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

Surbhi Sarna built her first company to address ovarian cancer long before women's health became a focal point in health care innovation. Facing barriers as a young, nontraditional founder, she forged her own path in entrepreneurship and venture capital, later becoming a general partner at the business incubator Y Combinator. Her story explores resilience, representation and the responsibility of bringing others along while building what does not yet exist.

Businessman and Olympic gold medal winner Brent Lang recounts his journey from early team member to CEO of Vocera Communications, scaling a company through competitive pressure and rapid change. As a former world-class swimmer, Brent brings a unique perspective on discipline, timing and leadership under pressure. His story highlights how recognizing opportunity, even when others do not, and staying focused can shape both a career and a company's trajectory.

Julia Cheek built Everlywell into a leader in direct-to-consumer health testing, pushing through skepticism and reshaping how people access personal health insights. Her story explores the courage required to pitch a business on Shark Tank, as well as what it takes to create a new category in health care, navigate doubt and earn trust in a highly regulated, high-stakes industry.

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.