Tales from the Heart

Turning the Tables: Lisa Salberg’s Story in Her Own Words

In this special edition of Tales From the Heart, guest Debra Rafson takes the host seat and turns the tables on Lisa Salberg. The conversation pulls back the curtain on Lisa’s personal journey, the moments that shaped her advocacy, and how lived experience continues to drive the mission and direction of the HCMA.

 

This conversation was recorded Jan. 16, 2026.

Deconstructing Health Care Part 2: How We Built the System We’re In

In Part 2 of Deconstructing Health Care, host Lisa Salberg is joined by physician, health policy expert, and HCM patient Dr. Jan Berger to trace how U.S. health care evolved after World War II. Together, they break down the laws, economic choices, and unintended consequences that shaped employer-based insurance, Medicare, HMOs, and modern coverage gaps—and why understanding that history matters now.

 

This conversation was recorded Jan. 16, 2026.

Share Your Story: Two Voices, One Fight: Ella and Feda Morrissey

In this Share Your Story special of Tales From the Heart, host Lisa Salberg talks with Ella Morrissey and her mom, Feda, about a childhood HCM diagnosis that evolved into shocks, heart failure, and a lifesaving transplant. They share what it felt like to live through it as a teen and as a parent, and how Ella turned the journey into a book meant to help other families feel less alone.

 

This conversation was recorded Jan. 15, 2026

From Diagnosis to Impact: Maier Bianchi’s HCM Story

Host Lisa Salberg sits down with HCMA Ambassador Maier Bianchi for a candid “Share Your Story” conversation about his diagnosis, open heart surgery, and the mindset shift that pushed him into advocacy. He explains how he built Hearts of Commerce to spark screening and awareness in the e-commerce world, and why talking about family heart history can save lives.

 

This conversation was recorded Jan. 9, 2026.

New Year, New HCM Options

Host Lisa Salberg opens 2026 with Dr. Marty Maron for a practical, patient-first roadmap for the year ahead. They cover what to schedule annually, how screening works for kids and adults, and what new and emerging therapies and trials could mean for obstructive and non-obstructive HCM.

 

This conversation was recorded Jan. 9, 2026

Deconstructing Health Care: How Did We Get Here and Where Do We Go Next

In this special Tales From the Heart series opener, host Lisa Salberg takes a hard, human-centered look at America’s health care system. Drawing on lived experience and decades of advocacy, she unpacks how health care became so complex, why access still fails too many people, and what it will take to rebuild a system focused on wellness, not just money.

Looking Back, Moving Forward in HCM Care

Host Lisa Salberg sits down with Mayo Clinic cardiologist Dr. Steve Ommen to reflect on a pivotal year in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy care. They discuss emerging therapies, clinical trial lessons, genetics, AI in medicine, and practical guidance for patients and families as the HCM landscape continues to evolve.

 

This conversation was recorded Dec. 19, 2025.

A New Era for HCM Patients

Host Lisa Salberg is joined by Dr. Matt Martinez to explore why this is a turning point in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy care. They discuss emerging therapies, the power of collaboration across the HCM community, and practical guidance on exercise, hydration, diagnosis, and navigating symptoms as research and technology rapidly reshape what’s possible for patients.

 

This conversation was recorded Dec. 5, 2025.

Big Hearts and the Holidays

Host Lisa Salberg talks with Dr. Alex de Feria about the holidays and living with HCM.

 

Conversation recorded 11/20/25

The Changing Landscape of HCM Care

Host Lisa Salberg talks with Mayo Clinic’s Dr. Steve Ommen about how new therapies, technologies, and guidelines are transforming care for people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. They explore what these changes mean for patients, the importance of specialized care, and how collaboration continues to drive progress in the HCM community.

 

Conversation recorded 10/24/25.