Tick Stories Make Headline News

Tick Stories Make Headline News

In this episode of What The Morgs? Podcast, host Britt Girvan reviews some of the biggest Lyme disease and tick-borne illness headlines making news as we enter peak tick season. From rising tick populations and increasing Lyme disease rates to growing concerns about alpha-gal syndrome, patient misdiagnosis stories, and new federal funding initiatives, Britt explores what these developments mean for the Lyme community and why awareness has never been more important. Topics Discussed: • Rising Tick Populations & Lyme Disease Risk Recent reports showing increased tick activity across the United States, growing Lyme disease prevalence, and why experts are warning that this could be one of the most active tick seasons in years. • Alpha-Gal Syndrome & Emerging Tick-Borne Health Concerns How tick bites can lead to alpha-gal syndrome, a potentially life-altering allergy to red meat and dairy products, and why healthcare professionals are increasingly concerned about its growing prevalence. • The Reality of Lyme Disease Misdiagnosis & New Federal Action A look at a widely reported patient story involving years of missed diagnoses before receiving a Lyme disease diagnosis, along with a discussion of a new federal initiative aimed at advancing Lyme disease research, prevention, and patient care. About What The Morgs? Podcast: What The Morgs? is a podcast for people navigating Lyme and Morgellons disease. Hosted by Britt Girvan, the show is built on a mission to support, educate, and empower those affected—turning personal struggle into shared strength and purpose. What The Morgs? Podcast Website: https://whatthemorgs.com/ Sources:  https://www.foxnews.com/health/tick-bite-er-visits-hit-highest-seasonal-level-years-doctors-warn-disease-surge  https://www.wxyz.com/health/high-tick-risk-this-june-across-10-states-sparks-lyme-disease-concerns  https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/hhs-unveils-plan-to-combat-lyme-disease.html  https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/rfk-lyme-disease/2026/05/29/id/1257988/  https://people.com/pregnant-woman-finds-tick-on-knee-lyme-disease-exclusive-11984252  https://www.binghamton.edu/news/story/6267/ticks-are-spreading-like-wildfire-and-more-of-them-are-carrying-lyme

What to do if a Tick Bites You and How to Protect You and Your Fur Babies

Tick Season Is Starting Earlier | Lisa Schneiderman on Lyme Awareness for Pet Owners In this episode of What The Morgs? Podcast, host Britt Girvan sits down with the producer of What The Morgs? Podcast Lisa Schneiderman to share a terrifying experience after a trip to Central Oregon led to the discovery of nine ticks on Lisa’s two Australian shepherds over the course of nine days. Together, they discuss the emotional toll of navigating potential tick-borne illness exposure, the growing risks associated with Lyme disease, and the importance of proactive prevention for both pets and humans. This conversation offers practical education, personal insight, and an important reminder that tick exposure can happen anywhere. Topics Discussed • Lisa Schneiderman’s experience finding nine ticks on her dogs after a trip to Central Oregon and the emotional impact it had on her as a pet owner. • How tick season is starting earlier due to warmer temperatures and why Lyme disease awareness is becoming increasingly important on the West Coast. • The importance of tick checks, proper tick removal, testing ticks for disease, and monitoring pets for symptoms after exposure. • Tick prevention strategies for dogs and humans, including sprays, preventative medications, tick mitts, and post-hike routines. • Common misconceptions about ticks, Lyme disease, and the risks pets face from tick-borne illnesses. Lisa Schneiderman’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaschneiderman/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaschneiderman/]  Tick Mitt Website: https://tickmitt.co [https://tickmitt.co] This podcast is a dedicated space for those impacted by Lyme and Morgellons disease—offering real conversations, shared experiences, and guidance for anyone seeking clarity, connection, and hope. About What The Morgs? Podcast: What The Morgs? is a podcast for people navigating Lyme and Morgellons disease. Hosted by Britt Girvan, the show is built on a mission to support, educate, and empower those affected—turning personal struggle into shared strength and purpose. What The Morgs? Website: https://whatthemorgs.com/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbHRvN1dwcE9GRzRpMkdtREhEWF91b0ZCQmNfUXxBQ3Jtc0trT2lvcjEwMHRFaUJ5OHRsUk5mM3pzR21pUWJndjdISVR1MFZFd1lpTExDa1JfWEVzME5jMXQ1Q3FsZVljaXdfZ29sSlMwWEUyTTNaaWJHZHd6dWhlcDJzT0Vla3RpRmRfRXFYQzNITF9UU1ZCeGJVUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwhatthemorgs.com%2F&v=IN6mP1FXgx0]

Kris Newby on Lyme Disease, Ticks as Bioweapons & the Fight to Be Believed

In this episode of What The Morgs? Podcast, host and Lyme & Morgellons Awareness Advocate Britt Girvan sits down with award-winning science writer Kris Newby for a deep and controversial conversation surrounding chronic Lyme disease, tick weaponization, and alleged government secrecy tied to tick-borne illness research. Kris is the senior producer of the acclaimed documentary UNDER OUR SKIN and author of the award-winning book BITTEN, which investigates possible connections between Lyme disease outbreaks and Cold War-era bioweapons programs. Together, Britt and Kris discuss Kris’s own devastating experience with Lyme disease, the widespread medical gaslighting many patients face, and the research that led her to uncover historical military experiments involving infected ticks. The conversation also explores chronic illness, neurological symptoms, public health failures, and why so many Lyme and Morgellons patients continue fighting to be heard, believed, and properly treated. TOPICS DISCUSSED • Tick Weaponization & Cold War Research Kris Newby shares her investigative findings surrounding military tick experiments, bioweapons programs, and historical allegations connected to the spread of tick-borne illness. • The Lyme Disease Cover-Up & Medical Gaslighting Why many Lyme patients struggle to receive proper diagnoses, treatment, and validation — and how insurance systems, public health agencies, and medical politics may contribute to ongoing dismissal. • Chronic Lyme Disease, Neurological Symptoms & Patient Advocacy Kris and Britt discuss the devastating cognitive, neurological, and emotional impacts of chronic Lyme disease, while emphasizing the importance of advocacy, awareness, and community support for patients navigating Lyme and Morgellons disease. You can listen to What The Morgs Podcast on all major platforms and watch full episodes on YouTube. To learn more or become part of this supportive community follow @whatthemorgspodcast on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. What The Morgs? Website: https://whatthemorgs.com/ Kris Newby's Website: https://www.krisnewby.com/

Inside Morgellons Care with Dr. Jesse Keller, M.D., M.C.R.

In this episode of What The Morgs Podcast, Host and Lyme & Morgellons Awareness Advocate Britt Girvan sits down with Jesse Keller, M.D., M.C.R. – Associate Professor of Dermatology at OHSU, for an honest and compassionate conversation about treating Morgellons and supporting patients who often feel unseen. Dr. Keller shares his journey into medicine, why he chooses to work with Morgellons patients, and how listening has become one of the most powerful tools in his practice. Together, they explore the complexity of Morgellons, the emotional toll it takes, and emerging research—including a notable connection between iron deficiency and symptoms. Topics Discussed -Why compassionate, patient-centered care is critical for Morgellons patients -New research insights, including links between iron deficiency and Morgellons -The emotional journey of patients navigating diagnosis, treatment, and validation What The Morgs Podcast is dedicated to raising awareness about Morgellons and Lyme disease through authentic conversations, lived experiences, and expert interviews within the medical community. If you are suffering and don’t feel seen, heard, or supported—this podcast is for you. Keep fighting. You are not alone. We believe you. For medical providers seeking to learn more, thank you for your willingness to listen and grow alongside this community. You can listen to What The Morgs Podcast on all major platforms and watch full episodes on YouTube. To learn more or become part of this supportive community follow @whatthemorgspodcast on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. What The Morgs? Website: https://whatthemorgs.com/ About Jesse Keller: https://www.ohsu.edu/providers/jesse-keller-md-mcr

Part 2: Dr. Ginger Savely on her experience, expertise and patient advocacy

What The Morgs? Podcast with guest, Ginger Savely, DNP, FNP-C. Tick-borne Disease, Lyme and Morgellons Disease Specialist - Part 2 In Part 2 of this conversation, host Britt Girvan continues her discussion with Dr. Ginger Savely, DNP, FNP-C—one of the most experienced and compassionate voices in the treatment of Lyme and Morgellons disease. With decades of clinical expertise, Dr. Savely brings clarity to complex and often misunderstood conditions, while emphasizing the importance of listening to and believing patients. This episode dives deeper into the distinctions between Lyme and Morgellons, the misconceptions that continue to circulate, and why validation in the clinical setting can be life-changing. Grounded in both medical insight and human connection, this conversation offers hope, education, and a powerful reminder that patients deserve to be seen, heard, and supported. Topics Discussed -Lyme vs. Morgellons: Clearing Up Misconceptions Dr. Savely addresses common misunderstandings about the relationship between Lyme disease and Morgellons, offering clarity on how these conditions are viewed clinically and where confusion often arises. -The Power of Validation in Patient Care Why simply being believed can transform a patient’s experience—and how compassion and acknowledgment are often missing pieces in traditional healthcare systems. -Treating Complex, Overlapping Conditions Insights from Dr. Savely’s extensive experience diagnosing and treating Lyme, co-infections, and Morgellons, including the challenges patients face navigating care and finding the right support. This podcast is a dedicated space for those impacted by Lyme and Morgellons disease—offering real conversations, shared experiences, and guidance for anyone seeking clarity, connection, and hope. This is Part 2 of a two-part conversation. Be sure to listen to or watch episode 1 if you haven't already. About What The Morgs? Podcast: What The Morgs? is a podcast for people navigating Lyme and Morgellons disease. Hosted by Britt Girvan, the show is built on a mission to support, educate, and empower those affected—turning personal struggle into shared strength and purpose. Ginger Savely's Website: https://gingersavely.com/ What The Morgs? Website: https://whatthemorgs.com/