Tick Boot Camp

Episode 516: Healing Beyond Lyme - an interview with Doctor Chelsea Azarcon

In this powerful episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast with special guest co-host Presley Taylor, naturopathic doctor Dr. Chelsea Azarcon shares her personal journey overcoming chronic illness, including Lyme disease, mold toxicity, and trauma. Diagnosed with Lyme disease while attending medical school, Dr. Azarcon turned her own struggles into a mission to help others heal from complex chronic conditions.

Listeners will gain insights into:

  • Whole-person healing strategies for Lyme disease and persistent infections
  • Nervous system recovery techniques to heal trauma stored in the body
  • The power of Support Oligonucleotide Therapy (SOT) and terrain theory in chronic illness treatment

Key Topics Covered

Personal Lyme Disease Journey

  • Chronic health struggles since early childhood
  • Lyme disease diagnosis during medical school
  • How her dream of becoming an author evolved into a calling as a naturopathic doctor

Treatment Approaches

  • Introduction to Support Oligonucleotide Therapy (SOT)
  • Nervous system healing methods
  • Holistic, root-cause-based approaches to chronic illness

Healing Strategies

  • Moving beyond symptom suppression and "bug killing"
  • Strengthening the body's terrain for sustainable recovery
  • Bridging naturopathic and integrative medical perspectives

Memorable Quotes

"I help people solve the symptoms that their doctors dismiss." – Dr. Chelsea Azarcon

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the differences between naturopathic and allopathic medicine for chronic illness
  • Explore comprehensive recovery strategies for Lyme disease and environmental illness
  • Learn how trauma impacts physical health—and how to heal it

Episode 515: LIVE from ILADS: Sarah Quillen - Redefining Lyme Disease at the 25th Anniversary Conference

Introduction:

  • The Tick Boot Camp podcast team attended the 25th Annual ILADS Scientific Conference in San Antonio, Texas, conducting exclusive interviews.
  • This year’s theme, "Redefining Lyme Disease: The Fusion of Science and Practice," focused on bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world clinical applications.
  • Host Richard Johannesen sat down with ILADS President, Sarah Quillen, to discuss ILADS’ impact, conference highlights, and the future of Lyme disease education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Expanding ILADS’ Reach: ILADS hosted the conference in Texas to support the growing patient and practitioner community in the central United States.
  • Global Perspectives: Researchers and clinicians from Belgium, France, Georgia, Canada, Australia, and Russia shared insights, emphasizing Lyme disease as a global health challenge.
  • Fostering Connections: The in-person format created unique networking opportunities, leading to new clinical partnerships and collaborations.
  • Scholarship Support: Financial assistance remains crucial to help young and emerging practitioners attend ILADS conferences and access critical training.
  • Advancing ILADS’ Mission: Donations to the ILADS Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, fund vital research, education, and scholarships to expand Lyme disease knowledge and care.

Resources & Links:

Episode 514: LIVE from ILADS: Dr. Kelly McCann - Environmental Toxins, Mold, and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)

Renowned expert in environmental medicine, mold, and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), Dr. Kelly McCann, joins Tick Boot Camp live from the ILADS Conference to discuss the growing problem of environmental toxicant exposures and their role in chronic illnesses like Lyme disease. She also sheds light on the impact of mold exposure, challenges in diagnosing and treating MCAS, and practical strategies for improving health. This conversation is packed with valuable insights for anyone affected by chronic illness.

Key Takeaways:

  • Toxicant Overload: Individuals are exposed to up to 85,000 chemicals in the environment, which can disrupt immune function and contribute to chronic disease.
  • Total Load Concept: Many people struggle with illness due to a limited detoxification capacity, making them more vulnerable to environmental exposures.
  • Mold and Lyme Disease: Poorly constructed buildings often harbor mold, which can worsen chronic infections like Lyme and contribute to severe health issues.
  • Understanding MCAS: Mast cell activation syndrome presents with varied and individualized symptoms, making diagnosis and treatment complex.
  • Personal Experience: Dr. McCann shares her journey of developing chronic illness after exposure to a mold-contaminated clinic, emphasizing the need to address environmental and infectious triggers together.
  • Healing Strategies: Practical steps to reduce toxicant exposure, improve detox pathways, and manage immune dysfunction.

Resources & Links:

Episode 513: LIVE from ILADS: Dr. Robert Bransfield - The Intersection of Lyme Disease and Mental Health

Expanding the Ranks of Lyme Literate Medical Professionals

  • Dr. Bransfield discusses his efforts to educate mental health professionals about the critical connection between Lyme disease and psychiatric symptoms.

The Role of ILADS and Its Impact

  • As an early ILADS member, Dr. Bransfield shares insights into the organization's role in tackling the complexities of Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment.

The Complexity of the Brain and Its Relevance to Lyme Disease

  • Dr. Bransfield explains how Lyme disease affects different brain regions, leading to a range of neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Understanding the Evolution of the Brain

  • Using powerful analogies, Dr. Bransfield illustrates brain development and how the more primitive regions control fight-or-flight responses.

The Impact of Lyme Disease on Brain Function and Behavior

  • Exploring the "manipulation hypothesis," Dr. Bransfield discusses how Lyme bacteria and other parasites may influence human behavior to aid their survival.

The Importance of Individualized Treatment for Lyme Disease

  • Lyme disease presents uniquely in each patient, requiring a personalized approach to treatment for optimal recovery.

The Role of Ticks and Other Vectors in Lyme Disease Transmission

  • The conversation highlights various known and potential vectors responsible for spreading Lyme disease.

The Need for Further Research and Education

  • Dr. Bransfield emphasizes the necessity of expanding our understanding of brain function and mental health to address broader issues, including global instability.

Resources & Links

Episode 512: LIVE from ILADS: Kristina Petterson Bauer - Lyme Advocacy in Texas

Join us for a special LIVE episode from the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) Conference, where we sit down with Kristina Petterson Bauer, Founder and Executive Director of the Texas Lyme Alliance. Kristina shares her personal journey with Lyme disease, her work advocating for congenital and pediatric Lyme patients, and the critical need for better medical education and legislative action in Texas.

Key topics include:

  • Lyme Disease in Texas: Challenging the misconception that Lyme disease isn’t prevalent in the state and advocating for improved surveillance and medical education.
  • Kristina’s Personal Journey: Misdiagnosed for 32 years, Kristina and her four congenital Lyme children have battled and overcome Lyme disease.
  • Texas Lyme Alliance’s Mission: Supporting research, increasing awareness, and fighting for legislative change to improve Lyme patient care.
  • Advocacy & Legislation: Kristina’s role as Texas State Lead for the Center for Lyme Action, pushing for increased federal Lyme disease funding.
  • Integrative Healing & Patient Support: How Kristina’s background in nutrition, yoga, Reiki, and holistic wellness plays a role in Lyme recovery.
  • Empowering the Community: The importance of education, patient resources, and legislative efforts in the fight against Lyme disease.

This episode is packed with powerful insights into the challenges Lyme patients face and the tireless work of advocates like Kristina Bauer to improve access to care and raise awareness.

Resources & Links:

Episode 511: LIVE from ILADS: Dr. Elyssa Blissenbach - Lyme Disease in Florida and Overlapping Conditions

About Dr. Elyssa Blissenbach

  • Board-certified in internal and obesity medicine
  • Founder of Northeast Florida Internal Medicine in Jacksonville, FL
  • Over 25 years of experience treating complex and challenging cases
  • Specializes in Lyme disease, Bartonella, and Babesia, which she sees frequently in Florida
  • Recognizes the connection between Lyme disease and adult ADHD/ADD
  • ILADS member pursuing further training in comprehensive Lyme care

Key Takeaways from This Interview

  • Lyme Disease in Florida: Despite misconceptions, Lyme and co-infections are prevalent in Florida.
  • ADHD and Lyme Connection: Many adult ADHD/ADD patients also have Lyme or co-infections.
  • Holistic and Traditional Treatments: Dr. Blissenbach integrates herbal remedies with conventional treatments.
  • Challenges in Lyme Care: Insurance coverage limitations make Lyme-specific testing and treatment difficult for patients.
  • Expanding Lyme Focus: Transitioning her practice to prioritize Lyme disease while maintaining internal medicine and weight loss services.

Resources & Links

Episode 510: LIVE from ILADS: Nikki Schultek - Uncovering the Infection Connection to Alzheimer’s

Key Takeaways:

  • Nikki Schultek, Executive Director of the Alzheimer Pathobiome Initiative, shares groundbreaking research at the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) Conference.
  • The initiative is investigating the connection between infections—such as Lyme disease, Epstein-Barr virus, and long COVID—and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
  • ILADS provides a crucial platform for researchers to collaborate, break down silos, and drive innovation in chronic illness research.
  • A recent symposium brought together experts across multiple disciplines to explore microbial drivers of brain diseases.
  • The team has submitted a major grant proposal to advance research on infectious and microbiome influences on Alzheimer’s.
  • A newly published review article in the Journal of Infectious Diseases highlights key findings and perspectives from the initiative.
  • Insights into host vulnerabilities, including the role of the ApoE4 gene, are shaping a deeper understanding of individual susceptibility to neurodegenerative conditions.
  • The discussion underscores systemic healthcare challenges in addressing chronic, complex diseases and the urgent need for research-driven changes in medical practice.

Resources & Links:

Episode 509: LIVE from ILADS: Dr. Leona Gilbert - The Importance of Publishing Data in the Lyme Disease Community

Live from the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) Conference, Dr. Leona Gilbert joins Tick Boot Camp to discuss the critical role of publishing data in the Lyme disease community. She highlights the differences between researchers and clinicians, the challenges doctors face in treating Lyme patients, and how patient data can help legitimize treatment approaches.

Key Takeaways:

  • Researchers can empower clinicians to publish case studies and data, providing credible evidence for treatment methods.
  • AI tools are making the publishing process more streamlined and accessible for clinicians.
  • Patient groups are collecting valuable data through surveys that can be leveraged for research and publication.
  • Involving patients as co-authors on research papers can provide important perspectives.
  • Researchers are the "unsung heroes" in the Lyme disease community, working behind the scenes to support clinicians and patients.

Topics Covered:

  • ILADS Conference and Travel
  • Importance of Publishing in Medical Research
  • Challenges in Lyme Disease Research and Clinical Practice
  • Role of Researchers and Clinicians in Lyme Disease Treatment
  • Empowering Patients in Research and Data Collection

Action Items:

  • Encourage clinicians to collaborate with researchers to publish their case studies and data.
  • Utilize AI tools to help clinicians set up patient databases and mine data for publishing.
  • Empower patient groups to publish their survey data and collaborate with researchers.
  • Explore having patients as co-authors on published case studies and research.

Resources & Links:

Episode 508: MSIDS & Chronic Lyme - an Interview with Doctor Richard Horowitz

Dr. Richard Horowitz returns for an in-depth discussion about the evolving science of Lyme disease, co-infections, and the MSIDS model—his groundbreaking 16-point system for diagnosing and treating chronic illness. From tick-borne infections to environmental toxins, neuroinflammation, and immune dysfunction, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating the complexities of chronic Lyme disease.

Ali Moresco shares her powerful personal healing journey using Dr. Horowitz’s Dapsone Combination Therapy (DDS), illustrating how integrative protocols and identifying “terrain” issues like mold toxicity and MCAS made full recovery possible.

🧩 Key Topics Discussed

🔬 What Is MSIDS?

  • MSIDS = Multiple Systemic Infectious Disease Syndrome
  • A polymicrobial, systemic model acknowledging Lyme, co-infections, and non-infectious drivers of chronic illness
  • Based on 41 years of clinical experience and over 13,000 patients

🧪 Infections at the Core

  • The “Three B’s”: Borrelia (Lyme), Babesia, Bartonella
  • Lyme is almost always polymicrobial
  • Mold, metals, viruses, and more can block healing if unaddressed

💊 Dapsone Protocol Deep Dive

  • 9-week oral protocol + pulsed therapy
  • Works on Lyme, Bartonella, and other intracellular infections
  • Needs prehabilitation: detox mold, balance adrenals, correct deficiencies
  • Ali shares how Dapsone worked better than 2 years of IV antibiotics

🛠️ The 16 MSIDS Points (Briefly Highlighted)

  • Infections
  • Immune suppression
  • Mold/Mycotoxins
  • Mitochondrial dysfunction
  • Hormonal imbalance
  • Sleep disruption
  • Nutritional/mineral deficiencies
  • Neuropsychiatric issues
  • Gut health, MCAS, POTS, etc.

📊 The MSIDS Questionnaire

  • Available free from Project Lyme or Dr. Horowitz’s website CanGetBetter.com
  • Scoring 63+ indicates a high probability of Lyme or a related condition
  • Helps differentiate Lyme vs. mold vs. viral vs. trauma-based illness

🔥 Herxing and Inflammation

  • Good vs. bad Herxheimer reactions
  • Importance of managing inflammation through:
  • NAC, glutathione, methylene blue
  • NRF2 activators (curcumin, sulforaphane)
  • LDN & melatonin (for inflammasome control)
  • “You have to Herx to heal — but you don’t have to suffer.”

🌱 Terrain and Environment

  • Mold, trauma, toxic relationships, air quality, and diet can all impact recovery
  • Importance of addressing mental health and emotional trauma
  • Safe environments are essential to healing

🧠 Neurological Lyme and Brain Fog

  • Lyme and co-infections can lead to severe neuropsychiatric symptoms
  • Bart = rage, anxiety, OCD; Babesia = air hunger, night sweats
  • Neurological damage is often reversible with proper treatment
  • Sleep is a major factor; discussed tools like pregabalin, Lyrica, valerian, melatonin, and CBT

🧬 Personalized Medicine & Future of Lyme Research

  • Role of AI and genetics in future protocols
  • Hope for multi-center clinical trials (Dapsone trial in planning)
  • Dr. Horowitz is transitioning to a consult model in 2025 and working with RFK Jr.

🧠 Neuroplasticity Tools Recommended

🧪 Testing Labs Mentioned

  • IGeneX (immunoblot for Borrelia, Babesia, Bartonella)
  • T-Labs (Bartonella PCR, Babesia oto cloy)
  • Galaxy Diagnostics (Bartonella)
  • RealTime Labs (mycotoxins)

💬 Powerful Quotes

> “This model tells you there’s more than one reason why you’re ill. We have to pull all 16 nails out of the foot — not just one.” > — Dr. Richard Horowitz > “You have to Herx to heal. But with the right support, you don’t have to suffer.” > — Dr. Richard Horowitz > “I wouldn’t be where I am today if we hadn’t looked beyond just Lyme.” > — Ali Moresc

✅ Takeaways for Listeners

  • You’re not crazy. Migrating pain is real and is a hallmark of Lyme.
  • If you're still sick, you haven’t addressed all 16 nails — keep going.
  • You need more than antibiotics — you need to heal your terrain.
  • Hope is real. Recovery is possible.

Episode 507: LIVE from ILADS: Dr. Louis Teulières - Advancing Lyme Disease Diagnostics with Phage-Based Testing

Key Takeaways:

  • Dr. Louis Teulières, a multi-national doctor with an MD and PhD, has been actively involved with ILADS since 2016 due to his research on bacteriophages at the University of Leicester.
  • Frustrated with the limitations of antibiotic treatments for Borrelia, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, Dr. Teulières explored bacteriophages as a novel diagnostic and therapeutic approach.
  • Due to regulatory challenges in administering phage therapy, Dr. Teulières and his team developed a phage-based test that can directly detect the presence of Borrelia bacteria.
  • This test, marketed by Red Labs in Europe for the past four years, has been used on thousands of patients and can differentiate between early, late-stage, and post-treatment Lyme disease.
  • Dr. Teulières is now working to expand the test’s reach in the U.S., seeking partnerships with American clinicians and researchers to validate the test and pursue FDA clearance.
  • The discussion underscores the need for innovative diagnostic tools to improve Lyme disease detection and accelerate healing journeys for patients.

About Dr. Louis Teulières:

  • Medical degree from University of Nice, France.
  • Specializations in immunology, hematology, immunopathology, bacteriology, and epidemiology at the Pasteur Institute in Paris and CDC in Atlanta.
  • Former researcher at the Pasteur Institute, contributing to studies on immune and infectious diseases such as HIV.
  • Active member of the immunology team that received the Nobel Prize in 2008 for discovering the HIV virus in 1983.
  • Founder of CMIL clinics in Lisbon and Paris, specializing in immune and infectious diseases, Lyme disease, and neurodegenerative conditions.
  • Co-founder of PHELIX, a charity dedicated to phage-based research and diagnostics in Lyme disease.
  • Collaborates with University of Leicester, St Thomas Hospital in London, and other world-class healthcare professionals.

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!"