Introduction: In this episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, co-host Richard Johannesen is joined by guest co-host Cassidy Colbert to interview Dr. Torrie Thompson, the founder of Meraki Wellness Center. Dr. Thompson calls in from Austin, Texas, to discuss her personal and professional journey with Lyme disease and address the misconception that Lyme disease doesn’t exist in Texas. Richard also mentions the upcoming ILADS conference in Texas and its role in raising awareness about Lyme disease in the state.
Dr. Torrie Thompson’s Background: Dr. Torrie Thompson reflects on her active childhood in California, where she was passionate about playing junior tennis and equestrian activities. Initially aspiring to become a professional tennis player or veterinarian, her path shifted after a series of undiagnosed health issues, which were later revealed to be caused by Lyme disease.
Her early health challenges included severe symptoms like difficulty lifting her arms, headaches, and unexplained weight gain. These symptoms, combined with visits to multiple specialists who couldn’t provide clear diagnoses, led to significant emotional distress. One doctor even suggested exploratory brain surgery. Through her perseverance and the support of her mother, who was her strongest advocate, Dr. Thompson eventually discovered through her own research that Lyme disease could be the underlying cause of her mysterious symptoms.
The Lyme Disease Diagnosis Journey: After encountering medical professionals who dismissed her symptoms, Dr. Thompson took matters into her own hands and began exploring possibilities, guided by “Dr. Google.” Eventually, a Lyme specialist confirmed her diagnosis through testing, despite resistance from other doctors. While receiving the diagnosis brought her some relief, it also posed new challenges. The physical and emotional toll of Lyme disease deeply impacted her, but it also ignited her desire to understand and treat the illness in a holistic manner.
Treatment Journey and Shift to a Holistic Approach: Dr. Thompson recounts her diverse treatment experiences, ranging from natural and holistic methods, like herbs and dietary changes, to a unique treatment involving magnets with a Lyme specialist in Idaho that significantly improved her health. A pivotal moment came during her travels in Thailand, where a conversation with a neurosurgeon broadened her perspective on healing, convincing her to take a more holistic approach. She explains that this shift away from traditional medicine led her to embrace a comprehensive view of healing—one that considers the whole person, including mental and emotional health. This new direction became central to her treatment philosophy.
Establishing Meraki Wellness Center: Dr. Thompson eventually founded Meraki Wellness Center, named after the Greek word "meraki," which means to put your soul, love, and creativity into your work. At Meraki, Dr. Thompson adopts a multifaceted approach to treating Lyme disease and other chronic health conditions, focusing on detoxification, gut health, and addressing root causes of illness. Her approach emphasizes the importance of diet, lifestyle modifications, and mental health in the healing process.
At the core of her practice is the belief that Lyme disease patients need to adopt a high-maintenance, proactive approach to their health. Dr. Thompson helps her patients create personalized rehabilitation and maintenance plans to ensure long-term well-being, even after the initial treatment phase.
Challenges in Treating Lyme Disease: Dr. Thompson acknowledges the financial burden of Lyme disease testing and treatment. She emphasizes the importance of making testing accessible, especially since many patients have experienced medical fatigue and misdiagnosis. She also shares her approach to patient care, which involves disarming patients by being transparent about her own journey and experiences. This builds trust and helps patients feel understood.
Dr. Thompson highlights the significance of addressing the mental and emotional aspects of Lyme disease, working with therapists and mental health professionals to support her patients. She believes in treating the whole person, not just the physical symptoms, to achieve lasting recovery.
Personalized Treatment and Gut Microbiome: Addressing the complexity of Lyme disease, Dr. Thompson talks about the role of genetic diversity and the importance of tailoring treatment to each individual’s unique biology. While genetics can influence how someone responds to Lyme, Dr. Thompson emphasizes that the diversity of the gut microbiome and the combination of co-infections a person has are even more critical factors.
She shares a personal anecdote involving her and her sister, who both went through the same treatment protocol but had very different outcomes. This illustrates the importance of bioindividuality and the need for a personalized approach to treatment.
Transformation and Finding Purpose: Dr. Thompson’s own experience with Lyme disease led her to discover her true purpose: helping others regain their health. She expresses deep gratitude for her journey, as it has enabled her to make a meaningful impact in the lives of her patients. The connections she has made within the Lyme disease community have been a source of inspiration and fulfillment.
Practical Advice for Patients: Dr. Thompson offers several pieces of practical advice for Lyme disease patients. She emphasizes the importance of a clean, nutrient-dense diet, avoiding processed foods, and focusing on reducing inflammation. Sleep is another critical factor in the healing process. Additionally, she cautions patients against getting bogged down by negativity in online Lyme communities, encouraging them to maintain a positive mindset as they navigate their recovery journey.
Closing Remarks: Richard Johannesen wraps up the episode by thanking Dr. Thompson for sharing her personal story and expertise. He also extends his gratitude to Cassidy Colbert for co-hosting. Dr. Thompson’s journey serves as a beacon of hope for those suffering from Lyme disease, demonstrating that healing is possible through perseverance, holistic care, and bioindividual approaches.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation that sheds light on the complexities of Lyme disease and the integrative healing approach Dr. Thompson champions at Meraki Wellness Center.
In this episode, Rich Johannesen and guest co-host Aimee Packer welcome Andrea Barrick, a certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and Nutrition Response Tester. Andrea takes us through her lifelong battle with Lyme disease, detailing her symptoms, treatment journey, and the holistic approaches that have transformed her health. She shares how she went from experiencing chronic fatigue, panic attacks, and severe joint pain starting at age 8 to now reclaiming 90% of her health through a diverse array of natural treatments.
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Andrea shares that the most valuable lesson from her journey has been perseverance and finding a silver lining in the struggle. Her story is a testament to resilience and the power of a holistic, faith-centered approach to healing.
Tune in now to hear Andrea’s powerful story of turning Lyme disease challenges into resilience and hope!
Dr. Eboni Cornish – Secretary of the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS), Brain Specialist at Amen Clinics, and a practitioner specializing in Lyme disease, co-infections, mold toxicity, heavy metal detoxification, nervous system health, autoimmune disorders, the limbic system, and other complex chronic health conditions. Dr. Cornish is known for her expertise in neurological Lyme disease, SPECT scan imaging, and developing practical, integrative treatment protocols for addressing root causes and supporting overall wellness.
Jenny Buttaccio joined Tick Boot Camp co-founder Matt Sabatello as the special guest co-host for this Tick Boot Camp Podcast episode.
In this compelling episode, we explore the complexities of neurological Lyme disease and chronic illness with integrative medicine expert, Dr. Eboni Cornish. From her unconventional journey into functional medicine to groundbreaking insights on SPECT brain imaging and the effects of environmental toxins, Dr. Cornish shares her extensive knowledge on treating some of the most challenging health conditions facing patients today.
Join us as Dr. Cornish explains the importance of identifying root causes, supporting the body’s natural detoxification pathways, and addressing co-infections and autoimmune complications. You’ll also learn about innovative treatments, including the use of methylene blue, brain detox strategies, and techniques to calm the nervous system for individuals dealing with limbic system impairment and emotional health challenges.
In this episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we interview Dr. Leona Gilbert, the CEO of Tezted, a medical device company revolutionizing diagnostics for tick-borne diseases. Dr. Gilbert shares her journey as a Canadian-born scientist, her groundbreaking work, and the limitations of current diagnostic methods for Lyme disease.
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In this episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we are excited to welcome Rachel Sarah Thurston, a Lyme disease survivor and creative powerhouse behind State of Sparkle. Rachel shares her inspiring and multifaceted healing journey after enduring years of misdiagnoses, offering hope and insight for others in the chronic Lyme community.
Joining the conversation is guest co-host Ashley Marba, a beloved Lyme advocate and community contributor. Together, they dive deep into Rachel’s path of resilience, creativity, and healing.
Rachel recounts her first encounter with ticks at age 14 during a trip to South Africa. After years of undiagnosed symptoms, she was finally diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2014. Her road to healing has been extensive and varied, incorporating both traditional and alternative treatments that helped her rebuild her life.
Rachel’s treatment journey includes a wide array of therapies aimed at healing her body and mind. Here are the key treatments she has undergone:
This episode is a powerful reminder that healing from chronic Lyme disease is a multifaceted journey that requires addressing the mind, body, and spirit. Rachel’s story provides hope, insight, and practical advice for those navigating their own paths to recovery.
🎙 About This Episode Join Rich Johannesen and special guest co-host Nicoleta Forbes as they interviews Dr. Jennifer Platt, an influential advocate in the fight against tick-borne diseases and the founder of Tick-Borne Conditions United and Tick Warriors. Dr. Platt shares her personal journey with ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, and multiple chronic conditions, offering insight into how these diseases impact lives and the broader healthcare landscape in the southern United States. Her mission is not only to raise awareness but also to educate people on prevention and eco-friendly protection options.
In this episode, Dr. Platt opens up about her diagnosis, treatments, and the many challenges she faced on her path to healing. She also shares essential information about the differences in tick-borne diseases prevalent in the southern U.S., where the Lone Star tick has become a major public health issue, spreading diseases such as Alpha-Gal syndrome, ehrlichiosis, and rickettsiosis. Dr. Platt’s background in environmental health and public policy makes her a powerful advocate for tick disease awareness, prevention, and community resilience.
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Guest Bio: Dr. Jennifer Platt holds a doctorate in public health leadership from UNC Chapel Hill and has dedicated her career to addressing public health issues, with a focus on tick-borne diseases. After being diagnosed with ehrlichiosis in 2011, she founded Tick-Borne Conditions United, a nonprofit focused on spreading awareness about tick-borne illnesses and the impact they have on communities. In addition, she created Tick Warriors, an eco-friendly solution for tick prevention. Dr. Platt is a leading advocate in the fight for safer, healthier environments for those affected by tick-borne diseases.
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💡 Call to Action: If you or someone you know is battling a tick-borne illness, this episode is a must-listen! Learn more about how you can protect your family and community, and gain valuable insight from Dr. Platt’s advocacy work. Be sure to subscribe to the Tick Boot Camp Podcast for more inspiring stories and expert interviews.
In this episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, Matt Sabatello and Christina Kovacs speak with Theresa Haselmayer, a registered nurse and holistic practitioner with over 30 years of experience in traditional medicine. Theresa shares her journey of battling Lyme disease and mold illness for 15 years and how her struggles led her to embrace holistic healing. Now, she runs Foundations Wellness in Cincinnati, Ohio, helping others heal from chronic illnesses through natural and integrative methods. Theresa’s story is one of resilience, recovery, and a deep commitment to helping others on their healing journeys.
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In this insightful episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, host Rich Johannesen and special guest co-host Liza Blas sit down with Shawn Mastria, a former cybersecurity expert turned autism researcher. Shawn shares his personal journey from working in government and Fortune 500 companies to becoming deeply involved in regressive autism research due to his and his daughter’s health challenges. This episode explores the intersections of Lyme disease, mold exposure, and regressive autism, providing valuable insights for those navigating similar health landscapes.
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In this enlightening episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, hosts Matt Sabatello and special guest co-host Justin Lindorf sit down with Dr. Andrew Petersen, a Lyme-literate medical doctor with over 24 years of experience in treating chronic Lyme disease and other complex chronic illnesses. Dr. Petersen shares his unique journey into medicine, driven by a desire to "stick up for the little guy," and how he transitioned from family medicine to becoming a leading figure in Lyme disease treatment.
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In this compelling episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we sit down with Luke Abroms, a firefighter from Birmingham, Alabama, to discuss his battle with Lyme disease. Luke shares his story, starting with his life before Lyme, the sudden onset of symptoms at the age of 32, and the difficult journey toward a correct diagnosis. Despite numerous visits to doctors, Luke's symptoms were often dismissed as anxiety or psychiatric issues, until he finally found a naturopathic MD who identified Lyme disease and multiple co-infections.
Throughout the episode, Luke opens up about the challenges of living with Lyme in a region where the disease is not widely recognized and the emotional and physical toll it took on him and his family. He also details the treatment regimen that ultimately led to his recovery, including pulsed antibiotics and herbal therapies, and how he was able to return to a normal life.
Luke's story is one of perseverance, hope, and the importance of being your own advocate in the face of a complex and often misunderstood illness. Whether you're a Lyme warrior yourself or looking to understand more about the disease, this episode provides valuable insights and inspiration.
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