Taking a Breath: A Stop the Clot Podcast

National Blood Clot Alliance

Taking a Breath: A Stop the Clot Podcast is a show committed to shining a light on the dangers of blood clots and breathing life into The National Blood Clot Alliance’s mission of pushing these preventable killers to the forefront of public discourse. We will hear the stories of notable blood clot survivors like Olympic medalists Katie Hoff Anderson & Tatyana McFadden, among others, as well as the expertise of medical professionals to provide connection, empathy and resources to listeners like you. At Stop the Clot we know the patient because we are the patient. Journey through this miraculous series with hosts and blood clot survivors Leslie Lake and Todd Robertson as they, with the help of listeners like you, change the way we think about blood clots. Join us as we collectively stop the clot. The National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, voluntary health organization dedicated to advancing the prevention, early diagnosis and successful treatment of life-threatening blood clots such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

  1. FEB 18

    Sherry Ott and Life’s Unexpected Journey

    Season 3 Episode 6 When experiencing the splendor and the intrigue of culture and communities halfway across the world, we’re reminded of the complex yet similar life experiences we all share. When it comes to blood clots, it takes a singular event to bring these miraculous journeys to a close. How do we protect ourselves from  the covert and dangerous experience of a clotting event?  In this episode of Taking a Breath, World Traveller and Blogger Sherry Ott shares with us her journey as a lifelong explorer as well as her experience as a blood clot survivor. Alongside NBCA President Leslie Lake and NBCA Patient Liaison Todd Robertson, this conversation explores not just survival and loss, but what it means to chart a path that will save countless lives to follow. Listeners will hear practical insights on recognizing warning signs, advocating for yourself in medical settings, and finding community in the wake of significant loss.  Together, with listeners like you, we continue working to Stop the Clot®. For more information on Sherry, please visit the following:  Ottsworld Blog: https://www.ottsworld.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ottsworld/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OttsworldTravel/ For more information on the National Blood Clot Alliance, please visit https://www.stoptheclot.org/.    If you’d like to join us in our efforts, please consider donating at:  https://www.stoptheclot.org/year-end-donation-page-2025/?c_src=podcast   YouTube: youtube.com/stoptheclot Facebook: facebook.com/stoptheclot Instagram: instagram.com/stoptheclot X: x.com/StopTheClot LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/national-blood-clot-alliance BlueSky: bsky.app/profile/stoptheclot.bsky.social TikTok: tiktok.com/@stoptheclot #podcast #health

    34 min
  2. 12/09/2025

    Dan Walsh and the Power of Support

    Season 3 Episode 4    Sometimes you are called to become the very guide you once needed. To take the devastation of a near-fatal blood clot and turn it into a roadmap that helps someone else get help sooner, heal stronger, or feel less alone.   In this episode of Taking a Breath, NBCA Board Member and clot prevention advocate Dan Walsh shares the story that changed his life — and how he learned to navigate the aftermath, including the often-unspoken emotional toll and post-traumatic stress that follows a medical crisis. Dan opens up about the symptoms that were overlooked, the moments that nearly cost him his life, and the purpose he found on the other side.   Alongside NBCA President Leslie Lake and NBCA Patient Liaison Todd Robertson, this conversation explores not just survival, but what it means to truly recover — physically, emotionally, and as a family. Listeners will hear practical insights on recognizing warning signs, advocating for yourself in medical settings, and finding community in the wake of trauma.  Dan’s story is a powerful reminder that awareness saves lives, and that each of us plays a part in protecting others from the preventable devastation of blood clots. Together, with listeners like you, we continue working to Stop the Clot®.   For more information on the National Blood Clot Alliance, please visit https://www.stoptheclot.org/.         If you’d like to join us in our efforts, please consider donating at:  https://www.stoptheclot.org/year-end-donation-page-2025/?c_src=podcast   YouTube: youtube.com/stoptheclot Facebook: facebook.com/stoptheclot Instagram: instagram.com/stoptheclot X: x.com/StopTheClot LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/national-blood-clot-alliance BlueSky: bsky.app/profile/stoptheclot.bsky.social TikTok: tiktok.com/@stoptheclot #podcast #health

    30 min
  3. 10/29/2025

    Elizabeth Simms and The Future Ahead

    Season 3 Episode 2As we gain more insight into the realities of blood clots and examine the scientific truths behind these silent killers, we are able to adjust and explore the future of clot removal and lifesaving technologies. Even those of us who feel healthy cannot guarantee their exemption from this dark reality that presents itself to so many, day after day. On this episode of Taking a Breath, we are joined by the wonderful Elizabeth Simms to discuss her journey as a blood clot survivor and the clot removal technology that saved her life. In conversation with Dr. Venkat Tummala, practicing Vascular and Interventional Radiologist and Associate CMO at Penumbra, we discuss the life saving technology of Penumbra and the future of blood clots treatments. With National Blood Alliance President Leslie Lake and National Blood Clot Alliance Patient Liaison Todd Robertson alongside listeners like you, we will continue working together to collectively Stop the Clot!  Taking a Breath: A Stop The Clot Podcast is an Everything Podcasts Production. For more information on Penumbra, please visit https://www.penumbrainc.com/ For more information on the National Blood Clot Alliance, please visit https://www.stoptheclot.org/ YouTube: youtube.com/stoptheclot Facebook: facebook.com/stoptheclot Instagram: instagram.com/stoptheclot X: x.com/StopTheClot LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/national-blood-clot-alliance BlueSky: bsky.app/profile/stoptheclot.bsky.social TikTok: tiktok.com/@stoptheclot   #podcast #health #clot

    43 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Taking a Breath: A Stop the Clot Podcast is a show committed to shining a light on the dangers of blood clots and breathing life into The National Blood Clot Alliance’s mission of pushing these preventable killers to the forefront of public discourse. We will hear the stories of notable blood clot survivors like Olympic medalists Katie Hoff Anderson & Tatyana McFadden, among others, as well as the expertise of medical professionals to provide connection, empathy and resources to listeners like you. At Stop the Clot we know the patient because we are the patient. Journey through this miraculous series with hosts and blood clot survivors Leslie Lake and Todd Robertson as they, with the help of listeners like you, change the way we think about blood clots. Join us as we collectively stop the clot. The National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, voluntary health organization dedicated to advancing the prevention, early diagnosis and successful treatment of life-threatening blood clots such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

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