Jesse Ruben on the Years of Misdiagnosis That Inspired 'Monster'

This is episode 69 of the Love, Hope, Lyme podcast.

To get your free pdf of "Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know," reach out to Fred Diamond on social media.

[NOTE: This podcast does not replace medical treatment. If you struggle with Lyme care, please see a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor.]

Breaking Down Jesse Ruben’s Monster and the Truth Lyme Survivors Know

In this powerful episode of the Love, Hope, Lyme podcast, Fred Diamond and singer-songwriter break down Jesse's new song "Monster" and the Truth Lyme Survivors Know

It was a deep, honest, and emotional breakdown of his song “Monster.”

Jesse opens up about the terrifying return of his Lyme and Babesiosis, the years of misdiagnosis, the isolation, the brain fog, the burning pain, and the desperate search for answers that so many Lyme survivors know all too well.

For the first time, Jesse walks through Monster line by line — how the lyrics came to him during the darkest hours of his illness, why he nearly kept the song off the album, and why he ultimately decided the Lyme community needed to hear it.

🎸 We talk about:

💚 How Lyme changed Jesse’s life, relationships, identity, and career

💚 The emotional toll of not being believed by doctors, family, and friends

💚 The fear of losing the “young and healthy” version of yourself

💚 Why Monster resonates so deeply with people living with chronic illness

💚 Jesse’s new album, his return to performing, and what comes next

If you’ve ever felt dismissed, misunderstood, or alone in your Lyme journey, this conversation will speak directly to you.

🎵 Get Jesse’s album (vinyl or CD): jesseruben.com
🎧 Follow Jesse Ruben: @jesseruben
💚 Learn more about Generation Lyme: generationlyme.org

If this episode moves you, please like, subscribe, and share. It helps more Lyme survivors find the support they deserve.

[The lyrics in this song were used by permission of Jesse Ruben. He stated: "As owner of 100% of the master and publishing of the song "Monster," by Jesse Ruben, I give Fred Diamond permission to use any and all portions of the song for his podcast."]