In this special collaborative episode, co-hosts Matt Sabatello and Rich Johannesen of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast join forces with Cassidy Colbert from the It Goes Without Saying podcast and Lacey Anderson from the Your Lyme Matters podcast. This episode marks a unique triple-platform broadcast aimed at reaching as many people as possible within the Lyme disease and co-infection community.

Join us as we discuss our journeys, the formation of our supportive Lyme community, and the crucial steps we all take towards healing and advocacy. From the early days of virtual support groups to the creation of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, this episode is packed with insights, heartfelt stories, and powerful lessons learned.

Key Points Discussed:

• Introductions and Backgrounds:
  • Lacey Anderson introduces the episode as the home opener for the "Your Lyme Matters" podcast.
  • Cassidy Colbert and her journey with the "It Goes Without Saying" podcast.
  • Matt Sabatello and Rich Johannesen's creation and evolution of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast.
• The Power of Community:
  • The formation and impact of virtual support groups.
  • Personal stories of connection and support within the Lyme community.
  • The importance of unfiltered discussions and sharing experiences.
• Interviewing Matt and Rich:
  • How Lacey and Cassidy first connected with Matt and Rich.
  • The importance of candid conversations about Lyme disease and its transmission.
• Mental Health and Lyme Disease:
  • Experiences with anxiety, depression, and panic attacks triggered by Lyme disease.
  • The psychological impact of Lyme disease and the importance of mental health support.
• Grief and Acceptance:
  • Understanding the grief cycle in relation to chronic illness.
  • The journey from denial to acceptance and the role of therapy and support.
• Future Plans and Projects:
  • Matt and Rich’s upcoming YouTube channel dedicated to sharing insights and patterns observed from hundreds of interviews.
  • The importance of continuous learning and adapting to new information within the Lyme community.

Resources Mentioned:

• Dr. Kathleen King and Primal Trust: Insights on the cell danger response and nervous system regulation.
• Dr. Leo Shea III and Neuropsychology: The ability of microbes, like Lyme, to cause psychiatric distress.
• Dr. Omar Morales and Neurological Lyme: Discussions on psychiatric symptoms related to Lyme disease.
• Heather Glovack and the Grief Cycle: Understanding the process of grieving within the Lyme community.
• CBD Oil and Herbal Protocols: The benefits of CBD oil and the HPA balance for managing symptoms.