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Tick Boot Camp

Tick Boot Camp

By: 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!"Copyright 2025 Alternative & Complementary Medicine Hygiene & Healthy Living Physical Illness & Disease
Episodes
  • Episode 564: From Vision Loss to Voice: Marina Morgan’s Lyme Disease Journey

    Episode 564: From Vision Loss to Voice: Marina Morgan’s Lyme Disease Journey
    Apr 25 2026
    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 fatigueWeakness in her legsBalance and coordination issuesNeurological symptomsBrain fogLoss 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 saunaYogaProbiotics 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 bodyGiving ...
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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • Episode 563: At the Frontlines of Chronic Illness: ILADS Expert Panel Webinar

    Episode 563: At the Frontlines of Chronic Illness: ILADS Expert Panel Webinar
    Apr 18 2026
    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 WellnessNicole Bell — “The Lyme Disease Engineer”; CEO, Galaxy DiagnosticsTania Dempsey, MD — Medical Director, AIM Center for Personalized MedicineMelanie Stein, ND — Naturopathic Doctor; Author focused on cellular wellness and healing terrainHost/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 issuesSynaptic dysfunctionMyelin damageNetwork-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 abundanceThey can be tissue-sequesteredSampling 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...
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    1 hr and 27 mins
  • Episode 562: Pediatric Lyme, Autism Regression, PANS/PANDAS & Root-Cause Healing | Dr. Somer DelSignore

    Episode 562: Pediatric Lyme, Autism Regression, PANS/PANDAS & Root-Cause Healing | Dr. Somer DelSignore
    Apr 11 2026
    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: OCDAnxietyRageIntrusive thoughtsImpulsivityHallucinationsDevelopmental 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-infectionsMold and mycotoxinsHeavy metalsEpigenetic pathway dysfunctionDetox impairmentNervous 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 combinationsHerbal antimicrobialsBiofilm and fibrin supportGut protection from day oneDetox support (liver, kidney, lymphatic)Ozone therapySOT (gene-silencing therapy)IVIG for autoimmune modulation (when appropriate)Plasmapheresis referralRegenerative 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 significantMicrobes communicate and protect one anotherChronic infections often reside in tissue, not just bloodKilling 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 pathwaysEncouraging lymphatic flowGentle sauna when toleratedEpsom salt bathsBreathwork and box breathingVagus nerve stimulationNervous 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-verbalRequired feeding tube supportWas diagnosed with autism After comprehensive treatment and immune regulation, the child: Became verbalEngaged sociallyReached developmental milestonesThrives 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 quarterbackCoordinated 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 fundingBroader recognition of infection-driven neuroinflammationEarlier pediatric interventionA shift toward prevention and health-promotion medicine Her belief: When properly supported, the body can heal. 🔑 Key Takeaways Trust parental intuitionNeuropsychiatric symptoms may be immune-drivenDetox and gut health are foundationalNervous system regulation is criticalHealing is possible—even in complex cases
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    1 hr
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