In this episode, Dana Parish shares her incredible journey from achieving success in the music industry to battling Lyme disease and severe mold exposure. Dana discusses her early career, the challenges of getting a proper diagnosis, and her experience with mold toxicity in her home. She highlights the importance of air quality, the complexities of mold remediation, and her ongoing efforts to raise awareness through her book "Chronic," and her podcast for the Bay Area Lyme Foundation. Join us to learn about Dana's inspiring story and crucial health insights.
In this episode:
00:01 - Michael introduces Dana Parish, highlighting her accomplishments in music and literature.
00:51 - Dana thanks Michael, shares her excitement about being on the podcast, and her admiration for him.
01:21 - Dana discusses her early passion for music and her determination to become a full-time artist.
03:20 - Dana recounts her success in getting a publishing deal after being inspired by Celine Dion.
06:17 - Dana describes her battle with Lyme disease, starting with a tick bite at a wedding.
08:12 - Dana details her worsening symptoms and the struggle to get a proper diagnosis.
13:27 - Michael and Dana discuss the chronic aspect of Lyme disease and the difficulties in finding knowledgeable doctors.
19:45 - Michael shares insights on air quality and its impact on Lyme disease patients.
22:07 - Discussion on mold remediation and its importance in maintaining health for Lyme disease patients.
25:29 - Michael talks about the significance of air quality in homes and hospitals.
28:00 - Dana shares her traumatic experience with mold in her home in California and the severe health consequences.
35:53 - Michael explains the complexity of mold remediation and the need for proper standards.
43:01 - Dana and Michael discuss the historical and ongoing challenges of recognizing and treating mold and Lyme disease.
54:27 - Michael and Dana discuss the need for better awareness and prevention of air quality issues and Lyme disease.
59:28 - Dana talks about her book "Chronic" and the importance of raising awareness about chronic illnesses.
01:04:59 - Dana shares her current work, including hosting a podcast for the Bay Area Lyme Foundation and collaborating with Michael on air quality initiatives.
Reach Out to Dana:
Twitter: https://x.com/danaparish
Her Website: http://danaparish.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedanaparish/?hl=en
Her Book: https://www.thechronicbook.com
https://www.facebook.com/thechronicbook
Podcast: https://www.bayarealyme.org/resources/our-podcasts/
Dana Parish was at the peak of her career as a songwriter/ singer, having just written two songs for Celine Dion and signing a dream-deal with Sony Music, when a tick bite nearly ended her life. Misdiagnosed by 12 top NYC doctors, she ultimately suffered heart failure, an experience that would drastically alter the course of her life and career. lt ignited her mission to revolutionize the understanding and treatment of chronic illness and autoimmune disease.
Drawing from her songwriting skills, Parish shared her story and interviewed celebrities like Daryl Hall and Kris Kristofferson, who went through similar ordeals, in her viral Huffington Post column, which led to a major deal with Harper Collins for her book CHRONIC.
Her work has been featured in The New York Times, where Ross Douthat highlighted CHRONIC in a piece on Long Covid. Dana's media presence extends to high-profile podcasts such as Mark Hyman, David Perlmutter, Chris Kresser, Better Health Guy, and Dr. Been. She also hosts Bay Area Lyme’s "Ticktective," available on Spotify and iTunes, where she has interviewed notable figures like TIME’s Top100 scientist Akiko Iwasaki, bestselling author, David Perlmutter, MD, and longevity expert, Matt Kaeberlein, PhD. Her story has been covered on national TV shows, including Dr. Oz, The Doctors, and CBS News, as well as in the Emmy-winning Fox5 special "Lyme & Reason.”
