In this deeply personal episode of Heart2Heart Talk, host Mary Burrell shares the origin story behind the podcast—and the woman who helped her believe it was possible. Joined by Katherine Waddell, podcaster, coach and founder of This Needs to Be Said Media, the two reflect on mentorship, trust, healing after illness, and what happens when someone sees your potential before you can.

Mary opens up about moving from fear and hesitation to launching a platform that gives voice to stories that often go unheard. Katherine shares what it means to coach without leading, how to hold space for someone’s purpose, and why every woman’s voice matters, especially after trauma.

This episode is a celebration of the seeds planted by encouragement, the beauty of creative imperfection, and the power of trusting your voice—even when it’s still finding its way.

Katherine Waddell ~CEO and founder of This Needs to Be Said Media, Inc., a seasoned podcaster and coach

https://tntbsmedia.com/

In this compelling episode, we dive into the heart of patient advocacy—the real work, the emotional weight, and the ripple effect it creates across healthcare. Our conversation explores the challenges patient advocates face, the courage it takes to share personal health stories, and how these stories have the power to reshape healthcare policies, systems, and clinical culture.

We discuss why patient voices must be heard from the beginning—not after the decisions have already been made. Whether you're new to advocacy or a seasoned storyteller, this episode is a reminder that lived experience is not just valid—it’s vital. Because when patients speak, healthcare listens.

DeAnna DuBose ~Senior Director, Corporate Patient Engagement 

Edwards Lifesciences https://www.edwards.com/patients-care-partners/patient-resources

In this powerful Season 2 episode of Heart to Heart Talk, host Mary Burrell opens up about the moment that changed everything: when Emmy Award–winning filmmaker Beryt Nisenson saw the power in her story—and helped bring it to life. Together, they reflect on the making of Mary’s patient documentary, the emotional healing that came from telling her story, and the deep connection between storytelling and patient advocacy.

Mary shares how being placed in hospice, saying yes to a clinical trial, and sharing her experience helped ignite her second chance—not just at life, but at purpose. They dive into how stories can build bridges between patients, engineers, clinicians, and communities, and why Black women’s heart health must no longer be overlooked or unheard.

This episode is a love letter to patients who’ve felt dismissed, caregivers who’ve gone unseen, and anyone who’s wondered whether their story really matters. (Spoiler: it does.)

Beryt Nisenson Emmy Award-winning producer, director, and writer with Authentica Media.

Authentica Media ~https://authenticamedia.com/

In this inspiring episode of Heart to Heart, host Mary Burrell shares her own journey of self-discovery, healing, and growth—and the people who made it possible. She reflects on the powerful impact of having the right support at the right time: the planters who speak life into our potential, the nurturers who walk with us during hard seasons, and the harvesters who help us step into our purpose. Through her story, Mary encourages listeners to recognize these roles in their own lives and to become those people for others. It’s a soulful conversation about purpose, connection, and the courage to grow.

In this episode of Heart to Heart, Mary Burrell sits down with Elijah, son of heart valve patient Tori Lundgren, for a candid conversation about the often-unseen role of young caregivers. Elijah shares his experiences supporting his mom through heart valve disease, upcoming CardioBand procedures, and the emotional intensity of showing up during medical appointments. Together, they explore the life-changing potential of clinical trials, the power of medical innovation, and what it means to be present in the room when it matters most. Elijah’s story is a reminder that caregiving isn't just emotional—it’s active advocacy.

Amanda—daughter of heart valve disease patient Tori Lundgren—shares her powerful story as a young caregiver navigating the challenges of her mother’s tricuspid valve regurgitation and upcoming CardioBand procedure. In this episode of Heart to Heart, Amanda opens up about the emotional toll of caregiving for a heart patient, the critical role of self-advocacy in healthcare, and the importance of self-care for caregivers. Her reflections offer insight into the resilience it takes to support a loved one through a serious heart valve condition, and the strength found in showing up—again and again—with love, faith, and vulnerability.

Tori Lundgren shares her powerful patient journey as she prepares for the innovative CardioBand procedure to treat tricuspid valve regurgitation—a serious form of tricuspid valve disease. In this intimate conversation, Tori reflects on multiple heart surgeries, the emotional impact of living with chronic heart disease, and the faith, courage, and hope that carry her forward. We explore the realities of valve repair, the fear of upcoming heart procedures, and the strength that comes from family support. Tori’s story offers inspiration to others facing similar diagnoses and shows the healing power of sharing your truth.

Patient engagement isn’t just about being heard — it’s about driving real change.

In this episode of Heart 2 Heart Talk, I sit down with Robyn Peacock to talk about how organizations like Heart Valve Voice US are helping patients shape policy, fight for clinical trial access, and prove that patient voices don’t just belong in the room—they belong at the table.

We unpack:
🫀 How patient voices are opening doors that used to be closed
🧠 Real steps to make decision-makers listen
💬 Wins that happened because patients refused to stay silent

💬 Robyn’s Segment: (6:54–24:22)

If you’ve ever wondered if your story matters—this is proof that it does.
Your voice has power. Let’s use it.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes
💬 Share your story at maryburrell.com
❤️ Speaking from the heart, for the heart.

#Heart2HeartTalk #MicAndMission #HospiceSurvivor #PatientAdvocacy #FromHospiceToHope

• My Valve. My Voice. Community

• Resources for Your Journey

• Share Your Story

• Become an Advocate

🔗 Resources (for your show notes or blog):

What happens after survival?
In this powerful episode of Heart 2 Heart Talk, I sit down with Berkeley Barnett, Director of Policy & Advocacy for Heart Valve Voice US, to explore how healing can open the door to purpose.

We dive into questions like:
🫀 How do you go from surviving to speaking up?
🧠 What pushes someone to become an advocate?
💬 What are the silent battles no one talks about?
🛤️ And how do you find purpose after a second chance?

💬 Berkeley’s Segment: (6:54–20:47)

Whether you’re surviving, rebuilding, or figuring out your next step—this conversation will meet you right where you are.

When I first shared my story, I was scared. I didn’t know if it mattered.
But it did—and it connected me to people who said, “Me too.”
That’s why I’m inviting you to share yours.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes
💬 Share your story at maryburrell.com
❤️ Speaking from the heart, for the heart.

#Heart2HeartTalk #HospiceSurvivor #TricuspidValveMiracle #MicAndMission #FromHospiceToHope

They didn’t just save my life — they helped me find my voice.

In Part 3 of my story, I open the door to what happens after survival—when the fight to stay alive becomes the fight to make it matter.

This episode of Heart 2 Heart Talk is about more than healing. It’s about stepping into purpose, rising from the ashes, and discovering what your life was always meant to say.

💬 Mary’s Story, Part 3: (5:38–14:22)

It’s raw. It’s full-circle. It’s personal.
If you’ve ever wondered how surviving the unthinkable can reveal your true calling—this one’s for you.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes
💬 Share your story at maryburrell.com
❤️ Speaking from the heart, for the heart.

#Heart2HeartTalk #HospiceSurvivor #TricuspidValveMiracle #MicAndMission #FromHospiceToHope