(Note: This video does not replace proper medical treatment. If you need medical advice, please seek a Lyme literate medical professional.)

In this powerful episode of Love, Hope, Lyme, we dive into the world of Lyme disease advocacy with Meghan Bradshaw and Johanne Schwartz from the Center for Lyme Action.

🦠 Meghan shares her journey from being a Lyme patient to becoming the Center's Government Relations Manager, leading grassroots advocacy efforts like the upcoming Virtual Fly-In on February 18-19, 2025. Johanne opens up about her first experience advocating on Zoom and how sharing her story has been both impactful and healing. 💪💚

It's important right now. I asked my friend Chat (on January 27, 2025), "Is Trump for or against Lyme disease federal funding?"

He replied: "While these funding decisions are made by Congress, the administration's stance on broader health funding could influence future allocations. Notably, the Trump administration has proposed significant budget cuts to federal health agencies, including the NIH and CDC, which may impact research and prevention efforts related to Lyme disease."

 📅 Why You Should Watch:

✅ Learn how Lyme disease patients and allies can make a difference in Congress.

☑️Hear inspiring personal stories of resilience and advocacy.

✅ Discover how the Center for Lyme Action is fighting to increase federal funding for Lyme research.

📣 Want to get involved? Whether you're a seasoned advocate or just starting, sign up for the Virtual Fly-In and join the fight against Lyme disease: centerforlymeaction.org.

🔗 Listen now and be part of the change! 

#LoveHopeLyme #LymeDisease #LymeAdvocacy #VirtualFlyIn2025 #CenterForLymeAction #Podcast #TickBorneDiseases

Lyme disease can devastate military personnel and their families.

In this eye-opening episode of Love, Hope, Lyme: A Lyme Disease Podcast, Fred Diamond sits down with Dr. Angel Davey to discuss the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) and specifically the Tick-Borne Disease Research Program, its impact on the military community, and why Lyme disease is a critical issue for service members and their families.

🪖 Highlights Include:

💚 Shocking statistics: Over 7,000 service members and 63,000 family members diagnosed with tick-borne diseases from 2006 to 2022.

💚 Why military personnel are at higher risk for Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses.

💚 The vital role of advocacy in securing federal funding for research and treatment.

💚 Stories of resilience from heroes like retired Colonel Nicole Malachowski and other military personnel affected by Lyme disease.

💚 Cutting-edge research initiatives, including the MilTICK program aimed at advancing diagnostics and prevention.

🎙️ Discover how the CDMRP incorporates the voices of Lyme disease survivors and families into its research priorities and why this collaboration is essential to transforming healthcare for service members and civilians alike.

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

💚 Learn more about CDMRP’s Tick-Borne Disease Research Program: https://cdmrp.health.mil. 💚 Explore MilTICK and SURE Path for tick-borne disease surveillance. 💚 Hear the inspiring story of Colonel Nicole Malachowski: [Link to previous episode].

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more inspiring episodes of Love, Hope, Lyme.

#LymeDisease #TickBorneDiseases #MilitaryHealth #LymeAwareness #ChronicLyme #LoveHopeLyme

In the most listened to Love, Hope, Lyme podcast of 2024, Fred Diamond welcomes Ali from The Tick Chicks and host of the Lyme Time Podcast. Ali shares her inspiring journey from struggling with Lyme disease to achieving healing and dedicating her life to helping others navigate their own paths.

This episode focuses on six key strategies Ali used during her recovery that offer hope and practical advice for Lyme survivors and their families:

💫 Your Recovery Journey: Ali explains the role of antibiotics, the potential for Herxheimer reactions, and why it’s worth trying even if you’re far along in your journey.

🌟 Surrendering the Fight: Discover how letting go of the obsession with “curing” Lyme and focusing on symptom control transformed her healing process.

⭐ Alternative Healing: From herbal protocols to nerve health treatments, Ali reveals how opening her mind to non-traditional therapies made a difference.

💫 Symptom Relief: Learn how eliminating environmental triggers like humidity and focusing on clean eating helped alleviate her symptoms.

🌟 Supplementation & Detox: Ali discusses the importance of targeted supplements, vitamin IVs, and detox strategies, including infrared sauna use.

⭐ Brain Retraining: Hear about the transformative power of brain retraining to calm the nervous system, tap into the vagus nerve, and foster long-term healing. Ali also touches on her advocacy efforts, including her website, private support group, and retreats, all of which provide valuable resources to Lyme survivors and their loved ones.

👉 For more from Ali, visit The Tick Chicks or follow her on Instagram @thetickchicks.

💚 Love, Hope, Lyme is your source for authentic conversations about the challenges and triumphs of living with chronic Lyme disease. Subscribe for more inspiring stories and actionable advice.

The e-book version of "Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know" is always free for Lyme survivors—just reach out to Fred on Facebook or LinkedIn.

To purchase the print version, visit Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Love-Hope-Lyme-Partners-Survivor-ebook/dp/B0B9Q8LX7G/

 #LymeDisease #ChronicLyme #HealingJourney #TickChicks #LoveHopeLyme

This is episode 44 of the Love, Hope, Lyme podcast.

[NOTE: This podcast does not promote any specific medical treatment and should not be seen as a replacement for medical advice.]

🎙️ In this powerful episode of Love, Hope, Lyme, "Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know" author Fred Diamond sits down with Dr. Robert Bransfield, a renowned psychiatrist and expert in Lyme-related mental health, to explore the profound psychiatric and mental health toll Lyme disease takes on its survivors.

Dr. Bransfield shares decades of experience treating Lyme patients with psychiatric symptoms, shedding light on:

✅ How Lyme and co-infections impact the brain, causing depression, anxiety, and even suicidal ideation.

✅ The physiological and psychological mechanisms behind personality changes, sleep disorders, and neuroinflammation.

✅ Why understanding immune system responses is critical to managing chronic Lyme's psychiatric effects.

✅ The systemic challenges Lyme patients face, from misdiagnosis to lack of support, and how these contribute to mental health struggles.

💡 With over 500 peer-reviewed studies linking Lyme disease to psychiatric symptoms, Dr. Bransfield offers actionable insights, hope, and strategies for healing—emphasizing the need for collaborative, open-minded medical approaches.

The e-book version of "Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know" by Fred Diamond is always free for Lyme survivors—just reach out to Fred on Facebook or LinkedIn.

To purchase the print version, visit Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Love-Hope-Lyme-Partners-Survivor-ebook/dp/B0B9Q8LX7G/.

#LymeDisease #MentalHealth #DrRobertBransfield #ChronicLyme #LoveHopeLyme

In this deeply insightful episode of Love, Hope, Lyme, host Fred Diamond dives into the transformative journey of chronic illness with Christina Kantzavelos, a therapist, chronic Lyme warrior, and advocate for holistic healing.

Christina shares her personal battle with Lyme disease, her professional expertise in trauma-informed therapy, and her mission to empower others through practical, evidence-based tools. She explains the importance of nervous system regulation, trauma healing, and the mind-body connection in overcoming chronic illness.

Topics include:

• The role of medical trauma and how to rebuild trust in the healing journey.
• Groundbreaking therapies like EMDR and Constructed Awareness.
• Practical mindfulness techniques, from breathwork to tapping, that calm the nervous system.
• The impact of chronic illness on relationships and how to navigate challenges with compassion and understanding.

Whether you’re a chronic Lyme survivor, a caregiver, or someone looking for hope and actionable insights, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped to take the next step in your healing journey.

Resources Mentioned: 👉 Visit Christina Kantzavelos’ website for free resources and tools. Begin Within Today: Mental Wellness and Chronic Illness Therapy

The e-book version of Love, Hope, Lyme is always free for Lyme survivors—just reach out to Fred on Facebook or LinkedIn. To purchase the print version, visit Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Love-Hope-Lyme-Partners-Survivor-ebook/dp/B0B9Q8LX7G/.

This is episode 42 of the Love, Hope, Lyme Podcast.

Note: This podcast does not promote specific medical treatments and is not a substitute for medical advice.

In this deeply moving episode of Love, Hope, Lyme, host Fred Diamond welcomes Dr. Jennifer Gardella, author of Listen for the Whispers of Abuse. Together, they explore the powerful intersection of trauma, chronic Lyme disease, and surviving domestic violence. Dr. Gardella shares her courageous journey of escaping abuse, rebuilding her life, and helping others recognize and address the patterns of trauma that impact survivors of both domestic violence and chronic illnesses like Lyme disease.

✅ The link between unresolved trauma and the challenges of chronic illness recovery ✅ Dr. Gardella’s healing journey, including crisis counseling, trauma therapy, and EMDR ✅ Similarities between survivors of Lyme disease and domestic violence, from disbelief to retraumatization ✅ Practical advice for finding healing, support, and hope for survivors and their loved ones ✅ The essential role of community in overcoming trauma, and why “It’s not your fault”

✨ “We don’t out-trauma each other, but we can support each other.” — Dr. Jennifer Gardella

Whether you’re managing a chronic illness, supporting a loved one, or navigating personal trauma, this episode offers hope, understanding, and actionable insights. 💚

📖 Learn more about Dr. Gardella’s work in Listen for the Whispers of Abuse.

🎧 Explore more episodes of Love, Hope, Lyme for conversations with leading experts and advocates.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for updates on new episodes. Share this episode with someone who needs it!

💚 The e-book version of Love, Hope, Lyme is always free for Lyme survivors—reach out to Fred on Facebook or LinkedIn. To purchase the print version, visit Amazon.

#ChronicLyme #TraumaHealing #DomesticViolenceSurvivor #Podcast #LymeDiseaseWarrior

This is episode 41 of the Love, Hope, Lyme podcast.

[NOTE: This podcast does not promote any specific medical treatment and should not be seen as a replacement for medical advice.]

In today’s episode, Fred Diamond sits down with Rabbi Melinda Bernstein, a resilient Lyme survivor and practicing rabbi. Together, they explore the profound challenges and spiritual questions that arise when battling chronic Lyme disease and its relentless coinfections.

Rabbi Melinda offers unique insights on connecting with a higher power during this struggle, sharing how maintaining faith can open doors to healing and offer a sense of purpose amid the journey. Through her own experiences, Rabbi Melinda reveals how faith can be both tested and strengthened by Lyme disease, providing hope to those on a tumultuous path to recovery.

When researching his widely acclaimed book, "Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know," Fred encountered many Lyme survivors and caregivers grappling with their faith. Some found comfort and commitment in their beliefs, while others experienced doubt. Even Fred faced a crisis of faith after a deeply personal loss, making this discussion particularly close to his heart.

In Love, Hope, Lyme, Fred provides family members and friends with practical advice to support their loved ones battling chronic Lyme. For Lyme survivors, the book offers guidance on how to ask for support and cultivate resilience in relationships.

If you or someone you love is affected by Lyme disease, this conversation is for you.

Gain insights on finding strength, holding onto hope, and reconnecting with spirituality in the face of illness.

You can schedule a meeting with Rabbi Melinda at https://calendly.com/melinda-bernstein/15min?month=2024-11 or visit her website at https://melindabernstein.com/about/.

The e-book version of Love, Hope, Lyme is always free for Lyme survivors—just reach out to Fred on Facebook or LinkedIn. To purchase the print version, visit Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Love-Hope-Lyme-Partners-Survivor-ebook/dp/B0B9Q8LX7G/.

This is episode 40 of the Love, Hope, Lyme podcast.

[NOTE: This podcast does not promote any specific medical treatment and should not be seen as a replacement for medical advice.]

On today’s episode, Fred brings on Sami Kirschbaum of the Lyme Resilience Collective to discuss brain spotting and other ways to deal with the trauma that often comes with chronic disease. They discuss how to handle shame and grief that often come with the loss. Sami took Fred through a brain spotting session and they discuss how it might work for you. 

When Fred was doing the research for his popular book “Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know,” he was ignorant of the sometimes perpetual traumas that chronic Lyme survivors might face throughout their healing journey. Many survivors have lost relationships, livelihoods, and joy.

But, healing from the trauma is possible.

Fred Diamond's popular book, "Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know" offers those who love someone with persistent or chronic Lyme disease ideas and tips to support this beloved person. It also helps Lyme survivors know how to ask for support.

If someone you love has been afflicted with Lyme disease, watch this podcast now. If you have Lyme disease, listen for ways to get the support you need.

The e-version of Fred's book is always free for Lyme survivors. Just reach out to Fred on Facebook or LinkedIn. The print copy can be ordered at https://www.amazon.com/Love-Hope-Lyme-Partners-Survivor-ebook/dp/B0B9Q8LX7G/.

This is episode 39 of the Love, Hope, Lyme podcast.

[NOTE: This podcast does not promote any specific medical treatment and should not be seen as a replacement for medical advice.]

Fred Diamond's popular book, "Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know" offers those who love someone with persistent or chronic Lyme disease ideas and tips to support this beloved person. It also helps Lyme survivors know how to ask for support.

On today’s episode, he discusses how to ensure you find the best doctor if you have chronic Lyme disease with ILADS president Dr. Amy Offutt. Lyme disease can be a complex and often misunderstood illness. For those dealing with it, finding a knowledgeable and compassionate doctor can be crucial to healing optimally.

On today’s Love, Hope, Lyme podcast, Dr. Amy Offutt, current president of the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS), has spent her career educating doctors and treating patients with chronic Lyme disease. In this podcast, we explore her ideas for Lyme disease survivors on finding the right medical doctor.

When Fred was doing the research for his popular book “Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know,” he did not know there were challenges educating medical professionals to treat and care for Lyme disease survivors.

If someone you love has been afflicted with Lyme disease, watch this podcast now. If you have Lyme disease, listen for ways to get the support you need.

The e-version of Fred's book is always free for Lyme survivors. Just reach out to Fred on Facebook or LinkedIn. The print copy can be ordered at https://www.amazon.com/Love-Hope-Lyme-Partners-Survivor-ebook/dp/B0B9Q8LX7G/.

This is episode 38 of the Love, Hope, Lyme podcast.

[NOTE: This podcast does not promote any specific medical treatment and should not be seen as a replacement for medical advice.]

Fred Diamond's popular book, "Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know" offers those who love someone with persistent or chronic Lyme disease ideas and tips to support this beloved person. It also helps Lyme survivors know how to ask for support.

On today’s episode, he catches up with Lyme survivor and advocate Olivia Goodreau from the LivLyme Foundation. They discuss how she created the foundation when SHE WAS 12 years old.

They also discuss her advocacy and recovery journey that she shared in her book "But She Looks Fine."

Olivia discussed her journey of meeting with dozens of doctors until she received the proper treatment to recover from Lyme disease and its coinfections.

Now a college student at UCLA, she also talked about her new Tick Tracker app and how it can help people stay clear of ticks.

When Fred was doing the research for his popular book “Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know,” he didn't know how Lyme disease affected children and teenagers and the struggle they face in recovery.

Olivia's story is unique and an example of how Lyme disease survivors need to be their own advocates and can also help thousands of other find peace.

If someone you love has been afflicted with Lyme disease, watch this podcast now. If you have Lyme disease, listen for ways to get the support you need.

The e-version of Fred's book is always free for Lyme survivors. Just reach out to Fred on Facebook or LinkedIn.

The print copy can be ordered at https://www.amazon.com/Love-Hope-Lyme-Partners-Survivor-ebook/dp/B0B9Q8LX7G/.