Tick Boot Camp

Matt Sabatello and Rich Johannesen
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The goal of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast is to help people liberate themselves and others from suffering caused by Lyme disease through validation, community building, belief that healing is possible, and modeling success. Listen to our Tick Boot Camp podcast using all major podcast streaming services such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Music. Our podcast is also integrated with smart home devices, such as Amazon Alexa and Apple TV. Ask your device to "play the Tick Boot Camp Podcast!"

  1. vor 17 Std.

    Air Force Major Trent Vonich on Lyme Disease, Military Service, and Finding a New Mission

    What happens when an active-duty Air Force officer, elite athlete, and aspiring astronaut suddenly finds his health slipping away—and no one can explain why? In this episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we sit down with Major Trent Vonich, a United States Air Force officer whose relentless pursuit of answers led him through years of unexplained symptoms, medical uncertainty, and ultimately a diagnosis of Lyme disease and multiple tick-borne infections. Trent shares his remarkable journey from military service and elite physical performance to chronic illness, recovery, and a renewed mission focused on research, education, and helping others navigate the challenges of tick-borne disease. His story is one of resilience, perseverance, and discovering that purpose can evolve even when life takes an unexpected turn. Meet Major Trent Vonich Major Trent Vonich is an active-duty United States Air Force officer, former Combat Rescue Officer, endurance athlete, researcher, and PhD candidate whose life changed dramatically after developing a complex chronic illness linked to tick-borne infections. Throughout his military career, Trent pursued some of the Air Force's most demanding opportunities while maintaining a passion for endurance sports, leadership, and scientific inquiry. When mysterious symptoms began impacting his health and performance, he embarked on a years-long search for answers that would ultimately reshape both his personal and professional life. Today, he continues serving his country while advancing research, education, and awareness surrounding complex chronic illnesses. A Life Built Around Performance Before illness entered the picture, Trent's life revolved around excellence. As a Combat Rescue Officer, he trained and operated in one of the military's most physically and mentally demanding environments. Outside of his military duties, he pushed himself through endurance athletics and maintained an unwavering commitment to peak performance. Fitness, resilience, discipline, and service were central to his identity. Then everything began to change. When Symptoms Started to Appear What began as subtle health concerns gradually developed into a constellation of symptoms that became increasingly difficult to ignore. Trent experienced: Severe fatigue Brain fog Sleep disturbances Cognitive challenges Chronic pain Exercise intolerance Neurological symptoms Autonomic dysfunction Reduced athletic performance Unexplained declines in overall health As symptoms progressed, activities that once felt routine became increasingly difficult. Like many Lyme disease patients, he found himself knowing something was wrong long before he had an explanation. The Long Search for Answers Despite extensive medical evaluations, Trent struggled to find a diagnosis that fully explained what he was experiencing. He consulted numerous healthcare providers, underwent extensive testing, and explored a variety of possible explanations for his symptoms. Yet many of the answers fell short. The experience highlighted a challenge familiar to many in the Lyme community: living with very real symptoms while struggling to obtain clear answers from the medical system. As his condition continued to impact both his health and career, the search became increasingly urgent. Discovering Lyme Disease and Co-Infections Eventually, Trent's investigation led him to the possibility of tick-borne disease. Further evaluation revealed Lyme disease along with associated co-infections, helping explain the complex and multisystem nature of his symptoms. For the first time, many of the seemingly unrelated health issues began to fit together. The diagnosis provided validation, clarity, and a path forward. But as many patients discover, receiving a diagnosis is often only the beginning of the journey. Treatment, Recovery, and Rebuilding Health Trent discusses the comprehensive approach he used to address his illness and begin rebuilding his health. His recovery journey included: Treating Lyme disease and co-infections Addressing inflammation and immune dysfunction Improving sleep quality Optimizing nutrition Modifying exercise and training strategies Managing stress and recovery capacity Long-term health monitoring Rather than relying on a single intervention, Trent learned that recovery required addressing multiple aspects of health simultaneously. His experience reinforces an important lesson for many chronic illness patients: healing often requires persistence, patience, and a willingness to adapt. The Mental and Emotional Impact of Chronic Illness For someone whose identity was deeply connected to physical performance, the emotional impact of chronic illness was profound. Trent reflects on the challenges of watching his capabilities change while confronting uncertainty about his future. The experience forced him to reconsider long-held assumptions about success, achievement, and self-worth. Through that process, he developed a deeper understanding of resilience—one rooted not in physical performance alone, but in adaptability, perspective, and perseverance. Navigating Chronic Illness While Serving on Active Duty One of the most unique aspects of Trent's story is that it unfolded while he continued serving in the United States Air Force. During the interview, he discusses: Seeking medical care within the military healthcare system Balancing military responsibilities with chronic illness Communicating symptoms to healthcare providers Managing uncertainty during the diagnostic process Maintaining professional performance while struggling physically The challenges faced by service members dealing with complex chronic illnesses His perspective offers valuable insight for active-duty military personnel, veterans, and first responders facing similar health challenges. A Different Way to Serve Lyme disease changed the trajectory of Trent's military career, but it did not end his commitment to service. Health challenges ultimately led him away from operational flying and special operations duties, requiring him to rethink some of his long-term career goals. Rather than viewing those changes as an ending, Trent embraced a new mission. Today, he continues serving through advanced academic research, doctoral studies, mentorship, and future teaching opportunities. His story demonstrates that purpose is not tied to a single role or title. Sometimes life's greatest challenges reveal entirely new ways to contribute and make an impact. Lessons Learned Along the Way Throughout the conversation, Trent shares several powerful lessons: Trust your instincts when something feels wrong. Persistence is often necessary to find answers. Chronic illness affects every aspect of life—not just physical health. Recovery is rarely linear. Identity can survive even when circumstances change. Resilience is built through adaptation. Service can take many forms. Purpose often emerges from adversity. Why This Episode Matters Major Trent Vonich's story extends far beyond Lyme disease. It is a story about perseverance in the face of uncertainty, the importance of self-advocacy, and the power of finding meaning when life does not go according to plan. For Lyme disease patients, his experience provides validation that complex symptoms can be real even when answers are difficult to find. For military members, athletes, and high performers, his journey serves as a reminder that strength is not defined solely by physical capability but by the willingness to continue moving forward despite adversity. Most importantly, his story offers hope. Resources & Links Learn more about Lyme disease and tick-borne illness: Tick Boot Camp Podcast: https://tickbootcamp.com/podcast/ Tick Bite Blueprint: https://tickbootcamp.com/tick-bite-blueprint/ Why Lyme Persists: https://tickbootcamp.com/home/lyme-persists/ Lyme Testing Information: https://tickbootcamp.com/home/lyme-testing/ Tick Boot Camp Blog: https://tickbootcamp.com/blog/ Listen Now If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who may benefit from hearing Trent's story. At Tick Boot Camp, we believe healing is possible, no one should face Lyme disease alone, and every story has the power to help someone else find hope.

    1 Std. 42 Min.

  2. 27. Juni

    Lyme Disease Testing Is Failing Patients: Dr. Liz Horn Explains Why (And What Comes Next)

    🎙️ Episode Summary: Lyme Testing Is Failing Early Patients In this critical episode with special guest co-host Ali Moresco, we sit down with Dr. Liz Horn, Principal Investigator of the Lyme Disease Biobank, to break down her latest research: 👉 Evaluation of standard and modified two-tiered testing algorithms using well-characterized early Lyme disease samples This study takes a hard look at the current FDA-cleared Lyme testing system — and the findings are clear: 👉 Most early Lyme disease cases are being missed Dr. Horn explains why this is happening, what it means for patients, and why clinical judgment — not just testing — must guide early diagnosis and treatment. 🔬 The Study at the Center of This Episode 📄 View Dr. Liz Horn’s Research Publications 📊 Study Focus: Compared Standard Two-Tier Testing (STTT) vs Modified Two-Tier Testing (MTTT) Used real-world patient samples from early Lyme cases Evaluated four FDA-cleared diagnostic algorithms Focused primarily on patients within the first ~3 weeks of symptoms 🚨 Key Finding: Early Lyme Testing Is Deeply Flawed Only 22–36% of early Lyme cases tested positive That means 64–78% of cases were missed Most people with early Lyme disease will test negative 📌 Easy-to-share summary for doctors and patients: New Bay Area Lyme Foundation Study Shows Common FDA-Cleared Lyme Tests Miss 64–78% of Early Cases 🧠 Why These Tests Fail Current tests detect antibodies, not the bacteria itself The immune system needs time to produce detectable antibodies Early infections often test negative because the immune response has not developed yet The two-tier system adds additional opportunities for false negatives 👉 Core issue: Testing measures the body’s response, not the infection ⏱️ The Critical Timing Problem Within 1 week of symptoms, tests are almost always negative Around 2 weeks, detection improves slightly After 3–4 weeks, sensitivity increases but is still unreliable Testing does not become fully accurate at any point 👉 Key insight: Testing remains inconsistent even after the early window 🎯 Even “Classic” Lyme Cases Are Missed Patients with erythema migrans (EM rash) often tested negative Very few patients present with a classic bullseye rash A visible rash does not guarantee a positive test result 👉 Key takeaway: You can have Lyme and still test negative ⚠️ Major Issue: Test Inconsistency The same patient can receive different results depending on the test used One algorithm may detect Lyme while another misses it Results depend on timing, immune response, and test design 👉 Result: Testing cannot reliably confirm or rule out Lyme disease 🧍‍♂️ Who Actually Tests Positive? Patients with more symptoms were more likely to test positive Longer duration of illness increased likelihood of detection Stronger immune responses improved test sensitivity 👉 Translation: Testing tends to detect later-stage immune response, not early infection 💊 After Treatment: Testing Becomes Even Less Useful This study focused on early Lyme within the first ~3 weeks, where testing already performed poorly At approximately 3 months post-treatment, less than 5% of patients who still had an active infection tested positive These patients were originally diagnosed with early Lyme and many continued to have symptoms consistent with active or ongoing infection 👉 Why this happens: Antibiotics can suppress antibody production The immune response may no longer be detectable The bacteria may persist in tissues rather than circulating in blood 👉 Critical takeaway: Patients may still have an active infection or ongoing disease process and test negative 👉 Bottom line: Testing is unreliable early in infection Testing remains unreliable after treatment A negative test does not rule out Lyme disease at any stage 🧬 Another Challenge: Lyme Leaves the Blood Borrelia bacteria can move into tissues Blood-based tests may miss active infection Direct detection becomes more difficult over time 👉 This is why antibody testing is used, despite its limitations 🧩 Bigger Insight From This Study Current Lyme testing cannot reliably diagnose early infection Diagnosis must include symptoms, exposure history, and clinical judgment Over-reliance on testing leads to missed diagnoses and delayed care 🚀 What Comes Next (Hope from the Research) Development of direct detection tests that identify the bacteria Cell-free DNA testing approaches AI and machine learning diagnostics Multiplex testing targeting multiple markers Urine-based diagnostic innovations 👉 These advances aim to replace outdated antibody-based testing 🧑‍⚕️ Education Gap (Major Takeaway) Many clinicians are not trained on the limitations of Lyme testing Negative tests are often incorrectly used to rule out disease This contributes to delayed diagnosis and treatment 📚 Resource for clinicians and patients: VectorWise CME – Lyme Disease Education 💡 What This Means for You A negative test does not rule out Lyme disease Early symptoms are more important than lab results Treatment decisions should not rely solely on testing Follow-up care remains essential even after treatment 👉 Most important: Trust your symptoms and advocate for care 💚 Final Message This study confirms what many patients already experience: The testing system is flawed Early infections are frequently missed Patients can remain sick while testing negative But progress is happening. 👉 Better diagnostics are on the horizon You are not alone. Your experience is real.Healing is possible. 🎧 Continue Learning 👉 Explore Tick Boot Camp Podcast Episodes

    1 Std. 21 Min.

  3. 20. Juni

    From Alpha-Gal to Lyme: Erin Oprea on Elite Fitness, Military Leadership, and Advanced Healing with Peptides & Integrative Medicine

    In this powerful episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we sit down with Erin Oprea—elite fitness trainer, U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and Lyme disease warrior. Known for training celebrities like Carrie Underwood, Erin shares her journey from peak physical performance to battling chronic illness—and how she fought her way back using cutting-edge therapies, peptides, and integrative medicine. Erin also reflects on her groundbreaking military career, including making history as the leader of the first all-female platoon attached to the infantry in a war zone, and how that same resilience now fuels her healing journey. Erin Oprea’s Background U.S. Marine Corps veteran with two tours in Iraq Led the first female platoon attached to infantry in a combat zone Elite celebrity trainer, including Carrie Underwood Built a career around peak physical performance and discipline Lyme Disease & Alpha-Gal Journey Experienced unexplained symptoms despite elite fitness level Faced delayed recognition and diagnosis Developed Alpha-Gal syndrome, a tick-borne allergy to mammalian meat Shifted toward functional and integrative medicine approaches Combined performance mindset with advanced healing protocols Advanced Treatments & Therapies HBOT (Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy) for oxygenation, inflammation reduction, and tissue healing EBOO₂ (Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation) for pathogen reduction and blood detoxification HOCATT (Hyperthermic Ozone and Carbonic Acid Transdermal Technology) for full-body detox and immune support Hydrogen Therapy to reduce oxidative stress and support mitochondrial health SAAT (Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment) to help reset immune response related to Alpha-Gal Herbal protocols for antimicrobial support, detoxification, and immune modulation Peptide Therapy Protocol Guided by experts like Dr. Joe Phiakhamta and informed by The Complete Guide to Peptides: Unlocking the Secrets to Health, Healing, and Longevity, Erin incorporated advanced peptide therapy: LL-37 to target bacteria, viruses, and biofilms including Lyme pathogens Thymosin Alpha-1 (TA-1) to regulate and strengthen immune response BPC-157 to repair gut lining, reduce inflammation, and accelerate tissue healing TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4) to promote recovery, reduce inflammation, and support cellular repair SS-31 (Elamipretide) to improve mitochondrial function and energy production KPV to reduce inflammation and support gut and immune balance Key Practitioner Dr. Joe Phiakhamta specializing in peptide therapy and integrative Lyme disease treatment Focus on immune restoration, pathogen reduction, and performance recovery Fitness Meets Chronic Illness Recovery Transitioned from elite performance to chronic illness management Applied discipline and training mindset to healing process Leveraged advanced therapies to rebuild strength and energy Represents the intersection of fitness optimization and medical innovation Key Takeaways Tick-borne illnesses can impact even the most elite performers Alpha-Gal syndrome is a serious and often overlooked tick-borne condition Healing requires a multi-layered approach including immune, detox, and mitochondrial support Peptides are an emerging and powerful tool in Lyme disease recovery Mental resilience plays a critical role in long-term healing Final Thoughts Erin Oprea’s journey is a powerful example of resilience, innovation, and determination. From combat leadership to chronic illness recovery, she continues to push boundaries—showing what’s possible when elite discipline meets cutting-edge medicine.

    1 Std. 49 Min.

  4. 13. Juni

    When Lyme Disease Steals Your Identity: How Poetry Helped Jasmin Perdomo Heal

    What happens when chronic Lyme disease takes away your health, your confidence, and even your sense of self? In this deeply emotional and inspiring episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, Jasmin Perdomo shares her powerful 12-year journey through chronic Lyme disease, Bartonella, Babesia, debilitating neurological symptoms, medical gaslighting, emotional trauma, and ultimately — rediscovering herself through poetry, faith, and healing. Raised in New Jersey and once a hyper-athletic young woman, Jasmin never imagined she would one day become bedridden, unable to walk without holding onto walls, crawling from her bed to the bathroom, and searching desperately for answers no doctor seemed able to provide. But through unimaginable suffering came transformation. Jasmin opens up about: Living years undiagnosed with Lyme disease Severe neurological Lyme symptoms including vertigo, memory loss, facial paralysis, and heart complications The emotional toll of chronic illness and divorce Her experience with aggressive antibiotic protocols and Herxheimer reactions Why detoxification, nervous system healing, spirituality, and creativity became essential parts of her recovery How poetry became her lifeline during the darkest moments of her journey This conversation is raw, validating, and hopeful for anyone navigating Lyme disease, chronic illness, trauma, or identity loss. In This Episode You’ll Learn Jasmin’s Early Lyme Disease Symptoms Jasmin describes how unexplained fatigue, tachycardia, heart palpitations, vertigo, ringing in the ears, slurred speech, and neurological symptoms slowly overtook her life while living in Puerto Rico. The Reality of Medical Gaslighting Like many Lyme patients, Jasmin spent years searching for answers while being misdiagnosed, dismissed, and prescribed medications that failed to address the root cause of her illness. Chronic Lyme Disease and Emotional Trauma The episode explores the connection between stress, trauma, emotional suppression, nervous system dysregulation, and chronic illness progression. How Poetry Became a Healing Tool While bedridden, Jasmin returned to writing poetry — something she loved as a child — and discovered that creative expression became a powerful emotional detox and survival mechanism. Buy Bittersweet Body: a Poetic Memoir, Jasmin's debut poetry book, inspired her life’s mission: to illuminate the invisible in a visible world. The Importance of Detoxification and Nervous System Healing Jasmin discusses the therapies that helped her most, including: Sauna therapy Binders Meditation Faith and prayer Journaling Acupuncture Gentle movement Emotional release through writing Learning to Receive Help One of the most moving parts of the interview centers around Jasmin’s struggle with independence, vulnerability, and learning how to accept support from loved ones during her healing journey. Key Takeaways From Jasmin Perdomo’s Lyme Journey Healing from Lyme disease requires addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual body. Detoxification can be just as important as antimicrobial treatment. Creativity and self-expression can become powerful healing tools. Nervous system regulation matters in chronic illness recovery. You are not weak for asking for help. Healing is possible — even after years of suffering. Quotes From This Episode “Poetry saved my life. It gave me mouth-to-mouth resuscitation when I couldn’t breathe.” “When my body became a stranger, writing helped me remember who I was.” “You are not weak for asking for help.” “Healing isn’t just physical. It’s emotional, spiritual, and deeply personal.” About Tick Boot Camp Tick Boot Camp is a Lyme disease advocacy platform dedicated to helping people liberate themselves and others from Lyme disease through education, validation, community, and hope. Through powerful conversations with patients, doctors, researchers, and healers, Tick Boot Camp reminds listeners that they are not alone — and that healing is possible. 🎧 Listen to more episodes

    1 Std. 36 Min.

  5. 6. Juni

    Nicole O’Donnell on Resilient Hope, Chronic Lyme Disease & Healing Through Community

    In this powerful episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we sit down with Nicole O’Donnell—author of Resilient Hope: A Memoir of Life With Chronic Illness—to discuss her deeply personal Lyme disease journey, the emotional realities of chronic illness, and the transformative power of community, mindset, and hope. Nicole shares how her life changed after developing debilitating Lyme disease symptoms, the years of medical confusion that followed, and how COVID intensified her chronic illness experience. Through vulnerability and honesty, she opens up about navigating fear, identity loss, parenting while chronically ill, and ultimately discovering purpose through advocacy and storytelling. This conversation also explores the importance of patient-doctor relationships, nervous system regulation, healing mindset, and how Lyme disease impacts entire families—not just the patient. Most importantly, Nicole reminds listeners that healing is possible, and no one has to face Lyme disease alone. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Nicole O’Donnell’s personal chronic Lyme disease journey How Lyme disease symptoms can become invisible and misunderstood The emotional impact of medical dismissal and misdiagnosis Why mindset and nervous system regulation matter in healing How chronic illness affects marriage, parenting, and family dynamics The role community plays in Lyme disease recovery Why Nicole wrote Resilient Hope How storytelling helps validate and empower Lyme patients The importance of hope, advocacy, and finding purpose through adversity About Nicole O’Donnell Nicole O’Donnell is a Staten Island-based entrepreneur, mother, advocate, and author of Resilient Hope: A Memoir of Life With Chronic Illness. Through her writing and advocacy, Nicole seeks to help people living with Lyme disease and chronic illness feel seen, heard, and supported. Her book weaves together stories from members of the Lyme disease community to create a message of resilience, healing, and connection. Read More About Nicole’s Manhattan Book Launch Tick Boot Camp recently attended Nicole O’Donnell’s inspiring Manhattan book launch event, where nearly 1,000 people gathered in support of the Lyme disease community and the message behind Resilient Hope. Explore More Tick Boot Camp Resources 🎙 Tick Boot Camp Podcast 👩‍⚕️ Lyme Doctor Interviews 🧠 Tick Bite Blueprint 🧪 Lyme Testing Resources 🔬 Learn Why Lyme Persists Final Thoughts Nicole O’Donnell’s story is a reminder that chronic Lyme disease affects every part of a person’s life—but it can also become a catalyst for transformation, deeper connection, and purpose. Through Resilient Hope, Nicole is helping build a stronger Lyme disease community rooted in validation, compassion, and healing. If you or someone you love is navigating Lyme disease, this episode offers encouragement, perspective, and a powerful reminder that resilient hope is possible.

    1 Std. 4 Min.

  6. 25. Apr.

    From Vision Loss to Voice: Marina Morgan’s Lyme Disease Journey

    In this powerful episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, Matt Sabatello and Rich Johannesen sit down with Marina Morgan, a professional singer, songwriter, real estate agent, and Lyme disease survivor from New York and New Jersey. Marina shares the deeply personal story of how a vibrant, high-energy young woman who loved running, fitness, and music suddenly found her life turned upside down by Lyme disease in her early twenties. What began as stomach issues quickly progressed into neurological symptoms, extreme fatigue, balance problems, and ultimately sudden vision loss in one eye — a terrifying turning point that led to her eventual diagnosis. After seeing multiple doctors and facing potential misdiagnoses such as multiple sclerosis and scleroderma, Marina was finally diagnosed with Lyme disease through a Western Blot test by Dr. Pollack. Her treatment included 18 months of IV antibiotics through a PICC line, followed by another year of treatment after a later flare-up. Today, Marina continues to navigate chronic Lyme symptoms while building a career in music, real estate, and fitness, demonstrating resilience, perseverance, and determination even on difficult days. Her story is a powerful reminder that Lyme disease can affect anyone — even young, healthy, active people — and that persistence, positivity, and support are essential in the healing journey. About Marina Morgan Marina Morgan is a professional singer and songwriter who has appeared on the Today Show, was named Elvis Duran’s Artist of the Month, and has been featured on iHeartRadio and in multiple publications as an emerging artist. In addition to her music career, Marina works as a real estate agent serving New York and New Jersey and as a gym manager, continuing to stay connected to the world of fitness despite the physical challenges created by Lyme disease. Marina has also used her music to express the realities of chronic illness. Her song “Paralyzed” captures the emotional and physical struggle many Lyme patients face when their bodies no longer cooperate with the life they once lived. Watch Marina’s Lyme-inspired music video “Paralyzed" Follow Marina on Instagram Key Topics Discussed in This Episode Life Before Lyme Disease Before getting sick, Marina lived an extremely active lifestyle. She ran miles every day simply for enjoyment, maintained multiple jobs, and had a vibrant social life. Fitness and movement were central to her identity, and she describes having seemingly endless energy. Lyme disease dramatically altered that reality. Early Symptoms and Sudden Vision Loss Marina’s illness began subtly with stomach issues and fatigue, but symptoms soon escalated. She began experiencing: Severe fatigue Weakness in her legs Balance and coordination issues Neurological symptoms Brain fog Loss of vision in one eye The sudden vision loss was the turning point that signaled something much more serious was happening. Misdiagnosis and the Search for Answers Before receiving a Lyme diagnosis, doctors suspected conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and scleroderma. Marina visited several doctors and specialists before finally receiving the correct diagnosis. Her father, who had previously experienced Lyme disease himself, recognized the possibility and helped advocate for Lyme testing. She was ultimately diagnosed at age 23 through a Western Blot blood test by Dr. Pollack. Intensive Lyme Treatment Following her diagnosis, Marina underwent 18 months of intravenous antibiotic treatment through a PICC line, one of the more aggressive approaches used for severe Lyme disease. Years later, after experiencing a flare-up, she required another year of treatment. Today she is not undergoing active Lyme treatment but continues supportive wellness practices including: Infrared sauna Yoga Probiotics Living with Chronic Lyme Marina estimates she has recovered to about 60% of her pre-Lyme health. The most persistent symptom she continues to battle is extreme fatigue, which can make even simple daily activities exhausting. She describes the unpredictability of chronic Lyme — how a good day can be followed by days or weeks of exhaustion. Despite these challenges, Marina continues to work, maintain relationships, and pursue her passions. Music as a Voice for Lyme Patients Marina has channeled her experience with chronic illness into her music. Her song “Paralyzed” captures the emotional reality of Lyme disease — the feeling of being trapped in a body that no longer functions the way it once did. The song resonates deeply with Lyme patients and others living with invisible illness. Watch the video here Advice for People Fighting Lyme Disease Marina encourages patients not to give up during the darkest moments of illness. Lyme disease can be physically and emotionally overwhelming, but maintaining hope and continuing to pursue healing strategies can make a meaningful difference. She stresses the importance of: Listening to your body Giving yourself grace Staying mentally resilient Continuing to search for solutions Key Takeaways Lyme disease can affect young, healthy, highly active people Neurological symptoms like vision loss can occur with Lyme disease Misdiagnosis is common in complex Lyme cases Long-term IV antibiotic treatment is sometimes required Chronic symptoms can persist even after treatment Mental resilience plays a major role in managing chronic illness

    1 Std. 14 Min.

  7. 18. Apr.

    At the Frontlines of Chronic Illness: ILADS Expert Panel Webinar

    This special Tick Boot Camp Podcast crossover features the full International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) webinar recording, “At the Frontlines of Chronic Illness: Conversations with ILADS Experts.” In this dynamic panel discussion, leading clinicians and specialists unpack why Lyme disease and other infection-associated chronic illnesses are so misunderstood, why testing fails so many patients, and what it really takes to heal—brain, immune system, mitochondria, and terrain included. Moderated by Rich Johannesen (Tick Boot Camp), the panel delivers practical insights and hopeful, patient-centered guidance for anyone navigating complex chronic illness—whether you’re a patient, caregiver, clinician, or advocate. Featured Panelists Chris Winfrey, MD — Psychiatrist; Medical Director, New Image Wellness Nicole Bell — “The Lyme Disease Engineer”; CEO, Galaxy Diagnostics Tania Dempsey, MD — Medical Director, AIM Center for Personalized Medicine Melanie Stein, ND — Naturopathic Doctor; Author focused on cellular wellness and healing terrain Host/Moderator: Rich Johannesen (Tick Boot Camp) ILADS Intro: Ali Moresco (ILADS) Episode Highlights ILADS Mission and Why This Webinar Matters The webinar opens with ILADS’ mission: improving diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease and associated illnesses through research, education, and policy. ILADS emphasizes physician training and patient-centered care, while also supporting the educational mission of ILADEF. Rich frames the night as a rare opportunity to hear from experts working at the front lines of complex chronic illness—especially for patients who’ve been dismissed, misdiagnosed, or told their symptoms “don’t make sense.” Segment 1: Brain Health, Neuroimmune Illness, and Why Lyme “Feels Like Dementia” Chris Winfrey, MD Dr. Winfrey introduces a core theme: Lyme is not only an infection—it often behaves like a neuroimmune illness. Key takeaways: The brain is a high-energy, high-immune-demand organ, uniquely vulnerable to infection-driven inflammation and toxicity. Lyme can disrupt brain function through: Blood flow issues Synaptic dysfunction Myelin damage Network-level disruption, not just “neurotransmitters” He describes brain function through networks that Lyme can destabilize: Default Mode Network (internal reflection) Salience Network (switching between networks) Central Executive Network (planning/organization) Action Network (execution) Autonomic Network (regulation) Limbic Network (threat/fear response) The result: patients often describe “brain shutdown,” confusion, cognitive impairment, and even dementia-like symptoms. A major reframing: Emotions are not “non-physical.” They are measurable physiological states. Lyme-driven nervous system injury can create emotional disturbance because the biology is disturbed. Segment 2: Poly-microbial Infection, Fight-or-Flight, and the Belief-Healing Loop Winfrey + Rich Discussion Rich frames humans as spiritual, emotional, and physical beings, and asks how chronic infection impacts both body and emotional resilience. Key points: Lyme can cross the blood-brain barrier and affect virtually any organ system. The nervous system becomes a “central battleground,” and measurement is hard because nervous system dysfunction isn’t captured well by simple bloodwork. Rich and Dr. Winfrey explore how illness disrupts perception, decision-making, and our ability to interpret the world—especially when gut function and intuition feel “offline.” The healing paradox: Chronic stress and “fighting your way to healing” can backfire. Dr. Winfrey emphasizes that healing requires a parasympathetic state—rest, digest, repair—and that this often involves acceptance, surrender, trust, and safety. Segment 3: The State of Testing—Why So Many Patients Test Negative Nicole Bell (Galaxy Diagnostics) Nicole shares her personal motivation and professional mission: testing determines treatment, reimbursement, and belief—and too many patients are failed by existing tools. Indirect testing (antibody testing): The standard approach relies on antibodies—meaning it depends on the immune system behaving predictably. But Lyme and other stealth pathogens evade and suppress immune responses. Even in controlled research models, two infected subjects can show completely different antibody patterns. Immunosuppression (illness severity, medications like steroids, immune dysregulation) can reduce antibody reliability. Direct testing (pathogen detection):Nicole contrasts Lyme testing with illnesses like COVID—where you use tests that look for the pathogen itself (PCR/antigen), not just antibodies. Why direct detection is hard in Lyme: Pathogens can be low abundance They can be tissue-sequestered Sampling matters Why urine can matter for Lyme: Lyme may not stay in blood, but it can shed proteins/antigens that filter into urine. Galaxy’s approach includes methods to capture, concentrate, and detect those markers. New diagnostics focus: Genus-level screening for the “3Bs” (Borrelia, Bartonella, Babesia) Reducing guessing when symptoms overlap and co-infections “masquerade” as each other Segment 4: Immune Dysfunction, Mast Cells, and Why Antibody Testing Can Go Haywire Tania Dempsey, MD (AIM Center for Personalized Medicine) Dr. Dempsey explains the immune system through two major branches: Innate immune system (fast, primitive defense) Adaptive immune system (antibodies, longer-term response) Mast cells as first responders: Mast cells detect “danger” and release inflammatory mediators (histamine and many others). In chronic infection, mast cells can remain persistently activated, releasing hundreds of inflammatory compounds. Why antibody tests fail (two patterns): Immune suppression → insufficient antibody production → false negatives Immune chaos → excessive, inappropriate antibody production → confusing positives - Positive Lyme bands “everywhere” - Positive autoantibodies without classic autoimmune disease patterns - “Everything looks positive” because signaling is dysfunctional Her central philosophy:It’s not only about killing the bug. It’s about fixing immune regulation so the body can actually clear or control infection. She also names the broader context: modern toxic load (mold, plastics, pesticides, “forever chemicals”) primes the immune system into dysregulation before infections even arrive. Segment 5: Advanced Immune-Modulating Tools Therapeutic Plasma Exchange + SOT Dr. Dempsey discusses therapies she’s excited about, especially for complex, stuck cases: Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE / plasmapheresis): Removes plasma (where antibodies, inflammatory mediators, and “garbage” accumulate) Replaces with albumin (and sometimes IVIG) Concept: reduce inflammatory burden + toxic load to reset the terrain SOT (Supportive Oligonucleotide Technique): Molecular targeted approach designed to reduce replication of specific pathogens More targeted than “wide-net” antimicrobial approaches Used strategically after lowering inflammatory/toxic burden She emphasizes: not for everyone, not a universal cure—but promising enough to merit formal publication. Segment 6: GLP-1 Agonists and Mast Cell Stabilization “Brain-melt” moment, revisited Dr. Dempsey explains why drugs commonly known for diabetes/weight loss may have immune benefits: Mast cells have receptors for GLP and GIP hormones Patients showed improvements beyond weight: cognitive function, inflammation, immune stability She describes: Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) Emerging triple agonists (GLP-1/GIP/glucagon pathways) Her clinical approach has moved these agents earlier in care plans for immune stabilization in select cases. Segment 7: Cellular Healing, Mitochondria, and the Terrain Melanie Stein, ND Dr. Stein brings it home: healing often stalls when we focus only on killing pathogens, but don’t repair the cellular damage. Core concepts: Lyme damages cell membranes, disrupting what goes in/out and how cells communicate. It contributes to mitochondrial dysfunction, reducing ATP (energy currency). If cells stay in “alarm mode,” healing remains blocked. Cell membrane therapy and terrain support: IV and oral lipid support (phospholipids, phosphatidylcholine, omega fatty acids) Personalized support based on lipidomic patterns Supportive therapies to reduce oxidative stress and “toxic fats” Focus on signaling safety to the body—so repair can resume Cell Danger Response:A key theme: even after infections reduce, the body may remain stuck in a persistent defense state, requiring cellular and nervous system support to exit “danger mode.” Regulation Before Eradication Panel Reflection Round As the panel closes, several themes converge: Limbic system + autonomic nervous system regulation is foundational “Regulation becomes before eradication” Healing requires safety, predictability, and nervous system calm Chronic illness can block our ability to connect—especially in relationships—because survival physiology dominates Dr. Dempsey adds that limbic retraining / nervous system reset is often the first step she starts with in her practice. Question and Answer Highlights Lyme and Cancer? The panel notes emerging signals connecting tick-borne illness and certain cancers, but emphasizes that more research is needed to determine causality. Herniated discs, connective tissue, and chronic infection The discussion highlights potential links through: connective tissue disruption collagen damage mast cell mediators (enzymes that affect tissue integrity) infection-driven inflammation Cross-reactive antibody results (example: Brucella) The group explains how antibody testing can produce confusing results due to immune dysregulation and cross-reactivit

    1 Std. 27 Min.

  8. 11. Apr.

    Pediatric Lyme, Autism Regression, PANS/PANDAS & Root-Cause Healing | Dr. Somer DelSignore

    In this powerful in-person interview at the Tick Boot Camp studio, Matt Sabatello sits down with Dr. Somer DelSignore, DNP, a board-certified pediatric practitioner specializing in Lyme disease, tick-borne co-infections, PANS/PANDAS, autoimmune and neuroimmune disorders, autism-like regression, and congenital tick-borne illness. This episode is essential listening for parents who have been told to “wait and see,” families who have seen multiple specialists without answers, and anyone trying to understand how infection, inflammation, immune dysfunction, and nervous system imbalance can impact a child’s brain and development. 🎙 About Dr. Somer DelSignore Dr. DelSignore began her career in traditional pediatric medicine before recognizing that many children with complex chronic illness could not be properly treated in 10–15 minute appointments. Her clinical evolution accelerated after: Training with Dr. Richard Horowitz (tick-borne disease complexity and layered treatment strategies) Training with Dr. Kenneth Bock (autism and autoimmune encephalopathy patterns) Identifying the infectious and immune triggers driving neuropsychiatric symptoms Today, she runs a private practice in upstate New York where she treats children (and a small cohort of adults) using a comprehensive, root-cause framework. 🧠 Autism, Lyme & Autoimmunity — Connecting the Dots Dr. DelSignore explains that autism is often a cluster of symptoms, not a single-gene condition. In her clinical experience, many children experience immune-triggered neuroinflammation that presents as: OCD Anxiety Rage Intrusive thoughts Impulsivity Hallucinations Developmental regression Lyme and co-infections such as Bartonella and Babesia can activate autoimmune responses that interfere with neurotransmitter signaling. When inflammation blocks receptors for dopamine and serotonin, psychiatric symptoms emerge. Her message is clear:These symptoms are often biomedical — not simply behavioral. 🦠 Why “Root Cause” Is Rarely One Thing Healing rarely comes down to one pathogen. Children may present with overlapping contributors such as: Lyme disease and co-infections Mold and mycotoxins Heavy metals Epigenetic pathway dysfunction Detox impairment Nervous system dysregulation Dr. DelSignore emphasizes layered pattern recognition and systematic evaluation rather than single-diagnosis thinking. 🧬 Treatment Approach: Layered, Sequenced & Individualized There is no cookie-cutter protocol. Her framework may include: Targeted antibiotic combinations Herbal antimicrobials Biofilm and fibrin support Gut protection from day one Detox support (liver, kidney, lymphatic) Ozone therapy SOT (gene-silencing therapy) IVIG for autoimmune modulation (when appropriate) Plasmapheresis referral Regenerative PRP strategies Sequencing matters. Some children require detox and nervous system stabilization before antimicrobial treatment begins. 🧱 Biofilms & Tissue Infection Dr. DelSignore confirms: Biofilms are real and clinically significant Microbes communicate and protect one another Chronic infections often reside in tissue, not just blood Killing pathogens without detox support can worsen flares Her philosophy:Eliminate pathogens while simultaneously rebuilding the body. 🌿 Detox, Regeneration & the Nervous System Pathogen elimination is only part of recovery. Healing also requires: Supporting liver and kidney detox pathways Encouraging lymphatic flow Gentle sauna when tolerated Epsom salt baths Breathwork and box breathing Vagus nerve stimulation Nervous system retraining Many children are stuck in chronic sympathetic (“fight-or-flight”) mode. True recovery requires shifting into parasympathetic “rest and repair.” ❤️ A Story of Hope Dr. DelSignore shares the case of a child born with congenital tick-borne infections who: Was non-verbal Required feeding tube support Was diagnosed with autism After comprehensive treatment and immune regulation, the child: Became verbal Engaged socially Reached developmental milestones Thrives in school It’s a reminder that recovery is possible—even in severe presentations. 🏥 The Care Coordination Challenge Families often see 10–15 specialists before reaching her office. Dr. DelSignore stresses the importance of: A “medical home” One lead clinician acting as quarterback Coordinated communication among providers She also discusses the urgent need for legislative and insurance reform to support time-intensive chronic illness care. 🌎 Looking Forward Dr. DelSignore hopes for: Increased research funding Broader recognition of infection-driven neuroinflammation Earlier pediatric intervention A shift toward prevention and health-promotion medicine Her belief: When properly supported, the body can heal. 🔑 Key Takeaways Trust parental intuition Neuropsychiatric symptoms may be immune-driven Detox and gut health are foundational Nervous system regulation is critical Healing is possible—even in complex cases

    1 Std.
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Info

The goal of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast is to help people liberate themselves and others from suffering caused by Lyme disease through validation, community building, belief that healing is possible, and modeling success. Listen to our Tick Boot Camp podcast using all major podcast streaming services such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Music. Our podcast is also integrated with smart home devices, such as Amazon Alexa and Apple TV. Ask your device to "play the Tick Boot Camp Podcast!"

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  • Erstellt von
    Matt Sabatello and Rich Johannesen
  • Jahre aktiv
    2018 - 2026
  • Folgen
    562
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    © Copyright 2025
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    Tick Boot Camp

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