Tick Boot Camp

Matt Sabatello and Rich Johannesen
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Nov 8, 2023 • 1h 23min

Episode 380: Walk the Lyme - an interview with TJ Nelson

Introduction Special guest introduction: TJ Nelson from Las Vegas, Nevada Spotlight: Ashley Marba special guest co-host Background: TJ's Utah roots, his worldwide travels, and his ongoing Lyme journey The Early Years: High School to College TJ's challenges during his high school to college transition Personal tragedies: His parents’ separation and the loss of his brother Mental health struggles and the initial steps taken Diving into International Waters TJ's leap into international entrepreneurship: From Thailand to Chile Introduction to DominateDepression.com: TJ’s initiative to battle mental health issues A brief reflection on the beauty of other cultures and their community-driven approach Lyme Disease, Bartonella, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Mycoplasma The Bartonella problem: Unraveling the mysterious stomach scratch The turning point in San Diego: TJ's appointment with a pivotal doctor Challenges with Western medication: A patient's perspective Deep Dive into Alternative Treatments TJ's take on ozone therapy and its benefits The intense experiences with hyperthermia and its impact on Lyme symptoms The power and potential of stem cells in treating Lyme Experimenting with peptides: thymosin alpha, thymosin beta, LL-37, BPC-157, and more. The Psychedelics Conversation An open discussion about the growing interest in psychedelics for treating chronic ailments How altering brain states can pave the way for new, healing neural pathways Other Avenues Explored The Cowden Protocol: A herbal approach to Lyme Bee Venom Therapy (BVT): The buzz around its effectiveness for TJ Dietary shifts: From carnivore diets to other alternative food plans Walk the Lyme: A Closer Look at TJ’s Book The inspiration behind Walking the Lyme and its core message Aiming to provide hope, validation, and a guiding light to those battling Lyme TJ's business side: Balancing health while scaling ventures Mental Wellbeing and Future Plans Emphasis on parasympathetic activities: Neurofeedback, meditation, and yoga TJ’s goals: A sneak peek into his aspirations and the road to achieving them Conclusion Ashley’s heartwarming reflection on TJ’s resilience and growth journey Final remarks from the host and looking ahead to future episodes
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Nov 1, 2023 • 1h 25min

Episode 379: Unyielding Spirit - an interview with Nina Yaguala

Introduction: Host Rich Johannesen and special guest co-host Emma Pikoulas introduce the episode and the long-awaited interview with Nina Yagual. Nina's Background: Nina shares the unexpected tale of her birth in New York and growing up in Central Florida. Discussion about her childhood in Florida, the environment, and memories. The Onset of Lyme: Nina recalls being 24 when symptoms first appeared. The incident with a tick bite and the immediate aftermath. Nina's early medication journey: experiences with Doxycycline and initial treatments. Diagnosis & Validation: The struggles of not having health insurance and the subsequent journey to get diagnosed. Nina's experience with an herbal protocol. The importance and significance of a formal diagnosis and the emotional relief it brought. Embracing a New Lifestyle: Nina's transformative journey: recognizing triggers, managing stress, and the significance of diet. An in-depth look into her new custom herbal blends tailored to her needs. The essence of decluttering and creating a calming environment at home. Acceptance & Relationships: Nina's approach to establishing boundaries and managing social interactions. Embracing freedom from societal constraints and focusing on personal well-being. The power of emotions and how Nina used them as tools in her healing journey. Serving the Lyme Community: Nina's ongoing outreach on platforms like Instagram. The significance of a safe, organized space, especially for those with chronic illness. Nina's previous interactions with Lyme patients before her own diagnosis. Conclusion: The hosts reflect on the episode and express gratitude for Nina's insights. Emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment of Lyme. Call-to-action: Stay connected with us for more inspiring journeys and insights into overcoming challenges. Subscribe and leave us a review! Note: The show notes provide a summarized overview of the podcast episode. For a complete understanding and more in-depth discussions, please tune in!
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Oct 25, 2023 • 1h 35min

Episode 378: Center for Lyme Action - an interview with Bonnie Crater

Introduction: Bonnie Crater, a renowned name in the Lyme disease community. Received numerous inquiries from listeners eager to hear her story. Nicole Bell special guest co-hosting with Rich Johannesen Background & Personal Story: Bonnie's early life in Portola Valley, California. Journey into microbiology and winning the science prize in high school. Experiences at the University of Richmond and experiments in labs. Entry into the tech business; starting a hat company in Princeton. Venture into the computer industry and running a computer store. The Lyme Connection: Introduction to the Bay Area Lyme Foundation and the Center for Lyme Action, both founded by Bonnie. Recognizing the gap in knowledge about Lyme disease. Bay Area Lyme Foundation: The discovery of high rates of Lyme disease-carrying ticks in California. The initial projects and efforts to educate people about Lyme disease in California. Mission of Bay Area Lyme Foundation. Partnering with government organizations like NIST to understand the hurdles in Lyme disease research. The need for better diagnostics for early and accurate Lyme detection. Center for Lyme Action: The initiative to attract new researchers to the field. Bonnie's efforts to increase federal funding for Lyme disease research. Meeting with Congresswoman Barbara Lee and the need for a lobbyist. Formation of the Center for Lyme Action and its first event in 2019. The Kay Hagan Tick Act Its journey, renaming, and the speed of its enactment. Impact of Advocacy: The significance of continuous funding for researchers in Lyme disease. Role of private foundations in creating a pool of exceptional researchers. Future projections: Improving diagnostics first, followed by therapeutics. Conclusion: Gratitude for connections made in the Lyme community. The complexity of understanding neurological disease. Acknowledgment of the good science and good work being done in the field. Appreciation for the network and shared experiences. End Note: Stay tuned for more episodes of our Tick Boot Camp Podcast. If you found this episode helpful, please share it with friends, family, and on social media. Remember to subscribe for more insights into Lyme disease and other crucial health topics.
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Oct 18, 2023 • 1h 3min

Episode 377: Tick Mitt - an interview with Olivia and Steve Abrams

Join us and special guest co-host Ali Moresco in a riveting episode as we sit down with Olivia and Steve Abrams, the brains behind the innovative Tick Mitt. With tick-borne illnesses on the rise, the Abrams share their personal experiences and insights into the world of ticks and Lyme disease and introduce us to a game-changing product. Highlights: Introduction to Olivia and Steve Abrams from Tick Mitt Tick Mitt's success in just four months Co-host Ali Moresco joins the conversation A deep dive into Steve's childhood and experience with ticks The changing landscape of Lyme disease awareness Olivia's personal journey with Lyme disease The importance of Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment Introduction to Tick Mitt - A solution to tick worries The science behind Tick Mitt Benefits and usage of Tick Mitt Tick Mitt's affordable price point Olivia and Steve's ongoing health after Lyme disease Olivia's academic journey and her drive to be a social entrepreneur Mentioned in this Episode: Tick Mitt's feature on ABC's The View and Good Morning America Wendy Phillips from the Lyme Disease Foundation Dr. Holly Tuten at the University of Illinois Lorraine Johnson and Dorothy Leland from My Lyme Data Recommendations by LLMD Dr. Cameron Episode Wrap-up: The Tick Boot Camp podcast wishes to thank Olivia and Steve Abrams for their insightful discussion on the challenges and nuances of Lyme disease. Their invention, the Tick Mitt, promises to revolutionize how we approach tick prevention. Don't forget to check out their website and incorporate the Tick Mitt into your daily tick-check routine! Stay safe and tick-free!
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Oct 11, 2023 • 1h 16min

Episode 376: My Lyme Doc - an interview with Doctor Diane Mueller

In this episode of our Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we welcome back Dr. Diane Mueller, a leading voice in Lyme disease treatment, and co-host Michelle McKeon, a specialist in tick-borne infections and environmental toxins. Introduction: Dr. Diane Mueller makes a much-anticipated return to our community to discuss updates in her practice. Joining her is Michelle McKeon, who specializes in Lyme disease co-infections and environmental toxins. Treatment Approach: Dr. Mueller shares her four-phase method for dealing with complex tick-borne and environmental illness scenarios, focusing on understanding the body's needs before implementing treatment. Lifestyle Adjustment: Dr. Mueller explains the importance of lifestyle changes such as the incorporation of daily movement and the benefits of managing stress. Mental Health Aspect: We delve into the realm of mental health, discussing the crucial role of asking the right questions to promote healing. Exploring Peptides: Dr. Mueller shares her insights into the potential benefits of peptides, specifically KPV and BPC-157, for helping manage Lyme disease symptoms and promoting healing. Managing Persister Cells: Learn about persister cells, the dormant form of Lyme disease, and the strategies Dr. Mueller uses to combat them, such as pulsation therapy and autologous immune enhancement therapy. Dr. Mueller's Book: Dr. Mueller has released a new edition of her book, "It's Not in Your Mind". She shares some of the key differences and additional topics covered in the new edition. My Libido Doc: Dr. Mueller introduces her new practice, "My Libido Doc", a platform designed to address relationship and sexual health issues often affected by Lyme disease. Mold and Mycotoxins: The discussion delves into the dangers of mold and mycotoxins, testing, and potential treatment options. Supporting Mitochondrial Health: Finally, Dr. Mueller provides tips on how to support mitochondrial health, which is crucial for overall wellness, especially when dealing with chronic illness. Links: Dr. Mueller Feature on Tick Boot Camp Dr. Mueller's Lyme Disease Practice - My Lyme Doc Dr. Mueller's Book - It's Not In Your Mind: Solutions and Strategies for Lyme Disease, Mold Illness, and Chronic Infections My Libido Doc Dr. Mueller's Website Michelle McKeon - The Lyme Specialist
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Oct 4, 2023 • 1h 52min

Episode 375: Galaxy Diagnostics - an interview with Doctor Amanda Elam

In this enlightening episode, we converse with Doctor Amanda Elam, CEO of Galaxy Diagnostics and an influential figure in tick-borne disease research. We gain insights into her work with Nicole Bell, her journey from academia to entrepreneurship, and how her company is spearheading innovative approaches to diagnose and manage tick-borne diseases. Key Points Introduction: Discover the backgrounds of Amanda Elam and Nicole Bell, who've been dedicated to studying and combating tick-borne diseases. Journey from Academia to Entrepreneurship: Amanda talks about her journey from an uncertain young graduate to a passionate entrepreneurship nerd. Learn about her experiences in software startups and how she fell in love with innovation. Transition to the Field of Tick-Borne Diseases: Learn about Amanda’s transition into the field of tick-borne diseases. She discusses the current market dynamics, the increasing suspicion around commercial entities, and the vital role they play in solving problems. Innovation in Diagnostics and Medicine: Delve into the discussion of innovative diagnostic methods and medical approaches being used to tackle chronic illnesses. Get a glimpse into the criticism of the insurance model and how it affects patient-physician dynamics. Challenges and Potential Frontiers in Medicine: Understand the challenges that professionals encounter in the medical and research domains. Learn about the potential new frontiers in medicine and how we can leverage advanced testing techniques to diagnose diseases accurately. The Role of Infection in Chronic Illness: Amanda discusses the role of infection in chronic illnesses and the emergence of a new germ theory of disease. She talks about the cutting-edge research being done to understand this correlation better. The Interplay Between Research and Clinical Community: Dive into the discourse around the interplay between the research and clinical community, and how it affects patient treatment. Understand why Lyme disease has become a poster child for the One Health movement. Gender Studies and Lyme Disease: Explore how gender affects the experience and treatment of Lyme disease. Understand the difference between male and female biology, and how hormonal transitions can impact the severity of diseases. The Importance of Accurate Diagnostic Testing: Recognize the critical role of accurate diagnostic testing in Lyme disease treatment. Amanda shares how false negatives and misdiagnosis can lead patients down wrong paths and prolong their suffering. Closing Remarks: As we conclude the episode, we extend our gratitude to Amanda Elam for her enlightening insights into the world of tick-borne diseases, the challenges she's faced, and the innovative solutions she is advocating for.
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Sep 27, 2023 • 1h 51min

Episode 374: Armin Labs - an interview with Doctor Armin Schwarzbach

In this episode, we are incredibly fortunate to host none other than Dr. Armin Schwarzbach, a tour de force in Lyme disease research and a pioneer in its diagnosis and treatment. Hailing from Germany, Dr. Armin's contributions have illuminated the international stage, leaving an indelible impact on thousands of lives across the globe. Key Highlights: Dr. Armin Schwarzbach's Background: Dr. Armin, a globally recognized Lyme disease expert based in Germany, started his medical journey in multiple hospitals and labs, gradually progressing to laboratory medicine. He's the founder of the internationally acclaimed Armin Labs that performs over 500 daily tests for the Lyme community, serving over 150 countries. Dr. Armin's Contribution to Lyme Education: Beyond diagnostics, Dr. Armin dedicates his time to educating other doctors about Lyme disease. He's part of the International Lyme and Associated Disease Society (ILADS) and the International Lyme and Associated Disease Education Foundation (ILADEF). From Treating a Spectrum of Diseases to Lyme Specialization: Dr. Armin has an impressive history of diagnosing and treating diseases from AIDS, malaria, to salmonella. His focus shifted to Lyme disease after witnessing the transformative impact of Lyme treatment on multiple sclerosis patients. Active Involvement in Medical Organizations: Dr. Armin is deeply involved in both American and European medical organizations, aiming to spread knowledge and establish more effective Lyme disease treatment protocols. Opening Armin Labs: Armin Labs was born out of Dr. Armin's commitment to aiding the Lyme community. The decision to establish the lab wasn't profit-driven; instead, it was about delivering quality service to a largely underserved community. The Multi-Faceted Nature of Lyme Disease: Lyme disease isn't a simple one-bug, one-drug issue. The disease involves complex interactions between the infection, inflammation, and immune dysfunction. Individualized diagnostic profiles are necessary to develop effective treatments. Quality and Affordability of Lyme Testing: Dr. Armin emphasizes the need for affordable and quality Lyme disease tests. His lab offers comprehensive tests that check for a broad spectrum of infections, inflammatory markers, and immune dysfunction markers. Understanding Co-Infections: Besides Borrelia, the bacterium that causes Lyme, many other infections could trigger similar symptoms. Doctors and patients should be aware of the complex nature of co-infections in Lyme disease management. Findings from Dr. Armin's Research Study: One of Dr. Armin's studies found that a significant number of patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia had antibodies for Borrelia, indicating a potential misdiagnosis or overlooked co-infection. Dr. Armin's Future Plans: Dr. Armin's ongoing mission is to continue improving Lyme disease testing and developing more effective, affordable treatments. He is also pushing for greater cooperation with vets to improve Lyme disease understanding and diagnosis.
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Sep 20, 2023 • 49min

Episode 373: Decoding Lyme - an interview with Doctor Shannon White

Introduction In today's episode, we host Dr. Shannon White, a seasoned professional in the healthcare community who's become a leading voice in Lyme disease treatment. Joining her are Rich Johannesen and special guest co-host Tiara Smith, who together will navigate the intricacies of Lyme disease, its co-infections, and the often complex treatment process. The Journey of Dr. Shannon White Dr. White shares her personal and professional journey. Raised in Iowa, she was always a nature enthusiast, which ironically exposed her to ticks and the risk of Lyme disease. Dr. White was fascinated by health and biology from a young age, leading her to choose a career as a chiropractor. However, her quest for knowledge led her to explore further – delving into acupuncture and herbalism. Understanding Lyme Dr. White's passion for learning and dedication to her patients led her to investigate deeper into recurring patterns in their health issues. This journey led her to explore the realm of Lyme disease. The conversation steers into discussing the complications of Lyme disease and its co-infections, where she highlights the importance of tailored treatment plans. Discovering a New Approach Dr. White touches upon a novel approach to diagnosis using a meridian-based machine called The Reflex. This innovative device detects the stress level in the body by analyzing the reactions to vials containing imprints of different viruses and bacteria DNA. Treating Lyme and Co-Infections Dr. White discusses her approach to treating Lyme disease, co-infections, and the challenging process of determining which condition to address first. With the help of DesBio, a series of homeopathic remedies, and customized treatment plans, she has been able to help many of her patients recover. The Nutrition Factor The podcast covers the importance of nutrition in Lyme treatment. Dr. White recommends reducing the intake of dairy, corn, soy, gluten, and sugar to aid in recovery. She also emphasizes the importance of addressing any existing digestive issues. Lyme in Children Dr. White shares her experience treating children with Lyme disease and PANDAS/PANS, describing her joy in seeing them recover. She stresses the importance of listening to patients to fully understand their condition and develop the best treatment plan. Mold as a Co-factor Our conversation takes an unexpected turn when Dr. White discusses the impact of mold on Lyme disease. She shares patient stories where unexplained symptoms and stubborn Lyme cases were finally resolved after addressing hidden mold issues in the patients' environments. Parting Thoughts The podcast concludes with Dr. White sharing what she wishes more people knew about Lyme disease, emphasizing that it's not just deer ticks that can cause the condition. She encourages listeners to be vigilant and informed about this complex disease. Closing Remarks Our co-hosts thank Dr. White for her valuable insights and the knowledge she shared about Lyme disease, promising to continue the conversation in future episodes. Tune in to this episode to learn more about Dr. Shannon White's journey, her approach to treating Lyme disease, and how she is making a difference in the healthcare community.
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Sep 13, 2023 • 1h 38min

Episode 372: Lyme in Brazil - an interview with Isabella Trubbianelli

Welcome to our Tick Boot Camp Podcast podcast where we delve into the personal stories of those bravely fighting chronic Lyme disease. Today's special guest is Isabella Trubbianelli, a young Brazilian physical therapist and businesswoman who faced Lyme disease head-on. Starting the Journey The Unexpected Beginning Our conversation kicks off with Isabella's first experience noticing the strange symptoms that marked the start of her Lyme disease journey. The Professional Struggles Isabella reveals how she tried to balance her condition with a very active profession, running her own Pilates studio and physical therapy office. Dealing with Symptoms and the Diagnosis The Mysterious Onset Isabella walks us through the moment when she started to experience debilitating symptoms, which she initially mistook for a severe migraine. The First Revelation The diagnosis took a turn when Isabella connected her symptoms to a tick bite she had almost six months prior, leading her to suspect Lyme disease. Understanding Lyme Disease Lyme Disease Research Isabella talks about the research she conducted once she suspected Lyme Disease. She shares the challenges she faced and the support she received during this process. The Treatment and Recovery The Journey of Healing Isabella chronicles her medical journey, from receiving an initial prescription for 30 days of Doxycycline in late 2020 to her eventual remission in May 2022. The Impact on Personal and Professional Life Discussing her life during treatment, Isabella reveals the toll it took on her both personally and professionally, leading her to question her future in the profession she loves. Life Post-Lyme Disease Reinventing Practice After overcoming Lyme disease, Isabella discusses her return to work and how she had to reinvent her professional practice to accommodate her new reality. Importance of Resilience She talks about how she rebuilt her life post-recovery, focusing on the importance of resilience and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Wellness and Balance A Balanced Life Isabella emphasizes the importance of maintaining balance in life, incorporating exercise, mental health, social life, and work to ensure wellness. Appreciating Life Isabella reflects on the lessons she has learned, highlighting the importance of appreciating the small things in life and being grateful for every day. Making a Difference Raising Awareness Finally, Isabella talks about her desire to raise awareness of Lyme disease and how she has used her platform on Instagram to create a supportive community for those affected by this disease. Closing Thoughts As we wrap up the podcast, we reflect on Isabella’s inspiring journey from diagnosis to recovery and her mission to spread awareness about Lyme disease, making her story a beacon of hope for many. Thank you for tuning in to our podcast. Be sure to join us next time for another inspiring journey.
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Sep 6, 2023 • 1h 50min

Episode 371: Primal Trust - an interview with Cathleen King

In this episode, we had a stimulating conversation with Dr. Cathleen King, founder of Primal Trust: Brain Retraining a Nervous System Healing. Cathleen is an expert in physical therapy, nervous system retraining, and a survivor of chronic Lyme disease. Here's a rundown of the episode: Unique Approach to Physical Therapy: Cathleen shares her unique approach to physical therapy that has helped her and her clients modulate pain associated with chronic Lyme disease. Childhood Trauma: Cathleen courageously delves into her challenging childhood marked by poverty, illiteracy, homelessness, and addiction in her surroundings, and how that influenced her brain development and survival instincts. Lyme in Achievers and Empaths: Cathleen talks about the prevalence of chronic Lyme disease among high-achievers and highly empathic individuals, and how their nervous systems often get primed to constantly look out for threats. Fight or Flight Impact on Immune System: Explaining the detrimental effects of prolonged stress on the immune system, Cathleen illustrates how it leads to increased vulnerability to infections, which becomes a significant problem in chronic Lyme disease. Multiple Health Challenges: Dr. King shares her personal battle with various health issues, including tick bites, Lyme disease, Bartonella, Babesia, mold exposure, and parasitic infections, amidst ongoing emotional stress, which led to chronic Lyme disease. Limbic System: She discusses the role of the brain's limbic system in chronic illness and how it influences our perception of the internal and external environment, potentially leading to severe symptoms like insomnia. Biohacks for Chronic Lyme Disease: Cathleen discusses the power of biohacks in managing chronic Lyme, asserting that individuals can exert control over both their pain and their responses to life, even in the presence of persistent pain and an active infection. Importance of Brain Retraining: Emphasizing the importance of brain retraining for Lyme disease patients, Cathleen shares how she encourages her patients to focus on the present and rewire their brain to perceive safety, despite ongoing symptoms. Tools Used to Heal: Cathleen shares her experience with various therapies, including binders, saunas, whole-body vibration plates, herbs, detox, and grounding, emphasizing the efficacy of nervous system work in her recovery process. Brain Retraining Program Approach: Cathleen shares her approach to implementing brain retraining programs, suggesting a less dogmatic and more embodied method. Nervous System Regulation for Lyme: Revealing some incredible outcomes of her "Regulate" program in the Lyme community, Cathleen provides evidence of significant improvements in symptoms after two to four months of engagement. Cell Danger Response: Dr. King emphasizes the need for the right support, such as a doctor who understands the cell danger response and someone who encourages nervous system work, in the treatment of Lyme disease.

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