
Mast Cell Matters: Deep dives on MCAS with Tania Dempsey, MD - Presented by The POTScast
Each episode is a deep dive on Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) with a top physician, researcher or other expert who specializes in treating patients with MCAS. Hosted by Johns-Hopkins-trained world renowned specialist Tania Dempsey, MD, we take a practical approach to helping doctors and patients better manage MCAS. We cover the symptoms, testing, diagnosis, treatment, challenges, practical strategies, common comorbidities (e.g., POTS, hypermobility spectrum disorders, ME/CFS, autoimmunity, GI dysmotility), latest research findings and clinical pearls.
These episodes are a monthly feature of The POTScast, presented by Standing Up to POTS, a non-profit dedicated to improving life for those with POTS and related chronic illness. Check out our full podcast — with other types of great episodes — at ThePOTScast.com.
Latest episodes

Apr 15, 2025 • 50min
MCAS in Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics with Donna Kirchoff, MD, FAAP
Dr. Donna Kirchoff is an integrative developmental and behavioral pediatrician who works with children who have complex conditions, often involving MCAS, autism and other neuroinflammatory conditions like PANS and PANDAS. In this episode she and Dr. Dempsey discuss the role of mast cells in these conditions and what can be done to help these young patients.
Dr. Kirchoff's website is here.
Dr. Dempsey's website is here.
If you liked this episode, we hope you will click subscribe so that you don't miss an episode. If you are so moved, donations are accepted to help to support our production costs https://www.standinguptopots.org/donate
Tell us what you think of The POTScast or send us your idea at info@standinguptopots.org!
Find out more about Standing Up to POTS! Check us out on our Website: www.standinguptopots.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/standinguptopots/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/standinguptopots/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/POTSActivist Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.com/TheStandingUpToPOTS/
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided here is not intended to serve as professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have health related issues, please contact a qualified health professional to get the personalized assessment, advice, and treatment that you need. Standing Up to POTS will not be liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages arising from the use of this podcast.

Mar 11, 2025 • 55min
From Ayurveda to Apheresis with Gillian Ehrlich, DNP, ARNP
In this engaging discussion, Gillian Ehrlich, founder of NeuroVeda Health, shares her journey merging Ayurvedic principles with modern medicine. She emphasizes personalized treatment, exploring how individual constitutions influence health outcomes. Kundalini rising through Ayurvedic herbs for sensitive patients is highlighted, alongside the impact of stress on autoimmune diseases. Gillian also delves into innovative techniques like plasmapheresis, demonstrating the potential of integrating traditional wisdom with contemporary health practices to treat complex conditions.

Feb 13, 2025 • 56min
SIBO and gut health driving MCAS with Dr. Michael Ruscio
Dr. Ruscio is a thought leader, expert, clinician and researcher (and podcaster!) specializing in gut health and SIBO - small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. In this episode, he and Dr. Tania Dempsey discuss how gut health issues like SIBO can drive MCAS, plus Dr. Ruscio's approach to testing and treatment. This is a great conversation between top clinicians, full of practical tips for patients with SIBO and other GI issues in the context of MCAS.
Dr. Ruscio's website is here: https://drruscio.com/
Dr. Dempsey's website is here: https://drtaniadempsey.com/
If you liked this episode, we hope you will click subscribe so that you don't miss an episode. If you are so moved, donations are accepted to help to support our production costs https://www.standinguptopots.org/donate
Tell us what you think of The POTScast or send us your idea at info@standinguptopots.org!
Find out more about Standing Up to POTS! Check us out on our Website: www.standinguptopots.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/standinguptopots/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/standinguptopots/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/POTSActivist Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.com/TheStandingUpToPOTS/
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided here is not intended to serve as professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have health related issues, please contact a qualified health professional to get the personalized assessment, advice, and treatment that you need. Standing Up to POTS will not be liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages arising from the use of this podcast.

Dec 9, 2024 • 1h 5min
Vibrant health starts with the heart - Master Coach Joseph Anew
Joseph Anew is now the picture of health and fitness, but as a young man he was severely injured and received a dior diagnosis. When conventional treatments failed, he moved to a tropical beach to live out his few remaining days. What happened next has been the basis for his great fitness and career helping others to overcome health challenges, feel their best, and perform beyond expectations. Joseph describes the pillars of his approach, and Dr. Dempsey discusses her personal experience with his program. They include practical tips for where patients can start even if their health is currently very poor.
Joseph's program can be found here.
More information about Dr. Tania Dempsey and her practice can be found at https://drtaniadempsey.com/.
If you liked this episode, we hope you will click subscribe so that you don't miss an episode. If you are so moved, donations are accepted to help to support our production costs https://www.standinguptopots.org/donate
Tell us what you think of The POTScast or send us your idea at info@standinguptopots.org!
Find out more about Standing Up to POTS! Check us out on our Website: www.standinguptopots.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/standinguptopots/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/standinguptopots/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/POTSActivist Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.com/TheStandingUpToPOTS/
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided here is not intended to serve as professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have health related issues, please contact a qualified health professional to get the personalized assessment, advice, and treatment that you need. Standing Up to POTS will not be liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages arising from the use of this podcast.

Oct 27, 2024 • 34min
Hormones and mast cells with Dr. Tania Dempsey
Discover how hormonal changes impact mast cells during key life stages like puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Dr. Dempsey discusses the intricate relationship between hormones and mast cell activation syndrome. Gain insights into personalized treatment strategies that include hormonal therapies and lifestyle adjustments. Learn how understanding this connection can alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being.

Oct 1, 2024 • 56min
Michael Rubino on mold remediation, with Dr. Tania Dempsey
Michael Rubino, an air quality expert and the President of Change the Air Foundation, joins advocate Jill Brooke to discuss the crucial topic of mold remediation, especially for those with mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). They delve into the often misunderstood dangers of mold and mycotoxins and reveal that basic cleaning methods, like soap and water, are inadequate for thorough mold removal. Michael shares practical solutions and resources for safe living environments, empowering listeners to take charge of their health regarding mold exposure.

Sep 24, 2024 • 45min
Dr. Dempsey on Mold/Mycotoxins and MCAS
Dr. Dempsey explains the facts on mold as a trigger for mast cells, including symptoms, preferred tests, treatments, resources for remediation and expectations for recovery. This is a not-to-be-missed episode since -- as we learn in this episode -- nearly everyone has likely had exposure to the types of mold that can be problematic. Dr. Dempsey is a mold expert and serves on the Medical Board of non-profit ChangeTheAirFoundation.org, which has extensive resources for those dealing with mold in their homes.
More information about Dr. Tania Dempsey and her practice can be found at https://drtaniadempsey.com/.
If you liked this episode, we hope you will click subscribe so that you don't miss an episode. If you are so moved, donations are accepted to help to support our production costs https://www.standinguptopots.org/donate
Tell us what you think of The POTScast or send us your idea at info@standinguptopots.org!
Find out more about Standing Up to POTS! Check us out on our Website: www.standinguptopots.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/standinguptopots/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/standinguptopots/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/POTSActivist Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.com/TheStandingUpToPOTS/
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided here is not intended to serve as professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have health related issues, please contact a qualified health professional to get the personalized assessment, advice, and treatment that you need. Standing Up to POTS will not be liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages arising from the use of this podcast.

Sep 3, 2024 • 47min
Dr. Dempsey on infections (Q&A part 3)
In this 3rd Q&A session with the amazing Dr. Dempsey she goes deep on infections as a trigger for MCAS: How they're transmitted, symptoms, testing, treatment, and expectations for recovery. This is a not-to-be-missed episode since -- as we learn in this episode -- nearly everyone has likely had exposure to the types of infection that can be at play.
More information about Dr. Tania Dempsey and her practice can be found at https://drtaniadempsey.com/.
If you liked this episode, we hope you will click subscribe so that you don't miss an episode. If you are so moved, donations are accepted to help to support our production costs https://www.standinguptopots.org/donate
Tell us what you think of The POTScast or send us your idea at info@standinguptopots.org!
Find out more about Standing Up to POTS! Check us out on our Website: www.standinguptopots.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/standinguptopots/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/standinguptopots/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/POTSActivist Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.com/TheStandingUpToPOTS/
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided here is not intended to serve as professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have health related issues, please contact a qualified health professional to get the personalized assessment, advice, and treatment that you need. Standing Up to POTS will not be liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages arising from the use of this podcast.

Aug 13, 2024 • 43min
Dr. Jill Carnahan on her new book, film and approach to MCAS
This is a not-to-be-missed episode between two incredible physicians: Dr. Jill is a highly sought-after leader in functional medicine and a survivor of cancer/crohne's/MCAS. She and Dr. Dempsey compare approaches to treating MCAS, discuss Dr. Jill's new book and film, and describe some lesser-known treatment strategies like methylene blue with red light therapy. Connect with Dr. Jill at the links below.
Instagram:
/ drjillcarnahan
Facebook:
/ flatironfunctionalmedicine
New Book: Readunexpected.com
Documentary: doctorpatientfilm.com
Dr. Jill's Website: https://www.jillcarnahan.com/
More information about Dr. Tania Dempsey and her practice can be found at https://drtaniadempsey.com/.
If you liked this episode, we hope you will click subscribe so that you don't miss an episode. If you are so moved, donations are accepted to help to support our production costs https://www.standinguptopots.org/donate
Tell us what you think of The POTScast or send us your idea at info@standinguptopots.org!
Find out more about Standing Up to POTS! Check us out on our Website: www.standinguptopots.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/standinguptopots/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/standinguptopots/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/POTSActivist Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.com/TheStandingUpToPOTS/
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided here is not intended to serve as professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have health related issues, please contact a qualified health professional to get the personalized assessment, advice, and treatment that you need. Standing Up to POTS will not be liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages arising from the use of this podcast.

Jul 9, 2024 • 1h 6min
Breast Implants and MCAS Insights with Surgeon Eva Nagy
Dr. Dempsey interviews breast surgeon Dr. Eva Nagy about her important new findings just published about evidence of mast cell activation in Breast Implant Illness. Dr. Nagy is the world's leading surgeon for explant surgery and previously covered Breast Implant illness in episode 184.
Dr. Nagy's website is here and her new publication is here.
Dr. Dempseys website can be found here.
If you liked this episode, we hope you will click subscribe so that you don't miss an episode. If you are so moved, donations are accepted to help to support our production costs https://www.standinguptopots.org/donate
Tell us what you think of The POTScast or send us your idea at info@standinguptopots.org!
Find out more about Standing Up to POTS! Check us out on our Website: www.standinguptopots.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/standinguptopots/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/standinguptopots/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/POTSActivist Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.com/TheStandingUpToPOTS/
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided here is not intended to serve as professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have health related issues, please contact a qualified health professional to get the personalized assessment, advice, and treatment that you need. Standing Up to POTS will not be liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages arising from the use of this podcast.
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