
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

Jun 25, 2024 • 47min
More Dr. Dempsey answering listener questions (part 2)
Nobody answers your MCAS questions as rapid-fire as Dr. Dempsey! She's back to answer listener questions, addressing the topics of anaphylaxis, Epi-Pens, difficult blood draws, itching, what to do when otherwise healthy or important activities cause flares, and so much more.
More information about Dr. Tania Dempsey 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.

Jun 11, 2024 • 57min
Underappreciated MCAS strategies with Dr. Kelly McCann
Dr. Kelly McCann, a leader in integrative and environmental medicine, shares her insights into mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) strategies. She emphasizes the importance of mindset and patient empowerment in healing, exploring innovative approaches to treatment. The discussion delves into muscle testing as a diagnostic tool and its connection to personalized health. Dr. McCann also sheds light on advanced solutions for chronic conditions, such as biofilms, highlighting their impact on urinary health. This engaging conversation reveals transformative growth opportunities for those facing MCAS.

May 28, 2024 • 58min
Mold-induced Illness is Treatable with Dr. Neil Nathan
Dr. Neil Nathan is the leading expert on mold and mycotoxin illness, and in this episode he and Dr. Tania Dempsey discuss how mold can cause chronic illness and how to treat it. They also discuss Dr. Nathan's new book, The Sensitive Patient's Healing Guide, available here from Amazon. Dr. Nathan's other books and resources, plus information about working him, can be found at https://neilnathanmd.com/.
More information about Dr. Tania Dempsey 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.

May 13, 2024 • 24min
Vote now to raise awareness and funds with (the very strong) Dr. Tania Dempsey
Dr. Tania Dempsey shares her passion (and some tips) for bodybuilding, because she has been nominated to be on the cover of Muscle and Fitness Hers magazine! If she is voted to be on the cover, it will raise awareness of complex conditions like POTS/MCAS/hypermobility spectrum disorder, AND Dr. Dempsey would donate the $20,000 prize to the documentary in progress about the Triad. You can vote here (and see how strong she is) through Thursday, May 16th, 2024.

Apr 16, 2024 • 1h 2min
Mast cells driving Dysautonomia (& much more) with Mast Cell Master Dr. Theoharides
Dr. Theoharides is among the world's top mast cell researchers and speaks with Dr. Dempsey about his recent article reviewing how mast cells may drive dysautonomia and vice verse. They also cover a range of topics from mast cells' diversity to their role in autism, most effective mast cell stabilizers and much more. This episode is packed with advanced mast cell information.
Dr. Theoharides has a website here and his supplements can be found here.
You can learn more about Dr. Dempsey and her practice 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 26, 2024 • 51min
Dr. Dempsey answers listener questions
Dr. Dempsey answers questions about MCAS and depression/anxiety/fatigue/brain fog; physical triggers; Kounis Syndrome; whether it's worth it to allow "small" flares in the name of pizza or other small joys; treatments such as stenting for venous compression; how long to try each antihistamine; and much more.
More information about Dr. Tania Dempsey 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.

Mar 12, 2024 • 55min
Unraveling Complexity in Chronic Illness with Dr. David Kaufman
Dr. David Kaufman is renowned for working with the most complex patients and for his podcast on Patreon, Unraveled: Understanding Medical Complexity. He and Dr. Dempsey discuss the role of MCAS in ME/CFS and other complex disorders and how he starts unraveling these complex clusters of conditions. You can learn more about Dr. Kaufman and his practice here.
You can learn more about Dr. Dempsey and her practice 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.

Feb 6, 2024 • 57min
MCAS, POTS & Pediatric Cardiology with Dr. Jeffrey Boris
Dr. Dempsey interviews pediatric cardiologist Dr. Jeffrey Boris about the Triad (MCAS, POTS and hypermobility syndromes) in his pediatric population. As an avid researcher and data analyst, Dr. Boris is always a wealth of knowledge on latest findings and yet-unpublished trends and hypotheses. The doctors also exchange interesting observations about MCAS and cholesterol, PCOS, and much more.
You can learn more about Dr. Boris and his practice here.
You can learn more about Dr. Dempsey and her practice 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.

Jan 11, 2024 • 53min
Behind the Scenes of the Triad Documentary with the Producers/Doctors: A crossover episode
We have the entire medical/production team of 5 physician/researchers to give us an update and behind-the-scenes look at the documentary they are making about the trifecta of MCAS, dysautonomia/POTS, and hypermobility spectrum disorders. We hear from doctors Tania Dempsey, Larry Afrin, Linda Bluestein, Lawrence Kinsella and Leonard Weinstock, along with patient Jill Brook, to hear how filming is going so far and how we can all help support the film. This is a crossover episode with Bendy Bodies with Hypermobility MD, Dr. Linda Bluestein and The POTScast: POTS Matters. You can learn more about the documentary at MCASfund.org.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:37 Creating Awareness and Increasing Treatment Options
03:09 The Birth of the Documentary Project
05:20 Filming in New York
07:19 Filming in St. Louis
10:32 The Motivation to Work with Complex Patients
15:49 The Journey of Recognizing MCAS
17:34 The Impact of MCAS Treatment
21:00 Personal Experiences and Incorporating MCAS Treatment
22:42 The Need for an Educational Library
25:29 The Challenge of Condensing Information
26:21 Describing MCAS in Sound Bites
31:10 The Importance of Raising Awareness
34:42 Growth and Development Abnormalities in MCAS
40:03 Main Points about Hypermobility Syndromes and Dysautonomia
44:48 Partnership with LDN Research Trust
51:47 Final Words and Call for Support
54:26 Recognition and Treatment of Unrecognized Patients
55:44 Importance of Learning and Trying
56:13 Gratitude for Dedicated Doctors
56:47 Closing Remarks and Resources
You can learn more about the physicians in this episode at:
https://www.drtaniadempsey.com/ for Dr. Tania Dempsey
https://aimcenterpm.com/ for Dr. Tania Dempsey and Dr. Lawrence Afrin
https://www.gidoctor.net/leonard-weinstock-md for Dr. Leonard Weinstock
https://www.ssmhealth.com/find-a-doctor/doctor-details/laurence-j-kinsella-md for Dr. Laurence Kinsella
https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ for Dr. Linda Bluestein
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.

Jan 2, 2024 • 1h 14min
MCAS & Breast Implant Illness with Breast Surgeon Eva Nagy, MD
Dr. Dempsey interviews Dr. Eva Nagy, a world-renowned breast surgeon experienced in all sorts of breast surgeries, who has developed special interest and skill in treating breast implant illness (BII), which she believes can be related to mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). Dr. Nagy describes BII, how she removes problem implants, and the effects this can have on a wide range of symptoms.
You can learn more about Dr. Nagy and her practice here.
You can learn more about Dr. Dempsey and her practice 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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