raised in a traditional close-knit New York Jewish familial environment. Her family was activated to help as soon as her chronic symptoms presented during her senior year of college. She was diagnosed and in treatment with a well-known Lyme Literate Medical Doctor (LLMD) within months of the onset of her symptoms. After graduating from college, Ms. Piskin returned home to earn a "graduate degree in Lyme disease" by dedicating herself to "full time healing." During that time, she and her family filmed and posted the highs and the lows of her Lyme journey on YouTube. YouTube served to channel Ms. Piskin's talents and to validate the Lyme experience for others in the community. Today, Ms. Piskin describes her health as "87 percent" improved and she is "taking care of herself" by "listening to her body." If you would like to learn more about how an entertainer and media professional is dedicating her vast talents to sharing the humorous love and support she received on her healing journey, then tune in now!

Tick Boot Camp’s guest today is Jeremy Scott Foster. Mr. Foster is a 34-year-old entrepreneur from Los Angeles, California. He was just a teenager when he was bitten by a tick in his backyard in New Hampshire. He experienced extreme brain fog and night sweats, and was lucky to be diagnosed almost right away. He took antibiotics, and began traveling around the world soon after. Then, in September 2015, Mr. Foster either relapsed, or was reinfected. Luckily, he recognized the symptoms he was experiencing, like fatigue, as being related to Lyme and fought to be tested again. If you would like to learn more about Mr. Foster’s Lyme journey and how he hopes to inspire others, then tune in now!

In this powerful episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we delve deep into the world of Lyme disease with Dr. Andi Campitelli, a highly experienced naturopathic doctor from Toronto, Canada. Dr. Campitelli shares her personal journey with Lyme disease, her unique 4-phase treatment approach, and invaluable insights for anyone struggling with chronic Lyme disease.

Episode Highlights:

• Dr. Campitelli's Personal Lyme Story: Discover how a passion for preventative medicine, sparked by personal loss, led Dr. Campitelli to specialize in complex chronic illnesses like Lyme.
• The 4-Phase Lyme Treatment Framework: Learn about Dr. Campitelli's comprehensive approach, focusing on:
  • Foundation: Addressing getting the body ready for treatment with things like gut health, detoxification, hormones, genetics, and inflammation.
  • Natural Antimicrobials: Utilizing herbal/botanical tinctures, binders, etc. to address mold, SIBO, parasites, and infections (Lyme, Babesia, Bartonella, etc.).
  • Judicious Use of Antibiotics and Pharmaceuticals: When and how a variety of antibiotics/pharmaceuticals can play a role in Lyme recovery, including Ivermectin, Hydroxychloroquine, Disulfiram, Dapsone, etc.
  • Long-Term Maintenance: Strategies for sustained wellness and preventing relapse.
• Mental Health & Neuroplasticity: Explore the crucial role of mental health support and neuroplasticity in the Lyme recovery process.
• Detoxification Strategies: Understand the importance of supporting the body's natural detoxification pathways.
• Expert Insights from a Lyme-Literate Doctor: Benefit from Dr. Campitelli's experience treating over 1,000 Lyme patients and her own personal journey overcoming the disease.

Connect with Tick Boot Camp: Listen to more inspiring stories and expert advice on our Tick Boot Camp Podcast. Subscribe on your favorite platform (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Music) and join our community to liberate yourself and others from Lyme disease.

Tick Boot Camp’s guest today is the International racing champion Angelica Fuentes Garcia. After contracting Lyme Disease, the woman credited with breaking through professional racing’s gender barrier was forced to resign from her race team. Her illness became chronic and career threatening because she was misdiagnosed by 22 separate doctors, on two continents, over 3 years. If you would like to learn more about how a woman broke gender barriers in racing and medicine to regain her health and her career, then tune in now!

Tick Boot Camp’s guest today is Maren Lotte van Merrienboer. Ms. Lotte van Merrienboer is a 25-year-old social media influencer from the Netherlands. She first started experiencing the symptoms of a tick disease in 2014. Ms. Lotte van Merrienboer was extremely tired, couldn’t control her muscles, and had brain fog. She wasn’t diagnosed with Lyme for four years, and didn’t see many doctors because they didn’t take her seriously. They told her what she was feeling was in her head. Ms. Lotte van Merrienboer’s ex-boyfriend suffered from Lyme. They hadn’t spoken in years, but she accidentally connected with him on LinkedIn. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise. He messaged her, and soon she was telling him about her health problems, and he connected her with his doctor. If you would like to learn more about Ms. Lotte van Merrienboer’s treatment journey, and how she is inspiring others to fight chronic illness, then tune in now!

Richard Johannesen’s and Matt Sabatello's guest today is graphic artist Lauren Walters, founder of Life in Lyme Light, who will show you how to share your Lyme disease journey story and help other people.

In this enlightening episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, co-hosts Matt Sabatello and Kaitlyn Oleinik sit down with Claudia Arias, the founder of Sacred Space Counseling. A Lyme literate therapist specializing in EMDR, Claudia brings her own Lyme journey to the forefront, offering invaluable insights into how her personal experiences have shaped her professional approach in helping the community.

Key Discussion Points:

• Introduction of Claudia Arias: Learn about Claudia’s background, her work in mental health, and how her own battle with Lyme disease led her to specialize in trauma and EMDR therapy.
• Claudia's Lyme Disease Journey: Claudia shares her initial symptoms, the challenges of diagnosis, and the integration of her experience into her therapeutic practices.
• Healing Techniques and Therapies: Claudia discusses the benefits of EMDR and other healing therapies she used during her Lyme disease treatment.
• Advice for Lyme Disease Sufferers: Drawing from her professional expertise and personal experience, Claudia offers advice to those currently battling Lyme disease.
• Impact of Lyme on Mental Health: Exploration of how Lyme disease affects mental health and how Claudia’s practice addresses these complex challenges.
• EMDR and Its Role in Lyme Disease Recovery: Detailed discussion on how Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can be a powerful tool in the healing journey for those suffering from Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses.

Conclusion: Claudia's story is not just one of overcoming illness, but also of transforming personal adversity into professional advocacy. Her insights provide hope and actionable advice for anyone affected by Lyme disease. Join Matt, Kaitlyn, and Claudia as they delve into the intersections of mental health and chronic illness, shedding light on the path to recovery and empowerment.

Connect with Us: Stay connected with the Tick Boot Camp community and join the conversation on social media to share your own Lyme disease story and insights.

Whether you're a Lyme disease patient, a mental health professional, or someone interested in the healing journeys of others, this episode is a profound resource filled with guidance and inspiration.

Christina Ricucci is a 22-year-old American actor, musician and dancer. Ms. Ricucci won national recognition when she was named “Teen Best Dancer” at the age of 14. Soon thereafter, she began to feel sick, but was not diagnosed with Lyme disease until 2 years later. Unable to perform at an elite level, Ms. Ricucci abandoned her dream to dance professionally and discovered a larger reservoir of performance artistic talents. If you would like to learn more about how a chronic Lyme disease journey revealed Christina Ricucci’s acting and musical performance talents, then tune in now!

Tick Boot Camp’s guest today is Ivan Ramirez. Ivan Ramirez is a 26- year-old professional dirt bike racer from Mexico. In 2015, he was on top of the racing world, he had won the Hare & Hound National Championship, and had many sponsors including Oakley, Red Bull and KTM. Then, he had a crash while practicing, and felt weak and dizzy when he attempted to return to training. He visited countless doctors, eventually receiving a Lyme Disease diagnosis when he went to a clinic in the US that tested for bacteria and viruses. If you would like to learn more about how Ivan Ramirez is documenting his Lyme Disease journey and hopes of getting his racing career back on track, then tune in now!

Healthinar

• How Dr. Arseneau channeled her talents, energies, and education toward healing herself and helping others
• Introduction to her new free Healthinar training for chronic Lyme patients

The Healing Framework

• Using a functional medicine approach, which is comprehensive and individualized
• Natural and effective supplements, avoiding OTCs and pharmaceuticals
• Habit hacks using an ancestral approach, focusing on sleep quality, stress management, nutrition, movement, and gut health
• Mindset and subconscious mind play a vital role in healing

Addressing the Controversy over the Word "Cure"

• Understanding the impact of words on our reality and the healing process
• How the belief in a "cure" can affect one's healing journey

Additional Healing Tools

• The use of psychedelics and hypnotism in healing
• The importance of being in a parasympathetic state for healing to occur
• Alternative options for those unable to do rigorous programs

The Number One Thing Doctors Aren't Talking About

• Importance of addressing all aspects of one's life, not just physical symptoms
• Taking responsibility for one's own health and not solely relying on doctors

Working with Dr. Christine Arseneau

• The individualized approach to healing is used, including modalities for the body and mind
• Utilizing her background as a pharmacist to help clients navigate the healthcare system

In this special crossover episode between Tick Boot Camp Podcast and the Vital Plan Network, we welcome back Dr. Bill Rawls, a trusted mentor to our Lyme Disease community. With over 50,000 downloads per episode, our listeners represent a broad spectrum of those impacted by Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Dr. Rawls provides insight into the complex relationship between microbes and the immune system, drawing from his vast knowledge and research.

1. Microbial Strategy: Bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and yeast can all turn human tissues into their food supply. Dr. Rawls emphasizes the importance of understanding how microbes infiltrate and weaken the body's barriers.
2. Lyme & Co-Infections: Lyme disease is associated with a range of chronic conditions like MS, dementia, Parkinson's disease, and even cancer. Co-infections such as Bartonella, Babesia, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Ehrlichia can exacerbate the symptoms.
3. Barriers to Disease:
   • Skin: Our first defense in keeping pathogens out.
   • Immune System: The internal army fighting off infections.
   • Cells: Designed to protect and regenerate themselves.
   • Gut Microbiome: The critical ecosystem maintaining balance and immunity.
4. Antibiotics vs. Herbs: Antibiotics are effective against fast-growing bacteria, but Lyme grows slowly (approximately every 12 hours). Herbs are often more effective against slow-growing bacteria like Borrelia (Lyme). Doctor Rawls has created his science-backed herbal Restore Kit to treat chronic Lyme disease.
5. Tick Vigilance: Dr. Rawls emphasizes tick vigilance, noting that ticks inject bacteria directly into the bloodstream through numbed skin, making detection essential. He stresses checking oneself thoroughly after outdoor activities.
6. Adaptogenic Support & Herbal Protocols: Dr. Rawls discusses how adaptogens like mushrooms and other herbs help regulate the body's response to stress and promote healing, especially when combined in comprehensive protocols like the Restore Kit. Doctor Rawls has created his HPA Balance herbal adaptogen blend in addition to his Adaptogen Recovery herbal blend included in his Restore Kit.
7. Chlorella & Detoxification: Chlorella is highlighted for its ability to bind and purge toxins from the body. Sweating through exercise or sauna therapy enhances blood flow and aids in flushing metabolic waste. Doctor Rawls has created his Pure Chlorella product to assist with binding and detoxification.
8. Mitochondrial Support: The role of cellular health in Lyme recovery is vital. Supporting mitochondria with herbal supplements, like the Mitochondrial Support in the Restore Kit, reduces stress signals from cells, calming the body's fight-or-flight response.

Tick Boot Camp’s guest today is Kris Newby. Ms. Newby is a 60-year-old author, engineer, and tech and science writer from Palo Alto, California. After vacationing with her family at Martha’s Vineyard, Ms. Newby and her husband both began to feel the symptoms of a tick disease. Ms. Newby communicated to her and her husband’s doctors that they had previously been in a tick endemic community, but they were refused Lyme tests. One year and ten doctors later, Ms. Newby tested positive for Lyme after taking two ELISA tests. She found an ILADS Lyme specialist, who treated her Lyme with IV antibiotics. Ms. Newby has dedicated the past 15 years of her life to finding creative ways to end the tick-borne disease epidemic, including researching and writing Bitten: The Secret History of Lyme Disease and Biological Weapons. If you would like to learn more about all of Ms. Newby’s contributions to the Lyme community, then tune in now!

In this special LIVE episode from the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) Conference, the Tick Boot Camp Podcast welcomes Dr. Garth D. Ehrlich, a leading researcher in microbiology and immunology. As the President of the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Educational Foundation (ILADEF) and an expert in biofilms, Dr. Ehrlich shares groundbreaking insights into chronic infections and their implications for Lyme disease.

Key Takeaways:

• Dr. Ehrlich's transition from studying human retroviruses to investigating chronic bacterial infections and biofilms.
• Understanding biofilms: how bacteria form protective layers, resist antibiotics, and contribute to persistent infections.
• The role of metabolic resistance and the "stringent response" in biofilm survival.
• Cutting-edge research on small molecule drugs aimed at breaking biofilms to enhance antibiotic effectiveness.
• The importance of biofilm research in developing more effective Lyme disease treatments.

About Dr. Garth D. Ehrlich: Dr. Ehrlich is a professor at Drexel University College of Medicine, where he leads multiple research centers focused on chronic bacterial infections, genomics, and biofilms. He has pioneered the Distributed Genome Hypothesis (DGH) and developed novel genomic and molecular diagnostic tools. His extensive research has broad implications for Lyme disease, Alzheimer's, and other chronic conditions linked to bacterial infections.

Why You Should Listen: If you or a loved one is battling chronic Lyme disease, this episode offers crucial insights into why persistent symptoms occur and what future treatments might look like. Dr. Ehrlich’s work is at the forefront of transforming how chronic bacterial infections are understood and treated.

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about Dr. Ehrlich’s research at Drexel University
• Follow the latest ILADS updates at ILADS.org
• Stay connected with Tick Boot Camp: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok | Twitter (X)

Tune in to this thought-provoking episode and gain a deeper understanding of how biofilms impact chronic Lyme disease—and what research is uncovering for future treatments!

Welcome to a special episode of our Tick Boot Camp Podcast, where we dive deep into the world of chronic illness, focusing on Lyme disease. Today, we're honored to have Mandy Meehan, a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, Certified Dietary Supplement Professional, and Certified Lyme Specialist, share her incredible journey of battling and overcoming Lyme disease. Joining us as a special guest co-host is MTV Reality TV Star Kendall Darnell along with host Matt Sabatello from Tick Boot Camp, bringing their insights and experiences to today’s discussion.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to Mandy Meehan: We start by introducing Mandy, who lives in Oklahoma with her husband, James, their son, Jace, and another child on the way. Mandy's story begins with her falling incredibly sick just two weeks before her wedding, leading to a 7+ year journey battling over 21 different infections, including Lyme Disease, Bartonella, Babesia, EBV, HHV-6, and more.
• Mandy's Battle with Chronic Illness: Mandy shares the challenges she faced, including severe food intolerances, hormonal imbalances, hypothyroidism, and neurological issues. These conditions rendered her unable to work or care for herself, pushing her to the brink of despair.
• Turning Point: Determined to reclaim her life, Mandy embarked on an exhaustive journey of research into nutrition, supplement protocols, and healing strategies. This not only sparked her passion for functional wellness but also led her to become a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner.
• Expertise and Empowerment: Mandy discusses her specialty in helping people with Lyme & co-infections, chronic fatigue, and toxicity issues, focusing on digestive health, thyroid function, and hormonal balance. Her approach emphasizes the belief in the body's ability to heal through proper nutrition and lifestyle changes.
• Navigating Life with Lyme: The conversation shifts to Mandy's insights on parenting with Lyme, managing relationships, addressing mold exposure, and the ups and downs of living with chronic illness. She highlights the importance of community and sharing success stories to inspire others.
• Healing and Giving Back: Mandy reveals the strategies and treatments that were pivotal in her recovery. She shares how she now uses her experience to give back to the community, helping others navigate their paths to wellness.
• Hosts Matt Sabatello and Kendall Darnell: Host Matt Sabatello and special guest co-host Kendal Darnell share their perspectives, underscoring the importance of validation, community building, and the belief in healing. They discuss the role of their podcast in spreading awareness and offering hope to those affected by Lyme disease and tick-borne illnesses.

Closing Thoughts:

Mandy Meehan's story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for recovery against the odds. Her journey from suffering to healing and now to empowering others is a testament to the strength found in knowledge, support, and the relentless pursuit of health. We thank Mandy for a deeply insightful and inspiring episode.

Resources:

• For more information on Mandy Meehan and her work, visit her website.
• To learn more about Tick Boot Camp and access resources for Lyme disease and tick-borne illnesses, visit our Tick Boot Camp website.

Thank you for tuning in to this special episode. If you or someone you know is battling Lyme disease or any related condition, we hope you find solace and solutions in Mandy’s story. Remember, healing is possible, and you are not alone in this journey.

In this compelling episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we are honored to welcome Adam W. Finnegan, a researcher, writer, and Lyme disease advocate. Adam shares his deeply personal journey through the complexities of Lyme disease, from his early symptoms to his profound insights into the disease's connection with biological warfare and immune tolerance.

Dive deep into the discussion as Adam also explores his groundbreaking book The Sleeper Agent, revealing the intricate world of biological stealth weapons and the historical research of Erich Traub. Join us as we explore the transformational power of resilience and knowledge in battling Lyme disease.

• Introduction to Adam W. Finnegan
  • Background and current work
  • Discussion of his book, "The Sleeper Agent"
• Adam's Early Life and Initial Health Challenges
  • Early symptoms and misdiagnoses
  • The tick bite in 2016 that changed everything
• Diagnosing Lyme Disease
  • The struggle to find answers and the eventual Lyme diagnosis
  • The role of the IGeneX test in confirming Lyme disease and other infections
• The Impact of Lyme on Adam's Life
  • Changes in personal and professional life
  • How Lyme disease shifted his career path and personal philosophy
• "The Sleeper Agent": A Deeper Dive
  • The concept of biological warfare and immune tolerance
  • Insights into the life and work of Erich Traub
• Living with Chronic Lyme Disease
  • Strategies for managing symptoms and improving health
  • Importance of diet, exercise, and spirituality
• Advice for Those Battling Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases
  • Encouragement and strategies for coping with the disease
  • Adam's message of hope and resilience
• Closing Thoughts
  • Adam’s outlook on the future of Lyme disease research and advocacy
  • How listeners can access his book and further information
• Farewell to Adam and Closing Remarks

Nora Claire is a 30-year-old entrepreneur from Denver Colorado. Her Lyme disease journey began immediately after being bit by a tick when she was 17 years old.

Ms. Claire developed a summer flu within a few days of her tick bite but didn’t connect it with the tick bite because she didn’t notice a rash. A few months later, she developed fatigue, joint pain, depression, and anxiety.

Ms. Claire’s symptoms began to progress throughout the next four years while at college and included unusual brain fog and food intolerances. After college, her existing symptoms worsened, and she developed even more symptoms like extreme body pain and inflammation. As a result, doctors prescribed medication for her symptoms without digging deeper to find the root cause.

Ms. Claire sought the assistance of a Chinese medicine practitioner who diagnosed her with a thyroid problem and also performed a cupping session. Afterwards, Ms. Claire had an emotional release which caused her to have the realization of “I have Lyme disease.”

Shortly after, Ms. Claire was diagnosed by a naturopath in Beverly Hills using a non-traditional testing technique involving electrodes. Ms. Claire’s treatment regimen included a toolbox loaded with natural medicine and even a treatment never before discussed on the Tick Boot Camp Podcast!

If you would like to learn more about how a brilliant young woman leaned into natural and holistic medicine to heal from chronic Lyme disease, then tune in now!

Debbie Kimberg is a 55-year-old author, activist, and director of International Expansion for Merchant Services at JP Morgan Chase from Dallas, Texas.

Ms. Kimberg, her mother, and her 3 children have been diagnosed with Lyme disease. Despite 3 generations of the family exhibiting classic Lyme disease symptoms, Lyme was not a consideration until after the youngest child, Sammy, was diagnosed.

Sammy’s Lyme journey began prior to birth, when a brain development issue was discovered on a prenatal ultrasound. He saw a neurologist at birth and then doctors and special education service providers diagnosed him with ASD, ADHD, Tourette's syndrome (TS), OCD, Autism and PANS.

At the age of 10, Sammy was also diagnosed with Lyme disease by a functional doctor. At the same time, Ms. Kimberg was also diagnosed. Finally, Sammy’s test results led doctors to test his 2 brothers and his grandmother.

For most of Sammy’s life, his family, doctors, and teachers believed his disability would limit his ability to work and require him to live in a long-term residential facility. However, in the past 18 months, Lyme and Bartonella treatment protocols have resolved his learning disabilities and ADHD. As a result, he is reading above grade level, attending school in the general education population, and studying for the ACT college entrance exam in anticipation of attending a 4-year college.

The Kimberg family’s lengthy congenital Lyme disease journey activated Debbie. She has participated in advocacy forums, podcasts, articles, and has authored a soon to be published book titled “Our Hijacked Brain: A True Story of Infection, Autism, ADHD and Psychiatric Issues”.

If you would like to learn more about how a Lyme advocate was born out of solving a multi-generational medical mystery, then tune in now!

Tiara Smith is a 27-year-old financial industry marketing specialist from Kansas who was introduced to Lyme disease by a spouse suffering from the chronic disease.

Inspired to assist her wife overcome the illness, Ms. Smith joined Lyme groups and studied the work of Dr Bill Rawls and herbalist Stephen Buhner. As she witnessed her spouse go “through hell on antibiotics,” she searched for a sustainable treatment protocol.

Over time, Ms. Smith grew increasingly concerned that she could contract Lyme through intimate contact with her spouse. She discussed her concerns with a medical doctor and was advised that she should abandon her concerns about sexual transmission.

Despite taking steps to protect against intimate transmission, she began to exhibit symptoms that mirrored those of her spouse. Her first doctor refused to clinically diagnose and treat her classic Lyme symptoms because a blood test disclosed only a single positive Lyme band.

Undeterred by the failures of traditional medicine, Ms. Smith began to treat Lyme disease by utilizing the Dr. Rawls Vital Plan Restore kit with some additional herbal add-ons. She grew to believe that the only way to regain her health was to “become her own herbalist.”

If you would like to learn more about how herbal tools were used to defeat sexually transmitted Lyme disease, then tune in now!

Dr. Michael Snyder, Ph.D. is the Chair of the Stanford University Department of Genetics and the Director of the Center of Genomics and Personalized Medicine.

Dr. Snyder caught the attention of the Lyme disease community when wearable technology allowed him to accurately diagnose himself with acute Lyme disease. Additionally, the data provided him with the tools he needed to persuade a skeptical doctor to test and treat him.

A long-time critic of the “sick care system”, Dr. Snyder has advocated for reform that would support health care before the onset of illness, including the use of wearable monitoring devices. A personal experience with a tick bite while helping his brother build a fence in rural Lyme-endemic Massachusetts taught him that wearables could produce a data stream that could help medical professionals diagnose and treat illnesses before the onset of symptoms.

Dr. Snyder told Tick Boot Camp that "noticing the shift in my baseline data and acting immediately on the information led to an early diagnosis, then treatment and cure."

If you would like to learn more about how inexpensive wearable watch and ring technology could be used to assist you on your Lyme healing journey, then tune in now!

PS Ali Moresco special guest co-hosted this interview with Rich from Tick Boot Camp!

Emily Hogan is a nurse and health coach specializing in gut health from Seattle Washington. She is the founder of the “Stick to Your Gut” health coaching business.

Ms. Hogan began her Lyme disease journey while she was studying nursing during her sophomore year of college. She was studying abroad when she began to suffer a lengthy flu-like illness that she decided to ignore despite her gut telling her otherwise.

Shortly after she returned from her foreign studies, she became gravely ill with “extreme GI issues”. She was rushed to the hospital and when her tests “came back negative” she was introduced to the dark side of western medicine: gaslighting.

After 3 years of misdiagnosis and treatments that served to exacerbate her illness, she pivoted away from the modern medical system she “full heartedly believed in” and visited a naturopathic doctor. There she tested positive for Lyme on an IGeneX blood test and began to heal by using antibiotics and natural modalities such as herbals, probiotics, acupuncture, and sauna treatments.

After being failed by the medical system she “dedicated her whole heart and life to” that “left [her] with nothing when [she] needed it most,” she began to study health coaching. While continuing to “work at the bedside” as a western trained nurse, she believed she had to supplement her training “to support others who were going through life experiences” similar to her Lyme disease journey.

After learning from personal experience that “our gut and nutrition are both the most vital components to our healing journey,” she built a successful health coaching business. If you would like to learn more about how a western educated nurse learned to coach people on how to remove gut triggers, adapt diets to nourish the gut, and create a plan for long term healing, then tune in now!

Introduction In this episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we had the pleasure of interviewing Jimmy Pemberton, a successful entrepreneur, musician, and Lyme Disease warrior.

Early Life and Lyme Disease Awareness Born and raised just north of Lyme, Connecticut, Pemberton was aware of Lyme disease and its typical symptoms, such as fatigue and achy joints. However, his understanding of the disease was minimal until his own journey unfolded. As an athlete, and particularly as a golfer, he encountered ticks quite often, but he never suspected the significant impact they would eventually have on his life.

Career and Pre-Lyme Life Pemberton led a fulfilling, hybrid life of building or helping others build companies, playing gigs in front of large audiences, and teaching students. The sense of fulfillment and excitement in his life started to change when his health took an unexpected turn.

The Onset of Lyme Disease Symptoms Pemberton experienced a decline in his health shortly after taking a COVID-19 vaccine. He began to experience flu-like symptoms, which gradually escalated. Within 7-8 days post-vaccination, Pemberton started to feel unusually sick. The symptoms took a toll on him, both physically and emotionally, resulting in him ending up in the ER.

Diagnosis Journey In the ER, doctors took notice of Pemberton's symptoms and suspected Lyme disease. A nurse practitioner, Beth Galon, suspected that Pemberton had Lyme for a while, and his immune system could no longer keep control over the Lyme post-vaccination. A subsequent IGeneX test confirmed his diagnosis of Lyme disease and Bartonella.

Emotional Impact and Support The diagnosis and debilitating symptoms left Pemberton in a constant state of fight-or-flight, impacting his emotional well-being. However, he found comfort and validation in his regular appointments with his chiropractor, who was aware of his changes and consistently reassured him of his progress.

The Healing Journey Pemberton began his healing journey with a slow start, avoiding pushing his body too hard. His healing process included regular sauna sessions to detoxify his body and lessen the Herxheimer reaction. He also found relief in cold water immersion therapy, which helped in resetting his nervous system.

Spiritual Healing Pemberton also found solace in spiritual healing practices like meditation and Reiki. He turned to meditation to connect his mind, body, and spirit, while Reiki helped align his electromagnetic field, creating space for his body to heal.

The Role of Nutrition and Exercise Proper nutrition and exercise played a crucial role in Pemberton's healing journey. He followed an anti-inflammatory diet and maintained a regular workout regimen. His functional medicine doctor ensured regular blood work every four to six months to monitor his hormones and vitamin and mineral levels.

Current Status and Future Plans Currently, Pemberton is in remission and has resumed his regular life. He is determined to use his experience to help others battling Lyme disease. He believes in the importance of emotional support for Lyme patients and recommends resources like the Tick Boot Camp Podcast to guide them through their journey.

Conclusion Pemberton's journey with Lyme disease is a testament to his resilience and determination. He highlights the importance of a multi-faceted approach to healing, incorporating physical, emotional, and spiritual practices. Despite the challenges, Pemberton continues to thrive and uses his experience to inspire and guide others on their healing journeys.

You can connect with Jimmy on Instagram @JimmyPemberton and TikTok @JimmyPemberton.

Tiffany Perez is a 35-year-old professional tattoo artist from Pine Brook, New Jersey.

Ms. Perez led a very busy and productive life and owned her own business before getting sick with Lyme disease.

Ms. Perez had a stroke and then was diagnosed with COVID. Next, shortly after COVID, she was diagnosed with Lyme disease.

Some of Ms. Perez’s symptoms included extreme brain fog, Bell's palsy, hallucinations, short term memory loss, neck pain, depression, full body pain, and swelling of her joints.

Most of Ms. Perez’s symptoms were dismissed as being related to COVID, but she kept fighting and eventually tested positive for Lyme disease through a blood test from a cardiologist.

Ms. Perez was treated with antibiotics, antivirals, herbs, vitamins, and steroids. She also practices regular nervous system regulation and detox regimens.

If you’d like to learn how a professional tattoo artist overcame getting hit with a stroke, COVID, and Lyme disease all around the same time, then tune in now!

PS Rosmeyris Estrella special guest co-hosted this interview with Matt from Tick Boot Camp!

Gabriela Wijegunawardena is a 43-year-old mother living in the Washington metropolitan area, originally from San Francisco, California, where she contracted Lyme disease. She is a food blogger and has helped countless individuals in the Lyme disease and tick-borne illness community.

Prior to contracting Lyme disease, Ms. Wijegunawardena worked as a NICU nurse at a level III NICU/Regional surgical center for almost 2 decades. She loved traveling with her husband to places like Hawaii, Bali, Spain, Ireland, and London and was an avid hiker.

At the age of 35, Ms. Wijegunawardena first began to exhibit symptoms which she later learned were caused by Lyme disease. Some of her symptoms included migraines, insomnia, UTIs, Interstitial Cystitis (IC), edema (swelling caused by fluid in your body tissue), worsening allergies, rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis (inflammatory skin disorders that cause redness, lesions, and itching), and joint issues.

Ms. Wijegunawardena saw 45 healthcare practitioners over 7 years before finally receiving a proper Lyme disease diagnosis. She treated with IV Rocephin (Ceftriaxone) and oral Tindamax for 1 year until more recently when she used Supportive Oligonucleotide Technique (SOT) which got her into remission 6 weeks post-SOT.

If you would like to learn how a determined nurse refused to give up and used a new treatment modality that’s been borrowed from the Cancer world to reach remission, then tune in now!

PS Jenny Buttaccio special guest co-hosted this interview with Matt from Tick Boot Camp!

Episode Summary: In this powerful episode, the Tick Boot Camp hosts speak with Kim Strother—celebrity fitness trainer, holistic health coach, yoga instructor, and model for brands like Ford, Nike, Reebok, Adidas, Columbia Sportswear, Footlocker, and more. As one of LA’s top trainers, Kim shares her transformative journey from undiagnosed Lyme disease to becoming an advocate for holistic health and chronic illness recovery. Her battle with Lyme began with mysterious symptoms from a young age, leading to a 22-year struggle before finally receiving her Lyme diagnosis. Today, she uses her expertise to inspire others with a multi-modal, bio-individual approach to wellness.

Key Takeaways:

1. Growing Up in Tick-Endemic New Jersey and Early Symptoms

• Kim’s childhood on a family Christmas tree farm in tick-endemic New Jersey involved frequent tick exposure but little awareness of tick-borne illness risks. She began experiencing fatigue, migraines, GI problems, and chronic infections as a child, but these symptoms were dismissed or misdiagnosed for over two decades, setting the stage for a lengthy, difficult journey before her eventual Lyme diagnosis.

2. Late Diagnosis and Complex Co-Infections

• By age 28, Kim’s health had deteriorated significantly, with debilitating, multi-system symptoms. After years of seeking answers, she was finally diagnosed with Lyme disease along with several co-infections and chronic conditions: Babesia, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Bartonella, Candida overgrowth, mold and heavy metal toxicity, parasites, and SIBO.

3. Holistic Healing Journey

• Kim’s recovery involved a multi-pronged approach that combined traditional and alternative treatments:
  • Natural Supplements: Homeopathic herbs and Monolaurin (a natural antifungal) helped combat infections.
  • Diet and Detox Therapies: A Paleo diet centered on greens and protein reduced inflammation, and therapies like glutathione IVs, infrared saunas, colonics, and ozone steam treatments supported detoxification.
  • Innovative Devices: Kim used the FreMedica Wave frequency device, which provided symptom relief through frequency-based therapy.
  • Electromagnetic Acupuncture Testing: This testing helped Kim track her health status and adjust her healing protocol.

4. Patience, Body Awareness, and Resilience

• Kim emphasizes the importance of tuning into your body, maintaining patience, and finding hope even during setbacks. She underscores that healing from chronic Lyme disease requires resilience and support from knowledgeable communities.

5. Professional Impact and Holistic Coaching

• Her journey through chronic illness has deeply influenced her approach as a trainer and coach. Kim now focuses on bio-individual health strategies, mindfulness, and sustainable practices, helping clients achieve wellness with a balanced and holistic perspective.

Additional Highlights:

• High-Profile Career: Kim’s career has included being a featured trainer on the Melissa Wood Health App and earning recognition as one of the most in-demand fitness models by racked.

Advice from Kim Strother:

• On Lyme Healing: Stay hopeful, be patient, and celebrate small wins. Healing is a long journey, but each step forward is valuable.

Connect with Kim Strother: To learn more about Kim’s fitness programs and holistic health approach, visit her website and follow her on Instagram.

Lena is a health, fashion and beauty influencer currently residing in California. Lena was born and raised in the former Soviet Union where she was exposed to radiation from the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident. At the time Lena and her family immigrated to the United States, she was not aware that her exposure to Chernobyl radiation compromised her immune system. While attending a cultural festival in Upstate New York, Lena was bitten by a tick and became chronically ill. To treat her chronic illness, Lena built a team of healthcare professionals including health coach Daisy White (Tick Boot Camp Podcast Episode 80). As part of her emotional healing journey, Lena was encouraged to pursue an outlet and she created a fashion Instagram page: @Panthere_InStyle. Today, @Panthere_InStyle has inspired 4.3 million followers and has become a platform for fashion and Lyme disease advocacy. If you would like to learn more about how a mysterious fashion influencer built a team of healthcare professionals and turned a mindset outlet into a platform to bring Lyme disease awareness to millions of people, then tune in now!

Misty Rangel is a 33-year-old English Arts student from Fresno, California. Ms. Rangel’s Lyme disease journey began after a doctor assured her that a bug bite on her leg “was nothing to worry about.” At the time, she was an extremely fit professional performing artist, dancer and Zumba instructor. Over the next several months, she began to suffer classic Lyme disease symptoms forcing her to visit with 15 doctors before she was properly diagnosed with Lyme disease. Despite debilitating symptoms, Ms. Rangel was determined not to allow Lyme to “shut her up” and she enrolled in college to construct a new career and she dedicated all her available free time to serving the Lyme community through public appearances, rallies, and governmental lobbying events. If you would like to know more about how chronic Lyme disease inspired a professional entertainment artist to Lyme disease community activism, then tune in now!

Hilary Jane is a 32-year-old multidisciplinary artist, entrepreneur, and internationally recognized tattoo artist from Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Her Lyme disease symptoms began when she was in her early 20s. She suffered a “gigantic bullseye rash on [her] thigh that kept spreading.” The rash got infected, triggering her to seek treatment from a medical doctor that “didn’t catch on to what it really was.” She believed the rash was from “a spider bite or maybe Lyme,” but her speculation was not supported by her doctors.

For the next 10 years her artistic endeavors progressed, and her career offered her the opportunity to travel the world. Her extreme travel, social, and work schedules suppressed her immune system causing her to develop progressively debilitating symptoms, eventually resulting in total burnout.

Seeking solutions to her health crisis, she turned to a naturopathic doctor. The naturopath diagnosed her with Lyme disease and treated her with “supplements, detoxing, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and infrared sauna.” The game changing treatment for Hillary Jane was the discovery and use of ancient Egyptian healing rods.

If you would like to know more about how an internationally renowned artist used an ancient treatment to make significant health gains, then tune in now!

In this episode of Tick Boot CampPodcast, we sit down with Tom Davies from Liverpool, England, who shares his incredible journey of battling Lyme disease. From initial symptoms to self-diagnosis, navigating the medical system, and finding relief, Tom provides invaluable insights for those struggling with tick-borne illnesses.

Meet Tom Davies

• Tom Davies hails from Liverpool, England.
• Co-host Kahlil Fuller joins for this special episode.

Liverpool: More Than Just The Beatles

• Tom discusses the virtues of living in Liverpool, touching on its famous landmarks, sports culture, and more.

Tom’s Life Before Illness

• A look into Tom's professional life and the stressors that might have impacted his health.

Struggling with the Healthcare System

• The journey of dealing with various doctors and navigating through an often unhelpful medical system.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

• Tom's experiences with varied and terrifying symptoms that led him to suspect Lyme disease.

Emotional Impact and Support System

• Tom talks about the emotional toll the disease has taken on him and how his aunt and others have been instrumental in his support system.

Finding the Right Doctor

• Tom’s trip to Dublin to consult with Dr. Lambert, who finally provided effective treatment options.

Treatment Journey

• Tom's six-month treatment course, which involved multiple rounds of antibiotics and its impact.

Social Life and Impact

• How Lyme disease affected his social interactions and relationships with friends and family.

Tom’s Advice for Others

• Trust your gut, communicate openly, and focus on educating yourself about your condition.

Future Plans

• Tom discusses returning to his passion for music and looking forward to a Lyme-free life.

Closing Thoughts: Tom’s story serves as an inspiration for others navigating the complex world of Lyme disease. His courage and perseverance provide hope for those on a similar journey. Thank you for tuning into this episode of Tick Boot Camp Podcast. Make sure to subscribe so you don't miss any upcoming episodes.

In this special live episode from the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) Conference, Tick Boot Camp sits down with Sarah Keating, a retired pathologist and board member of the Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation (CanLyme). Sarah shares her deeply personal journey of advocating for Lyme disease awareness in Canada following her daughter's tragic battle with Lyme and Babesiosis.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Sarah Keating’s personal story and how it shaped her Lyme disease advocacy
• Challenges of Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment within the Canadian healthcare system
• The misconceptions of Canada's socialized medical system when it comes to Lyme disease
• CanLyme’s mission and initiatives, including tick removal kits, tick testing, and telemedicine
• The systemic barriers preventing proper Lyme disease recognition and treatment in Canada
• Why grassroots advocacy and public awareness are key to change

About the Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation (CanLyme):

• CanLyme is a volunteer-run charitable organization dedicated to research, education, and advocacy for Lyme disease and associated conditions.
• Their mission includes:
  • Promoting awareness through community presentations and online outreach
  • Funding research to improve diagnostics and treatments
  • Engaging with the scientific and medical community to ensure accurate, up-to-date information
  • Advocating for policy changes to improve Lyme disease recognition and patient care in Canada

Resources & Links:

• Follow the latest ILADS updates: ILADS.org
• Learn more about CanLyme and their work: CanLyme.com
• Stay connected with Tick Boot Camp: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok | Twitter (X)

Christina Kantzavelos is a UCLA educated licensed psychotherapist, professional content writer and blogger from Joshua Tree, California. Ms. Kantzavelos is the creative force behind the highly regarded daily healing journal “Begin Within.” She developed “Begin Within” because she could not find a journal while on her Lyme disease journey that offered both physical and mental health prompts. Ms. Kantzavelos’ Lyme diagnostic journey was long and painful. At the age of 29, she had to take a professional leave of absence and return home to live with her mother because her Lyme symptoms rendered her unable to care for herself. Today, she is living independently, seeing patients part-time, promoting her journal and working on several Lyme disease and chronic illness projects. If you would like to learn more about how a psychotherapist utilized various tools, including journaling, to heal her mind and body from Lyme disease, then tune in now!

Episode Overview

In this powerful episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, Jennifer Crystal shares her journey of surviving and thriving after Lyme disease changed her life. Growing up in a Lyme-endemic region of Connecticut, Jennifer was unaware of the dangers of tick-borne diseases, leading to years of misdiagnosis and suffering. Joined by investigative journalist Kris Newby, this conversation dives deep into the complexities of Lyme disease diagnosis, treatment, and the systemic challenges that patients face.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

• Lyme Disease Hotspots & Misdiagnosis – Jennifer grew up in Connecticut but lacked awareness about tick-borne illnesses, leading to years of health struggles before finally getting an accurate Lyme disease diagnosis.
• The “Supermarket Diagnosis” Phenomenon – The conversation explores how doctors often misdiagnose chronic Lyme patients, attributing their symptoms to other conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, or mental health issues.
• Medical System Limitations – Kris Newby provides expert insights into the history and politics of Lyme disease research, shedding light on why traditional medicine often falls short in addressing chronic Lyme.
• Finding a Lyme-Literate Doctor – Jennifer discusses the life-changing shift she experienced after transitioning to a Lyme-literate medical professional, highlighting the importance of antibiotics, adjunct therapies, and holistic healing.
• The Role of Writing in Healing – Jennifer shares how writing her book, One Tick Stopped the Clock, helped her process trauma, reclaim her identity, and inspire others navigating chronic illness.
• Beyond Insurance: The Cost of Healing – The guests discuss the barriers posed by insurance limitations, emphasizing the need for out-of-pocket treatments, alternative medicine, and community support to achieve real healing.
• Advocacy & Awareness – The episode calls for greater public awareness, more research funding, and better support for Lyme-literate doctors who face immense challenges in treating complex tick-borne illnesses.

Why You Should Listen

If you or a loved one is struggling with Lyme disease, this episode will offer validation, hope, and practical advice for navigating the journey to recovery. Jennifer’s story is a testament to resilience, the power of storytelling, and the importance of fighting for proper medical care.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• 📖 Jennifer Crystal’s Book – One Tick Stopped the Clock
• 📖 Kris Newby’s Book – Bitten: The Secret History of Lyme Disease and Biological Weapons
• 🌍 Tick Boot Camp Website – TickBootCamp.com
• 📩 Connect with Jennifer Crystal – JenniferCrystal.com
• 📩 Connect with Kris Newby – KrisNewby.com

🔔 Subscribe & Share! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Share this episode to help spread Lyme disease awareness and support those on their healing journey! 💚🎧

In this captivating episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we journey to Warsaw, Poland, to uncover the personal and profound story of Giulio Lacobellis and his battle with Lyme disease. Our host, joined by special co-host Emma Pikoulas, explores the profound impact that Lyme disease has had on Giulio's life and career.

Guest Profile:

• Name: Giulio Lacobellis
• Age: 38
• Location: Warsaw, Poland
• Background: Former entrepreneur engaged in European Union-funded educational projects; current IT professional.

Key Points Discussed:

• Life Before Lyme:
  • Giulio shares his dynamic life as an entrepreneur, fostering educational opportunities across Europe.
  • The transition from a bustling career to battling a debilitating illness.
• The Onset of Lyme Disease:
  • At age 36, Giulio's life took a dramatic turn as he began experiencing severe, unexplained pain and paralysis.
  • Misdiagnoses and the struggle to find answers in a non-English speaking healthcare system.
• Diagnosis and Treatment:
  • A seasoned rheumatologist's insight leads to a Lyme disease diagnosis through blood tests.
  • Giulio discusses his initial treatments, including antibiotics and ongoing pain management.
• Adjusting to a New Normal:
  • The significant lifestyle changes Giulio has made to manage his condition, including quitting alcohol and incorporating yoga.
  • The psychological toll of chronic illness and strategies for coping.
• Advice for Others:
  • Giulio provides heartfelt advice to others battling Lyme disease, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and proactive health management.

Special Thanks: We extend our gratitude to Giulio for sharing his deeply personal experience and to Emma Pikoulas for her contributions to the conversation as a special guest co-host. Their perspectives enrich our community's understanding of Lyme disease and its impact on lives around the globe.

Listen and Share: Join us for this enlightening discussion on the Tick Boot Camp Podcast. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave us a review to help spread awareness and support for the Lyme disease community.

Tick Boot Camp’s guest today is Rachel Roller. Ms. Roller is a 32-year-old entrepreneur and business optimization and connection strategist from Denver, Colorado. For her entire life, Ms. Roller has dealt with various symptoms of Lyme, including lung and joint issues. She wasn’t diagnosed until she was 30 years old. Ms. Roller focuses her treatment around detoxing, diet, and healing other underlying issues in her body so that she can make her immune system stronger. If you would like to learn more about Ms. Roller’s journey with Lyme, then tune in now!

In this special episode, we are joined by Alayna Bellquist, an environmental advocate and Lyme disease survivor. Alayna opens up about her diagnosis, treatment, and the life-altering moments that shaped her journey. She also discusses her upcoming book and provides unique insights into how Lyme disease has become a catalyst for meaningful change in her life.

• Introduction
  • Welcome Alayna Bellquist and guest co-host Michelle McKeon
• Early Life and Background
  • Alayna's upbringing in the Pacific Northwest
  • Lack of awareness about tick diseases in her early life
• Career and Environmental Advocacy
  • Alayna’s work in marine science and advocacy
  • Her role as a bridge between industry and Congress
• Diagnosis and The Wall
  • The tick bite that changed everything
  • The initial challenges in diagnosis and her treatment plan
• Dark Times and Recovery
  • Struggles during the treatment
  • The role of family support during recovery
• Life Lessons from Lyme Disease
  • How Lyme has been a transformational experience for Alayna
  • The importance of slowing down in life
• A Comprehensive Approach to Healing
  • Alayna's multi-faceted approach to recovery
  • Her thoughts on resiliency and environmental stewardship
• Alayna’s Upcoming Book
  • Why she decided to write a book
  • The central theme and message of her book
• Final Questions & Conclusion
  • Michelle’s special last question
  • Plans for a future episode focusing on Alayna's book

Dorothy Leland is an author and Lyme Disease activist from California. Ms. Leland’s Lyme disease journey began when her 15-year-old daughter Rachel began to suffer the symptoms of Lyme disease. Rachel’s long and often painful Lyme journey led Ms. Leland to work as a research assistant on a Lyme documentary, blog for LymeDisease.org and co-author “When Your Child Has Lyme Disease, A Parent’s Survival Guide.” If you would like to learn more about how the Leland family survived childhood Lyme disease and transformed into Lyme disease activists, then tune in now!

Welcome to a deeply inspiring episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, where we sit down with Alexandra Brook-Clark, a resilient Lyme disease warrior, who has transformed her battle with Lyme into a mission of helping others. Residing in Marblehead, Massachusetts, Alexandra shares her incredible journey from blissful days in Brooklyn, New York, to facing the stark realities of Lyme disease and co-infections. Now, at 39, Alexandra's story is not just about struggle; it's about overcoming, learning, and thriving. Emma Pikoulas joins Matt Sabatello as a special guest co-host for this powerful interview.

Alexandra's Background:

• Name: Alexandra Brook-Clark
• Age: 39
• Location: Marblehead, Massachusetts
• Professional Background: Transitioned from a decade in the fashion industry to working in Workers Compensation Risk Management for her family's company. Alexandra has also embraced a role as a Lyme disease advocate, organically offering guidance and support to others affected by Lyme and tick-borne diseases.

Pre-Lyme Life: Alexandra reminisces about her life before Lyme—full of social engagements, work success, and joy with her husband Patrick, son August, and their dog Zeus in Brooklyn, NY. Her life, seemingly perfect, was abruptly interrupted by Lyme disease.

Lyme Disease Onset: At 36, Alexandra's world turned upside down. Post hip surgery and at the cusp of the COVID-19 pandemic, she began experiencing unexplainable and debilitating symptoms. Despite numerous misdiagnoses and a journey through the complexities of the healthcare system, her relentless pursuit for answers led her to self-order an IGENIX test, which confirmed Lyme alongside multiple co-infections.

Diagnosis and Treatment:

• Age at Diagnosis: 37
• Diagnostic Path: Negative results on the Western blot, a positive breakthrough with IGENIX.
• Treatment Journey: Began with antibiotics and herbs under Dr. Casey Kelley's care, transitioning to a holistic and herbal approach with Dr. Linda Tao at the Morrison Center in New York, augmented by innovative therapies such as ozone IV, glutathione, and more.

Life Post-Diagnosis: Alexandra shares the profound changes Lyme disease brought to her life, from PTSD and fears of the outdoors to a newfound appreciation for life's simplicity and the importance of treating her body with kindness. Despite the ongoing challenges, including a battle with mold intolerance, Alexandra stands at 95% of her pre-Lyme self, actively working and enjoying a revitalized social life.

Healing Strategies: Emphasizing the importance of the brain-body connection, Alexandra credits her recovery to retraining her brain, alongside an arsenal of therapies including cold plunging, sauna sessions, and rigorous detoxification routines.

Advice to Others: For those battling Lyme, Alexandra offers hope and assurance of healing. Her preventive advice underscores the importance of vigilance against ticks, advocating for proactive measures like regular tick checks and the use of protective sprays.

Armur Health: Alexandra runs Armur, providing access to community support, expert advice, and a wealth of information to empower individuals on their journey to recovery from Lyme and other chronic infections.

Conclusion: Alexandra Brook-Clark's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of self-advocacy in health, and the transformative impact of a supportive community. Her story not only sheds light on the complexities of Lyme disease but also inspires hope and action in the face of adversity.

Closing Remarks: Thank you for tuning in to this compelling episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast with Alexandra Brook-Clark. Her courage, insights, and advice offer invaluable lessons on navigating Lyme disease with hope and determination. Join us next time as we continue to share stories of triumph and transformation in the battle against tick-borne illnesses.

Ashley Bobe is a business development specialist from Kansas City, Missouri. Ms. Bobe’s Lyme disease journey began at the age of 6 when she discovered an engorged tick biting her below her hair line. The tick was removed at a hospital and Ms. Bobe was treated with antibiotics. Unfortunately, Ms. Bobe’s childhood hospitalization foreshadowed a series of undefined adult illnesses that triggered hospital visits to every hospital in the states of Missouri and Kansas. At the age of 32, Ms. Bobe was finally diagnosed with Lyme disease resulting in treatment with one of the top Lyme disease doctors in the United States. If you would like to learn more about how Ashley Bobe located Lyme remission only after she left the traditional medical community and utilized the free Buhner Protocol, then tune in now!

Dr. Casey Kelley is a Lyme Literate Integrative Medical Doctor from Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Kelley shared her personal and professional journeys with Lyme disease in Episode 98 of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast. To celebrate Lyme Disease Awareness Month, Tick Boot Camp issued a challenge to Dr. Kelley to answer your questions live and in real time. This podcast is the audio of the Instagram Live broadcast. If you would like to learn more about how Lyme Literate Integrative Medical Doctor Casey Kelley took on all challengers including the rapid fire “follow-up” questions from co-hosts Rich Johannesen and Matt Sabatello, the tune in now!

Tick Boot Camp’s guest today is Claire Dalton. Claire Dalton is a 22 year old woman from Utah. For most of her life, Claire’s mother was chronically ill from late stage Lyme Disease. It never crossed Claire’s mind that her mother’s illness was something that would impact her as well. Unfortunately, at the age of 17, Claire began to exhibit the symptoms of a tick disease that progressed to a chronic stage and forced her to leave college before the end of her first semester. Claire runs three blogs on her Chronically Beautiful platform in addition to the Chronically Care Project. If you would like to learn more about how a family from Utah worked together to overcome multi-generational Lyme Disease, then tune in now!

Tick Boot Camp’s guest today is Emma Franklin. Emma Franklin is a young woman from England who first started experiencing the symptoms of a tick disease when she was just 11 years old. As her symptoms progressed, she lost close friends, family members, and romantic partners. By the age of 20, she was completely bedridden and in a semi-conscious state where she couldn’t move her arms or legs. She couldn’t even have clothing or bed sheets touch her skin without experiencing severe discomfort. She finally visited a private clinic where she tested positive for Lyme. If you would like to learn more about Emma Franklin’s healing journey and how she is helping other Lyme Warriors to feel less alone, then tune in now!

Dr. Tiffany Brown-Bush is a 41-year-old Naturopathic Doctor, Certified Mental Health professional, creator of the EAT-FIT safe weight control program and co-creator of the CRAVE DETOX allergen free protein bar. She began her personal Lyme disease journey in 2016 and after treating with 5 doctors for over 2 years, she was diagnosed with several Lyme infections; including, Borrelia Burgdorferi, Babesia and Ehrlichia. Since her diagnosis, Dr. Brown-Bush has managed her symptoms with herbal protocols, the Freemedica Wave wearable frequency emitter for cellular and immune health, cold laser treatments, sauna treatments, QNRT and EFT. If you would like to learn more about how Dr. Tiffany Brown-Bush is using a diverse set of diagnostic and treatment tools to manage her own symptoms and the Lyme disease symptoms of her patients, then tune in now!

Layla Perchal Neal is a Jacksonville, Florida based media professional and photographer originally from Leicester, England. Ms. Perchal Neal was bitten by ticks on at least four separate occasions prior to suffering chronic Lyme disease symptoms. When she began to feel fatigue and brain fog, Ms. Perchal Neal sought the assistance of medical doctors; including, infectious disease doctors who resisted testing for Lyme disease despite four tick bites and classic Lyme disease symptoms. If you would like to learn more about how a photographer overcame medical gaslighting and utilized easter and western medical tools to heal from Lyme disease, then tune in now!

Tick Boot Camp’s guest today is Heather Glovack. Ms. Glovack is a lending officer residing in paradise, aka Hermosa Beach California. Ms. Glovack exhibited classic Lyme Disease Symptoms since she was a teenager, but was not diagnosed with Lyme disease for approximately 14 years. Ms. Glovack’s Lyme-related fatigue caused her to mentally bully herself in her head, which she overcame to become a more compassionate patient young woman. If you would like to learn more about Heather Glovack’s transformative Lyme disease journey, then tune in now!

Tick Boot Camp’s guest today is Alex Moresco. Alex Moresco is a 27-year-old Lyme advocate from Chicago. She hosts a podcast, handles media for one of her favorite LLMDs, helps develop TV shows, fights for policy change, and has raised over $350,000 for the Global Lyme Alliance. Ms. Moresco first discusses her work in PR, the first symptoms of a tick disease, and her familial support. Next, Ms. Moresco discusses her diagnostic journey, treatment journey, and immunodeficiency. Lastly, Ms. Moresco discusses her career change. She became extremely driven to help other Lymies, and shares how she is using her background in PR to advocate for change. If you would like to learn more about the final stages of Ms. Moresco’s development into a Lyme superhero, then tune in now!

Dr. Marty Ross is a Lyme disease specialist and ILADS member who runs the Marty Ross MD Healing Arts Medical Facility in Seattle, Washington.

Dr. Ross combines the best of natural medicines, prescription medicines, and lifestyle medicine to find answers and health solutions for people with complex and chronic illnesses.

He uses cutting-edge science mixed with modern and ancient healing methods to help people recover from complex and misunderstood illnesses.

In this episode, we will discuss Dr. Ross's background, including his training in Georgetown's Family Medicine program treating the urban poor, and how he opened his first clinic in 2000 to help people with complex chronic illnesses.

We will also explore how he became an expert in treating chronic Lyme disease, and how he discovered that people living with chronic Lyme disease are often medically under-served due to policies of the medical establishment.

Dr. Marty Ross provides many resources for those with Lyme disease, including:

• A comprehensive treatment protocol
• A detailed online Lyme guide
• Lyme Q&A webinars
• A book titled Hacking Lyme Disease
• Handpicked supplements
• LymePeople, an online Lyme community

Check out our profile of Dr. Ross to learn more about each of these items.

If you'd like to learn how to supercharge your Lyme disease healing journey from a leading Lyme doctor, then tune in now!

This week Tick Boot Camp interviewed Certified Trauma Coach and entrepreneurial founder of EmotionalHealthAccelerator.com: Ali Kates. Ms. Kate’s is from Sonoma County, California.

In the comprehensive interview, Ms. Cates shared how she endured a series of traumatic childhood experiences that included chronic illness caused by Lyme disease, emotional pain brought about by parental philandering and divorce, the death of a family member and best friend, and finally a sexual assault.

Ms. Kates attempted to manage her traumatic childhood by “putting pain aside” and “shoving [it] under the rug.” Unfortunately, the avoidance techniques failed to serve her, forcing her to utilize alcohol as a vehicle to meet her “need to leave [her] body… because her body did not feel safe.”

After treating with 20+ doctors over 13 years, Ms. Kates was ironically diagnosed with Lyme disease 3 weeks before her wedding. Initially, she treated with a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor (LLMD) for 9 months at a cost of over $150,000. When the time and money invested into the intensive treatment failed to provide any health gains, she turned to mold detoxification and Bee Venom Therapy (BVT).

Today, Ms. Kates is building on her health gains and using her childhood trauma to help others heal from illnesses when trauma is involved. If you would like to learn more about how a trauma coach built a business to assist people to heal through trauma, then tune in now!

As a special gift to the Tick Boot Camp community, Ms. Kates is offering a free training on “How to Face Your Emotions Without Being Exhausted in the Process.”

PS Carrie Perry from Sam's Spoons special guest co-hosted this interview with Rich!

Michelle McKeon is a Certified Mold Specialist, teacher, Board-Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) and the founding owner operator of Lyme and Cancer Services and Balancing Pathways. She is also the director of LifeSpan medicine’s Lyme Nutrition Program. After a 5-year diagnostic journey that started with a tick bite on Fire Island, New York, she treated with some of the top Lyme Literate Doctors (LLMDs) in the US including Dr. Kenneth Leigner, Dr. Richard Horowitz and Dr. Sheryl Leventhal. She also treated at the renowned Klinik St. Georg in Germany. Ms. McKeon’s diagnostic and treatment journeys granted her insight into a diverse set of treatment tools which she converted into Lyme disease recovery frameworks. If you would like to learn how a Lyme disease experience inspired a pivot from a teaching career to a career dedicated to building businesses designed to end the suffering caused by Lyme disease, then tune in now!

Gina Valles is a 33-year-old personal trainer, exercise scientist, gym owner, and entrepreneur from South Windsor, Connecticut. Ms. Valles was an elite nationally ranked high school and college athlete who discovered that over training could inhibit her game day performance.

Ms. Valles’ Lyme disease journey began in 2017 after she discovered 3 attached ticks after returning home from a walk with her dog. Shortly thereafter, she began to suffer flu-like symptoms, insomnia, neurological pain, and breathing problems. Despite residing in the shadow of Old Lyme, Connecticut, her classic symptoms went undiagnosed or misdiagnosed by 5 Connecticut based medical doctors.

Her health improved vastly after locating a Lyme literate medical doctor (LLMD) who diagnosed her with Lyme disease and treated her with an aggressive antibiotic protocol.

When Covid mandated gym closures and suspended in-person training, Ms. Valles pivoted to online training. The online model required her to lead several Zoom classes per day, causing her to suffer physical exhaustion and a relapse. She discovered that the physical stress from over training disrupted her immune system causing a Lyme disease relapse.

The relapse experience inspired Ms. Valles to return to her exercise science roots. She studied over training and immune disruption. The research coupled with her second Lyme healing journey inspired her to build “Immune Warrior,” an online information/education business. Immune Warrior offers cutting-edge eBooks, subscriptions, and products to help folks in the community “find [their] inner warrior.”

If you would like to learn more about how too much of a good thing taught a fitness professional the importance of balance and immune health and inspired a new online business, then tune in now!

Katie Bork is a 23-year-old nurse from Loveland, Colorado. She is currently on a healing sabbatical from her passion profession.

Although she was symptomatic since the age of 10, she largely enjoyed an idyllic childhood. However, in 2011 her health bounced back and forth between “failure to thrive” to weight gain in “excess of 60 pounds” trigging her to regularly visit the hospital

Last year, her health took a “terrible turn” causing her to feel pain all over her body that she “could not seem to remedy”. In December, she also discovered a “rash that progressively spread throughout [her] whole body”.

Her visits to medical professionals resulted in misdiagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), rheumatoid arthritis, depression, anxiety disorder, and anorexia. She was finally diagnosed with Lyme disease (Borrelia Burgdorferi, Borrelia Afzelii, Borrelia Garinii, and Borrelia Andersonii) after “begging a doctor to test her”.

Ms. Bork has utilized a variety of treatments including antibiotics, ozone, herbals, IV glutathione, and probiotics to reassemble 60% of her health.

If you would like to learn how a young nurse is utilizing customized care to manage the challenges of Lyme disease, then tune in now!

PS Jenn Hyla special guest co-hosted this interview with Rich from Tick Boot Camp!

Dr. John Allocca is a medical research scientist and biophysicist from “the Lyme capital of the world”: Long Island, New York. He is the author of more than 60 books on medicine, physics, nutrition, and photography and the founder of Allocca Biotechnology.

Dr. Allocca’s journey with Lyme disease began over 30 years ago when he began to suffer knee pain, headaches and fatigue. Despite his medical training and experience writing medical diagnostic software programs, he “could not figure out what was wrong with [him]”. He consulted with several medical doctor colleagues to help him unravel his personal medical mystery without success.

One day he used his own blood to calibrate his microscope and noticed spirochetes in his blood. By happenstance his medical mystery was solved. He treated with antibiotics, nutritional intervention, and supplements for detoxification and anti-oxidation.

In May 2022, Dr. Allocca took a hike at a local park and noticed a deer tick on his back. The bite resulted in a reinfection causing a bullseye rash and triggered the return of his previous Lyme symptoms. He also learned that wearing long pants while hiking does not offer adequate protection.

If you would like to learn more about how 2 Lyme disease infections inspired a doctor to build a 3 point wellness plan utilizing neuro chemical nutrition, brainicity brain biofield enhancement, and photography as a path to healing, then tune in now!

PS Tiffany Perez special guest co-hosted this interview with Rich from Tick Boot Camp!

Tick Boot Camp’s guest today is Melissa Labak, an education marketing professional, Certified Nutritionist, and model from Raleigh, North Carolina. Inspired by her personal battle with Lyme Disease, she began to share her healing journey through blogging and Instagram platforms. In her blog entitled The Path to Healing Chronic Neurological Lyme Disease she shares the 10 steps she took to heal from Lyme disease. If you would like to learn more about how model Melissa Labak is sharing her journey to inspire healing from Lyme disease, then tune in now!

Stacy Johnson is a TV and film working actor, singer, director, producer, and stunt woman. Her acting career began at the age of 4 on Sesame Street and has blossomed to include high profile projects like “Heroes,” “Ozark,” “The Greatest Showman,” “Halloween,” and “Iron Man” movies. She has produced and won awards for her documentary films "Hursit" and “The Sun Sets.”

As a successful actress, Ms. Johnson has taught students on acting and in furthering their careers. She and her husband Scott Dukelow manage SJD Acting Studio that coaches students on acting and the film industry.

Ms. Johnson’s Lyme disease journey began with a tick bite in 2005. Despite developing classic Lyme disease symptoms and working with scores of the top doctors in Los Angeles, Atlanta, and North Carolina, she was not diagnosed until after more than a decade of suffering.

Prior to securing a Lyme disease diagnosis, she suffered from migrating neurological and cardiac symptoms. In 2015 she had to be resuscitated by emergency service personnel after her heart stopped during a visit to a McDonald’s restaurant in Chicago.

Desperate for answers for her health crisis, Ms. Johnson visited Dr. Jeffrey Lawson, MD at the Piedmont Arthritis Clinic located in South Carolina. Working with Ms. Johnson and her husband, Dr. Lawson diagnosed and treated Ms. Johnson for Lyme disease.

The lengthy and painful encounter with Lyme disease inspired Ms. Johnson, Mr. Dukelow, and Dr. Lawson to tell their story on film. The documentary “Lyme Disease: Beating Back Death” is slated to complete filming and to be released on Netflix later this year.

If you would like to learn more about how an actor and her team beat back death secondary to Lyme disease, then tune in now!

Kelley Flannagan is an attorney, model, celebrity spokesperson and reality tv personality from North Barrington, Illinois and Miami, Florida. She became a household name when she starred in the ABC reality series: The Bachelor.

Ms. Flannagan grew up in a large mid-western family. She and her siblings enjoyed a variety of outdoor activities during their childhood. At the same time, her body was forced to cope with the ebb and flow of a variety of childhood illnesses.

After graduation from High School, Ms. Flannagan attended the University of Alabama and then the Chicago-Kent College of Law. After earning her Juris Doctorate degree and passing the bar exam, she joined a prominent Chicago law firm.

In 2020, Ms. Flannagan was invited to pivot from her law career to become a member of the Bachelor Nation reality series. During season 24, she was eliminated after seven stressful weeks on the show. Shortly after departure from the show, she began to suffer severe health complications.

After visiting with an array of doctors, she began to fear she may be suffering from Lyme disease. Sadly, several of her siblings were diagnosed with Lyme disease and she followed in her brother’s footsteps and tested for Lyme disease with IGeneX.

When her lab work revealed positive results for Lyme and several co-infections, Ms. Flannagan felt called to share her diagnosis on her social and mainstream media platforms to build Lyme disease awareness. If you would like to learn more about how a lawyer and reality tv star is using her celebrity status to generate attention to the Lyme disease crisis, then tune in now!

Russ Bell is a married father of two minor children. His MIT educated wife Nicole describes him as the most intelligent man she had ever met.

Mr. Bell grew up in the American South where he enjoyed outdoor sporting activities such as hiking and shooting. He understood that ticks and tick bites were part and parcel of a sportsman’s outdoor experience.

Toward the end of his professional career, Russ Bell fell in love with and married a brilliant young colleague. The couple’s 20-year age gap presented an opportunity to engineer an idyllic life: Russ would begin a new chapter in life as a caretaker for their young children and Nicole would continue to build her blossoming career.

The seemingly perfect family planning came to a sudden halt when the Lyme spirochetes and co-infections lurking in Russ’ brain caused him to suffer cognitive decline from Alzheimer’s disease, rendering him unable to care for his children and eventually himself.

During the family’s painful journey, Nicole Bell heard a call to describe her family’s experience with the raw reality of Lyme and converted her journal into a critically acclaimed memoir: What Lurks in the Woods.

If you would like to learn more about the Bell family’s “mistakes and successes” and the book that author Kris Newby described as a “must read for caregivers,” then tune in now!

Tick Boot Camp’s guest today is Daisy White. Growing up, Ms. White traveled all over the world, visiting places like Italy and Spain. She spent time in tick endemic communities on Long Island and in Massachusetts. She also experienced weird health problems throughout her childhood. All of that worsened when Ms. White took a trip to Africa in college. She got terribly sick with dysentery, and by her senior year, thought that she was going to die. Ms. White was struggling to hold down food and had terrible pain all over her body. In her mid-40s, due to dental struggles, she was referred to a doctor who finally diagnosed her with Lyme disease. If you would like to learn more about how Daisy White is using her tick disease journey to be an advocate for others, then tune in now!

In This Episode:

• Nicole Bell, CEO of Galaxy Diagnostics, shares her journey from personal experience with Lyme disease in her family to leading innovation in diagnostics.
• The connection between tick-borne pathogens and chronic diseases like early-onset Alzheimer’s.
• Why traditional Lyme disease tests often fail and the need for direct detection methods.
• The latest advancements in testing for Borrelia, Bartonella, Babesia, and other stealth pathogens.
• The impact of Nicole’s "State of Lyme Disease Research" report on the Lyme community.
• What patients and healthcare providers need to know about cutting-edge diagnostic tools.

Why This Matters: An increasing number of studies link flea- and tick-borne pathogens to chronic illnesses affecting the joints, heart, and central nervous system. These infections mimic conditions like lupus and fibromyalgia, making them hard to diagnose without advanced testing. Galaxy Diagnostics offers specialized tests to detect Lyme Borrelia, Bartonella, Babesia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Rickettsia species—providing a much-needed solution for patients seeking accurate diagnoses.

Resources & Links:

• 🔗 Follow the latest ILADS updates at ILADS.org
• 🔬 Learn more about Nicole Bell and Galaxy Diagnostics: www.galaxydx.com
• 📲 Stay connected with Tick Boot Camp: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok | Twitter (X)

Amber Benge is a 39-year-old young woman from Hickory, North Carolina who is now a sustainable farmer growing her own food and medicine at Grace Walk Farm. She’s a trained victim advocate and her professional background is in working with women who have addiction issues and are victims of sex trafficking.

Ms. Benge was bit by a tick when she was 5 years old during a family vacation. She got a bullseye rash, became sick, but Lyme disease went undiagnosed for the next 34 years.

Ms. Benge was sick for decades after her family vacation and she was misdiagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). In her early 20’s, she battled infertility, had multiple miscarriages, had preterm births for both of her children, and finally had to have a hysterectomy at age 24.

In her late twenties, Ms. Benge developed severe arthritis in her hands and feet and had her gallbladder, tonsils, and adenoids removed. During her mid-thirties, things really fell apart and she was constantly sick and had to quit her job as a counselor at a drug rehab center for women.

Ms. Benge was finally diagnosed with Lyme disease and Bartonella this year when she was 39 years old by a naturopath through bioresonance. Her husband and youngest child both also tested positive for Lyme.

Ms. Benge and her family treated with DesBio homeopathy. This included 15 different supplements, a very strict diet (no gluten, dairy, caffeine, or sugar), along with a very intensive detox program.

If you would like to learn more about how a strong woman is fighting back Lyme disease after over 30 years of being sick, then tune in now!

PS Bianca Michele special guest co-hosted this interview with Matt from Tick Boot Camp!

Tick Boot Camp’s special 100th episode guest is Dr. Bill Rawls, bestselling author of Unlocking Lyme. Dr. Rawls was a 45-year-old OBGYN when he first started to experience the symptoms of a tick disease. His Lyme journey has led him to helping MANY others with his herbal protocol. Today, he talks about a new definition for Lyme disease, immune disruption, and new treatment protocols! If you would like to learn more about Lyme and gain helpful insight from one of the most intelligent experts, then tune in now!

This week Tick Boot Camp invited Stuti Vora, customer service supervisor of IGeneX, to discuss how and why IGeneX has become the laboratory most trusted by patients in the Lyme disease community. In this comprehensive interview Ms. Vora discusses:

• The IGeneX origin story
• Blood, urine, and miscellaneous testing options available through IGeneX
• The new IGeneX Tick-Borne Disease Test Directory built to assist the patient community to find the information needed on Lyme and co-infection testing
• How to quickly filter IGeneX testing options by price, disease, methodology, specimen type, and availability by state
• How the IGeneX Immunoblot test has a sensitivity rate that is double the standard two-tier protocol
• The IGeneX advantage of testing for more species and strains of tick-borne illness no matter when a patient was exposed
• How IGeneX has armed scientists with the most cutting-edge technology in the world
• Why IGeneX has committed to building partnerships with Lyme community groups such as ILADS, Bay Area Lyme Foundation, and the LivLyme Foundation.

If you would like to know more about how IGeneX can help you on your Lyme disease diagnostic and treatment journey, then tune in now!

Tick Boot Camp’s guest today is a 20-year-old Irish/Danish Lyme disease warrior named Monica. Monica’s (Instagram page id_monica123xx) Lyme disease journey began at the age of 10 when she visited her father for a summer holiday in rural Denmark. Despite a Danish public awareness campaign that warned Monica and her family to the dangers of ticks and Lyme disease in her father’s community, a rash on her leg was written off. Shortly thereafter, Monica returned to her native Ireland and was vaccinated, triggering severe and then chronic Lyme disease symptoms. If you would like to learn more about Monica and her Lyme disease journey, then tune in now!

Alexis Raleigh is a 25-year-old reporter from upstate New York. She has a bachelor’s degree in business management from Binghamton University and a master’s degree in broadcasting and journalism from Syracuse University.

Ms. Raleigh was “able to do anything” before she got sick when she was 20 years old. Some of her symptoms included severe headaches, nerve pain, POTS, neck pain, and neurological symptoms.

Ms. Raleigh was misdiagnosed with Lupus, POTS, and migraines before receiving a proper diagnosis of Lyme disease 2 years later when she was 21 years old.

Ms. Raleigh first used IV antibiotics for 8 months to treat chronic Lyme disease, but she didn’t get better. Next, she went to Sanoviv Medical Institute in Tijuana, Mexico to get hyperthermia.

If you want to learn how a young reporter refused to give up and found solutions for chronic Lyme disease, then tune in now!

PS Dana Papadopoulos special guest co-hosted this interview with Matt from Tick Boot Camp!

Tick Boot Camp’s special 100th episode guest is Dr. Bill Rawls, bestselling author of Unlocking Lyme. Dr. Rawls was a 45-year-old OBGYN when he first started to experience the symptoms of a tick disease. His Lyme journey has led him to helping MANY others with his herbal protocol. Today, he talks about a new definition for Lyme disease, immune disruption, and new treatment protocols! If you would like to learn more about Lyme and gain helpful insight from one of the most intelligent experts, then tune in now!

Elizabeth Brannan is a 33-year-old cowboy from Ventura, California. Ms. Brannan identified as a cowboy for most of her life. Her Lyme disease journey began when she was bitten by a tick at work resulting in a bullseye rash. She visited a doctor who diagnosed and treated the rash as ringworm. Thereafter, Ms. Brannan rapidly developed classic Lyme disease symptoms. Eventually, she lost the ability to grit through her symptoms and was forced to leave her dream job and her independence. Ms. Brannan’s healing journey turned the corner when her sister challenged her to focus on her mental fitness. If you would like to learn more about how a young woman had to focus on mental and spiritual health to take control of her Lyme disease, then tune in now!

Tick Boot Camp’s guest today is Olivia Nicholas. Ms. Nicholas is a 25-year-old mom and real estate administrator from Perth, Australia. She started to experience the symptoms of a tick disease when she was in high school. She had digestive issues, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Ms. Nicholas would not be diagnosed with Lyme until she saw close to 50 doctors. If you would like to learn more about how Ms. Nicholas is helping others so they don’t ever have to feel as lost as she was on her journey, then tune in now!

Intro:

• Warm welcome to Tony Felice, our returning special guest co-host from episode 335: Kindness in Combat.
• Introduction to Tammy Crawford, Executive Director of Focus on Lyme.

Tammy's Personal Journey:

• The personal story of Tammy's daughter, Jessica, who battled Lyme disease.
• The emotional and medical challenges faced by Tammy in seeking proper treatment and diagnosis for Jessica.
• Encounter with Dr. Horowitz and the importance of finding a Lyme-literate physician.

Focus On Lyme:

• Tammy's response to the Lyme community's struggles, including the formation of the non-profit Focus On Lyme.
• Collaborative efforts with past podcast guests and their significant accomplishments, including:
  • Speaking on Capitol Hill.
  • Organizing research conferences.
  • Funding advancements in Lyme disease testing.
• Overview of Tammy's bio-repository and its purpose.

The TGen Connection:

• The recurring appearance of TGen in Tammy's journey and their role in Lyme disease research.
• Specific discussions and projects with TGen.

Focus on Accurate Diagnosis:

• Tammy's emphasis on the importance of accurate diagnosis to garner more funding and attention.
• The challenges and limitations of current diagnostic measures and the potential of next-gen serology.

Breakthroughs & Discoveries:

• Collaboration with researchers and scientists in the Lyme community.
• Exciting advancements in Lyme disease research, including potential overlaps with cancer treatments.
• The complexity of Lyme disease strains and the importance of understanding the differences.

Funding & Future Steps:

• The financial challenges and efforts to fund more research, especially diagnostic improvements.
• Tammy and her team are working on an FDA-cleared Lyme diagnostic tool.

Conclusion & Call to Action:

• A look ahead for Focus On Lyme and Tammy's continued advocacy work.
• A request for community involvement, collaboration, and investment.
• How to contact and support Tammy's efforts through Focus Online.

Join us for a compelling episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast featuring Jennifer Russell, CEO and founder of the Illinois Lyme Association. Co-hosted by Jenny Buttaccio, this episode explores Jennifer's journey from rural living to becoming a major force in the fight against Lyme disease.

Introduction

• Welcoming Jennifer Russell and her influential role in the Lyme disease community.
• Introduction of special co-host Jenny Buttaccio.

Jennifer's Early Life and First Encounter with Lyme

• Jennifer discusses her upbringing in Alo, Illinois.
• Early experiences with ticks and the initial lack of Lyme disease awareness.

The Onset of Lyme Disease in Jennifer's Family

• The story of Jennifer's daughter’s mysterious symptoms and the struggle for a diagnosis.
• How Lyme disease became a pivotal part of Jennifer's life.

Advocacy and Legislative Efforts

• Jennifer’s proactive approach to raising Lyme disease awareness.
• The challenges and triumphs in the legislative process for Lyme disease recognition.

Founding the Illinois Lyme Association

• The inception and goals of the Illinois Lyme Association.
• Jennifer’s role in community building and education.

Accomplishments

• Lauryn Russell Lyme Disease Prevention and Protection Law: Grants doctors immunity to treat Lyme disease outside CDC guidelines without risking their license.
• Insurance Coverage Law (2019): Ensured coverage for Lyme disease in state-regulated insurance plans and Medicaid.
• Lyme Task Force: appointed to Illinois Department of Public Health’s Lyme Disease Task Force.

Future Aspirations for Lyme Disease Advocacy

• Jennifer's vision for the growth and impact of the Illinois Lyme Association.
• Plans for expanding Lyme disease awareness through hiring writers and volunteers.

Conclusion

• Key insights and takeaways from Jennifer's journey.
• The importance of advocacy, community support, and perseverance in combating Lyme disease.

Tick Boot Camp’s guest today is Doctor Bill Rawls. In this second of a three episode marathon, inspired by Scottish guest Donna Grant (episode 31), Dr. Rawls discusses alternative immunotherapies, PEMF technology, the diversity of treatment protocols among Lyme-literate doctors, and the Johns Hopkins University research findings regarding essential oils and combination antibiotic therapies to treat Lyme Disease. If you would like to learn more about when and how to use antibiotics, IV and other alternative therapies, including essential oils for Lyme Disease treatment, then tune in now!

Samantha Marie Chocano is a multi-talented 25-year-old entrepreneur, graphic artist, YouTuber, gamer and glass ceiling breaking athlete from Fresno, California. She is vlogging and publishing her “entire treatment” journey to expose the reality of Lyme disease.

Ms. Chocano’s childhood garnered her the opportunity to “do many out of the box things.” She was the sole female wrestler on her high school and college teams, moved to different parts of the county each year as the child of a military family and “was even featured on [an episode] of MTV Catfish.”

Ms. Chocano’s nomadic childhood exposed her to new experiences and unfamiliar perils. At the age of 12 she moved to Virginia and was bitten “by many ticks.” Her parents would remove the ticks “with a hot needle” and told her the worst that would happen is she could “get a flu for a couple of weeks.”

The tick bites provoked sleep paralysis, extreme fatigue, gut inflammation, anxiety, depression and “a slight Bell’s Palsy.” Unfortunately, the symptoms were written off as emblematic of transitioning “into a typical teenager.”

By the age of 23 she became chronically ill, despite treating with over 20 doctors. She finally located a global diagnosis after she was tested for Lyme disease by a Naturopathic Doctor.

If you would like to learn more about how a young woman came to learn that she “had no other options but to do research [herself] and save [her] own life,” then tune in now!

PS Jessica Snajder from Partner In Lyme special guest co-hosted with Rich!

Tick Boot Camp’s guest today is Dr. Thomas Mather, PhD., Professor of Entomology and founding Director of the University of Rhode Island’s Tick Encounter Resource Center. The Tick Encounter Resource Center is an internationally recognized institution for its’ tick research and outreach programs that include the Tick Smart and Tick Spotter programs.

If you want to learn about Dr. Mather’s programs that include a focus on tick ecology, tick control strategies, tick bite protection and tick disease protection, then tune in now!