When Fred Diamond decided to learn more about the Lyme disease that afflicted someone he loved, his life changed. He read every book on Lyme, joined Facebook groups, attended webinars and podcasts and quickly realized that he knew hardly anything about what Lyme disease survivors go through on a daily basis. His 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 Lyme ideas and tips to support this beloved person. This podcast supports the lessons learned in the book. The book features a foreword by the top Lyme doctor on the planet, Dr. Richard Horowitz. If someone you love has been afflicted with Lyme disease epidemic, listen to this podcast now.
💚 This is episode 86 of the Love, Hope, Lyme. This show is about how being misdiagnosed when Lyme disease is really what the survivor is struggling with. This podcast does not replace medical care. If you're struggling with Lyme symptoms, please seek proper medical care. The pdf of Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivors Need to Know is always free for chronic Lyme survivors. Reach out to Fred Diamond on social media for your copy. What happens when Lyme disease and Bartonella masquerade as severe mental illness? In one of the most emotional episodes we've ever recorded, Fred sits down with Dr. Rick Dulude and Terri McCormick, author of "Being Misdiagnosed," to share the story of Alec Dulude, a bright, athletic engineering student whose life was tragically cut short after years of misdiagnosis and devastating neuropsychiatric symptoms. Rick courageously recounts his family's search for answers, the heartbreaking challenges they faced, and why he now dedicates his life to helping other families recognize the hidden neurological and psychiatric effects of tick-borne diseases before it's too late. You'll learn: 💚 Why Lyme disease and Bartonella can mimic serious psychiatric illnesses 💚 How misdiagnosis delayed the care Alec desperately needed 💚 The warning signs every family should understand 💚 Why curiosity and early diagnosis can save lives 💚 How Alec's legacy lives on through Alec's Place and a mission to help others This conversation is difficult but it is also filled with hope. Rick and his family have transformed unimaginable grief into advocacy, education, and compassion for families walking a similar path. If you or someone you love is struggling with Lyme disease or unexplained neuropsychiatric symptoms, we hope this conversation offers understanding, encouragement, and the determination to keep searching for answers. Please like, subscribe, and share this episode to help raise awareness about the life-changing impact of Lyme disease and tick-borne illnesses. Together, we can help more families find answers sooner.
💚 This is episode 86 of the Love, Hope, Lyme. This show is about how being misdiagnosed when Lyme disease is really what the survivor is struggling with. This podcast does not replace medical care. If you're struggling with Lyme symptoms, please seek proper medical care. The pdf of Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivors Need to Know is always free for chronic Lyme survivors. Reach out to Fred Diamond on social media for your copy. What happens when Lyme disease is mistaken for a psychiatric illness? In this powerful episode of the Love, Hope, Lyme Podcast, Fred Diamond is joined by Terri McCormick, author of Being Misdiagnosed, and Alex, who shares her deeply personal journey from being a high-achieving college student to experiencing severe neurological and psychiatric symptoms after multiple doctors dismissed the classic signs of Lyme disease. Alexandra opens up about the devastating effects of missed diagnosis, including debilitating sleep disorders, cognitive decline, mold illness, psychiatric symptoms, and a suicide attempt before finally receiving the answers she had been searching for. Her story is a powerful reminder that Lyme disease can profoundly affect the brain and nervous system and why listening to patients matters. In this episode, you'll learn: 💚 Why Lyme disease is known as "The Great Imitator." 💚 How Lyme disease can present with psychiatric and neurological symptoms. 💚 The connection between sleep disorders, mold exposure, and chronic illness. 💚 The emotional toll of being repeatedly misdiagnosed. 💚 Why hope, persistence, and finding the right medical team can change a life. If you or someone you love has been told "it's all in your head" despite ongoing symptoms, this conversation offers insight, validation, and hope. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, like, and share it with someone who may need to hear Alex's story.
💚 This is episode 85 of the Love, Hope, Lyme. This show is about Morgellons and Lyme disease recovery. This podcast does not replace medical care. If you're struggling with Lyme symptoms, please seek proper medical care. The pdf of Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivors Need to Know is always free for chronic Lyme survivors. Reach out to Fred Diamond on social media for your copy. What happens when a Lyme disease diagnosis isn't the end of the story? In this episode of Love, Hope, Lyme, Fred Diamond, speaks with Britt Girvan, host of the new What The Morgs? podcast, about her experience with Morgellons, a condition that many patients associate with Lyme disease but that remains poorly understood and highly controversial. Britt shares her personal journey through Lyme, co-infections, cognitive challenges, and the isolation that so many chronic illness patients face. Most importantly, she explains why she launched a podcast dedicated to creating a safe space for people who often feel unheard and unseen. Britt says hope matters. Whether you're living with Morgellons and Lyme, supporting a loved one, or simply trying to understand these complex illnesses, Britt's story is a reminder that no one should have to navigate these challenges alone. Watch the full episode and let us know your thoughts in the comments. If you'd like a pdf copy of "Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know," reach out to Fred.
💚 This is episode 84 of the Love, Hope, Lyme This podcast does not replace medical care. If you're struggling with Lyme symptoms, please seek proper medical care. The pdf of Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivors Need to Know is always free for chronic Lyme survivors. Reach out to Fred Diamond on social media for your copy. Did you know that it's been estimated that 3 out of 4 committed relationships may end when chronic Lyme is involved? In this powerful episode of the Love, Hope, Lyme Podcast, Fred Diamond welcomes Sarah Krivos, author of "Silver Scars: A Memoir of Chronic Lyme Disease and Recovery," for an honest conversation about chronic Lyme disease, healing, marriage, and resilience. Sarah shares her remarkable journey from being bitten by a tick as a child to decades of unexplained symptoms, multiple misdiagnoses, and a health crisis that nearly took her life. One of the most moving parts of this conversation is Sarah's candid discussion about how chronic Lyme affected her marriage. She opens up about Lyme rage, brain fog, exhaustion, loss of identity, communication breakdowns, resentment, and the emotional toll that chronic illness places on both partners. Sarah and Fred explore why so many relationships struggle when Lyme enters the picture and what couples can do to stay connected through the hardest moments. Sarah also shares the role that emotional healing, trauma work, and couples coaching played in her recovery, offering practical insights for both Lyme survivors and their spouses. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why chronic Lyme can be so difficult to diagnose and treat • The emotional and neurological symptoms many Lyme patients experience • How chronic illness impacts marriages and family relationships • Why communication is critical for both patients and caregivers • The connection between trauma, emotional health, and physical healing • Practical advice for spouses supporting a loved one with Lyme disease • How Sarah found hope, healing, and purpose through her journey Most importantly, Sarah offers a message that every Lyme survivor needs to hear: healing is possible, remission is possible, and your story can become someone else's hope. If you or someone you love is living with Lyme disease or another chronic illness, this episode will inspire, encourage, and remind you that you're not alone.
This is episode 83 of the Love, Hope, Lyme podcast. This podcast does not replace medical care. If you're struggling with Lyme symptoms, please seek proper medical care. The pdf of Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivors Need to Know is always free for chronic Lyme survivors. Reach out to Fred Diamond on social media for your copy. 🤔 Why are Lyme patients still being misdiagnosed, dismissed, or forced to spend years searching for answers? On this episode of the Love, Hope, Lyme Podcast, Fred Diamond speaks with David Walsey, Executive Director of the Bay Area Lyme Foundation, about his family's deeply personal Lyme journey and how it ultimately led him to one of the leading Lyme research organizations in the country. We discuss: 💚 Why Lyme disease remains so difficult to diagnose 💚 The growing importance of co-infections like Bartonella and Babesia 💚 New advances in Lyme diagnostics and treatment research 💚 Why many patients still feel "gaslighted" by the medical system 💚 How AI and biomarker research may change the future of Lyme care 💚 Why David is optimistic about where Lyme research is headed David also shares powerful insight from his family's nearly 10-year journey navigating tick-borne illness and what he believes Lyme patients and families need to know right now. If you or someone you love has been impacted by Lyme disease, this is an important and hopeful conversation.
This is episode 82 of the Love, Hope, Lyme This podcast does not replace medical care. If you're struggling with Lyme symptoms, please seek proper medical care. The pdf of Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivors Need to Know is always free for chronic Lyme survivors. Reach out to Fred Diamond on social media for your copy. What if healing from Lyme isn't just about protocols but about creating a body and mind that feel safe enough to heal? On this powerful episode of the Love, Hope, Lyme podcast, Fred speaks with health coach and Lyme survivor Heidi Bodenheimer about her powerful CARES framework for navigating chronic illness, calming the nervous system, and moving forward with consistency instead of overwhelm. Heidi shares practical strategies for flare days, nervous system regulation, breathwork, self-compassion, and the daily habits that can help Lyme survivors create a more "hospitable environment" for healing. 💚 One powerful quote from Heidi: "I'm not trying to breathe my symptoms away. I'm trying to stop my nervous system from piling fear on top of them." If you or someone you love is struggling with Lyme disease, chronic illness, or the emotional toll that comes with it, this conversation offers hope, practical tools, and compassion.
This is episode 81 of the Love, Hope, Lyme podcast. This podcast does not replace medical care. If you're struggling with Lyme symptoms, please seek proper medical care. The pdf of Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivors Need to Know is always free for chronic Lyme survivors. Reach out to Fred Diamond on social media for your copy. Healing Starts When You Trust Your Body with Wendi Lindenmuth In this episode of the Love, Hope, Lyme Podcast, Fred Diamond sits down with Wendi Lindenmuth, author of Listen to Your Body, to explore what it really takes to heal from chronic Lyme disease and chronic pain. Wendi shares her powerful journey from a competitive athlete suddenly unable to walk, to becoming a guide for others navigating the complexities of Lyme. Her message is clear: healing begins when you believe it's possible and learn to listen to your body with compassion and intention. We go deep into the mindset shifts and practical strategies that can help Lyme survivors move forward, including: 💚 Why believing you can heal is the first critical step 💚 How to navigate the overwhelm of Lyme communities and information 💚 The role of nutrition in reducing inflammation and supporting recovery 💚 Why sleep may be the most underrated healing tool 💚 How reconnecting with nature can restore your energy and mindset 💚 The importance of finding the right kind of support 💚 What it means to "communicate with your pain" and why it matters Wendi also shares simple, accessible ways to begin regulating your nervous system including the use of healing frequencies even on your hardest days. If you're living with Lyme disease, supporting someone who is, or searching for hope in the middle of chronic illness, this conversation will meet you where you are and help you take the next step forward. 👉 Learn more about Wendi's book Listen to Your Body 👉 Subscribe for more conversations that bring hope, healing, and understanding to the Lyme community About the Podcast The Love, Hope, Lyme Podcast is dedicated to helping Lyme survivors and their loved ones find support, understanding, and practical strategies for healing. #LymeDisease #ChronicIllness #HealingJourney #LymeRecovery #MindsetMatters #ChronicPainSupport
This is episode 080 of the Love, Hope, Lyme podcast. This podcast does not replace medical treatment. If you are suffering from Lyme and other tick-borne disease, please seek proper medical treatment. "Love, Hope, Lyme" is available on Amazon. To get the PDF for free, reach out to Fred Diamond on Facebook or LinkedIn. What does it really take to keep going when Lyme disease changes everything? In this powerful episode of the Love, Hope, Lyme Podcast, Fred Diamond sits down with Nicole O'Donnell, author of "Resilient Hope," along with Christa Nannos and Jasmin Perdomo, to share real, raw lessons from their Lyme journeys. This conversation goes beyond treatments. It's about what actually helps people move forward. 👉 Here's what you'll hear: 💚 Why community can become your lifeline 💚 The truth that healing is not linear—and that's okay 💚 How to stop chasing the "magic cure" and start listening to your body 💚 Why nervous system regulation is essential for healing 💚 How to navigate grief, identity loss, and still choose hope One of the most powerful takeaways: "Even on the hardest days, hope is a choice." If you're a Lyme survivor or love someone who is this episode will meet you where you are.
This is episode 079 of the Love, Hope, Lyme podcast. This podcast does not replace medical treatment. If you are suffering from Lyme and other tick-borne disease, please seek proper medical treatment. Purchase "Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know" on Amazon. What if the pain you've been told to "live with"… is actually treatable? In this powerful episode of the Love, Hope, Lyme Podcast, Fred Diamond speaks with integrative nurse practitioner and Lyme survivor Dr. Penni Vachon about one of the most misunderstood aspects of Lyme disease: chronic pain and how to overcome it. Dr. Vachon shares her deeply personal journey, including how Lyme disease impacted multiple generations of her family and how a life-changing moment in the NICU pushed her to fully dedicate her work to helping Lyme survivors heal. Together, they dive into: ✔️ Why Lyme pain is so often misdiagnosed (arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia) ✔️ The real root causes of pain—beyond what traditional medicine addresses ✔️ Differences between neurological, joint, and muscle pain in Lyme ✔️ Effective treatment approaches—from botanicals to advanced therapies ✔️ The critical role of inflammation and the nervous system ✔️ Why "suffering is optional" and what Lyme patients must demand from their care Dr. Vachon delivers a powerful message: You do NOT have to live in constant pain. If you or someone you love is struggling with Lyme disease, this episode offers both validation and real hope—along with actionable insights to pursue more effective healing. 🎧 Love, Hope, Lyme Podcast is dedicated to helping Lyme survivors and their loved ones find answers, support, and a path forward. 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.
This is episode 078 of the Love, Hope, Lyme podcast. This podcast does not replace medical treatment. If you are suffering from Lyme and other tick-borne disease, please seek proper medical treatment. Pennsylvania has been called a ground zero of the Lyme disease epidemic in the United States. On this episode of the Love, Hope, Lyme Podcast, Fred Diamond speaks with two powerful advocates who are working to change that reality. Eric Huck and Amy Tiehel from the Pennsylvania Lyme Resource Network share their deeply personal Lyme journeys and explain why advocacy, education, and community support are critical for Lyme survivors and their families. Eric's story began in 2009 after a tick bite while hiking the Appalachian Trail. Despite early treatment, his health rapidly deteriorated and he was eventually diagnosed with Lyme disease along with multiple co-infections including Babesia, Bartonella, Ehrlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis. His experience navigating the healthcare system ultimately led him to help build one of the largest Lyme advocacy organizations in the state. Amy's journey began while she was living in Los Angeles. After years of debilitating symptoms, Bell's palsy, and visits to more than 25 doctors, she was finally diagnosed with Lyme disease and Babesia. Her experience with misdiagnosis and medical dismissal pushed her into advocacy so that other patients would not have to navigate the system alone. In this powerful conversation, we discuss: • Why Pennsylvania has become a Lyme disease hotspot • The mission of the Pennsylvania Lyme Resource Network • The challenges patients face with diagnosis and treatment • The mental and emotional toll Lyme takes on families • Prevention through the Dare 2B Tick Aware education program • What must change to improve care for Lyme survivors Eric and Amy also share details about the Pennsylvania Lyme Patient Conference taking place April 18 in King of Prussia, where patients, doctors, and advocates will gather to learn, connect, and support one another. Learn more about the Pennsylvania Lyme Patient Conference: https://palyme.org
What happens when Lyme disease steals a child's health and a family's sense of normal? In this powerful episode of the Love, Hope, Lyme Podcast , Fred Diamond speaks with Dr. Somer Delsignore , CEO and Founder of Hudson Valley Integrative Health and a member of International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS), about the hidden realities of pediatric Lyme disease. Dr. Somer specializes in neuro-immune conditions in children and adolescents, uncovering root causes behind complex autoimmune and psychiatric symptoms related to tick-borne illness. Together, Fred and Dr. Somer explore what no one tells parents at diagnosis — including: Why the Lyme journey is rarely linear The guilt many parents carry — and why it's misplaced Gaslighting, medical trauma, and rebuilding trust The emotional toll of identity loss and grief in chronic illness How schools can better support children with fluctuating symptoms Navigating family dynamics when others "don't see" the illness Realistic hope vs. toxic positivity Dr. Somer also shares insights on congenital Lyme, teenage independence during chronic illness, caregiver burnout, and how small wins become powerful milestones in long-term healing. This episode is especially important for parents of children and teens with Lyme disease — but it will resonate with any caregiver navigating chronic illness. As Dr. Somer reminds us, "Hope isn't toxic positivity. Stability is success." If you or someone you love is walking this road, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and grounded hope. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations that support Lyme survivors and the people who love them. #LoveHopeLyme #PediatricLyme #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #CaregiverSupport Order "Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know" on Amazon. The PDF is always free. Contact Fred Diamond on Facebook or LinkedIn.
This is episode 76 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, Fred Diamond, author of "Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor" sits down with Dr. Jennifer Miller, who oversees clinical and scientific operations at Galaxy Diagnostics, for one of the most important conversations we've ever had about Lyme disease. We discuss the basics. Not just what Lyme does, but why it happens in the first place. Dr. Miller brings decades of deep scientific experience studying Borrelia burgdorferi and explains: ✅ How ticks actually become infected ✅ Why nymph ("seed") ticks are the biggest threat to humans ✅ What happens biologically inside the tick and inside your body ✅ Why Borrelia is so hard for the immune system (and antibiotics) to find ✅ How co-infections like Bartonella and Babesia complicate diagnosis and recovery ✅ Why some people develop neurological symptoms while others don't ✅ Why today's antibody tests often miss active infections and how Galaxy is working on direct detection methods to change the standard of care We also talk about: 🧬 Immune dysregulation 🧠 Blood–brain barrier crossing 🧪 False negatives and outdated testing 🦠 Why Borrelia behaves unlike almost any other bacteria Dr. Miller shares insights from her presentation at International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) and her personal journey into Lyme research inspired by growing up in tick-heavy Southern Maryland and watching her father care for Lyme patients as a primary care physician. If you've ever asked yourself: 👉 Why me? 👉 How did this actually start? 👉 Why is Lyme so hard to diagnose? 👉 What's really happening inside my body? …this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now and please share this episode with anyone who needs a deeper understanding of Lyme disease. #LoveHopeLyme #LymeDisease #TickBorneIllness #LymeEducation #ChronicLyme #GalaxyDiagnostics #VectorBorne #LymeTesting #InvisibleIllness
This is episode 75 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 is joined by Lyme advocate Marjorie Veiga for an honest, practical conversation about managing the overwhelm of Lyme disease and tickborne illnesses. Marjorie shares her personal journey with tickborne illness, which began in 1999, and her experience caring for her daughter through years of Lyme coinfections. Drawing on her background as a senior manager at Verizon and her deep involvement in the Lyme community, Marjorie explains why organization, documentation, and support systems are critical to healing. At the center of the conversation is "My Lyme Guide," the comprehensive resource Marjorie created to help Lyme patients and caregivers track medications, appointments, symptoms, insurance, school accommodations, and more especially when brain fog and fatigue make daily management overwhelming. Together, Fred and Marjorie discuss: 💚 Why Lyme disease creates unique and ongoing overwhelm 💚 How organization can accelerate healing and reduce stress 💚 Managing medications, pulsing and rotating treatments, and symptom tracking 💚 Supporting children with Lyme and navigating schools, 504 plans, and IEPs 💚 Using technology, apps, and patient portals to stay organized 💚 Frequency-based and bioresonance therapies as complementary healing tools 💚 Practical advice for caregivers and families walking this journey together 💚 How hope, teamwork, and adaptability matter at every stage of healing Marjorie also shares encouragement for those early or deep into their Lyme journey, reminding listeners that healing is not one-size-fits-all and that there are always new paths forward. This episode is especially valuable for: ✔️ Lyme survivors ✔️ Parents and caregivers ✔️ Those overwhelmed by complex treatment plans ✔️ Anyone seeking practical tools, structure, and hope 💚 You are not alone. There is help. There is hope.
This is episode 74 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 and deeply human episode of the Love, Hope, Lyme podcast, host Fred Diamond is joined by two respected Lyme disease advocates and fellow podcasters. Anne Desjardins and Tanya Hoebel join Fred for an honest conversation about healing, advocacy, and hope. Anne, host of The Silver Lyming podcast, shares her journey through years of misdiagnosed Lyme disease, how discovering the truth changed her life, and why practices like hot yoga, holistic medicine, and self-advocacy became critical to her healing. She also discusses her work educating communities through the PA Lyme Resource Network and her mission to help others believe recovery is possible. Tanya, host of Lyme and Beyond with Tanya, opens up about her 13-year journey to wellness, including years without a diagnosis, profound financial loss, and the mental-health toll of chronic Lyme disease. She explains why nervous system regulation, sleep, sound therapy, and mindset are foundational components of healing, and why no one should feel ashamed for struggling. Together, Anne and Tanya discuss: 💚 Why Lyme disease is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed 💚 The emotional and psychological impact of chronic illness 💚 Practical, low-cost tools to support healing 💚 The importance of becoming your own best advocate 💚 Why hope and community can be life-saving Fred also reflects on why he wrote Love, Hope, Lyme, the heartbreaking realities of suicide risk in the Lyme community, and why sharing stories of resilience and recovery matters so deeply. This episode is for: 💚 People living with Lyme or other tick-borne illnesses 💚 Family members, partners, and caregivers seeking understanding 💚 Anyone looking for real stories, practical ideas, and genuine hope 🎧 Listen, share, and remind someone today: you are not alone—and healing is possible.
This is episode 73 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 and deeply moving episode of the Love, Hope, Lyme Podcast, host Fred Diamond welcomes back Rabbi Melinda Bernstein and Gregg Kirk, two extraordinary guests for an honest, soulful conversation about the spiritual dimensions of chronic illness, healing, and personal transformation. Gregg Kirk, author of The Gratitude Curve and his newest book Your Love Will Make the Difference, shares how Lyme disease became a catalyst for profound awakening, gratitude, and purpose. He opens up about his journey through illness, remission, grief, and healing and why chronic Lyme can be information pointing us toward necessary life change. Rabbi Melinda Bernstein brings a grounded yet expansive spiritual perspective, exploring how faith, surrender, nervous system regulation, and embodiment practices can support healing when medicine alone falls short. Drawing from her own decade-long Lyme journey, Melinda explains how constriction, loss, and suffering can become doorways to growth, balance, and renewed vitality. Together, Fred, Melinda, and Gregg discuss: 💚 The spiritual initiation that chronic illness often becomes 💚 Why Lyme is not just physical—but emotional, energetic, and existential 💚 The role of faith, frequency, and nervous system regulation in healing 💚 Practical spiritual practices for Lyme survivors 💚 What Lyme remission looks like and how to stay there 💚 Why there is more to you than Lyme disease This episode is especially meaningful for anyone navigating chronic Lyme, tick-borne illness, grief, or long-term healing and for loved ones seeking to better understand the journey. 👉 If you're searching for hope, meaning, and a deeper understanding of healing beyond symptoms, this conversation is for you. Listen. Reflect. Heal.
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
