Advertise on podcast: The CIRS Group Podcast

In this CIRS Group podcast episode, Jacie and Barbara discuss ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, describing it as a rare, progressive, fatal motor neuron disease that leads to muscle weakness, speech and swallowing difficulties, and eventually respiratory failure. They explain that most cases are considered sporadic, prompting research into environmental “multi-hit” contributors alongside genetic susceptibility. The conversation focuses on evidence connecting cyanobacteria and the neurotoxin BMAA to ALS, including the Guam ALS/Parkinsonism-dementia complex, ALS clustering around Lake Mascoma in New Hampshire, broader regional clusters in New England, and studies linking poor lake quality and cyanobacterial markers to higher ALS risk, with possible airborne exposure. They also explore overlaps with CIRS/mold illness mechanisms, mention home testing options for cyanobacteria, and review preliminary research on L-serine as a potential way to slow functional decline. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome and ALS Overview 00:39 Why ALS Matters Here 03:14 CIRS Connection and Disclaimers 05:47 What ALS Does to the Body 06:53 Sporadic ALS and Multi Hit Theory 08:50 Guam Clues and BMAA Toxin 10:01 New England Lake Hotspots 12:10 Airborne Exposure and Protein Folding 14:56 Where CIRS Fits In 17:48 Practical Steps and Home Testing 20:13 L Serine Research and Dosing 22:11 CIRS Next Steps and Wrap Up For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com 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.

Barbara and Jacie discuss COVID, spike protein, long COVID, and possible connections to CIRS. DISCLAIMER: This is educational and not medical advice. Always consult your own medical professional before doing any of the protocols discussed here.  They explain spike protein’s role in viral cell entry via ACE2 receptors, note it can be produced during infection and temporarily after certain vaccinations, and share Jacie’s experience of worsening health during COVID times that improved after a spike protein protocol. They describe theories for persistent symptoms (viral reservoirs, ongoing replication), symptom overlap with CIRS (inflammation, clotting, neuro issues), and available testing—especially LabCorp spike antibody testing, plus a Texas lab option to measure spike protein directly. They reference Shoemaker’s 2021 genomic study on persistent symptoms and discuss i-Recover/Independent Medical Alliance approaches such as intermittent fasting, nattokinase, bromelain, quercetin, ivermectin, LDN, melatonin, NAC, and graded exercise, as well as any potential adverse effects. For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro and disclaimer 01:11 Jacie's personal spike protocol story 02:51 What spike protein does 03:43 Vaccines and shedding debate 06:24 Why spike protein persists in the body 07:42 How to test for spike antibodies 10:55 How spike protein affects the body 14:38 CIRS Research liked to Long COVID 17:44 Treatment side quests 18:31 i-Recover protocol basics 21:25 Benefits of intermittent fasting (14 hours) 22:25 Nattokinase: benefits and risks 26:05 Bromelain: benefits and risks 27:23 Quercetin: for inflammation 30:16 Ivermectin: benefits and risks 33:45 Other IMA / i-Recover suggestions 37:28 Slowly graded exercise 38:11 Should you test for spike protein? 41:16 Outro For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: Any Lab Now Spike Protein test (or search their site to find one in your area): https://www.anylabtestnow.com/henderson-89074/tests/coronavirus-covid-19-vaccine-generated-antibody-test/ LabCorp COVID-19 antibody test: https://www.ondemand.labcorp.com/lab-tests/covid-19-antibody-test Dr. Shoemaker's published research on COVID: https://www.survivingmold.com/Publications/MRA_FINAL_6_14_21_Treatable_metabolic_and_inflammatory_abnormalities_in_Pos.pdf Our interview about LPS (endotoxins) in the gut: https://youtu.be/7H6CKEhIMSU?si=EFJfBoUlSn4Pzv0u i-Recover Protocol: https://imahealth.org/protocol/i-recover-long-covid-treatment/ Research cited during this episode: Spike Protein and Bacterial Endotoxin Interactions: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7799037/ Nattokinase and Spike Protein Degradation: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9458005/ Bromelain and SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7811777/ Quercetin and Spike-Mediated Cell Fusion: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10811921/ 2026 Study: Persistent SARS-CoV-2 Antigens and Long COVID: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42323109/ IMA/FLCCC I-RECOVER Treatment Protocol: https://imahealth.org/protocol/i-recover-long-covid-treatment/ 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.

Barbara and Jacie discuss what to do when the Shoemaker protocol/CIRS treatment feels intolerable. They stress testing the home (ERMI or HERTSMI-2 dust testing at minimum, ideally including actinos and endotoxins) and choosing to leave, remediate, or use temporary “Band-Aids” like a safe room with an Air Oasis, frequent cleaning, or even sleeping outside in a low-VOC tent. They cover cautious binder use (especially if still in exposure), avoiding risky “crazy supports” like Neuro Plasmalogens too early, and using stabilizing supportive strategies such as morning sunlight, sleep, omega-3s, and ensuring daily bowel movements. They compare binders from gentlest to strongest (chitosan, MycoBind, Welchol, compounded CSM) and suggest re-checking other exposures (Lyme/tick-borne, spike protein, dental issues, implants) if binders aren’t tolerated. For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro and disclaimer 00:39 When the protocol feels impossible 02:30 How to deal with exposure  04:10 Leave or remediate? 06:00 Create a safe room  07:40 Camping: living in tents 09:29 Low dose Binders while in exposure 12:06 Avoid risky supplements 15:31 More tolerable supports and strategies: sun, sleep, mindset 17:39 Prep for binders: Omega 3s and regular bowel movements 22:27 Binder options ranked 25:38 If you really can't tolerate the binders at all 29:46 Detoxing with self care For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com Our episode on dust testing: https://youtu.be/ugKumIiWyGY?si=T80EPSsPO9GG9ziq Our episode on renting with CIRS: https://youtu.be/ZCjCbxKeYQ0?si=5MYBmS-BfejLXiII Our episodes on remediation:  Bill Weber: https://youtu.be/RlKjTqVAeNU?si=lQyBtsgDQIXAaY5c Michael Schrantz: https://youtu.be/_BEwFVdpRcY?si=c-6A3TaoI8G0Xcc_ Max McCord: https://youtu.be/FqixkBGj4Bo?si=ghBshOOv0mNdsg5Z Low VOC Tent: https://www.mychemicalfreehouse.net/2021/01/camping-with-mcs.html Our plasmalogens episode: https://youtu.be/wnTYoYYP15k?si=3itC8krsopRfsKbI our episode about tick borne illness with Dr. Milani: https://youtu.be/kaao2kwt1mA?si=pLFj_UGQHNGTvnt5 Our Chris Williamson episode: https://youtu.be/5uTs5B6ySHQ?si=xVkyCZfHcq772_uo 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.

Dust Testing Showdown: EnviroBiomics vs Liz Biotech vs Mycometrics (ERMI/HERTSMI-2 Experiment) In this CIRS Group Podcast episode, Barbara describes a controlled dust-test experiment comparing MSQ PCR/ERMI results across three CIRS-relevant labs—EnviroBiomics, Liz Biotech, and Mycometrics—using dust collected the same day from the same home and surfaces, divided into left/middle/right sections to reduce sampling bias. The labs returned very different ERMI/HERTSMI-2 scores (Mycometrics 7.4/12, Liz Biotech 13.4/18, EnviroBiomics 18.8/20), while showing broadly similar mold “fingerprints,” suggesting major differences in reported concentrations rather than species detected. They emphasize the test does not prove which lab is correct, recommend using the same lab for pre/post remediation comparisons, and focusing more on individual species profiles than top-line scores. Because all tests detected Stachybotrys and Chaetomium, Barbara suggests repeated deep cleaning, room-by-room retesting with one lab, and involving a CIRS-literate IEP if results remain concerning, while also sharing pricing, feature differences, and a prior EnviroBiomics reporting/customer-service issue. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome and Setup 01:17 Why Compare Labs 03:33 Experiment Design 04:39 Sampling Strategy 07:22 Undercover Customer Mode 08:48 Results Big Score Gaps 11:44 What It Means 14:18 Practical Takeaways 15:26 Reading Species Profiles 21:58 Advice for This Home 25:45 Lab Pros Cons and Costs 35:53 Final Wrap Up For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com 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.

Barbara welcomes Dr. Kellyn Milani, a naturopathic doctor and primary care physician specializing in complex environmentally acquired illnesses, to discuss tick-borne illness in the context of CIRS aka mold illness. Dr. Milani explains that tick-borne disease is a major trigger for CIRS, emphasizes Lyme occurs in all 50 states, and outlines why testing is limited and Lyme is primarily a clinical diagnosis. She reviews symptom patterns that raise suspicion for Lyme and common co-infections (including Babesia, Bartonella, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, tick-borne relapsing fever, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever), offers practical guidance for tick removal and testing, and discusses treatment sequencing with the Shoemaker protocol, typical chronic treatment timelines, and managing intensification reactions. She also shares her approach using pulsed antibiotics, herbs, biofilm support, and foundational anti-inflammatory and lifestyle prep, plus ways to connect with her via social platforms, her Skool community, and her clinic wait list.  THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE, please consult your own practitioner or work with Dr. Milani for your specific health concerns. For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 01:37 Why tick-borne illness matters 02:59 When to consider tick-borne testing 06:00 Testing and clinical diagnosis 08:50 Key symptoms to watch for in Lyme, Bartonella, Babesia, etc. 15:39 Timing of treatment 18:42 Treatment strategies: antibiotics, herbals, biofilm busting 23:06 How long treatment can take 26:58 Symptom flares and prep tips 33:08 Supportive activities 35:52 How to Work With Dr. Milani 39:50 Outro For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com Dr. Milani's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkellynmilani/ Dr. Milani's Skool community: https://www.skool.com/drkellyn/ Dr. Milani's website (join her waitlist): https://remedynaturalhealth.com/ 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.

On today's episode of The CIRS Group Podcast, Barbara shares a health update. She reports a smoother-than-expected recovery from an August 2025 L5-S1 PLIF spinal fusion, major symptom improvements after going gluten- and dairy-free, adding gut supplements, and tracking with stool testing. She began tick-borne treatment with a specialist using pulsed antibiotics plus biofilm support and albendazole, noting microbiome changes and a post-treatment drop in MSH while continuing low-dose binders and passing the VCS.  Ongoing issues include stubborn MARCoNS and sinus imbalance (multiple rinses/sprays, EDTA+silver side effects, considering ENT evaluation, sleep study, and possibly nebulized treatment). She discusses hormone testing (DUTCH/bloodwork), fibroids/adenomyosis management with oral progesterone, low-dose morning hydrocortisone, and starting testosterone cream. Barbara also covers difficult EMDR therapy attempts, learning shutdown vs fight/flight in Jacie’s nervous system cohort, and supportive care like acupuncture and NUCCA chiropractic. In the next update, she'll cover upcoming labs, retesting results, actino cleaning, and possible iron infusions. She also adds a couple exciting personal life updates: getting married and adopting a puppy! For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro and medical disclaimer 01:11 Spinal fusion recovery 02:02 Gut changes and diet 04:09 Tick Borne treatment 06:34 Why the Shoemaker Protocol didn't work on it's own 08:59 Grief and autoimmune flare 10:20 Upcoming labwork 11:19 MARCoNS sinus battle 13:25 Sleep Study and ENT appointment 15:43 Hormone testing 17:57 Fibroids, progesterone, and cortisol support 21:39 Testosterone treatment and cautions 23:18 Therapy: EMDR fails and incorporation of nicotine 26:13 Shutdown: nervous system regulation tools 31:30 Acupuncture and NUCCA chiropractic adjustments 33:19 TLDR - What's working and what's not 36:15 Happy life updates! 37:40 Future podcast guests and group events For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com Order Jacie's book! The 30 Day Carnivore Bootcamp: https://a.co/d/7MgHrRs HELPFUL LINKS: Jacie's recent health update: https://youtu.be/pGBCx3fwxMk?si=3e8YQzhZdG3bMv43 Barbara's last health update: https://youtu.be/IkcKvfcIIdA?si=1QdRUeqBYIAWI0JS Our hormone episode: https://youtu.be/OStNHRNffqw?si=9cLRWroxRmiwfacQ Learn more about Jacie's nervous system resources: https://builttoregulate.com/ 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.

In this The CIRS Group Podcast episode, hosts Jacie and Barbara interview Max McCord, an indoor environmental professional and president of the Stonecrest Team, about why mold remediation projects can fail even after visible mold is removed. Max explains that the biggest misses are often hidden, hard-to-see species like whitish Aspergillus, and that relying on basic air sampling can wrongly suggest a home is “clear,” while PCR-based testing, such as ERMI dust tests, can reveal what was missed.  He describes using detailed building history, CIRS-focused building science, macro photography, and advanced thermography to identify microclimates, insulation and vapor issues, and other hidden sources. The conversation also covers common containment and demolition mistakes that spread contamination, why coordination among IEPs, remediators, HVAC and insulation contractors matters, and how post-remediation “clearance” can be undone during remodeling by contaminated tools and materials. Max shares his personal CIRS diagnosis and his work with Christian Medical Ministries. Check out https://www.stonecrest.team and https://www.christianmedicalministries.org to learn more. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro - meet Max McCord 03:20 Why remediation fails 07:46 Tools to detect hidden mold 13:09 Teamwork between IEPs, remediators and contractors 16:28 Containment done right 20:22 Tips to make sure things are done correctly 26:52 Max shares his own CIRS diagnosis 31:02 Ministry and Resources 34:15 Wrap Up and Next Steps For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com HELPFUL LINKS: Work with Max McCord: https://www.stonecrest.team/ Christian Medical Ministries: https://www.christianmedicalministries.org/our-board 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.

Jacie and Barbara share some suggestions for a “CIRS starter pack” inspired by their community: a menu of practical, non-medical supports to help CIRS patients feel better while waiting to see a provider and pursuing root-cause treatment. They cover environmental steps like using an Air Oasis air purifier and improving cleaning/laundry and bedding routines, plus daily hygiene tools like acidifying body wash. They discuss sleep basics (consistent schedule, morning light for MSH, and optimizing light/sound/temperature), hydration and electrolytes for ADH/osmolality issues, nutrition with adequate calories and protein, and the importance of daily bowel movements for binder-based toxin elimination. Gut support includes going gluten-free, ProButyrate, prebiotics (Sunfiber, HMO, beans/edamame), and probiotics (Probiotic Pro, Florastor). They also address slow, titrated movement, recovery tools (sauna, red light, Epsom baths/magnesium spray), nervous system regulation and supportive community, histamine/mast cell strategies (Zyrtec, cromolyn nasal spray, DAO, HistaAid), as well as their own personal starter-pack essentials. For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro and disclaimer 01:14 How to use this menu 02:19 Disclaimer 02:58 Environment hacks 08:12 Sleep routine and tips 11:44 Hydration and electrolytes 13:09 Nutrition and diet 15:54 Poop! 17:19 Gut Support: gluten free diet, supplements, beans 21:23 Movement and recovery 24:20 Community 26:46 Nervous System Regulation 31:19 Histamine and mast cell support 32:28 Suggested supplement starter stack 33:48 Feel better while healing (or waiting to heal) 36:09 Jacie and Barbara's personal Starter Packs 39:16 Wrap Up For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com HELPFUL LINKS MENTIONED: Air Oasis filter: https://www.airoasis.com/ Our insomnia episode: https://youtu.be/1Qj2XRDurUs?si=DnK1wfUBJKqjbbmF Our Dr. Lacey interview: https://youtu.be/baldT8N7nl4?si=_s1jQ3_rNQHTF22S Jacie's Nervous System Resources: https://builttoregulate.com/ CIRS communities: The CIRS Group: https://thecirsgroup.com CIRSLab: https://www.cirslab.com/ CIRS Healing Collective: https://simplifiedwellnessdesigns.com/cirs-healing-collective   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.

Barbara and Jacie discuss insomnia as a common CIRS symptom, explaining that CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) can occur in genetically predisposed people exposed to biotoxins like mold, algae blooms, or venomous spider bites, leading to chronic inflammation, cytokine activity, low MSH, and downstream disruption of melatonin, cortisol, and other hormones. They share ways to improve falling asleep (morning sunlight, dim evening lighting, low-dose melatonin, bedtime grounding routines, time-boxing bed use, and acupuncture) and staying asleep (addressing nighttime blood sugar drops with a protein/fat or protein/fiber snack, and managing nocturia from ADH/osmolality dysregulation with electrolytes, fluid timing, and pre-bed bathroom trips). They also cover unrefreshing sleep, sleep environment optimization, hormone testing (including DUTCH panels), and supplements and supports they use, including magnesium, L-theanine, glycine, and KPV, emphasizing practitioner guidance and treating CIRS as the root cause. For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Sleep: intro and disclaimer 00:45 What Is CIRS? 02:01 Low MSH and poor sleep connection 03:51 Circadian rhythm resets 05:55 Lighting to support sleep 06:23 Melatonin Done Right 06:46 Anxiety disrupting sleep (cell danger response) 08:37 Benefits of acupuncture 10:09 Why you have trouble staying asleep 11:00 Tips to stabilize your blood sugar 11:53 Nocturia (needing to pee in the middle of the night) 14:00 Unrefreshing Sleep: tips and tricks 15:40 Hormones and Testing 18:33 Personal Sleep Stacks 20:48 Ashwagandha Nightshade PSA 21:31 KPV for Low MSH 22:27 Wrap Up and Next Steps For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com HELPFUL LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: Our episode on what CIRS is: https://youtu.be/eqso4R0cQhg?si=9klrfHeuyKGfUJ4n 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.

In this CIRS Group Podcast episode, hosts Jacie and Barbara interview Brian Tinker, founder of Breathe Well Homes and a master builder with 30+ years of experience, whose work became personal after his wife’s CIRS diagnosis revealed their home’s role in her illness. Brian explains how moisture control is the core issue behind mold problems and why modern “tighter” energy codes can create sick homes without proper ventilation. He highlights common high-risk materials and methods (e.g., OSB, MDF, spray foam off-gassing, flex ducting, traditional grout), shares practical strategies for moisture management, wall assemblies that can dry, and using ERV/HRV systems to keep homes breathing. He discusses cost increases (about 35–45%), his course and consultations, remote build guidance, and his newer Breathe Well Vans concept, plus interest in manufactured homes for faster, lower-cost options. For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com Timestamps 00:00 Intro and disclaimer 02:00 Brian’s CIRS-aware home building journey 04:52 Why modern homes are so prone to getting mold 07:34 Common building materials that promote mold and trigger CIRS 10:58 Brian's opinion of the best era for older homes 13:14 Moisture management for the modern home 17:19 Is there a compromise between energy efficiency and clean air? 21:40 What is a passive house? 23:39 The cost of building a CIRS-aware home 28:32 The Breathe Well Homes mission, and vans! 35:05 Post-interview wrap up For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: Brian's website: https://breathewellhomes.com/ Breathe Well Vans: https://www.instagram.com/breathewellvans 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.

Barbara and Jacie are back, this time to share Jacie’s personal health update while she deals with a CIRS relapse after moving into a new apartment. Jacie describes worsening histamine flares, a return of autoimmune symptoms like uveitis, and home testing that showed borderline endotoxins (100), and extremely high actinos (6 million). This prompted a small-particle cleaning and skin/environment retesting that suggested her boyfriend’s microbes were contributing. While waiting to see CIRS clinician Dr. Andrea Jordheim, Jacie used an AIP diet, curcumin, astaxanthin, acupuncture, and a vibration plate to feel better. She reviews her extensive testing results (GI, infections, metabolomics, sinus, spike protein), her boyfriend’s gut results (high Campylobacter, low Akkermansia), her dysbiotic gut findings and leaky-gut indicators, a very high spike protein result (23,000 vs 0.08), and next steps including fasting, nattokinase, quercetin, methylation and genetic testing. In her next update, she’ll share MARCoNS and water testing (for uranium) results. For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro and disclaimer 01:06 Surprise puppy Story 02:20 Jacie's CIRS relapse 03:27 Histamine flares and uveitis 04:41 Home dust tests and skin tests to check for exposure 06:22 Feel better while waiting for your doctor: nutrition and supplements 07:44 Acupuncture and vibration plate 09:54 Doctor appointment and labwork 12:02 All the tests! 14:29 Working with Dr. Andrea Jordheim 15:55 Jacie's boyfriend's gut results 16:50 Jacie's GI dysbiosis findings 19:55 Spike protein test results and FLCCC protocol 22:17 Remaining tests 23:00 Concerning uranium levels in water 24:07 Minerals and methylation 26:16 Difficulty using carbs for fuel 29:06 Celiac genes, staying gluten free 31:46 High MPO may indicate endotoxins 33:05 Hormones, methylation, and hydration 34:38 Next testing, and supplements prioritized 36:10 The importance of collaborative care with your doctor 38:56 Wrap up For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Work with Dr. Andrea Jordheim: https://mytransformationwellness.com/ Our interview with Dr. Lacey Venanzi: https://youtu.be/baldT8N7nl4?si=2HQ43ju_lV7PwC3w Celiac blood test: https://www.rupahealth.com/lab-tests/cyrex-array-3x 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.

In this final CIRSx 2026 recap, Jacie and Barbara cover the conference’s lifestyle-focused talks and share takeaways for listeners. They highlight Mike Pelletier's practical strategies to accelerate CIRS recovery, including prioritizing sleep (consistent bedtime/wake time, cool room, morning light, lowering bedroom CO2, reducing nocturia by shifting fluid intake earlier, and improving nasal breathing), plus frequent “exercise snacks,” movement, and whole-food nutrition. They discuss Lauren Loewenstein's talk on sharing CIRS stories via social media and how coaches can bridge patients, physicians, and remediation teams. They also cover Dr. Hamid's talk on acupuncture as an adjunct for anxiety and autonomic dysregulation, including self-regulation tools like breathing and HRV training. They summarize Dr. Craig Tanio’s Aventhea Trial emphasizing multi-root-cause precision medicine and prevention. Finally, they recap interior designer Kaleigh Concannon's talk on creating low-tox homes, noting challenges with foam/off-gassing in mattresses and couches and focusing on practical risk reduction over perfection. For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com Timestamps 00:00 Intro and disclaimer 01:40 Mike Pelletier's lifestyle tips 03:54 Sleep Optimization Tips: sleep, sunlight, lower CO2 06:52 Mouth Taping Debate 08:40 Exercise snacks, temperature, bedding, UV index, movement 14:28 Lauren Lowenstein: leveraging social media to share your story 18:44 Dr. Ilyas Hamid: acupuncture for nervous system regulation 25:52 Dr. Craig Tanio's research on reversing neurodegeneration 29:24 Kaleigh Concannon: low toxicity home design 33:52 Final Thoughts For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Reach out to Mike Pelletier to work with him: [email protected] Collagen infused mouth tape: https://taped.co/products/mt?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23832672398&gbraid=0AAAABBabV6YK8NK1i2DgtSefZ-Zp7G17B&gclid=CjwKCAjwpqHTBhAcEiwAj2AfuhpIoyBoY6Nl5w2f6VNNrw8O9yqsQVCh0s3ogzbeuHjKseVQ-C83JhoCU1MQAvD_BwE Weird chin strap thing (may or may not work lol): https://www.amazon.com/facelift-compression-garment/s?k=facelift+compression+garment Lauren's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebiotoxinlady Jacie's favorite Qi Gong video: https://youtu.be/onA4pogScVg?is=Shg-9oM-_C7onpwW Dr. Ilyas Hamid's website: https://acuhollywood.com/ Dr. Craig Tanio's website: https://www.rezilirhealth.com/doctors/craig-p-tanio/ Sign up to Kaleigh's low tox newsletter: https://www.uniquelyyoudecor.com/newsletter 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.

Barbara and Jacie continue their CIRSx 2026 recap with the medical talks, emphasizing that the episode should not be considered medical advice and encouraging listeners to consult their own CIRS practitioners. They summarize Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker’s talk on “triple positives” on GENIE (AKT, RELA, tubulin) as an early risk pattern for neurodegeneration including Parkinson’s, highlighting the promise of early intervention. Dr. Lacey Venanzi focused on gut-driven inflammation in CIRS via LPS, dysbiosis, permeability tied to low MSH, and discussed preferred microbiome testing. Dr. Kellen Milani shared a stalking experience and the need for practitioner boundaries. Louise Carter reviewed GENIE/HLA patterns, suggesting CIRS subtypes and vascular dysregulation. Dr. Eric Dorninger covered step five of the Shoemaker Protocol: androgen correction, especially DHEA, plus additional testing options like DUTCH. Dr. Scott McMahon critiqued overly broad test interpretation. Dr. Oseni discussed pulmonary manifestations of CIRS and spirometry, noting TGF-beta1 and fibrosis. Dr. Peg DiTulio reviews MARCoNS treatment data, maintenance strategies to prevent recolonization, and when to consider ENT/dental issues. For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro and disclaimer 01:00 Dr. Shoemaker on Triple Positives 03:34 Dr. Lacey Venanzi: Gut Endotoxins and Actinos 10:03 Dr. Milani: her story of being stalked by a patient 15:58 Louise Carder's talk on GENIE subtypes 20:46 Dr. Eric Dorninger's hormone support talk 24:52 Dr. Scott McMahon on proper medical terms 32:18 Dr. Oseni on testing lung capacity 35:57 Dr. Peg DiTullio: lessons from treating MARCoNs 42:59 Wrap Up Next Episode For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com HELPFUL LINKS: Dr. Lacey Venanzi's website: https://www.drlacey.org/ Our interview with Dr. Lacey: https://youtu.be/baldT8N7nl4?si=A4SrJ6tmY_zr1u53 Dr. Lacey's new podcast with Dr. Christian: https://www.coherencedx.com/ Dr. Kellyn Milani's website: https://remedynaturalhealth.com/ Louise Carder's website (for UK based patients): https://www.colabeu.com/ Dr. Eric Dorninger's website: https://drdorninger.com/ Our interview with Dr. Anjali Noble about hormones and menopause: https://youtu.be/OStNHRNffqw?si=PUfXfmfcAoVbvFR1 Our episode on urinary mycotoxin tests: https://youtu.be/qWIIBaMybFA?si=5yoXqYTGvDSC6YG6 Our interview with Dr. Peg re: tick borne illness: https://youtu.be/czSjykCdOR4?si=P-oePTLGCG-ujip6 Dr. Peg DiTulio's website: https://regenixhealing.com/ Our episode all about MARCoNs: https://youtu.be/wOSmKcZr06s?si=7s7wJKQQa7EidDel 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.

Barbara and Jacie kick off their annual CIRSx 2026 Conference recap series, focusing this episode on remediation and environmental talks, with a reminder to consult an indoor environmental professional (IEP) for climate-specific guidance. They summarize key presentations: Bill Weber and Christine Semabeu on prevention-first building and homeowner maintenance (leak management, access panels, alarms, early mechanical planning, and the book “Mold Controlled” by John Banta); contractor Brian Tinker on why building code isn’t sufficient for “medically clean homes,” the need to budget for mold-safer materials, identify dust reservoirs, and validate with testing throughout construction; forensic engineer Joe Lstiburek’s moisture-management building science emphasizing drying potential and prioritizing people/building health over energy efficiency; Air Oasis updates including a planned 2027 model with requested features and current 2.0 model features; Max McCord on using thermal imaging to find hidden moisture; Osman Zelaya on making inspection reports function like construction blueprints through clearer communication; and Jack Getz’s case study building an 800 sq ft CIRS-friendly home over a garage with detailed design choices and costs. For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro and disclaimer 01:40 Bill Weber and Christine Cimabue: Prevention is better than remediation 07:00 Brian Tinker: building beyond code 12:03 Joseph Lstiburek - Building Science Masterclass: Don't do stupid things 16:07 Brad Baxter, COO of Air Oasis: new model in 2027 21:17 Max McCord: finding hidden moisture 24:51 Osmin Zelaya: better inspection reports - better communication 28:06 CIRS Friendly Home Case Study 35:09 Key Takeaways and Wrap Up For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com LINKS: Bill Weber's website: https://avelar.net/articles_publications/team/bill-weber/ Christine Cimabue's website: https://byholistichomes.com/ John Banta's book, Mold Controlled: https://www.johncbanta.com/publications Brian Tinker's website: https://breathewellhomes.com/ Joseph Lstiburek's website: https://buildingscience.com/users/jlstiburek Air Oasis air filters: https://www.airoasis.com/ Max McCord's website: https://www.stonecrest.team/ Osmin Zelaya's website: https://medviro.com/Leadership John Goetz's recommendation for people interested in building their own CIRS safe home: https://buildshownetwork.com/  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.

Barbara and Jacie share “hot takes” after CIRSx 2026 in Fort Lauderdale. Barbara attended in person and Jacie watched virtually. They discuss feeling “weird vibes” and a more corporate yet conflicted identity, with misalignment about whether the conference is for providers, patients, or remediators, and concerns about limited innovation within the Shoemaker community. They encourage practitioners to seek innovation through CIRS Lab and mention Dr. Lacey Venanzi and Dr. Christian Navarro-Torres’ work. They highlight standout talks from Brian Tinker on safe homes, Dr. Venanzi on endotoxemia/actinos in the gut, Mike Pelletier on patient lifestyle changes, Dr. Kellyn Milani on being stalked by a patient, Louise Carter on GENIE patterns, Jack Goetz on building a CIRS-conscious home, and Kayleigh Concannon on low-tox furnishings, while noting many other talks felt unhelpful and lacking actionable takeaways. For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro: CIRSx 01:11 Hot Takes explained 03:25 Medical Disclaimer 03:48 Weird Conference Vibes 06:30 Who is CIRSx for? 07:57 Innovation beyond Shoemaker 10:56 Gatekeeping and publishing pressure 14:53 Tell me why I'm watching this 18:22 Standout talks and teasers 30:00 Up next! For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: If you're a health coach or practitioner in the CIRS space, join the practitioner membership at https://www.cirslab.com/ Our recent episode with Dr. Christian and Dr. Lacey: https://youtu.be/7H6CKEhIMSU?si=Dr18_Gg8fpZfkKsh Dr. Christian and Dr. Lacey's new podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@CoherenceDX 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.