Stories of the Relentless: A Binge Worthy Series by the American Heart Association

Episode 6:  How Inequity Impacts the Heart This episode completes the six-part series on Social Equity: Honoring Bernard J. Tyson's Legacy, and his resilient pursuit of health and equity for all. Moderated by Diversity and Inclusion Coach Tanya Odom; You'll hear a heart-felt tribute from Nancy Brown, CEO of the AHA and Dr. Keith Churchwell, Pres. of Yale New Haven Hospital who provides a framework for social determinants of health and how Bernard was instrumental in connecting the dots to our overall health including cardiovascular disease.  In this episode, get answers to: How stress and mental health impact the heart What physicians can do to better Why the community-at-large should be concerned and much more.

This is episode five of a six-part series on Social Equity: Honoring Bernard J. Tyson's Legacy, focusing on his resilient pursuit of health and equity for all despite challenges faced in the midst of structural racism. Moderated by Tanya Odom, you'll hear from three of his friends and colleagues including: Ken McNeely President of AT &T West, Dr. Ron Copeland, Senior VP/ Chief Equity Inclusion and Diversity for Kaiser Permanente, and Lloyd Dean, CEO of CommonSpirit Health. They provide an inside look into their shared experiences of being black executives combating social determinants of health.

This is episode four of Social Equity: Honoring Bernard J. Tyson's Legacy, focusing mental health and wellness. Moderated by Tanya Odom, featuring former Assistant to Bernard, Sherry Buie, and Kaiser Permanente's Cosette Taillac, VP, Mental Health and Wellness, and Dr. Ron Copeland, Chief Equity Officer. Topics covered include: the connection between the mind, body, spirit and racism; increased rate of suicide with girls; how childhood trauma is associated with disease, diabetes, addictions and more.

This is episode three of a six-part series on Social Equity: Honoring Bernard J. Tyson's Legacy, focusing on access to care in a new and innovative way by addressing social issues including: prevention, food insecurity, homelessness and more. Moderated by Diversity and Inclusion Consultant Tanya Odom, featuring Dr. Bechara Choucair, Chief Health Officer of Kaiser Permanante, Lloyd Dean, CEO of CommonSpirit Health, and Caretha Coleman, Chairman of Dignity Health Community Care.

This is episode two of a six-part series on Social Equity: Honoring Bernard J. Tyson's Legacy, focusing on what is means to have a seat at the proverbial table and create a more equitable playing field for diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Moderated by Diversity and Inclusion Consultant and Coach Tanya Odom, featuring Sherry Buie, the long-time special assistant to Bernard Tyson and President of AT&T West Ken McNeely, who was Bernard's colleague and friend.  We address critical issues such as: breaking the barriers of structural racism, unconscious bias, professional growth, mentorship and sponsorship.   

This first episode, moderated by Diversity and Inclusion Coach Tanya Odom, is an introduction to a six-part series on Social Equity: Honoring Bernard J. Tyson's Legacy. In a heartfelt tribute to her husband, a champion for equality and former CEO of the Kaiser Permanente, Denise Bradley-Tyson shares an intimate and heartfelt perspective on their life, love and his legacy. Some key highlights from this episode are: How their love story developed and what their secret sauce was; How and why they worked together to combat social determinants of health, systemic injustices and more; How Bernard was able to strategically work across political lines to get things done; How he was able to influence world leader's by taking the mask off of the mental health issue; How she's using the Bernard J. Tyson Impact to extend his legacy and build-up community-based organizations; Plus, you'll get the inside scoop on some of his fun and favorite things.  

This episode is hosted by award-winning correspondent Trymaine Lee, with a story profile on pastor, radio show host, gospel artist and New Yorker Donnie McClurkin who testifies about his health journey with diabetes. We're shining a light on diabetes and other health disparities which are often rooted in racial and economic inequality.  In NYC, one subway stop apart may mean 10 years difference in life expectancy. Which is why we've brought together two relentless leaders: Dr. LeWanza Harris and philanthropist Liz Elting to discuss their efforts and much-needed solutions for underserved communities.

COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on New York City. On the frontlines have been physicians whose personal and professional lives have been affected by the virus; like Dr. Larry Phillips, Board President for the American Heart Association in NYC and Dr. Samer Kottiech, a Venezuelan cardiologist and founder of a clinic that serves Spanish monolingual patients. He also had COVID-19. Together, these doctors help us experience the relentless spirit of New Yorker's during the peak of the virus and beyond.

Relentless Cities is a series of powerful stories and conversations documenting a community's dedicated pursuit of health in the face of COVID- 19, racial injustice, system limitations and health inequities – all being met by an unyielding spirit of resilience. We begin with a three-part series in NYC.  Meet Change Agents Stephen and Lizette Ritz, founders of the Green Bronx Machine who are on track to help millions of under-served communities be healthier one child at a time In this episode you'll learn: How the COVID -19 crisis has exposed just how vulnerable underserved communities are when it comes to underlying risks, fragilities, and inequities in our food system; Why food justice matters; How to empower a community through healthy fresh food; How to use food to promote community and economic development; How you too can become a change agent in your community and beyond. 

Wife of Detroit bus driver who went viral during the height Covid-19 shares her personal story about how he contracted and died from the virus. Moderated by celebrated radio host Sybil Wilkes, formerly of the Tom Joyner Morning Show, this is an introduction to powerful stories and conversations about health dynamics in cities across the country including:  Covid-19, health disparities, and more.  Covid-19 has hit communities of color and vulnerable front -line workers the hardest.  This episode features Desha Hargrove, the wife of Detroit bus driver Jason Hargrove who shares her heart-wrenching story of how her husband lost his life by doing his job on the front-lines transporting the people of his city. The impact of health disparities and the integrated solutions needed are outlined by Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association and Dr. Clyde Yancy, Chief of Cardiology in the Department of Medicine, Northwestern University.

This episode rounds out our five-part series exploring Covid-19 and its potential impact on stroke survivors. Although survivors can continue to make progress in their recovery years after a stroke, rehabilitation during the first three months is especially critical. In our latest podcast, actor and stroke survivor Timothy Omundson shares his story. Plus, a rehab expert answers questions about accessing rehab during the pandemic for stroke survivors and their families.  

Get expert advice on preparing your finances for an unexpected crisis. This episode features stroke survivor Aqualyn Kennedy and CNBC senior personal finance correspondent Sharon Epperson. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a shock to the finances of families across the U.S. A stroke can likewise do sudden and deep financial damage. Kennedy, who had a stroke at age 18 as a college freshman at Spelman College, shares her perspective as a survivor who has confronted financial challenges caused by her stroke and two subsequent heart attacks. Sharon Epperson, CNBC senior personal finance correspondent and a hemorrhagic stroke survivor, provides advice on preparing your personal finances for the unexpected. She is also a lead contributor to Invest In You: Ready. Set. Grow, CNBC's financial wellness initiative in partnership with Acorns. Her expertise includes saving and investing for retirement, paying for college, managing mortgages, student loans, credit card and other debt, and building a financial legacy through estate planning.

Staying Active at Home Moderated by Emmy Award-winning news anchor and journalist Carey Peña, this episode features stroke survivor Kelly Fucheck and Dr. Rani Whitfield, a board-certified family physician and sports medicine expert. When Fucheck had two strokes on the same day, she was just 32 years old, severely overweight and a smoker with no fitness regimen. Nine years later, she owns a wellness company and has worked hard to live healthier, including losing weight and being more active. Her physical transformation has helped her weather the COVID-19 pandemic. Whitfield discusses why physical activity is important for stroke survivors and shares tips and resources for staying active even while staying at home.

Moderated by Emmy Award-winning news anchor Carey Peña, this episode features stroke survivor Rachel Scanlon Henry and Dr. Kimberly McGuire, a clinical psychologist at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in West Orange, New Jersey. Henry shares her lengthy emotional recovery following her stroke and how it has better equipped her to weather the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. McGuire addresses how stroke survivors can reduce anxiety and stress and get emotional support during this difficult time.  

This is the first of our four-part series explores COVID-19 and its potential impact on stroke survivors, their caregivers and families.  Hear stroke patients' questions and concerns and our stroke experts' responses. Moderated by Emmy Award-winning news anchor and journalist Carey Peña, this episode features stroke survivor Christopher Ewing and Dr. Mitchell Elkind, professor of neurology and epidemiology at Columbia University in New York City. Ewing shares his moving stroke story and the concerns he and fellow stroke survivors in Southern California have about how COVID-19 may affect them. Elkind addresses stroke survivors' COVID-19-related health risks and how stroke survivors can reduce their risks and stay healthy during the pandemic.  

Courage and sacrifice are two very important factors in deciding to raise your hand and willingly go into the epicenter of the Coronavirus outbreak in one of the hardest hit cities in the country- she is the essence of both.  Dr. Comilla Sasson, Vice President for Science & Innovation, Emergency Cardiovascular Care, who just returned from volunteering in a NYC emergency room during Covid-19, reveals why she decided to drop everything and go!  Her passion was so strong that she couldn't sit still.  She shares how that experience changed her life, what this meant for her family and what prepared her for this moment in time.  

Many of us go to work every day hoping that our work means something to someone.  We give our all wanting our efforts to sufficiently measure up against the challenge.  But when, at one point in your career, you're fighting for the health of 23 million patients, it takes a true passion for humanity to deliver what's necessary for improving health outcomes.   Meet the relentless physician who never thought of giving up - Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, Chief Medical Officer for Prevention and Chief of the Center for Health Metrics and Evaluation, shares perspective changing stories from chapters of his career and personal life. Listen and be moved as he takes us on a journey that paints a very clear picture of what it means to truly care for your fellow man.

What are you relentless about achieving in this lifetime? What happens when the greatest pandemic in over 100 years hits and you bear responsibility for millions who are now more vulnerable due to living with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, stroke and other co-morbidities? What happens when those challenges are layered with social and economic inequities that directly impact health?  This opening three-part series gives you an intimate glimpse into the hearts, souls and minds of three distinctive leaders who, like many others, are fighting harder than they ever have to protect those that they serve during the Covid-19 pandemic.  Meet American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown, Dr. Eduardo Sanchez who serves as Chief Medical Officer for Prevention and the Center for Health Metrics and Evaluation and finally, Dr. Comilla Sasson, Vice President for Science & Innovation, Emergency Cardiovascular Care.  Connect with all three as they reveal personal, life-changing stories and an insider's view into where they come from, how that inspires them, what keeps them up at night, and as a result, what they are relentless about achieving.