Tick Boot Camp

By: Matt Sabatello and Rich Johannesen
  • Summary

  • 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 Google Podcasts. 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 2024
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Episodes
  • Episode 441: Lyme and Brain Health - an interview with Doctor Napatia Gettings
    Nov 23 2024

    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.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode

    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.

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    1 hr and 35 mins
  • Episode 440: Healing Lyme Together - an interview with Sophia Denison
    Nov 16 2024
    Introduction: In this powerful episode, Tick Boot Camp Podcast Rich Johannesen and special guest co-host Dan Wagner welcome Lyme disease survivor and advocate Sophia Denison. Dan shares insights on his new Global Lyme Alliance-sponsored podcast, Lyme Plus, which he co-hosts with Kenzie Vath, where they spotlight essential information from doctors and researchers in the Lyme disease field. Rich then introduces Sophia, an inspiring young leader in the Lyme disease community, whose journey of resilience has fueled her advocacy efforts. Sophia’s Advocacy and Community Engagement: Sophia Denison recounts her transformative journey from Lyme disease patient to a leading activist. Now fully recovered, she dedicates herself to raising awareness and empowering others. As an ambassador for the Global Lyme Alliance, she has organized community events, including a screening of The Quiet Epidemic documentary on her college campus. She discusses how storytelling opens up powerful dialogues and fosters empathy, helping others understand the struggles of Lyme disease sufferers. Sophia’s Early Life and Initial Symptoms: Growing up in Barrington, Illinois, Sophia was an active child who participated in sports and triathlons. However, at age seven, she began experiencing unexplainable symptoms, including intense stomach pain, weight loss, and severe anxiety. Her symptoms were initially misdiagnosed as gastrointestinal issues and anxiety, which delayed her Lyme diagnosis for over a decade. The Challenges of College and Escalating Symptoms: Upon starting college, Sophia's symptoms intensified. She faced body pain, fatigue, and unusual neurological episodes like uncontrollable laughing and crying. Balancing academic demands while sharing facilities with other students added to her stress and exacerbated her symptoms. Despite seeking help from specialists, her symptoms were often dismissed as stress-related. Sophia’s Search for a Diagnosis and the Role of IGeneX Testing: Sophia recalls the emotional toll of visiting multiple specialists, only to be told her symptoms were "all in her head." Desperate for answers, she decided to undergo a Lyme test with IGeneX. With encouragement from her best friend and neighbor, Lulu, who shared her own Lyme story, Sophia pursued testing that finally confirmed her suspicions. Discovering a Treatment Path in Germany: Sophia sought treatment at Klinik St. Georg in Bad Aibling, Germany. There, she underwent treatments including whole-body hyperthermia, blood ozone therapy, and detoxification therapies. The intensive treatment program helped Sophia begin her journey toward health, though it was a difficult path both emotionally and physically. Building a Personalized Toolbox for Recovery: Recovery for Sophia meant building a personalized "toolbox" of health strategies. Today, she maintains her health through supplements, a balanced diet, regular movement, and stress management. She emphasizes listening to her body, and understanding its needs has allowed her to reconnect with herself and rebuild her life. Lessons Learned and Empowering Advice for the Lyme Community: Sophia’s key advice to others is to trust that their symptoms are real. By tuning into her body's signals and understanding its resilience, she was able to shift her perspective on Lyme disease. Sophia encourages patients to see their bodies as allies and lean into their strength through the journey. Her recovery serves as a beacon of hope for Lyme patients, demonstrating that healing is possible. Action Items and Future Goals: Sophia is committed to her work with the Global Lyme Alliance and other organizations to connect Lyme patients with Lyme-literate healthcare providers. By sharing her experiences, she hopes to continue empowering others and raising awareness of Lyme disease. Conclusion: This episode offers a hopeful message for Lyme sufferers worldwide. Sophia Denison’s journey from illness to advocacy serves as a reminder that recovery is achievable, and her story encourages listeners to trust their instincts, seek proper care, and find a supportive community.
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    1 hr and 39 mins
  • Episode 439: Paleo Path to Lyme Wellness - an interview with Kim Strother
    Nov 9 2024

    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:

    1. Growing Up in Tick-Endemic New Jersey and Early Symptoms
    • 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.
    2. Late Diagnosis and Complex Co-Infections
    • 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.
    3. Holistic Healing Journey
    • 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.
    4. Patience, Body Awareness, and Resilience
    • 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.
    5. Professional Impact and Holistic Coaching
    • 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.

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    1 hr and 50 mins

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