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. Dr. Abraham - Advanced HF/Transplant Cardiologist

    NOV 20

    Dr. Abraham - Advanced HF/Transplant Cardiologist

    Send us a text 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
  2. Tara Benoit - SCAD

    NOV 7

    Tara Benoit - SCAD

    Send us a text In today’s episode you will hear from an incredible woman named Tara Benoit. Tara is a former fitness competitor who was in the greatest shape of her life when she suffered the unexpected, a SCAD heart attack. SCAD stands for Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection and has also been dubbed the healthy woman’s heart attack. I previously interviewed another SCAD survivor in April of 2024 named Marcie Westwater so if you’d like to hear another story on SCAD please go back and listen to that one as well. In this conversation you will hear what it was like for Tara to have to advocate and fight for help when doctors initially brushed off her symptoms. This is an all too common theme and reoccurrence for women with heart attack and heart failure symptoms. And this is exactly why Tara is sharing her story.  Tara’s experience and survival sparked a new mission. She’s now a speaker, author, and advocate, using her voice to raise awareness about women’s heart health and to empower others who’ve faced a similar life-changing diagnosis. In our conversation today, Tara opens up about what it was like to experience a SCAD heart attack, the road to recovery — both physically and emotionally — and how she’s turned her pain into purpose. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Purchase Tara's new book, Torn Heart on Amazon by clicking here! Follow Tara's Journey on Instagram: @tarabenoitinspires This episode is listener supported! If you have been encouraged by this podcast please consider becoming a monthly supporter for as little as $3/month by clicking the link below: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2309277/supporters/new Episode Sponsors: THRIVE MARKET: Get $40 off your first order with my referral link. JUST INGREDIENTS: Use my code: HILLARYSHEART for 10% off your order! TODAY IS A GIFT!  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

    50 min
  3. Katy Coski - Part 2: Acute Viral Myocarditis, Heart Transplant

    AUG 28

    Katy Coski - Part 2: Acute Viral Myocarditis, Heart Transplant

    Send us a text Today's episode is Part 2 of a 2 Part series. So if you haven't already listened to Part 1 please go back and listen to that one first. In this episode, Katy and her husband, Aaron walk us through her entire heart transplant journey. From spending 5 weeks in the CICU to being discharged while still on the transplant list, then getting the call and even post-transplant life.  Katy and Aaron's resilience and outlook on life is so beautiful and our prayer is that their story will bring some hope and comfort to others along the same path. You could save someone's life. Sign-up to become an Organ Donor today! https://www.organdonor.gov/sign-up  Today's Sponsor: Thrive Market: Get $40 off your first order! REFERRAL LINK: http://thrv.me/B5Unqq *Disclosure: If you choose to purchase through any of my affiliate links I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only share products and companies I truly believe in and use myself. Thanks for your support! If you have been encouraged by this podcast please consider becoming a monthly supporter for as little as $3/month by clicking the link below: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2309277/support Podcast Contact: hillary@hillarysheart.com 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
  4. Katy Coski - Part 1: Acute Viral Myocarditis, Heart Transplant

    AUG 14

    Katy Coski - Part 1: Acute Viral Myocarditis, Heart Transplant

    Send us a text Sometimes life brings people into your path in ways that feel nothing short of divine and that is the case for today’s guests. I’ll never forget when I first heard about Katy Coski. Her sister, Karley reached out to me over social media, telling me that it sounded like her sister was going through exactly what I had been through. I was stunned to learn that not only did Karlee live in Salem and work out at the same gym as me but her sister Katy who lives in Alaska was now being treated at the exact same hospital I was in being cared for by the same physicians and battling the same illness. A the time I had yet to meet anyone in person who had experienced something like me and I was just so shocked to realize someone working out next to me in the same gym had a sister going through it all.  So today is Part 1 of a 2-part series where you’ll get to hear from Katy and her husband, Aaron. In this first episode, you’ll hear mostly from Aaron as he pieces together the events of those critical days while Katy was in a medically induced coma. Katy doesn’t remember much from that time—but she will share some profoundly intimate and deeply spiritual moments that she vividly remembers. In two weeks during part 2 they take us through her incredible heart transplant journey. You won’t want to miss it. You could save someone's life. Sign-up to become an Organ Donor today! https://www.organdonor.gov/sign-up  SUPPORT: If you have been encouraged by this podcast please consider becoming a monthly supporter for as little as $3/month by clicking the link below: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2309277/support Podcast Contact: hillary@hillarysheart.com 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

    43 min
  5. Lauryn Sousa - Acute Viral Myocarditis

    JUL 31

    Lauryn Sousa - Acute Viral Myocarditis

    Send us a text Today’s guest is my friend, Lauryn Sousa. She’s a young, active preschool teacher from Rhode Island whose life took a terrifying turn earlier this year after she contracted the flu. What started as a common illness quickly spiraled into a life-threatening emergency. Lauryn lives alone, and navigating the early symptoms on her own was incredibly scary. Thankfully Lauryn made it to the hospital in time but it wasn’t all uphill from there— at one point, her doctors told her parents something no parent ever wants to hear, “your daughter only has an hour left to live”. But against all odds, and with the help the Impella heart pump, Lauryn made a full recovery. Her story is emotional, powerful, and a reminder not to take our health — or the people in our lives — for granted. To follow along on Lauryn's heart recovery journey, check out her Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/@laurynsousa21?si=9bkuVVt9iiJdrBKX EPISODE SPONSORS: Thrive Market: Get $40 off your first order! REFERRAL LINK: http://thrv.me/B5Unqq Just Ingredients: justingredients.us DISCOUNT CODE: HILLARYSHEART for 10% off If you choose to purchase through these affiliate links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only share products I truly believe in and use myself. Thanks for your support! If you have been encouraged by this podcast please consider becoming a monthly supporter for as little as $3/month by clicking the link below: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2309277/support Podcast Contact: hillary@hillarysheart.com 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

    50 min
  6. Salina's Story - Cancer, CHF & Heart Transplant

    JUL 17

    Salina's Story - Cancer, CHF & Heart Transplant

    Send us a text Today, I’m honored to share the incredible journey of Salina — a woman whose story is filled with strength, unexpected turns, and undeniable miracles. Salina was diagnosed with cancer at 14 years old, and while she bravely made it through treatment during her high school years, the chemotherapy drug was so strong that it weakened her heart muscle eventually leading to heart failure. As a first time mom in her 20’s Salina was going through the unthinkable but she held onto hope, even in the darkest moments. Despite all the setbacks, Salina never lost her joyful spirit or her positive outlook. Eventually Salina was matched with a donor heart and received her life-saving transplant. Today, Salina is doing incredibly well, and her journey is a great reminder that in the darkest valleys God is near and often working in miraculous ways we didn’t think were possible. 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. EPISODE SPONSORS: Better Greens: https://tinyurl.com/better-greens CODE: HILLARYSHEART for 10% off Thrive Market: Get $40 off your first order! REFERRAL LINK: http://thrv.me/B5Unqq *Disclosure: If you choose to purchase through these affiliate links I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only share products I truly believe in and use myself. Thanks for your support! If you have been encouraged by this podcast please consider becoming a monthly supporter for as little as $3/month by clicking the link below: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2309277/support Podcast Contact: hillary@hillarysheart.com 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 4m
  7. Dr. Thorsten Siess - Inventor, Impella Heart Pump

    JUL 3

    Dr. Thorsten Siess - Inventor, Impella Heart Pump

    Send us a text In the past, you’ve heard powerful stories from heart failure survivors and their caregivers—but today, we’re hearing from someone who has played a very different role in the fight to save lives from heart failure. This is someone extremely near and dear to my heart. Truthfully I don’t think I’d be alive today if it weren’t for this man, Dr. Thorsten Siess, the inventor of the Impella heart pump. I had the privilege of meeting Thorsten a couple of years ago and it is one of the highlights of my life. Getting to thank him in person was extremely impactful for me. I’m not sure how you’re supposed to greet someone whose life work saved your life but I gave him the biggest hug while tears welled up blurring my vision. He is the kindest, most humble and intelligent person you could ever meet. This conversation was not just about heart failure and heart pumps. Dr. Siess spent years facing failure and setbacks while developing the Impella. But he never stopped! And because he didn’t give up I’m alive today. So whether you’re here to learn more about heart technology and heart failure or you just need a reminder that setbacks are not the end of your story, I know this episode will inspire you.  For more information on Impella heart pumps visit: https://www.abiomed.com/en-us/products-and-services/impella EPISODE SPONSORS: Just Ingredients: justingredients.us CODE: HILLARYSHEART for 10% off Thrive Market: Get $40 off your first order! REFERRAL LINK: http://thrv.me/B5Unqq *Disclosure: If you choose to purchase through these affiliate links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only share products I truly believe in and use myself. Thanks for your support! If you have been encouraged by this podcast please consider becoming a monthly supporter for as little as $3/month by clicking the link below: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2309277/support Podcast Contact: hillary@hillarysheart.com 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 2m
  8. Sienna's Story - HLHS & Severe Heart Failure

    JAN 16

    Sienna's Story - HLHS & Severe Heart Failure

    Send us a text In today’s episode you’ll get to hear from Fano and Francesca, the proud parents of a beautiful 4yr old girl named, Sienna. Sienna was born with HLHS which stands for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. HLHS causes the left side of the heart to be underdeveloped. Thankfully it has a good prognosis with the help of multiple surgeries including an open heart surgery that usually occurs when a baby is just a few days old. Sienna was doing really well until their entire family got sick with the flu in December of 2022 and it hit Sienna the hardest. Sienna was taken to the hospital while sick with the flu and was diagnosed with severe heart failure. Sienna has not left the hospital since that day. Next week will mark the 2 year anniversary of Sienna being inpatient while awaiting a heart transplant. Fano and Francesca share their heart wrenching account of being told multiple times that Sienna had been perfectly matched with a donor heart only to have something fall through including a donor family rescinding their offer while Sienna was in surgery. I learned so much from this conversation and I know that you will too. This was a first for me on the podcast as I’ve never had anyone discuss a pediatric heart failure story. This conversation had me audibly choked up in the end but I’m so grateful for these incredible parents for sharing Sienna’s story.  For more information on organ donation please visit unos.org. To read some incredible donor and transplant stories filled with hope please visit donorconnect.life. To follow Sienna's journey on Instagram follow @wholeheartedlysienna You can also follow me on instagram @hillarysheart This episode is listener supported! If you have been encouraged by this podcast please consider becoming a monthly supporter for as little as $3/month by clicking the link below: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2309277/support Today is a gift! 🫀, Hillary 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

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.

You Might Also Like