Love, Hope, Lyme Podcast

This is episode 72 of the Love, Hope, Lyme podcast. To get your free pdf of "Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know," reach out to Fred Diamond on social media. [NOTE: This podcast does not replace medical treatment. If you struggle with Lyme care, please see a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor.] Historic Moment for Lyme Advocacy. RFK Jr. Roundtable Reactions & What Comes Next In this special episode of the Love, Hope, Lyme Podcast, host Fred Diamond, author of Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know, convenes a powerful panel of Lyme advocates, researchers, and survivors to reflect on a pivotal week for the Lyme community. Just days after the RFK Jr. Lyme Disease Roundtables in Washington, D.C., this episode captures real-time reactions to what many are calling a historic turning point when federal leadership publicly acknowledged chronic Lyme disease, condemned medical gaslighting, and outlined tangible steps toward research, funding, and accountability. 🎙️ Featured Panelists Ali Moresco – Founder of Moresco PR, Board Chair of Project Lyme, longtime advocate and communications leader in the tick-borne illness space  Nikki Schultek – Research leader, founder of multiple pathobiome initiatives, Lyme survivor, and board member of ILADEF Meghan Bradshaw – Executive Director of the Center for Lyme Action, leading federal policy and funding advocacy efforts Together, they discuss: 💚 What made this week's HHS and White House engagement different from past hearings 💚 Why statements like "Lyme patients will no longer be gaslit" matter—and what must follow 💚 Federal funding, diagnostics, Medicare coverage, and clinical trials 💚 The urgent need for collaboration between government, clinicians, researchers, and advocates 💚 How patients, caregivers, and supporters can turn momentum into lasting change This conversation is both hopeful and grounded celebrating progress while emphasizing that advocacy, accountability, and action must continue.

This is episode 71 of the Love, Hope, Lyme podcast. To get your free pdf of "Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know," reach out to Fred Diamond on social media. [NOTE: This podcast does not replace medical treatment. If you struggle with Lyme care, please see a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor.] In this episode of the Love, Hope, Lyme Podcast, host Fred Diamond sits down with Olivia Abrams, founder of TiKK MiTT and a Lyme disease survivor who turned prevention into purpose. Olivia shares her personal Lyme story beginning with arthritis symptoms at age seven and how growing up in a tick-endemic area inspired her to create TiKK MiTT, a chemical-free, reusable glove designed to help people and pets detect ticks before they embed. The conversation explores prevention, entrepreneurship, advocacy, and what it was like pitching TiKK MiTT on Shark Tank, where Olivia famously received and declined two offers. Beyond the product, this episode dives deep into: 💚 Why tick checks and prevention are still overlooked 💚 The growing need for Lyme disease awareness and advocacy 💚 Olivia's work with organizations like Project Lyme and the Center for Lyme Action 💚 How passion projects can bring hope and purpose during and after chronic illness This conversation is especially meaningful for Lyme survivors, caregivers, and anyone looking for practical prevention tools and real hope. 🎧 Listen if you care about Lyme prevention, patient advocacy, mission-driven entrepreneurship, and turning personal experience into impact. 🔗 Learn more about TiKK MiTT: https://tikkmitt.com 💚 The e-version of "Love, Hope, Lyme" is always free for Lyme survivors.

This is episode 70 of the Love, Hope, Lyme podcast. To get your free pdf of "Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know," reach out to Fred Diamond on social media. [NOTE: This podcast does not replace medical treatment. If you struggle with Lyme care, please see a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor.] Why do so many people with chronic Lyme and other persistent infections do everything right… yet still not get better? In this episode of Love, Hope, Lyme, host Fred Diamond sits down with Dr. Melanie Stein a naturopathic physician, author, and expert in identifying the underlying drivers of chronic illness. Dr. Stein explains why some patients stall, how trauma and nervous system dysregulation contribute to persistent symptoms, and the holistic steps that can restart healing.  If you've felt stuck despite antibiotics, herbs, treatments, and lifestyle changes this conversation offers hope, clarity, and a roadmap to rebuild resilience and progress again. ✨ What You'll Learn 💚 The most overlooked root causes behind stalled recovery 💚 Why nervous system healing must come first 💚 The role of environmental toxins, chronic stress, and stealth infections 💚 How to re-establish communication between the brain and body  💚 Steps patients can take today to support deeper healing 📘 About Dr. Melanie Stein Dr. Stein helps patients with chronic Lyme, mold illness, and long-haul infections uncover the blockages preventing recovery. She's based in Portland, Oregon and is the author of "Breaking Through Chronic Illness: The Science of Cellular Repair and the Path to Lasting Recovery" (2025). 🎧 Listen to More Love, Hope, Lyme Episodes Stories, solutions, and support for Lyme warriors and their loved ones.

In this powerful episode of Love, Hope, Lyme, Fred Diamond sits down with singer-songwriter and Lyme advocate Jesse Ruben for a deep, honest, and emotional breakdown of his song "Monster." Jesse opens up about the terrifying return of his Lyme and Babesiosis, the years of misdiagnosis, the isolation, the brain fog, the burning pain, and the desperate search for answers that so many Lyme survivors know all too well. For the first time, Jesse walks through Monster line by line — how the lyrics came to him during the darkest hours of his illness, why he nearly kept the song off the album, and why he ultimately decided the Lyme community needed to hear it. We talk about: How Lyme changed Jesse's life, relationships, identity, and career The emotional toll of not being believed by doctors, family, and friends The fear of losing the "young and healthy" version of yourself Why Monster resonates so deeply with people living with chronic illness Jesse's new album, his return to performing, and what comes next If you've ever felt dismissed, misunderstood, or alone in your Lyme journey, this conversation will speak directly to you. 🎵 Get Jesse's album (vinyl or CD): jesseruben.com 🎧 Follow Jesse Ruben: @jesseruben 💚 Learn more about Generation Lyme: generationlyme.org If this episode moves you, please like, subscribe, and share. It helps more Lyme survivors find the support they deserve.

This is episode 68 of the Love, Hope, Lyme podcast. To get your free pdf of "Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know," reach out to Fred Diamond on social media. [NOTE: This podcast does not replace medical treatment. If you struggle with Lyme care, please see a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor.] What does it really mean to be a Lyme Warrior?  💚 In this powerful episode of Love, Hope, Lyme, host Fred Diamond talks with Lauren Lovejoy, founder of Lyme Warrior, about her 12-year journey from losing her health and career to leading one of the most passionate advocacy communities in the Lyme world. Lauren shares how she went from seeing over 60 doctors with most dismissing her symptoms as "stress" to finally receiving a clinical Lyme diagnosis and re uilding her life through alternative healing methods. Her honesty about the emotional toll, financial burden, and daily fight for recognition will move and inspire you.  🌿 You'll hear Lauren discuss:  💚 Why antibiotics aren't always the answer and what helped her heal 💚 How Lyme Warrior empowers survivors through awareness, 5Ks, and "Kid's Smile Boxes" 💚 The unseen emotional struggle of advocates and caregivers 💚Why believing Lyme patients is the first and most powerful act of care 💚The hope for accurate testing and meaningful medical progress ahead 💪 "Being a Lyme Warrior doesn't mean running a 5K. It means not giving up today." – Lauren Lovejoy 🎧 Listen. Learn. Believe. Share. Because together, we are all Lyme Warriors. 🔗 Connect with Lyme Warrior: [lymewarrior.us] 📘 Learn more about Fred's book: Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know"  #LymeWarrior #LoveHopeLyme #ChronicLyme #LymeAwareness #LymeDisease #LymeCommunity #HealingJourney #LymeSupport

In this episode of Love, Hope, Lyme, Fred Diamond speaks with Dr. Korine Kolivras, professor of geography at Virginia Tech, whose groundbreaking research challenges the long-held belief that "we don't have Lyme here." Dr. Kolivras, author of a chapter in Appalachian Epidemics: From Smallpox to COVID, shares how geography, land use, and even bird migration contribute to the spread of Lyme disease across Virginia, Appalachia, and beyond. She explains why the maps we rely on underestimate the true reach of Lyme, how land development and resource extraction may accelerate tick expansion, and what needs to change in medical education and public awareness. 🎧 Topics include: How geography and land use shape Lyme's spread Why "reported cases" don't reflect reality The role of birds, deer, and mice in tick migration How Appalachia's land changes may drive new Lyme hotspots What healthcare providers need to ask every patient 💬 Dr. Kolivras's message is clear — Lyme disease exists far beyond the maps, and awareness must rise everywhere. 📘 Learn more about her work in Appalachian Epidemics: From Smallpox to COVID (University of Kentucky Press). 🎙️ Love, Hope, Lyme is the podcast that brings together Lyme survivors, doctors, and advocates to share truth, research, and hope. #LymeDisease #VirginiaTech #Appalachia #TickBorneDiseases #LymeAwareness #LoveHopeLyme

This is episode 66 of the Love, Hope, Lyme Podcast. In this special Love, Hope, Lyme podcast with Fred Diamond, Athena Brownson shares how she went from the heights of professional skiing to the depths of chronic illness. After years of competing around the world, a Lyme diagnosis forced her to rebuild her life from the ground up. In this heartfelt conversation, Athena shares how she faced unimaginable physical and emotional challenges from misdiagnoses and loss of identity to rebuilding her health, career, and sense of purpose. Her story is one of courage, reinvention, and hope. Through Lyme, she discovered a new calling: helping others find meaning, resilience, and light in their own healing journeys. 🎧 Listen as she explores: ⛷️ The mindset of a professional athlete facing chronic illness 🤞🏻 How she found purpose and healing through adversity 💚 Why self-compassion, community, and small daily wins matter most If you're searching for strength or inspiration in your Lyme journey, Athena's story will remind you that healing begins with hope. Fred Diamond offers the e-version of his popular book "Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know" for free to Lyme survivors. Reach out the him on social media for your copy. The print copy of the book is on Amazon. #LoveHopeLyme #LymeDisease #LymeAwareness #HealingJourney #ChronicIllness #Resilience #Inspiration #AthenaBrownson

This is episode 65 of the Love, Hope, Lyme podcast. To get your free pdf of "Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know," reach out to Fred Diamond on social media. [NOTE: This podcast does not replace medical treatment. If you struggle with Lyme care, please see a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor.] In this powerful conversation, Fred Diamond welcomes back Col. (Ret.) Nicole Malachowski, the first female Thunderbird pilot and a leading Lyme advocate, alongside Dr. Kent Kester, infectious disease physician and executive director at CEPI. Together, they unpack the groundbreaking NASEM Report (Charting a Path Toward New Treatments for Lyme Infection-Associated Chronic Illnesses) and what it means for patients. 🔹 Nicole shares how her life was changed by a tick bite, why she's dedicated herself to patient advocacy, and what serving on the NASEM committee taught her. 🔹 Dr. Kester explains why this report is a historic moment: the U.S. government is officially recognizing Lyme Infection-Associated Chronic Illnesses as real—and why patient-centered research and treatments can't wait. 🔹 Together, they discuss the six key recommendations of the report, the role of patient voices, and the urgent need for science, funding, and compassion to align.  ✨ "For the first time ever, the United States of America is saying Lyme IACI is real." Nicole Malachowski If you or someone you love has battled Lyme disease, this episode offers validation, hope, and a roadmap for change. 📖 Fred Diamond's book: Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know" is available on Amazon. The pdf is always free for Lyme survivors. #LymeDisease #LoveHopeLyme #ChronicIllness #LymeAwareness #PatientAdvocacy #Hope

This is episode 64 of the Love, Hope, Lyme podcast. To get your free pdf of "Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know," reach out to Fred Diamond on social media. [NOTE: This podcast does not replace medical treatment. If you struggle with Lyme care, please see a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor.] 🎙️ In this powerful episode of Love, Hope, Lyme, Fred Diamond sits down with Kristen Harris, Education and Grants Manager at the Global Lyme Alliance (GLA), to explore the vital role of mentoring in the Lyme disease community. Kristen shares her deeply personal Lyme journey beginning with a tick bite at just 8 years old in New York and how decades of struggle with fatigue, neurological issues, chronic pain, and misdiagnosis ultimately led her to remission, relapse, and finally to a place of giving back. At GLA, Kristen now helps lead the Peer-to-Peer Mentor Program, connecting Lyme survivors, caregivers, and family members with mentors who have walked this difficult path before them. These mentors don't provide medical treatment but they do offer something just as powerful: understanding, compassion, and emotional support. In this episode, you'll hear about: 💚 Why Lyme survivors seek mentors while other illnesses rarely do 💚 How the GLA mentorship program supports both patients and caregivers 💚 The rigorous process mentors go through to prepare for this role 💚 The unique challenges of the Lyme journey, from misdiagnosis to isolation 💚 Kristen's insights on why community support is more needed than ever ✨ Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or advocate, this conversation is a reminder that no one should walk the Lyme journey alone. 🔗 Learn more about GLA's resources and mentorship program: https://www.gla.org

This is episode 63 of the Love, Hope, Lyme podcast. To get your free pdf of "Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know," reach out to Fred Diamond on social media. [NOTE: This podcast does not replace medical treatment. If you struggle with Lyme care, please see a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor.} In this powerful episode of the Love, Hope, Lyme Podcast, host Fred Diamond talks with Nikki Schultek, founder of Intracell Research Group and co-founder of the Alzheimer's Pathobiome Initiative (AlzPI). Nikki shares her personal journey with chronic infections and how it led her to uncover critical connections between Lyme disease, other infections, and neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer's. You'll learn: How chronic infections like Lyme, co-infections, viruses, and even fungi may impact brain health Why physicians often miss infections as a root cause of cognitive decline The concept of the "pathobiome" and why it matters for understanding Alzheimer's disease Hopeful research showing some cases of dementia may improve with targeted infection treatment How Nikki and her global research team are bridging silos to uncover answers If you or a loved one are living with Lyme disease—or worried about its long-term effects—this episode offers both hope and cutting-edge insight. 🔗 Learn more about Nikki's work: alzpi.org 📖 Learn more about Fred's book: Love, Hope, Lyme 👉 Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more conversations bringing hope and answers to the Lyme community. #LymeDisease #Alzheimers #Dementia #ChronicIllness #Hope #LoveHopeLyme

This is episode 62 of the Love, Hope, Lyme podcast. To get your free pdf of "Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know," reach out to Fred Diamond on social media. [NOTE: This podcast does not replace medical treatment. If you struggle with Lyme care, please see a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor.} How does Lyme disease affect your brain, your energy, and even your closest relationships? In this episode of Love, Hope, Lyme, psychiatrist Dr. Chris Winfrey shares powerful insights from his work with chronic Lyme survivors covering everything from mitochondrial health and strength training to the emotional hijacking of the limbic system. You'll learn: ☑️ Why true recovery is about more than symptom scores ✅ How to boost energy and brain clarity by supporting your mitochondria ✅ The critical role strength training plays in Lyme healing ☑️ How Lyme damages brain function and impacts relationships ✅ The connection between faith, motivation, and long-term recovery "You can fight the infection all day long, but if you don't have energy, it's not going to work." Dr. Chris Winfrey Whether you're a survivor, caregiver, or health professional, this conversation will change the way you think about Lyme disease and mental health. #LymeDisease #ChronicLyme #BrainHealth #Mitochondria #MentalHealth #LymeTreatment #LoveHopeLyme #Healing

This is episode 61 of the Love, Hope, Lyme podcast. To get your free pdf of "Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know," reach out to Fred Diamond on social media. [NOTE: This podcast does not replace medical treatment. If you struggle with Lyme care, please see a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor.} When brain fog and gut pain derailed Greg Lee's career as a NASA engineer, he turned to acupuncture and herbal medicine—and ultimately transformed his own life. Now, after three decades and more than a thousand patients, he's helping Lyme survivors overcome the pain, brain inflammation, coinfections, and fatigue that mainstream medicine often overlooks. 🎤 In this powerful Love, Hope, Lyme episode, Greg shares the advanced protocols he uses at the Lyme Research & Healing Center in Frederick, MD—from frequency-based scans and photoactivated antimicrobials like methylene blue and curcumin, to intranasal bee venom and essential oil liposomes. These treatments are delivered with precision to reach deep into the brain, past biofilms, and inside damaged cells. 🕷️ Whether you're new to Lyme or deep into a complex healing journey, Greg's holistic approach—paired with spiritual insight and scientific rigor—offers a roadmap for restoring vitality, clearing infection, and reclaiming your life. 👉 Download his free "Innovative Anti-Lyme Co-infection Treatments": https://www.lymeresearchcenter.com/LOVE Topics we cover include: ✅ Why frequency-specific microcurrent can regenerate tissue ☑️ How advanced scanning detects over 1,000 pathogens in real time ✅ Methylene blue + red light therapy for neurological Lyme ☑️ Essential oils as potent antimicrobial tools ✅ Bee venom therapy for Babesia in the brain ☑️ The role of diet, sleep, and spiritual connection in long-term healing 🎧 Hosted by Fred Diamond, author of Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know. Learn more about the Lyme Research Center at https://www.lymeresearchcenter.com/ #LymeDisease #LoveHopeLyme #GregLee #LymeHealing #ChronicLyme #AlternativeMedicine #MethyleneBlue #BeeVenomTherapy #FrequencyHealing #LymeRecovery #LymeResearch #HealingChronicIllness #BiofilmBusting #EssentialOils #HerbalMedicine

This is episode 60 of the Love, Hope, Lyme podcast. To get your free pdf of "Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know," reach out to Fred Diamond on social media. [NOTE: This podcast does not replace medical treatment. If you struggle with Lyme care, please see a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor.} What if your doctor missed something critical—and you had to save yourself and your child? That's exactly what happened to Mary Lyn Hammer. After six and a half years of misdiagnosis, Mary Lyn finally learned she had Lyme disease—a revelation that turned her into a relentless medical detective. She's the author of, "Over My Dead Body: What I Learned During My Decade‑long Journey to Heal from Lyme Disease and Coinfections." In this deeply personal episode of Love, Hope, Lyme, she shares how she battled chronic Lyme, a life-threatening blood infection, and a maze of co-infections—all while raising her daughter as a single mom. 💡 Learn how she cracked the biofilm puzzle. 🧬 Hear how she uncovered hidden infections, including bovine tuberculosis, before science confirmed it. 👧 And experience the emotional moment when her daughter finally felt well enough to say, "Mom, today was the best Monday of my life." If you're struggling to get answers or feel like no one understands the complexity of chronic Lyme, this conversation is for you. Mary Lyn's story is not just about surviving—it's about healing, advocacy, and hope. 👇 Listen now and share with someone who needs to hear this.  #LymeDisease #ChronicLyme #Biofilm #MedicalDetective #LymeAwareness #LoveHopeLyme #HealingJourney #CoInfections #LymeAdvocate #MaryLynHammer

This is episode 59 of the Love, Hope, Lyme podcast. To get your free pdf of "Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know," reach out to Fred Diamond on social media. [NOTE: This podcast does not replace medical treatment. If you struggle with Lyme care, please see a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor.} In this powerful Love, Hope, Lyme episode, Fred Diamond sits down with Lyme warrior and healthcare PR expert Ali Moresco for an unforgettable conversation about resilience, advocacy, and purpose. After a fast-paced early career in celebrity PR, Ali's life came to a halt when she was hit with a wave of debilitating symptoms. It took two years to be diagnosed with Lyme disease and multiple tickborne infections—including Babesia, Bartonella, ehrlichiosis, and relapsing fever. She became, as she puts it, a "professional patient." But Ali didn't stop there. Today, she's the Board Chair of Project Lyme, a leader in advocacy with the Center for Lyme Action and Two Alpha Gals Foundation, and the founder of a fast-growing healthcare PR firm that centers the patient voice. 🔹 In this episode, Ali shares: 💚 Why "Don't give up before the miracle occurs" became her guiding mantra 💚 How chronic illness taught her to value resilience—and build a thriving business around it 💚 The importance of accurate testing, individualized treatment, and public awareness 💚 How every Lyme survivor can find a way to contribute, no matter their capacity Whether you're a chronic Lyme survivor, caregiver, or ally, Ali's story will inspire you to stay hopeful and take action—on your own terms. 💚 ""Lyme may have changed my life, but it didn't take away my power. I used it to build something that helps others find hope, answers, and their voice." – Ali Moresco 📲 Connect with Ali on Instagram: @alimoresco 📘 Fred's book: Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know." 👉 Subscribe to the podcast for more powerful stories of healing, hope, and advocacy in the Lyme community. #LymeDisease #ChronicIllness #LymeAwareness #AlphaGalSyndrome #ProjectLyme #LoveHopeLyme #TickborneIllness #PatientAdvocacy

This is episode 58 of the Love, Hope, Lyme podcast. To get your free pdf of "Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know," reach out to Fred Diamond on social media. [NOTE: This podcast does not replace medical treatment. If you struggle with Lyme care, please see a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor.} What is Lyme rage—and why does it change who you are? In this powerful episode of Love, Hope, Lyme, host Fred Diamond talks with Dr. Darin Ingels, a Lyme-literate naturopathic doctor and Lyme survivor, about one of the most misunderstood aspects of chronic Lyme disease: the emotional and neurological impact of Lyme rage. Dr. Ingels shares his personal journey—from bullseye rash to relapse, from failed antibiotics to healing through Chinese herbal medicine—and breaks down why Lyme disease and co-infections like Bartonella can lead to brain inflammation, emotional dysregulation, personality shifts, and even explosive rage. 💬 "It's not just 'mood swings.' It's inflammation in the brain." You'll learn: 💚 What Lyme rage feels like—and why it's not just anger 💚 How co-infections, autoimmunity, and mast cell activation drive brain symptoms 💚 Natural and clinical strategies to reduce inflammation and restore emotional balance 💚 Ways to rebuild relationships damaged by Lyme-induced emotional shifts. A message of hope for survivors and families affected by neuropsychiatric Lyme. Whether you're living with chronic Lyme or love someone who is, this episode offers validation, clinical insights, and practical steps toward healing. 🔗 Learn more about Dr. Ingels and his work: https://dariningelsnd.com 📖 Get Fred's book "Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know." The pdf is always free for Lyme survivors.

This is episode 57 of the Love, Hope, Lyme podcast. To get your free pdf of "Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know," reach out to Fred Diamond on social media. [NOTE: This podcast does not replace medical treatment. If you struggle with Lyme care, please see a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor.] For decades, Lyme disease survivors have faced an uphill battle—dismissed by doctors, forced to wait years for appointments, and left without clear paths to healing. In this powerful episode of the Love, Hope, Lyme Podcast, Fred Diamond speaks with Dr. Monica Embers, a leading Lyme disease researcher at Tulane University and contributor to The Quiet Epidemic, and Kevin Williams, co-founder of Ravel Health and a chronic Lyme patient of 18 years. Dr. Embers shares the hard truth: "There is no central place for patients to turn." She explains why outdated diagnostic tools, lack of federal investment in treatment research, and misinformation have left millions without answers—and how new tests and targeted therapies are finally changing the game. Kevin Williams opens up about the deeply personal reasons he and co-founder, Jaime Intile, created Ravel Health: to spare others the years of pain and medical gaslighting they endured. Ravel now offers accessible, virtual, Lyme-literate care across 46 states with no waitlists and personalized treatment plans. 🎧 If you or someone you love is navigating Lyme or a related chronic illness, this episode will inform, validate, and give hope. 📌 Learn how Ravel is partnering with science leaders like Dr. Embers to change the future of Lyme care. #LoveHopeLyme #LymeDisease #ChronicIllness #RavelHealth #LymeTreatment #MonicaEmbers #TheQuietEpidemic

This is episode 56 of the Love, Hope, Lyme podcast. To get your free pdf of "Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know," reach out to Fred Diamond on social media. [NOTE: This podcast does not replace medical treatment. If you struggle with Lyme care, please see a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor.] What happens to a relationship when both partners are battling invisible illnesses, trauma, and years of misdiagnosis? In this deeply emotional episode of the Love, Hope, Lyme Podcast, David and Jacquie Butler share their raw, unfiltered story of love, resilience, and healing. From David's decades-long battle with undiagnosed Lyme disease, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and Lyme rage — to Jacquie's own experience with Hashimoto's, PCOS, and years of medical gaslighting — this is a candid conversation about surviving illness as a couple. You'll hear: 🧠 How trauma, both childhood and medical, shapes chronic illness 💔 Why many relationships don't survive Lyme — and how theirs did 🗣 The truth about "Lyme rage," misdiagnosis, and psychiatric medication  💪 How orgone-based psychotherapy helped them reclaim their lives 👶 Their unexpected pregnancy after years of infertility and healing 💚 A message of hope for couples on the edge Whether you're a Lyme warrior, caretaker, or someone who has loved through suffering, David and Jacquie's vulnerability will move you — and may even help you begin your own healing.  #LymeDisease #ChronicIllness #MarriageAndIllness #LymeRage #MedicalGaslighting #LymeSupport #LoveHopeLyme #ChronicLyme #MentalHealthAwareness #HealingTogether

This is episode 55 of the Love, Hope, Lyme podcast. To get your free pdf of "Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know," reach out to Fred Diamond on social media. [NOTE: This podcast does not replace medical treatment. If you struggle with Lyme care, please see a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor.] In this powerful episode of the Love, Hope, Lyme Podcast, naturopathic physician Dr. Myriah Hinchey shares the 10 essential steps she uses to help Lyme survivors reclaim their health—starting with rebuilding the immune system from the ground up. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been living with chronic Lyme for years, Dr. Hinchey offers a clear, actionable roadmap rooted in clinical experience, integrative medicine, and deep compassion. 🎧 Topics we cover: ✔️ What the "10 Bs" are—and why they matter ✔️ The importance of detoxification and drainage  ✔️ How to balance hormones and rebuild the gut ✔️ What most treatment plans are missing 📣 "There's no one-size-fits-all solution. But there is a system—and it starts with fixing the immune system first." 🔔 Subscribe for more expert conversations and hope-filled healing stories. #LymeDisease #ChronicLyme #LymeHealing #LymeHope #DrMyriahHinchey #NaturopathicMedicine #TickBorneIllness #LoveHopeLymePodcast #LymeAwarenessMonth #ImmuneSupport

This is episode 54 of the Love, Hope, Lyme podcast. To get your free pdf of "Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know," reach out to Fred Diamond on social media. [NOTE: This podcast does not replace medical treatment. If you struggle with Lyme care, please see a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor.] What happens when Lyme disease rips apart everything you thought you knew about yourself, your health, and your family? In this deeply emotional episode of Love, Hope, Lyme, Ilana shares her harrowing journey through chronic Lyme, Bartonella, and Babesia — and the devastating psychiatric symptoms that followed. Alongside her is her mother, Terry, whose role transformed from mom to full-time caregiver and anchor. 🔊 "Sometimes love isn't enough. You have to believe in healing." – Ilana 🛑 "You can't keep apologizing for being sick. You didn't cause this." – Terry Together, they lay bare: 💚 The unspoken emotional toll Lyme takes on families 💚 The guilt and grief of losing independence 💚 The strain – and strength – in a mother-daughter bond 💚 How boundaries, belief, and brutal honesty became their survival tools 💚 Why love is essential — but not always the cure 🎧 Whether you're a chronic Lyme survivor, a caregiver, or someone trying to understand what your loved one is going through, this episode will change the way you think about healing, support, and what it means to show up — even when you feel powerless. 💬 Join the OPLAC group on Facebook (Overcoming Psychiatric Lyme and Co-Infections) for connection and support. "Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know" https://www.amazon.com/Love-Hope-Lyme... #LoveHopeLyme #LymeDiseaseAwareness #CaregiverSupport #MentalHealthMatters #ChronicLyme #InvisibleIllness #MotherDaughter #LymeHealing #LymeAndMentalHealth #OPLAC #StrippedDownBook #LymeSurvivor

This is episode 53 of the Love, Hope, Lyme podcast. To get your free pdf of "Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know," reach out to Fred Diamond on social media. [NOTE: This podcast does not replace medical treatment. If you struggle with Lyme care, please see a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor.] Why does Lyme disease often hit women harder — physically, emotionally, and hormonally? In this powerful episode of Love, Hope, Lyme, I speak with Dr. Jaquel Patterson, a nationally-recognized naturopathic physician and author of Women and Lyme: An Integrative Guide to Better Health. Dr. Patterson shares her personal experience with Lyme, Bartonella, and Babesia, and breaks down how tick-borne illness uniquely impacts women at every life stage — from menstruation to menopause. We explore the often-dismissed symptoms, the role of hormones, psychiatric implications, and the systemic gaps in care that many women face. Whether you're a woman navigating chronic Lyme, a loved one trying to understand, or a practitioner seeking deeper insight, this episode offers knowledge, validation, and hope. 🔹 Topics covered: – The connection between hormones and Lyme symptoms – Why women are often misdiagnosed or dismissed – Psychiatric challenges like anxiety, depression, and "Lyme rage" – How to advocate for yourself or a loved one – Herbs and lifestyle strategies that can support healing – The importance of compassionate, informed care 📘 Learn more about Dr. Patterson's work and her book. 🎧 Subscribe to Love, Hope, Lyme for more episodes supporting the chronic Lyme community. #LymeDisease #WomensHealth #ChronicLyme #HormonesAndLyme #DrJaquelPatterson #LoveHopeLymePodcast #TickBorneIllness #LymeHealing