In this powerful Tick Boot Camp Podcast episode, Lindsey Shaker shares her inspiring journey of overcoming Lyme disease and multiple co-infections. From battling years of misdiagnosis to navigating aggressive treatments, Lindsey’s story highlights resilience, resourcefulness, and the importance of maintaining hope. She also emphasizes the role of movement, such as yoga and hiking, and the necessity of community and self-care in the healing process. Tune in for invaluable insights into managing chronic illness and learning how to advocate for yourself and others in the Lyme community.

1. Introduction to Lindsey Shaker • Background: Director of Marketing for Shaker Auto Group and Lyme disease advocate. • Diagnosed with Lyme disease and multiple co-infections at age 31 after years of misdiagnosis.

2. Lindsey’s Early Life and Onset of Symptoms • Born with Lyme and Bartonella through maternal transmission. • Early symptoms: Full-body paralysis during high school track practices, emotional instability, memory loss, and balance issues in college. • Misdiagnosed with depression, ADHD, and Lyme carditis before her eventual diagnosis.

3. The Turning Point • Mother’s diagnosis prompted Lindsey to seek further testing. • Diagnosed with Lyme disease, Bartonella, Babesiosis, Typhus, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis via blood tests conducted by Dr. Bouboulis.

4. The Treatment Journey • Initial treatments: A combination of antibiotics, anti-parasitic medication (Mepron), and IVIG therapy. • Challenges: Managing severe Herxheimer reactions and navigating insurance for IVIG approval. • Milestones: Significant improvements in mobility and overall health over seven years of treatment.

5. The Role of Mindset and Self-Care • Tools for resilience: Yoga, probiotics, CBD oil, and communication with Lyme-literate professionals. • Addressing environmental factors, such as mold exposure, through diet, sleep, and movement.

6. Movement as Medicine • Physical activities: Hiking and yoga played crucial roles in her recovery journey. • Emotional benefits: Restored confidence and emotional well-being through consistent movement.

7. Life After Lyme • Nearly 99% recovered but emphasizes the importance of continued vigilance. • Reflects on lost time but remains grateful for the progress made and the strength gained.

8. Advice for Listeners • For Lyme patients: “Your outlook is everything. Fight for your recovery and never give up.” • For prevention: “Assign a tick-checking buddy and never skip tick checks after outdoor activities.”

9. Lindsey’s Call-to-Action • Follow Lindsey on Instagram: @LMshaker to learn more about her journey and advocacy work. • Explore Tick Boot Camp resources for tools and strategies to overcome Lyme disease and chronic illnesses.

Conclusion: Lindsey Shaker’s journey reminds us that recovery is possible with persistence, education, and support. Her story is a beacon of hope for others navigating the challenges of chronic Lyme and other tick-borne diseases

Keywords: Lyme disease, Tick Boot Camp, Lindsey Shaker, Resilience, Misdiagnosis, Co-infections, Herxheimer reactions, IVIG, Movement, Mindset, Immune system, Chronic illness, Recovery, Advocacy, Tick-borne illnesses, Treatment journey

In this episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we sit down with Liz Kinnart, a health professional, Lyme disease survivor, and founder of Bloom Holistic Health and Fitness. Liz shares her remarkable journey from growing up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula—where tick exposure was a part of life—to her eventual Lyme disease diagnosis and recovery. With over 15 years of experience in exercise physiology and chronic disease management, Liz offers invaluable insights into navigating tick-borne illnesses and maintaining health.

Key Discussion Points:

• Early Exposure to Ticks: Growing up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Liz was exposed to ticks from a young age but was unaware of the potential health risks. Her love for outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking in her 20s further increased her tick exposure.
• Health Challenges and Diagnosis: Liz’s health journey began in 2020 with flu-like symptoms and joint pain, initially misdiagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis. After years of unexplained symptoms, she received a Lyme disease and Babesia diagnosis in 2023 through blood testing by a Lyme-literate medical doctor (LLMD).
• The Role of Stress and Immunity: Liz reflects on how past stressors, including a traumatic event in high school and a toxic relationship in college, may have weakened her immune system, making her more vulnerable to tick-borne illnesses.
• Healing Journey: Liz used a holistic approach to heal, including herbal therapies like cryptolepis, banderol, and samento, along with antibiotics, parasite cleansing, and lifestyle changes. She highlights the importance of balance in exercise, incorporating strength training and low-impact activities while listening to her body’s needs.
• Creating Bloom Holistic Health and Fitness: Inspired by her journey, Liz founded Bloom Holistic Health and Fitness to support others with chronic illnesses. Her personalized coaching focuses on improving health through fitness, nutrition, and education.

Advice for Listeners:

• For those battling Lyme disease: Healing is possible with patience, resilience, and a proactive mindset.
• For prevention: Build a strong immune system and be prepared with knowledge and tools to handle potential tick encounters.

Resources and Links:

• Liz’s Website: Bloom Holistic Health and Fitness
• Follow Liz on Social Media:
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • TikTok

Connect with Us: If you found this episode helpful, please share it with someone who might benefit from Liz’s inspiring journey. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and join us for our next episode!

In this compelling episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, Richard Johannesen and special guest co-host Claudia Arias welcome Audrey Lambidakis. Audrey, based in Santa Cruz, California, shares her journey from a promising career in rescue and safety to overcoming the challenges of a life-altering brain injury and Lyme disease. Claudia, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, joins to provide her insights and amplify the importance of mental health in chronic illness recovery.

Episode Highlights:

• Audrey’s background in safety work, including her time as a junior ski patrol member.
• How a knee injury and subsequent brain injury during her freshman year of college shifted her life trajectory.
• A decade-long journey of seeking treatment across the U.S., including participation in government studies and visits to top hospitals like Mayo Clinic and Stanford.

• Misdiagnoses and dismissal by doctors who deemed her symptoms psychosomatic.
• The eventual discovery of Lyme disease as the root cause of her prolonged health struggles.
• Her experiences with Bee Venom Therapy (BVT) and the importance of Lyme-literate doctors.

• Audrey shares the emotional toll of navigating her health journey and the pivots that kept her moving forward.
• How faith and belief in the possibility of healing played a vital role in her recovery.
• The creation of the Healing Brain Waves Foundation to educate and raise awareness about brain injuries and their connection to Lyme disease.

• Audrey’s exploration of a holistic approach to recovery, incorporating mindfulness, therapy, and innovative treatments like psychedelics.
• Plans to become a nurse practitioner to bridge the gap between brain injuries and Lyme disease.
• Her advocacy work within the Mavericks surfing community to secure a hyperbaric chamber for big wave surfers.

• A discussion on the systemic lack of Lyme disease education among medical professionals.
• The critical role of patient self-advocacy in navigating complex health systems.
• Claudia and Richard emphasize the transformative power of proper diagnosis and the ripple effect of getting one person the right care.

Key Takeaways:

• Hope is essential: Even in the darkest moments, small positive changes can guide the way forward.
• Faith in healing—whether rooted in spirituality, science, or self-belief—can accelerate recovery.
• Lyme disease is often an unseen factor in brain injuries, underscoring the need for awareness and education.

Closing Thoughts: Richard Johannesen and Claudia Arias commend Audrey’s resilience and vulnerability, celebrating her progress and unwavering dedication to helping others. This episode is a testament to the power of community, advocacy, and belief in healing.

Subscribe & Share: If Audrey’s story inspired you, subscribe to the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode to spread awareness about Lyme disease and brain injuries.

Note to Listeners: Audrey’s story is a powerful reminder that healing is possible, no matter how daunting the journey may seem. Stay hopeful, stay informed, and join the movement to liberate others from the suffering caused by Lyme disease.

Special Guest Co-Host: Heather Glovack joins Rich from Tick Boot Camp to delve into Lyme disease treatment and the power of holistic healing with Dr. Alice Honican, the lead practitioner at Longevity Health Center in Roswell, GA.

Episode Summary: In this episode, Dr. Alice Honican shares her insights into treating chronic Lyme disease using bioenergetic medicine, a holistic approach to diagnosis and healing. She discusses her family’s pioneering contributions to natural medicine, her unique testing protocols, and the importance of mindset and emotional well-being in the healing process. Together with Heather Glovack, co-hosting alongside Rich, they explore actionable advice for listeners navigating Lyme recovery.

• Meet Dr. Alice Honican
  • Overview of Longevity Health Center and its foundation in macrobiotic medicine.
  • Dr. Honican’s background, influenced by her father, a Lyme-literate practitioner.
• What is Bioenergetic Medicine?
  • How electronic devices identify energetic imbalances for diagnosis and treatment.
  • The role of detoxification and support in Lyme recovery.
• Navigating Challenges in Natural Medicine
  • Addressing Lyme disease and holistic care in Georgia.
  • Balancing patient advocacy with evolving medical landscapes.
• Holistic Treatment Approach
  • Incorporating oral health, thermography, and layered testing protocols.
  • Therapies like acupuncture, neurofeedback, and tools for at-home maintenance.
• The Power of Mindset and Emotional Health
  • Addressing emotional/nervous system factors to complement physical healing.
  • Encouraging patience, belief in the body’s healing, and setting achievable goals.

• Bioenergetic Medicine: A cutting-edge approach using frequency measurements to address health imbalances.
• Holistic Health Focus: Detoxification, oral health, and comprehensive testing create a foundation for recovery.
• Mind-Body Connection: Positive mindset and emotional support are crucial for overcoming chronic conditions.
• Practical Advice: Start small, stay consistent, and trust your body's ability to heal over time.

• Begin with manageable lifestyle changes to build momentum.
• Incorporate therapies like acupuncture or neurofeedback for sustained wellness.
• Use at-home tools recommended by your practitioner for maintenance.

Rich Johannesen: Co-host of Tick Boot Camp, bringing years of experience advocating for Lyme disease awareness and patient empowerment. Learn More About Rich

Heather Glovack: Lyme survivor and passionate advocate, co-hosting to share her perspective and inspire hope. Learn More About Heather

Dr. Alice Honican: Lyme-literate practitioner and owner of Longevity Health Center in Roswell, GA, with over 20 years of experience in natural medicine. She specializes in bioenergetic medicine, detoxification, and a holistic approach to chronic illness treatment.

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In this episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, hosts Matt Sabatello and special guest co-host Michelle McKeon sit down with Dr. Napatia T. Gettings, a Double Board Certified Psychiatrist and Lyme Literate specialist, to explore the intersections of brain health, Lyme disease, and cutting-edge diagnostic tools like SPECT imaging.

Dr. Gettings’ Journey to Lyme Literacy

• Discover how Dr. Gettings transitioned from medical school to private practice and became a partner at Amen Clinics.
• Learn about her expertise in treating child, adolescent, and young adult brain health and the integration of multiple medical specialties in her practice.

Unveiling the Power of SPECT Imaging

• Understand what SPECT (Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography) imaging is and how it differs from traditional CT scans.
• Learn why SPECT imaging is vital for identifying brain activity abnormalities, including inflammation, and its challenges in obtaining insurance coverage.

Brain Inflammation and Tick-Borne Diseases

• Explore how SPECT scans can detect brain inflammation caused by toxins, pathogens, and autoimmune conditions.
• Dive into case studies, including patients misdiagnosed with psychiatric conditions later found to have infections like Babesia.

Treatment Approaches for Lyme and Inflammation

• Discover the role of multi-disciplinary care in addressing tick-borne diseases and brain health.
• Learn about treatment modalities such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and nutraceuticals.

The Role of Cannabis in Brain Health

• Get insights into the benefits and risks of CBD and THC in managing inflammation and mental health.
• Understand the importance of education and individualized treatment plans when considering cannabis use.

Navigating Mental Health and Trust

• Hear Michelle McKeon’s personal story about overcoming mental health challenges and finding a supportive psychiatrist.
• Explore the critical role of trust in the doctor-patient relationship when treating complex conditions.

Misdiagnosis and the Need for Better Diagnostics

• Learn why inadequate medical workups often lead to psychiatric misdiagnoses.
• Understand the importance of accessible, accurate diagnostics in mental health care.

Key Takeaways and Resources

• Discover the Amen Clinics’ resources, including examples of SPECT scans showing differences between healthy brains and those affected by Lyme disease.
• Hear Dr. Gettings’ call to normalize brain scans as essential diagnostic tools for neuropsychiatric symptoms.
• Find actionable advice on improving health literacy and accessing comprehensive care.

This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone navigating Lyme disease, mental health challenges, or looking to optimize brain health. Tune in to uncover the science behind SPECT imaging and its life-changing applications in psychiatric care.

Episode Summary: In this powerful episode, the Tick Boot Camp hosts speak with Kim Strother—celebrity fitness trainer, holistic health coach, yoga instructor, and model for brands like Ford, Nike, Reebok, Adidas, Columbia Sportswear, Footlocker, and more. As one of LA’s top trainers, Kim shares her transformative journey from undiagnosed Lyme disease to becoming an advocate for holistic health and chronic illness recovery. Her battle with Lyme began with mysterious symptoms from a young age, leading to a 22-year struggle before finally receiving her Lyme diagnosis. Today, she uses her expertise to inspire others with a multi-modal, bio-individual approach to wellness.

Key Takeaways:

• Kim’s childhood on a family Christmas tree farm in tick-endemic New Jersey involved frequent tick exposure but little awareness of tick-borne illness risks. She began experiencing fatigue, migraines, GI problems, and chronic infections as a child, but these symptoms were dismissed or misdiagnosed for over two decades, setting the stage for a lengthy, difficult journey before her eventual Lyme diagnosis.

• By age 28, Kim’s health had deteriorated significantly, with debilitating, multi-system symptoms. After years of seeking answers, she was finally diagnosed with Lyme disease along with several co-infections and chronic conditions: Babesia, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Bartonella, Candida overgrowth, mold and heavy metal toxicity, parasites, and SIBO.

• Kim’s recovery involved a multi-pronged approach that combined traditional and alternative treatments:
  • Natural Supplements: Homeopathic herbs and Monolaurin (a natural antifungal) helped combat infections.
  • Diet and Detox Therapies: A Paleo diet centered on greens and protein reduced inflammation, and therapies like glutathione IVs, infrared saunas, colonics, and ozone steam treatments supported detoxification.
  • Innovative Devices: Kim used the FreMedica Wave frequency device, which provided symptom relief through frequency-based therapy.
  • Electromagnetic Acupuncture Testing: This testing helped Kim track her health status and adjust her healing protocol.

• Kim emphasizes the importance of tuning into your body, maintaining patience, and finding hope even during setbacks. She underscores that healing from chronic Lyme disease requires resilience and support from knowledgeable communities.

• Her journey through chronic illness has deeply influenced her approach as a trainer and coach. Kim now focuses on bio-individual health strategies, mindfulness, and sustainable practices, helping clients achieve wellness with a balanced and holistic perspective.

Additional Highlights:

• High-Profile Career: Kim’s career has included being a featured trainer on the Melissa Wood Health App and earning recognition as one of the most in-demand fitness models by racked.

Advice from Kim Strother:

• On Lyme Healing: Stay hopeful, be patient, and celebrate small wins. Healing is a long journey, but each step forward is valuable.

Connect with Kim Strother: To learn more about Kim’s fitness programs and holistic health approach, visit her website and follow her on Instagram.