Tick Boot Camp

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:

Episode 468: Breaking the Cycle of Chronic Lyme - an interview with Doctor Chris Turnpaugh

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

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

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

Key Takeaways:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Episode 467: LIVE from ILADS: Megan Bradshaw - Advocating for Tick-Borne Disease Patients

Key Points:

  • Megan Bradshaw shares her personal recovery journey and how it led her to pursue a master's in public health at UNC Chapel Hill.
  • She discusses her new role as Government Relations Manager for the Center for Lyme Action, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit dedicated to increasing federal funding for tick-borne disease research and policy.
  • The Center for Lyme Action organizes "fly-in" events, where patients and advocates virtually meet with members of Congress to share their stories and push for increased Lyme disease funding.
  • Megan highlights the power of grassroots advocacy, explaining how patient voices influence legislative change despite bureaucratic hurdles.
  • She explores opportunities within the current administration's focus on chronic illnesses and the potential role of federal agencies in tackling Lyme disease.
  • Megan encourages patients and caregivers to participate in the upcoming virtual "fly-in" event, offering training and support to help them make a difference.
  • Advocacy is not just about policy—it can be an empowering part of the healing journey, providing patients with purpose, connection, and a platform for change.

Resources & Links:

Episode 466: LIVE from ILADS: Tanja Mijatovic - Advancing Lyme Disease Testing with Red Laboratories

Key Takeaways:

  • Red Laboratories' Holistic Approach: A comprehensive testing strategy that examines not only pathogens but also immune function and gut health.
  • Phage-Based Borrelia Testing: A groundbreaking method utilizing bacteriophages to directly detect active Borrelia infections, enhancing diagnostic accuracy.
  • Gut Microbiome and Leaky Gut: The vital connection between gut health and Lyme disease, with in-house microbiome testing revealing dysbiosis in most patients.
  • Immune Function Testing: Advanced biomarkers and immune messengers provide insights into the immune system's response to tick-borne infections.
  • Personalized Testing and Treatment: Red Laboratories collaborates with healthcare providers to create tailored testing and treatment plans for each patient.

Resources & Links:

Episode 465: LIVE from ILADS: Dr. Leo Shea - The Physiological Basis of Psychiatric Symptoms in Lyme Disease

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

Key Takeaways:

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

Resources & Links:

Episode 464: LIVE from ILADS: Joel Adams & Dr. Jason Bachewich - Treating Chronic Lyme with Innovative Supplements

In this special live episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, recorded at the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) Conference, host Richard Johannesen sits down with Joel Adams, the founder of CelWel, and Dr. Jason Bachewich, a Lyme-literate naturopathic doctor from Winnipeg, Canada. Together, they explore how CellWell, an innovative supplement, is showing promising results in the treatment of chronic Lyme disease and long COVID.

Key Takeaways:

  • Joel Adams’ Journey: Learn about how CelWel was developed, initially used for COVID-19 patients, and its potential to support those with chronic illnesses like Lyme disease.
  • Lyme Disease in Canada: Dr. Bucha provides insights into the challenges of diagnosing and treating Lyme disease in Canada, especially in the Winnipeg area.
  • CelWel’s Impact: The supplement's anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-parasitic properties are discussed in detail, showing how it helps modulate the immune system for chronic Lyme patients.
  • Real-World Results: Dr. Bucha shares a personal success story about using CelWel with his daughter to address severe long COVID symptoms, noting significant improvements.
  • Collaborative Approach: Hear how Joel Adams and other Lyme-literate doctors, including Dr. Destiny Green, are working together to use CelWel with pediatric patients for positive results.

Resources & Links:

Episode 463: LIVE from ILADS: Dr. Geoff Dow - Tackling Babesiosis with Malaria Research

Join us for a special live episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast from the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) Conference! In this interview, we sit down with Dr. Geoff Dow, an Australian-born researcher specializing in malaria and infectious diseases. Dr. Dow shares his journey from veterinary and biomedical sciences to his groundbreaking work at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research and the founding of 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals, a company dedicated to combating tropical and infectious diseases.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dr. Dow's expertise in malaria research has provided valuable insights into treating Babesia, a parasite closely related to malaria.
  • Tafenoquine, an FDA-approved drug for malaria prevention, has shown promise in experimental models and off-label use for Babesiosis treatment.
  • He emphasizes the importance of clinical data to secure FDA approval for tafenoquine as a Babesiosis treatment, a growing concern in the Lyme disease community.
  • The discussion covers the challenges of off-label drug use and the need for safe and effective medical education regarding new treatment options.
  • Dr. Dow outlines the timeline for FDA approval, estimating 2-3 years if clinical trials are successful.

Resources & Links:

Episode 462: LIVE from ILADS: Dr. Jody Greenfield - Overcoming Lyme Disease as a Doctor

In this special live episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, host Richard Johannesen interviews Dr. Jody Greenfield, a Lyme-literate doctor and ILADS board member. Dr. Greenfield shares his personal battle with Lyme disease, the challenges of getting diagnosed as a medical professional, and his journey from patient to expert in tick-borne illnesses.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dr. Greenfield’s background as a native New Yorker who grew up near Fire Island, where he was exposed to tick-borne diseases early in life.
  • Struggles with diagnosis despite his medical training, with an unexpected twist— a cleaning staff member pointed him to a Lyme-literate doctor.
  • Flaws in the healthcare system and why acute care fails many Lyme patients, highlighting the need for better testing and education.
  • Transition from patient to expert, including ILADS training under Dr. Bernard Raxlen and his work at the Lyme Resource Medical practice.
  • Role in advancing Lyme education by training the next generation of doctors to recognize and treat tick-borne illnesses effectively.
  • Importance of proper testing, such as the tick-borne relapsing fever test, for accurate diagnosis.

This episode is a must-listen for Lyme patients, caregivers, and medical professionals seeking firsthand insights into the challenges of diagnosing and treating Lyme disease.

Resources & Links:

Episode 461: LIVE from ILADS: Dennis Katz & Michael Macione – Standardized Supplements for Lyme Disease

Introduction:

  • Guests: Dennis Katz (President) & Michael Macione (VP of Sales & Marketing), founders of Doctor Inspired Formulations
  • Recorded at: ILADS Conference, the largest Lyme disease conference in the world
  • Focus: Providing high-quality, standardized supplements for the Lyme disease community

Key Points:

Background and Inspiration for Doctor-Inspired Formulations

  • Founded in response to physicians’ frustrations over inconsistent supplement quality
  • Initially launched with Mimosa pudica and liposomal artemisinin to ensure proper dosing and purity

Challenges in Sourcing and Standardizing Supplements

  • Difficulty in obtaining high-quality, contaminant-free raw materials
  • Rigorous quality control, including certificates of analysis for every batch

Expanding Product Line to Meet Lyme Community Needs

  • Grew from 2 to 8 products based on feedback from Lyme-literate doctors and patients
  • Offerings include liposomal curcumin, oregano oil, artemisinin, and Mimosa pudica

Enhancing Bioavailability and Reducing Inflammation

  • Use of enteric coating, micronization, and carrier oils to maximize absorption
  • Formulations designed to reduce common side effects

Key Products and Their Uses

  • Cinnamon-Clove-Oregano Formula: Supports biofilm disruption and Lyme persisters, included in Dr. Horowitz's protocol
  • Whisbax Topical Spray/Cream: Designed for skin issues like actinomyces and post-tick bite support

Commitment to Quality and Customer Service

  • Manufactured in the U.S. in cGMP-certified facilities with stringent testing protocols
  • Small company with a direct line of communication between founders and customers

Conclusion:

  • Doctor Inspired Formulations is dedicated to providing standardized, pharmaceutical-grade supplements for the Lyme community
  • Founders emphasize the importance of transparency, quality, and patient-centered innovation

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!"