Episode 528: Fight the Bite: Dr. Tracey Gaslin on Protecting Kids from Tick-Borne Illness at Camp

In this episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Tracey Gaslin, a dual-certified Pediatric and Family Nurse Practitioner and the CEO of the Alliance for Camp Health (ACH). Dr. Gaslin leads the Fight the Bite initiative, a national campaign designed to prevent Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses through science-based public health education. She discusses how camps—often overlooked as public health allies—can play a critical role in early detection, prevention, and education for tick-borne disease. With over 3,500 staff trained and 25,000 kids protected, this conversation is packed with insights and action steps for caregivers, clinicians, and camp professionals alike. 🎙️ About Our Guest: Dr. Tracey Gaslin Dual-certified Pediatric and Family Nurse Practitioner PhD in Educational & Organizational Leadership CEO of Alliance for Camp Health (ACH) National leader in pediatric care and camp-based health safety Program lead for the Fight the Bite Initiative, a partnership with SC Johnson 🏕️ What You’ll Learn Why tick-borne illness prevention must start before symptoms appear How ACH and SC Johnson are transforming summer camps into frontline health defenders The science behind prevention and the blind spots in current clinical models How parents, educators, and camp staff can be empowered—not panicked—by prevention tools Real-world strategies to protect kids in outdoor settings Join the Movement Together, we can reduce Lyme disease risk through community action and smart prevention. Whether you're a camp director, healthcare provider, or concerned parent, this episode will empower you to fight the bite—starting today.

In this powerful episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we welcome Austin Shubert, a 27-year-old outdoorsman, hunter, and field technician from Zebulon, Georgia. He shares his deeply personal and emotional journey from vibrant health to chronic illness and back toward recovery. Raised in the woods, surrounded by ticks since childhood, Austin never imagined that a single tick bite could change his life. 🎧 Episode Highlights: 🧠 From Panic Attacks to Total Collapse Austin first experienced panic attacks in 9th grade, without ever knowing what they were. He developed intrusive thoughts and severe anxiety while unknowingly living in a mold-infested home. Years of symptoms like OCD, fatigue, brain fog, insomnia, weight loss, and heart palpitations left him broken and confused. 🧬 Misdiagnosed, Dismissed, and Gaslit Doctors misdiagnosed Austin with mono, anxiety, depression, and sinus infections. Despite clearly debilitating symptoms, he was told to “let it run its course.” LabCorp and Quest tests failed to detect Lyme or co-infections, leading to months of continued suffering. 🧪 Real Answers from Real Experts A conversation with a friend who had Lyme disease opened Austin’s eyes to the possibility of tick-borne illness. He discovered the Genesis Center in Georgia, led by Dr. Sloan. Using Vibrant and MDL Labs, he tested positive for multiple Borrelia species and Alpha-Gal Syndrome. 💉 SOT Therapy and a New Chapter Austin began treatment with SOT therapy, gut protocols, binders, methylene blue, and detox supplements. 3 months post-SOT, Austin is 70–75% recovered, has returned to work, and is off Prozac. He’s also planning to begin peptide therapy (BPC-157 and TB-500) to address lingering leg weakness. 🙏 Purpose in the Pain Austin shares how his Christian faith and relationship with God carried him through his darkest moments. He discusses helping his neighbor—who was also unknowingly battling Lyme—and how this has reinforced his belief that his suffering had a greater purpose. 🧭 Key Takeaways: Lone Star ticks don’t carry Borrelia but can cause Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS) and other tick-borne illnesses. Mold exposure and environmental toxins can drastically weaken the immune system, leading to chronic Lyme activation. Standard testing (LabCorp, Quest) frequently produces false negatives—specialized labs are critical. Early detection and spiritual resilience can significantly influence the Lyme healing journey. 📌 Quotes to Remember: “There is purpose in your pain. God put me through this for a reason—to help others.” – Austin Shubert “For the first time in this journey, I felt validated. I wasn’t crazy. I had Lyme disease.” – Austin Shubert

In this powerful, long-form interview, Kristina Bauer returns to the Tick Boot Camp Podcast to share her in-depth story of surviving decades of misdiagnosed Lyme disease — from childhood illness and misdiagnoses to motherhood, advocacy, and remission. Diagnosed at age 40 after 32 years of medical dismissal, Kristina discusses her experience with congenital Lyme disease in her four children, postpartum Lyme flares, and her commitment to raising awareness through the Texas Lyme Alliance, Center for Lyme Action, and International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) Ambassadorship. Her testimony covers essential ground: pediatric Lyme, maternal Lyme, psychiatric symptoms like Lyme rage, postpartum depression misdiagnosis, sexual transmission, and the need for insurance and diagnostic reform. This episode is a masterclass in Lyme disease education and empowerment, especially for women, mothers, and families navigating complex Lyme journeys. Key Topics Discussed Early Lyme Exposure: Tick bites at age 8 in Illinois and decades of misdiagnosis (juvenile arthritis, Crohn's, ulcers) Chronic Symptoms: Sinus infections, Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), fibromyalgia, neurological and psychiatric symptoms Postpartum Lyme Flares: Crushing fatigue, misdiagnosed postpartum depression, and suicidal ideation risk Congenital Lyme Disease: How all four of her children were born with Lyme and are now in remission Mental Health Awareness: Lyme rage, mood swings, panic attacks, and the importance of therapy Tick-Borne Disease Advocacy: Legislative work in Texas, ILADS, educating OB-GYNs, and pushing for proper diagnostic protocols Medical System Failures: Inadequate Lyme testing, gaslighting, high insurance costs for chronic illness Lyme & Pregnancy Research Study: An open call for pregnant individuals diagnosed with Lyme disease during their current pregnancy, OR with post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS) in the past 5 years. Learn More / Apply Kristina's Healing Protocols IV and Oral Antibiotics (33 pills/day for 4 years) Ozone Sauna Therapy Dual Infrared Sauna IV Glutathione and Vitamin C Autologous Stem Cell Therapy Advocacy Calls to Action Get tested with qualified Lyme-literate doctors (LLMDs) Pre-conception testing for both partners Consider cord blood testing for newborns (e.g., IGeneX) Push back against “one-dose doxycycline” treatment myths Advocate for maternal and congenital Lyme research funding Check out Kristina's Integrative Nutrition Health Coaching Memorable Quotes “Infection turned into action is the mindset I pass forward.” “A mom with Lyme can’t be left alone with crushing fatigue and a newborn — it’s not just postpartum, it’s pathology.” “Doxy is not a one-stop shop. One tick bite can carry 19 pathogens with 100 strains.”

In this inspiring episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, host Matt Sabatello and special guest co-host Kaitlyn Oleinik, author of the upcoming memoir Revival: My Journey with Neuropsychiatric Lyme Disease, sit down with Tracy Mulholland—actress, writer, producer, singer, and Lyme warrior. Tracy is the creator and star of the award-winning mini-series Girl at a Bar, a powerful and entertaining scripted series based on her true experience with chronic Lyme disease. Tracy shares her harrowing 15-year health journey, including being misdiagnosed by over 50 doctors, living with neurological and musculoskeletal Lyme, and the physical and emotional fallout from multiple co-infections like Babesia and Mycoplasma, and black mold exposure. She reveals how she turned that suffering into storytelling—using humor, vulnerability, and her passion for acting to build a bridge between the chronic illness community and the broader public. She also opens up about her experiences with neuroplasticity therapy, IV antibiotics, herbal protocols, and her evolution into a certified health and executive functioning coach through Tracy Eve Coaching. This conversation offers both validation and empowerment—perfect for Lyme patients, creatives with chronic illness, and anyone passionate about shifting public understanding of invisible disease. 💡 Key Takeaways Tracy was bitten by a tick after college but had symptoms dating back to high school. Misdiagnosed for two years, she was eventually diagnosed with Lyme, Babesia, and Mycoplasma via IGeneX testing. Her arms became so painful she couldn’t brush her hair, and after a failed surgery, she lost her voice for weeks. Girl at a Bar was born from a solo bar ritual she used pre- and post-illness to reclaim her confidence. The series, funded by Bay Area Lyme Foundation, is one of the first scripted shows to authentically depict life with chronic Lyme. Tracy now works as a coach for people with Lyme, ADHD, and long COVID, helping clients with executive function, fatigue, pacing, and mindset.

In this powerful episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Myriah Hinchey, a Lyme-literate naturopathic physician whose personal battle with Lyme disease, Babesia, and Bartonella shaped her pioneering approach to treatment. Dr. Hinchey is the founder and medical director of Tao Center for Vitality, Longevity & Optimal Health, creator of LymeCore Botanicals, and founder of LymeBytes, a global educational platform for Lyme disease. Dr. Hinchey shares how her journey from misdiagnosed childhood infections to a transformative diagnosis in her mid-30s inspired a career of advocacy and innovation in integrative Lyme treatment. Discover why she believes most chronic Lyme sufferers can heal — and how focusing on terrain, immune modulation, gut health, and targeted herbal antimicrobials makes recovery possible. 🧠 Key Topics Covered Dr. Hinchey’s personal tick bite experience and overlooked symptoms during childhood How stress and immune collapse triggered her Lyme, Babesia, Bartonella, and Mycoplasma symptoms Why most chronic Lyme treatments fail: lessons from antibiotic relapses Her turning point with herbalist Stephen Buhner’s protocols How LymeCore Botanicals was born to fill gaps in Lyme patient care Why treating the terrain (gut, detox, immune) is essential before antimicrobials The science behind Ashwagandha balancing immune branches (Th1/Th2) The importance of biofilm busting, cytokine modulation, and immune recalibration Dr. Hinchey's clinical protocol: from pre-kill phase to maintenance Case studies: why some patients heal faster with herbal-only protocols 🌿 Featured Products on LymeCore Botanicals® Vitamin and Mineral Cofactors – Foundational for cellular healing OmegaCore (EPA/DHA) – Anti-inflammatory support Ashwagandha – Adaptogen balancing stress and immunity GABA Melts/Chews – For anxiety and neurological calm Inflam-X - Bind, detox, inflammation, and herx support BorreliaCore, BartCore, BabCore – Targeted herbal blends for Lyme and co-infections 📍 About Dr. Myriah Hinchey Licensed in CT and NH International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) member Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs (MAPS) Fellow Trained under Drs. Richard Horowitz, Stephen Buhner, Neil Nathan, Nancy O’Hara, Mark Hyman, and Jeff Bland. 🔗 Related Resources LymeCore Botanicals Tao Vitality - Center for Optimal Health LymeBytes Symposium 💬 Memorable Quotes > “There’s no amount of antibiotics that will cure Lyme if the terrain isn’t healed.” – Dr. Hinchey > “I didn’t understand the power of herbs—until they healed me when antibiotics couldn’t.” > “Most people relapse because they never repaired the immune system. The microbiome is everything.” 📢 Call to Action Like what you heard? Share this episode with someone struggling with Lyme. Subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help more people discover hope and healing!

In this episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we sit down with Mark Ouellette, a retired law enforcement officer, professional bodybuilder, and former wrestler from the Boston, Massachusetts area. Mark shares his powerful story of overcoming chronic Lyme disease, including years of misdiagnoses, debilitating symptoms, and his battle to reclaim his health and identity. 🔎 Key Topics Covered 🧬 Mark’s Early Symptoms and Missed Diagnoses Migraines and memory issues began in 2015 Brain MRI revealed "spots" but Lyme was never tested Misdiagnosed with early-stage dementia and vasculitis Official Lyme diagnosis came in June 2021 via a blood test 🦠 Triggers and the Turning Point Contracted COVID-19 in September 2020, triggering severe Lyme symptoms Rapid health decline: joint pain, insomnia, fatigue, brain fog 💥 Life Before Lyme 20-year law enforcement career Competed in bodybuilding and professional wrestling Lived a high-performance, high-stress lifestyle 💊 Treatments and Protocols 3+ months of doxycycline (worsened gut issues) Herbal protocols: Japanese Knotweed, Wormwood, Black Walnut Detox strategies: ionic foot baths, binders, gut cleanse Energy and frequency therapies: RIFE, low-level laser, PEMF mat Supplements: injectable glutathione, vitamin B complex, magnesium soaks, colostrum, Essiac Hormonal support: testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) 🧠 Cognitive Recovery and Lessons Severe short-term memory loss episodes TRT and clean nutrition helped restore clarity Emphasis on gut-brain connection and inflammation management 📈 Recovery Status and Advice Today, Mark is 70–85% recovered and working part-time. He has returned to weight training and feels better than he has in years. Advice to Lyme patients: “Take it one day at a time. Be open to trying everything. Track what works and don’t give up.” Advice to those who are not sick: “Check yourself, your kids, and your pets. If you find a tick, get it tested. Prevention is key.” 🧪 Featured Products and Therapies Dr. Natura Colonix 30-Day Cleanse Resciency Binder+ Comprehensive Detox PEMF Mat by HealthyLine Essiac Herbal Tea RIFE and low-level laser therapies Grass-fed colostrum and herbal tinctures 🎧 Listen Now If you're struggling with chronic Lyme disease or know someone who is, this episode is packed with powerful insights, recovery strategies, and hard-earned wisdom from a true Lyme warrior. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere podcasts are streamed.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, Doug Morrow, a retired Hofstra University professor and professional musician, shares how a family outing to the Morton Bird Sanctuary in April 2012 changed his life. Doug went on a picnic after visiting the bird sanctuary with his 6-year-old son, Antonio, and his wife, Diane. He found a tick biting him the day after the picnic. Just months later, Doug developed mysterious, recurring fevers that doctors struggled to diagnose. It wasn’t until a medical emergency during a trip to California that Doug learned he had Babesiosis, a life-threatening parasitic infection spread by ticks. With the tireless advocacy of his wife Diane and the sharp eye of a California infectious disease doctor, Doug was properly diagnosed and began a months-long recovery that included antimalarial medications, blood transfusions, and natural remedies. Today, Doug reflects on the importance of early detection, preventive care, and maintaining a strong immune system through lifestyle, diet, and love. 🧭 Key Topics Discussed: ✅ Tick bite during Easter break in East Hampton, NY ✅ Early symptoms: intermittent fevers, misdiagnosis ✅ Emergency room visits and missteps ✅ Babesiosis diagnosis and spleen involvement ✅ The critical role of Diane’s advocacy ✅ Recovery, red blood cell destruction, and blood transfusions ✅ Natural repellents and tick prevention strategies ✅ Organic lawn care, tick tubes, and essential oils ✅ Life lessons: stress reduction, nutrition, love, and spiritual health ✅ Reflections on health, gratitude, and retirement 🛡️ Prevention Tips from Doug & Diane Morrow: Use natural tick repellents with lemongrass, eucalyptus, tea tree oil, and white vinegar Apply frequently, especially during outdoor activity Maintain short-cut lawns, avoid watering, and plant lavender as a natural repellent Use tick tubes to reduce mouse-based tick populations Prioritize organic lawn care to protect local ecosystems Check for ticks daily – especially on children Advocate for yourself and your family in healthcare settings 🕒 Timestamped Highlights: 00:03 – Doug’s background: musician, educator, polymath 10:05 – Growing up in Stony Brook and Smithtown; early tick awareness 31:01 – The 2012 tick bite and mysterious fevers 36:58 – Emergency room misdiagnosis and worsening symptoms 45:08 – Babesiosis diagnosis and hospital treatment 52:16 – Return to Long Island and local follow-up care 58:15 – Dr. Clawson’s care and herbal support during recovery 1:02:15 – Acupuncture and natural treatments 1:07:02 – Doug’s current preventive practices and immune support 1:23:26 – Environmental and lifestyle contributors to tick-borne illness 1:26:13 – Final reflections on health, balance, and love

Join Dr. Chris Winfrey, renowned psychiatrist and neuropsychiatry expert, and Tick Boot Camp as we dive deep into the complex connections between Lyme disease, brain health, and the nervous system. In this critical conversation, Dr. Winfrey shares clinical insights and practical strategies to help Lyme warriors reclaim their health by understanding the physiological and psychological challenges of Lyme recovery. 🎯 Episode Highlights Expert insights into how Lyme disease impacts the nervous system and brain The critical connection between gut health, microbiome balance, and mental health How chronic stress and nervous system dysregulation fuel persistent symptoms Practical tools to regulate the nervous system and support full-body healing 🧠 Key Topics Covered Nervous System and Lyme Disease Comprehensive exploration of the central and peripheral nervous systems How Borrelia bacteria disrupt brain-body communication pathways Why holistic healing approaches are essential for long-term recovery Physiological Challenges in Lyme Recovery The vital role of the gut-brain axis and microbiome health in cognitive function HPA axis dysfunction and its effect on stress responses How cortisol and melatonin cycles are disrupted in chronic illness Psychological Impacts of Chronic Illness How chronic infection alters neural pathway development The role of trauma in disease susceptibility and healing barriers Dissociation as a survival mechanism — and how to reconnect for recovery Practical Recovery Strategies Adaptogen herbs for nervous system and adrenal support Vagus nerve stimulation techniques to activate the parasympathetic system Managing the body's stress response to promote faster healing 👨‍⚕️ Meet Our Guest: Dr. Chris Winfrey Board-Certified Psychiatrist and founder of New Image Wellness Specializes in environmental medicine, mitochondrial psychiatry, and psychoneuroimmunology Expert in treating complex cases of Lyme disease, mold toxicity, PANDAS, and chronic fatigue syndromes Learn more about Dr. Winfrey’s work at New Image Wellness. 🔥 Why This Episode Matters This episode is a must-listen for anyone battling Lyme disease, chronic fatigue, POTS, MCAS, or trauma-related illnesses. Dr. Winfrey offers a compassionate and scientific approach to understanding why so many chronic illness patients struggle with mental health and nervous system symptoms — and what you can do to support true healing.

Description: In this special live episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, host Richard Johannesen sits down with Mariel Ramirez, a digital product designer from Mexico and a Lyme disease patient. Mariel shares her personal journey with Lyme, including the challenges of getting diagnosed in a country with low Lyme awareness. Leveraging her experience in the tech industry, Mariel is working on an innovative AI-powered app designed to help Lyme patients track symptoms and treatments. The app aims to crowdsource data to uncover patterns that could provide valuable insights for both patients and medical professionals. Key Takeaways: Mariel's personal Lyme journey and the struggles of getting diagnosed in Mexico The lack of Lyme disease awareness and resources in Mexico How Mariel’s background in AI and tech is shaping her vision for a Lyme disease tracking app The app’s potential to collect and analyze patient-reported data to benefit the Lyme community Resources & Links: 🔗 Follow the latest ILADS updates at ILADS.org 🔗 Learn more about Mariel Ramirez: marielramirez.com 🔗 Stay connected with Tick Boot Camp: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok | Twitter (X)

Key Takeaways: Acknowledging Lyme Disease Pioneers Dr. Green honors three late Lyme disease pioneers: Nick Harris, Charles Ray Jones, and Dave Martz, recognizing their invaluable contributions to Lyme diagnosis and treatment. Challenges in Lyme Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Many Lyme patients are dismissed by the medical system, often told their symptoms are psychological. Dr. Green emphasizes the need for doctors to consider the full health picture rather than dismissing complex symptoms. The Role of Emotional and Psychological Symptoms Discussion on how Lyme disease affects the brain and can manifest as psychiatric conditions. The importance of changing medical language to validate patients rather than dismiss them. Misconceptions About Lyme Disease Prevalence Lyme disease is not confined to the East Coast—it exists nationwide, including in California. Encouraging Developments in Lyme Disease Research Advances in Lyme disease research from experts like Dr. Zhang (Johns Hopkins) and Dr. Monica Embers (Tulane). Progress in testing methods and increasing recognition of Lyme disease as a public health issue. The Importance of Integrative Medicine and Biofilms Dr. Green discusses the role of integrative medicine and biofilms in Lyme disease treatment. Conclusion: Dr. Green remains optimistic about the future of Lyme disease research and treatment. She emphasizes continued collaboration, education, and patient advocacy. This interview offers valuable insights for patients and healthcare providers alike. Resources & Links: Follow the latest ILADS updates at ILADS.org Learn more about Dr. Christine Green Stay connected with Tick Boot Camp: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok | Twitter (X)