Episode 542: Z3LLA - Using Lyme Disease to Redefine Resilience in the Music Industry

In this powerful episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, international DJ and artist duo Z3LLA — Julia “Juj” Seeley and Kiana Tebyani — share how chronic illness, creativity, and friendship became the foundation of their success.

After years of unexplained symptoms, Juj was diagnosed with Lyme disease, Bartonella, Babesia, mold toxicity, POTS, SIBO, celiac disease, and later catamenial epilepsy. Despite life-altering health challenges, she and her best friend Kiana have built Z3LLA into one of the most exciting names in house music — with their single “Why Should I?” reaching #1 on the US Dance Radio Charts and performances alongside Disco Lines, Galantis, and Bijou.

Together, Juj and Kiana discuss performing through flare-ups, collapsing backstage, navigating the medical system, and the emotional toll of chasing dreams while managing invisible illness. From ER visits and red-light therapy to steroid crashes and spiritual breakthroughs, this episode is a masterclass in resilience, vulnerability, and using art as advocacy.

🌿 Episode Highlights

• The early years: Celiac diagnosis, chronic rashes, and the path to discovering Lyme, Bartonella, and Babesia
• Treating the terrain: Mold toxicity and inflammation as hidden barriers to healing
• Neurological challenges: Catamenial epilepsy, seizures, and functional brain inflammation
• Functional medicine approach: Working with Dr. Nicola Ducharme on hormone balance, gut repair, and detox
• Touring through illness: Allergic reactions mid-set, paramedics at Miami Music Week, and a hospital trip after the Fonda Theatre show
• Women’s health gaps: Misdiagnosis, heavy cycles, iron infusions, and the impact of hormonal disruption
• The LymeLightFoundation’s impact: Lyme disease treatment grants that helped fund advanced Lyme treatments for Juj
• Friendship and balance: How Kiana became Juj’s anchor on the road and in recovery
• Boundaries in advocacy: Protecting mental health and avoiding trauma bonding in chronic illness communities
• The creative future: Plans for a Lyme awareness festival (“LymeStock”), composing for film, and writing a book

💬 Notable Quotes

• “I was so tired of band-aid medicine — I needed to heal, not just survive.” – Juj Seeley
• “She’s the definition of perseverance. You’d never know she was hallucinating from exhaustion one night and headlining a sold-out show the next.” – Kiana Tebyani
• “Consistency is the key to natural healing — the herbs, the detox, the mindset. You have to commit.” – Matt Sabatello
• “Our art is advocacy. The music tells the story.” – Z3LLA

🔑 Key Topics

• Chronic Lyme and co-infections (Babesia, Bartonella)
• Mold toxicity and inflammatory overlap
• Neurological Lyme and epilepsy (catamenial pattern)
• Women’s health and hormone regulation
• Gut healing, celiac management, and SIBO protocols
• Red light therapy, sauna detox, and lymphatic movement
• Touring while chronically ill
• Functional medicine and integrative treatment approaches
• Mental health, boundaries, and advocacy sustainability
• Female empowerment in the music industry

💡 Lessons & Takeaways

• Healing isn’t linear — progress comes in waves, not straight lines.
• Female artists with chronic illness face unique visibility and credibility challenges.
• Addressing inflammation and mold toxicity is often the missing step in long-term recovery.
• Community support and funding — like the Limelight Foundation — can change treatment access.
• Creative expression is not separate from healing; it’s often part of it.

🎶 About Z3LLA

Z3LLA is an award-winning artist/DJ duo composed of Julia “Juj” Seeley and Kiana Tebyani, two vocalists, songwriters, and producers redefining what it means to thrive as women in electronic music. Known for their infectious energy and empowering message, Z3LLA’s breakout single “Why Should I?” hit #1 on the US Dance Radio Charts, with spins on SiriusXM BPM, Music Choice, and Evolution Radio. They’ve shared the stage with Disco Lines, Galantis, and Bijou, earned the Level Future of Dance Award from Nexus Radio, and performed at Miami Music Week and beyond. With an authentic blend of vulnerability and power, Z3LLA is not just creating music — they’re building a movement.

Follow Z3LLA: 🎧 Spotify | 📸 Instagram | 🎵 Apple Music | 🌐 YouTube

🔗 Resources Mentioned

• LymeLight Foundation – Lyme treatment grants for young adults
• ILADS – International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society
• Project Lab Coat – Lyme research and awareness initiative
• Dr. Nicola Ducharme – Functional Medicine & Women’s Health Specialist