For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com Jacie and Barbara return from an unexpected break, caused by Jacie's autoimmune flare after moving into an apartment with a high actino score. Today's episode outlines what to do during a CIRS “flare” or symptom backslide. Some tips covered inclide: defining early warning signs, using objective tracking tools like the VCS test, symptom logs, and wearables, and scheduling periodic bloodwork (including MSH, MMP-9, and TGF beta-1...
Apr 08, 2026•23 min•Ep. 148
For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com Jacie and Barbara discuss why unlimited money and access to extreme treatments doesn’t usually lead to better or faster healing. Wealth can remove “financial friction,” which inadvertently encourages fear-based, urgent, and uncoordinated decision-making, including fringe or unregulated therapies, constant protocol switching, and symptom-focused biohacking without tracking or testing. They emphasize the importance of strategy, ...
Mar 11, 2026•27 min•Ep. 147
For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com In this week's episode, Barbara and Jacie explain why people with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) or mold illness should test their home (and workplaces) and when. They'll dig into why multiple tests are better to understand the full picture rather than relying on a single score, and recommend working with an IEP (Indoor Environmental Professional) for interpretation and creating an action plan. They cover MSQPCR...
Mar 04, 2026•27 min•Ep. 146
For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com Jacie and Barbara discuss how CIRS commonly affects body weight: often causing weight gain and resistance to fat loss, though some people experience extreme weight loss. They'll dig into why weight changes are driven by chronic, multi-system inflammation from biotoxin exposure (such as mold or Lyme), impacting hormones, metabolism, detox pathways, the brain, and the nervous system. It’s not simply “calories in, calories out,” ...
Feb 25, 2026•24 min•Ep. 145
For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com In this week's episode, Barbara and Jacie discuss how anxiety and depression commonly show up in CIRS, and why these symptoms are often driven by biology and NOT personal weakness. Brain and body inflammation can disrupt neurotransmitters, increase inflammatory cytokines, affect mood regulation, and contribute to blood-brain barrier dysfunction and limbic system hypervigilance, leading to depression, anxiety, cognitive issues,...
Feb 18, 2026•19 min•Ep. 144
In this episode of The CIRS Group podcast, Barbara and Jacie talk about the prevalence of Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). Despite being relatively unknown, CIRS is not rare; It affects approximately 25% of the population due to genetic susceptibility. They discuss the reasons behind the lack of awareness in conventional medicine, from underdiagnosis and nonspecific symptoms, to larger systemic issues with the medical industry and lack of awareness around mold. This episode highlig...
Feb 11, 2026•20 min•Ep. 142
In this informative episode of The CIRS Group podcast, hosts Jacie and Barbara welcome Dr. Anjali Noble to discuss the complexities of perimenopause, menopause, and Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). Dr. Noble, founder of the Noble Center for Health and Healing, shares insights on perimenopause and menopause, potential treatments and ways to support the transition, and how CIRS may complicate this natural process. Viewers are advised to consult their own healthcare providers for pers...
Feb 04, 2026•36 min•Ep. 143
In this episode of The CIRS Group podcast, hosts Jacie and Barbara explain what Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) is, how to get diagnosed, and how to treat it. They cover sources of biotoxin exposure that can make you sick and what kind of binders work best for these toxins. Jacie and Barbara also discuss the importance of genetic predisposition, the diagnostic criteria, and testing you can do, including visual contrast sensitivity tests and relevant blood markers. They'll also cove...
Jan 28, 2026•23 min•Ep. 141
In this episode of The CIRS Group podcast, hosts Jacie and Barbara explore the connection between Hashimoto's disease and chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS). They dive into the importance of early diagnosis, crucial blood tests, and the differences between conventional and functional treatments. The episode also includes personal anecdotes and practical tips for managing thyroid health, touching on topics like diet, stress management, and the significance of tracking symptoms. TIMESTA...
Jan 21, 2026•23 min•Ep. 140
In this episode of the CIRS Group podcast, hosts Barbara and Jacie dive into the complex topic of working out while dealing with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). They discuss the challenges, benefits, and strategies for maintaining a workout routine despite the debilitating symptoms that CIRS can cause, such as fatigue, joint pain, and hypometabolism. Listeners are advised to consult their healthcare practitioners for personalized advice. Additional insights include using AI for cr...
Jan 14, 2026•19 min•Ep. 139
For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com In this episode of The CIRS Group podcast, Barbara and Jacie delve into the distinctions between mold illness and CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome). They clarify the confusion surrounding these terms, which are often used interchangeably online, and emphasize the importance of understanding the Shoemaker Protocol for those genetically predisposed to CIRS. They'll cover how to find out if you have the genetic marker...
Jan 07, 2026•25 min•Ep. 138
Join us at https://www.thecirsgroup.com/ Sign up for our next live Q&A webinar: https://thecirsgroup.kit.com/2025ama It's the last 2025 episode of The CIRS Group podcast! Hosts Jacie and Barbara share their exciting plans for 2026, including upgrades in podcast quality, fun new merchandise, and including more expert-led classes within the membership. They also talk about personal updates, including Barbara's upcoming wedding and health treatments, and Jacie's insights on nervous system regul...
Dec 31, 2025•23 min•Ep. 137
Please note: we filmed this back in November, and moved some episodes around - any comments about the CIRS Summit are a bit out of date, but you can still watch the replays by visiting https://cirs-summit-2025.heysummit.com/ Sign up to get notified next time we do a live Q&A! https://thecirsgroup.kit.com/2025ama In this special episode of the CIRS Group podcast, Barbara and Jacie answer a variety of questions during a live, recorded Q&A webinar. Topics discussed include identifying wheth...
Dec 17, 2025•55 min•Ep. 134
Join Jacie and Barbara for a cozy holiday episode of The CIRS Group Podcast as they share their favorite gift ideas for the chronic illness community. From simple stocking stuffers to big-ticket wellness upgrades, they walk through options at every price point so you can find something thoughtful—whether you're shopping on a tight budget or going all-out. You’ll hear practical picks like Epsom salts and blue-light–blocking glasses, mid-range tools that make daily life easier, and even a few drea...
Dec 10, 2025•18 min•Ep. 136
Register for The CIRS Summit 2025! It's free! https://cirs-summit-2025.heysummit.com/ For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com Welcome to another episode of The CIRS Group podcast with Barbara and Jacie! In today's episode, we dive into the details of the upcoming CIRS Summit 2025 happening on December 13th and 14th. The summit will have a great mix of expert interviews on a wide range of topics related to CIRS. From environmental biotoxins and brain health, to legal...
Dec 03, 2025•25 min•Ep. 135
For more info and support, visit us at https://thecirsgroup.com In this episode of The CIRS Group podcast, Jacie and Barbara welcome Bill Weber, a CIRS-knowledgeable Indoor Environmental Professional. Bill is a senior consultant with Avalar and a board-certified indoor environmental consultant. Bill shares his expertise on mold testing methods, the art and science of interpreting results, and why professional help is crucial for CIRS patients. He discusses his experience inspecting buildings for...
Nov 19, 2025•41 min•Ep. 133
In this episode of The CIRS Group podcast, Barbara and her guest co-host, Dr. Christian Navarro-Torres, discuss the potential connection between chronic illness and mold exposure, focusing on reality TV star Mikayla Matthews from "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives." They'll explore Matthews' health journey, discuss potential chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) symptoms, and highlight the importance of accurate diagnosis and effective treatment (The Shoemaker Protocol). They delve into t...
Nov 12, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 132
For more info and support, visit us at https://thecirsgroup.com In this episode of The CIRS Group podcast, hosts Jacie and Barbara discuss the unique challenges faced by individuals with chronic illnesses during the holiday season. They delve into the importance of setting boundaries, managing expectations, and prioritizing health to make social events more manageable. The discussion includes practical tips for communicating with family and friends, handling dietary and alcohol restrictions, and...
Nov 05, 2025•27 min•Ep. 131
For more info and support, visit us at https://thecirsgroup.com Welcome to another episode of The CIRS Group podcast! In this episode, hosts Jacie and Barbara welcome Dr. Christian Navarro Torres, a PhD cognitive scientist specialized in cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and language science. They'll cover the latest updates to NeuroQuant, an FDA-approved software used for segmenting brain regions to measure volumes, particularly crucial for diagnosing and treating Chronic Inflammatory Respons...
Oct 29, 2025•33 min•Ep. 130
If you would like to learn more about CIRS, visit https://www.thecirsgroup.com/ In this episode of The CIRS Group podcast, Barbara and Jacie discuss YouTuber Chris Williamson's recent video titled 'It's Time to Talk About My Health,' which details his struggles with chronic health issues despite his connections in the fitness, wellness, and biohacking community. They'll cover his diagnosis of mold illness, lyme, epstein barr and others, his symptoms, the treatments he attempted, and the strong p...
Oct 22, 2025•28 min•Ep. 129
For more info and support, visit us over at https://thecirsgroup.com In this episode of The CIRS Group podcast, hosts Barbara and Jacie dive into the specifics of ankylosing spondylitis, an autoimmune condition that Jacie personally struggled with. They discuss the genetic aspects tied to the HLA-B27 gene and its role in autoimmune disorders, including ankylosing spondylitis, acute anterior uveitis, reactive arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Jacie shares a detailed account of her rapid ...
Oct 15, 2025•22 min•Ep. 128
For more resources and support, visit us over at https://thecirsgroup.com In this episode of the CIRS Group podcast, hosts Barbara and Jacie dive into practical tips and resources for maintaining a safe and healthy living or workspace. They cover important aspects including managing humidity levels, choosing a home location, working with landlords, utilizing air purifiers, and regular small particle cleaning. The episode also touches on avoiding environmental issues like endotoxins, actinomycete...
Oct 08, 2025•24 min•Ep. 127
For more info and support, visit us at https://thecirsgroup.com In this episode of The CIRS Group podcast, hosts Jacie and Barbara are joined by Dr. Lacey Venanzi, a functional medicine practitioner who specializes in treating CIRS and gut dysfunction. Dr. Lacey discusses her insights on the gut microbiome, its connection to chronic illnesses, and how the immune system plays a major role. They explore various testing methods for gut health, the implications of common symptoms, and the importance...
Oct 01, 2025•49 min•Ep. 126
For more info and support, visit us at https://thecirsgroup.com In this episode of The CIRS Group podcast, hosts Jacie and Barbara dive into the autoimmune condition known as Alopecia Areata. You may be familiar with it because of Jada Pinkett Smith (and the slap heard round the world) or more recently because of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Armani Latimer's brave story on the second season of the Netflix docuseries, America's Sweethearts. Today, we'll cover those stories and Barbara will share he...
Sep 24, 2025•23 min•Ep. 125
For more info and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com In this episode of The CIRS Group podcast, hosts Barbara and Jacie delve into the crucial topic of detox pathways, particularly for those of us dealing with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). They discuss the body's natural mechanisms for eliminating toxins and why CIRS patients may need extra support to aid these processes. They'll cover the key organs involved such as the liver, kidneys, lungs, skin, and lymphatic syste...
Sep 17, 2025•25 min•Ep. 124
For more info and support, visit us at https://thecirsgroup.com We are BACK! In this episode of The CIRS Group podcast, hosts Jacie and Barbara return from a brief hiatus. Why were they gone? Barbara got surgery and made it through! She'll give a detailed update on her recovery process, including the challenges she faced, tips for post-surgery care, and what kind of support she needed to heal. They'll also cover exciting upcoming events for the CIRS Group, including the next CIRS SUMMIT, featuri...
Sep 10, 2025•20 min•Ep. 123
For more info and support, visit us at https://thecirsgroup.com In this episode of the CIRS Group podcast, hosts Barbara and Jacie share personal updates on their health and living situations. Jacie recounts her move from Denver to Utah, explaining the reasons behind the move, the challenges she faced, and the improvements in her social life and environment. We hope you take away practical tips for cleaning and settling into a new place while dealing with CIRS. Barbara gives an update on her ong...
Aug 20, 2025•40 min•Ep. 122
For more info and support, visit us at https://thecirsgroup.com In this episode of The CIRS Group podcast, Jacie and Barbara discuss how to create an effective CIRS action plan. This is a step by step guide to help you manage and streamline your CIRS healing journey, which is often complicated and stressful. They'll cover why having an action plan is crucial, especially for those newly diagnosed or suspecting CIRS, and how it can help you avoid analysis paralysis. If you're feeling overwhelmed b...
Aug 13, 2025•20 min•Ep. 121
For more information and support, visit https://www.thecirsgroup.com/membership/ In this episode of The CIRS Group podcast, hosts Jacie and Barbara discuss various adjunct therapies they find beneficial to use alongside the Shoemaker Protocol. They dig into anti-inflammatory diets, the importance of electrolytes, supplements, the benefits of sunshine and grounding, and detox techniques like saunas and hot baths. They also highlight the importance of working with trauma-informed therapists, doing...
Aug 06, 2025•27 min•Ep. 120
For more information and support, visit us at https://thecirsgroup.com Welcome to another episode of The CIRS Group podcast with Barbara and Jacie! In this episode, we share our top book recommendations that have significantly contributed to our health and healing journeys. Whether you're dealing with CIRS, chronic illness, mental health struggles, or just looking to expand your knowledge, we've got you covered. We discuss books on CIRS-specific guidance, mental health, relationships, diet and n...
Jul 30, 2025•24 min•Ep. 119
