November 12, 2025

Behind the Reality: Exploring chronic illness within The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives

1 hour 2 minutes

In this episode of The CIRS Group podcast, Barbara and her guest co-host, Dr. Christian Navarro-Torres, discuss the potential connection between chronic illness and mold exposure, focusing on reality TV star Mikayla Matthews from "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives." They'll explore Matthews' health journey, discuss potential chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) symptoms, and highlight the importance of accurate diagnosis and effective treatment (The Shoemaker Protocol). They delve into the scientific foundation of CIRS, the role of genetics, and the significance of environmental triggers. The episode aims to raise awareness about CIRS, offer guidance on diagnosis and treatment options, and share personal insights into managing chronic illness. This is NOT medical advice, please consult a CIRS-literate doctor for diagnosis and treatment. For more information and support, visit https://thecirsgroup.com

00:00 Introduction

01:03 Who we are, and what is Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS)

02:20 Disclaimer and why we are commenting on Mikayla Matthews

03:50 What is The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives?

05:00 Trigger Warning, opportunity to raise awareness

05:40 Mikayla Matthews' childhood and history of exposure

07:20 The CIRS and Eczema connection

08:03 Understanding CIRS and its symptoms

10:00 Her father's Parkinson's and the genetic factor in CIRS

13:11 Link between CIRS and neurodegenerative diseases

18:05 How trauma and abuse triggers chronic illness like CIRS

23:10 Mikayla's symptoms: eczema, allergies, mollescum, candida, anxiety, pain, vertigo

28:00 Labwork to order when you have Eczema: a-MSH, VEGF, MMP9

33:20 How to get a CIRS Diagnosis: symptoms and tests

42:09 Why therapies Mikayla Matthews tried but didn't work

45:50 Why urinary mycotoxin tests don't work

49:17 Why specific binders are key to healing from mold illness or CIRS

53:04 How to test your home for mold

57:00 CIRS can allow other infections to take hold

58:00 How to find a doctor to help you heal

59:05 You CAN heal with the right treatment protocol (Shoemaker)

For more information and support, visit https://thecirsgroup.com

Work with Dr. Christian Navarro Torres: https://www.cirslab.com/

This episode is a reaction to the podcast interview Mikayla did re: her childhood/history: https://youtu.be/csQJIaNht6A?si=jZyHlzcU3a4cV_bq

HELPFUL LINKS:

How to check if a CIRS diagnosis is the answer to your chronic health issues:

Symptom Clusters: https://www.instagram.com/p/DIsxBShy0bd/

VCS Test: https://www.survivingmold.com/store/online-vcs-screening

HLA DR Genetic Test: https://www.lifeextension.com/lab-testing/itemlc100087/hla-dr-mold-genetic-test

Dust test your home for mold: https://www.envirobiomics.com/product/ermi/

Dust test your home for endotoxins (poop): https://www.envirobiomics.com/product/e-endotoxin/

Dust test your home for actino bacteria: https://www.envirobiomics.com/product/actino-test/

Find a Shoemaker certified doctor: https://www.survivingmold.com/shoemaker-protocol

Published research to explain CIRS to your doctor: https://www.survivingmold.com/Downloads/Dooley-McMahon_Final_Publication_-_3-30-2020.pdf

Published research on the diagnostic process for CIRS: https://www.survivingmold.com/Publications/CIRS_diagnostic_protocol_final_5_1_2018.pdf

What is CIRS?: https://www.thecirsgroup.com/blog/what-is-cirs/

Our "What is CIRS?" podcast episode: https://youtu.be/eqso4R0cQhg

Learn more about the Brain MRI called the NeuroQuant: https://youtu.be/Lc_LfUeiYTM

Join The CIRS Group community: https://www.thecirsgroup.com/membership/

Order Jacie's book! The 30 Day Carnivore Bootcamp: https://a.co/d/7MgHrRs

The CIRS Group:

Support Community: https://thecirsgroup.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecirsgroup/

Find Jacie for carnivore, lifestyle and limbic resources:

Jacie’s book on the Carnivore diet! https://a.co/d/8ZKCqz0

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladycarnivory

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LadyCarnivory

Blog: https://www.ladycarnivory.com/

Find Barbara for business/finance tips and coaching:

Website: https://www.actlikebarbara.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actlikebarbara/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@actlikebarbara

Jacie is a Shoemaker certified Proficiency Partner, NASM certified nutrition coach, author, and carnivore recipe developer determined to share the life changing information of carnivore and CIRS to anyone who will listen. Barbara is a business and fitness coach, CIRS and ADHD advocate, writer, speaker, and a big fan of health and freedom. Together, they co-founded The CIRS Group, an online support community to help people that are struggling with their CIRS diagnosis and treatment.

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