

Mast Cell Matters: Deep dives on MCAS with Tania Dempsey, MD - Presented by The POTScast
Tania Dempsey, MD with Jill Brook, MA
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

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.

Dec 5, 2023 • 45min
Psychiatric Manifestations of MCAS with Dr. Janet Settle
Dr. Janet Settle, a forward-thinking psychiatrist, discusses the pivotal role of mast cell activation in mental health issues like anxiety and bipolar disorder type II. She emphasizes an integrated treatment approach that addresses both psychiatric symptoms and mast cell stability. The conversation explores the often-overlooked connection between histamine levels and brain function, plus the benefits of brain retraining and emotional regulation techniques for those experiencing MCAS. Settle advocates for a holistic understanding of mental health that includes trauma and personal health signals.

Nov 8, 2023 • 50min
Mast Cells, Pain and Hypermobility with Dr. Linda Bluestein
Dr. Linda Bluestein, an anesthesiologist and pain specialist, delves into hypermobility disorders and their connection to mast cell activation syndrome. She shares her unique insights stemming from her personal experiences with EDS. The discussion covers pain management strategies, including opioids and the promising effects of ketamine. Dr. Bluestein emphasizes the importance of individualized care and explores newer treatments like cannabinoids. Additionally, she highlights valuable resources for patients navigating hypermobility.

Nov 8, 2023 • 19min
Documentary on The Triad with Dr. Leonard Weinstock
Dr. Weinstock and Dr. Dempsey are spearheading the creation of a documentary about MCAS, POTS, and EDS. Still in the planning stages, this documentary intends to educate medical professionals and the general public. We hope that it will help raise awareness!
Link to the LDN Research Trust:https://ldnresearchtrust.org/mast-cell-activation-syndrome-documentary
You can read the transcript for this episode here: https://tinyurl.com/potscast165
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.

Nov 8, 2023 • 52min
Cardiac manifestations of MCAS with Dr. Andrew Maxwell
Treating MCAS, POTS, and Long COVID can be difficult, and physicians must attack from various angles to get patients feeling better. Dr. Maxwell walks us through his thinking and how MCAS is linked to POTS and Long COVID. This episode is a must-listen for patients and practitioners alike.
You can read the transcript for this episode here: http://tinyurl.com/potscast159
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.

Nov 8, 2023 • 44min
GI Manifestations of MCAS with Dr. Leonard Weinstock
Dr. Leonard Weinstock, a gastroenterologist and MCAS expert, delves into mast cell dynamics within the GI tract. He explains how high mast cell counts link to conditions like SIBO, IBS, and bloating. Weinstock shares insights on using low-dose naltrexone for treatment, highlighting its benefits and dosing complexities. Dietary strategies for MCAS management are discussed, including gluten-free and low FODMAP options. Furthermore, he explores the challenges of diagnosing IBS versus MCAS, emphasizing the importance of thorough medical education for better patient outcomes.

Nov 8, 2023 • 55min
Dr. Lawrence Afrin on MCAS Diagnostic Criteria “Consensus-2”
Dr. Afrin, a world expert in all things mast cell, talks in depth about issues with the first MCAS "consensus" statement and the need for a second MCAS consensus statement so that patients can be treated even if their lab tests don't show an elevation of tryptase levels. This opens the diagnostic door to many additional patients so that they can get the treatment that they need.
You can read the transcript for this episode here: https://tinyurl.com/potscast129
Please click the "subscribe" button so that you don't miss an episode of The POTScast. Subscribing also helps us reach other people just like you!
If you liked this episode, we hope you will help to support our production costs by donating to Standing Up to POTS at 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.