Heart Talk with Hillary

Hillary Steffen

After surviving Acute Heart Failure at 33 years old I felt very alone in my recovery. I had never met anyone with heart failure let alone someone near my age. After beginning to share my story publicly and on social media I began meeting many other people who had also survived Acute Heart Failure.  Some of these people had experienced it years before me, some had received a heart transplant and others were loved ones with family members currently hospitalized due to it. Connecting with these patients and family members was carthartic and opened my eyes to a whole new community of people I now had much in common with. I wanted to create this podcast so that other people who experienced heart failure could find this community of beautiful people and find the same hope and comfort that I did from hearing their stories. I hope that this podcast not only opens your eyes to a whole new community of brave, inspiring individuals, but that you also learn more about heart failure and all the ways in which it can affect people. Thank you for being here!Disclaimer: This podcast does not include any medical advice and should not be taken as such. All views are our own and they are based upon individual lived experiences. Please speak with your healthcare provider if you have any questions related to your own health.If you'd like to follow along on my heart failure advocacy and recovery journey you can find me on Instagram @hillarysheart. For any questions, comments or inquiries you can contact me via email at hillary@hillarysheart.com.

  1. Mike Minogue - Former CEO of Abiomed, Candidate for Governor of Mass.

    2D AGO

    Mike Minogue - Former CEO of Abiomed, Candidate for Governor of Mass.

    Send us Fan Mail I know I’ve said this before but today’s episode is a really special one. I had the honor of talking with Mike Minogue — the former CEO of Abiomed — a company that quite literally changed the course of my life. Mike and I first met in 2022, shortly after my recovery from heart failure, when I was invited to visit Abiomed’s headquarters in Danvers, Massachusetts. I was immediately impressed by his approachability and genuine kindness. We’ve stayed in touch here and there over the last 4 years and I’m always so inspired by his leadership, his work ethic, his faith, and his heart for people. In this conversation, we go beyond titles and accomplishments. We talk about Mike’s upbringing, his time serving in the military, and the path that led him to become CEO of Abiomed. Mike also shares about the evolution from mechanical heart support to heart recovery with the Impella and why Abiomed’s mission is “Patient’s First”. We also touch briefly on his next chapter, as he steps into the world of public service and runs for governor of Massachusetts. But more than anything, this episode is filled with wisdom — about leadership, resilience, purpose, faith, family, and what it really means to make an impact. I’m so excited for you to get to know Mike through this conversation. Support this podcast HERE Shop Just Ingredients and use code: HILLARYSHEART for 10% off your order. Support the show DISCLAIMER: The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational, inspirational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. All opinions expressed are my own or those of my guests, based on our personal experiences. Always consult with your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions or concerns you may have about your health or a medical condition. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to email Hillary at hillary@hillarysheart.com

    35 min
  2. Georgiana Hernandez - Acute Viral Myocarditis

    MAR 26

    Georgiana Hernandez - Acute Viral Myocarditis

    Send us Fan Mail Today’s episode is one that will truly make you pause and reflect on what is important to you in your life. I’m joined by Georgiana, whose story is as powerful as it is eye-opening. She was the picture of health—active and strong, even competing in the Senior Olympics—when her life took an unexpected turn. Out of nowhere, she was fighting for her life battling acute viral myocarditis. What makes Georgiana’s story so impactful isn’t just what she went through or how she survived, but how greatly this experience changed her perspective on life. After her near-death experience, she’s gained a completely new outlook—one rooted in gratitude and a deep appreciation for even the smallest things. In this conversation, we talk about the reality of how something like this can happen to anyone, the incredible Impella device that saved both our lives, nurses who are heroes, and how this experience has changed her life for the better. Georgiana’s story is a reminder that our health is never something to take for granted—and that sometimes the hardest moments can in many ways actually change your life for the better. Become a monthly supporter of the show: HERE My 8-week Strength Training Program: Failure to Fit Support the show DISCLAIMER: The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational, inspirational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. All opinions expressed are my own or those of my guests, based on our personal experiences. Always consult with your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions or concerns you may have about your health or a medical condition. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to email Hillary at hillary@hillarysheart.com

    58 min
  3. Layne Strookman - SCAD

    MAR 5

    Layne Strookman - SCAD

    Send us Fan Mail Today’s guest is Layne Strookman — a young wife, mother, and Nurse Practitioner. Despite her medical background, there was one condition she had never even heard of until the day it happened to her. Layne was the picture of health. She was a collegiate athlete, a marathon runner, and someone who truly prioritized her wellness. But her life took a sudden and unexpected turn when she experienced a heart attack caused by SCAD — spontaneous coronary artery dissection. Although SCAD is considered a heart attack, in some cases it can also cause heart failure and that is what happened to Layne. In this episode, Layne shares what it was like to suddenly become the patient instead of the provider, what her signs and symptoms were, and how she advocated for herself. She walks us through her recovery journey and how although she’s extremely grateful to be alive, her life doesn’t look like what she had planned.  Her story is a reminder that heart failure doesn’t always look the way we expect it to, and that listening to your body and speaking up for yourself can make all the difference. LINKS: Failure to Fit 1.0 - Click HERE for a listener-only discount. Support the show DISCLAIMER: The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational, inspirational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. All opinions expressed are my own or those of my guests, based on our personal experiences. Always consult with your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions or concerns you may have about your health or a medical condition. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to email Hillary at hillary@hillarysheart.com

    48 min
  4. Chelsea Hayes - Acute Viral Lymphocytic Myocarditis

    FEB 19

    Chelsea Hayes - Acute Viral Lymphocytic Myocarditis

    Send us Fan Mail Today I am joined by Chelsea Hayes — a young wife and mother — who experienced a sudden and terrifying medical emergency that completely turned her world upside down. What began unexpectedly soon led to a diagnosis of acute viral lymphocytic myocarditis… a form of viral myocarditis that, even after my own journey with heart failure, I had not yet learned about. In this conversation, Chelsea shares what it felt like to go from being a healthy and busy mom of two to fighting for her life. She talks about her symptoms at the very beginning of it all and also what it’s like now being young and having a pacemaker. Stories like Chelsea’s remind us how quickly life can change — and how friends and family can have such a huge impact in our recovery journey. I’m so grateful she was willing to share her experience, not just for awareness, but for the person listening right now who may be searching for hope, answers, or simply the reassurance that they are not alone. Let’s get to our conversation. EPISODE SPONSORS: Thrive Market: Get 40% off your first order HERE Support this Podcast - If you've been enjoying this podcast would you please consider supporting it for as little as $3/month (yes, a MONTH!)? Thank you! Support the show DISCLAIMER: The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational, inspirational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. All opinions expressed are my own or those of my guests, based on our personal experiences. Always consult with your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions or concerns you may have about your health or a medical condition. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to email Hillary at hillary@hillarysheart.com

    40 min
  5. Allie Dillingham Hipp - Acute Viral Myocarditis

    FEB 9

    Allie Dillingham Hipp - Acute Viral Myocarditis

    Send us Fan Mail Today’s episode is a really special one, because I’m sitting down with a young woman named Allie—who actually found me on Instagram and reached out to share her story. And when I read her message, I was struck by how similar her journey was to mine. Allie was young, healthy, and had no prior health conditions. But after getting sick, her health declined rapidly. Thankfully, her parents trusted their instincts and got her to the hospital just in the nick of time. That decision truly changed the course of her life. Unlike my story, Allie didn’t end up needing mechanical support—but she did get very, very sick. And her experience is such an important reminder that viral myocarditis can be caused by so many different viruses, and it doesn’t discriminate. It can affect anyone, even when you least expect it. I’m so grateful that Allie was willing to come on and share her journey so openly. Her story brings awareness, hope, and a powerful reminder to listen to your body and advocate for your health. So today, I’m honored to introduce you to Allie, and I can’t wait for you to hear her story. EPISODE SPONSOR: Failure to Fit - My 8-week Beginner Strength Training and Cardio program  Use Code: HEARTTALK for a special listener discount Support this Podcast! - For as little as $3/month (that's less than 1 coffee in a month!) you can help keep this little podcast going. Thank you! Support the show DISCLAIMER: The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational, inspirational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. All opinions expressed are my own or those of my guests, based on our personal experiences. Always consult with your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions or concerns you may have about your health or a medical condition. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to email Hillary at hillary@hillarysheart.com

    36 min
  6. Dr. Arjun Chagarlamudi - Interventional Cardiologist

    JAN 22

    Dr. Arjun Chagarlamudi - Interventional Cardiologist

    Send us Fan Mail Today’s episode is one I’ve been looking forward to for a long time. I had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Arjun Chagarlamudi, the very first cardiologist who ever took care of me — during the most critical 36 hours of my life at Salem Hospital. I only got to follow-up with him one time after the hospital so I was really excited to get to have this time with him. Dr. Chagarlamudi was the cardiologist who implanted my Impella CP, performed my pericardiocentesis, and made the life-saving decision to transfer my care to Providence when it became clear my heart needed a higher level of support. At the time, I didn’t fully understand the gravity of what was happening. Looking back now, I can see just how pivotal the decisions he made were for my care — and how they ultimately changed the course of my life. In this conversation, we talk not only about my case, but also about Dr. Chagarlamudi’s  personal path to medicine and cardiology, along with his professional insights and recommendations for long-term heart health. I am incredibly grateful for this conversation — and for the role that he will always play in my own story. Dr. Arjun Chagarlamudi - More info. on Dr. Chagarlamudi Failure to Fit - My 8-week beginner exercise program! Support the Podcast - Thank you!! Support the show DISCLAIMER: The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational, inspirational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. All opinions expressed are my own or those of my guests, based on our personal experiences. Always consult with your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions or concerns you may have about your health or a medical condition. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to email Hillary at hillary@hillarysheart.com

    1h 1m
  7. Casey Gould - Peripartum Cardiomyopathy

    JAN 8

    Casey Gould - Peripartum Cardiomyopathy

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome back for SEASON 4! I can’t imagine a more meaningful way to begin this new season than with today’s episode, especially as Grey’s Anatomy also returns with a storyline depicting a main character being diagnosed with the exact same condition as our guest.  Today, I’m joined by Casey Gould, a heart failure survivor who experienced peripartum (also called postpartum) cardiomyopathy just over a year ago while giving birth to her son, Archer. Casey had a healthy, uneventful pregnancy — one she genuinely enjoyed — but everything changed during delivery when her heart suddenly failed. Like me, Casey required an Impella CP, a life-saving heart pump that supported her when her heart could not. Casey is young, active, and healthy. Her story is a powerful reminder that heart failure — and postpartum cardiomyopathy in particular — does not discriminate, and that these stories are not just television, cliffhangers or plotlines… they’re real life. In this conversation, Casey shares what it was like to go from a normal pregnancy to nearly losing her life in labor, and what recovery has looked like since. Whether you’re a new or expecting parent, a survivor, a caregiver, or part of the healthcare community, this episode sets the tone for what Season 4 is all about — awareness and hope for every heart. EPISODE SPONSOR: Thrive Market: Click HERE to get 40% off your first order! Listener Support: Become a monthly supporter of the podcast for as little as $3/month HERE. Support the show DISCLAIMER: The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational, inspirational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. All opinions expressed are my own or those of my guests, based on our personal experiences. Always consult with your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions or concerns you may have about your health or a medical condition. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to email Hillary at hillary@hillarysheart.com

    57 min
  8. Dr. Abraham - Advanced HF/Transplant Cardiologist

    11/20/2025

    Dr. Abraham - Advanced HF/Transplant Cardiologist

    Send us Fan Mail Today’s episode is incredibly special to me — because my guest isn’t just a renowned cardiologist… he was my cardiologist. I had the honor of interviewing Dr. Jacob Abraham, who cared for me during some of the most critical moments of my life and advocated greatly for me. He helped manage my care in the hospital and then continued to walk alongside me in the months and years that followed.  Dr. Abraham is one of the most brilliant physicians but he’s also one of the kindest humans who treats his patients with the utmost respect. Having him on the podcast feels like a full-circle moment I never expected to experience. In this conversation, Dr. Abraham shares his own story — why he chose cardiology, the experiences that have helped shape his career, his passion for physics, and the major career move he made earlier this year that has allowed him to really dive deeper into that passion.  I also asked him questions about my case: what he remembers, how decisions were made behind the scenes, why viral myocarditis occurs, and why some hearts (like mine) recover fully while others require a transplant. And thanks to you all, I had the chance to ask several listener-submitted questions as well. Whether you’re a survivor, a caregiver, or someone working in healthcare, this episode offers a rare look into the heart, mind, and mission of a cardiologist who is truly making a difference. EPISODE SPONSOR: Just Ingredients: https://justingredients.us/HILLARYSHEART IMPORTANT LINKS: Sign up to become an organ donor today! Organdonor.gov Learn more about the Impella devices here. Support the show DISCLAIMER: The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational, inspirational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. All opinions expressed are my own or those of my guests, based on our personal experiences. Always consult with your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions or concerns you may have about your health or a medical condition. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to email Hillary at hillary@hillarysheart.com

    47 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

After surviving Acute Heart Failure at 33 years old I felt very alone in my recovery. I had never met anyone with heart failure let alone someone near my age. After beginning to share my story publicly and on social media I began meeting many other people who had also survived Acute Heart Failure.  Some of these people had experienced it years before me, some had received a heart transplant and others were loved ones with family members currently hospitalized due to it. Connecting with these patients and family members was carthartic and opened my eyes to a whole new community of people I now had much in common with. I wanted to create this podcast so that other people who experienced heart failure could find this community of beautiful people and find the same hope and comfort that I did from hearing their stories. I hope that this podcast not only opens your eyes to a whole new community of brave, inspiring individuals, but that you also learn more about heart failure and all the ways in which it can affect people. Thank you for being here!Disclaimer: This podcast does not include any medical advice and should not be taken as such. All views are our own and they are based upon individual lived experiences. Please speak with your healthcare provider if you have any questions related to your own health.If you'd like to follow along on my heart failure advocacy and recovery journey you can find me on Instagram @hillarysheart. For any questions, comments or inquiries you can contact me via email at hillary@hillarysheart.com.

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