The CIRS Group Podcast

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
TIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro and disclaimer01:11 Jacie's personal spike protocol story02:51 What spike protein does03:43 Vaccines and shedding debate06:24 Why spike protein persists in the body07:42 How to test for spike antibodies10:55 How spike protein affects the body14:38 CIRS Research liked to Long COVID17:44 Treatment side quests18:31 i-Recover protocol basics21:25 Benefits of intermittent fasting (14 hours)22:25 Nattokinase: benefits and risks26:05 Bromelain: benefits and risks27:23 Quercetin: for inflammation30:16 Ivermectin: benefits and risks33:45 Other IMA / i-Recover suggestions37:28 Slowly graded exercise38:11 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-testDr. Shoemaker's published research on COVID: https://www.survivingmold.com/Publications/MRA_FINAL_6_14_21_Treatable_metabolic_and_inflammatory_abnormalities_in_Pos.pdfOur interview about LPS (endotoxins) in the gut: https://youtu.be/7H6CKEhIMSU?si=EFJfBoUlSn4Pzv0ui-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.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecirsgroup/
Find Jacie for carnivore, lifestyle and limbic resources:Jacie’s book on the Carnivore diet!  https://a.co/d/8ZKCqz0Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladycarnivoryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LadyCarnivoryBlog: 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
TIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro and disclaimer00:39 When the protocol feels impossible02:30 How to deal with exposure 04:10 Leave or remediate?06:00 Create a safe room 07:40 Camping: living in tents09:29 Low dose Binders while in exposure12:06 Avoid risky supplements15:31 More tolerable supports and strategies: sun, sleep, mindset17:39 Prep for binders: Omega 3s and regular bowel movements22:27 Binder options ranked25:38 If you really can't tolerate the binders at all29:46 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=T80EPSsPO9GG9ziqOur episode on renting with CIRS: https://youtu.be/ZCjCbxKeYQ0?si=5MYBmS-BfejLXiIIOur episodes on remediation: Bill Weber: https://youtu.be/RlKjTqVAeNU?si=lQyBtsgDQIXAaY5cMichael Schrantz: https://youtu.be/_BEwFVdpRcY?si=c-6A3TaoI8G0Xcc_Max McCord: https://youtu.be/FqixkBGj4Bo?si=ghBshOOv0mNdsg5ZLow VOC Tent: https://www.mychemicalfreehouse.net/2021/01/camping-with-mcs.htmlOur plasmalogens episode: https://youtu.be/wnTYoYYP15k?si=3itC8krsopRfsKbIour episode about tick borne illness with Dr. Milani: https://youtu.be/kaao2kwt1mA?si=pLFj_UGQHNGTvnt5Our 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.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecirsgroup/
Find Jacie for carnivore, lifestyle and limbic resources:Jacie’s book on the Carnivore diet!  https://a.co/d/8ZKCqz0Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladycarnivoryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LadyCarnivoryBlog: 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.
TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome and Setup01:17 Why Compare Labs03:33 Experiment Design04:39 Sampling Strategy07:22 Undercover Customer Mode08:48 Results Big Score Gaps11:44 What It Means14:18 Practical Takeaways15:26 Reading Species Profiles21:58 Advice for This Home25:45 Lab Pros Cons and Costs35:53 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.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecirsgroup/
Find Jacie for carnivore, lifestyle and limbic resources:Jacie’s book on the Carnivore diet!  https://a.co/d/8ZKCqz0Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladycarnivoryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LadyCarnivoryBlog: 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
TIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro01:37 Why tick-borne illness matters02:59 When to consider tick-borne testing06:00 Testing and clinical diagnosis08:50 Key symptoms to watch for in Lyme, Bartonella, Babesia, etc.15:39 Timing of treatment18:42 Treatment strategies: antibiotics, herbals, biofilm busting23:06 How long treatment can take26:58 Symptom flares and prep tips33:08 Supportive activities35:52 How to Work With Dr. Milani39:50 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.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecirsgroup/
Find Jacie for carnivore, lifestyle and limbic resources:Jacie’s book on the Carnivore diet!  https://a.co/d/8ZKCqz0Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladycarnivoryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LadyCarnivoryBlog: 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
TIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro and medical disclaimer01:11 Spinal fusion recovery02:02 Gut changes and diet04:09 Tick Borne treatment06:34 Why the Shoemaker Protocol didn't work on it's own08:59 Grief and autoimmune flare10:20 Upcoming labwork11:19 MARCoNS sinus battle13:25 Sleep Study and ENT appointment15:43 Hormone testing17:57 Fibroids, progesterone, and cortisol support21:39 Testosterone treatment and cautions23:18 Therapy: EMDR fails and incorporation of nicotine26:13 Shutdown: nervous system regulation tools31:30 Acupuncture and NUCCA chiropractic adjustments33:19 TLDR - What's working and what's not36:15 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=3e8YQzhZdG3bMv43Barbara's last health update: https://youtu.be/IkcKvfcIIdA?si=1QdRUeqBYIAWI0JSOur hormone episode: https://youtu.be/OStNHRNffqw?si=9cLRWroxRmiwfacQLearn more about Jacie's nervous system resources: https://builttoregulate.com/
The CIRS Group:Support Community: https://thecirsgroup.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecirsgroup/
Find Jacie for carnivore, lifestyle and limbic resources:Jacie’s book on the Carnivore diet!  https://a.co/d/8ZKCqz0Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladycarnivoryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LadyCarnivoryBlog: 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.
TIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro - meet Max McCord03:20 Why remediation fails07:46 Tools to detect hidden mold13:09 Teamwork between IEPs, remediators and contractors16:28 Containment done right20:22 Tips to make sure things are done correctly26:52 Max shares his own CIRS diagnosis31:02 Ministry and Resources34:15 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.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecirsgroup/
Find Jacie for carnivore, lifestyle and limbic resources:Jacie’s book on the Carnivore diet!  https://a.co/d/8ZKCqz0Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladycarnivoryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LadyCarnivoryBlog: 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
TIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro and disclaimer01:14 How to use this menu02:19 Disclaimer02:58 Environment hacks08:12 Sleep routine and tips11:44 Hydration and electrolytes13:09 Nutrition and diet15:54 Poop!17:19 Gut Support: gluten free diet, supplements, beans21:23 Movement and recovery24:20 Community26:46 Nervous System Regulation31:19 Histamine and mast cell support32:28 Suggested supplement starter stack33:48 Feel better while healing (or waiting to heal)36:09 Jacie and Barbara's personal Starter Packs39:16 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=DnK1wfUBJKqjbbmFOur Dr. Lacey interview: https://youtu.be/baldT8N7nl4?si=_s1jQ3_rNQHTF22SJacie's Nervous System Resources: https://builttoregulate.com/
CIRS communities:The CIRS Group: https://thecirsgroup.comCIRSLab: 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.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecirsgroup/
Find Jacie for carnivore, lifestyle and limbic resources:Jacie’s book on the Carnivore diet!  https://a.co/d/8ZKCqz0Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladycarnivoryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LadyCarnivoryBlog: 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
TIMESTAMPS00:00 Sleep: intro and disclaimer00:45 What Is CIRS?02:01 Low MSH and poor sleep connection03:51 Circadian rhythm resets05:55 Lighting to support sleep06:23 Melatonin Done Right06:46 Anxiety disrupting sleep (cell danger response)08:37 Benefits of acupuncture10:09 Why you have trouble staying asleep11:00 Tips to stabilize your blood sugar11:53 Nocturia (needing to pee in the middle of the night)14:00 Unrefreshing Sleep: tips and tricks15:40 Hormones and Testing18:33 Personal Sleep Stacks20:48 Ashwagandha Nightshade PSA21:31 KPV for Low MSH22:27 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.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecirsgroup/
Find Jacie for carnivore, lifestyle and limbic resources:Jacie’s book on the Carnivore diet!  https://a.co/d/8ZKCqz0Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladycarnivoryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LadyCarnivoryBlog: 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 disclaimer02:00 Brian’s CIRS-aware home building journey04:52 Why modern homes are so prone to getting mold07:34 Common building materials that promote mold and trigger CIRS10:58 Brian's opinion of the best era for older homes13:14 Moisture management for the modern home17:19 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 home28:32 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.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecirsgroup/
Find Jacie for carnivore, lifestyle and limbic resources:Jacie’s book on the Carnivore diet!  https://a.co/d/8ZKCqz0Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladycarnivoryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LadyCarnivoryBlog: 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
TIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro and disclaimer01:06 Surprise puppy Story02:20 Jacie's CIRS relapse03:27 Histamine flares and uveitis04:41 Home dust tests and skin tests to check for exposure06:22 Feel better while waiting for your doctor: nutrition and supplements07:44 Acupuncture and vibration plate09:54 Doctor appointment and labwork12:02 All the tests!14:29 Working with Dr. Andrea Jordheim15:55 Jacie's boyfriend's gut results16:50 Jacie's GI dysbiosis findings19:55 Spike protein test results and FLCCC protocol22:17 Remaining tests23:00 Concerning uranium levels in water24:07 Minerals and methylation26:16 Difficulty using carbs for fuel29:06 Celiac genes, staying gluten free31:46 High MPO may indicate endotoxins33:05 Hormones, methylation, and hydration34:38 Next testing, and supplements prioritized36:10 The importance of collaborative care with your doctor38:56 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_lV7PwC3wCeliac 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.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecirsgroup/
Find Jacie for carnivore, lifestyle and limbic resources:Jacie’s book on the Carnivore diet!  https://a.co/d/8ZKCqz0Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladycarnivoryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LadyCarnivoryBlog: 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.