In this episode of Lyme+, Kenzie sits down with Brooke Geahan, founder of The Heal Hive and a leading advocate for bee venom therapy (BVT), to unpack one of the most provocative—and misunderstood—modalities in the chronic Lyme space. Brooke shares her journey from thriving New Yorker to being bedridden, passing out from severe POTS, living on just a handful of “safe” foods, and watching her career and finances collapse under the weight of late-stage Lyme, Babesia, and Bartonella. At the very end of her financial and physical rope, a chance conversation at a Lyme clinic led her back to bee venom therapy—and changed everything. Now, as the head of The Heal Hive, Brooke combines comprehensive lab testing, nervous system support, and structured BVT protocols to help patients navigate this therapy more safely and strategically. In this deeply educational and emotional conversation, she explains why she almost walked away from the Lyme community altogether—and what pulled her back in. In this episode, we discuss: Brooke’s early Lyme story: from magazine life in NYC to wheelchairs, collapse spells, and severe POTS How a Lyme nurse, a handful of bees, and a very frugal dad pushed her to seriously revisit bee venom therapy Why Brooke believes comprehensive testing (300+ biomarkers) is non-negotiable alongside any BVT protocol A lay explanation of the science she references: How components of bee venom like melittin are being studied for effects on bacteria and biofilms Why mast cell issues and immune dysregulation are such big players in chronic Lyme—and how she sees BVT interacting with them The philosophy behind The Heal Hive: slow, structured, data-driven stinging; “marathon, not sprint”; and “it’s ok to have discomfort, not ok to have dysfunction” How Brooke talks to skeptical physicians and why understanding the science helps patients advocate for themselves Sustainability & the bees: beekeeping, glyphosate, and why she believes thoughtful BVT can coexist with protecting pollinators Brooke also reflects on her appearance in the Netflix docuseries Unwell, how BVT exploded on social media, and why she still encourages listeners to move slowly, ask hard questions, and never abandon critical thinking, no matter how desperate they feel. Important Note: This episode shares Brooke’s personal experience and perspectives on bee venom therapy. It is not medical advice. Bee venom therapy can carry serious risks, including allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, and is not appropriate for everyone. Always consult with a knowledgeable expert, physician or healthcare professional before considering any new treatment. Global Lyme Alliance does not endorse any specific product or treatment. Connect with Brooke: Instagram: @thehealhive Website: thehealhive.com Personal IG: @everydayexpert (warning: lots of adorable toddler content) 💚 If this conversation resonated with you, please follow, rate, and review Lyme+. Share this episode with someone navigating chronic illness who might need a reminder that there are still avenues to explore, and that they’re not alone.
