The CIRS Group Podcast

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...

In this The CIRS Group Podcast episode, Jacie and Barbara explain MARCoNS (multiple antibiotic resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci) as a common deep nasal colonization in CIRS patients and why it’s addressed as step three in the Shoemaker Protocol (after leaving exposure and using binders). They discuss how MARCoNS may perpetuate inflammation and low MSH, what symptoms can look like, and ho...

On this episode of The CIRS Group podcast, hosts Jacie and Barbara interview Dr. Andrew Heyman about Dr. Naviaux’s cell danger response (CDR) framework and why it can explain stalled recoveries in chronic mold-related illness and CIRS. Heyman describes how mitochondrial “danger mode” drives three phases: initial inflammation (innate immune activation), rebuilding via aerobic glycolysis, and reinte...

Barbara and Jacie wrap up their five-part Shoemaker Protocol series with Phase 5: Repair and Restore. This phase focuses on normalizing innate immune markers (MMP-9, C3a, C4a, and TGFb1) and restoring brain volume. They explain that low-starch/gluten-free diet helps bring down MMP-9, while persistently elevated C3a/C4a or TGFb1 often signal ongoing exposure, gut issues, tick-borne illness, or dent...

In this CIRS Group Podcast episode, Jacie and Barbara cover phase four of the Shoemaker Protocol, focused on restoring normal metabolic function after biotoxin elimination. They explain that this phase may include supporting detox pathways for “normal” toxins and heavy metals (e.g., daily bowel movements, B vitamins, methylation support, sauna or hot baths, lymphatic techniques, and using binders...

Struggling with stubborn biotoxin illness (CIRS) and feeling stuck in your recovery? In this episode, we break down some of the most important (and often overlooked) steps in the Shoemaker Protocol, including binders, MARCoNS treatment, and gut support. Learn how binders like cholestyramine and Welchol work differently to remove biotoxins, why the wrong detox approach can trigger setbacks, and how...

For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com Is mold colonization the same as CIRS? Could what looks like a fungal infection actually be something else entirely? In this episode, Barbara is joined by Dr. Lacey Venanzi and Dr. Christian Navarro-Torres to break down the difference between mold/fungal colonization and chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS), explore the...

For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com Jacie and Barbara cover Phase Two (part two of five) of the Shoemaker Protocol for CIRS, focusing on foundational steps before starting binders:  Lipid replacement therapy (primarily fish oil) to lower inflammation and help prevent common binder side effects like fatigue, constipation, and overall dryness, with Shoemaker-recomme...

For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com Uncover the truth behind chronic illnesses that are often misdiagnosed for years. If you’ve been told your symptoms are anxiety, IBS, or autoimmune, this episode explores a groundbreaking approach that could change everything. Learn how the Shoemaker Protocol, backed by clinical research, helps identify and treat CIRS (Chronic I...

For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com Jacie and Barbara discuss chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), emphasizing it as a real, multisystem illness rather than “just being tired,” and describe hallmark symptoms like post-exertional malaise (PEM), unrefreshing sleep, brain fog/word-finding issues, orthostatic intolerance, sensory sensitivity, pain, headaches, and the pu...

For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com In this episode, Barbara and Jacie discuss how CIRS patients can tell when they’re ready to move to the next step of the Shoemaker Protocol or “graduate,." As always, healing is gradual and should be guided by a CIRS-literate practitioner. They recommend tracking symptoms over time and checking three key questions: whether sympt...

For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com In their 150th The CIRS Group podcast episode(!!), Jacie and Barbara share practical guidance for reducing actinos in the home, emphasizing that consistent removal matters because a CIRS patient can react whether actinos are dead or alive. This is NOT medical advice: Actinos guidance is leading-edge in the CIRS space, but they s...

To check out the actinos cleaning protocol class Barbara just recorded, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com Barbara and Jacie discuss actinos (actinobacteria) in the context of CIRS and how they can drive illness. Notably, Genie Test research suggests 42% of CIRS patients react to Actinos versus 30% to endotoxins and about 10% to mycotoxins. Today's episode covers testing strategies, and if human-...

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,...

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...

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 (...

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, metaboli...

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 bar...

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 lar...

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 com...

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 y...

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,...

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...

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...

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, incl...