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
  • Episode 561: Healing Chronic Lyme Through Terrain, Stress Physiology & Liquid Intelligence | Frédéric Roscop

    Episode 561: Healing Chronic Lyme Through Terrain, Stress Physiology & Liquid Intelligence | Frédéric Roscop
    Apr 4 2026
    Frédéric Roscop, French-born osteopath and founder of AEQUIL, joins the Tick Boot Camp Podcast as our first-ever in-studio international guest, flying in from London to Long Island to share his personal battle with chronic Lyme disease—and the breakthrough that reshaped his life and career. After decades of unexplained symptoms, misdiagnoses, heart inflammation, neurological dysfunction, and failed treatment attempts across multiple countries, Frédéric discovered that killing microbes alone wasn’t enough. His recovery began when he shifted focus from chasing pathogens to restoring the body’s foundational terrain—supporting immune regulation, detoxification, cellular function, stress physiology, and energetic balance. In this deeply reflective and technical conversation, Frédéric shares how childhood tick exposure in rural France, years of undiagnosed Borrelia and Bartonella infection, and repeated medical dead-ends ultimately led him to develop a patented biotech system designed to help others reset their foundational wellbeing. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Growing Up in Tick Territory Frédéric describes growing up in rural France, frequently covered in ticks as a child—long before Lyme disease was widely recognized in Europe. Early symptoms included: Chronic insomnia and hyperactivityDigestive dysfunction and blood sugar instabilityVisual disturbances and light sensitivityEmotional instability and neurological symptomsRecurrent inflammation At 16, following general anesthesia for a broken nose, he experienced what he now recognizes as a major Lyme “crash,” leading to cognitive decline, emotional dysregulation, and worsening physical inflammation. Heart Inflammation & Athletic Collapse By age 17–18, Frédéric’s promising volleyball career ended due to inflammatory joint disease and recurring pericarditis (heart inflammation)—which would return six times over the next 15 years. Antibiotics temporarily improved symptoms, but the root cause remained unidentified. “I Didn’t Even Know What Lyme Disease Was” As a young osteopath in practice, Frédéric recalls a patient asking whether her symptoms could be Lyme disease. At the time, he had never been trained on it. Years later, another patient was hospitalized with Lyme-related encephalitis—triggering Frédéric’s realization that Lyme might explain both his patients’ suffering and his own. This episode includes an honest discussion about: Medical training gapsDiagnostic limitationsThe importance of humility in healthcareWhy the doctor–patient relationship must be a partnership Diagnosis: Borrelia, Bartonella & More Specialty testing eventually revealed: BorreliaBartonellaViral findings including Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)Heavy metal burden (notably elevated mercury) Frédéric began aggressive antibiotic and detox protocols—but experienced severe gut collapse and worsening terrain. Despite trying treatments across Europe, the U.S., China, India, and Switzerland—including antimicrobial, herbal, and integrative approaches—he improved only marginally. The Turning Point: It’s Not Just the Bug — It’s the Terrain Frédéric revisited the foundational debate in medicine: Louis Pasteur: It’s the germ.Claude Bernard: It’s the terrain. His breakthrough came when he shifted focus to rebuilding: Gut functionCellular membranesDetox pathwaysNervous system regulationEmotional and energetic resilience Rather than focusing exclusively on killing microbes, he asked: Does the body have the capacity to self-regulate and self-repair? From that question, AEQUIL was born. What Is AEQUIL? AEQUIL is a biotech wellness system built around a patented technology Frédéric calls Liquid Intelligence — a formulation combining: Structured/dynamised waterBotanicalsVitamins and electrolytesBiochemical and biophysical support The system supports: Brain, heart, gut, liver, and immune foundationsDetoxification and lymphatic flowStress physiologyEmotional and energetic regulation The AEQUIL Deep Reset System Maintain (Foundational Support) A daily liquid formula designed to nourish the body’s core systems and support cellular regulation. Suggested use: ½ teaspoon morning½ teaspoon evening Reset (Deep Reset Protocol) A structured approach to support: Microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites)Micro-toxins (detox pathways)Micro-traumas (stress and emotional stagnation) The protocol is phased to reduce Herx reactions and build resilience gradually, with many users reporting a noticeable physiological shift around weeks 8–10. Everyday Support Wearable patches and digital wellness tools (affirmations, breathwork) designed to support mood, sleep, energy, and immune balance during recovery. Core Message of This Episode Chronic Lyme recovery is rarely about one silver bullet. It requires: Restoring foundational systemsSupporting detox and immune functionAddressing nervous system and stress patternsRecognizing both ...
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    1 hr and 41 mins
  • Episode 560: MCAS, Chronic Lyme Disease, GLP-1 Agonists, Biofilms, and the Future of Precision Medicine — Dr. Tania Dempsey, MD

    Episode 560: MCAS, Chronic Lyme Disease, GLP-1 Agonists, Biofilms, and the Future of Precision Medicine — Dr. Tania Dempsey, MD
    Mar 28 2026
    GLP-1 Agonists, MCAS, Lyme Disease, and the Future of Precision Medicine In this powerful Tick Boot Camp Podcast interview, Matt Sabatello sits down with Dr. Tania Dempsey, MD, a board-certified internal medicine physician and internationally recognized expert in Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), Lyme disease, autoimmune conditions, and complex chronic illness. In this comprehensive conversation, Dr. Dempsey delivers one of the most forward-thinking and in-depth discussions ever featured on the podcast — connecting the dots between persistent symptoms after Lyme, immune dysregulation, biofilms, nervous system dysfunction, and groundbreaking research on GLP-1 receptor agonists as mast-cell stabilizers. This episode offers science, clinical insight, and — most importantly — hope for patients who have tried everything and are still struggling. Lyme Disease, MCAS, and Why Patients Stay Sick Why Treating Lyme Alone Is Often Not Enough Dr. Dempsey explains why many patients continue to experience inflammation, pain, neurological symptoms, and relapses even after treating Lyme disease and co-infections. According to her clinical experience, this is most often due to primary Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, not persistent infection alone. Key insight: > Lyme disease frequently acts as the trigger, but MCAS is often the driver of ongoing symptoms. Dr. Dempsey clarifies the critical difference between: Primary MCAS (pre-existing immune dysfunction worsened by infections)Secondary MCAS (rare; resolves completely once infection is treated) She notes that in decades of clinical practice, she has never seen true secondary MCAS fully resolve without ongoing mast-cell management. SOT Therapy: When, Why, and How It Works Best Dr. Dempsey provides a nuanced and experience-based explanation of Supportive Oligonucleotide Technique (SOT) for Lyme and co-infections. She addresses common criticism: One-time SOT treatments are rarely sufficientChronic Lyme often involves multiple strains of Borrelia , Babesia , and Bartonella Her most successful cases involve: Repeated testingSequential SOT treatments targeting specific strainsImmune system support between roundsAdjunctive therapies such as herbs, antiparasitics, and mast-cell stabilization She shares a remarkable case of a young woman with severe neuropsychiatric symptoms who — after years of persistent SOT treatment combined with MCAS management — is now thriving, off psychiatric medications, and successfully completing college. Biofilms: Why They Matter in Chronic Infection Dr. Dempsey firmly states that biofilms are a critical barrier to recovery in chronically ill patients. Key points: Biofilms exist in the gut, sinuses, blood, and tissuesThey protect microbes from antibiotics, herbs, and immune attackResistant biofilms may involve extracellular DNA (Z-DNA), discussed at ILADS Therapies discussed: Enzymes such as lumbrokinase and nattokinaseOzone therapyTherapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) for severe cases Her message is clear: if you cannot reach microbial reservoirs hidden in biofilms, infections cannot be fully controlled. GLP-1 Agonists, Immune Modulation, and Breakthrough MCAS Research GLP-1 Receptor Agonists as Mast-Cell Stabilizers Dr. Dempsey presents groundbreaking findings from her published case series: “The Utility of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Mast Cell Activation Syndrome” Key details: 47-patient case seriesMicro-dosing of GLP-1 agonistsPrimary medications used: tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) and semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy) Unlike weight-loss protocols, Dr. Dempsey uses very low doses to target immune modulation — not appetite suppression. What GLP-1 Therapy Improved in MCAS & Lyme Patients Reported improvements included: Cognitive clarity and brain fogChronic painNeuropsychiatric symptomsAnxiety and depressionGastrointestinal symptomsSystemic inflammationHormonal dysregulation In some cases, patients experienced improvement within one or two doses. Dr. Dempsey explains that mast cells express GLP-1 receptors, and activation sends a signal of safety, reducing inflammatory mediator release. Unexpected Findings: Muscle Mass and Antibody Reduction Contrary to common concerns, Dr. Dempsey observed: Preserved or increased muscle mass in the majority of patientsImproved mitochondrial function and exercise toleranceReduction in chronic antibody production (including Lyme Western Blot bands) She shares a striking case where a patient with long-standing positive Lyme antibodies saw antibody levels decline for the first time in over a decade after GLP-1 therapy — despite infection already being treated. This supports her hypothesis: > MCAS can drive persistent immune activation even when infection is no longer present. Side Effects, Screening & Who Should Not Use GLP-1s Potential side effects (usually mild): NauseaDelayed gastric emptyingOccasional vomiting in sensitive patients Important clinical notes: Some patients respond better to ...
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    2 hrs and 1 min
  • Episode 559: Restoring and Rebuilding Your Identity: Healing Lyme Disease Beyond the Physical | Live Webinar

    Episode 559: Restoring and Rebuilding Your Identity: Healing Lyme Disease Beyond the Physical | Live Webinar
    Mar 21 2026
    In this special Tick Boot Camp Podcast conversation recorded for Dr. Bill Rawls’ Vital Plan Network as part of the Cellular Healing Boot Camp Series, Tick Boot Camp co-hosts Matt Sabatello and Rich Johannesen join Liza Blas (Vital Plan Network Community Manager) to unpack one of the most overlooked—but most transformative—parts of chronic illness recovery: rebuilding identity. This episode serves as a follow-up to Lesson 16 in the Boot Camp (watch full lesson) and expands the framework Rich introduced in the lesson—showing how chronic Lyme disease and complex chronic illness can dysregulate not only the body, but also the mind, nervous system, and sense of meaning and connection. Together, they explore the “patterns” they’ve observed through 650+ Tick Boot Camp interviews with patients, doctors, and researchers—and how those patterns point toward a more complete roadmap for healing.https://community.vitalplan.com/ What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why healing from chronic Lyme disease is rarely “just physical”The key recovery patterns observed across 650+ patient interviewsHow identity gets disrupted by chronic illness—and how to rebuild itThe difference between faith vs. doubt as forms of beliefThe “Big Three Lies” that shape a harmful Lyme identityHow the nervous system, stress hormones, and immune dysfunction feed each otherWhy “it’s never just one thing” when it comes to recoveryPractical tools for hard days: breathwork, gratitude, pacing, and nervous system supportA step-by-step “path forward” that includes physical, psychological, and spiritual healing Key Themes and Takeaways 1) The Tick Boot Camp Origin Story (and Why Patterns Matter) Rich shares the moment Tick Boot Camp was born: seeing Matt go from a healthy, high-performing young man to being severely disabled by chronic illness—then watching him fight his way back. That personal crisis, combined with Rich’s own tick bite and lack of competent medical guidance, revealed a hard truth: The real experts are the people who’ve lived the journey. Tick Boot Camp became a platform to capture what actually works in real life—through deep, long-form interviews that expose patterns you don’t see in short appointments or isolated protocols. 2) The Biggest Pattern: Recovery Requires More Than Medicine Matt explains one of the most important—and most triggering—lessons he had to accept: Chronic Lyme is not only a physical illness. It impacts your nervous system, psychology, relationships, and identity. He also highlights two massive recovery truths seen again and again: Believing you can heal matters, because hopelessness prevents action.It’s never one thing. Healing is cumulative—built through layered interventions over time. This isn’t “it’s all in your head.” It’s acknowledging that infection changes brain chemistry, stress responses, and perception—and that those changes must be addressed as part of recovery. 3) Tick Boot Camp's Framework: Three “Immune Systems” That Can Break Down Rich expands the “immune system must win the day” concept from Dr. Bill Rawls’ book Unlocking Lyme, and explains how it applies beyond the body. He argues many people experience a breakdown across three interconnected systems: Physical immune system: fatigue, pain, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunctionPsychological immune system: stress response, nervous system dysregulation, belief filteringSpiritual immune system: purpose, meaning, connection, and “place in the world” The more systems involved, the more complex and longer the recovery journey can be. 4) Belief: A Two-Sided Coin (Faith vs. Doubt) Rich explains why his early messaging triggered Matt—and what finally clarified it: Belief isn’t something you either “have” or “don’t have”Belief is always presentIt comes in two forms:Faith: belief you’re more likely than not to get the outcome you wantDoubt: belief you’re more likely than not to get the outcome you don’t want People enter the chronic illness journey carrying belief—but often it has been converted into doubt through repeated invalidation, medical dismissal, and prolonged suffering. 5) The Big Three Lies That Create “Lyme Identity” Across hundreds of interviews, Rich says the same three narratives appear repeatedly: “You don’t look sick.”“It’s all in your head.”“You can’t get better.” These lies—coming from doctors, family, society, and even internal self-talk—can form what Rich calls a “lie-dentity”: a false identity built from invalidation and survival-mode thinking. 6) Matt’s Personal Breakdown Across All Three Systems Matt describes how, in hindsight, he was dysregulated in all three systems: Spiritual/meaning: loss of connection, loneliness, relationships collapsing due to cognitive disabilityPsychological: new anxiety, doom, depression, fear, hyper-control while having no controlPhysical: severe neurological symptoms ...
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    1 hr
  • Episode 558: Persistent Infection, Molecular Mimicry, and the Future of Chronic Lyme | Amy Proal, PhD

    Episode 558: Persistent Infection, Molecular Mimicry, and the Future of Chronic Lyme | Amy Proal, PhD
    Mar 14 2026
    In this powerful and science-forward episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, host Matt Sabatello sits down with Amy Proal, PhD, a leading microbiologist whose work is reshaping how the medical community understands chronic Lyme disease, post-treatment Lyme disease (PTLD), ME/CFS, and Long COVID. Dr. Proal brings a rare combination of deep scientific expertise, lived experience with chronic illness, and real-world clinical integration, offering listeners clarity on why so many patients remain sick long after standard treatment ends — and what science is finally doing about it. 👩‍🔬 About Amy Proal, PhD Amy Proal, PhD, is an internationally recognized microbiologist specializing in the molecular mechanisms by which persistent pathogens alter human immunity, metabolism, and gene expression. She currently serves in two major leadership roles: President & Research Director, PolyBio Research Foundation Scientific Director, Cohen Center for Recovery from Complex Chronic Illness (CORE) at Mount Sinai Her work focuses on infection-associated chronic illness, including: Chronic Lyme disease & tick-borne co-infections Post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLD) ME/CFS Long COVID Dr. Proal is widely known for helping shift the scientific narrative away from psychosomatic explanations and toward biological root causes driven by persistent infection and immune dysregulation. 🧬 PolyBio Research Foundation: Rewriting the Science of Chronic Illness Dr. Proal co-founded PolyBio Research Foundation in 2018 alongside neuroscientist Dr. Michael VanElzakker, after recognizing that most chronic illness research ignored root cause biology, particularly infection. What Makes PolyBio Different Led by scientists, not administrators Focused on tissue-based research, not just blood tests Actively recruits researchers from HIV, tuberculosis, and virology fields to study Lyme and ME/CFS Designs research programs before fundraising, ensuring scientific rigor PolyBio has played a major role in advancing research on: Pathogen persistence in human tissue Hidden reservoirs of infection Why standard diagnostics often fail 🏥 Cohen Center for Recovery from Complex Chronic Illness (CORE) Dr. Proal also serves as Scientific Director of the Cohen Center for Recovery from Complex Chronic Illness (CORE) at Mount Sinai in New York City. CORE’s Mission Treat patients with Long COVID and chronic tick-borne illness within an insurance-based system Integrate clinical care with active research and clinical trials Establish new standards of care for infection-associated chronic disease At CORE, Dr. Proal helps design studies that leverage real patient visits — asking critical questions such as: Where is the pathogen hiding? What tissues are affected? What immune pathways are disrupted? 🧠 Persistent Infection & Why Blood Tests Fail A central theme of the episode is that chronic infection is often a tissue-based disease, not a blood-based one. Dr. Proal explains: Pathogens like Borrelia (Lyme) and SARS-CoV-2 actively avoid the bloodstream Blood is heavily patrolled by immune cells — tissue offers protection Absence of evidence in blood ≠ absence of infection This helps explain why: Lyme disease often goes undetected by standard serology Patients remain symptomatic despite “negative tests” Tissue biopsies and advanced imaging are essential for progress 🧬 Molecular Mimicry: How Infection Triggers Autoimmune Symptoms Dr. Proal provides a clear explanation of molecular mimicry, a key mechanism linking infection and autoimmunity. What Is Molecular Mimicry? Pathogens produce proteins that closely resemble human proteins The immune system attacks the pathogen — and accidentally attacks the body This creates autoimmune-like disease, even though infection is the trigger This mechanism helps explain: Why immune suppression may reduce symptoms but worsen disease Why many autoimmune diagnoses may actually be infection-driven Why treating the pathogen matters, not just calming the immune system 🔁 Successive Infection: Why Some Patients Get Sicker Than Others A major insight from this episode is Dr. Proal’s concept of successive infection. Rather than genetics alone, she suggests severity is often driven by: Prior infections (Lyme, Bartonella, Babesia, viruses) Environmental exposures (mold, toxins) Physical trauma (concussions, brain injury) Each “hit” dysregulates the immune system, making the next infection harder to clear — a cumulative burden that explains why: Some people become severely ill from Lyme Others remain asymptomatic despite repeated tick exposure 🧠 Neurological Lyme, the Brain & the Vagus Nerve Dr. Proal discusses multiple ways Lyme and infections affect the nervous system: Direct CNS Infection Pathogens crossing the blood–brain barrier Microglial activation causing neuroinflammation Indirect Neurological Signaling Infection in the gut, heart, or ...
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    1 hr and 33 mins
  • Episode 557: The Stanford Scientist Rewriting the Future of Lyme Disease Treatment — Dr. Jayakumar Rajadas | Tick Boot Camp

    Episode 557: The Stanford Scientist Rewriting the Future of Lyme Disease Treatment — Dr. Jayakumar Rajadas | Tick Boot Camp
    Mar 7 2026
    In this groundbreaking episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we interview Dr. Jayakumar Rajadas, a Stanford Medicine researcher who has discovered multiple breakthrough therapeutic candidates for Lyme disease, Babesia, and Bartonella. His work includes the discovery of Disulfiram’s effectiveness against Lyme and Babesia, Azlocillin’s potent activity against Lyme and Bartonella, and advanced targeted drug-delivery systems designed to preserve the gut microbiome. Dr. Jay's research has been featured in TIME Magazine (Azlocillin) and Forbes (Disulfiram), and connects deeply with the work of leading Lyme researchers, including Dr. Monica Embers (Tulane), Dr. Kim Lewis (Northeastern), Dr. Kenneth Liegner, and Dr. Brian Fallon (Columbia University). This interview delivers hope, science, and unprecedented detail on what may become the next generation of Lyme disease treatments. Key Topics Covered 1. How the Stanford Tick Initiative Sparked a New Era of Drug Discovery In 2012, Stanford launched a major initiative in response to community demand for better Lyme treatments. Dr. Rajadas was selected to lead drug development, focusing specifically on persistent/chronic Lyme disease, where few researchers were working. 2. Understanding Borrelia: Active vs. Stationary Forms & Why Chronic Lyme Persists Dr. J explains the three key survival modes of Borrelia burgdorferi: Active Phase The bacteria are replicating and metabolically active. Easier to kill with standard antibiotics. Stationary Phase Bacteria reach population limits and slow down growth. Represents early persistence mechanisms. Persister Forms Triggered by stressors like antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline). Bacteria fold into round bodies, spiral forms, or compact “cement-like” protective balls. These forms: Shut down metabolic pathways Resist penetration Survive antibiotic exposure Why Doxycycline Can Fail Doxycycline can induce persisters, causing Borrelia to form impenetrable protective shells rather than die. This is why many patients initially feel better, then relapse. 3. Disulfiram (Antabuse): Lyme + Babesia Breakthrough Featured in Forbes One of the biggest scientific shocks of the last decade: Discovery Through Stanford’s high-throughput screening of FDA-approved drugs, Disulfiram emerged as a top hit. Clears Borrelia (including persistent forms) Clears Babesia — a major advantage over standard antibiotics Does NOT harm the gut microbiome Is already FDA-approved and widely used for alcohol aversion therapy Highly potent but requires careful dosing due to side effects in inflamed patients. Why Some Patients Improve, and Others Suffer Chronic Lyme patients already have heightened inflammation. Disulfiram is a powerful molecule whose polymorphic forms behave differently in different people. His lab developed: Less toxic formulations Buccal & sublingual delivery systems Rectal delivery options These may reduce neuropsychiatric side effects reported by some patients. Clinical Connections Dr. Kenneth Liegner pioneered clinical use and published cases Dr. Brian Fallon conducted NIH-listed clinical trials. Many clinicians now use Liegner’s protocols. Real-world example: Matt shares the story of Brooke Stoddard (Generation Lyme), who regained his life after Disulfiram treatment under Dr. Liegner. 4. Azlocillin: The Antibiotic That TIME Magazine Called a Gamechanger If Disulfiram is the Lyme and Babesia weapon, Azlocillin may be the frontline tool for Lyme and Bartonella. Why Azlocillin Is Revolutionary Eradicates both active and persister forms of Borrelia. Destroys doxycycline-induced “cement ball” persisters by drilling into their vulnerable cell-wall synthesis pathways. Proven effective against Bartonella when paired with azithromycin, based on research by Dr. Monica Embers (Tulane) . The Cell-Wall Vulnerability Breakthrough Persisters STILL must maintain minimal cell-wall synthesis to survive. Azlocillin exploits this tiny vulnerability: It penetrates the protective sphere Breaks the “cement wall” Forces the bacteria out of hibernation Kills them rapidly This discovery is one of the biggest scientific leaps in Lyme research in a decade. The Delivery System That Protects the Gut Microbiome Azlocillin is extremely hydrophilic, making absorption difficult.Dr. Jay fixed this by creating: A magnesium-lipid nanoparticle formulation Designed to release in the upper intestine Avoiding the colon (where most microbiome lives) This allows: High bloodstream absorption Minimal microbiome damage Oral availability of a drug previously only available via IV Why Azlocillin May Be Better Than Disulfiram Hits Borrelia + Bartonella Stronger anti-inflammatory effects No polymorphism issues Fewer side effects Potent against persisters A company is preparing to bring his oral formulation to clinical trials by next year. 5. Loratadine (Claritin): The First Clue from 2012 Before Disulfiram and ...
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    1 hr and 30 mins