Tick Boot Camp

Could Lyme disease and other chronic inflammatory triggers play a role in Alzheimer's disease—and could addressing those underlying factors change measurable Alzheimer's biomarkers? In this episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, Dr. Richard Horowitz returns to discuss a provocative new case report he published exploring the relationship between Lyme disease, neuroinflammation, Alzheimer's disease biomarkers, and dapsone combination therapy. The conversation centers on a patient with a long history of Lyme disease who had an elevated phosphorylated tau 217 (p-tau217) level, an increasingly important blood biomarker associated with Alzheimer's disease. After completing a nine-week dapsone combination protocol, the patient's p-tau217 declined by approximately 63% and returned to the normal range. Her amyloid-beta 42/40 ratio also moved in a favorable direction, and she reported improved cognitive clarity. This case provides a new research question: Could infections, toxins, metabolic dysfunction, sleep disorders, microbiome disturbances, and other inflammatory drivers contribute to Alzheimer's pathology in subsets of patients—and could identifying and addressing those drivers change the course of the disease? Read the Published Study Read Dr. Horowitz's published study on SAGE Journals The case report provides the scientific foundation for much of the discussion in this episode, including the changes in p-tau217 and amyloid biomarkers following treatment. In This Episode, You'll Learn Lyme Disease and Alzheimer's Disease Dr. Horowitz reviews research that has investigated possible relationships between Borrelia burgdorferi, neuroinflammation, amyloid, phosphorylated tau, and Alzheimer's pathology. Much of the earlier work examining spirochetes and Alzheimer's disease involved brain tissue and postmortem studies. Dr. Horowitz explains why he believes studying Alzheimer's biomarkers in living Lyme disease patients may provide another way to investigate these questions. The discussion also explores an important distinction: finding an association between infection and Alzheimer's pathology does not mean every case of Alzheimer's disease is caused by Lyme disease. The Patient Who Sparked the New Case Report Dr. Horowitz describes a longtime patient with Lyme disease whose p-tau217 was substantially elevated despite her perception that her cognition was relatively good. After the patient underwent his nine-week dapsone combination protocol, repeat testing showed a substantial reduction in p-tau217, bringing the biomarker into the normal range. Dr. Horowitz also discusses changes in the patient's amyloid-beta 42/40 ratio, rheumatoid factor, and subjective cognitive function. The case led him to ask whether treatment directed at persistent infection and inflammation could influence biomarkers normally associated with Alzheimer's disease. What Is p-Tau217? A major portion of the interview focuses on the emerging use of blood-based biomarkers for evaluating Alzheimer's pathology. Dr. Horowitz discusses four primary biomarkers: p-tau217 – phosphorylated tau 217 p-tau181 – phosphorylated tau 181 Amyloid-beta 42/40 ratio Neurofilament light chain (NfL) He also discusses GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein) and the potential relevance of APOE genetics. Dr. Horowitz describes p-tau217 as one of the most sensitive and specific currently available blood biomarkers associated with Alzheimer's disease pathology. Amyloid May Be More Than Just “Plaque” Why does amyloid accumulate in the brain in the first place? The episode explores the concept of amyloid-beta as an antimicrobial peptide and the hypothesis that amyloid production may, in some circumstances, be part of the brain's response to biological threats. Dr. Horowitz discusses research examining potential infectious and environmental contributors to amyloid production, including: Borrelia and other bacteria Viral infections Fungal organisms Other microbes Environmental toxins The conversation then explores how a response that may initially be protective could potentially become harmful when amyloid accumulates and interferes with normal neuronal function. Amyloid, Tau and Neurodegeneration Dr. Horowitz breaks down two major features associated with Alzheimer's disease. Amyloid-beta plaques accumulate outside neurons and are associated with disrupted communication between brain cells. Tau proteins normally help stabilize structures inside neurons. Abnormally phosphorylated tau can become associated with neuronal dysfunction and neurodegeneration. The discussion also explores why some patients may have abnormal tau biomarkers without corresponding abnormalities in amyloid markers—and why much more research is needed to understand these patterns in people with chronic Lyme disease. Dapsone Combination Therapy and Cognitive Symptoms Dapsone has been a major focus of Dr. Horowitz's research into persistent Lyme disease. In this episode, he explains that his protocols involve combination therapy rather than dapsone alone and discusses his previous published work examining dapsone combination therapy in patients with persistent Lyme disease symptoms. According to Dr. Horowitz, improvements in memory, concentration, cognition, and word-finding difficulties have repeatedly been among the most notable improvements reported in his patient cohorts. He believes this observation deserves greater attention now that blood-based Alzheimer's biomarkers make it possible to investigate biological changes alongside cognitive symptoms. Dapsone, the Brain and the NLRP3 Inflammasome The discussion goes beyond dapsone's antimicrobial activity. Dr. Horowitz explains his interest in the NLRP3 inflammasome, an inflammatory pathway implicated in neuroinflammation and studied in relation to Alzheimer's disease. He proposes that dapsone could potentially have more than one relevant effect—targeting certain microorganisms as part of combination therapy while also influencing inflammatory pathways. This remains an area requiring further clinical investigation. Alzheimer's Disease May Have Multiple Drivers One of the most important themes of the interview is that Alzheimer's disease is unlikely to have a single universal cause. Dr. Horowitz applies his 16-point MSIDS (Multiple Systemic Infectious Disease Syndrome) model to cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Potential contributors discussed include: Lyme disease and other infections Mold and mycotoxin exposure Heavy metals and environmental toxins Chronic inflammation Insulin resistance and blood sugar dysregulation Sleep disorders and sleep apnea Gut microbiome dysfunction Nutritional deficiencies Mitochondrial dysfunction Cardiovascular and metabolic factors Other sources of systemic inflammation Rather than focusing exclusively on amyloid or tau, Dr. Horowitz argues for investigating what may be driving those abnormalities in an individual patient. Lyme Disease Is Not the Only Possible Infectious Trigger The episode also examines the broader question of infection and neurodegeneration. Dr. Horowitz discusses scientific literature investigating organisms and infections beyond Borrelia, including Chlamydia pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori, Coxiella burnetii, herpesviruses, and other microbial exposures. His central argument is not that every Alzheimer's patient has an infection. Instead, he believes clinicians and researchers should investigate whether infectious, toxic, metabolic, environmental, and inflammatory factors may coexist and contribute differently from patient to patient. The Challenge of Lyme Disease Testing The conversation also addresses limitations surrounding Lyme disease diagnostics. A negative standard Lyme disease test does not necessarily answer every clinical question surrounding prior exposure or persistent symptoms. The hosts and Dr. Horowitz discuss why testing methodology, timing, immune response, strain diversity, clinical history, and other factors may need to be considered when evaluating a complex patient. Dr. Horowitz also explains how he combines laboratory findings with clinical history and his MSIDS framework when evaluating patients. Why More Data Is Critical A single case can generate a hypothesis. It cannot establish a treatment standard. Dr. Horowitz repeatedly emphasizes the need for: Additional documented cases Standardized biomarker testing Long-term patient follow-up Larger patient cohorts Collaboration among Lyme-literate physicians and neurologists Shared research databases Multicenter studies Randomized controlled clinical trials The episode explores the possibility of physicians systematically collecting Alzheimer's biomarkers before and after treatment of specific MSIDS factors to determine which interventions, if any, consistently change those biomarkers. That type of data could help researchers move beyond individual clinical observations toward testable conclusions. Could Patient Data Accelerate Lyme and Alzheimer's Research? Matt and Dr. Horowitz discuss the potential for a secure research repository where physicians could contribute standardized patient data. For example, researchers could track a patient's infections, mold exposure, metabolic factors and other MSIDS variables alongside p-tau217, p-tau181, amyloid-beta 42/40 and NfL measurements. Repeating those measurements after individual interventions could help researchers identify patterns that would otherwise take years to discover through isolated clinical practices. Dr. Horowitz Is Developing an MSIDS App Dr. Horowitz also shares a major project currently in development. He says he is working with researchers from the University of California, Irvine on an application designed to translate his MSIDS framework into a digital tool. The goal is for users to enter information based on the MSIDS questionnaire and other health data, allowing the software to help guide them through the framework. Dr. Horowitz also discusses how a sufficiently large and secure database could eventually create opportunities for collecting real-world patient data and generating new research hypotheses. Lifestyle, Metabolic Health and Brain Health Not every potential driver discussed in this episode is infectious. Dr. Horowitz highlights several established areas of brain-health research, including: Mediterranean/MIND-style dietary patterns Regular physical activity Healthy blood sugar and insulin regulation Cardiovascular health Adequate sleep Addressing sleep apnea Omega-3 fatty acids Nutritional status Gut and microbiome health This reinforces one of the episode's central messages: cognitive decline may result from multiple interacting biological pressures rather than one isolated mechanism. Ending Chronic Illness The discussion also previews Dr. Horowitz's upcoming book, Ending Chronic Illness, scheduled for publication on October 13, 2026. The book expands on his 16-point MSIDS model and explores how overlapping infectious, inflammatory, environmental, metabolic, immune, neurological, and lifestyle factors may contribute to chronic disease. A separate Tick Boot Camp interview dedicated to the new book will be released this fall. Learn More About Dr. Richard Horowitz Dr. Richard Horowitz is one of the best-known physicians in the Lyme disease community and has spent decades treating patients with Lyme disease, tick-borne infections, and complex chronic illness. Tick Boot Camp has interviewed Dr. Horowitz multiple times about Lyme disease, Babesia, Bartonella, dapsone combination therapy, MSIDS, chronic inflammation, and emerging research. Visit Dr. Richard Horowitz's Tick Boot Camp page for all of our interviews, articles, and resources Additional Resources Explore all Tick Boot Camp interviews and information Key Topics Richard Horowitz, MD; Lyme disease; Alzheimer's disease; Alzheimer's biomarkers; Lyme disease and Alzheimer's; Lyme disease and dementia; cognitive decline; neuroinflammation; p-tau217; p-tau181; phosphorylated tau; amyloid beta; amyloid-beta 42/40 ratio; neurofilament light chain; NfL; GFAP; APOE4; Borrelia burgdorferi; chronic Lyme disease; persistent Lyme disease; dapsone; dapsone combination therapy; MSIDS; Multiple Systemic Infectious Disease Syndrome; biofilms; persister bacteria; brain inflammation; memory problems; brain fog; cognitive dysfunction; mold toxicity; mycotoxins; microbiome; infections and Alzheimer's disease; tick-borne disease; Lyme disease research; dementia research; Alzheimer's research.

What if some of the most powerful tools for controlling chronic bacterial infections are already living inside the human body? In this episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, hosts Matt Sabatello and Rich Johannesen sit down with Dr. David A. Jernigan, DNM, DC, founder of the Biologix Center for Optimum Health, for a deep exploration of Lyme disease, bacteriophages, chronic infection, biological medicine, and his development of Induced Native Phage Therapy (INPT). Dr. Jernigan has worked with people experiencing Lyme disease and complex chronic illness since the 1990s. His journey into the Lyme world began unexpectedly when a mother and her twin sons came to his Kansas practice with Lyme disease. At a time when Lyme disease knowledge was far more limited, the experience pushed him into decades of clinical work, research, writing, and experimentation focused on understanding why some patients remain chronically ill. Today, one of the central areas of his work is bacteriophages—viruses that infect bacteria—and a therapeutic model he calls Induced Native Phage Therapy. What Are Bacteriophages? Bacteriophages, commonly called phages, are viruses that infect bacteria. They exist throughout nature and are also found in enormous numbers within the human body. Unlike broad-spectrum approaches that may affect many different microorganisms, phages can have highly specific relationships with particular bacteria. During the interview, Dr. Jernigan explains the relationship between bacteria and bacteriophages and introduces listeners to the phageome—the vast community of phages living in and around the human microbiome. He describes how certain phages can enter a lytic cycle, ultimately destroying their bacterial host, while others can exist in a more dormant or lysogenic relationship with bacteria before environmental conditions trigger a change in their behavior. This bacterial-phage relationship forms the foundation for Dr. Jernigan's work with INPT. What Is Induced Native Phage Therapy (INPT)? One of the most important distinctions in this conversation is the difference between conventional phage therapy and Induced Native Phage Therapy. Traditional phage therapy generally involves identifying phages capable of attacking a particular bacterium and introducing those phages into a patient. Dr. Jernigan's approach is fundamentally different. Rather than administering externally sourced bacteriophages, INPT is designed around the idea of influencing native phages that are already present within the body. Dr. Jernigan describes his approach as using electromagnetic or bioresonance-based information intended to influence phages associated with targeted microorganisms and encourage a shift toward bacterial destruction. He explains that development of the process took approximately five years and grew out of his earlier work with bioresonance and biological medicine. Matt and Rich push Dr. Jernigan throughout the conversation to explain exactly what he believes is happening biologically, how targeted phages are distinguished from the enormous number of phages within the body, and how this approach differs from simply attempting to kill microorganisms directly. Why Phages Could Matter in Lyme Disease The discussion then turns specifically to Borrelia burgdorferi, other Borrelia species, and Lyme disease. Dr. Jernigan argues that bacteria and their associated phages have coexisted for an extraordinarily long time and that bacteria entering the human body may already exist within complex relationships with bacteriophages. Instead of searching externally for a single phage capable of targeting Borrelia, his research asks a different question: Can the phages already present within a patient or associated with a microorganism be influenced to help control that organism? That question sits at the center of INPT. The conversation also explores monovalent versus polyvalent phages, bacterial specificity, intracellular microorganisms, and the potential ability of phages to interact with bacteria residing in difficult-to-reach environments. Lyme Disease Is More Than One Infection This episode extends far beyond phage therapy. Dr. Jernigan explains how his understanding of Lyme disease has evolved dramatically since he began treating patients in the 1990s. Early in his career, much of the Lyme community was focused primarily on finding and killing Borrelia burgdorferi. Over time, he became increasingly convinced that chronic illness could not be adequately explained by one microorganism alone. He describes what he calls Multi-Microbial Activation Syndrome, a model in which Lyme disease may occur alongside or contribute to changes involving numerous microorganisms and physiological systems. The conversation explores: Borrelia burgdorferi and other Borrelia species Bartonella and Babesia Other tick-borne infections Mold and environmental exposures Microbial interactions Toxins Metabolic dysfunction Immune dysregulation Mast cell activation Inflammation Individual biological terrain This leads to one of the central themes of the episode: two people can carry similar microorganisms yet experience dramatically different levels of illness. Dr. Jernigan therefore argues that treating a diagnosis alone can miss the larger biological picture of the person experiencing the disease. Treating the Infection vs. Repairing the Damage Dr. Jernigan uses a memorable termite analogy to explain chronic Lyme disease. If termites are discovered before they have caused significant structural damage, eliminating them may largely solve the problem. But if termites have been damaging a house for years, killing the termites does not rebuild the house. The same concept, he argues, may apply to chronic illness. Reducing microbial burden may be important, but a person may still be dealing with neurological, metabolic, inflammatory, structural, immune, or other dysfunction that developed during years of illness. That distinction becomes particularly important when evaluating whether a treatment has worked. A reduction in infection does not necessarily mean that years of physiological damage or dysregulation immediately disappear. Why Every Lyme Patient May Require a Different Approach Matt and Rich discuss Tick Boot Camp's view of Lyme disease as a polymicrobial, multisystemic, chronic infectious or post-infectious illness, and Dr. Jernigan explains why his clinical experience has led him toward a similarly individualized model. Every patient enters illness with a different history, microbiome, microbial exposures, environmental exposures, physiology, and accumulated biological stress. For that reason, Dr. Jernigan challenges what he describes as "cookbook" medicine—the idea that every patient carrying the same diagnosis should receive essentially the same protocol. Instead, his model attempts to identify what is dysfunctional in the individual patient while simultaneously reducing infectious burden and supporting the body's ability to repair itself. Phages, Biofilms, and Intracellular Bacteria Another major portion of the interview explores two difficult problems in chronic infection: biofilms and intracellular bacteria. Dr. Jernigan discusses research showing that certain bacteriophages can interact with or penetrate bacterial biofilms, potentially giving phage-based approaches characteristics that differ from conventional antimicrobial strategies. The discussion also examines whether phages can reach bacteria residing inside cells. These questions are particularly relevant to Lyme disease because persistence, bacterial morphology, biofilms, tissue environments, and intracellular localization are frequently discussed as possible contributors to treatment difficulty. Dr. Jernigan explains why he believes native phages may be capable of reaching microorganisms in environments that can present challenges for other therapeutic approaches. Herxheimer Reactions: Does Feeling Worse Mean Treatment Is Working? The episode also challenges one of the most familiar ideas in the Lyme community: Do patients have to feel worse before they feel better? Many Lyme patients are familiar with the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction, often shortened to "Herxing," in which symptoms can temporarily intensify during antimicrobial treatment. Dr. Jernigan discusses his belief that effective treatment should not necessarily require significant suffering. He connects this idea to his model of phage-mediated bacterial destruction and explains why he believes INPT may behave differently from therapies that produce large amounts of inflammatory bacterial debris. Matt and Rich dig into this distinction and the potential relationship between microbial die-off, cytokines, inflammation, mast cells, and worsening symptoms. MCAS, Immune Activation, and Treatment Sensitivity The conversation also addresses why some people with chronic Lyme disease become extraordinarily sensitive to medications, supplements, foods, environmental exposures, and other treatments. Dr. Jernigan discusses macrophages, inflammatory cytokines, histamine, mast cell degranulation, and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) as part of the larger chronic illness picture. Rather than viewing these problems as completely separate diagnoses, he encourages looking for the biological processes that may be driving multiple downstream symptoms. This reflects another recurring theme throughout the episode: identifying and addressing upstream contributors rather than continually treating individual symptoms in isolation. Antibiotics, Resistance, and the Search for New Approaches Matt, Rich, and Dr. Jernigan also have an extended discussion about antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance. Dr. Jernigan is strongly critical of long-term reliance on antibiotics and argues that bacterial adaptation and antibiotic resistance make alternative antimicrobial strategies increasingly important. The conversation examines doxycycline, broad-spectrum antibiotics, environmental antibiotic exposure, bacterial adaptation, and why phage research has regained scientific interest as antimicrobial resistance becomes an increasingly important global challenge. Dr. Jernigan also makes an important distinction between his approach and conventional phage therapy, which itself is an active area of scientific research. Dr. Jernigan's Published INPT Research Dr. Jernigan discusses several publications related to his work, including his 2021 retrospective review of Induced Native Phage Therapy for Lyme disease and relapsing fever and subsequent work expanding the concept into treatment-resistant illnesses involving multiple microorganisms. He intentionally made his peer-reviewed publications open access so patients, practitioners, and researchers could review the work without encountering a paywall. During the interview, he also acknowledges the importance of additional independent research and the challenges involved in funding and validating emerging therapeutic approaches. INPT remains an emerging and unconventional approach. The mechanisms and clinical claims discussed in this episode should therefore be understood as Dr. Jernigan's research, hypotheses, clinical observations, and interpretations rather than established standards of Lyme disease treatment. From "Chasing Bugs" to Biological Medicine Perhaps the most important evolution in Dr. Jernigan's career is his movement away from simply "chasing bugs." His earliest Lyme work focused heavily on identifying and addressing microorganisms. After decades of treating complex patients, his philosophy expanded toward simultaneously considering two questions: What microorganisms are creating a burden, and what is preventing this particular person's body from returning to healthy function? That means considering infections alongside neurological function, metabolism, immune regulation, inflammation, environmental exposures, structural problems, the microbiome, and other biological systems. For patients who have spent years moving from treatment to treatment, that broader question may be one of the most valuable takeaways from this conversation. Topics Discussed Dr. David Jernigan's introduction to Lyme disease in the 1990s Congenital and persistent Lyme disease Early Lyme disease testing Natural and biological medicine Borrelia burgdorferi Bartonella, Babesia, and other tick-borne infections Polymicrobial illness Multi-Microbial Activation Syndrome Bacteriophages and the human phageome How bacteriophages infect bacteria Lytic and lysogenic phage cycles Conventional phage therapy Induced Native Phage Therapy (INPT) Native versus externally administered phages Monovalent and polyvalent phages Bioresonance and electromagnetic signaling Phages and bacterial biofilms Intracellular bacteria Antibiotic resistance Doxycycline and antimicrobial treatment Jarisch-Herxheimer reactions Cytokines and inflammation Macrophages and immune dysfunction MCAS and treatment sensitivity Mold and environmental illness Microbial terrain Personalized Lyme disease treatment Treating infection versus repairing physiological damage Biological and bioregulatory medicine Emerging research into phage-based therapies About Dr. David Jernigan Dr. David A. Jernigan, DNM, DC, is an author, researcher, clinician, and founder of the Biologix Center for Optimum Health in Franklin, Tennessee. He has worked with people experiencing Lyme disease and complex chronic illness for decades and has written extensively about Lyme disease, biological medicine, natural approaches to chronic illness, bacteriophages, and related topics. His more recent research has focused on Induced Native Phage Therapy, an approach designed to influence naturally occurring bacteriophages within the body rather than administering externally sourced phages. Learn more about Dr. David Jernigan, INPT, his Lyme disease work, publications, and the Biologix Center. Work With Dr. David Jernigan Patients interested in learning more about Dr. Jernigan, the Biologix Center for Optimum Health, and opportunities to work with him can visit: Biologix Center for Optimum Health – Dr. David Jernigan INPT Information for Doctors and Healthcare Providers Healthcare professionals interested in learning more about Induced Native Phage Therapy or becoming an INPT provider can visit PhaGenCorp: PhaGenCorp – Induced Native Phage Therapy Learn More About Lyme Disease Explore more Tick Boot Camp conversations with physicians working with Lyme disease and complex tick-borne illness: Tick Boot Camp Doctors

What happens when a young woman who grew up surrounded by horses and the outdoors develops a mysterious red ring after spending a summer working at a horse camp in West Virginia—but no one recognizes the possibility of Lyme disease? In this episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we sit down with Hannah Green, a Lyme disease survivor, advocate, and author from England whose international Lyme journey stretches across the United Kingdom, United States, and Australia. Hannah is the author of My Lyme Success Story, a book documenting her personal experience with chronic Lyme disease, the research she conducted while searching for answers, the approaches she believes helped her recover, and the lessons she learned about listening to her body along the way. Tick Boot Camp first met Hannah after she traveled from England to Connecticut for the Lyme Warrior 10th Anniversary Gala, where patients, researchers, clinicians, authors, advocates, and Lyme community leaders gathered for an evening centered on science, advocacy, connection, and hope. Hannah's story is ultimately about much more than one treatment or protocol. It is about missed warning signs, years without answers, becoming her own researcher, learning to trust herself again, and refusing to give up on the possibility of getting better. Growing Up Around Horses—but Knowing Almost Nothing About Ticks Hannah grew up in southeast England and spent much of her childhood outdoors. Horses became one of her greatest passions, and she eventually trained professionally in riding, horse management, dressage, and eventing. She was also deeply interested in animal health. Hannah spent time working around veterinary medicine and learned about fleas, lice, worms, botflies, equine influenza, strangles, and other conditions affecting horses. Yet one subject was almost completely absent from her education: ticks and Lyme disease. Despite spending years around horses, dogs, cats, veterinary environments, fields, and the English countryside, Hannah remembers receiving virtually no meaningful education about ticks or the infections they can transmit. The West Virginia Horse Camp and Hannah's Possible Lyme Exposure At approximately 19 years old, Hannah traveled alone from England to the United States to work as a riding counselor at a horse camp in West Virginia near the Blue Ridge Mountains. It was a major adventure for someone who describes herself at that age as extremely shy. Hannah suddenly found herself responsible for a cabin of young campers while teaching multiple horseback riding lessons each day. She loved the experience. But the camp also introduced Hannah to something she had never encountered before: ticks. Hannah remembers discovering engorged ticks attached to horses grazing in long grass. After asking what they were, she and other staff members were shown how to remove them. Removing ticks from the horses soon became part of their regular routine. What Hannah does not remember receiving was comprehensive education connecting those ticks with the potential risk of Lyme disease in humans. She recalls being warned about hazards such as poison ivy and rattlesnakes, but she does not remember meaningful tick-bite prevention training for counselors or campers. There was a Lyme disease pamphlet in the staff area, but the information Hannah remembers most strongly involved severe neurological complications such as seizures and paralysis. She did not come away understanding the broad range of symptoms that could develop or recognizing how important an expanding rash could be. The Red Ring That Was Dismissed as a Spider Bite Years later, while reconstructing her medical history after finally learning about Lyme disease, Hannah remembered something important from that summer. She had developed a distinctive red ring on her lower leg. At the time, Hannah says someone told her that it was probably a spider bite and that she should simply keep the area clean and watch it. The rash did not significantly hurt or itch, and it eventually disappeared. No one, according to Hannah's recollection, asked whether she might have been bitten by a tick. She did not connect the rash with the ticks she had been routinely removing from horses, and she did not connect it with the Lyme disease pamphlet she had briefly seen. Hannah believes today that this may have been the event that began her Lyme disease journey. For practical prevention and early-action information, read the Tick Boot Camp Tick Bite Blueprint. The First Sign Something Was Wrong Hannah initially remained extremely healthy and active after leaving the United States. She returned to England and attended Aston Business School near Birmingham. But approximately six months after her time at camp, she began noticing unusual problems with her knees. She was a runner and initially assumed she had simply overtrained. Her knees would ache and sometimes lock, particularly when walking down gentle slopes or moving at certain angles. Cold weather could make the discomfort worse. Because Hannah had been a competitive runner and lifelong equestrian athlete, healthcare professionals often attributed the symptoms to physical activity and wear and tear. She was told variations of the same explanation: runner's knee, overuse, muscle imbalance, or consequences of years of athletic activity. Yet Hannah was still a young woman, and the symptoms continued. Over time, joint problems began appearing elsewhere. Her elbows became involved. Her lower back became increasingly problematic. A diagnosis of scoliosis provided another seemingly logical explanation for some of her pain. Hannah kept adapting and pushing forward. She even completed the London Marathon, although afterward her knees became so painful and locked that she struggled to walk normally for approximately a week. When Her Health Finally Collapsed After university, Hannah continued traveling internationally, including spending time in Borneo and eventually completing a round-the-world trip. Then, around 2006, everything changed. After developing what appeared to be a significant viral illness, Hannah says she never fully recovered. Her shoulder became extremely painful and effectively froze. What followed was no longer an isolated problem with her knees or back. Hannah describes developing a growing collection of debilitating symptoms that included: Severe fatigue and exhaustion Joint and musculoskeletal pain Digestive problems Insomnia Anxiety Depression Episodes of intense anger or rage Memory problems Progressively worsening neurological and systemic symptoms Difficulty maintaining normal work and daily activities She describes the illness as feeling like a combination of flu, glandular fever, and malaria. Instead of resolving, her symptoms continued getting worse for approximately six years. Trying to Keep Working While Becoming Increasingly Ill Hannah attempted to continue working despite her deteriorating health. She worked with horses and also painted portraits professionally, but even limited morning work became increasingly difficult because of overwhelming fatigue. She frequently needed time off and struggled to explain what was happening because she did not understand it herself. Later, while working in a tea shop, Hannah began noticing that her memory was also being affected. She describes 30 or 40 symptoms gradually accumulating, with insomnia, chronic fatigue, and mood changes becoming some of the most difficult to manage. Meanwhile, repeated medical testing failed to provide an explanation. Several doctors told Hannah that her results were normal and that they could not find anything wrong. She says she did not necessarily feel directly accused of imagining her illness, but over time it became easier to stop discussing what she was experiencing because she felt that people were not truly hearing her. Moving to Australia While Searching for Answers Hannah eventually moved to Australia, hoping that a different environment and lifestyle might improve her health. She would spend approximately a decade there. Initially, the excitement of the move helped her keep going. She settled in tropical Darwin and started a graphic design company. Then her health crashed again. During the first wet season, Hannah became severely ill and spent significant periods in bed. Eventually, even working a few hours per day from home became too difficult, and she had to close the company she had built. She developed severe food reactions and describes being bedridden for seven to ten days at a time. Her relationship also ended during this period. Hannah describes eventually losing her business, her apartment, her ability to ride horses, much of her independence, and a significant amount of weight. At her lowest point, she says she would sometimes visit the stables and simply hold herself against a rail while watching the horses because she no longer had the strength to ride or even interact with them normally. The Chance Conversation That Changed Everything One day at the stables, another person noticed how ill Hannah had become. Hannah explained what was happening, and the woman told her about another horse rider with similar symptoms who was seeing a doctor who periodically traveled from Perth to Darwin to work with patients experiencing chronic fatigue and unexplained illness. Hannah and the other woman both scheduled appointments. After reviewing Hannah's extensive symptoms, the physician told her he believed she had late-stage Lyme disease. Hannah says subsequent testing through Australian Biologics was positive for Borrelia. The diagnosis triggered a flood of memories—the ticks on the horses, the pamphlet in West Virginia, and the unexplained red ring on her leg years earlier. For the first time, Hannah felt that the scattered pieces of her story might belong to the same puzzle. Lyme Disease, Co-Infections, and Alternative Testing Hannah continued exploring her illness through a combination of conventional and alternative approaches. She describes undergoing PCR testing through Australian Biologics as well as bioresonance and autonomic response testing. During the interview, Hannah says these alternative assessments suggested possible Borrelia strains, co-infections, active viruses, heavy metals, parasites, yeast overgrowth, gut inflammation, and other abnormalities. Among the infections discussed during her journey were Borrelia, Bartonella, Babesia, Rickettsia, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, and Chlamydia, as well as viral findings including Epstein-Barr virus. It is important to distinguish Hannah's personal experience from established clinical diagnostic standards. Bioresonance and autonomic response testing are not established replacements for validated medical testing for Lyme disease or tick-borne infections. Hannah is sharing what practitioners told her and how those results influenced her personal recovery decisions. Choosing a Different Lyme Treatment Path After receiving her Lyme diagnosis, Hannah says the physician treating her wanted to begin an aggressive multi-antibiotic protocol. Hannah decided not to pursue that approach. She was already extremely weak, her digestive system was severely affected, and she was concerned about medication side effects. Instead, she asked whether there were other options and ultimately chose to spend several months researching Lyme disease treatment approaches around the world. Her family and friends were frightened by the decision, but Hannah says she felt strongly that she needed to find a different path for herself. That decision became the beginning of the recovery strategy she would later document in My Lyme Success Story. Building a Staged, Whole-Person Recovery Plan Hannah describes her recovery not as one treatment, but as a staged process. Working with naturopathic practitioners and combining their guidance with her own research, she focused first on what she describes as improving her body's overall terrain before directly targeting Lyme and co-infections. Her personal strategy included: Reducing environmental stressors Simplifying her lifestyle Changing her diet Supporting gut health Addressing issues practitioners identified as heavy metals and parasites Reducing inflammation Using herbs and supplements Using binders and detoxification strategies Experimenting with bioresonance Meditation and nervous-system calming practices Emotional and trauma-focused work Creating an environment where she felt safe enough to recover Hannah emphasizes that the sequence mattered to her. She believes preparing her body first made it easier to tolerate later interventions. The Diet Change That Gave Her Hope Diet became one of the earliest major changes in Hannah's recovery. Based on the recommendations she was receiving at the time, she adopted a highly individualized, low-inflammatory Paleo-style diet. She says that after approximately four weeks of changing her diet and focusing on cleansing and lifestyle interventions, she felt better than she had in four years. That improvement became a major psychological turning point. For the first time in years, Hannah had tangible evidence that something she was doing might be helping. From there, she continued gradually working through the other areas she believed were contributing to her illness. Herbs, Bioresonance, and Individualized Treatment Hannah experimented extensively with herbs and natural products. She describes using BioPure Quintessence, a herbal tincture containing ingredients including Japanese knotweed and Andrographis, after another product did not feel appropriate for her. She also describes using binders and other detoxification strategies while gradually increasing the intensity of her treatment. Bioresonance became another major part of her personal approach. Hannah says she used a portable device at home for approximately six months and also used bioresonance testing to help guide decisions about foods, herbs, and supplements. She reports that, through the overall combination of approaches she was using, she went from being largely bedbound to symptom-free in approximately 11 months. That is Hannah's personal account and should not be interpreted as evidence that the same interventions will produce the same results for another person. The Story Behind Hannah's "Lyme-Busting Drink" One memorable moment in the interview involves something Hannah jokingly calls her "Lyme-busting drink." Hannah says she gathered several antimicrobial ingredients in her kitchen and intuitively selected ingredients to combine into a homemade preparation. She later took the mixture to her naturopath, who tested it using the bioresonance method they were working with. Hannah says the mixture tested strongly for her. The larger takeaway from this part of the story is not that listeners should reproduce Hannah's homemade mixture. Rather, Hannah uses the story to illustrate just how individualized and experimental her own recovery process became. She repeatedly emphasizes listening to her own body and adjusting what she was doing based on how she felt. Learning to Trust Her Body Again One of the strongest themes throughout Hannah's interview is intuition. Years of unexplained illness can cause people to question themselves, especially after repeated normal tests or medical appointments that fail to provide answers. Hannah says she never entirely lost the belief that her body was telling her something important. When she was told nothing could be found, she continued searching. When one explanation did not make sense to her, she kept looking. And once she finally received a diagnosis, she approached recovery with the same determination. Rich identifies this as one of the most powerful parts of Hannah's story: despite years of confusion and dismissal, she continued trusting her own observations enough to keep investigating. Mindset, Spirituality, and Asking for Help Hannah also describes a major shift in her mindset and spirituality. For much of her life, she had been fiercely independent and believed that she could solve any problem herself. At her sickest, that changed. Hannah remembers lying in a dark room, sometimes barely able to lift her head, and finally looking outside and simply asking for help. She describes this as a turning point. A housemate later gave her a book about the Law of Attraction and introduced her to meditation. Hannah says these ideas reawakened something she remembered from childhood: a strong belief that mindset, intention, and action could help shape the direction of her life. She began meditating regularly and eventually built up to approximately 45-minute sessions. Whether listeners share Hannah's spiritual framework or not, the interview makes clear that hope and belief became important psychological resources during a period when her physical circumstances gave her very little reason to feel optimistic. Trauma, NLP, and Emotional Healing Hannah's recovery eventually expanded into emotional and trauma-focused work. She describes exploring Neuro-Linguistic Programming, or NLP, after reflecting on experiences from earlier in her life. One particularly powerful realization involved her premature birth. Hannah was born approximately three months early and spent significant time in an incubator, separated from her mother. During a later meditation experience, Hannah says she suddenly connected that early experience of illness and isolation with what she was experiencing as an adult. She later participated in NLP-based work that involved revisiting and reframing those experiences. Toward the end of her recovery, Hannah also explored Faster EFT, combining tapping and other emotional-processing techniques. She says she realized that even after becoming physically healthier, she had developed significant fear about leaving her home and becoming ill again. After working through some of those fears and other emotional experiences, she felt more capable of re-entering normal life. For Hannah, physical recovery, emotional recovery, mindset, spirituality, and lifestyle became deeply interconnected parts of the same journey. From Bedbound to What Hannah Describes as Fully Recovered Hannah says she eventually went from being largely bedbound to symptom-free over approximately 11 months. She attributes that change not to one single intervention, but to the sequencing and combination of approaches she personally used. She emphasizes reducing inflammation and other stressors first, then gradually addressing the infections and other issues she believed were affecting her. Her experience shaped one of the central messages she now shares with other Lyme patients: recovery does not necessarily have to happen through the most aggressive approach available. She encourages people to work with knowledgeable practitioners, move carefully, and allow the body time to recover. As she says during the interview, she believes there is value in "slow, steady, gentle" healing, while also emphasizing the importance of appropriate medical supervision. Why Hannah Wrote My Lyme Success Story Once Hannah had recovered, she began organizing everything she had documented during her illness. Her background made that process unusually natural. Hannah had experience in graphic design, photography, writing, editing, and copywriting. She had also meticulously recorded what she tried during her illness—partly because she wanted a record in case she ever became sick again. Eventually, people began encouraging her to write a book. That became Hannah Green: My Lyme Success Story. Hannah says she wrote the book for several reasons: To document what happened to her To explain her experience to family members in England who had been thousands of miles away during the worst of her illness To process the trauma of what she had been through To organize the research and strategies she had collected To help other Lyme patients who might find value in her experience The book includes Hannah's story, the approaches she personally tried, her research, and practical resources including meal plans, shopping lists, checklists, and educational information intended to help patients and families better understand Lyme disease. Learn more about Hannah, her book, and her resources on her website: Hannah Green: My Lyme Success Story Meeting Hannah at the Lyme Warrior 10th Anniversary Gala This Tick Boot Camp interview began with an in-person connection. Hannah traveled from England to attend the Lyme Warrior 10th Anniversary Gala on May 9, 2026, at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. Tick Boot Camp partnered with Lyme Warrior to help photograph, document, and amplify the event. The gala brought together Lyme patients, advocates, researchers, clinicians, authors, families, and supporters for a night focused on research, advocacy, humor, music, community, and hope. Hannah attended alongside other members of the Lyme community who traveled from England, including Kirstie Haysman, Ms Great Britain 2026. The night included appearances from leading Lyme voices including Dr. Eva Sapi, Dr. Monica Embers, Dr. Richard Horowitz, Dr. Myriah Hinchey, Nicole Bell, Jesse Ruben, and many other advocates and community leaders. Read Tick Boot Camp's full coverage of the event. A Lyme Story Across Three Continents Hannah's Lyme journey crosses three continents. She grew up in England. She believes her Lyme exposure may have occurred while working with horses in West Virginia in the United States. Her earliest symptoms emerged after returning to England. Her illness eventually became severely disabling. And in Australia, Hannah finally received the Lyme diagnosis that gave her a framework for understanding what had happened. Australia also became the place where she developed the personal recovery strategy she later documented in My Lyme Success Story. Hannah eventually returned to England in 2019 to spend more time with family. Her international experience underscores an important reality: Lyme disease does not respect borders, and gaps in tick awareness, diagnosis, and treatment can follow patients across healthcare systems. What You'll Learn in This Episode In this episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, Hannah Green discusses: Growing up in England surrounded by horses and the outdoors Why she knew almost nothing about ticks despite extensive equestrian experience Traveling alone to America as a shy 19-year-old Working as a horse-riding counselor at a West Virginia summer camp Removing engorged ticks from horses without understanding the possible human health risk The Lyme disease pamphlet she remembers seeing at camp The red ring on her leg that she was told was probably a spider bite Why she now believes her Lyme exposure may have occurred in West Virginia Developing unusual knee problems after returning to England Years of migrating joint and back symptoms Running the London Marathon despite worsening knee problems The viral illness after which her health dramatically deteriorated Digestive issues, insomnia, chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression, rage, and memory problems Trying to continue working while becoming progressively sicker Repeated medical visits that failed to explain her illness Moving to Australia and eventually becoming largely bedbound How another horse rider helped connect her with the doctor who diagnosed Lyme disease Borrelia and the co-infections discussed during her journey Her experience with PCR testing, bioresonance, and autonomic response testing Why she declined the multi-antibiotic protocol initially proposed to her The three months she spent researching treatment approaches around the world Her staged approach to lifestyle, diet, gut health, and other interventions The low-inflammatory Paleo-style diet she says produced an early improvement Her use of herbs, binders, naturopathic care, and bioresonance Her homemade "Lyme-busting drink" Creating an environment dedicated to healing Learning to trust her intuition Meditation, spirituality, and asking for help Trauma work, NLP, and Faster EFT The fear of leaving home even after her physical health improved Why she believes mindset is critical to recovery Why she wrote My Lyme Success Story Her advice for people newly diagnosed with Lyme disease Why she believes patients should not give up on the possibility of healing Hannah's Advice for Someone Newly Diagnosed With Lyme Disease Near the end of the conversation, Hannah shares several lessons she wishes more people understood early in their Lyme journey. First, she encourages people not to panic. She believes a recovery mindset matters and that people benefit from knowing that others have gotten better. Second, she recommends finding a practitioner you genuinely trust and who looks at the person as a whole rather than focusing on only one symptom. Third, she emphasizes consistency and persistence rather than continually jumping from one protocol to another. And finally, Hannah advocates for a gentler approach when appropriate, saying that the body may need time and a sense of safety in order to recover. Her advice reflects her own experience rather than a universal medical prescription, but the underlying message is powerful: stay engaged, keep learning, work with qualified support, and do not surrender hope. Why Hannah Green's Lyme Success Story Matters Hannah's story is not presented as a universal Lyme disease treatment protocol. It is one person's experience of becoming severely ill, searching for answers across multiple countries, experimenting with approaches that felt appropriate for her circumstances, and eventually reaching a level of health that inspired her to describe her journey as a Lyme success story. Her experience reinforces several important messages for the Lyme community: Tick education matters before a bite ever happens. Not everyone remembers finding an attached tick. An expanding red rash deserves careful medical evaluation. Lyme symptoms can evolve and involve multiple body systems. Migrating joint symptoms can be an important part of a patient's history. People with unexplained chronic symptoms deserve to be heard. Recovery journeys can be highly individualized. Emotional and psychological support can coexist with treatment of physical illness. Community can help replace the isolation that so often accompanies chronic illness. Hope matters. Healing is possible. Final Takeaway Hannah Green's Lyme disease journey began long before she knew she was on one. A young woman from England traveled to America to teach horseback riding, encountered ticks for the first time, developed a mysterious red ring that was dismissed as a spider bite, and returned home feeling healthy. Then the clues slowly appeared. First her knees. Then other joints. Then her back. Eventually, after another illness years later, her health deteriorated dramatically. What followed was a long search for an explanation that eventually took Hannah across the world and into an intense process of research, experimentation, self-advocacy, emotional healing, and recovery. Today, she has transformed that experience into My Lyme Success Story in the hope that what she learned can help others ask better questions and feel less alone. Her exact path will not be everyone's path, and the approaches Hannah believes helped her should not be interpreted as medical advice or a universal treatment plan. But the larger message of her story belongs to the entire Lyme community: keep asking questions, keep learning, find people who take your experience seriously, and do not give up on the possibility of healing.

What happens when Lyme disease affects the brain? Why do so many people with Lyme disease struggle with brain fog, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and mental fatigue—even after treatment? And how can researchers better understand, measure, and treat these persistent cognitive symptoms? In this episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Jacqueline Becker, clinical neuropsychologist, researcher, and Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Dr. Becker specializes in the cognitive effects of infection-associated chronic illnesses, including Lyme disease, Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS), Long COVID, and ME/CFS. Drawing from both her clinical practice and groundbreaking research, Dr. Becker explains how neuropsychological testing provides objective ways to evaluate brain fog and cognitive dysfunction. She discusses why patients deserve validation for symptoms that are often invisible, how cognitive rehabilitation differs from commercial brain retraining programs, and why improving research methods is essential for developing more effective treatments. The conversation also explores the growing collaboration between researchers studying Lyme disease and Long COVID, revealing how these conditions may share biological mechanisms that could lead to future breakthroughs benefiting millions of patients. Whether you're living with Lyme disease, caring for someone experiencing cognitive symptoms, or interested in the future of neuroscience and infection-associated chronic illness research, this episode offers practical insights and hope grounded in science. What You'll Learn Why brain fog is one of the most common and disabling symptoms of Lyme disease. How neuropsychologists objectively measure memory, attention, processing speed, and executive functioning. The similarities between Lyme disease, Long COVID, and other infection-associated chronic illnesses. Why traditional clinical trials often struggle to capture the complexity of persistent Lyme symptoms. How improved research design could accelerate the development of new diagnostics and treatments. The difference between evidence-based cognitive rehabilitation and commercial brain retraining programs. Why validating patients' experiences is critical for advancing both research and clinical care. In This Episode Matt Sabatello, Tick Boot Camp Co-Founder, and Dr. Becker discuss: Dr. Becker's journey into neuropsychology and cognitive research How Lyme disease can affect the brain Understanding brain fog beyond subjective symptoms Neuropsychological testing and cognitive assessment Memory, attention, language, and executive functioning Infection-Associated Chronic Illnesses (IACI) The overlap between Lyme disease, Long COVID, and ME/CFS Cognitive rehabilitation and neuroplasticity The blood-brain barrier and emerging neuroscience Improving Lyme disease research through better study design The importance of interdisciplinary collaboration Hope for the future of cognitive recovery after infection About Dr. Jacqueline Becker Dr. Jacqueline Becker is a clinical neuropsychologist, researcher, and Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She specializes in the evaluation and treatment of cognitive dysfunction associated with Lyme disease, Long COVID, ME/CFS, and other infection-associated chronic illnesses. Her research focuses on improving the scientific understanding of persistent cognitive symptoms while developing better methods for measuring outcomes and advancing patient-centered care. Resources & Links Listen to more Tick Boot Camp Podcast episodes Explore more interviews with Lyme-literate doctors Read the Tick Boot Camp Blog About Tick Boot Camp Tick Boot Camp is dedicated to helping people liberate themselves and others from Lyme disease and tick-borne illness through education, validation, and community. By bringing together leading physicians, researchers, advocates, and patients, we provide trusted information and inspiring stories that remind listeners healing is possible and no one has to face Lyme disease alone.

What if the experiences of thousands—or eventually millions—of Lyme disease patients could help the next patient find answers faster? In this episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we sit down with siblings Carter Bradsky and Payton Bradsky, co-founders of LymeLess Health, to explore their family's extraordinary Lyme disease journey and the technology they're building to help other patients navigate complex chronic illness. Lyme disease didn't affect just one member of the Bradsky family. Their mother became severely ill and largely bedridden while searching for answers through the conventional medical system. Carter later developed debilitating neurological and psychiatric symptoms while preparing to play college basketball. Payton experienced seizure-like episodes, was diagnosed with epilepsy, lost her driver's license, and struggled with cognitive dysfunction while beginning a promising career in technology. Their experiences ultimately inspired a much bigger question: What if Lyme patients didn't have to start from zero? That question became LymeLess, a precision care navigation platform built around an AI companion named Ella. The goal is to help patients organize complex medical histories, track symptoms and treatments, recognize patterns, prepare for medical appointments, find Lyme-literate providers, and make better use of the enormous amount of information generated throughout a chronic illness journey. A Family's Lyme Disease Journey Carter and Payton explain that their family's Lyme journey began with their mother around 2015. After relocating from South Dakota to Arizona, their mother progressively became sicker. Despite extensive medical evaluations—including care through major medical institutions—the family struggled to find an explanation for what was happening. At one point, her symptoms were attributed to psychological causes. Everything changed through a chance encounter. While attending an event surrounding Carter's high school graduation, their mother discussed her symptoms with someone familiar with Lyme disease. That conversation led her toward a Lyme-literate provider and ultimately toward the answers the family had been searching for. Her experience would later become critically important when both Carter and Payton developed their own unexplained illnesses. Carter Bradsky's Lyme Disease Story Carter was preparing for his senior year of high school and planning to play college basketball when his health began changing. During a period that also included significant emotional and physical stress, Carter began experiencing symptoms including: Brain fog and cognitive dysfunction Memory loss Dissociation Depression Anxiety Changes in his ability to function academically and athletically Because his mother had already traveled the Lyme disease diagnostic journey, she recognized similarities between Carter's symptoms and what she had experienced. That awareness allowed Carter to reach a Lyme-literate provider relatively quickly. He describes undergoing combination antibiotic therapy with herbal support and eventually reaching remission after approximately 1.5 to 2 years. His experience became an important lesson that would later influence LymeLess: Having someone Lyme-literate helping you navigate the journey can dramatically change how quickly you find the next right step. Payton Bradsky: Seizures, Epilepsy Misdiagnosis, and Lyme Disease Payton's illness presented very differently. During her senior year of college, after an intense period of stress, illness, dehydration, travel, and lack of sleep, Payton experienced what appeared to be a seizure. She was subsequently diagnosed with epilepsy. The diagnosis changed her life. Payton was placed on powerful anti-seizure medication, lost her driver's license, struggled cognitively, and found herself unable to use the brain she had relied upon throughout her life as an engineering student. This was particularly frightening because she had already accepted a job at Google and was preparing to begin her career in technology. Her family once again questioned whether there might be another explanation. That eventually led Payton toward Lyme and tick-borne disease testing and treatment. Unlike Carter's relatively shorter journey, Payton's recovery became a much longer process involving years of treatment and numerous providers. Her experience illustrates one of the central themes of this episode: There is no single Lyme disease presentation—and there is no single recovery pathway that works for every patient. From Lyme Patients to Technology Founders The siblings eventually brought very different professional backgrounds together to create LymeLess. Carter studied finance and data analytics at the University of San Diego before working in technology, media, and telecommunications investment banking in New York City. Payton studied computer engineering and entrepreneurship at Santa Clara University in Silicon Valley before spending approximately five years at Google, working as a software engineer and product manager. Her experience in technology—including exposure to privacy, security, and regulated data environments—would later become particularly relevant when designing a health platform handling sensitive patient information. Both siblings eventually left their careers to tackle a problem they understood personally: Why does navigating Lyme disease so often become a second full-time job for the patient or caregiver? What Is LymeLess? LymeLess describes itself as a precision care navigation platform designed around the patient. Instead of leaving medical information scattered across patient portals, paper binders, lab reports, physician notes, symptom journals, and a patient's memory, LymeLess is working toward creating a centralized longitudinal record of the patient's journey. The platform's AI companion is called Ella. Patients can use Ella to help: Organize their health history Track symptoms over time Track treatments and supplements Record reactions and potential triggers Upload medical documents and laboratory results Identify patterns in symptoms and treatments Prepare for doctor appointments Surface relevant resources and research Find Lyme-literate providers Remember previous treatment responses Better understand their evolving health journey Carter describes one user's characterization of Ella as a "second brain" for when Lyme brain makes remembering and organizing everything difficult. Turning the Lyme Disease Binder Into Usable Data Anyone who has navigated chronic Lyme disease knows about the binder. Years of: Bloodwork Imaging Specialist reports Medication lists Treatment protocols Symptom histories Diagnostic testing Hospital records Patients frequently carry enormous amounts of information between specialists, yet a physician working within a short appointment may have only minutes to understand it. The conversation explores whether AI could become a bridge between these two realities. Instead of expecting a physician to read hundreds or thousands of pages, AI may eventually help synthesize a patient's history into the information most relevant to that particular appointment. LymeLess currently allows patients to upload digital documents and images of physical records, while the company is working toward easier bulk uploading and potential integrations with electronic health record systems. The LymeLess "Warrior Report" One important feature discussed in the episode is the Warrior Report. Patients can export information from LymeLess into a report designed to help communicate their health journey to their provider. Carter and Payton envision this concept becoming considerably more sophisticated in the future. One possibility discussed is a provider-facing experience in which clinicians could interact with a patient's organized information, review relevant research, and ask questions in language and formats designed specifically for medical professionals. Longer term, LymeLess is exploring clinical decision-support concepts and potential integrations with electronic health record platforms. Ella Is Not a Doctor Carter and Payton emphasize an important distinction throughout the interview: Ella is not intended to replace physicians. LymeLess is not positioning Ella as an autonomous doctor that diagnoses disease or prescribes treatment. Instead, the goal is to help patients: Understand their own information Recognize patterns Surface questions Find relevant resources Organize their medical histories Communicate more effectively with their healthcare team The ultimate medical decisions remain between patients and qualified healthcare professionals. Can AI Help Patients Recognize Patterns? One of the most exciting possibilities discussed is AI's ability to analyze enormous amounts of information. Lyme and tick-borne disease patients frequently experience changing combinations of: Neurological symptoms Psychiatric symptoms Pain Fatigue Inflammation Treatment reactions Food sensitivities Environmental triggers Co-infections Medication and supplement responses Patients may recognize individual events but struggle to see patterns unfolding across weeks, months, or years. Payton explains that Ella is being designed to combine patient-specific longitudinal information with curated research and educational resources. The goal is not simply to answer a question at one moment in time, but to understand that question in the context of the patient's broader journey. Learning From Other Lyme Patients The conversation then expands beyond individual patient tracking. Could anonymized patient experiences eventually help identify broader patterns across the Lyme community? Carter describes a long-term vision for a community intelligence layer that could potentially help patients, providers, and researchers learn from real-world experiences at scale. Instead of every newly diagnosed patient beginning at zero, future patients could potentially benefit from patterns identified among people with similar symptoms, diagnoses, treatment histories, and responses. The siblings discuss the potential for properly anonymized and de-identified information to eventually contribute to research while protecting individual patient identities. Lyme Disease Research and Real-World Evidence The episode explores an even larger possibility: Could longitudinal patient data help accelerate Lyme disease research? Traditional clinical trials are essential, but they can be expensive, geographically limited, and slow. Meanwhile, Lyme patients are already trying enormous numbers of treatments in the real world. The challenge is that much of that information disappears. One patient tries a treatment. Another patient tries something different. A physician discovers something useful in clinical practice. Patients discuss experiences in Facebook groups and online forums. But those experiences rarely become structured research-quality data. LymeLess hopes eventually to help close that gap. Potential future applications discussed include: Identifying promising treatment patterns Generating real-world evidence Identifying potential clinical trial candidates Helping researchers determine which therapies deserve formal study Supporting decentralized research Connecting patients with clinical trials Helping researchers study complex combinations of Lyme disease, co-infections, and overlapping conditions Lyme Disease Is More Than Borrelia Another important research discussion centers around the complexity of the Lyme patient population. Many patients aren't navigating Borrelia alone. Their health picture may also include: Bartonella Babesia Other tick-borne infections Mold exposure Mast cell activation Dysautonomia Inflammation Neurological dysfunction Genetic differences Environmental exposures By collecting longitudinal information across complex patients, platforms such as LymeLess could potentially help researchers study the combinations and patterns that traditional Lyme research may not fully capture. Protecting Patient Privacy Health information is extraordinarily sensitive, and the episode includes an extensive discussion about privacy and security. Payton explains that protecting patient data has been considered from the beginning of LymeLess' development. According to Payton, LymeLess uses: Encryption at rest Encryption in transit Zero-data-retention policies and agreements with vendors powering the platform Patient control over their information De-identification and anonymization approaches for broader data use She emphasizes that patients should be able to benefit from AI technology while still understanding and controlling how their information is used. LymeLess and the Doctor-Patient Relationship One of the most interesting themes of the conversation is that technology could potentially improve—not replace—the relationship between doctors and patients. Patients with complex chronic illness frequently arrive at appointments carrying years of medical information. Doctors, meanwhile, may have extremely limited appointment time and may not have extensive training in Lyme and tick-borne diseases. That can create frustration on both sides. Could better-organized information help? The conversation explores how AI-generated summaries, longitudinal symptom tracking, research resources, and eventually provider-facing tools could help physicians understand complicated patients more quickly. Rather than telling patients they must become their "own doctor," the goal is to help patients become better-informed partners with their healthcare team. Can LymeLess Help Health Coaches? The siblings also discuss the growing role of health coaches in complex chronic illness. Because Lyme patients often need significant support between medical appointments, health coaches can help patients organize treatment plans, make lifestyle changes, and navigate day-to-day challenges. LymeLess could potentially serve two populations: Patients who cannot afford ongoing human health coaching may gain access to a more affordable form of between-appointment support. At the same time, professional health coaches may eventually use technology like LymeLess to organize information and support more patients efficiently. Carter's Mold Illness After Lyme Remission The episode also takes an unexpected turn when Carter shares a recent health setback. After reaching remission from Lyme and tick-borne disease, Carter moved into an older apartment in New York City's SoHo neighborhood. Over time, he began experiencing: Brain fog Severe fatigue Cognitive problems Word-recall difficulties Nervous system dysregulation Increasing sensitivity to caffeine Anxiety Eye floaters Initially, he questioned whether Bartonella or another tick-borne infection had returned. Testing eventually pointed toward mold exposure. Environmental testing of his apartment reportedly identified numerous types of water-associated mold, and subsequent testing contributed to his decision to address mold illness and leave the environment. He describes temporarily moving home, focusing on recovery, reducing caffeine and screen exposure, exercising, using sauna, and continuing to work with his healthcare team. Importantly, Carter says subsequent testing did not indicate reactivation of Lyme, Bartonella, or Babesia. His experience reinforces another reason he believes longitudinal health records are valuable: When symptoms return years later, knowing exactly what happened during previous illnesses and treatments can provide important context. Discovery, Active Treatment, and Maintenance Payton describes three broad stages LymeLess is designed to support: Discovery Someone has experienced a tick bite or unexplained symptoms and is trying to determine what should happen next. Active Treatment The patient has a diagnosis and is navigating treatments, symptoms, reactions, providers, testing, and progress. Maintenance / Remission The patient is doing better but still wants to understand their health, recognize potential triggers, remember previous treatment responses, and protect their progress. This makes LymeLess potentially relevant beyond the period when someone is acutely sick. Genetics and Precision Medicine The interview also explores another future direction: incorporating genetic information. Genetics can influence: Detoxification Methylation Medication responses Nutritional needs Inflammatory pathways Other aspects of individualized health Carter and Payton discuss a future in which genetics, laboratory testing, patient history, symptoms, environmental factors, and treatment responses could contribute to increasingly personalized health navigation. Their larger vision moves from precision care navigation toward precision care and, eventually, increasingly individualized precision medicine. How Much Does LymeLess Cost? At the time of this interview, Carter and Payton describe LymeLess as offering a one-month free trial, followed by a subscription of approximately $15 per month. They also discuss working toward making portions of the platform available more broadly and maintaining a scholarship program for people who cannot afford the subscription. Carter explains that a portion of subscription revenue is intended to help support that scholarship program. Turning Lyme Disease Into Purpose The episode ultimately becomes about much more than artificial intelligence. Both Carter and Payton discuss how illness changed their lives. They describe fear, isolation, cognitive impairment, uncertainty, faith, family support, and the challenge of trying to continue school and demanding careers while sick. They also discuss something we talk about frequently at Tick Boot Camp: finding purpose through suffering. Payton continued developing her engineering career while undergoing treatment. Carter describes spending long periods alone in church during college, trying to quiet his mind and understand what mattered most. Eventually, their experiences gave them a problem they felt compelled to solve. Their mission with LymeLess is ambitious: Learn from the unique story of every patient so future patients don't have to navigate Lyme disease through the same degree of trial, error, expense, and luck. Key Topics Discussed Carter and Payton Bradsky's family Lyme disease story Their mother's long diagnostic journey Medical dismissal and unexplained chronic symptoms Carter's neurological Lyme symptoms Brain fog, memory loss, anxiety, depression, and dissociation Payton's seizure and epilepsy misdiagnosis Neurological and psychiatric Lyme disease symptoms Lyme disease remission and recovery Lyme disease and co-infections Bartonella and Babesia Mold toxicity after Lyme disease AI and Lyme disease LymeLess Health Ella AI companion Precision care navigation Symptom and treatment tracking Longitudinal patient health data Medical record organization The Lyme disease "binder" Patient-provider communication Warrior Reports Lyme-literate provider matching Clinical decision-support technology Electronic health record integration AI pattern recognition Patient privacy and healthcare data security De-identification and anonymization Real-world evidence Lyme disease clinical trials Patient-generated health data Artificial intelligence and medical research Health coaching and Lyme disease The financial burden of chronic Lyme disease Genetics and personalized medicine Precision medicine Faith and chronic illness Post-traumatic growth Finding purpose after Lyme disease Life after Lyme disease Learn More Explore LymeLess and Ella Listen to more Tick Boot Camp Podcast episodes Explore Tick Boot Camp interviews with Lyme doctors Recently bitten by a tick? Start with the Tick Boot Camp Tick Bite Blueprint About Tick Boot Camp Tick Boot Camp is a Lyme disease awareness and advocacy platform built around a simple belief: people navigating Lyme and tick-borne illness deserve validation, community, better information, and hope. Through conversations with patients, doctors, researchers, advocates, and innovators, we share the experiences and emerging ideas helping move the Lyme community forward. You are not alone—and healing is possible.

In this special Tick Boot Camp Instagram Live, Dr. Casey Kelley returns to discuss the latest developments in Lyme disease diagnosis, treatment, clinician education, and research. Drawing on both her personal recovery journey and years of treating complex chronic illness, Dr. Kelley explains why Lyme disease requires individualized care, why more Lyme-literate clinicians are urgently needed, and how new technologies—including big data, advanced diagnostics, and innovative therapies like SOT—are shaping the future of patient care. Episode Highlights Expanding Lyme-Literate Medical Education Dr. Kelley announces an exciting partnership between the Illinois Lyme Association and Carle Health to offer the ILADS Fundamentals Course free to healthcare providers. She explains why educating more physicians is one of the fastest ways to improve Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment across the country. The conversation also explores the role of the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS), including its physician training programs, fellowship process, and commitment to evidence-based medicine. Dr. Casey Kelley's Personal Lyme Journey Dr. Kelley reflects on her own experience with chronic illness. After years of unexplained symptoms, multiple incorrect diagnoses, and eventually developing POTS during medical school, she discovered that Lyme disease and tick-borne infections were contributing to her illness. Her recovery ultimately inspired her to found Case Integrative Health, where she now helps patients with complex chronic illnesses using a personalized, whole-body approach. How COVID Changed the Chronic Illness Conversation The discussion examines how the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically increased awareness of infection-associated chronic illnesses. Dr. Kelley explains that greater recognition of Long COVID has also helped bring attention to Lyme disease, ME/CFS, POTS, mast cell activation syndrome, and other complex conditions that share similar biological mechanisms. AI, Big Data, and the Future of Lyme Care Matt and Rich ask whether artificial intelligence and large clinical databases will transform Lyme medicine. Dr. Kelley believes AI and big data will become valuable tools—but only when paired with experienced clinicians who understand the complexity of Lyme disease and can interpret each patient's unique presentation. Why Every Lyme Patient Is Different The conversation explores why no two Lyme patients look exactly alike. Genetics, epigenetics, immune function, microbiome diversity, environmental exposures, multiple tick bites, co-infections, and varying bacterial strains all contribute to highly individualized clinical presentations. New Advances in Lyme Diagnostics Dr. Kelley discusses promising diagnostic research aimed at distinguishing active infection from past exposure and identifying bacterial peptides unique to active Borrelia infections. These advances could help clinicians better determine whether symptoms are being driven by persistent infection or ongoing immune dysfunction. Understanding Supportive Oligonucleotide Therapy (SOT) One of the most in-depth portions of the conversation focuses on Supportive Oligonucleotide Therapy (SOT). Dr. Kelley explains how SOT is customized using a patient's own blood sample to target specific pathogens by preventing them from replicating. While not a cure, SOT has become an increasingly valuable treatment option for patients who have plateaued with conventional therapies and is often combined with treatments such as ozone therapy. There Is No Single Treatment Order Matt and Rich ask whether every patient should follow the same healing sequence. Dr. Kelley explains that there is no universal roadmap. Some patients must first stabilize mast cell activation, while others need to prioritize infections, mold exposure, parasites, or nervous system dysfunction. Successful treatment depends on understanding each person's unique biology rather than following rigid protocols. Nervous System Regulation and Neuroplasticity The discussion shifts toward brain retraining and nervous system healing. Dr. Kelley explains that many severely ill patients simply lack the energy to begin intensive neuroplasticity programs early in treatment. Instead, she often introduces passive nervous system therapies first before transitioning patients into more active brain retraining as their health improves. She also shares practical tools she frequently recommends, including: Vagus nerve stimulation Apollo Neuro Pulsetto Neurofeedback Binaural beats Breathing exercises Hypnosis Humor and intentional joy A Message of Hope Dr. Kelley closes the conversation by reminding listeners that healing is possible. While Lyme disease treatment often requires patience, persistence, and individualized care, she emphasizes that people can regain health, improve function, and achieve long-term remission—even when recovery feels impossible in the beginning. Learn More Explore the Tick Boot Camp Podcast for more Lyme disease education and recovery stories. Browse our complete collection of Doctor Interviews featuring leading Lyme-literate physicians. Learn more about Persistent Lyme Disease and the latest research into chronic tick-borne illness.

What if the biggest obstacle to healing Lyme disease isn't just the infection—but the body's inability to feel safe enough to recover? In this inspiring episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, Dr. Meagan Bonnot shares her remarkable journey from being a chronically ill patient with debilitating symptoms to becoming a naturopathic doctor dedicated to helping others recover from complex chronic illnesses. Drawing from both personal experience and years of clinical practice, Dr. Bonnot explains why healing Lyme disease requires far more than simply killing bacteria. Together, Matt Sabatello and Dr. Bonnot explore the critical roles of nervous system regulation, detoxification, trauma recovery, frequency medicine, herbal therapies, and faith in creating an environment where true healing can occur. Dr. Bonnot also discusses how her clinic, Deeper Wellness, integrates biofeedback technology, individualized treatment plans, and functional medicine principles to help patients restore health. Whether you're newly diagnosed with Lyme disease or have struggled with chronic illness for years, this conversation offers practical insights and a hopeful reminder that healing is possible. In This Episode Dr. Meagan Bonnot discusses: Her personal battle with chronic Lyme disease Why Lyme testing often misses patients Childhood trauma and chronic illness connections The importance of regulating the nervous system Frequency medicine and AO Scan technology Herbal protocols for Lyme disease Detoxification before antimicrobial treatment Brain retraining and neuroplasticity Faith, resilience, and healing Practical strategies patients can begin immediately Meet Dr. Meagan Bonnot Dr. Meagan Bonnot is a naturopathic physician and the founder of Deeper Wellness, where she helps patients with Lyme disease, mold illness, Bartonella, chronic fatigue, autoimmune conditions, and other complex chronic illnesses. After spending years searching for answers to her own debilitating health challenges, Dr. Bonnot discovered that lasting recovery required addressing much more than infections alone. Today, she combines functional medicine, naturopathic therapies, herbal medicine, nervous system regulation, detoxification strategies, biofeedback technology, and personalized care plans to help patients restore health from the inside out. Her mission is to help patients understand that the body possesses an incredible capacity to heal when given the right environment and support. Dr. Bonnot's Personal Lyme Disease Story Long before becoming a physician, Dr. Bonnot experienced many of the same frustrations faced by Lyme patients today. Growing up, she struggled with chronic asthma, allergies, fatigue, digestive issues, and recurring illnesses. Despite years of medical evaluations, no one identified the underlying causes of her declining health. Eventually, she developed worsening neurological and systemic symptoms that conventional medicine struggled to explain. Even Lyme testing failed to provide clear answers. Rather than accepting that chronic illness would define her life, she pursued naturopathic medicine and began investigating the deeper drivers behind persistent disease. Her own recovery ultimately became the foundation for the clinical approach she now uses with patients worldwide. Why Killing Lyme Isn't Always the First Step One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding Lyme disease is that recovery begins with antimicrobial treatment. Dr. Bonnot explains that many patients simply are not physiologically prepared to tolerate aggressive treatment. If detoxification pathways are impaired or the nervous system remains trapped in chronic fight-or-flight mode, antimicrobial therapies may overwhelm the body rather than support healing. Instead of asking: "How do we kill Lyme?" She encourages practitioners to first ask: "Why is this person's body unable to heal?" That subtle shift changes the entire treatment strategy. The Four Foundations of Healing Throughout the interview, Dr. Bonnot outlines the sequence she frequently follows when working with patients. 1. Regulate the Nervous System Chronic infections, emotional trauma, prolonged stress, and toxic exposures can leave the nervous system stuck in survival mode. When the brain continually perceives danger, healing becomes significantly more difficult. Dr. Bonnot discusses techniques that help patients restore regulation, including: Adaptogen herbs, such as those from Supreme Nutrition & VerVita Breathwork Mindfulness Gratitude practices Restorative sleep Faith Emotional healing Lifestyle changes Brain retraining programs Consistency over perfection 2. Open Detoxification Pathways Rather than forcing detoxification, Dr. Bonnot emphasizes gently supporting the body's natural elimination systems. These include: Liver Kidneys Lymphatic system Digestive tract Skin Cellular detoxification Supportive therapies may include: Hydration Nutrition Sauna Red light therapy Movement Lymphatic drainage Herbal support Creating efficient detox pathways helps reduce inflammatory burden before antimicrobial therapies begin. 3. Address Infections Once patients are better prepared, treatment may include targeted therapies for Lyme disease and common coinfections. During the discussion, Dr. Bonnot references herbs frequently used within naturopathic protocols, including: Japanese Knotweed Cat's Claw Cryptolepis Houttuynia Chinese Skullcap Artemisia Reishi Adaptogenic herbs Rather than applying identical protocols to every patient, she individualizes treatment based on symptoms, testing, history, and response. 4. Retrain the Brain Healing often continues long after infections have been treated. Many patients continue experiencing persistent symptoms because their nervous systems remain conditioned toward chronic survival responses. Dr. Bonnot discusses the importance of neuroplasticity and brain retraining approaches that help the brain learn safety again. She explains that recovery frequently requires healing both the body and the brain simultaneously. Frequency Medicine and AO Scan Technology A unique portion of the interview explores frequency medicine and biofeedback technologies such as the AO Scan. Dr. Bonnot explains how these technologies may help identify physiological imbalances and guide personalized wellness strategies. Rather than replacing conventional diagnostics or clinical judgment, she views frequency-based tools as one component of a comprehensive functional medicine approach. She stresses the importance of integrating patient history, laboratory findings, symptoms, and clinical experience when making treatment decisions. The Connection Between Trauma and Chronic Illness Another major theme of the conversation is unresolved trauma. Dr. Bonnot discusses how childhood experiences, chronic stress, and emotional wounds can influence immune regulation and nervous system function for years. While trauma does not cause Lyme disease, it can influence how the body responds to infection and recovery. Healing often requires addressing both physical and emotional health. Faith as Part of Healing One of the most personal portions of the interview centers on Dr. Bonnot's faith. She shares how her spiritual beliefs helped sustain hope during periods when improvement seemed impossible. Faith, purpose, gratitude, and community became important parts of her own healing journey and continue influencing how she cares for patients today. Key Takeaways Throughout this conversation, Dr. Bonnot reinforces several important messages: Healing is rarely linear. Every patient is unique. Nervous system regulation matters. Detoxification should support—not overwhelm—the body. Lyme disease treatment should be individualized. Emotional healing often supports physical healing. Recovery requires patience and consistency. Hope remains essential throughout the healing journey. Listen Now If you've been searching for a more comprehensive approach to healing Lyme disease and chronic illness, this episode provides valuable perspectives from both a physician and former patient who understands the journey firsthand. More Lyme Disease Resources: Podcast Physician Interviews Lyme Disease Testing Educational Resources About Tick Boot Camp Tick Boot Camp is dedicated to educating, inspiring, and empowering the global Lyme disease community through conversations with leading physicians, researchers, advocates, and patients. Through hundreds of interviews, Tick Boot Camp shares practical information, emerging research, and real stories of hope that remind listeners they are not alone—and that healing is possible.

At Amy Kurtz's But You Look Fine book launch and signing event in New York City, Tick Boot Camp co-founder Matt Sabatello caught up with former guest Ben Ahrens, founder of Re-Origin, for an insightful conversation about neuroplasticity, hypervigilance, chronic Lyme disease recovery, and the emerging science connecting the brain, nervous system, and chronic illness. Since his first appearance on the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, Ben has continued expanding Re-Origin's reach around the world while deepening his research into how chronic stress, trauma, and nervous system dysregulation can perpetuate illness long after the initial trigger has passed. This conversation explores why some patients remain trapped in cycles of symptoms, why many become increasingly sensitive to treatments, and how retraining the brain may help create conditions that support healing and recovery. Meet Ben Ahrens Ben Ahrens is the founder of Re-Origin, a neuroplasticity-based brain retraining program designed to help individuals struggling with chronic conditions including: Lyme disease Chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) Chronic pain Central sensitization Nervous system dysregulation Complex chronic inflammatory illnesses What began as Ben's personal journey out of severe neurological Lyme disease has evolved into a global movement. Today, Re-Origin serves members in more than 50 countries and has helped over 12,000 participants navigate recovery through nervous system regulation and neuroplasticity-based approaches. Why the Brain Matters in Chronic Lyme Disease Ben explains that chronic illness is not "all in your head." Instead, he argues that the brain serves as the body's master regulator, coordinating immune, hormonal, emotional, and physiological responses. When the nervous system becomes chronically overwhelmed, it can become trapped in a state of persistent threat detection. According to Ben, even when infections are being addressed and the body begins healing, the brain may continue operating as if danger is still present. This ongoing state of alarm can: Increase inflammation Suppress immune function Heighten symptom perception Amplify treatment reactions Prolong illness cycles Make recovery more difficult The result is a nervous system that remains stuck in survival mode long after the original threat has diminished. Understanding Hypervigilance One of the central themes of this interview is hypervigilance. Ben describes hypervigilance as a state in which the brain becomes excessively focused on detecting potential threats. Over time, the nervous system can become conditioned to interpret everyday sensations, stressors, and even beneficial treatments as danger signals. He explains that hypervigilance often develops gradually through a cumulative process rather than a single traumatic event. Potential contributors include: Chronic infections Medical uncertainty Financial stress Relationship challenges Physical injuries Repeated setbacks Long-term caregiving demands Ongoing emotional strain Eventually, the nervous system may reach a tipping point where seemingly minor stressors trigger major physiological responses. Why Some Lyme Patients Become Extremely Treatment Sensitive Many Lyme patients report becoming increasingly reactive to medications, supplements, detoxification protocols, and other therapies. Ben believes hypervigilance may help explain why. When the brain is operating from a persistent fight-or-flight state, it often interprets change itself as a threat. Even interventions intended to help may trigger exaggerated physiological responses because the nervous system is already overloaded. This can contribute to: Heightened treatment reactions Increased symptom flares Difficulty tolerating protocols Fear surrounding new therapies Reduced resilience to stress Understanding the role of the nervous system may provide an additional layer of insight for patients who feel stuck despite pursuing multiple treatment strategies. The Connection Between Medical Trauma and Chronic Illness Inspired by Amy Kurtz's new book, Matt and Rich ask Ben about the concept of Medical Trauma Brain. Ben sees significant overlap between medical trauma and hypervigilance. He explains that one of the most difficult aspects of chronic illness is uncertainty: Not knowing what is wrong Not receiving answers Feeling dismissed by providers Navigating conflicting medical opinions Watching symptoms worsen without explanation When patients spend months or years searching for answers, the brain can become increasingly conditioned to expect danger, uncertainty, and disappointment. This experience can create a powerful neurological imprint that persists long after diagnosis and treatment begin. How to Recognize Hypervigilance Many people living with chronic illness don't realize they are operating from a hypervigilant state because it has become their normal. Ben shares several common signs: Constant worry or rumination Feeling unable to relax Persistent fight-or-flight sensations Always waiting for "the other shoe to drop" Difficulty feeling safe Trouble being present Physical tension throughout the body Racing thoughts when trying to rest He notes that some individuals can temporarily calm their nervous system through activities such as walking, nature exposure, breathwork, or meditation, but quickly return to anxiety and activation once the activity ends. This pattern may indicate that deeper nervous system retraining work could be beneficial. The Importance of Nervous System Regulation One of the key lessons from Ben's own recovery journey is that healing often requires more than simply addressing infection. He emphasizes practices that help regulate the nervous system, including: Breathwork Gentle movement Mindfulness Awareness training Neuroplasticity exercises Stress reduction strategies Consistent nervous system regulation practices The goal is not to ignore physical illness but to create an internal environment that supports healing. From Hypervigilance to Relaxed Readiness Ben offers a compelling alternative to living in chronic fight-or-flight mode: Relaxed Readiness. Borrowed from martial arts philosophy, relaxed readiness describes a state of: Alertness without anxiety Presence without tension Awareness without fear Capacity without overwhelm Rather than remaining trapped in survival mode, individuals can train their nervous systems to become more resilient, adaptable, and balanced. According to Ben, the same neuroplastic mechanisms that teach the brain to overprotect can also teach it to relax, recover, and function more effectively. Ben's Upcoming Book Ben also shares a preview of an upcoming book currently in development. The book will explore: The science of hypervigilance Nervous system dysregulation Trauma and chronic illness Neuroplasticity research Practical recovery strategies The journey toward relaxed readiness His goal is to help readers better understand why chronic stress and nervous system overload have become so widespread—and what can be done to reverse the process. Key Takeaways Chronic Lyme disease recovery may involve both biological treatment and nervous system regulation. Hypervigilance can develop gradually through chronic stress, illness, and uncertainty. An overactive threat response may increase symptom intensity and treatment sensitivity. Medical trauma can leave lasting neurological effects that impact recovery. Neuroplasticity offers hope that the brain can learn new, healthier patterns. Nervous system retraining aims to move individuals from chronic fight-or-flight into a state of relaxed readiness. Recovery is not simply about eliminating symptoms—it's about restoring resilience, capacity, and quality of life.

What if the greatest obstacle you ever faced became the very thing that inspired thousands of others? In this inspiring episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, Matt Sabatello sits down with Talan Yorn, an 18-year-old American Ninja Warrior competitor, Lyme disease advocate, public speaker, author, and founder of Lyme Ninja. Born with congenital Lyme disease, Talan has never known life without chronic illness. His journey has included years of debilitating symptoms, neurological complications, mold illness, multiple tick-borne co-infections, extensive treatment, and even spending years bedridden. Today, Talan is proving that healing is possible. Through determination, perseverance, and a relentless refusal to give up, he transformed his life from being too sick to attend school into competing on national television as an American Ninja Warrior while using his platform to inspire hope throughout the Lyme community. This episode is a powerful reminder that recovery is rarely linear—but with the right support, persistence, and belief, extraordinary things are possible. Meet Talan Yorn Talan Yorn is an American Ninja Warrior competitor, Lyme disease advocate, author, public speaker, stunt performer, ninja coach, and founder of Lyme Ninja. Diagnosed with congenital Lyme disease at just seven years old after years of unexplained illness, Talan has dedicated his life to raising awareness for Lyme disease while encouraging others facing chronic illness to never lose hope. Learn more at Lyme Ninja. Read his inspiring memoir, Overcome: A Lyme Patient's Journey to American Ninja Warrior. In This Episode Matt and Talan discuss: Growing up with congenital Lyme disease Receiving a childhood Lyme, Babesia, and Bartonella diagnosis after years of unanswered questions Living with PANS, neurological symptoms, and immune dysfunction The impact of mold illness on Lyme recovery IVIG, functional medicine, antibiotics, and long-term treatment Going from bedridden to competing on American Ninja Warrior Becoming "Lyme Ninja" Advocating for Lyme disease awareness nationwide Finding purpose through adversity Growing Up with Congenital Lyme Disease Because Talan contracted Lyme disease from his mother before birth, he never knew what it felt like to be healthy. Throughout his childhood he struggled with fatigue, joint pain, fevers, headaches, insomnia, vomiting, and difficulty walking while doctors repeatedly dismissed his symptoms as "growing pains." Everything changed after his mother was diagnosed by Lyme-literate physician Dr. Steven Harris, leading to Talan's own diagnosis at age seven. Finally having answers allowed his family to begin the long journey toward recovery. Talan reflects on what it was like growing up believing his symptoms were normal simply because he had never experienced life without Lyme disease. Watching other children run, play, and participate in sports while constantly battling pain and exhaustion shaped much of his childhood and fueled his determination to one day overcome the disease. Navigating Complex Lyme Disease Beyond physical symptoms, Talan discusses the profound neurological effects Lyme disease had on his life. Along with Lyme disease and multiple co-infections, he developed PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome), OCD, anxiety, insomnia, emotional dysregulation, and episodes of overwhelming rage that were later understood to be driven by neuroinflammation. His story offers an important reminder that Lyme disease can affect far more than the joints or muscles. In children especially, behavioral and psychiatric symptoms may be signs of underlying infection rather than isolated mental health conditions. To learn more about pediatric Lyme disease and PANS/PANDAS, listen to Dr. Somer DelSignore. Treatment, Remission, and Mold Illness Over the course of more than a decade, Talan pursued a comprehensive treatment approach that included antibiotics, herbal medicine, functional medicine, IVIG, immune support, nutritional therapies, mold detoxification, and more recently peptide therapy. After years of treatment, he experienced approximately six months of remission and finally enjoyed the active childhood he had always dreamed about. He played competitive baseball, built friendships, and discovered what life felt like without constant symptoms. Unfortunately, that progress came to a sudden halt after repeated exposure to mold-contaminated homes. The mold triggered a severe relapse, leaving Talan bedridden for nearly three years and forcing him to stop attending school. During this difficult period, IVIG became an important part of his recovery after doctors discovered significant immune dysfunction and extremely low white blood cell counts. Combined with removing mold exposure and continuing treatment, Talan slowly began rebuilding his health once again. For more discussions about mold illness and chronic Lyme disease, explore Tick Boot Camp's interview with Dr. Jill Carnahan. From Bedridden to American Ninja Warrior As Talan slowly regained his health, he returned to a dream he had carried since childhood—competing on American Ninja Warrior. Watching the show as a young boy inspired him to believe that ordinary people could overcome extraordinary obstacles. Years later, after spending nearly three years bedridden, he finally began training. Progress was slow. Every workout required careful pacing, and many training sessions were followed by days of recovery. Still, every small improvement represented another step away from illness and toward the life he wanted. After three years of dedicated training and competing in Ninja Warrior competitions around the country, Talan earned a spot on Season 17 of American Ninja Warrior, advancing to the semifinals. More importantly, his appearance introduced millions of viewers to the realities of Lyme disease and showed patients around the world that recovery is possible. Becoming Lyme Ninja As Talan's athletic career grew, so did his passion for advocacy. He created Lyme Ninja to combine his love for Ninja Warrior with his mission of bringing hope to the Lyme community. Through social media, public speaking, coaching, and interviews, he encourages patients to keep fighting, even when recovery feels impossible. Learn more at Lyme Ninja. Read Talan's memoir, Overcome: A Lyme Patient's Journey to American Ninja Warrior, where he shares his remarkable journey in greater depth. Expanding His Advocacy Competing on American Ninja Warrior gave Talan a larger platform, but his mission extends far beyond the obstacle course. Today, he partners with several leading Lyme disease organizations dedicated to advancing research, expanding patient access to care, and increasing public awareness. Talan has worked with the Center for Lyme Action (CLA), advocating before Congress for increased federal funding for Lyme disease research and public health initiatives. Learn more about the Center for Lyme Action: Episode 378: Center for Lyme Action – An Interview with Bonnie Crater Episode 196: The Bionic Woman – An Interview with Meghan Bradshaw Talan is also a grateful recipient of a treatment grant from the LymeLight Foundation, which helped him continue his recovery and athletic journey. Today, he gives back as a LymeLight advocate, encouraging other young patients and families facing similar challenges. Learn more about LymeLight: Episode 324: LymeLight Foundation – An Interview with Phyllis Bedford Western Medicine Fails a Nurse's Family – An Interview with Ashley Marba More recently, Talan has partnered with Project Lyme, which sponsors his advocacy efforts and athletic competitions, and collaborates with Global Lyme Alliance to educate the public and inspire others through speaking engagements, media appearances, and community outreach. Final Thoughts Talan's story is one of extraordinary resilience. Born with congenital Lyme disease, he endured years of debilitating illness, neurological complications, mold exposure, immune dysfunction, and countless setbacks before gradually reclaiming his life. Today, he continues to manage his health while competing as an American Ninja Warrior, coaching young athletes, advocating for Lyme disease awareness, and inspiring patients around the world. His journey reminds us that healing is rarely linear. There will be setbacks, detours, and difficult days. But with perseverance, the right support, and hope, remarkable progress is possible. As Talan says throughout his advocacy work: "Never give up. Never back down. Never stop fighting." Listen to Episode 572 of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Explore more inspiring conversations by visiting our Doctor Interviews, Researcher Interviews, and the Tick Boot Camp Blog.

What happens after Lyme disease treatment ends—but you still don't feel like yourself? In this powerful in-person Tick Boot Camp studio interview, bestselling author, certified health coach, and Lyme disease advocate Amy Kurtz returns to discuss her groundbreaking new book, But You Look Fine: Trapped in the Hell Between Sick and Well and How To Break Free. Following the overwhelming response to her first Tick Boot Camp interview in Episode 449: Kicking Sick: Your Go-To Guide for Thriving with Chronic Health Conditions, Amy joins Matt Sabatello and Rich Johannesen for an unforgettable conversation about the emotional, neurological, and psychological aftermath of chronic illness. Together, they explore why healing doesn't always end when symptoms improve—and why many Lyme disease patients remain trapped between being physically better and emotionally free. Amy introduces the concept of Medical Trauma Brain, a framework that helps explain the fear, hypervigilance, anxiety, identity loss, and nervous system dysregulation experienced by so many people recovering from Lyme disease, tick-borne illness, mold illness, autoimmune disease, Long COVID, and other chronic conditions. If you've ever wondered why recovery still feels incomplete after treatment, this episode is one you won't want to miss. Listen or Watch

What happens when an active-duty Air Force officer, elite athlete, and aspiring astronaut suddenly finds his health slipping away—and no one can explain why? In this episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we sit down with Major Trent Vonich, a United States Air Force officer whose relentless pursuit of answers led him through years of unexplained symptoms, medical uncertainty, and ultimately a diagnosis of Lyme disease and multiple tick-borne infections. Trent shares his remarkable journey from military service and elite physical performance to chronic illness, recovery, and a renewed mission focused on research, education, and helping others navigate the challenges of tick-borne disease. His story is one of resilience, perseverance, and discovering that purpose can evolve even when life takes an unexpected turn. Meet Major Trent Vonich Major Trent Vonich is an active-duty United States Air Force officer, former Combat Rescue Officer, endurance athlete, researcher, and PhD candidate whose life changed dramatically after developing a complex chronic illness linked to tick-borne infections. Throughout his military career, Trent pursued some of the Air Force's most demanding opportunities while maintaining a passion for endurance sports, leadership, and scientific inquiry. When mysterious symptoms began impacting his health and performance, he embarked on a years-long search for answers that would ultimately reshape both his personal and professional life. Today, he continues serving his country while advancing research, education, and awareness surrounding complex chronic illnesses. A Life Built Around Performance Before illness entered the picture, Trent's life revolved around excellence. As a Combat Rescue Officer, he trained and operated in one of the military's most physically and mentally demanding environments. Outside of his military duties, he pushed himself through endurance athletics and maintained an unwavering commitment to peak performance. Fitness, resilience, discipline, and service were central to his identity. Then everything began to change. When Symptoms Started to Appear What began as subtle health concerns gradually developed into a constellation of symptoms that became increasingly difficult to ignore. Trent experienced: Severe fatigue Brain fog Sleep disturbances Cognitive challenges Chronic pain Exercise intolerance Neurological symptoms Autonomic dysfunction Reduced athletic performance Unexplained declines in overall health As symptoms progressed, activities that once felt routine became increasingly difficult. Like many Lyme disease patients, he found himself knowing something was wrong long before he had an explanation. The Long Search for Answers Despite extensive medical evaluations, Trent struggled to find a diagnosis that fully explained what he was experiencing. He consulted numerous healthcare providers, underwent extensive testing, and explored a variety of possible explanations for his symptoms. Yet many of the answers fell short. The experience highlighted a challenge familiar to many in the Lyme community: living with very real symptoms while struggling to obtain clear answers from the medical system. As his condition continued to impact both his health and career, the search became increasingly urgent. Discovering Lyme Disease and Co-Infections Eventually, Trent's investigation led him to the possibility of tick-borne disease. Further evaluation revealed Lyme disease along with associated co-infections, helping explain the complex and multisystem nature of his symptoms. For the first time, many of the seemingly unrelated health issues began to fit together. The diagnosis provided validation, clarity, and a path forward. But as many patients discover, receiving a diagnosis is often only the beginning of the journey. Treatment, Recovery, and Rebuilding Health Trent discusses the comprehensive approach he used to address his illness and begin rebuilding his health. His recovery journey included: Treating Lyme disease and co-infections Addressing inflammation and immune dysfunction Improving sleep quality Optimizing nutrition Modifying exercise and training strategies Managing stress and recovery capacity Long-term health monitoring Rather than relying on a single intervention, Trent learned that recovery required addressing multiple aspects of health simultaneously. His experience reinforces an important lesson for many chronic illness patients: healing often requires persistence, patience, and a willingness to adapt. The Mental and Emotional Impact of Chronic Illness For someone whose identity was deeply connected to physical performance, the emotional impact of chronic illness was profound. Trent reflects on the challenges of watching his capabilities change while confronting uncertainty about his future. The experience forced him to reconsider long-held assumptions about success, achievement, and self-worth. Through that process, he developed a deeper understanding of resilience—one rooted not in physical performance alone, but in adaptability, perspective, and perseverance. Navigating Chronic Illness While Serving on Active Duty One of the most unique aspects of Trent's story is that it unfolded while he continued serving in the United States Air Force. During the interview, he discusses: Seeking medical care within the military healthcare system Balancing military responsibilities with chronic illness Communicating symptoms to healthcare providers Managing uncertainty during the diagnostic process Maintaining professional performance while struggling physically The challenges faced by service members dealing with complex chronic illnesses His perspective offers valuable insight for active-duty military personnel, veterans, and first responders facing similar health challenges. A Different Way to Serve Lyme disease changed the trajectory of Trent's military career, but it did not end his commitment to service. Health challenges ultimately led him away from operational flying and special operations duties, requiring him to rethink some of his long-term career goals. Rather than viewing those changes as an ending, Trent embraced a new mission. Today, he continues serving through advanced academic research, doctoral studies, mentorship, and future teaching opportunities. His story demonstrates that purpose is not tied to a single role or title. Sometimes life's greatest challenges reveal entirely new ways to contribute and make an impact. Lessons Learned Along the Way Throughout the conversation, Trent shares several powerful lessons: Trust your instincts when something feels wrong. Persistence is often necessary to find answers. Chronic illness affects every aspect of life—not just physical health. Recovery is rarely linear. Identity can survive even when circumstances change. Resilience is built through adaptation. Service can take many forms. Purpose often emerges from adversity. Why This Episode Matters Major Trent Vonich's story extends far beyond Lyme disease. It is a story about perseverance in the face of uncertainty, the importance of self-advocacy, and the power of finding meaning when life does not go according to plan. For Lyme disease patients, his experience provides validation that complex symptoms can be real even when answers are difficult to find. For military members, athletes, and high performers, his journey serves as a reminder that strength is not defined solely by physical capability but by the willingness to continue moving forward despite adversity. Most importantly, his story offers hope. Resources & Links Learn more about Lyme disease and tick-borne illness: Tick Boot Camp Podcast: https://tickbootcamp.com/podcast/ Tick Bite Blueprint: https://tickbootcamp.com/tick-bite-blueprint/ Why Lyme Persists: https://tickbootcamp.com/home/lyme-persists/ Lyme Testing Information: https://tickbootcamp.com/home/lyme-testing/ Tick Boot Camp Blog: https://tickbootcamp.com/blog/ Listen Now If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who may benefit from hearing Trent's story. At Tick Boot Camp, we believe healing is possible, no one should face Lyme disease alone, and every story has the power to help someone else find hope.

In this powerful episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we sit down with Erin Oprea—elite fitness trainer, U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and Lyme disease warrior. Known for training celebrities like Carrie Underwood, Erin shares her journey from peak physical performance to battling chronic illness—and how she fought her way back using cutting-edge therapies, peptides, and integrative medicine. Erin also reflects on her groundbreaking military career, including making history as the leader of the first all-female platoon attached to the infantry in a war zone, and how that same resilience now fuels her healing journey. Erin Oprea's Background U.S. Marine Corps veteran with two tours in Iraq Led the first female platoon attached to infantry in a combat zone Elite celebrity trainer, including Carrie Underwood Built a career around peak physical performance and discipline Lyme Disease & Alpha-Gal Journey Experienced unexplained symptoms despite elite fitness level Faced delayed recognition and diagnosis Developed Alpha-Gal syndrome, a tick-borne allergy to mammalian meat Shifted toward functional and integrative medicine approaches Combined performance mindset with advanced healing protocols Advanced Treatments & Therapies HBOT (Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy) for oxygenation, inflammation reduction, and tissue healing EBOO₂ (Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation) for pathogen reduction and blood detoxification HOCATT (Hyperthermic Ozone and Carbonic Acid Transdermal Technology) for full-body detox and immune support Hydrogen Therapy to reduce oxidative stress and support mitochondrial health SAAT (Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment) to help reset immune response related to Alpha-Gal Herbal protocols for antimicrobial support, detoxification, and immune modulation Peptide Therapy Protocol Guided by experts like Dr. Joe Phiakhamta and informed by The Complete Guide to Peptides: Unlocking the Secrets to Health, Healing, and Longevity, Erin incorporated advanced peptide therapy: LL-37 to target bacteria, viruses, and biofilms including Lyme pathogens Thymosin Alpha-1 (TA-1) to regulate and strengthen immune response BPC-157 to repair gut lining, reduce inflammation, and accelerate tissue healing TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4) to promote recovery, reduce inflammation, and support cellular repair SS-31 (Elamipretide) to improve mitochondrial function and energy production KPV to reduce inflammation and support gut and immune balance Key Practitioner Dr. Joe Phiakhamta specializing in peptide therapy and integrative Lyme disease treatment Focus on immune restoration, pathogen reduction, and performance recovery Fitness Meets Chronic Illness Recovery Transitioned from elite performance to chronic illness management Applied discipline and training mindset to healing process Leveraged advanced therapies to rebuild strength and energy Represents the intersection of fitness optimization and medical innovation Key Takeaways Tick-borne illnesses can impact even the most elite performers Alpha-Gal syndrome is a serious and often overlooked tick-borne condition Healing requires a multi-layered approach including immune, detox, and mitochondrial support Peptides are an emerging and powerful tool in Lyme disease recovery Mental resilience plays a critical role in long-term healing Final Thoughts Erin Oprea's journey is a powerful example of resilience, innovation, and determination. From combat leadership to chronic illness recovery, she continues to push boundaries—showing what's possible when elite discipline meets cutting-edge medicine.

What happens when chronic Lyme disease takes away your health, your confidence, and even your sense of self? In this deeply emotional and inspiring episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, Jasmin Perdomo shares her powerful 12-year journey through chronic Lyme disease, Bartonella, Babesia, debilitating neurological symptoms, medical gaslighting, emotional trauma, and ultimately — rediscovering herself through poetry, faith, and healing. Raised in New Jersey and once a hyper-athletic young woman, Jasmin never imagined she would one day become bedridden, unable to walk without holding onto walls, crawling from her bed to the bathroom, and searching desperately for answers no doctor seemed able to provide. But through unimaginable suffering came transformation. Jasmin opens up about: Living years undiagnosed with Lyme disease Severe neurological Lyme symptoms including vertigo, memory loss, facial paralysis, and heart complications The emotional toll of chronic illness and divorce Her experience with aggressive antibiotic protocols and Herxheimer reactions Why detoxification, nervous system healing, spirituality, and creativity became essential parts of her recovery How poetry became her lifeline during the darkest moments of her journey This conversation is raw, validating, and hopeful for anyone navigating Lyme disease, chronic illness, trauma, or identity loss. In This Episode You'll Learn Jasmin's Early Lyme Disease Symptoms Jasmin describes how unexplained fatigue, tachycardia, heart palpitations, vertigo, ringing in the ears, slurred speech, and neurological symptoms slowly overtook her life while living in Puerto Rico. The Reality of Medical Gaslighting Like many Lyme patients, Jasmin spent years searching for answers while being misdiagnosed, dismissed, and prescribed medications that failed to address the root cause of her illness. Chronic Lyme Disease and Emotional Trauma The episode explores the connection between stress, trauma, emotional suppression, nervous system dysregulation, and chronic illness progression. How Poetry Became a Healing Tool While bedridden, Jasmin returned to writing poetry — something she loved as a child — and discovered that creative expression became a powerful emotional detox and survival mechanism. Buy Bittersweet Body: a Poetic Memoir, Jasmin's debut poetry book, inspired her life's mission: to illuminate the invisible in a visible world. The Importance of Detoxification and Nervous System Healing Jasmin discusses the therapies that helped her most, including: Sauna therapy Binders Meditation Faith and prayer Journaling Acupuncture Gentle movement Emotional release through writing Learning to Receive Help One of the most moving parts of the interview centers around Jasmin's struggle with independence, vulnerability, and learning how to accept support from loved ones during her healing journey. Key Takeaways From Jasmin Perdomo's Lyme Journey Healing from Lyme disease requires addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual body. Detoxification can be just as important as antimicrobial treatment. Creativity and self-expression can become powerful healing tools. Nervous system regulation matters in chronic illness recovery. You are not weak for asking for help. Healing is possible — even after years of suffering. Quotes From This Episode “Poetry saved my life. It gave me mouth-to-mouth resuscitation when I couldn't breathe.” “When my body became a stranger, writing helped me remember who I was.” “You are not weak for asking for help.” “Healing isn't just physical. It's emotional, spiritual, and deeply personal.” About Tick Boot Camp Tick Boot Camp is a Lyme disease advocacy platform dedicated to helping people liberate themselves and others from Lyme disease through education, validation, community, and hope. Through powerful conversations with patients, doctors, researchers, and healers, Tick Boot Camp reminds listeners that they are not alone — and that healing is possible.

In this powerful episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we sit down with Nicole O'Donnell—author of Resilient Hope: A Memoir of Life With Chronic Illness—to discuss her deeply personal Lyme disease journey, the emotional realities of chronic illness, and the transformative power of community, mindset, and hope. Nicole shares how her life changed after developing debilitating Lyme disease symptoms, the years of medical confusion that followed, and how COVID intensified her chronic illness experience. Through vulnerability and honesty, she opens up about navigating fear, identity loss, parenting while chronically ill, and ultimately discovering purpose through advocacy and storytelling. This conversation also explores the importance of patient-doctor relationships, nervous system regulation, healing mindset, and how Lyme disease impacts entire families—not just the patient. Most importantly, Nicole reminds listeners that healing is possible, and no one has to face Lyme disease alone. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Nicole O'Donnell's personal chronic Lyme disease journey How Lyme disease symptoms can become invisible and misunderstood The emotional impact of medical dismissal and misdiagnosis Why mindset and nervous system regulation matter in healing How chronic illness affects marriage, parenting, and family dynamics The role community plays in Lyme disease recovery Why Nicole wrote Resilient Hope How storytelling helps validate and empower Lyme patients The importance of hope, advocacy, and finding purpose through adversity About Nicole O'Donnell Nicole O'Donnell is a Staten Island-based entrepreneur, mother, advocate, and author of Resilient Hope: A Memoir of Life With Chronic Illness. Through her writing and advocacy, Nicole seeks to help people living with Lyme disease and chronic illness feel seen, heard, and supported. Her book weaves together stories from members of the Lyme disease community to create a message of resilience, healing, and connection. Read More About Nicole's Manhattan Book Launch Tick Boot Camp recently attended Nicole O'Donnell's inspiring Manhattan book launch event, where nearly 1,000 people gathered in support of the Lyme disease community and the message behind Resilient Hope. Explore More Tick Boot Camp Resources

In this powerful episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, Matt Sabatello and Rich Johannesen sit down with Marina Morgan, a professional singer, songwriter, real estate agent, and Lyme disease survivor from New York and New Jersey. Marina shares the deeply personal story of how a vibrant, high-energy young woman who loved running, fitness, and music suddenly found her life turned upside down by Lyme disease in her early twenties. What began as stomach issues quickly progressed into neurological symptoms, extreme fatigue, balance problems, and ultimately sudden vision loss in one eye — a terrifying turning point that led to her eventual diagnosis. After seeing multiple doctors and facing potential misdiagnoses such as multiple sclerosis and scleroderma, Marina was finally diagnosed with Lyme disease through a Western Blot test by Dr. Pollack. Her treatment included 18 months of IV antibiotics through a PICC line, followed by another year of treatment after a later flare-up. Today, Marina continues to navigate chronic Lyme symptoms while building a career in music, real estate, and fitness, demonstrating resilience, perseverance, and determination even on difficult days. Her story is a powerful reminder that Lyme disease can affect anyone — even young, healthy, active people — and that persistence, positivity, and support are essential in the healing journey. About Marina Morgan Marina Morgan is a professional singer and songwriter who has appeared on the Today Show, was named Elvis Duran's Artist of the Month, and has been featured on iHeartRadio and in multiple publications as an emerging artist. In addition to her music career, Marina works as a real estate agent serving New York and New Jersey and as a gym manager, continuing to stay connected to the world of fitness despite the physical challenges created by Lyme disease. Marina has also used her music to express the realities of chronic illness. Her song “Paralyzed” captures the emotional and physical struggle many Lyme patients face when their bodies no longer cooperate with the life they once lived. Watch Marina's Lyme-inspired music video “Paralyzed”:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JT2lJDwd6I Follow Marina on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/themarinamorgan Key Topics Discussed in This Episode Life Before Lyme Disease Before getting sick, Marina lived an extremely active lifestyle. She ran miles every day simply for enjoyment, maintained multiple jobs, and had a vibrant social life. Fitness and movement were central to her identity, and she describes having seemingly endless energy. Lyme disease dramatically altered that reality. Early Symptoms and Sudden Vision Loss Marina's illness began subtly with stomach issues and fatigue, but symptoms soon escalated. She began experiencing: Severe fatigue Weakness in her legs Balance and coordination issues Neurological symptoms Brain fog Loss of vision in one eye The sudden vision loss was the turning point that signaled something much more serious was happening. Misdiagnosis and the Search for Answers Before receiving a Lyme diagnosis, doctors suspected conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and scleroderma. Marina visited several doctors and specialists before finally receiving the correct diagnosis. Her father, who had previously experienced Lyme disease himself, recognized the possibility and helped advocate for Lyme testing. She was ultimately diagnosed at age 23 through a Western Blot blood test by Dr. Pollack. Intensive Lyme Treatment Following her diagnosis, Marina underwent 18 months of intravenous antibiotic treatment through a PICC line, one of the more aggressive approaches used for severe Lyme disease. Years later, after experiencing a flare-up, she required another year of treatment. Today she is not undergoing active Lyme treatment but continues supportive wellness practices including: Infrared sauna Yoga Probiotics Living with Chronic Lyme Marina estimates she has recovered to about 60% of her pre-Lyme health. The most persistent symptom she continues to battle is extreme fatigue, which can make even simple daily activities exhausting. She describes the unpredictability of chronic Lyme — how a good day can be followed by days or weeks of exhaustion. Despite these challenges, Marina continues to work, maintain relationships, and pursue her passions. Music as a Voice for Lyme Patients Marina has channeled her experience with chronic illness into her music. Her song “Paralyzed” captures the emotional reality of Lyme disease — the feeling of being trapped in a body that no longer functions the way it once did. The song resonates deeply with Lyme patients and others living with invisible illness. Watch the video here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JT2lJDwd6I Advice for People Fighting Lyme Disease Marina encourages patients not to give up during the darkest moments of illness. Lyme disease can be physically and emotionally overwhelming, but maintaining hope and continuing to pursue healing strategies can make a meaningful difference. She stresses the importance of: Listening to your body Giving yourself grace Staying mentally resilient Continuing to search for solutions Key Takeaways Lyme disease can affect young, healthy, highly active people Neurological symptoms like vision loss can occur with Lyme disease Misdiagnosis is common in complex Lyme cases Long-term IV antibiotic treatment is sometimes required Chronic symptoms can persist even after treatment Mental resilience plays a major role in managing chronic illness Connect with Marina Morgan Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/themarinamorgan Watch her Lyme-inspired song “Paralyzed”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JT2lJDwd6I

This special Tick Boot Camp Podcast crossover features the full International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) webinar recording, “At the Frontlines of Chronic Illness: Conversations with ILADS Experts.” In this dynamic panel discussion, leading clinicians and specialists unpack why Lyme disease and other infection-associated chronic illnesses are so misunderstood, why testing fails so many patients, and what it really takes to heal—brain, immune system, mitochondria, and terrain included. Moderated by Rich Johannesen (Tick Boot Camp), the panel delivers practical insights and hopeful, patient-centered guidance for anyone navigating complex chronic illness—whether you're a patient, caregiver, clinician, or advocate. Featured Panelists Chris Winfrey, MD — Psychiatrist; Medical Director, New Image Wellness Nicole Bell — “The Lyme Disease Engineer”; CEO, Galaxy Diagnostics Tania Dempsey, MD — Medical Director, AIM Center for Personalized Medicine Melanie Stein, ND — Naturopathic Doctor; Author focused on cellular wellness and healing terrain Host/Moderator: Rich Johannesen (Tick Boot Camp) ILADS Intro: Ali Moresco (ILADS) Episode Highlights ILADS Mission and Why This Webinar Matters The webinar opens with ILADS' mission: improving diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease and associated illnesses through research, education, and policy. ILADS emphasizes physician training and patient-centered care, while also supporting the educational mission of ILADEF. Rich frames the night as a rare opportunity to hear from experts working at the front lines of complex chronic illness—especially for patients who've been dismissed, misdiagnosed, or told their symptoms “don't make sense.” Segment 1: Brain Health, Neuroimmune Illness, and Why Lyme “Feels Like Dementia” Chris Winfrey, MD Dr. Winfrey introduces a core theme: Lyme is not only an infection—it often behaves like a neuroimmune illness. Key takeaways: The brain is a high-energy, high-immune-demand organ, uniquely vulnerable to infection-driven inflammation and toxicity. Lyme can disrupt brain function through: Blood flow issues Synaptic dysfunction Myelin damage Network-level disruption, not just “neurotransmitters” He describes brain function through networks that Lyme can destabilize: Default Mode Network (internal reflection) Salience Network (switching between networks) Central Executive Network (planning/organization) Action Network (execution) Autonomic Network (regulation) Limbic Network (threat/fear response) The result: patients often describe “brain shutdown,” confusion, cognitive impairment, and even dementia-like symptoms. A major reframing: Emotions are not “non-physical.” They are measurable physiological states. Lyme-driven nervous system injury can create emotional disturbance because the biology is disturbed. Segment 2: Poly-microbial Infection, Fight-or-Flight, and the Belief-Healing Loop Winfrey + Rich Discussion Rich frames humans as spiritual, emotional, and physical beings, and asks how chronic infection impacts both body and emotional resilience. Key points: Lyme can cross the blood-brain barrier and affect virtually any organ system. The nervous system becomes a “central battleground,” and measurement is hard because nervous system dysfunction isn't captured well by simple bloodwork. Rich and Dr. Winfrey explore how illness disrupts perception, decision-making, and our ability to interpret the world—especially when gut function and intuition feel “offline.” The healing paradox: Chronic stress and “fighting your way to healing” can backfire. Dr. Winfrey emphasizes that healing requires a parasympathetic state—rest, digest, repair—and that this often involves acceptance, surrender, trust, and safety. Segment 3: The State of Testing—Why So Many Patients Test Negative Nicole Bell (Galaxy Diagnostics) Nicole shares her personal motivation and professional mission: testing determines treatment, reimbursement, and belief—and too many patients are failed by existing tools. Indirect testing (antibody testing): The standard approach relies on antibodies—meaning it depends on the immune system behaving predictably. But Lyme and other stealth pathogens evade and suppress immune responses. Even in controlled research models, two infected subjects can show completely different antibody patterns. Immunosuppression (illness severity, medications like steroids, immune dysregulation) can reduce antibody reliability. Direct testing (pathogen detection):Nicole contrasts Lyme testing with illnesses like COVID—where you use tests that look for the pathogen itself (PCR/antigen), not just antibodies. Why direct detection is hard in Lyme: Pathogens can be low abundance They can be tissue-sequestered Sampling matters Why urine can matter for Lyme: Lyme may not stay in blood, but it can shed proteins/antigens that filter into urine. Galaxy's approach includes methods to capture, concentrate, and detect those markers. New diagnostics focus: Genus-level screening for the “3Bs” (Borrelia, Bartonella, Babesia) Reducing guessing when symptoms overlap and co-infections “masquerade” as each other Segment 4: Immune Dysfunction, Mast Cells, and Why Antibody Testing Can Go Haywire Tania Dempsey, MD (AIM Center for Personalized Medicine) Dr. Dempsey explains the immune system through two major branches: Innate immune system (fast, primitive defense) Adaptive immune system (antibodies, longer-term response) Mast cells as first responders: Mast cells detect “danger” and release inflammatory mediators (histamine and many others). In chronic infection, mast cells can remain persistently activated, releasing hundreds of inflammatory compounds. Why antibody tests fail (two patterns): Immune suppression → insufficient antibody production → false negatives Immune chaos → excessive, inappropriate antibody production → confusing positives - Positive Lyme bands “everywhere” - Positive autoantibodies without classic autoimmune disease patterns - “Everything looks positive” because signaling is dysfunctional Her central philosophy:It's not only about killing the bug. It's about fixing immune regulation so the body can actually clear or control infection. She also names the broader context: modern toxic load (mold, plastics, pesticides, “forever chemicals”) primes the immune system into dysregulation before infections even arrive. Segment 5: Advanced Immune-Modulating Tools Therapeutic Plasma Exchange + SOT Dr. Dempsey discusses therapies she's excited about, especially for complex, stuck cases: Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE / plasmapheresis): Removes plasma (where antibodies, inflammatory mediators, and “garbage” accumulate) Replaces with albumin (and sometimes IVIG) Concept: reduce inflammatory burden + toxic load to reset the terrain SOT (Supportive Oligonucleotide Technique): Molecular targeted approach designed to reduce replication of specific pathogens More targeted than “wide-net” antimicrobial approaches Used strategically after lowering inflammatory/toxic burden She emphasizes: not for everyone, not a universal cure—but promising enough to merit formal publication. Segment 6: GLP-1 Agonists and Mast Cell Stabilization “Brain-melt” moment, revisited Dr. Dempsey explains why drugs commonly known for diabetes/weight loss may have immune benefits: Mast cells have receptors for GLP and GIP hormones Patients showed improvements beyond weight: cognitive function, inflammation, immune stability She describes: Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) Emerging triple agonists (GLP-1/GIP/glucagon pathways) Her clinical approach has moved these agents earlier in care plans for immune stabilization in select cases. Segment 7: Cellular Healing, Mitochondria, and the Terrain Melanie Stein, ND Dr. Stein brings it home: healing often stalls when we focus only on killing pathogens, but don't repair the cellular damage. Core concepts: Lyme damages cell membranes, disrupting what goes in/out and how cells communicate. It contributes to mitochondrial dysfunction, reducing ATP (energy currency). If cells stay in “alarm mode,” healing remains blocked. Cell membrane therapy and terrain support: IV and oral lipid support (phospholipids, phosphatidylcholine, omega fatty acids) Personalized support based on lipidomic patterns Supportive therapies to reduce oxidative stress and “toxic fats” Focus on signaling safety to the body—so repair can resume Cell Danger Response:A key theme: even after infections reduce, the body may remain stuck in a persistent defense state, requiring cellular and nervous system support to exit “danger mode.” Regulation Before Eradication Panel Reflection Round As the panel closes, several themes converge: Limbic system + autonomic nervous system regulation is foundational “Regulation becomes before eradication” Healing requires safety, predictability, and nervous system calm Chronic illness can block our ability to connect—especially in relationships—because survival physiology dominates Dr. Dempsey adds that limbic retraining / nervous system reset is often the first step she starts with in her practice. Question and Answer Highlights Lyme and Cancer? The panel notes emerging signals connecting tick-borne illness and certain cancers, but emphasizes that more research is needed to determine causality. Herniated discs, connective tissue, and chronic infection The discussion highlights potential links through: connective tissue disruption collagen damage mast cell mediators (enzymes that affect tissue integrity) infection-driven inflammation Cross-reactive antibody results (example: Brucella) The group explains how antibody testing can produce confusing results due to immune dysregulation and cross-reactivity—another reason why interpretation and test methodology matter. Nasal testing / sinus terrain While not a mainstream Lyme diagnostic route, the panel references nasal/sinus colonization (especially with mold-related or chronic inflammatory patterns) as a terrain factor that can influence recovery. Resources Mentioned Center for Lyme Action – State of Lyme Disease Research paper (Nicole Bell collaboration) ILADS Provider Search International Lyme and Associated Diseases Educational Foundation (ILADEF) Donations (supports education and clinician training) Final Message to Listeners This episode is a reminder that Lyme disease and infection-associated chronic illness are not one-dimensional problems. The path forward often requires: better diagnostics immune regulation nervous system support cellular repair personalized care and hope that the body can recover when the right puzzle pieces come together

In this powerful in-person interview at the Tick Boot Camp studio, Matt Sabatello sits down with Dr. Somer DelSignore, DNP, a board-certified pediatric practitioner specializing in Lyme disease, tick-borne co-infections, PANS/PANDAS, autoimmune and neuroimmune disorders, autism-like regression, and congenital tick-borne illness. This episode is essential listening for parents who have been told to “wait and see,” families who have seen multiple specialists without answers, and anyone trying to understand how infection, inflammation, immune dysfunction, and nervous system imbalance can impact a child's brain and development.

Frédéric Roscop, French-born osteopath and founder of AEQUIL, joins the Tick Boot Camp Podcast as our first-ever in-studio international guest, flying in from London to Long Island to share his personal battle with chronic Lyme disease—and the breakthrough that reshaped his life and career. After decades of unexplained symptoms, misdiagnoses, heart inflammation, neurological dysfunction, and failed treatment attempts across multiple countries, Frédéric discovered that killing microbes alone wasn't enough. His recovery began when he shifted focus from chasing pathogens to restoring the body's foundational terrain—supporting immune regulation, detoxification, cellular function, stress physiology, and energetic balance. In this deeply reflective and technical conversation, Frédéric shares how childhood tick exposure in rural France, years of undiagnosed Borrelia and Bartonella infection, and repeated medical dead-ends ultimately led him to develop a patented biotech system designed to help others reset their foundational wellbeing. What You'll Learn in This Episode Growing Up in Tick Territory Frédéric describes growing up in rural France, frequently covered in ticks as a child—long before Lyme disease was widely recognized in Europe. Early symptoms included: Chronic insomnia and hyperactivity Digestive dysfunction and blood sugar instability Visual disturbances and light sensitivity Emotional instability and neurological symptoms Recurrent inflammation At 16, following general anesthesia for a broken nose, he experienced what he now recognizes as a major Lyme “crash,” leading to cognitive decline, emotional dysregulation, and worsening physical inflammation. Heart Inflammation & Athletic Collapse By age 17–18, Frédéric's promising volleyball career ended due to inflammatory joint disease and recurring pericarditis (heart inflammation)—which would return six times over the next 15 years. Antibiotics temporarily improved symptoms, but the root cause remained unidentified. “I Didn't Even Know What Lyme Disease Was” As a young osteopath in practice, Frédéric recalls a patient asking whether her symptoms could be Lyme disease. At the time, he had never been trained on it. Years later, another patient was hospitalized with Lyme-related encephalitis—triggering Frédéric's realization that Lyme might explain both his patients' suffering and his own. This episode includes an honest discussion about: Medical training gaps Diagnostic limitations The importance of humility in healthcare Why the doctor–patient relationship must be a partnership Diagnosis: Borrelia, Bartonella & More Specialty testing eventually revealed: Borrelia Bartonella Viral findings including Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Heavy metal burden (notably elevated mercury) Frédéric began aggressive antibiotic and detox protocols—but experienced severe gut collapse and worsening terrain. Despite trying treatments across Europe, the U.S., China, India, and Switzerland—including antimicrobial, herbal, and integrative approaches—he improved only marginally. The Turning Point: It's Not Just the Bug — It's the Terrain Frédéric revisited the foundational debate in medicine: Louis Pasteur: It's the germ. Claude Bernard: It's the terrain. His breakthrough came when he shifted focus to rebuilding: Gut function Cellular membranes Detox pathways Nervous system regulation Emotional and energetic resilience Rather than focusing exclusively on killing microbes, he asked: Does the body have the capacity to self-regulate and self-repair? From that question, AEQUIL was born. What Is AEQUIL? AEQUIL is a biotech wellness system built around a patented technology Frédéric calls Liquid Intelligence — a formulation combining: Structured/dynamised water Botanicals Vitamins and electrolytes Biochemical and biophysical support The system supports: Brain, heart, gut, liver, and immune foundations Detoxification and lymphatic flow Stress physiology Emotional and energetic regulation The AEQUIL Deep Reset System Maintain (Foundational Support) A daily liquid formula designed to nourish the body's core systems and support cellular regulation. Suggested use: ½ teaspoon morning ½ teaspoon evening Reset (Deep Reset Protocol) A structured approach to support: Microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) Micro-toxins (detox pathways) Micro-traumas (stress and emotional stagnation) The protocol is phased to reduce Herx reactions and build resilience gradually, with many users reporting a noticeable physiological shift around weeks 8–10. Everyday Support Wearable patches and digital wellness tools (affirmations, breathwork) designed to support mood, sleep, energy, and immune balance during recovery. Core Message of This Episode Chronic Lyme recovery is rarely about one silver bullet. It requires: Restoring foundational systems Supporting detox and immune function Addressing nervous system and stress patterns Recognizing both biochemical and energetic influences Frédéric's story is one of humility, evolution, and transformation—from a practitioner unaware of Lyme disease to a global wellness innovator working to support both patients and healthcare providers.

GLP-1 Agonists, MCAS, Lyme Disease, and the Future of Precision Medicine In this powerful Tick Boot Camp Podcast interview, Matt Sabatello sits down with Dr. Tania Dempsey, MD, a board-certified internal medicine physician and internationally recognized expert in Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), Lyme disease, autoimmune conditions, and complex chronic illness. In this comprehensive conversation, Dr. Dempsey delivers one of the most forward-thinking and in-depth discussions ever featured on the podcast — connecting the dots between persistent symptoms after Lyme, immune dysregulation, biofilms, nervous system dysfunction, and groundbreaking research on GLP-1 receptor agonists as mast-cell stabilizers. This episode offers science, clinical insight, and — most importantly — hope for patients who have tried everything and are still struggling. Lyme Disease, MCAS, and Why Patients Stay Sick Why Treating Lyme Alone Is Often Not Enough Dr. Dempsey explains why many patients continue to experience inflammation, pain, neurological symptoms, and relapses even after treating Lyme disease and co-infections. According to her clinical experience, this is most often due to primary Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, not persistent infection alone. Key insight: > Lyme disease frequently acts as the trigger, but MCAS is often the driver of ongoing symptoms. Dr. Dempsey clarifies the critical difference between: Primary MCAS (pre-existing immune dysfunction worsened by infections) Secondary MCAS (rare; resolves completely once infection is treated) She notes that in decades of clinical practice, she has never seen true secondary MCAS fully resolve without ongoing mast-cell management. SOT Therapy: When, Why, and How It Works Best Dr. Dempsey provides a nuanced and experience-based explanation of Supportive Oligonucleotide Technique (SOT) for Lyme and co-infections. She addresses common criticism: One-time SOT treatments are rarely sufficient Chronic Lyme often involves multiple strains of Borrelia , Babesia , and Bartonella Her most successful cases involve: Repeated testing Sequential SOT treatments targeting specific strains Immune system support between rounds Adjunctive therapies such as herbs, antiparasitics, and mast-cell stabilization She shares a remarkable case of a young woman with severe neuropsychiatric symptoms who — after years of persistent SOT treatment combined with MCAS management — is now thriving, off psychiatric medications, and successfully completing college. Biofilms: Why They Matter in Chronic Infection Dr. Dempsey firmly states that biofilms are a critical barrier to recovery in chronically ill patients. Key points: Biofilms exist in the gut, sinuses, blood, and tissues They protect microbes from antibiotics, herbs, and immune attack Resistant biofilms may involve extracellular DNA (Z-DNA), discussed at ILADS Therapies discussed: Enzymes such as lumbrokinase and nattokinase Ozone therapy Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) for severe cases Her message is clear: if you cannot reach microbial reservoirs hidden in biofilms, infections cannot be fully controlled. GLP-1 Agonists, Immune Modulation, and Breakthrough MCAS Research GLP-1 Receptor Agonists as Mast-Cell Stabilizers Dr. Dempsey presents groundbreaking findings from her published case series: “The Utility of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Mast Cell Activation Syndrome” Key details: 47-patient case series Micro-dosing of GLP-1 agonists Primary medications used: tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) and semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy) Unlike weight-loss protocols, Dr. Dempsey uses very low doses to target immune modulation — not appetite suppression. What GLP-1 Therapy Improved in MCAS & Lyme Patients Reported improvements included: Cognitive clarity and brain fog Chronic pain Neuropsychiatric symptoms Anxiety and depression Gastrointestinal symptoms Systemic inflammation Hormonal dysregulation In some cases, patients experienced improvement within one or two doses. Dr. Dempsey explains that mast cells express GLP-1 receptors, and activation sends a signal of safety, reducing inflammatory mediator release. Unexpected Findings: Muscle Mass and Antibody Reduction Contrary to common concerns, Dr. Dempsey observed: Preserved or increased muscle mass in the majority of patients Improved mitochondrial function and exercise tolerance Reduction in chronic antibody production (including Lyme Western Blot bands) She shares a striking case where a patient with long-standing positive Lyme antibodies saw antibody levels decline for the first time in over a decade after GLP-1 therapy — despite infection already being treated. This supports her hypothesis: > MCAS can drive persistent immune activation even when infection is no longer present. Side Effects, Screening & Who Should Not Use GLP-1s Potential side effects (usually mild): Nausea Delayed gastric emptying Occasional vomiting in sensitive patients Important clinical notes: Some patients respond better to semaglutide vs tirzepatide A small subset may require dose cycling or pulsing Antibody formation against GLP-1 drugs is a potential research focus Non-Pharmaceutical Alternatives to Increase GLP-1 Activity For patients who cannot tolerate medications, Dr. Dempsey outlines alternatives. Herbal & Supplement Options OptimumGLP Synergy (herbal blend designed to support GLP-1 signaling) Calocurb (GLP-1 supportive compound) These options may: Reduce inflammation Help stabilize appetite and blood sugar Calm mast-cell activity Diet-Based Strategies Dr. Dempsey explains why higher-protein and carnivore-leaning diets may benefit MCAS and Lyme patients: Protein and fat stimulate endogenous GLP-1 Reduced food triggers Improved metabolic stability Patients do not need to eat exclusively meat — but increasing high-quality protein intake is often beneficial. Nervous System, Trauma & Mast Cell Feedback Loops The episode explores how: Mast cells and nerves exist in a bidirectional feedback loop Chronic fight-or-flight worsens immune activation Therapies discussed: Limbic retraining programs ( Primal Trust , Gupta Program) Vagal nerve stimulation Apollo Neuro wearable Ketamine-assisted therapy Psychedelic microdosing (emerging area) Breaking the mast-cell / nervous-system loop is often essential for healing. Women's Health, PCOS & Autoimmune Illness Dr. Dempsey shares a critical insight: > In her practice, every PCOS patient also has MCAS. She explains how: Mast cells respond to estrogen, progesterone, insulin, and cortisol Hormonal fluctuations can trigger MCAS flares MCAS may underlie PMS, PMDD, endometriosis, and reproductive pain syndromes GLP-1 therapy may offer new hope for women suffering from inflammatory gynecologic symptoms linked to Lyme and MCAS. Advocacy, ILADS & The Future of MCAS Research Dr. Dempsey discusses her work with: ILADS (International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society) ISMCAS (International Society for Mast Cell Activation Syndrome) ISMCAS goals include: Funding MCAS research Educating clinicians globally Supporting patients and advocacy efforts She encourages patients to: Educate themselves Share credible research with providers Move on from doctors unwilling to listen Final Takeaway This episode redefines what root-cause medicine truly means. Healing chronic Lyme disease often requires addressing: Immune dysregulation Mast cell activation Nervous system dysfunction Hormonal imbalance Metabolic inflammation Dr. Tania Dempsey offers a roadmap — grounded in science, compassion, and innovation — for patients

In this special Tick Boot Camp Podcast conversation recorded for Dr. Bill Rawls' Vital Plan Network as part of the Cellular Healing Boot Camp Series, Tick Boot Camp co-hosts Matt Sabatello and Rich Johannesen join Liza Blas (Vital Plan Network Community Manager) to unpack one of the most overlooked—but most transformative—parts of chronic illness recovery: rebuilding identity. This episode serves as a follow-up to Lesson 16 in the Boot Camp (watch full lesson) and expands the framework Rich introduced in the lesson—showing how chronic Lyme disease and complex chronic illness can dysregulate not only the body, but also the mind, nervous system, and sense of meaning and connection. Together, they explore the “patterns” they've observed through 650+ Tick Boot Camp interviews with patients, doctors, and researchers—and how those patterns point toward a more complete roadmap for healing.https://community.vitalplan.com/ What You'll Learn in This Episode Why healing from chronic Lyme disease is rarely “just physical” The key recovery patterns observed across 650+ patient interviews How identity gets disrupted by chronic illness—and how to rebuild it The difference between faith vs. doubt as forms of belief The “Big Three Lies” that shape a harmful Lyme identity How the nervous system, stress hormones, and immune dysfunction feed each other Why “it's never just one thing” when it comes to recovery Practical tools for hard days: breathwork, gratitude, pacing, and nervous system support A step-by-step “path forward” that includes physical, psychological, and spiritual healing Key Themes and Takeaways 1) The Tick Boot Camp Origin Story (and Why Patterns Matter) Rich shares the moment Tick Boot Camp was born: seeing Matt go from a healthy, high-performing young man to being severely disabled by chronic illness—then watching him fight his way back. That personal crisis, combined with Rich's own tick bite and lack of competent medical guidance, revealed a hard truth: The real experts are the people who've lived the journey. Tick Boot Camp became a platform to capture what actually works in real life—through deep, long-form interviews that expose patterns you don't see in short appointments or isolated protocols. 2) The Biggest Pattern: Recovery Requires More Than Medicine Matt explains one of the most important—and most triggering—lessons he had to accept: Chronic Lyme is not only a physical illness. It impacts your nervous system, psychology, relationships, and identity. He also highlights two massive recovery truths seen again and again: Believing you can heal matters, because hopelessness prevents action. It's never one thing. Healing is cumulative—built through layered interventions over time. This isn't “it's all in your head.” It's acknowledging that infection changes brain chemistry, stress responses, and perception—and that those changes must be addressed as part of recovery. 3) Tick Boot Camp's Framework: Three “Immune Systems” That Can Break Down Rich expands the “immune system must win the day” concept from Dr. Bill Rawls' book Unlocking Lyme, and explains how it applies beyond the body. He argues many people experience a breakdown across three interconnected systems: Physical immune system: fatigue, pain, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction Psychological immune system: stress response, nervous system dysregulation, belief filtering Spiritual immune system: purpose, meaning, connection, and “place in the world” The more systems involved, the more complex and longer the recovery journey can be. 4) Belief: A Two-Sided Coin (Faith vs. Doubt) Rich explains why his early messaging triggered Matt—and what finally clarified it: Belief isn't something you either “have” or “don't have” Belief is always present It comes in two forms: Faith: belief you're more likely than not to get the outcome you want Doubt: belief you're more likely than not to get the outcome you don't want People enter the chronic illness journey carrying belief—but often it has been converted into doubt through repeated invalidation, medical dismissal, and prolonged suffering. 5) The Big Three Lies That Create “Lyme Identity” Across hundreds of interviews, Rich says the same three narratives appear repeatedly: “You don't look sick.” “It's all in your head.” “You can't get better.” These lies—coming from doctors, family, society, and even internal self-talk—can form what Rich calls a “lie-dentity”: a false identity built from invalidation and survival-mode thinking. 6) Matt's Personal Breakdown Across All Three Systems Matt describes how, in hindsight, he was dysregulated in all three systems: Spiritual/meaning: loss of connection, loneliness, relationships collapsing due to cognitive disability Psychological: new anxiety, doom, depression, fear, hyper-control while having no control Physical: severe neurological symptoms including seizures, tremors, hallucinations, inability to walk properly, and crushing fatigue He emphasizes therapy can be valuable—not because illness is imagined—but because anyone would struggle emotionally when their life collapses physically. Practical Recovery Tools Mentioned Nervous System Support and Emotional Bandwidth Matt shares that HPA Balance from Vital Plan became a turning point by calming his nervous system enough to safely pursue antimicrobial healing steps. He describes it as helping him feel “normal” again—creating the emotional bandwidth needed to keep going. He also mentions: Napiers Ashwagandha Root Tincture (Withania somnifera) Passionflower Tincture (Passiflora incarnata) Used as-needed when overstimulated, anxious, or overwhelmed. Cellular/Mitochondrial Recovery and Broad Support Matt outlines a layered approach aligned with Dr. Rawls' cellular recovery philosophy, including: foundational supplementation adaptogenic support mitochondrial support broad-spectrum herbal antimicrobial support A Practical “Holiday” Tool Matt notes using chlorella as a personal strategy to offset inflammation after dietary triggers—supporting his ability to recover more quickly after “human moments” like holiday dessert. The Path Forward: A Simple Roadmap Rich's recommendation for moving forward begins with something many people avoid: Step 1: Sit with it Reflect honestly on: What's happening physically What's happening emotionally (stress, fear, self-talk) What's happening spiritually (meaning, connection, purpose) Step 2: Support the physical system with basics sleep diet gentle movement when possible consistent, realistic routines Step 3: Protect the psychological immune system from “lies” Recognize how invalidation can become internalized, and how survival-mode thinking can shut down healing physiology. Step 4: Rebuild meaning through service and connection Rich suggests small steps that re-establish purpose and belonging—especially for those who are still very sick. Even minimal action can restore identity and hope over time. Participate in LymeDisease.org's My Lyme Data Survey Volunteer with the Center for Lyme Action Volunteer with Lyme organizations, like Global Lyme Alliance, Project Lyme, and Lyme Warrior “When you have a bad day, how do you keep the faith?” Matt shares a practical approach: pause and breathe gratitude practice (family, progress, community, relationships) nervous system support tools when needed Rich adds: the brain can change negatively—but also positively—and building a recovery “toolbox” helps you stay stable through inevitable ups and downs. Why This Episode Matters Many chronic illness conversations focus narrowly on protocols, supplements, and symptom management. This conversation zooms out to address what chronic Lyme truly disrupts: identity, confidence, relationships, and the ability to trust yourself again. If you feel stuck, lost, or disconnected from who you were—or who you're becoming—this episode offers a framework for understanding why that happens and how people rebuild from it. About Tick Boot Camp Tick Boot Camp is a Lyme disease awareness and recovery platform built around long-form conversations with the people who know the journey best: patients who have lived it, plus the doctors and researchers working to improve outcomes. With 650+ interviews, the show documents the common patterns behind recovery and resilience.

In this powerful and science-forward episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, host Matt Sabatello sits down with Amy Proal, PhD, a leading microbiologist whose work is reshaping how the medical community understands chronic Lyme disease, post-treatment Lyme disease (PTLD), ME/CFS, and Long COVID. Dr. Proal brings a rare combination of deep scientific expertise, lived experience with chronic illness, and real-world clinical integration, offering listeners clarity on why so many patients remain sick long after standard treatment ends — and what science is finally doing about it.

In this groundbreaking episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we interview Dr. Jayakumar Rajadas, a Stanford Medicine researcher who has discovered multiple breakthrough therapeutic candidates for Lyme disease, Babesia, and Bartonella. His work includes the discovery of Disulfiram's effectiveness against Lyme and Babesia, Azlocillin's potent activity against Lyme and Bartonella, and advanced targeted drug-delivery systems designed to preserve the gut microbiome. Dr. Jay's research has been featured in TIME Magazine (Azlocillin) and Forbes (Disulfiram), and connects deeply with the work of leading Lyme researchers, including Dr. Monica Embers (Tulane), Dr. Kim Lewis (Northeastern), Dr. Kenneth Liegner, and Dr. Brian Fallon (Columbia University). This interview delivers hope, science, and unprecedented detail on what may become the next generation of Lyme disease treatments. Key Topics Covered 1. How the Stanford Tick Initiative Sparked a New Era of Drug Discovery In 2012, Stanford launched a major initiative in response to community demand for better Lyme treatments. Dr. Rajadas was selected to lead drug development, focusing specifically on persistent/chronic Lyme disease, where few researchers were working. 2. Understanding Borrelia: Active vs. Stationary Forms & Why Chronic Lyme Persists Dr. J explains the three key survival modes of Borrelia burgdorferi: Active Phase The bacteria are replicating and metabolically active. Easier to kill with standard antibiotics. Stationary Phase Bacteria reach population limits and slow down growth. Represents early persistence mechanisms. Persister Forms Triggered by stressors like antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline). Bacteria fold into round bodies, spiral forms, or compact “cement-like” protective balls. These forms: Shut down metabolic pathways Resist penetration Survive antibiotic exposure Why Doxycycline Can Fail Doxycycline can induce persisters, causing Borrelia to form impenetrable protective shells rather than die. This is why many patients initially feel better, then relapse. 3. Disulfiram (Antabuse): Lyme + Babesia Breakthrough Featured in Forbes One of the biggest scientific shocks of the last decade: Discovery Through Stanford's high-throughput screening of FDA-approved drugs, Disulfiram emerged as a top hit. Clears Borrelia (including persistent forms) Clears Babesia — a major advantage over standard antibiotics Does NOT harm the gut microbiome Is already FDA-approved and widely used for alcohol aversion therapy Highly potent but requires careful dosing due to side effects in inflamed patients. Why Some Patients Improve, and Others Suffer Chronic Lyme patients already have heightened inflammation. Disulfiram is a powerful molecule whose polymorphic forms behave differently in different people. His lab developed: Less toxic formulations Buccal & sublingual delivery systems Rectal delivery options These may reduce neuropsychiatric side effects reported by some patients. Clinical Connections Dr. Kenneth Liegner pioneered clinical use and published cases Dr. Brian Fallon conducted NIH-listed clinical trials. Many clinicians now use Liegner's protocols. Real-world example: Matt shares the story of Brooke Stoddard (Generation Lyme), who regained his life after Disulfiram treatment under Dr. Liegner. 4. Azlocillin: The Antibiotic That TIME Magazine Called a Gamechanger If Disulfiram is the Lyme and Babesia weapon, Azlocillin may be the frontline tool for Lyme and Bartonella. Why Azlocillin Is Revolutionary Eradicates both active and persister forms of Borrelia. Destroys doxycycline-induced “cement ball” persisters by drilling into their vulnerable cell-wall synthesis pathways. Proven effective against Bartonella when paired with azithromycin, based on research by Dr. Monica Embers (Tulane) . The Cell-Wall Vulnerability Breakthrough Persisters STILL must maintain minimal cell-wall synthesis to survive. Azlocillin exploits this tiny vulnerability: It penetrates the protective sphere Breaks the “cement wall” Forces the bacteria out of hibernation Kills them rapidly This discovery is one of the biggest scientific leaps in Lyme research in a decade. The Delivery System That Protects the Gut Microbiome Azlocillin is extremely hydrophilic, making absorption difficult.Dr. Jay fixed this by creating: A magnesium-lipid nanoparticle formulation Designed to release in the upper intestine Avoiding the colon (where most microbiome lives) This allows: High bloodstream absorption Minimal microbiome damage Oral availability of a drug previously only available via IV Why Azlocillin May Be Better Than Disulfiram Hits Borrelia + Bartonella Stronger anti-inflammatory effects No polymorphism issues Fewer side effects Potent against persisters A company is preparing to bring his oral formulation to clinical trials by next year. 5. Loratadine (Claritin): The First Clue from 2012 Before Disulfiram and Azlocillin, Dr. Jay's lab identified Loratadine (Claritin) as a manganese transporter inhibitor of Borrelia. Why it mattered: Borrelia uniquely relies on manganese, not iron. Blocking manganese uptake may weaken the bacteria. The discovery went viral, with many patients reporting improvement even at OTC doses—though the binding affinity was weak. This project introduced the concept of drug repurposing for Lyme to the scientific community. 6. Melittin (Bee Venom) — The Micro-Needle Patch Alternative Bee venom therapy is widely used in the Lyme community, but risks stings and allergic reactions. Dr. J is developing: Melittin micro-needle patches Delivering the active peptide without stinging Using dissolvable, painless needles A safe, controlled, pharmaceutical-grade delivery approach This could modernize bee venom therapy and make it more accessible. 7. Mechanism of Brain Fog & Fatigue in Lyme: A Major Breakthrough Dr. Jay's lab published a neuroscience paper demonstrating: Outer Surface Protein (Osp) Nanoparticles Borrelia sheds lipid-coated outer membrane particles. These form stable nano-vesicles that: Enter the bloodstream Cross into the brain Cause mitochondrial dysfunction Reduce ATP production Result: Brain Fog, Fatigue, Cognitive Dysfunction This explains why neurological Lyme can persist even after bacterial levels drop. This work ties strongly to ongoing research at Columbia University under Dr. Brian Fallon. 8. Collaborations With World Leaders in Lyme Research Dr. J's research intersects with: Dr. Kim Lewis (Northeastern University) Reproduced and validated Disulfiram findings publicly. Helped launch interest in persister-killing therapies. Dr. Monica Embers (Tulane University) Demonstrated Azlocillin + Azithromycin effectiveness against Bartonella. One of the world's foremost experts in persistent infection models. Dr. Kenneth Liegner Early clinical pioneer of Disulfiram therapy. Published stunning recovery cases. Dr. Brian A. Fallon (Columbia University) Leading psychiatrist specializing in post-treatment Lyme. Conducted planned Disulfiram clinical trials. These collaborations form a powerful network accelerating treatment development. 9. New Anti-Inflammatory Discoveries: Galangin & More Dr. Jay recently co-authored a 2025 paper on: Galangin (Thai ginger rhizome extract) Which may reverse cardiac inflammation and fibrosis His team is also exploring other nutraceutical molecules for chronic inflammation relief in Lyme patients. 10. Dr. Jay's Personal Story of Illness and Hope He reveals for the first time: He was diagnosed with Stage 3 Multiple Myeloma Lost the ability to walk Suffered unbearable pain After cutting-edge therapies and research, he is now in full remission His message to Lyme patients: “There is ALWAYS hope.”

Dr. Bobbi S. Pritt joins Tick Boot Camp Podcast for a scientific deep dive into Lyme disease diagnostics, co-infections, and emerging tick-borne pathogens. Dr. Pritt is Professor and Chair of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic and Director of the Clinical Parasitology Laboratory in Rochester, Minnesota. An internationally recognized expert in vector-borne diseases, she is globally known for discovering new tick-borne pathogens—including Borrelia mayonii and Ehrlichia muris eauclairensis—and for advancing cutting-edge molecular and metagenomic diagnostic testing used nationwide. This episode offers essential clarity for anyone navigating Lyme disease, unexplained symptoms, or confusing test results. Dr. Pritt explains why standard tests often miss early Lyme, how PCR and molecular tools can detect active infection, and what metagenomic sequencing may offer for more accurate and comprehensive diagnostics in the future. Episode Summary Dr. Pritt breaks down how Lyme and other tick-borne diseases are detected through antibody testing, PCR, tissue analysis, and cutting-edge molecular methods. She explains how her lab discovered multiple new pathogens in the upper Midwest, the role of tick species in disease transmission, and why co-infections complicate diagnosis. This conversation also explores geographic spread, climate change, tick behavior, and the strengths and limitations of today's test algorithms. Key Topics • Discovery of Borrelia mayonii as a second cause of Lyme disease in the U.S. • Identification and characterization of Ehrlichia muris eauclairensis • Geographic hotspots and why the upper Midwest produces unique pathogens • Tick species differences: blacklegged vs. lone star ticks and their hunting strategies • Co-feeding in ticks and its role in pathogen evolution • Why early Lyme tests often return false-negative results • The science behind false positives and cross-reactivity • PCR advantages and limitations for detecting Borrelia • When skin biopsies can outperform blood tests • Differentiating Lyme, B. miyamotoi, Anaplasma, Babesia, and Powassan virus • When clinicians should order a full tick-borne disease panel • How climate and ecological changes drive new tick-borne threats • The promise of metagenomics and immune-signature diagnostics What You'll Learn • Why current Lyme testing algorithms struggle in early infection • How new tick-borne pathogens are discovered and validated • Why lone star ticks are more aggressive and changing regional risk • When and why molecular testing is more effective • What symptoms point to co-infections needing additional testing • Why doxycycline is not effective for certain pathogens like Babesia • How metagenomic sequencing could identify every pathogen in a single sample • Where diagnostic innovation is heading and what patients can expect

What makes Lyme disease resolve quickly in some people but turn into a life-altering chronic illness in others? In this episode, world-leading immunologist Dr. Michal “Mikki” Tal, Principal Scientist at MIT, explains what her team is discovering through the MAESTRO Study — the largest clinical research project in MIT's history and the first of its kind to include real Lyme patients in a multi-system biological analysis. Dr. Tal's work sits at the intersection of immunology, bioengineering, and women's health, uncovering how infections like Lyme and COVID can cause persistent inflammation, immune miscommunication, and hormonal imbalance. Through MAESTRO, she's mapping how recovery breaks down — and what can be done to predict, prevent, and ultimately reverse chronic illness.

In this episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, Matt Sabatello sits down with Yuri Kim, the lead clinical research nurse for MIT's MAESTRO study, described as one of the largest studies in MIT history focused on Lyme disease and Infection-Associated Chronic Illnesses (IACI). Yuri explains how MAESTRO is collecting deep symptom histories and objective measurements—from eye tracking and EEG/P300 auditory testing to NASA Lean dysautonomia testing, capillaroscopy, and multi-sample biological collection—to identify patterns that validate patient experiences and accelerate real-world clinical understanding. Yuri's story is equally compelling: she began as an ER nurse in a Level 1 trauma center, transitioned into research nursing (including neurodegenerative and traumatic brain injury work), moved to South Korea during the pandemic, and ultimately joined MIT after a conversation with Dr. Mikki Tal changed the course of her career. Throughout the conversation, Yuri shares what she's learned from MAESTRO participants: a community often exhausted and dismissed, yet profoundly motivated to help others and drive scientific progress forward. Key Takeaways (Fast Scan) MAESTRO is nearing ~200 participants enrolled, with the chronic Lyme cohort full and enrollment closing soon. The study aims to objectively measure symptoms often dismissed as “anxiety” or “depression,” especially brain fog and dysautonomia. MAESTRO uses multiple cognitive and neurologic measures, including RightEye eye tracking, EEG + P300 auditory “oddball” testing, and remote cognitive battery tests. The team added capillaroscopy (nailfold and toe microvascular imaging) to explore vascular patterns and hemorrhages in chronic illness cohorts. Dysautonomia testing includes NASA Lean Test plus an earpiece device to estimate proxy cerebral blood flow, sometimes showing abnormalities even when vitals look “normal.” Extensive biological sampling (oral, blood, vaginal/rectal) supports proteomics/immune profiling and deeper molecular analysis. Yuri emphasizes: patients' willingness to participate—despite severe symptoms—is the engine of progress and future change. Detailed Chapter-by-Chapter Show Notes 1) Meet Yuri Kim: The Human Side of Cutting-Edge Lyme Research Matt introduces Yuri as the clinical research nurse leading day-to-day operations of MIT's MAESTRO study—positioning her as a rare bridge between lab science, clinicians, and patients. Yuri shares that the study is approaching enrollment completion and that the team is eager to analyze a large dataset to “speak up” for participants who have suffered without clear explanations. Highlights: MAESTRO is one of MIT's largest studies, with enrollment nearing completion. The mission is to transform patient suffering into measurable signals, data, and insight. 2) Yuri's Background: Pharma, ER Nursing, Research, and Why This Work Became Personal Yuri explains her path: early work as a medical information specialist in pharma (including literature searches and clinician guidance, often involving off-label questions), then an intense period as a Level 1 ER nurse where she witnessed both acute crises and chronic illness desperation. Key insight:Yuri notes that in pharma and ER settings, she repeatedly saw the same reality—patients searching for answers, clinicians constrained by time, and chronic illness voices falling through the cracks. 3) From the ER to Neuro Research: Brain Inflammation, TBI, and the Gap in Chronic Illness Care Yuri left ER work largely due to the physical toll of night shifts and moved into academic research at Boston University. She worked on complex studies involving Alzheimer's, amyloidosis, and traumatic brain injury. Matt asks whether Lyme came up in those neuro settings. Yuri says no—but now she views neurodegenerative symptoms differently and believes clinicians should consider underlying root causes, including infection. Listener connection:This segment reinforces how often Lyme-related cognitive decline can be misinterpreted or missed when viewed through siloed specialties. 4) Lyme Awareness Outside the U.S.: South Korea, Tick-Borne Illness, and Global Blind Spots During the pandemic, Yuri relocated to South Korea. She shares that Lyme isn't commonly discussed there, though other tick-borne illnesses exist. Yuri underscores a global concern: agricultural and rural communities face tick exposure without awareness of the chronic implications. 5) How Yuri Joined Dr. Mikki Tal and MAESTRO (And Why She Changed Her Mind) One of the most memorable segments: Yuri reveals she had already accepted another MIT nursing role—but after speaking with Dr. Tal, she pivoted immediately, calling it the best career decision she's ever made. Why it matters: It shows how MAESTRO is not just a study; it's a mission-driven effort that attracts top clinical talent. 6) Day One at MAESTRO: Meeting the Severely Ill and the Community's Unmatched Generosity Yuri recounts a powerful early experience: meeting a participant who was bedbound and profoundly symptomatic, yet eager to contribute anything possible to help the community. Matt connects this to Tick Boot Camp's origin story: people with minimal energy still showed up to help others. The theme becomes clear—Lyme patients are often depleted but relentlessly generous. What MAESTRO Measures (The Four-Hour Visit Breakdown) 7) Brain Fog: Why MAESTRO Treats It as a Complex Phenomenon Yuri explains MAESTRO's approach: brain fog isn't one symptom. It can involve memory, processing speed, visual stimulation sensitivity, pain-triggered cognition changes, and motor response delays. Core idea: MAESTRO attempts to measure brain fog from multiple angles—visual processing, auditory processing, reaction time, and executive function. 8) RightEye Eye Tracking: Visual Stimulus + Reaction Time as Objective Signal Participants complete a structured set of ocular motor tasks (pursuit, saccades) and reaction-time games (shape recognition mapped to numbered inputs). Yuri notes many chronic illness participants struggle even with basic saccades, often aligning with reported visual disturbances. What MAESTRO is measuring: Ocular motor control Visual processing Decision speed Reaction time consistency 9) EEG + P300 “Oddball” Test: Auditory Processing Meets Motor Output Participants wear an EEG cap (19 regions) and listen to tones: common low-pitch and rare high-pitch. They must press the spacebar only for the rare tone. Yuri notes that even a 4-minute test can be exhausting for people with cognitive dysfunction, and participants often describe a frustrating “delay” between knowing what to do and physically doing it. Why this matters: This may help validate cognitive dysfunction even when standard office screening looks normal. 10) Remote Cognitive Battery Testing: Scaling Measurement Beyond MIT Participants complete executive function tests at home (memory, Stroop-like color-word matching, trail-making tasks). Yuri emphasizes why this matters: many patients can't travel, and symptoms vary dramatically by day, cycle, and crash patterns. Big future direction: Remote testing could expand access to bedbound patients and capture “good day vs bad day” variability. 11) Dysautonomia & POTS: NASA Lean Test + Proxy Cerebral Blood Flow Yuri details NASA Lean testing: supine rest, then standing/leaning while monitoring vitals and symptoms. The standout: sometimes vitals appear stable while patients feel intensely symptomatic—yet the cerebral blood flow proxy measurement fluctuates significantly. Clinical implication discussed: This approach could become a tool for identifying dysautonomia-related issues when standard vitals “look fine.” 12) Capillaroscopy: Nailfold + Toe Microvascular Imaging MAESTRO added capillaroscopy to examine microvascular patterns, including abnormal shapes and possible hemorrhages seen more frequently in chronic cohorts (as her clinical observations suggest). They also measure capillaries pre- and post-NASA Lean to explore whether symptomatic shifts correlate with microvascular changes. Why patients find it meaningful: They can visually see something measurable that aligns with how they feel. 13) Standard Neuro Screening Doesn't Capture Lyme Brain Fog Yuri shares a crucial point: participants often perform fine on standard screens like the Mini-Mental State Exam, suggesting that infection-associated cognitive dysfunction can be subtle, dynamic, and not detected by traditional tools—reinforcing the need for MAESTRO-style measurement. Biological Samples: “Measure Everything” (Head to Toe) 14) Multi-Sample Collection: Oral, Blood, Vaginal, Rectal Yuri explains the breadth of biological sampling, including saliva/oral samples (cotton chew + gum swab), multiple blood tubes, and sex-specific sampling to explore immune, hormonal, microbiome, and gynecologic dimensions. Why it's being done: To connect symptom clusters to molecular patterns and explore sex differences in chronic illness response. 15) Storage, Batch Effects, and What Happens After Enrollment Closes Samples are aliquoted and stored at -80°C until they can be processed/shipped in ways that minimize batch effects. The next phase is analysis and collaboration—including proteomics and immune signaling exploration. 16) Giving Back to Participants: The Challenge and the Intention Yuri acknowledges the “fine line” between research-only testing and clinically actionable reporting, but stresses MIT's intention to return what can be responsibly shared through certified partners—while being careful not to over-interpret research findings. Collaboration, Scaling, and What Comes Next 17) Collaboration Across Institutions: The Missing Platform Matt compares Lyme research needs to cybersecurity threat-sharing between banks: competitors collaborate because the threat is bigger than any one organization. Yuri agrees and highlights the need for secure data-sharing platforms—similar to large national efforts in other fields. 18) What's Next: Focus on Female Brain Fog, Hormones, and Remote Studies Yuri previews upcoming directions: Brain fog and hormone cycle relationships Differentiating infection-associated cognitive dysfunction vs menopause-related brain fog Remote/at-home measurement studies to reach more symptomatic and bedbound patients Potential collaborations with pediatric and neuroimmune experts Closing Message: Hope Without Hype Yuri's message to patients and families is simple and emotional: “Please don't give up.” She believes answers are coming because serious teams are working together—and because patients are driving the research forward with their participation.

Mary Beth Pfeiffer, the pioneering investigative journalist who transformed national understanding of Lyme disease, joins the Tick Boot Camp Podcast for a landmark conversation. Before her work, Lyme disease was widely dismissed as rare, mild, and easily treated. After her reporting, that narrative collapsed. Through her award-winning journalism and her groundbreaking book Lyme: The First Epidemic of Climate Change, she became the first major voice to expose the truth: Lyme disease is a global, climate-driven epidemic that is chronically misdiagnosed, dangerously underestimated, and systematically mishandled by mainstream medicine. In this interview, Mary Beth shares how her earlier investigative work on mental illness in U.S. jails prepared her to recognize patterns of institutional failure within the Lyme disease system. For decades, she documented how people with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia were misunderstood, punished, or dismissed by the very institutions meant to protect them. When she turned her attention to Lyme in 2012, she immediately recognized the same dynamic: patients with neurological and psychiatric manifestations were told they were anxious, depressed, or “crazy,” rather than infected. Families were blamed, symptoms were minimized, and children were left to suffer. Her background gave her a rare lens into how biological illness becomes mislabeled as psychological and how systems silence the very people who need help. Mary Beth explains how her investigative series for the Poughkeepsie Journal went viral worldwide, surprising even her editors. Her reporting was read in all 50 states and across Europe and Australia, prompting the CDC to contact her directly. She details what she uncovered through Freedom of Information Act requests, including internal emails between NIH and CDC officials referring to patients as “Lyme loonies” and framing the situation as a “war” against advocates. These documents revealed attitudes inside the highest levels of public health that shaped decades of policy, diagnostic guidelines, and patient care. The conversation dives into how a small group of early Lyme researchers defined the disease in the 1980s and then used their influence to control medical journals, shape NIH grant funding, and enforce rigid IDSA treatment guidelines. As Mary Beth explains, these early assumptions—often based on limited data and flawed antibody tests—became dogma. Their conclusions created an ecosystem where only short-course antibiotics were considered acceptable, chronic symptoms were dismissed, and doctors who treated beyond the guidelines were punished by medical boards. The result was a generation of patients abandoned by the system, forced to self-fund care, travel to distant specialists, and in many cases bankrupt themselves in search of answers. Mary Beth discusses how patients became her greatest teachers. She shares emotional stories, including children who lost years of their lives, athletes whose careers were derailed, and an 11-year-old boy misdiagnosed for so long he ended up in a hospital bed in his living room before finally being rescued by Dr. Charles Ray Jones. She describes support groups filled with people who had seen five, ten, or fifteen doctors and were told their symptoms were anxiety, depression, or “anything but Lyme.” The interview covers the scientific evidence supporting Lyme persistence, including animal studies, autopsy tissue findings, and molecular research showing Borrelia surviving standard treatment. Mary Beth explains why the two-tier antibody test has failed generations of patients, why indirect antibody tests are inherently flawed for immune-dysregulated populations, and why the future of accurate diagnosis depends on direct detection methods. She highlights emerging technologies, including promising work by Aces Diagnostics and Researcher Holly Ahern, which may finally offer accurate testing across all stages of infection. The conversation moves into the larger systemic problem: how money, insurance policies, medical boards, industry influence, and journal gatekeeping have shaped what doctors are allowed to do. Mary Beth and the Tick Boot Camp team explore why clinicians who try to help chronic Lyme patients often lose insurance coverage, face board complaints, or have their licenses threatened. They discuss how electronic monitoring, AI systems, and corporate-owned medical practices further restrict doctors from practicing individualized, patient-centered medicine. The second half of the interview focuses on the environmental drivers behind the explosion of Lyme disease. Mary Beth explains how warming temperatures, shorter winters, and ecological fragmentation have created ideal habitats for ticks. She describes how ticks have climbed mountains, expanded into higher latitudes, colonized suburban landscapes, and gained longer active seasons. These environmental changes, combined with human development patterns, have dramatically increased opportunities for exposure. She also addresses public interest in the bioweapons question raised by Chris Newby's book Bitten, explaining why historical documentation and FOIA evidence convinced her that military tick experiments occurred, even if their impact on today's epidemic is still unknown. The episode closes with Mary Beth's reflections on prevention, vigilance, and the psychological cost of losing the innocence of nature. She describes how she now sees fields, forests, and even yards differently and why she teaches her grandchildren to treat nature with both respect and caution. She shares her hope for the future: better diagnostics, more independent research, journalists willing to challenge medical orthodoxy, and a cultural shift that frees doctors to practice real medicine rather than rigid algorithms. This interview is essential listening for anyone affected by Lyme disease, anyone questioning why chronic illness is so often dismissed, and anyone seeking to understand how climate change, medical politics, and investigative journalism intersect in one of the most important health crises of our time.

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we sit down with Julia Bruzzese, a 22-year-old Lyme disease survivor, disability advocate, and future physician whose life was forever changed by an untreated tick bite in childhood. After developing a classic bull's-eye rash at age 9, Julia went undiagnosed for nearly two years, despite textbook symptoms of Lyme disease. By age 11, she experienced a catastrophic neurological decline that left her paraplegic and wheelchair-bound. Over the next decade, Julia saw more than 100 doctors, endured profound medical gaslighting, and navigated an exhausting journey through antibiotics, IVIG, IV antibiotics, plasmapheresis, stem cells, ozone therapy, and integrative care. Julia's story became internationally known after a moment with Pope Francis on the JFK airport tarmac went viral in 2015—an event that opened doors to care, advocacy, and awareness. She later became the emotional centerpiece of the award-winning documentary The Quiet Epidemic, appeared at New York Fashion Week as a Lyme disease advocate, and was profiled by renowned journalist Mary Beth Pfeiffer. Today, Julia is finishing her undergraduate degree and has been accepted into medical school, determined to become the kind of doctor she needed when the system failed her. This episode is a masterclass in: Pediatric Lyme disease Medical gaslighting vs. lack of education Clinical diagnosis vs. unreliable testing The patient-doctor relationship Chronic illness, disability, and purpose Why Lyme disease changes lives—and why early treatment matters Childhood Lyme Disease & Missed Diagnosis Tick bite and bull's-eye rash dismissed at age 9 Two years of worsening symptoms labeled as “growing pains,” viruses, or psychological Why early Lyme treatment saves lives Neurological Collapse & Hospital Trauma Sudden onset of paralysis, vision loss, fevers, hair loss, and weakness at age 11 Over 100 doctors and repeated hospitalizations Being accused of malingering and conversion disorder The devastating impact of medical disbelief on children The Quiet Epidemic Documentary How Julia became the heart of the film at age 12 Why she initially hesitated to share her story The emotional impact of seeing her illness reflected on screen How the documentary helps families explain Lyme disease to others Meeting Pope Francis & Global Awareness How a school principal secured last-minute tickets The Pope walks directly to Julia's wheelchair The moment that changed everything Media coverage that led to access to lifesaving care Treatment Journey Lyme-literate diagnosis by NP Somer DelSignore Oral and IV antibiotics IVIG (including under-dosing issues) Plasmapheresis POTS, Babesia, Bartonella, and autoimmune complications Stem cell therapy abroad Ozone and integrative protocols Why there is no single silver bullet for Lyme disease The Medical System & Lyme Denial Why doctors often say “it's all in your head” The difference between malice and lack of training How medical education fails chronic illness patients Fear of insurance companies, lawsuits, and “accepted guidelines” Why Lyme is a clinical diagnosis, not a test result Reframing “Medical Gaslighting” Why anger is understandable—but not always healing How patients and doctors can become better partners Understanding doctors' limitations without excusing harm Advocacy with clarity, not hostility Disability, Identity & Resilience Navigating life and education as a wheelchair user Accommodations, accessibility, and invisible illness “I have Lyme. I am not Lyme.” Learning when to rest, when to fight, and when to live Becoming the Doctor She Needed Working as a medical assistant and hospital volunteer in a wheelchair Applying to and being accepted into medical school Becoming the first wheelchair-using medical student at her institution Why lived experience belongs in medicine Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Lawsuit filed in NYC (March 2021) against multiple doctors and hospitals Failure to diagnose and treat Lyme disease despite clear evidence Why Lyme malpractice cases are rare—and necessary Seeking accountability, not revenge Purpose, Faith & Meaning From “Why me?” to “Why not me?” How suffering clarified her calling The role of faith, family, and community Why Julia wouldn't give this journey back—even now Memorable Quotes “I was criminalized as an eleven-year-old child for being sick.” “It actually was in my head—the bacteria was in my brain.” “I have Lyme disease. I am not Lyme disease.” “There is no silver bullet for Lyme. Healing is trial and error.” “I wouldn't be who I am—or know my purpose—without this journey.” Why This Episode Matters This episode is essential listening for: Parents of children with unexplained symptoms Lyme disease and chronic illness patients Medical professionals and students Advocates fighting for better diagnostics and care Anyone who has ever felt dismissed, unseen, or unheard in healthcare Julia Bruzzese's story is not just about Lyme disease—it's about truth, resilience, accountability, and hope.

In this powerful episode, Tick Boot Camp Podcast interviews Dr. Karolina Praskeviciute (“Dr. Pras”), a multilingual, European-trained medical doctor who has lived in Lithuania, Hong Kong, London, and the United States, traveled to 89 countries, and now uses her global experience to understand chronic illness from a unique vantage point. Dr. Pras shares her deeply personal story of lifelong unexplained symptoms, childhood mold exposure, a bull's-eye rash at age 15, and a medical system unequipped to recognize chronic tick-borne illness. After a devastating case of early COVID-19 in February 2020, her immune system collapsed, triggering full-blown Lyme disease, Babesia, Bartonella, tick-borne relapsing fever, MCAS, and Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). This conversation bridges both sides of medicine—Western and functional—and explores how chronic illness forced Dr. Pras to reevaluate everything she learned as a third-generation physician. She now brings a rare, dual perspective as both clinician and patient. Key Topics Covered ➤ Growing up in Lithuania: culture, safety, freedom & early mold exposure She describes an independent childhood surrounded by nature—but also living in a poorly insulated home with significant hidden mold that triggered early allergies, stomach pain, nosebleeds, and metallic taste. ➤ Medical school awakening: Why Western medicine failed her symptoms Despite coming from a family of doctors, she noticed early on that conventional medicine couldn't explain many of her symptoms—and she witnessed firsthand how chronic illness is minimized, dismissed, or mislabeled. ➤ The first tick bite at 15 & the bull's-eye rash ignored by doctors Despite developing textbook erythema migrans, pediatricians refused treatment. Her mother initiated a short doxycycline course on her own—far too short to prevent chronic Lyme. ➤ Traveling the world & accumulating exposures After living and working across continents, she now believes different strains, microbes, and environmental factors layered into the perfect storm. ➤ Long COVID as the breaking point Like many chronically ill patients, COVID destabilized everything: massive immune dysregulation nonstop inflammation MCAS flares worsening neurological symptoms Lyme and Babesia fully activating ➤ Mold + Lyme + Long COVID = The Perfect Storm Her CIRS diagnosis revealed why she never recovered even after leaving mold exposure—and why immune dysfunction made Lyme treatment far more complex. ➤ Her diagnostic breakthrough with IGeneX After repeated false-negative Western blots, specialty testing finally uncovered: Lyme Babesia Bartonella Tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) Immune activation on FISH testing ➤ Treatment: Herbs, LymeStop, detox, keto, and functional medicine Her current regimen includes: Houttuynia (major reduction in joint pain within 1 week) Cryptolepis (powerful antimicrobial requiring slow titration) Custom herbal protocols (single-herb tinctures) HBOT INUSpheresis Light sauna Gentle lymphatic drainage Vagus nerve support Journaling & limbic system retraining Strict ketogenic diet after a 7-day fast dramatically reduced inflammation She also discusses the risks of Botox, fillers, tattoos, and skincare toxins for chronically ill patients. ➤ Nervous system healing as the foundation of recovery She explains why vagus nerve work and limbic retraining may fail if patients are still in toxin exposure (like mold or endotoxins)—a vital distinction rarely discussed. ➤ Becoming a doctor who understands chronic illness from both sides This episode explores: medical defensiveness gaslighting vs unhealthy doctor-patient dynamics why patients must be empowered, not dismissed why doctors also need compassion and realistic expectations how her future clinical practice will integrate empathy, functional medicine, and lived experience Top Quotes From Dr. Pras “I dismissed my own symptoms because I was trained to believe nothing was wrong unless labs proved it.” “Mold was the silent force that weakened my system long before Lyme took over.” “Healing is not linear. Some days it feels like I'm starting over, but I always come back stronger.” “Doctors have tools—but without a healthy doctor-patient relationship, those tools don't work.” “I can help others now because I know when to push and when to pull back. Lived experience matters.” Where to Find Dr. Karolina Pras Instagram: @drkaromd Email: drkaro@healthkonsultant.com (“consultant” spelled with a K)

Singer-songwriter and Lyme disease advocate Jesse Ruben joins the Tick Boot Camp Podcast for an incredibly honest, emotional, and deeply educational conversation about chronic Lyme disease, identity loss, treatment failure, unconventional healing, relapse, nervous system trauma, and the role of music and community in survival. Jesse's journey spans more than a decade and includes misdiagnosis, years of antibiotic treatment, experimental therapies, remission, relapse during the pandemic, gut microbiome restoration, nervous system healing, and ultimately a renewed sense of purpose through advocacy and art. This episode is essential listening for anyone navigating chronic Lyme disease, supporting someone who is sick, or questioning whether healing is still possible. Jesse Ruben's Early Life and Music Career Jesse grew up outside Philadelphia, surrounded by music, creativity, and curiosity. While he jokes that his songwriting degree was “a very expensive, useless piece of paper,” the competitive creative environment of music school helped sharpen his storytelling voice. By his early 20s, Jesse was living in New York City, touring, running marathons, and building momentum as an independent musician. He had just completed his third New York City Marathon, was in peak physical condition, and his career was accelerating—until his health began to unravel. The Onset of Illness: When Lyme Disease Took Everything Jesse's first red flag appeared when he became short of breath climbing subway stairs, despite being a marathon runner. Soon after, nausea, dizziness, headaches, neurological symptoms, and crushing fatigue followed. On Christmas Day 2012, Jesse developed what seemed like a flu that never went away. Over the following months, symptoms escalated dramatically: Severe fatigue that made basic movement impossible Brain fog and memory loss Crawling sensations under the skin Air hunger and dizziness Anxiety, depression, and mood changes Weight loss and neurological dysfunction Despite seeing 15 doctors over nine months, Jesse received conflicting diagnoses ranging from vitamin deficiencies to fibromyalgia and lupus. Every test came back “normal.” Insurance denied coverage. Doctors told him he would “have to live with it.” During a national tour, Jesse was so debilitated that a friend physically lifted him onto the stage to perform, then carried him back to the van afterward. Eventually, through relentless self-research, Jesse discovered a symptom list online that finally connected the dots: Lyme disease. Diagnosis and Early Treatment Failure Jesse was ultimately diagnosed at the Morrison Center in New York City, where testing confirmed: Lyme disease Babesia Mycoplasma His initial treatment path included: 6 months of oral doxycycline 18 months of IV azithromycin Antiparasitics Mepron (for Babesia) Antifungals, antivirals, supplements, and Chinese herbs Despite years of treatment, nothing produced lasting improvement. Jesse describes his life during this period as being reduced to pill schedules, doctor visits, and survival mode. The Game Changer: Chelation and Ozone Therapy After nearly three years with minimal progress, Jesse's provider, Dr. Gerald (“Jerry”) T. Simons at the Morrison Center, suggested a more experimental approach: chelation combined with ozone therapy. Jesse underwent IV chelation and ozone therapy multiple times per week for several months. The results were dramatic. Nearly all of Jesse's symptoms resolved, and for the first time, he felt like himself again. Even years later, booster ozone treatments helped stop symptom flares before they escalated.

In this episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, Dr. Eric D. Gordon — globally recognized expert in Lyme disease, ME/CFS, mold toxicity, MCAS, mitochondrial dysfunction, and complex chronic illness — explains why chronic illness is never caused by a single factor and why recovery requires a strategic “order of operations.” Recorded after meeting at Project Lab Coat during NYFW, this conversation dives into chronic inflammation, immune dysregulation, why some people stay sick for years, why certain treatments backfire, how metabolomics reveals dysfunction that standard tests miss, and the future of individualized chronic illness care. Guest Bio Medical Director, Gordon Medical Associates, and President, Gordon Medical Research Center Dr. Gordon has 45+ years of experience treating the most complex chronic illness cases. He specializes in: Lyme disease and tick-borne infections ME/CFS and post-infectious illness Mold and mycotoxin exposure Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) Autoimmune disease Environmental illness Mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic collapse He co-authored the landmark 2016 PNAS metabolomics study with Dr. Robert Naviaux, which reshaped global understanding of ME/CFS and chronic inflammatory diseases. Key Topics Covered How Dr. Gordon became one of the world's leading chronic illness clinicians Why patient belief and validation are foundational to healing Why chronic illness cases don't fit conventional medical models Why herbs often worsen symptoms in MCAS or inflamed patients When pharmaceuticals help stabilize sensitive patients How chronic inflammation blocks trace mineral absorption The link between minerals, B vitamins, mitochondria, and NAD/NADH When detoxification helps — and when it causes more harm How childhood infections and environment shape lifelong immunity The massive impact of modern microbiome disruption Mold illness as the “great derailer” of Lyme treatment Why genetics like MTHFR and HLA are not destiny Why some people heal from Lyme without treatment How metabolomics and AI will usher in precision medicine What actually keeps people sick — accumulated compensations, not the tick bite What intuitive patients get right (and wrong) about their symptoms Timestamps 0:02 – Meeting Dr. Gordon at Project Labcoat 1:08 – Who he is and how he entered complex illness medicine 2:30 – Realizing conventional medicine fails chronic patients 5:45 – Why chronic illness doesn't fit standard algorithms 8:10 – Herbs vs antibiotics: what most people misunderstand 11:28 – Inflammation and why sensitive patients react to everything 13:45 – MCAS and immune overactivation 16:25 – Why herbal formulas can trigger flares 19:30 – Pharmaceuticals that calm inflammation 20:50 – Trace minerals, mitochondrial function, and NAD pathways 23:55 – Why standard labs can't see cellular dysfunction 26:10 – How childhood immune experiences shape resilience 28:40 – Environmental changes and microbiome decline 30:30 – Shoes, posture, fascia, lymphatics 36:35 – Structural healing and hypersensitive patients 41:20 – Founding Gordon Medical Associates 43:00 – Early discoveries with Lyme disease patients 48:30 – Detoxification, herbal protocols, and mold models 52:10 – Mold's ability to halt all progress 55:30 – Why mold affects some family members and not others 57:20 – How food supply antibiotics disrupt immunity 59:50 – Genetics are possibilities, not fate 1:03:20 – Why some people recover after a tick bite and others don't 1:07:00 – How AI and metabolomics will transform treatment 1:10:40 – Genes vs environment 1:13:30 – Chronic illness requires many small steps 1:16:00 – How to work with Dr. Gordon 1:18:30 – Final message of hope Pull Quotes “Chronic illness is not caused by one thing — and it's never healed by one thing.” “Herbs depend on your body's ability to modulate inflammation. If you can't dampen the fire, herbs feel like gasoline.” “Genetics are not destiny. They're possibilities.” “Mold makes every other treatment look like it's failing.” “You can absolutely get well — but there is no single magic bullet.” Call to Action If this episode brought you clarity or hope, please share it with someone navigating chronic Lyme, mold illness, MCAS, or ME/CFS. Subscribe and leave a review to help more people find this conversation and believe that healing is possible.

Overview This special episode of the [Tick Boot Camp Podcast](https://tickbootcamp.com/podcast/) was recorded live at the 2nd Annual Alzheimer's Pathobiome Initiative (AlzPI) and PCOM Symposium in collaboration with Pathobiome Perspectives. Hosted by Ali Moresco in partnership with Nikki Schultek, Executive Director of AlzPI, the conversation continues the Tick Boot Camp mission of exploring infection-associated chronic illness (IACI)—including Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections—within the global Alzheimer's and neuroimmunology research community. Tick Boot Camp co-founders Matt Sabatello and Rich Johannesen partnered with Ali and Nikki to highlight leading scientists connecting microbes, immune dysregulation, and neurodegenerative disease. This episode features Dr. Elizabeth “Betsy” Bradshaw, Assistant Professor of Neurology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, whose research investigates how past infections leave lasting imprints on the brain's immune system and influence the development of Alzheimer's disease. Guest Elizabeth M. Bradshaw, PhD Assistant Professor of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center Principal Investigator, Bradshaw Laboratory – Neuroimmunology and Genetics of Alzheimer's Dr. Bradshaw's laboratory focuses on the immune system's role in neurodegeneration, particularly how infection and inflammation alter brain immunity and predispose individuals to conditions like Alzheimer's disease. Her work builds on large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) that identified immune-related genetic variants linked to Alzheimer's susceptibility, suggesting that subtle changes in immune function—not just neuronal factors—may underlie disease onset. Her team is exploring how pathogens such as HSV-1 (Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1) interact with the brain's immune cells, known as microglia, and how these infections can “reprogram” immune responses long after the pathogen is cleared. Key Discussion Points Dr. Bradshaw explains how her research bridges genetics, immunology, and infectious disease to better understand Alzheimer's. Through GWAS data, her team found that many of the genes linked to Alzheimer's risk involve immune pathways rather than neuronal signaling. This discovery redirected the field's attention toward how immune cells respond to pathogens and environmental stressors across a lifetime. Using human-derived microglia-like cells created from blood monocytes, her team observes how infections reshape immune cell metabolism and memory. By infecting these microglia-like cells with Alzheimer's-associated pathogens like HSV-1, they study how genetic background and infection history determine immune cell behavior. The findings suggest that past infections may epigenetically and metabolically train microglia—changing how they respond to aging, stress, and amyloid buildup. Even when the infection has resolved, these “reprogrammed” immune cells can remain altered for decades, silently increasing the brain's vulnerability to neurodegeneration. Dr. Bradshaw emphasizes that understanding how infections rewire the brain's immune landscape could transform early intervention strategies. Identifying combinations of genetic risk factors and pathogen exposures may enable targeted prevention or immune-modulating treatments long before symptoms appear. “Microglia remember. Even after the pathogen is gone, they carry its imprint—responding differently decades later when the brain faces new challenges.” — Dr. Elizabeth Bradshaw Why It Matters Dr. Bradshaw's work reframes Alzheimer's disease as a neuroimmune condition shaped by infection and host genetics. Her research highlights how microbial exposures, immune history, and inflammation converge to influence cognitive decline. By integrating infection biology with genetics and immunology, her team is redefining how scientists and clinicians view the root causes of Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases. This work strengthens the growing case that the immune system's “memory” of infection may be one of the most important and overlooked factors in brain health and aging. About the Event This interview was recorded at the 2nd Annual Alzheimer's Pathobiome Initiative (AlzPI) and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) Symposium, held October 3, 2025, at Ohio University in Dublin, Ohio. The event brought together more than 20 leading researchers exploring how microbes, the microbiome, and immune dysregulation contribute to Alzheimer's, dementia, and infection-associated chronic illness (IACI). Tick Boot Camp partnered with Ali Moresco and Nikki Schultek to share these conversations and connect chronic Lyme, infection, and neurodegenerative research communities. Learn More Learn more about the Alzheimer's Pathobiome Initiative (AlzPI) Listen to Tick Boot Camp Podcast episodes, including Episode 406: Pathobiome – An Interview with Nikki Schultek and Episode 101: The Young Gun – An Interview with Alex (Ali) Moresco discussed in this interview.

Overview This special episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast was recorded live at the 2nd Annual Alzheimer's Pathobiome Initiative (AlzPI) and PCOM Symposium in collaboration with Pathobiome Perspectives. Hosted by Ali Moresco in partnership with Nikki Schultek, Executive Director of AlzPI, this series expands the Tick Boot Camp mission of exploring infection-associated chronic illness (IACI)—including Lyme and other tick-borne infections—to the global Alzheimer's and neuroimmunology research community. Tick Boot Camp co-founders Matt Sabatello and Rich Johannesen partnered with Ali and Nikki to showcase scientists exploring the microbial and immune mechanisms behind neurodegeneration. This episode features Dr. Janice Bush, a PhD candidate at North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, whose research under world-renowned Bartonella expert Dr. Edward Breitschwerdt investigates how Bartonella bacteria alter gene expression in the brain's immune cells. Guest Janice Bush, DVM, PhD Candidate College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University (NCSU) Dr. Janice Bush began her career in veterinary medicine, where she observed a striking overlap between illnesses in pets and their human owners—particularly those linked to vector-borne infections like Bartonella. Now completing her PhD under Dr. Edward Breitschwerdt, she focuses on Bartonella henselae, the bacterium behind Cat Scratch Disease, and its ability to infect human microglial cells—the brain's resident immune defenders. Her presentation, “Bartonella-Infected Human Microglial Cells: Transcriptional Changes Associated with Chronic Neurologic Disorders,” revealed how this stealth pathogen triggers widespread gene dysregulation linked to Alzheimer's disease, psychiatric symptoms, and neurodegenerative processes. Key Discussion Points Dr. Bush explains how Bartonella infection reprograms human microglia, the brain's innate immune cells, leading to hundreds of genes being upregulated or suppressed—affecting energy metabolism, mitochondrial function, cell signaling, and immune communication. These cellular changes mirror those observed in chronic neurological and psychiatric disorders, providing a potential mechanistic link between infection and long-term neurodegeneration. She describes Bartonella's sophisticated immune evasion strategy, including its ability to hijack cellular machinery and increase production of interleukin-10 (IL-10)—an anti-inflammatory cytokine that suppresses immune response, allowing the bacteria to persist undetected. This mechanism may explain why patients experience cyclic flares and remissions, and why Bartonella can linger silently for years. Dr. Bush's findings suggest that even short-term infections can produce measurable transcriptional changes in brain immune cells within 48 hours. If such infections persist for months or years, they may set the stage for neurodegenerative disease, particularly when combined with other pathogens or environmental factors. “If one intracellular pathogen can cause this many changes in two days, imagine what happens over months or years. Bartonella may be the spark that primes the brain for neurodegeneration.” — Dr. Janice Bush Why It Matters Dr. Bush's research offers a groundbreaking look at how a common, underrecognized infection may drive neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Her work bridges veterinary medicine, infectious disease, and neurology—revealing how pathogens once dismissed as minor or self-limiting may alter the brain's immune landscape. By demonstrating that Bartonella can infect and manipulate microglial cells, she provides critical biological evidence linking vector-borne disease and cognitive decline, paving the way for future diagnostic and therapeutic innovation. About the Event This interview was recorded at the 2nd Annual Alzheimer's Pathobiome Initiative (AlzPI) and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) Symposium, held October 3, 2025, at Ohio University in Dublin, Ohio. The event gathered more than 20 leading researchers exploring how microbes, the microbiome, and immune dysregulation contribute to Alzheimer's, dementia, and infection-associated chronic illness (IACI). The Tick Boot Camp Podcast, in partnership with Ali Moresco and Nikki Schultek, documented these conversations to connect the chronic Lyme, infectious disease, and Alzheimer's research communities. This episode is part of Tick Boot Camp's AlzPI collaboration series. Learn More Learn more about the Alzheimer's Pathobiome Initiative (AlzPI) Listen to Tick Boot Camp Podcast episodes, including Episode 406: Pathobiome – An Interview with Nikki Schultek and Episode 101: The Young Gun – An Interview with Alex (Ali) Moresco discussed in this interview.

Overview This special episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast was recorded live at the 2nd Annual Alzheimer's Pathobiome Initiative (AlzPI) and PCOM Symposium in collaboration with Pathobiome Perspectives. Hosted by Ali Moresco in partnership with Nikki Schultek (Executive Director, AlzPI), the conversation advances the Tick Boot Camp mission of exploring infection-associated chronic illness (IACI)—including Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections—within the global Alzheimer's and neuroimmunology community. Tick Boot Camp co-founders Matt Sabatello and Rich Johannesen partnered with Ali and Nikki to amplify voices connecting tick-borne illness, microbes, and cognitive decline. This episode features Nicole Bell—author, entrepreneur, and CEO of Galaxy Diagnostics—whose memoir What Lurks in the Woods documents her late husband Russ's misdiagnosed tick-borne illness and their search for answers. Guest Nicole Bell Author of What Lurks in the Woods CEO, Galaxy Diagnostics Advocate for tick-borne and neurodegenerative disease BS/MS, Materials Science & Engineering (MIT) MS, Biomedical Engineering (Duke University) At the Symposium, Nicole presented “When the brain pathobiome becomes personal,” sharing her family's journey and new findings from Russ's donated brain: laboratory evidence of Borrelia burgdorferi, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and Babesia otocoli (a species long thought to be deer-restricted) in brain tissue—data now being prepared for publication. Researchers also noted elevated heavy metals (lead, mercury), underscoring how polymicrobial infection plus toxic exposures may converge to drive neuroinflammation and Alzheimer's-like decline. Key Discussion Points Nicole details how repeated “normal” neurology workups masked a complex pathobiome process. She explains why standard two-tier Lyme serology can miss true infection, how direct detection can change care, and why patients should consider Bartonella and Babesia alongside Lyme. She outlines hallmark Bartonella clues—including striæ that resemble stretch marks (often more visible after hot showers), neuropsychiatric manifestations (irritability, anxiety, OCD, tics), ocular and joint involvement—and highlights non-tick vectors (notably fleas and household cats) that expand risk beyond forest exposure. Nicole advocates for building a diagnostic toolkit that combines serology with sensitive direct tests to clarify which pathogens are active—critical because Borrelia, Bartonella, and Babesia require different treatment paradigms. Looking forward, she envisions comprehensive screening panels for midlife cognitive changes that integrate pathogen load, host immune signatures, and toxin status, enabling earlier, targeted interventions. “Everyone wants a simple A→B. But the toughest chronic conditions are subtle and multifactorial. Accurate data, direct detection, and a clinician who will go on the journey with you can change everything.” — Nicole Bell Why It Matters Nicole's story humanizes the science: polymicrobial infection + toxins + host factors can look “psychiatric” or “idiopathic” until modern testing reveals the underlying pathobiome. Her advocacy pushes medicine toward precision diagnostics, earlier detection, and pathogen-informed care that may prevent years of decline. About the Event Recorded at the 2nd Annual Alzheimer's Pathobiome Initiative (AlzPI) and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) Symposium on October 3, 2025, at Ohio University (Dublin, Ohio). The meeting convened global experts investigating how microbes, the microbiome, and immune responses contribute to Alzheimer's, dementia, PANS/PANDAS, and other infection-associated chronic illnesses (IACI). This episode is part of a Tick Boot Camp series connecting chronic Lyme research with cutting-edge brain-immune science. Learn More Learn more about the Alzheimer's Pathobiome Initiative (AlzPI) Listen to Tick Boot Camp Podcast episodes, including Episode 406: Pathobiome – An Interview with Nikki Schultek, Episode 101: The Young Gun – An Interview with Alex (Ali) Moresco, and Episode 216: What Lurks in the Woods – an interview with Nicole Bell discussed in this interview.

Overview This special episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast was recorded live at the 2nd Annual Alzheimer's Pathobiome Initiative (AlzPI) and PCOM Symposium in collaboration with Pathobiome Perspectives. Hosted by Ali Moresco in partnership with Nikki Schultek, Executive Director of AlzPI, the conversation brings the Tick Boot Camp mission of exploring infection-associated chronic illness (IACI)—including Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections—to the global Alzheimer's and neuroimmunology research community. Tick Boot Camp co-founders Matt Sabatello and Rich Johannesen partnered with Ali and Nikki to highlight leading scientists connecting infection, immune dysfunction, and cognitive decline. This episode features Dr. Sean Miller, a neuroscientist and co-investigator in the Logan Lab with a primary appointment at Yale School of Medicine, who is developing ways to non-invasively detect Alzheimer's-like pathology through the eye. Guest Sean Miller, PhD Co-Investigator, Logan Lab / Yale School of Medicine Dr. Sean Miller completed pre-doctoral work at Harvard Medical School, earned his PhD from Johns Hopkins University, and completed post-doctoral training at Stanford University. His research focuses on neurodegeneration, neuroglia, and early diagnostic strategies for Alzheimer's and related diseases. At the AlzPI & PCOM Symposium, Dr. Miller presented evidence showing that SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection can accelerate Alzheimer's-like pathology and that these changes can be detected non-invasively through retinal imaging. His findings suggest that amyloid-beta, a protein long associated with Alzheimer's disease, may also serve as part of the brain's antimicrobial defense system—trapping pathogens like a mesh or biofilm, but leading to damaging plaque buildup when overproduced. Key Discussion Points Dr. Miller describes how the COVID-19 virus can act as an infectious trigger for neuroinflammation and amyloid buildup, how the eye provides a unique window into the brain, and why early detection is essential to preventing neuron death. He shares how his lab's AI-enhanced retinal imaging research at Yale Eye Center is identifying amyloid and tau deposits in patients with long COVID-related brain fog—opening the possibility of routine eye exams doubling as early Alzheimer's screening tools. He explains potential therapeutic strategies, such as limiting amyloid production during infection flare-ups and enhancing clearance mechanisms afterward to reduce chronic plaque formation. The conversation also explores his scientific journey—from designing Alzheimer's drugs at Harvard and Johns Hopkins to realizing the need for early disease detection during his postdoc at Stanford—and how the pandemic inspired his focus on infection-induced neurodegeneration. “We believe neurons are exposed to pathogens in the central nervous system and respond by secreting amyloid-beta to trap them. Excessive plaque buildup from repeated or severe infections may be what drives long-term neurodegeneration.” — Dr. Sean Miller Why It Matters Dr. Miller's research connects infectious disease, ophthalmology, and neurology, providing a revolutionary new method to screen for early Alzheimer's-like changes non-invasively through the human eye. His work suggests that infections like COVID-19 may trigger the same protective—but damaging—immune responses implicated in chronic conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and infection-associated cognitive decline. About the Event The interview took place at the 2nd Annual Alzheimer's Pathobiome Initiative (AlzPI) and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) Symposium, held on October 3, 2025, at Ohio University in Dublin, Ohio. The event brought together more than 20 global researchers exploring how microbes, the microbiome, and the immune response contribute to Alzheimer's, dementia, PANS/PANDAS, and infection-associated chronic illnesses (IACI). Tick Boot Camp partnered with Ali Moresco and Nikki Schultek to share the voices of researchers advancing the field of infection-associated chronic illness. This episode is part of a multi-part Tick Boot Camp series highlighting how pathobiome and microbiome science are transforming the understanding of Lyme disease, infection, and neurodegeneration. Learn More Learn more about the Alzheimer's Pathobiome Initiative (AlzPI) Listen to Tick Boot Camp Podcast episodes, including Episode 406: Pathobiome – An Interview with Nikki Schultek and Episode 101: The Young Gun – An Interview with Alex (Ali) Moresco discussed in this interview.

Overview This special episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast was recorded live at the 2nd Annual Alzheimer's Pathobiome Initiative (AlzPI) and PCOM Symposium in collaboration with Pathobiome Perspectives. Hosted by Ali Moresco in partnership with Nikki Schultek, Executive Director of AlzPI, the conversation brings the Tick Boot Camp mission of exploring infection-associated chronic illness (IACI), like Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases, to the global Alzheimer's and neuroimmunology research community. Tick Boot Camp co-founders Matt Sabatello and Rich Johannesen partnered with Ali and Nikki to highlight scientists whose work connects tick-borne illness, microbes, and cognitive decline. This episode features Dr. Brian J. Balin, an internationally recognized neuroscientist whose research has redefined the role of infection in contributing to Alzheimer's disease. Guest Brian J. Balin, PhD Professor of Neuroscience and Neuropathology Director, Center for Chronic Disorders of Aging Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) Dr. Balin directs the Center for Chronic Disorders of Aging and the Adolph and Rose Levis Foundation Laboratory for Alzheimer's Disease Research at PCOM. With a PhD from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and postdoctoral training at the University of Pennsylvania, he has devoted nearly three decades to understanding how chronic infection and inflammation trigger neurodegeneration. His pioneering discovery that the respiratory bacterium Chlamydia pneumoniae infects brain tissue helped establish the Pathogen Hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease. His continuing work explores how tick-borne microbes — including Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease), Bartonella, and Babesia — interact with other pathogens to drive neuroinflammation and cognitive decline. Key Discussion Points How infections such as Chlamydia pneumoniae, Borrelia burgdorferi, Bartonella, and Babesia were detected in Alzheimer's brain tissue. Evidence that microbes can enter the brain via the olfactory pathway or blood-brain barrier, initiating chronic inflammation, amyloid plaque formation, and tau tangle pathology. Findings from Dr. Balin's collaboration with Galaxy Diagnostics and advocate Nicole Bell, revealing polymicrobial infection and even Babesia otocoli — a strain previously believed to infect only deer — in human brain tissue. The use of animal models and 3D human brain organoids to study infection-driven neurodegeneration. Why identifying infection as part of the exposome (environmental insults over a lifetime) is key to developing precision diagnostics and treatments. Future directions: immune-modulating drugs, antimicrobials, and emerging phage therapy. “Infection is part of the exposome — an environmental insult that shapes our health over a lifetime. Recognizing that is key to truly understanding and preventing Alzheimer's disease.” — Dr. Brian J. Balin Why It Matters Dr. Balin's research bridges the worlds of neurology and infectious disease, offering a framework that could revolutionize how Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative conditions are diagnosed and treated. By recognizing that microbes — including those transmitted by ticks — can initiate neuroinflammation and cognitive decline, his work provides hope for millions living with infection-associated chronic illness. About the Event The interview took place at the 2nd Annual Alzheimer's Pathobiome Initiative (AlzPI) and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) Symposium, October 3, 2025, Ohio University in Dublin, Ohio. The Symposium brought together more than 20 experts exploring how microbes, the microbiome, and the host immune response contribute to neurological and psychiatric diseases such as Alzheimer's, dementia, and PANS/PANDAS. Tick Boot Camp partnered with Ali Moresco and Nikki Schultek to document and share the voices of scientists advancing research on infection-associated chronic illness (IACI). This episode is part of a special series showcasing how pathobiome and microbiome science is changing our understanding of chronic Lyme and neurodegenerative disease. Learn More Learn about the Alzheimer's Pathobiome Initiative (AlzPI) at AlzPI.org. For Dr. Balin's publications and ongoing research, visit the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) website. Learn more about the Alzheimer's Pathobiome Initiative (AlzPI) Listen to Tick Boot Camp Podcast episodes, including Episode 406: Pathobiome – An Interview with Nikki Schultek and Episode 101: The Young Gun – An Interview with Alex (Ali) Moresco discussed in this interview.

Overview This special episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast was recorded live at the 2nd Annual Alzheimer's Pathobiome Initiative (AlzPI) and PCOM Symposium in collaboration with Pathobiome Perspectives. Hosted by Ali Moresco in partnership with Nikki Schultek, Executive Director of AlzPI, the conversation brings the Tick Boot Camp mission of exploring infection-associated chronic illness (IACI)—like Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections—to the global Alzheimer's and neuroimmunology research community. Tick Boot Camp co-founders Matt Sabatello and Rich Johannesen partnered with Ali and Nikki to highlight scientists whose work connects tick-borne illness, microbes, and cognitive decline. This episode features Yuri Kim, RN, Lead Clinical Research Nurse for the MAESTRO Study at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), who is leading pioneering work to measure and understand “brain fog” in infection-associated chronic illness. Guest Yuri Kim, RN Lead Clinical Research Nurse, MAESTRO Study Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Yuri Kim is the Lead Clinical Research Nurse for the MAESTRO Study, the largest clinical study ever conducted at MIT, led by Dr. Michal “Mikki” Caspi Tal, immunologist and immunoengineer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The MAESTRO Study investigates infection-associated chronic illnesses (IACI) such as chronic Lyme disease and aims to objectively measure and understand one of the most debilitating and misunderstood symptoms—brain fog. Yuri has conducted more than 170 participant study visits and integrates patient narratives with advanced neurocognitive, immune, and molecular profiling. Her background includes experience as a trauma ER nurse and clinical research manager on neurodegenerative and rare diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), and amyloidosis. Key Discussion Points How the MAESTRO Study combines subjective patient narratives with objective neurocognitive and biomarker data to better define and measure brain fog. Use of innovative diagnostic tools including EEG (WAVi), RightEye eye-tracking, BrainCheck cognitive testing, and NASA Lean autonomic assessments. Early findings showing slower reaction times and potential correlations between GFAP, NfL, and sCD14 with cognitive symptoms in chronic Lyme and other IACI patients. The role of immune dysregulation, gut permeability, and neuroinflammation in contributing to cognitive impairment. The need for brain fog-specific assessment tools and more research into sex and hormonal differences that may affect neurocognitive outcomes. Why validating and quantifying “invisible symptoms” is vital to patient care and the future of infection-associated chronic illness research. “Brain fog isn't just a symptom—it's a phenomenon interconnected with multiple systems. We're trying to narrow the gap between what patients report and what we can measure.” — Yuri Kim Why It Matters Yuri Kim's work at MIT bridges patient experience and advanced science to address one of the most misunderstood symptoms in infection-associated chronic illness: brain fog. Her research within the MAESTRO Study, under the leadership of Dr. Michal “Mikki” Caspi Tal, is generating objective evidence that validates patient experiences and reveals how chronic infection and immune dysregulation can cause measurable cognitive and physiological changes. By studying infection-associated brain fog in Lyme disease and other chronic conditions, Yuri and the MAESTRO team are helping to shape a new era of diagnostics and care for people living with long-term, infection-driven illness. About the Event The interview took place at the 2nd Annual Alzheimer's Pathobiome Initiative (AlzPI) and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) Symposium, held on October 3, 2025, at Ohio University in Dublin, Ohio. The Symposium brought together more than 20 international experts investigating how microbes, the microbiome, and the host immune response contribute to neurological and psychiatric conditions such as Alzheimer's, dementia, and PANS/PANDAS. Tick Boot Camp partnered with Ali Moresco and Nikki Schultek to capture and share the voices of scientists advancing research on infection-associated chronic illness (IACI). This episode is part of a special Tick Boot Camp series spotlighting how pathobiome and microbiome science are transforming the understanding of chronic Lyme, cognitive dysfunction, and neurodegeneration. Learn More Learn more about the Alzheimer's Pathobiome Initiative (AlzPI) View Yuri Kim's bio on the MIT website Discover more about Dr. Michal “Mikki” Caspi Tal on Tick Boot Camp Listen to Tick Boot Camp Podcast episodes, including Episode 406: Pathobiome – An Interview with Nikki Schultek and Episode 101: The Young Gun – An Interview with Alex (Ali) Moresco discussed in this interview.

In this powerful episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, international DJ and artist duo Z3LLA — Julia “Juj” Seeley and Kiana Tebyani — share how chronic illness, creativity, and friendship became the foundation of their success. After years of unexplained symptoms, Juj was diagnosed with Lyme disease, Bartonella, Babesia, mold toxicity, POTS, SIBO, celiac disease, and later catamenial epilepsy. Despite life-altering health challenges, she and her best friend Kiana have built Z3LLA into one of the most exciting names in house music — with their single “Why Should I?” reaching #1 on the US Dance Radio Charts and performances alongside Disco Lines, Galantis, and Bijou. Together, Juj and Kiana discuss performing through flare-ups, collapsing backstage, navigating the medical system, and the emotional toll of chasing dreams while managing invisible illness. From ER visits and red-light therapy to steroid crashes and spiritual breakthroughs, this episode is a masterclass in resilience, vulnerability, and using art as advocacy.

Episode Summary In this special Tick Boot Camp Podcast episode, Dr. Myriah Hinchey (ND) joins Matt Sabatello and Rich Johannesen from Tick Boot Camp to spotlight the 2025 LymeBytes Symposium, a physician- and patient-focused conference designed to shorten the healing journey for Lyme, mold illness, PANS/PANDAS, Long COVID, and other complex, infection-driven chronic conditions. We dig into why immersive learning accelerates progress, how an intimate format fuels direct access to top clinicians and vendors, and what attendees—both in-person and virtual—will actually experience over two packed days in Fort Lauderdale. Exclusive Listener Offer: Use code TBC100 at checkout for $100 off in-person or virtual tickets at shop.lymebytes.com. Why This Episode Matters End the isolation: Dr. Hinchey explains how community, validation, and shared learning unlock momentum for both patients and clinicians. Immersion = speed: Concentrated exposure to leading experts and technologies helps you discover the next best step faster. Bridging the gap: Learn why precision care often requires a team—LLMDs, specialty labs, compounders, targeted supplements, and therapeutic devices—working together. What You'll Learn Inside the LymeBytes philosophy: Healthy, gluten- and dairy-free meals, beach-side community dinner, structured networking, and vendor access that mirror the lifestyle principles used in treatment. Adjunctive therapies on site: Demos and education around hyperbaric oxygen therapy (OxyHealth), infrared/red light, Relax Sauna, Therasage, plus niche supplement brands (e.g., Alight by Dr. Jill Crista, NutraMedix, Lymecore Botanicals) and specialty labs for Lyme, co-infections, and mold. Precision testing & interpretation: Why test results (e.g., Western Blots, specialty panels) must be read in clinical context, and how collaboration between vendors and clinicians personalizes care. PRP/TruDose spotlight: A primer on platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and how TruDose aims to reset immune function and calm the nervous system using your own platelets—plus a teaser for a future deep-dive episode. Virtual experience (no FOMO): Live access to all clinician lectures, slides, full-day recordings to rewatch/scrub, and new vendor mini-interviews so remote attendees don't miss the expo value. Who Should Attend the Symposium Patients & caregivers seeking credible, actionable strategies to shorten recovery time Clinicians (conventional, integrative, functional) looking to upgrade protocols for chronic infection and inflammation Allies & advocates ready to learn the truth about Lyme and related conditions from top voices in the field Anyone who wants direct access to vendors, labs, and tools that often stay off patients' radars Event Details (In-Person + Virtual) Dates: November 14–15, 2025 Location: Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa (Florida) Format: Limited-capacity, intimate event (≈180–200 attendees) fostering direct interaction with clinicians, researchers, and vendors Perks: Healthy meals (GF/DF), Friday night beach dinner, curated vendor hall, 14.5 CME credits available in person (additional fee) Virtual: Live stream + full-day recordings (Day 1 & Day 2), slide access, vendor mini-features Register: shop.lymebytes.com $100 Off: Use code TBC100 at checkout (in-person or virtual) Notable Quotes On immersion: “The more volume of opportunities in an immersive environment, the more your internal diagnostic system can sense what resonates—and that's often your next right step.” On community: “Patients and clinicians are often dismissed or isolated. This event builds real connections you can rely on after you go home.” On precision: “Chronic cases are outliers—they need specialized testing, targeted supplements, and coordinated care to get unstuck.” Call to Action If travel isn't possible, don't wait—join virtually to access the same lectures, slides, and full-day recordings. And if you can make it to Florida, come say hi to Rich and the Tick Boot Camp crew in person.

Recorded in person in Central Park, NYC just before Project Lab Coat at New York Fashion Week (NYFW), this Tick Boot Camp Podcast features Dr. Bill Rawls on what helps chronic Lyme patients move from overwhelm to progress. We talk immune-first strategy, why antibiotics often fall short in chronic cases, how to protect the gut, and a stepwise plan that reduces flare risk and builds confidence. Episode snapshot Dr. Rawls explains why stealth microbes like Borrelia, Bartonella, and Babesia grow slowly and hide in tissues, which is why a quick-fix antibiotic approach often disappoints in chronic illness. We discuss a four-phase healing framework — prehabilitation, assist the immune system, rehabilitation, and maintenance (PARM) — and how a gradual, system-calming on-ramp helps patients tolerate protocols without crashing. We also dig into gut protection, community support, and how AI can speed education and research. What you will learn Why “assist the immune system” beats “kill at all costs” for chronic Lyme Stealth microbe biology and why slow growth changes the treatment playbook Antibiotic overuse risks including microbiome injury and antibiotic resistance Gut and detox support as foundations for energy, sleep, and resilience A stepwise entry to treatment that reduces flares and anxiety Key herbs with evidence for tick-borne infections and immune modulation Community and education as levers for consistency and long-term success How AI tools can accelerate research, writing, and practical guidance Key topics and takeaways Four phases of recovery: prehab, assist, rehab, maintenance Antibiotics in chronic Lyme: may disrupt the gut before meaningfully impacting slow-growing pathogens Herbal strategy: sustained pressure over time with immune support Gradual on-ramp: calm the nervous system first, then gut and detox, then stronger antimicrobials Team sport: combine self-care, educated use of providers, and moderated community support Herbs and supports mentioned Antimicrobial herbs: Japanese knotweed, Chinese skullcap, Cryptolepis, cat's claw, garlic Immune-modulating adaptogens: reishi, cordyceps Supportive nutrients: B vitamins, minerals, NAC, glutathione Formats: capsules and tinctures were discussed, including products like Advanced Biotic and Biome Boost within larger protocols Patient-friendly pacing Months 1–2: calm sympathetic overdrive, improve sleep, stabilize Months 3–4: protect gut, support detox, keep gentle antimicrobial pressure Months 5–6: advance to stronger combinations when the body is ready Ongoing: measure progress, maintain gain, prevent backsliding Notable quotes “The immune system always wins the game. Your job is to assist it.” “Stealth microbes grow slowly and hide in tissues. The strategy has to match the biology.” “Education and a supportive community reduce fear and make consistency possible.” Resources and links Watch the video version of this podcast interview on YouTube Read our NYFW Recap: Tick Boot Camp models at Project Labcoat and Why it Matters for Lyme Awareness, Research, and Funding

Dr. Geoff Dow, CEO of 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals and former malaria drug developer at Walter Reed, joins the Tick Boot Camp Podcast to unpack the science and strategy behind treating babesiosis. Drawing parallels to malaria, Dow explains why tafenoquine (brand: Arakoda), FDA-approved for malaria prevention, is being studied for Babesia, how coinfections (Borrelia, Bartonella) complicate care, and why chronic illness needs a different clinical approach. He previews an upcoming Mount Sinai trial for chronic babesiosis focused on fatigue outcomes and discusses real-world diagnostics using FDA-approved blood donor screening plus PCRs from Galaxy Diagnostics and Mayo Clinic. The conversation also touches on prophylaxis concepts, immune dysregulation, and building a clearer path from anecdote to evidence for the tick-borne disease community. Guest Geoff Dow, BSc, MBA, PhD CEO & Board Member, 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals Background: Biotechnology (Perth, Australia), PhD in malaria drug discovery, decade at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, MBA in the U.S. Leads clinical programs exploring tafenoquine for babesiosis. Key Topics & Takeaways Malaria ↔ Babesiosis Parallels: Both are red-blood-cell parasites; acute symptoms driven by red cell destruction. Similar drug targets justify testing some anti-malarials against Babesia. Why Tafenoquine (Arakoda): An 8-aminoquinoline that induces oxidative stress in RBCs; distinct mechanism from atovaquone + azithromycin combo (current standard for acute babesiosis), potentially useful for resistance management. Chronic vs. Acute Disease: Acute babesiosis in immunocompetent patients often responds to standard care; chronic illness remains under-defined and underserved. Coinfections Are Common: Many chronically ill patients present with Borrelia, Bartonella, and Babesia together; diagnostics and treatment need to acknowledge polymicrobial reality. Upcoming Clinical Trial (Mount Sinai): Population: Chronic babesiosis with disabling fatigue, plus Babesia symptoms (e.g., air hunger, anemia) and lab evidence in the last 12 months. Regimen: 4-day loading dose then 200 mg weekly of tafenoquine for 3 months. Outcomes: Patient-reported fatigue (quality-of-life) + monthly molecular testing (FDA blood donor test, Galaxy Diagnostics PCR, Mayo Clinic PCR) during treatment and 3 months post-therapy. Goals: Demonstrate symptom improvement, assess eradication signals, and validate accessible diagnostics against an FDA-accepted assay. Prophylaxis & Post-Exposure Ideas: Animal data suggest short-course tafenoquine can eradicate early Babesia; human prophylaxis trials face feasibility and regulatory hurdles. Diagnostics Gap: Need for standardized, sensitive tools to define chronic babesiosis and track response. This trial also serves as a real-world diagnostic comparison. Immune Dysregulation & IACI: Overlap among long COVID, ME/CFS, post-treatment Lyme—shared theme of immune dysregulation with possible persistent antigen stimulation. Safety Notes: G6PD deficiency is relevant to 8-aminoquinolines; established safety database exists for malaria prevention dosing—critical as studies expand to babesiosis. Notable Quotes “You've got to put some lines in the sand—run the trial, collect data, and move the field forward.” “The best we can do for chronic disease starts with defining it—and validating the diagnostics we use to track it.” “8-aminoquinolines offer a different mechanism than current babesiosis standards—key for resistance and combinations.” Resources Mentioned Arakoda (tafenoquine): FDA-approved for malaria prevention; under study for babesiosis. Diagnostics: FDA-approved Babesia blood donor screen; Galaxy Diagnostics PCR; Mayo Clinic PCR. Organizations & Events: ILADS, Global Lyme Alliance, tick-borne disease conferences. Research Partners: Mount Sinai (NYC), Tulane University (Bartonella/Borrelia collaboration). Who Should Listen Patients with chronic Lyme or chronic babesiosis symptoms (fatigue, air hunger, anemia) Clinicians seeking updates on Babesia treatment research and diagnostics Caregivers and advocates tracking IACI and immune dysregulation science Researchers exploring antimalarial repurposing for tick-borne diseases Call to Action Subscribe to Tick Boot Camp and share this episode with someone navigating chronic tick-borne illness.

In this special Tick Boot Camp Podcast episode recorded live at Project Lab Coat during New York Fashion Week (NYFW), we sit down with Colonel Nicole Malachowski, USAF (Ret.). Col. Malachowski, the first female pilot of the USAF Thunderbirds and a Lyme patient advocate, walked the runway with us at Project Lab Coat and served as the sole patient representative on the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine committee that authored the landmark report on Lyme infection-associated chronic illness (Lyme IACI). She shares her perspective on why this recognition is a historic milestone for the Lyme community. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why the term Lyme IACI (infection-associated chronic illness) matters and how it creates an inclusive umbrella for persistent symptoms after Lyme infection. How the National Academies report represents the first time the U.S. government has officially recognized Lyme IACI. What it was like for Col. Malachowski to serve as the sole patient representative on the committee alongside scientists and clinicians. Why the report calls for running treatment trials in parallel with biomarker discovery so patients are not left waiting. How collaboration with long COVID and ME/CFS communities can accelerate solutions and strengthen advocacy. The role of AI and machine learning in analyzing patient data, biobanks, and surveys to identify new diagnostics and repurposed therapies. Why visibility at NYFW Project Lab Coat signals growing mainstream recognition of Lyme disease. About Col. Nicole Malachowski Col. Malachowski is a retired U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, the first woman selected to fly with the USAF Thunderbirds, and a National Women's Hall of Fame inductee. After contracting a tick-borne illness and being medically retired, she became a nationally recognized speaker and advocate for Lyme patients. She served as the sole patient voice on the National Academies committee that authored the landmark report on Lyme IACI, commissioned with support from the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation. About Project Lab Coat at New York Fashion Week Project Lab Coat was a groundbreaking event held on September 13, 2025, during New York Fashion Week (NYFW). The show brought together prominent celebrities, researchers, doctors, and advocates who were invited to walk the runway to spotlight Lyme disease and raise funds for Lyme disease research. For the first time, the global visibility of NYFW was used to highlight one of the fastest-growing infectious diseases in the world. Tick Boot Camp co-founders Matt Sabatello and Rich Johannesen, together with Dr. Tal, walked the runway at Project Lab Coat, joining leaders from medicine, science, entertainment, and advocacy. Project Lab Coat demonstrated the power of mainstream platforms to bring awareness, credibility, and resources to the fight against Lyme disease. Key Takeaways Federal recognition matters – Lyme IACI in a National Academies report marks a turning point in credibility and urgency. Patients at the center – clinical trials must include patients from design through reporting. Collaboration is key – linking Lyme, long COVID, ME/CFS, and other infection-associated conditions strengthens progress. Do both now – pursue biomarkers and cures while also running treatment studies to help patients immediately. Technology accelerates hope – AI and machine learning can unlock insights from existing patient data. Resources and Links Read the full National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report on Lyme IACI Read our recap of Project Lab Coat at New York Fashion Week (NYFW)

In this special Tick Boot Camp Podcast episode recorded live at Project Lab Coat during New York Fashion Week (NYFW), we sit down with Dr. Michal “Mikki” Caspi Tal, Principal Scientist in the Department of Biological Engineering at MIT and Associate Scientific Director of the MIT Center for Gynepathology Research. Dr. Tal is an immunologist and immunoengineer whose groundbreaking research focuses on the connections between infections and chronic diseases, including Lyme disease and long COVID. At her Tal Research Group lab, she studies why some people recover quickly after infection while others develop chronic illness, with a focus on the immune system's different responses in men and women. What You'll Learn in This Episode How Dr. Tal's lab uses mouse models of chronic Lyme and a large clinical study to take a deeper look at Lyme disease. Why some patients make a protective immune response while others develop catastrophic responses like dysautonomia, MCAS, gynecological issues, or clotting disorders. How her team is moving beyond “yes/no” antibody tests to create new biomarker diagnostics that can guide treatments. Why sex differences matter in chronic illness and why women are more likely to experience long-term symptoms after infection. How her research could lead to more personalized treatment approaches for Lyme disease patients by grouping individuals based on immune response patterns. What samples (blood, saliva, sweat, tissue) her team is collecting at MIT to uncover new insights into chronic Lyme disease. Why this research brings hope to Lyme patients who feel unseen and unheard. About Dr. Michal Caspi Tal Principal Scientist, MIT Department of Biological Engineering Associate Scientific Director, MIT Center for Gynepathology Research Focus areas: Lyme disease, long COVID, chronic inflammatory diseases, sex differences in immune response, predictive diagnostics Background: PhD in Immunobiology from Yale (mentored by Dr. Akiko Iwasaki), postdoctoral training at Stanford (Irving Weissman lab), infectious disease research leader at Stanford's Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine. Awards: NIH NIAID F31 and F32 Fellowships, Bay Area Lyme Foundation Emerging Leader Award About Project Lab Coat at New York Fashion Week Project Lab Coat was a groundbreaking event held on September 13, 2025, during New York Fashion Week (NYFW). The show brought together prominent celebrities, researchers, doctors, and advocates who were invited to walk the runway to spotlight Lyme disease and raise funds for Lyme disease research. For the first time, the global visibility of NYFW was used to highlight one of the fastest-growing infectious diseases in the world. Tick Boot Camp co-founders Matt Sabatello and Rich Johannesen, together with Dr. Tal, walked the runway at Project Lab Coat, joining leaders from medicine, science, entertainment, and advocacy. Project Lab Coat demonstrated the power of mainstream platforms to bring awareness, credibility, and resources to the fight against Lyme disease. Why This Episode Matters For too long, chronic Lyme patients have been told their symptoms are “all in their head.” Dr. Tal's work at MIT proves otherwise by measuring the real biological differences in immune system responses. This research not only validates patients' experiences but also charts a course toward better diagnostics, clinical trials, and personalized treatments.

In this episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we sit down with András Pal Bozsik, co-founder of Lyme Diagnostics Ltd and coordinator of the EU-funded DualDur® project, to discuss a disruptive new diagnostic technology that promises earlier, more accurate detection of Lyme disease. For decades, Lyme testing has relied on indirect serological methods that often miss early infection and fail chronic patients. András shares how his father's pioneering work on Borrelia detection inspired the development of DualDur®, an AI-driven, direct detection system capable of finding Borrelia burgdorferi in blood samples at all stages of infection. We cover: Why current Lyme serology tests miss up to 60% of early infections How the DualDur® cell technology medium stabilizes and concentrates Borrelia for accurate identification The role of AI-powered automated microscopy in eliminating human error and improving sensitivity Scientific evidence of Borrelia's genetic variation and shape-shifting every 2–3 weeks — explaining chronic infection and recurring IgM immune responses How DualDur testing can monitor treatment efficacy and guide Lyme-literate practitioners The debate over sexual transmission of Lyme and mother-to-child transmission risks Insights from clinical trials with 400 patients across Europe proving DualDur's higher accuracy compared to standard methods The importance of combination antibiotic therapy, including overlooked options like ciprofloxacin, and why single antibiotics are rarely effective Plans to expand DualDur testing across Europe and eventually into the United States with FDA trials This groundbreaking conversation bridges science, technology, and patient care. It gives hope to millions of Lyme patients seeking a reliable test and effective treatment strategies.

In this powerful episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we sit down with Ciara Gaglio, a 37-year-old from Woodside, Queens, New York, whose life was completely transformed by Lyme disease. Once a vibrant, social, and creative digital media professional, Ciara's health began to unravel in her late 20s. What followed was nearly a decade of relentless symptoms, countless misdiagnoses, and visits to over 100 doctors before finally receiving a Lyme disease diagnosis at age 36. Ciara opens up about her devastating symptoms, including unrelenting fatigue, neurological issues, full-body pain, kidney distress, and the emotional toll of isolation. She shares her treatment journey—beginning with antibiotics like doxycycline and Rocephin through a PICC line, and later expanding to supportive therapies like herbs, probiotics, yoga, ozone therapy, and more. This candid conversation sheds light on the financial, emotional, and social impact of chronic Lyme disease, as well as the resilience required to keep advocating for yourself in a medical system that too often dismisses patients. Listen to Ciara's journey of courage, humor, and persistence in the face of chronic Lyme disease. Her message is clear: be kind to yourself, advocate fiercely, and never give up.

In this episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we sit down with Janet Sperling, PhD, President of the Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation (CanLyme) and an accomplished entomologist whose research focuses on the bacterial microbiome of ticks across Canada. Janet's journey with Lyme disease began when her teenage son was bitten by a tick during a family trip to California. His symptoms, starting with sinusitis and progressing to more severe illness, led to a long and frustrating medical journey involving multiple doctors, misdiagnoses, and eventually a clinical Lyme diagnosis supported by IGeneX testing. Janet shares her personal experience as a mother navigating the complexities of Lyme disease, as well as her professional expertise studying common tick species in Canada. Her research investigates the bacterial communities within these ticks, the role of bird migration in tick population spread, and the limitations of current microbiome analysis techniques. Key Discussion Points: Janet's son's Lyme disease story and the challenges of getting a diagnosis Differences in tick species and their bacterial microbiomes How environmental factors like bird migration contribute to the spread of tick-borne diseases The importance of prevention and early intervention in tick bite cases Why understanding tick biology is essential for public health policy in Canada How CanLyme is advancing Lyme disease research Lyme Disease Prevention Tips from Janet Sperling: Avoid tick bites by using protective clothing and repellents Perform thorough tick checks after outdoor activities Identify the tick species and feeding stage if bitten Consider tick testing when appropriate Whether you're a Lyme patient, caregiver, or simply interested in the science behind ticks, this episode offers a unique blend of personal narrative and cutting-edge entomology research.

In this powerful episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, dancer, actress, model, and Lyme warrior Renee LeeAnn Marsden shares her extraordinary journey of surviving late-stage Lyme disease, multiple co-infections, and autoimmune encephalitis. Once bedridden, disassociating, and in a wheelchair, Renee fought her way back through a combination of stem cells, peptides, neurofeedback, and faith — and now she's thriving as a mother and advocate. From being misdiagnosed with MS and Parkinson's to discovering mold illness, from devastating Herxheimer reactions to life-changing treatments at Amen Clinics, Renee's story is a beacon of hope for anyone battling chronic Lyme or feeling hopeless in their healing journey.

Kaitlyn Oleinik is a chronic illness advocate and the author of Revival: My Journey with Neuropsychiatric Lyme Disease. She was bitten by a tick at age six and spent much of her life fighting an invisible illness while being dismissed by the medical system. Diagnosed with Lyme disease and co-infections in her teens, Kaitlyn has endured everything from hallucinations and involuntary psych holds to IVIG and stem cell treatments. Her book and voice give a name to the unspoken pain of countless others living with Lyme.

In this powerful episode of the TIck Boot Camp Podcast, Dr. Jaquel Patterson, nationally recognized naturopathic physician and medical director of Fairfield Family Health, joins Matt Sabatello to explore the many layers of Lyme disease recovery – from hidden mold exposure to hormone balance and mental health support. Mold & Lyme Disease – Why mold toxicity can block Lyme recovery and how Dr. Patterson stages treatment so patients don't get overwhelmed. Hormone Health – The vital role hormones play in energy, mood, joint health, and the ability to fight chronic infections. Mental Health & Lyme – How inflammation impacts the brain, leading to panic attacks, anxiety, depression, and brain fog — and how those symptoms can reverse with healing. Low Dose Immunotherapy (LDI) – What it is, how it retrains the immune system to stop overreacting, and why it's helping Lyme patients stabilize. Inflammation & Flares – Practical tools like turmeric, hydration, and electrolytes to calm Herxheimer reactions and ease painful flare days. Environmental Toxins – How pesticides, polluted air, and contaminated water add to the burden — and realistic steps to reduce exposure.

In this powerful episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Daniel Warren of Envita Medical Center, a leading voice in the field of regenerative and integrative medicine, to break down the multi-layered complexity of chronic Lyme disease and its treatment. Dr. Warren takes us deep into the root causes of persistent symptoms, highlighting how chronic Lyme often results in immune dysregulation, biofilm-protected pathogens, co-infections, and central nervous system inflammation that go untreated by conventional protocols. The conversation explores the use of VSELS (Very Small Embryonic Like Stem Cells) to regenerate damaged tissue and rebalance immune function, as well as IRAD (Insulin Receptor Antibiotic Delivery)—Envita's proprietary method of delivering antibiotics past the blood-brain barrier to treat neurological Lyme disease. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of how precision diagnostics, immune modulation, and regenerative medicine can be integrated to support lasting recovery from chronic Lyme and tick-borne disease.

In this powerful episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we welcome Dr. Diana Stafford, a conventionally trained MD turned functional medicine expert. Dr. Diana shares her personal and clinical journey into treating chronic illness, mold toxicity, Candida overgrowth, and Lyme disease using a science-based, root-cause approach. Learn how she helps patients reclaim their health through gut healing, vagus nerve support, mold detox protocols, and functional diagnostics not typically covered by traditional medicine.