Tick Boot Camp

Episode 379: Unyielding Spirit - an interview with Nina Yaguala

Introduction:

  • Host Rich Johannesen and special guest co-host Emma Pikoulas introduce the episode and the long-awaited interview with Nina Yagual.

Nina's Background:

  • Nina shares the unexpected tale of her birth in New York and growing up in Central Florida.
  • Discussion about her childhood in Florida, the environment, and memories.

The Onset of Lyme:

  • Nina recalls being 24 when symptoms first appeared.
  • The incident with a tick bite and the immediate aftermath.
  • Nina's early medication journey: experiences with Doxycycline and initial treatments.

Diagnosis & Validation:

  • The struggles of not having health insurance and the subsequent journey to get diagnosed.
  • Nina's experience with an herbal protocol.
  • The importance and significance of a formal diagnosis and the emotional relief it brought.

Embracing a New Lifestyle:

  • Nina's transformative journey: recognizing triggers, managing stress, and the significance of diet.
  • An in-depth look into her new custom herbal blends tailored to her needs.
  • The essence of decluttering and creating a calming environment at home.

Acceptance & Relationships:

  • Nina's approach to establishing boundaries and managing social interactions.
  • Embracing freedom from societal constraints and focusing on personal well-being.
  • The power of emotions and how Nina used them as tools in her healing journey.

Serving the Lyme Community:

  • Nina's ongoing outreach on platforms like Instagram.
  • The significance of a safe, organized space, especially for those with chronic illness.
  • Nina's previous interactions with Lyme patients before her own diagnosis.

Conclusion:

  • The hosts reflect on the episode and express gratitude for Nina's insights.
  • Emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment of Lyme.

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Note: The show notes provide a summarized overview of the podcast episode. For a complete understanding and more in-depth discussions, please tune in!

Episode 378: Center for Lyme Action - an interview with Bonnie Crater

Introduction:

  • Bonnie Crater, a renowned name in the Lyme disease community.
  • Received numerous inquiries from listeners eager to hear her story.
  • Nicole Bell special guest co-hosting with Rich Johannesen

Background & Personal Story:

  • Bonnie's early life in Portola Valley, California.
  • Journey into microbiology and winning the science prize in high school.
  • Experiences at the University of Richmond and experiments in labs.
  • Entry into the tech business; starting a hat company in Princeton.
  • Venture into the computer industry and running a computer store.

The Lyme Connection:

Bay Area Lyme Foundation:

  • The discovery of high rates of Lyme disease-carrying ticks in California.
  • The initial projects and efforts to educate people about Lyme disease in California.
  • Mission of Bay Area Lyme Foundation.
  • Partnering with government organizations like NIST to understand the hurdles in Lyme disease research.
  • The need for better diagnostics for early and accurate Lyme detection.

Center for Lyme Action:

  • The initiative to attract new researchers to the field.
  • Bonnie's efforts to increase federal funding for Lyme disease research.
  • Meeting with Congresswoman Barbara Lee and the need for a lobbyist.
  • Formation of the Center for Lyme Action and its first event in 2019.
  • The Kay Hagan Tick Act Its journey, renaming, and the speed of its enactment.

Impact of Advocacy:

  • The significance of continuous funding for researchers in Lyme disease.
  • Role of private foundations in creating a pool of exceptional researchers.
  • Future projections: Improving diagnostics first, followed by therapeutics.

Conclusion:

  • Gratitude for connections made in the Lyme community.
  • The complexity of understanding neurological disease.
  • Acknowledgment of the good science and good work being done in the field.
  • Appreciation for the network and shared experiences.

End Note: Stay tuned for more episodes of our Tick Boot Camp Podcast. If you found this episode helpful, please share it with friends, family, and on social media. Remember to subscribe for more insights into Lyme disease and other crucial health topics.

Episode 377: Tick Mitt - an interview with Olivia and Steve Abrams

Join us and special guest co-host Ali Moresco in a riveting episode as we sit down with Olivia and Steve Abrams, the brains behind the innovative Tick Mitt. With tick-borne illnesses on the rise, the Abrams share their personal experiences and insights into the world of ticks and Lyme disease and introduce us to a game-changing product.

Highlights:

  • Introduction to Olivia and Steve Abrams from Tick Mitt
  • Tick Mitt's success in just four months
  • Co-host Ali Moresco joins the conversation
  • A deep dive into Steve's childhood and experience with ticks
  • The changing landscape of Lyme disease awareness
  • Olivia's personal journey with Lyme disease
  • The importance of Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment
  • Introduction to Tick Mitt - A solution to tick worries
  • The science behind Tick Mitt
  • Benefits and usage of Tick Mitt
  • Tick Mitt's affordable price point
  • Olivia and Steve's ongoing health after Lyme disease
  • Olivia's academic journey and her drive to be a social entrepreneur

Mentioned in this Episode:

Episode Wrap-up: The Tick Boot Camp podcast wishes to thank Olivia and Steve Abrams for their insightful discussion on the challenges and nuances of Lyme disease. Their invention, the Tick Mitt, promises to revolutionize how we approach tick prevention. Don't forget to check out their website and incorporate the Tick Mitt into your daily tick-check routine! Stay safe and tick-free!

Episode 376: My Lyme Doc - an interview with Doctor Diane Mueller

In this episode of our Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we welcome back Dr. Diane Mueller, a leading voice in Lyme disease treatment, and co-host Michelle McKeon, a specialist in tick-borne infections and environmental toxins.

Introduction: Dr. Diane Mueller makes a much-anticipated return to our community to discuss updates in her practice. Joining her is Michelle McKeon, who specializes in Lyme disease co-infections and environmental toxins.

Treatment Approach: Dr. Mueller shares her four-phase method for dealing with complex tick-borne and environmental illness scenarios, focusing on understanding the body's needs before implementing treatment.

Lifestyle Adjustment: Dr. Mueller explains the importance of lifestyle changes such as the incorporation of daily movement and the benefits of managing stress.

Mental Health Aspect: We delve into the realm of mental health, discussing the crucial role of asking the right questions to promote healing.

Exploring Peptides: Dr. Mueller shares her insights into the potential benefits of peptides, specifically KPV and BPC-157, for helping manage Lyme disease symptoms and promoting healing.

Managing Persister Cells: Learn about persister cells, the dormant form of Lyme disease, and the strategies Dr. Mueller uses to combat them, such as pulsation therapy and autologous immune enhancement therapy.

Dr. Mueller's Book: Dr. Mueller has released a new edition of her book, "It's Not in Your Mind". She shares some of the key differences and additional topics covered in the new edition.

My Libido Doc: Dr. Mueller introduces her new practice, "My Libido Doc", a platform designed to address relationship and sexual health issues often affected by Lyme disease.

Mold and Mycotoxins: The discussion delves into the dangers of mold and mycotoxins, testing, and potential treatment options.

Supporting Mitochondrial Health: Finally, Dr. Mueller provides tips on how to support mitochondrial health, which is crucial for overall wellness, especially when dealing with chronic illness.

Links:

Episode 375: Galaxy Diagnostics - an interview with Doctor Amanda Elam

In this enlightening episode, we converse with Doctor Amanda Elam, CEO of Galaxy Diagnostics and an influential figure in tick-borne disease research. We gain insights into her work with Nicole Bell, her journey from academia to entrepreneurship, and how her company is spearheading innovative approaches to diagnose and manage tick-borne diseases.

Key Points

  1. Introduction: Discover the backgrounds of Amanda Elam and Nicole Bell, who've been dedicated to studying and combating tick-borne diseases.
  2. Journey from Academia to Entrepreneurship: Amanda talks about her journey from an uncertain young graduate to a passionate entrepreneurship nerd. Learn about her experiences in software startups and how she fell in love with innovation.
  3. Transition to the Field of Tick-Borne Diseases: Learn about Amanda’s transition into the field of tick-borne diseases. She discusses the current market dynamics, the increasing suspicion around commercial entities, and the vital role they play in solving problems.
  4. Innovation in Diagnostics and Medicine: Delve into the discussion of innovative diagnostic methods and medical approaches being used to tackle chronic illnesses. Get a glimpse into the criticism of the insurance model and how it affects patient-physician dynamics.
  5. Challenges and Potential Frontiers in Medicine: Understand the challenges that professionals encounter in the medical and research domains. Learn about the potential new frontiers in medicine and how we can leverage advanced testing techniques to diagnose diseases accurately.
  6. The Role of Infection in Chronic Illness: Amanda discusses the role of infection in chronic illnesses and the emergence of a new germ theory of disease. She talks about the cutting-edge research being done to understand this correlation better.
  7. The Interplay Between Research and Clinical Community: Dive into the discourse around the interplay between the research and clinical community, and how it affects patient treatment. Understand why Lyme disease has become a poster child for the One Health movement.
  8. Gender Studies and Lyme Disease: Explore how gender affects the experience and treatment of Lyme disease. Understand the difference between male and female biology, and how hormonal transitions can impact the severity of diseases.
  9. The Importance of Accurate Diagnostic Testing: Recognize the critical role of accurate diagnostic testing in Lyme disease treatment. Amanda shares how false negatives and misdiagnosis can lead patients down wrong paths and prolong their suffering.
  10. Closing Remarks: As we conclude the episode, we extend our gratitude to Amanda Elam for her enlightening insights into the world of tick-borne diseases, the challenges she's faced, and the innovative solutions she is advocating for.

Episode 374: Armin Labs - an interview with Doctor Armin Schwarzbach

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

Key Highlights:

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

Episode 373: Decoding Lyme - an interview with Doctor Shannon White

Introduction

In today's episode, we host Dr. Shannon White, a seasoned professional in the healthcare community who's become a leading voice in Lyme disease treatment. Joining her are Rich Johannesen and special guest co-host Tiara Smith, who together will navigate the intricacies of Lyme disease, its co-infections, and the often complex treatment process.

The Journey of Dr. Shannon White

Dr. White shares her personal and professional journey. Raised in Iowa, she was always a nature enthusiast, which ironically exposed her to ticks and the risk of Lyme disease. Dr. White was fascinated by health and biology from a young age, leading her to choose a career as a chiropractor. However, her quest for knowledge led her to explore further – delving into acupuncture and herbalism.

Understanding Lyme

Dr. White's passion for learning and dedication to her patients led her to investigate deeper into recurring patterns in their health issues. This journey led her to explore the realm of Lyme disease. The conversation steers into discussing the complications of Lyme disease and its co-infections, where she highlights the importance of tailored treatment plans.

Discovering a New Approach

Dr. White touches upon a novel approach to diagnosis using a meridian-based machine called The Reflex. This innovative device detects the stress level in the body by analyzing the reactions to vials containing imprints of different viruses and bacteria DNA.

Treating Lyme and Co-Infections

Dr. White discusses her approach to treating Lyme disease, co-infections, and the challenging process of determining which condition to address first. With the help of DesBio, a series of homeopathic remedies, and customized treatment plans, she has been able to help many of her patients recover.

The Nutrition Factor

The podcast covers the importance of nutrition in Lyme treatment. Dr. White recommends reducing the intake of dairy, corn, soy, gluten, and sugar to aid in recovery. She also emphasizes the importance of addressing any existing digestive issues.

Lyme in Children

Dr. White shares her experience treating children with Lyme disease and PANDAS/PANS, describing her joy in seeing them recover. She stresses the importance of listening to patients to fully understand their condition and develop the best treatment plan.

Mold as a Co-factor

Our conversation takes an unexpected turn when Dr. White discusses the impact of mold on Lyme disease. She shares patient stories where unexplained symptoms and stubborn Lyme cases were finally resolved after addressing hidden mold issues in the patients' environments.

Parting Thoughts

The podcast concludes with Dr. White sharing what she wishes more people knew about Lyme disease, emphasizing that it's not just deer ticks that can cause the condition. She encourages listeners to be vigilant and informed about this complex disease.

Closing Remarks

Our co-hosts thank Dr. White for her valuable insights and the knowledge she shared about Lyme disease, promising to continue the conversation in future episodes.

Tune in to this episode to learn more about Dr. Shannon White's journey, her approach to treating Lyme disease, and how she is making a difference in the healthcare community.

Episode 372: Lyme in Brazil - an interview with Isabella Trubbianelli

Welcome to our Tick Boot Camp Podcast podcast where we delve into the personal stories of those bravely fighting chronic Lyme disease. Today's special guest is Isabella Trubbianelli, a young Brazilian physical therapist and businesswoman who faced Lyme disease head-on.

Starting the Journey

The Unexpected Beginning

  • Our conversation kicks off with Isabella's first experience noticing the strange symptoms that marked the start of her Lyme disease journey.

The Professional Struggles

  • Isabella reveals how she tried to balance her condition with a very active profession, running her own Pilates studio and physical therapy office.

Dealing with Symptoms and the Diagnosis

The Mysterious Onset

  • Isabella walks us through the moment when she started to experience debilitating symptoms, which she initially mistook for a severe migraine.

The First Revelation

  • The diagnosis took a turn when Isabella connected her symptoms to a tick bite she had almost six months prior, leading her to suspect Lyme disease.

Understanding Lyme Disease

Lyme Disease Research

  • Isabella talks about the research she conducted once she suspected Lyme Disease. She shares the challenges she faced and the support she received during this process.

The Treatment and Recovery

The Journey of Healing

  • Isabella chronicles her medical journey, from receiving an initial prescription for 30 days of Doxycycline in late 2020 to her eventual remission in May 2022.

The Impact on Personal and Professional Life

  • Discussing her life during treatment, Isabella reveals the toll it took on her both personally and professionally, leading her to question her future in the profession she loves.

Life Post-Lyme Disease

Reinventing Practice

  • After overcoming Lyme disease, Isabella discusses her return to work and how she had to reinvent her professional practice to accommodate her new reality.

Importance of Resilience

  • She talks about how she rebuilt her life post-recovery, focusing on the importance of resilience and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Wellness and Balance

A Balanced Life

  • Isabella emphasizes the importance of maintaining balance in life, incorporating exercise, mental health, social life, and work to ensure wellness.

Appreciating Life

  • Isabella reflects on the lessons she has learned, highlighting the importance of appreciating the small things in life and being grateful for every day.

Making a Difference

Raising Awareness

  • Finally, Isabella talks about her desire to raise awareness of Lyme disease and how she has used her platform on Instagram to create a supportive community for those affected by this disease.

Closing Thoughts

  • As we wrap up the podcast, we reflect on Isabella’s inspiring journey from diagnosis to recovery and her mission to spread awareness about Lyme disease, making her story a beacon of hope for many.

Thank you for tuning in to our podcast. Be sure to join us next time for another inspiring journey.

Episode 371: Primal Trust - an interview with Cathleen King

In this episode, we had a stimulating conversation with Dr. Cathleen King, founder of Primal Trust: Brain Retraining a Nervous System Healing. Cathleen is an expert in physical therapy, nervous system retraining, and a survivor of chronic Lyme disease. Here's a rundown of the episode:

Unique Approach to Physical Therapy: Cathleen shares her unique approach to physical therapy that has helped her and her clients modulate pain associated with chronic Lyme disease.

Childhood Trauma: Cathleen courageously delves into her challenging childhood marked by poverty, illiteracy, homelessness, and addiction in her surroundings, and how that influenced her brain development and survival instincts.

Lyme in Achievers and Empaths: Cathleen talks about the prevalence of chronic Lyme disease among high-achievers and highly empathic individuals, and how their nervous systems often get primed to constantly look out for threats.

Fight or Flight Impact on Immune System: Explaining the detrimental effects of prolonged stress on the immune system, Cathleen illustrates how it leads to increased vulnerability to infections, which becomes a significant problem in chronic Lyme disease.

Multiple Health Challenges: Dr. King shares her personal battle with various health issues, including tick bites, Lyme disease, Bartonella, Babesia, mold exposure, and parasitic infections, amidst ongoing emotional stress, which led to chronic Lyme disease.

Limbic System: She discusses the role of the brain's limbic system in chronic illness and how it influences our perception of the internal and external environment, potentially leading to severe symptoms like insomnia.

Biohacks for Chronic Lyme Disease: Cathleen discusses the power of biohacks in managing chronic Lyme, asserting that individuals can exert control over both their pain and their responses to life, even in the presence of persistent pain and an active infection.

Importance of Brain Retraining: Emphasizing the importance of brain retraining for Lyme disease patients, Cathleen shares how she encourages her patients to focus on the present and rewire their brain to perceive safety, despite ongoing symptoms.

Tools Used to Heal: Cathleen shares her experience with various therapies, including binders, saunas, whole-body vibration plates, herbs, detox, and grounding, emphasizing the efficacy of nervous system work in her recovery process.

Brain Retraining Program Approach: Cathleen shares her approach to implementing brain retraining programs, suggesting a less dogmatic and more embodied method.

Nervous System Regulation for Lyme: Revealing some incredible outcomes of her "Regulate" program in the Lyme community, Cathleen provides evidence of significant improvements in symptoms after two to four months of engagement.

Cell Danger Response: Dr. King emphasizes the need for the right support, such as a doctor who understands the cell danger response and someone who encourages nervous system work, in the treatment of Lyme disease.

Episode 370: Individualized Care - an interview with Ashley Beckman

Intro: In this episode, we welcome Dr. Ashley Beckman, a health and wellness authority with a unique focus on individualized care. She discusses her background, her family's entrepreneurial spirit, and how it played a significant role in shaping her perspective on health and wellness.

Entrepreneurial Background: Dr. Beckman speaks about her family's background in entrepreneurship and how it influenced her perspective on health care. She delves into the need for a for-profit model in health care and the potential for it to deliver the highest level of service.

Individualized Care: Discussing the complexity of Lyme disease and the high costs associated with individualized care, Dr. Beckman offers an interesting take on why Lyme disease treatments can be so expensive. She also sheds light on why traditional protocols may not always yield the desired results and can sometimes be damaging to the body.

Personal Encounter with Lyme: Dr. Beckman shares her personal encounter with Lyme disease and how she had to apply her expertise to her situation. Her personal journey is a testament to her dedication to finding effective solutions for complex health challenges.

Definition of Lyme Disease: In the realm of Lyme disease, the number of definitions can often be as varied as the number of practitioners treating it. Dr. Beckman discusses her understanding and definition of Lyme disease, stressing the need for comprehensive testing, including for other pathogens such as Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV).

Emphasis on Mold Toxicity: One of the key elements in Dr. Beckman's practice is focusing on mold toxicity. She argues that sometimes the most significant health concern isn't Lyme disease, but other underlying conditions like mold toxicity, which must be addressed first.

Detox Protocols: Detoxification is a central part of Dr. Beckman's practice. She discusses the importance of tailoring detox protocols to each patient, taking into account their unique needs and bodily responses.

Genetic Differences: In the world of medicine and health, one size doesn't fit all. Dr. Beckman stresses the significance of genetic differences and how they affect the way individuals respond to treatments, food intake, and even detox protocols.

Nutrition in Healing: Nutrition is a key player in the healing process. Dr. Beckman highlights the importance of a balanced diet and how to make healthier choices, such as reducing sugar intake and incorporating more protein into meals.

Collaboration in Healthcare: Dr. Beckman advocates for a collaborative approach to healthcare, encouraging patients to find a lead practitioner who can coordinate with other specialists for comprehensive care.

Work with Dr. Beckman: Those who want to learn more about Dr. Beckman's approach to health and wellness are invited to book a complimentary 15-minute discovery call, which can be easily scheduled through her Instagram or website.

Labs Unveiled - Mold and Organic Acid Testing Course: This groundbreaking course by Dr. Ashley Beckman, hosted at LabsUnveiled.com, is your ticket to mastery in the fight against mold toxicity. You'll become a proficient interpreter of urine mycotoxin testing and master key protocols for mold and organic acid testing. This comprehensive course will take you on a deep dive into the biology and pathology of mold toxicity, from understanding different mold species to exploring their impacts on human health.

This conversation with Dr. Beckman sheds light on the critical aspects of dealing with complex health conditions like Lyme disease, emphasizing individualized care, comprehensive testing, and the significant role of genetics, nutrition, and detoxification. This episode is a must-listen for anyone dealing with Lyme disease or other complex health conditions.

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!"