Today on Stronger Than Autoimmune, I’m joined by Dr. Jason Bachewich, a naturopathic doctor who’s become the Sherlock Holmes of complex illness. After his own life-altering battle with Lyme disease, Dr. Jason made it his mission to uncover what most providers miss: hidden infections, co-infections, gut dysfunction, detox roadblocks, and the real reasons people don’t fully heal.

Dr. Jason has spoken internationally, helped develop Canada’s first publicly funded Lyme clinic, and now works with patients who’ve been told “your labs are normal”—yet still feel exhausted, inflamed, and stuck.

If you’ve ever wondered:👉 Why am I only 20–30% better?👉 Is this autoimmune… or something deeper?👉 Why do I flare when I start treatment?

This conversation will change how you look at healing.

We cover:• Why autoimmune symptoms can be driven by chronic infections• The truth about Lyme testing and why so many people test negative• Co-infections like Bartonella and Babesia—and how they complicate recovery• How to tell the difference between an autoimmune flare vs. infection activity• What Herxheimer (die-off) reactions actually mean—and how to manage them safely• Why chronic Lyme treatment can take months to years• When antibiotics, herbal protocols, or combined approaches make the most sense• Natural therapies for those who can’t tolerate long-term antibiotics• What Dr. Jason discovered working with CelWel, Long COVID, and chronic Lyme patients

If you wan to work with the Lyme Doc Dr. Jason Bachewich, ND | Winnipeg Naturopath — Nature DoctorsCelWel Home – CelWel USA

If you’re navigating autoimmune disease, chronic Lyme, or unexplained symptoms—or you support employees dealing with invisible illness—this episode is a must-listen.

00:00 – Why this conversation matters if you’re “not getting better”02:15 – Dr. Jason’s personal Lyme journey & how it reshaped his practice06:40 – The top 3 reasons patients improve but never fully heal11:10 – What co-infections are (Bartonella, Babesia) & why they matter12:45 – Infection vs autoimmune flare: how to tell the difference14:30 – Signs your autoimmune diagnosis may have an infectious root cause18:10 – Understanding Herxheimer (die-off) reactions & staying safe24:20 – Detox overload: liver & kidney warning signs to watch for29:50 – Why Lyme testing fails so many patients35:15 – International testing: what’s different & why it’s more accurate35:40 – Why chronic Lyme treatment can take 3 months to 2 years
38:30 – CelWel, Long COVID & chronic Lyme: what Dr. Jason discovered
✨ Ready to stop guessing and start healing?

If you’re an individual navigating autoimmune disease or chronic illness, learn how we work together through nervous-system-first autoimmune coaching. 🔗 Work with me: ⁠Individuals — Desiree Werland

If you’re an employer, HR leader, or executive looking to support employees with invisible illness and reduce burnout, absenteeism, and healthcare costs—I also work as a Corporate Autoimmune Health Consultant.🔗 Work with me: Employers — Desiree Werland

🎧 Don’t forget to follow Stronger Than Autoimmune, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who’s still searching for answers.

#StrongerThanAutoimmune #LymeDisease #ChronicLyme #AutoimmuneHealing #InvisibleIllness #ChronicIllness#FunctionalMedicine #NaturopathicDoctor#CoInfections #LongCovidRecovery #AutoimmuneCoach
#CorporateWellness #EmployeeHealth

Feeling like autoimmune is quietly stealing your ambition, your fire, your “I’ve got this” energy?

This episode is your Monday-morning shot of military-grade resilience.

30-year Army veteran and congressional-honored leader Otis “Scotty” Scott Jr., author of the book Stay Hungry joins Desiree for a no-BS conversation about how to stay driven when your body is throwing every possible roadblock at you.

Scotty doesn’t hand out supplements or vagus-nerve hacks. He hands out something way more powerful: the exact mindset framework (built on Maslow’s Hierarchy from his book, Stay Hungry) that has kept soldiers, CEOs, and now high-achieving women with autoimmune from ever giving up, even on the days they can barely get out of bed.

You’ll discover:✓ Why most motivation fails the second a flare hits – and the one question Scotty asks himself every morning to stay hungry anyway

✓ How to reframe “I’m exhausted” into “My physiological needs are screaming – now what do I do about it?” (the Maslow pivot that changes everything)✓ Why self-esteem isn’t about affirmations – it’s about stacking tiny, undeniable wins on your worst days (Scotty shows you how he does it)

Zero fluff. Zero “just meditate.” Just pure, battle-tested mindset from a man who has led through war and boardrooms, now passed straight to women who refuse to let chronic illness write the ending of their story.

✨ You were built for the boardroom AND the battle. Let’s keep both.

Connect with Scotty on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/otis-scotty-scott-jr-scott-5ba8937/Grab Stay Hungry on Amazon from Otis “Scotty” Scott Jr. ⁠https://a.co/d/3Qd7eLq

🔗 Private coaching for ambitious women who want to protect their fire (and their body): Individuals — Desiree Werland

📧 Bring this mindset training to your team: desiree@desireewerland.com or Employers — Desiree Werland

#StrongerThanAutoimmune #StayHungry #MaslowMindset #AutoimmuneWarrior #CorporateAutoimmune #WomenWithAutoimmune #ChronicIllnessWarrior #HashimotosAtWork #InvisibleIllness #AmbitiousAndAutoimmune #AutoimmunePodcast #DesireeWerland #LeadershipMindset #ResilienceMindset

If you’ve ever heard “your labs are normal” while secretly crying in the work bathroom because you can barely function, this episode is your permission slip to stop gaslighting yourself.In this raw, 15-minute episode Desiree shares the exact four things she did the week she almost quit her director-level job with perfect attendance and a TSH of 2.8. No green juices, no quitting your career, no toxic positivity—just real, science-backed tools that actually work when you have Hashimoto’s, RA, lupus, or any autoimmune disease but still have KPIs to crush.

You’ll discover:

- The 90-second morning energy audit that cut Desiree’s flares by 60 % in two weeks

-The two-sentence “flex medical days” email script that gets approved in minutes without disclosing your diagnosis

- The $43 Amazon cart that replaced car naps (foot hammock, blue-light blockers, timer caps, Liquid IV sleep—exact links below)

- The zero-cost wellness-stipend tweak (backed by 2020 Journal of Pain Research meta-analysis) that cuts chronic-illness absenteeism up to 50 % and how companies are already doing it

Perfect for professional women searching: normal TSH but still exhausted, Hashimoto’s and career, autoimmune disease at work, invisible illness corporate job, chronic fatigue 2pm crash, brain fog at work, how to ask for accommodations without saying autoimmune.

Private 1:1 coaching (2 spots left in 2025): https://www.desireewerland.com/coaching/Corporate

Consulting: https://www.desireewerland.com/employers

If you’re crying in the work bathroom → 00:00The permission slip you’ve been waiting for → 00:30The week I almost quit (my ugly truth) → 01:00Tool #1: 90-sec energy audit that cut my flares 60% → 01:45Tool #2: Email script for 12 extra “flex medical days” (copy-paste ready) → 04:00Tool #3: My $43 Amazon kit that ended car naps → 06:15Tool #4: The $0 wellness tweak companies are sleeping on → 08:45You don’t have to choose health vs. career → 11:45

#NormalTSHButExhausted #NormalLabsButDying #Hashimotos #InvisibleIllness #ChronicIllnessAtWork #AutoimmuneBoss #SpoonieProfessional #ButYouDontLookSick #HashimotosWarrior #AutoimmuneDisease #ThyroidProblems #ChronicFatigue #BrainFog #CorporateWellness #WomenInLeadership

Are you dreading Thanksgiving because you know you’ll pay for it with a massive autoimmune flare in December?

You’re not alone. Thousands of professional women with Hashimoto’s, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, MCAS, or other autoimmune diseases search every year for “how to survive holidays with autoimmune disease” or “thanksgiving Hashimoto's or Sjogren's, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis flare ” and this episode is the exact roadmap my private clients are using right now to enjoy pie, laughter, and twinkle lights without waking up in January feeling like they got hit by a truck.

You’ll discover:• Why your body feels like a Sims character who hasn’t peed in 3 days during the holidays (and how to hit pause)
• The 48-Hour Rule that lets you change plans without guilt (my client Sarah went from hosting 22 people to brunch-only and saved her entire December)
• The Pretty Plate Strategy so you’re the hero bringing the dessert everyone wants instead of the “weird diet” person
• The Bathroom Rescue Kit I tell every client to keep in their purse (peppermint oil + Loops + vagus nerve hack)
• The 4-minute art prompt that drops inflammation by calming your nervous system fast (science-backed)
• What managers/HR need to know when your rock-star employee suddenly needs more sick days in December

Plus a free Holiday Survival Guide with meal plans, scripts for food pushers, and daily rhythm checklist at desireewerland.com/holiday (link also below – grab it before it comes down Jan 2nd)

If you’re ready to never spend another holiday season white-knuckling survival mode, I have exactly 3 private 1:1 spots left starting January before I close my books until April.

Book a discovery call: https://desireewerland-wellness-coach.as.me/schedule/77e60e1e/appointment/17727112/calendar/4614596?appointmentTypeIds[]=17727112

Free Autoimmune Holiday Survival Guide: https://www.desireewerland.com/

Work with me 1:1 (2 spots) → desireewerland.com/call
https://www.desireewerland.com/privatecoaching

Follow on IG @strongerthanautoimmune#AutoimmuneWarrior #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicIllness #InvisibleIllness #Hashimotos #ChronicPain #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #ChronicIllnessWarrior #ButYouDontLookSick #RheumatoidArthritis #Lupus #Endometriosis #ThyroidHealth #FlareFreeHolidays #ThanksgivingWithChronicIllness #HolidayBoundaries #ChronicFatigue #AutoimmuneProtocol #WomenWithAutoimmune

Carolyn Routh (Nu-Blu) turned multiple strokes and Type 1 Diabetes into the heartbeat of a 20-year bluegrass career. Host, Desiree Werland uncovers how music became medicine, how Carolyn manages intense touring with T1D, and why giving up was never an option, no matter what her body threw at her.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome & Carolyn’s first stroke at the peak of her career
06:40 – Learning bass as stroke rehab that changed everything
15:20 – Daily realities of touring with Type 1 Diabetes
28:10 – The moment music became more than a job, it became survivalAdvice for anyone feeling their diagnosis stole their passion32:00 – Final thoughts

This episode is pure proof: your condition doesn’t get the final say : YOU do.

Huge gratitude to Carolyn Routh for her raw honesty and beautiful spirit!

Follow Nu-Blu everywhere: https://nu-blu.com | @nublubluegrass

You don’t have to figure this out alone.

Work 1-on-1 with autoimmune coach Desiree Werland and finally get the personalized support, strategy, and accountability you’ve been missing.

Secure your spot for a discovery call: https://www.desireewerland.com/privatecoaching

#StrongerThanAutoimmune #Type1Diabetes #StrokeSurvivor #Bluegrass #ChronicIllness #ResiliencePodcast #MusicAndHealing #AutoimmuneWarrior #T1D #WomenInMusic #NuBlu #HealingThroughMusic #DesireeWerland #InvisibleIllness #ChronicIllnessWarrior #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #Spoonie #Type1Diabetes #T1D #StrokeRecovery #BluegrassMusic #WomenInBluegrass #MusicHeals #HealingJourney #ResilientWomen #ChronicIllnessLife #AutoimmuneAwareness #SpoonieLife #DisabilityAndDreams

On the Stronger Than Autoimmune podcast, Desiree Werland (autoimmune coach & host) interviews Hope Rose, founder of the Hope Rose movement about rising from unimaginable grief, turning pain into divine purpose, and guiding others through autoimmune healing.

In this powerful episode you’ll discover:

• How extreme loss became the spark for a global movement
• What “turning ashes into alchemy” really means when you’re facing chronic illness
• The self-advocacy secrets most doctors never mention
• How ultra-endurance athletics and decades of entrepreneurship built unbreakable resilience
• Why no one should ever heal alone

To learn more about Hope Rose go to: https://www.hoperosespeaks.com/

https://www.instagram.com/hoperosespeaks/

If you’re tired of feeling misunderstood in your autoimmune journey, this episode will light a fire in you.

You deserve to feel strong, supported, and hopeful again.
Work 1-on-1 with your host, autoimmune coach Desiree Werland, and finally get the personalized roadmap that turns your diagnosis into your superpower.

Book your discovery session now https://www.desireewerland.com/privatecoaching

Subscribe to Stronger Than Autoimmune for weekly stories of triumph over chronic illness

#StrongerThanAutoimmune #AutoimmuneHealing #AshesToAlchemy #ChronicIllnessWarrior #PainIntoPurpose #Autoimmunity #SelfAdvocacy #HealingJourney #Resilience #WomenInWellness #HealthTransformation #GriefToGrowth #AutoimmuneCoach #DesireeWerland

In this week's podcast episode, I'm unpacking where this permission-seeking comes from, what it costs us, and howto give yourself the permission slip you've been waiting for.

You’re waiting for a doctor, boss, or lab result to tell you it’s okay to finally take your health seriously. Spoiler: You already have permission. Stop waiting to be “sick enough” and start healing on your terms. This episode will give you the push you didn’t know you needed.

For individuals: If you're done waiting, let's talk aboutwhat happens next.

For organizations: Let's discuss creating cultures wherepeople don't need to prove they're worthy of support.

- Why we seek permission we don't actually need

- Where this pattern comes from

- What it costs us while we wait

- How to give yourself the permission slip that's beenyours all along

Stop waiting for permission that's never coming.

Intro: The phone call that changed everything
2:00 – Meet “Diana” – falling asleep at stoplights but told she’s “not that bad”
2:30 – The 4 Permissions we’re all waiting for
5:30 – Where this permission-seeking really comes from (medical gaslighting, workplace culture, socialization)
9:30 – The devastating cost of waiting (health, career, relationships, money)
12:30 – The permission you’ve had all along (reframe every excuse)
15:00 – Your official Permission Slip (repeat-after-me moment)
15:45 – Next step: Book a discovery call (link in description)
17:00 – Closing: When will YOU finally sign it?

If you are ready to give yourself permission to start putting your health first: https://desireewerland-wellness-coach.as.me/?appointmentType=17727112If you are an organization wanting to be on the forefront of optimizing and retaining you biggest asset, your team: https://desireewerland-wellness-coach.as.me/?appointmentType=80848648

Desiree Werland is a National Board-Certified Health& Wellness Coach who specializes in autoimmune health for career-driven women and corporate autoimmune advocacy. After navigating medical gaslighting and a decade of symptom normalization before diagnosis, she now helps individuals and organizations create environments where people don't need permission to prioritize their health. Host of Stronger Than Autoimmune Podcast.#AutoimmuneWarrior #ChronicIllnessAdvocate#MedicalGaslighting #InvisibleIllness #SelfAdvocacy #WomensHealth#HashimotosThyroiditis #WorkplaceWellness #PermissionToHeal#StrongerThanAutoimmune #HealthCoach #FunctionalMedicine

Stop waiting for permission that's never coming.

#AutoimmuneWarrior #ChronicIllnessAdvocate#MedicalGaslighting #InvisibleIllness #SelfAdvocacy #WomensHealth#HashimotosThyroiditis #WorkplaceWellness #PermissionToHeal#StrongerThanAutoimmune #HealthCoach #FunctionalMedicine

Stop waiting for permission that's never coming.

#AutoimmuneWarrior #ChronicIllnessAdvocate#MedicalGaslighting #InvisibleIllness #SelfAdvocacy #WomensHealth#HashimotosThyroiditis #WorkplaceWellness #PermissionToHeal#StrongerThanAutoimmune #HealthCoach #FunctionalMedicine

Stop waiting for permission that's never coming.

#AutoimmuneWarrior #ChronicIllnessAdvocate#MedicalGaslighting #InvisibleIllness #SelfAdvocacy #WomensHealth#HashimotosThyroiditis #WorkplaceWellness #PermissionToHeal#StrongerThanAutoimmune #HealthCoach #FunctionalMedicine

Are you waking up tired after 8 hours of sleep? Struggling with brain fog, weight gain, or afternoon crashes but your doctor says your labs are "normal"?

In this episode of Stronger Than Autoimmune: From Boardroom to Breakroom Edition, I explain why "normal" lab results don't always mean you're functioning optimally especially if you have (or suspect) an autoimmune condition like Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Using the "iPhone analogy," I break down the critical difference between reference ranges (what labs use) and optimal ranges (what functional medicine practitioners track)and why this gap leaves millions feeling dismissed and stuck.

🎯 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

✅ The difference between reference range vs. optimal range (3:30)

✅ Why TSH alone doesn't tell the whole thyroid story (5:15)

✅ Complete thyroid panel: What to request from your doctor (6:45)

✅ How to advocate for comprehensive testing—even with an existing diagnosis (7:30)

✅ The workplace impact: Why "medicated but not optimized" affects performance (9:00)

✅ Actionable steps for individuals AND HR leaders (11:00)

📊 KEY STATS MENTIONED:

- 78% of full-time workers with autoimmune disease report job performance decline

- Employees with chronic conditions account for 85% of employer healthcare costs

- Presenteeism (showing up sick) costs 2-3X more than absenteeism

- Early optimization reduces long-term disability claims by 25% (CDC)

🔬 COMPLETE THYROID PANEL INCLUDES:

1. TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)

2. Free T4 (storage form)

3. Free T3 (active form)

4. Reverse T3 (blocks T3 function)

5. TPO Antibodies (Hashimoto's indicator)

6. TG Antibodies (autoimmune marker)

💡 OPTIMAL VS. REFERENCE RANGES:

- TSH Reference Range: 0.5-5.0 mIU/L

- TSH Optimal Range: 0.5-2.0 mIU/L

(This 3-point difference can mean exhaustion vs. energy!)

👩‍💼 FOR HR LEADERS & EXECUTIVES:

Discover why supporting employees to reach "optimal range" (not just "medicated and managed") reduces turnover, improves productivity, and protects your bottom line.

🎙️ ABOUT THIS PODCAST:

Stronger Than Autoimmune bridges personal healing and workplace wellbeing—guiding career-driven women with autoimmune disease AND forward-thinking companies to create energy-efficient, inclusive environments where everyone thrives.

Host: Desiree Werland, NBC-HWC, ADAPT-Certified Functional Health Coach, Autoimmune Paleo Coach, and Corporate Autoimmune Health Consultant

📍 Based in San Antonio, Texas

🌐 Website: DesireeWerland.com

📧 Contact: hello@desireewerland.com

📱 Instagram/LinkedIn: @DesireeWerland

🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

- CDC Workplace Health Research

- American Thyroid Association Guidelines

- National Institute of Health Autoimmune Disease Stats

💬 WHAT TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR (Script Provided at 7:30):

For diagnosis-seekers: "I'd like to request a complete thyroid panel, including Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, TPO antibodies, and TG antibodies..."

For those already diagnosed: "I appreciate that my TSH is in range, but I'm still experiencing [symptoms]. I'd like to see if there's room for optimization..."

🎧 SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE:

New episodes every [frequency] exploring autoimmune health, workplace wellness, and thriving with chronic conditions.

📢 SHARE THIS EPISODE if you know someone who's been told they're "fine" but doesn't feel fine or an HR leader committed to supporting invisible illness in the workplace.

#AutoimmuneHealth #ThyroidHealth #Hashimotos #OptimalHealth #FunctionalMedicine #ChronicIllness #WorkplaceWellness #HRLeadership #EmployeeHealth #InvisibleIllness #HealthAdvocacy #WomensHealth #EnergyOptimization #BrainFog #ChronicFatigue