Tick Boot Camp

Latest episode

Episode 479: LIVE from ILADS: Fred Diamond – Advocating for Lyme Patients Through Podcasting

Episode 478: LIVE from ILADS: Dr. Cory Tichauer - A Naturopathic Approach to Lyme Disease

Join us for a special LIVE interview from the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) Conference with Dr. Cory Tichauer, ND, a leading naturopathic doctor specializing in tick-borne illnesses. Dr. Tichauer shares his journey from a traditional Ivy League education to naturopathic medicine and explains why he chose a holistic, patient-centered approach over conventional allopathic treatment.

Dr. Tichauer discusses the growing complexity of Lyme disease, the impact of environmental factors, and the challenges chronic Lyme patients face within the current medical system. If you or a loved one is navigating chronic illness, this episode is a must-listen!

Key Takeaways:

  • A Unique Path to Healing: Dr. Tichauer’s journey from Cornell University to naturopathic medicine was influenced by his experiences studying traditional healing in Nepal.
  • Why Naturopathic Medicine? The importance of treating the root cause of illness through an integrative, whole-body approach.
  • Challenges in Chronic Illness Care: The limitations of the managed care system and the need for more time and personalized treatment for patients.
  • The Complexity of Lyme Disease: How Lyme and other tick-borne infections have evolved, requiring innovative and individualized treatment approaches.
  • Environmental Impact on Chronic Illness: The role of mold, toxins, and other environmental factors in immune dysfunction.
  • Commitment to the Lyme Community: Dr. Tichauer’s involvement with ILADS and his mission to support chronic illness patients with cutting-edge therapies.

Resources & Links:

Episode 477: LIVE from ILADS: Dr. Medeya Tsnobiladze - Exploring the Neurological and Cardiovascular Impacts of Lyme Disease

Dr. Medeya Tsnobiladze's Background

  • A naturopathic doctor specializing in neurodegenerative conditions and chronic infections.
  • Extensive experience treating Lyme disease in her Connecticut-based practice.

Rising Lyme Disease Cases in Connecticut

  • Observations of increasing prevalence in patients.
  • Impact of delayed diagnosis on long-term health outcomes.

Neurodegenerative Links to Lyme Disease

  • Connection between Lyme disease and conditions like Alzheimer’s.
  • Emerging research on Borrelia’s role in amyloid plaque formation in the brain.

Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Lyme & Co-infections

  • Differences in brain and nervous system symptoms between Borrelia and Bartonella infections.
  • The need for individualized treatment approaches based on symptom presentation.

Comprehensive Testing for Lyme & Co-infections

  • Importance of using specialty labs for accurate diagnosis.
  • The role of advanced testing in identifying persistent infections.

Cardiovascular Complications of Lyme Disease

  • Manifestations such as arrhythmias, myocarditis, and dilated cardiomyopathy.
  • Reversibility of some Lyme-related heart conditions with appropriate antimicrobial treatment.

Integrative & Collaborative Treatment Approaches

  • How Dr. Tsnobiladze’s naturopathic clinic works alongside conventional medicine.
  • Holistic therapies to support neurological and cardiovascular recovery.

Resources & Links:

Episode 476: Optimal Wellness - an interview Angel MacRitchie

In this powerful episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, hosts Matt Sabatello and Rich Johannesen interview Angela MacRitchie of the Napiers Claid Clinic, a naturopath and herbalist who transformed her battle with Lyme disease and co-infections into a holistic healing mission.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

  • Angela’s personal Lyme disease recovery story and how she reclaimed her health
  • The best herbal medicine strategies for chronic illness
  • How cold water therapy supports detoxification and healing
  • Emotional and physical techniques for stress management and pain relief
  • Female hormone balance solutions for Lyme-related reproductive challenges
  • The power of belief and mindset in healing Lyme disease

Key Highlights & Takeaways

Angela’s Personal Lyme Recovery Story

  • Overcoming Lyme disease using a holistic, natural approach
  • Transitioning from patient to holistic health practitioner
  • The importance of personalized treatment plans

Best Herbal Remedies for Lyme Disease

Managing Lyme-Related Reproductive Health Challenges

  • Endometriosis support
  • Ovarian cyst management
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding relief
  • Severe menstrual cramp solutions
  • Uterine fibroid considerations

About Angela MacRitchie & Essence of the Soul

Located in Glasgow, Scotland, Angela provides natural, solution-focused therapies for individuals battling chronic illness through her Essence of the Soul Optimal Wellness Services. With 15+ years of experience, her expertise in naturopathy, herbal medicine, and energy healing has transformed lives worldwide.

Episode 475: LIVE from ILADS: Dr. Alexandr Zaitsev - Advancing Lyme Disease Diagnostics

Join us for a special LIVE episode from the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) Conference with Dr. Alexandr Zaitsev, the founder of Universal Diagnostic Laboratories. Dr. Zaitsev shares groundbreaking insights into advanced diagnostic testing for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

Comprehensive Tick-Borne Disease Testing

  • Universal Diagnostic Laboratories has developed Tick Plex Plus, a panel test capable of detecting 12 different microorganisms, including Borrelia, Babesia, Bartonella, and more.
  • The test leverages ELISA technology to provide a comprehensive assessment of a patient’s tick-borne disease status.

Addressing the Shift to Polymicrobial Infections

  • Dr. Zaitsev discusses the increasing prevalence of poly-microbial infections, where patients present with multiple tick-borne pathogens.
  • He attributes this shift to advancements in diagnostic technology, enabling detection of a broader range of microorganisms.

Monitoring Treatment Progress

  • Universal Diagnostic Laboratories offers a Long COVID test, which measures cytokine levels to track the body's inflammatory response and monitor treatment progress.
  • Dr. Zaitsev recommends taking a baseline cytokine test and repeating it during or after treatment to assess improvements.

Insurance Coverage and Accessibility

  • Universal Diagnostic Laboratories collaborates with insurance providers, including Medicare, to make their tests affordable and accessible.
  • The company strives to minimize out-of-pocket expenses while maintaining high-quality diagnostic solutions.

Resources & Links

Episode 474: LIVE from ILADS: Dr. Casey Kelley - Insights from a Lyme-Treating Physician

Key Takeaways:

  • Dr. Casey Kelley's role at the annual ILADS conference, where she connects with fellow Lyme experts and stays up-to-date on the latest research.
  • Her background as both a Lyme patient and physician, shaping her empathetic and nuanced approach to treating chronic Lyme and complex illnesses.
  • The evolving understanding of Lyme disease as a polymicrobial infection, emphasizing the need to address co-infections alongside Borrelia.
  • Parallels between chronic Lyme and long COVID, highlighting the need for better research and testing to differentiate between acute, chronic, and post-treatment Lyme.
  • The role of neuroplasticity and neural retraining in Lyme treatment, addressing the physiological basis of psychiatric symptoms in chronic infections.
  • The importance of avoiding medical gaslighting, ensuring patients receive a comprehensive, integrative approach rather than being dismissed.

Resources & Links:

Episode 473: LIVE from ILADS: Nicole Bell - Transforming Lyme Disease Diagnostics

In This Episode:

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

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

Resources & Links:

Episode 472: LIVE from ILADS: Dr. Steven Harris - Cutting-Edge Approaches to Chronic Lyme Disease Treatment

Join us as we interview Dr. Steven Harris, a leader in chronic Lyme disease treatment, live from the ILADS Conference. Dr. Harris has been treating complex chronic illnesses for over two decades, pioneering integrative and personalized approaches for Lyme disease, tickborne infections, ME/CFS, mold/mycotoxin illness, and more.

Key Takeaways:

  • A Legacy in Lyme Disease: Dr. Harris' deep roots in the Lyme community, with his father being an early pioneer in Lyme diagnostics.
  • Evolution of Treatment: From antibiotic-centric approaches to a more comprehensive, individualized treatment model.
  • Addressing Chronic Lyme's Complexity: Insights into the multi-systemic nature of the illness and the role of regenerative medicine.
  • "Order of Treatment" Approach: A sneak peek into Dr. Harris' upcoming book, which outlines his strategic framework for treating chronic illness.
  • PARM vs. Harris' Approach: How his method compares with the Prehabilitation, Assist, Rehabilitation, Maintenance (PARM) model.

This insightful conversation sheds light on the latest advancements and challenges in Lyme disease treatment, offering valuable takeaways for both patients and healthcare providers.

Resources & Links:

Episode 471: LIVE from ILADS: Sarah Keating - Advocating for Lyme Awareness in Canada

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

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

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

About the Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation (CanLyme):

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

Resources & Links:

Episode 470: LIVE from ILADS: Braden & Bill Rawls - Building a Mission-Driven Herbal Supplement Business

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

Key Takeaways:

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

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

Resources & Links:

Episode 469: LIVE from ILADS: Jennifer Barrett – Lyme Disease Advocacy & Legal Reform

Jennifer Barrett, a Lyme disease patient-turned-advocate and Doctor of Law (JD), joins us live from the ILADS Conference to share her powerful journey. Diagnosed at just 10 years old, Jennifer faced significant challenges in accessing proper treatment and navigating financial and insurance hurdles. Now, she’s using her legal expertise to push for policy changes and improved insurance coverage for Lyme patients.

Key Takeaways:

  • Jennifer’s early Lyme disease diagnosis and struggles navigating the healthcare system in Connecticut, the birthplace of Lyme disease.
  • The financial and insurance-related barriers that make long-term treatment difficult for Lyme patients.
  • How her personal experience inspired her to earn a law degree and advocate for legislative change.
  • Insights from her published law review article, Lyme: Why Congress Must Enact Medical Insurance Coverage for Lyme Disease Patients Now.
  • Her ongoing efforts to work with state and federal representatives to push for meaningful policy changes.

This episode sheds light on the patient experience and the urgent need for legal and insurance reforms in Lyme disease care. Jennifer’s advocacy is a testament to the power of patient-driven change in the fight for better treatment and coverage.

Resources & Links:

The goal of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast is to help people liberate themselves and others from suffering caused by Lyme disease through validation, community building, belief that healing is possible, and modeling success. Listen to our Tick Boot Camp podcast using all major podcast streaming services such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Music. Our podcast is also integrated with smart home devices, such as Amazon Alexa and Apple TV. Ask your device to "play the Tick Boot Camp Podcast!"