Imperfect Heart: Stories of Myocardial Bridges
Episodes
Imperfect Heart NewsPod: From Patient to Advocate—Kaylin Kellert Goes Red for Women with the American Heart Association
07 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this Imperfect Heart NewsPod, I reconnect with Kaylin Kellert—two years removed from her myocardial bridge unroofing surgery and now living a lif...
Episode 62: Denied, Then Delivered: The Rest of Pete Furman's Story Post-Open Heart Surgery. How He MADE It Happen.
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When I first spoke with Pete Furman in Episode 36, his health was failing, his options felt limited, and the road ahead was anything but clear. He was...
Episode 61: Coronary Artery Bypass Advantage - Dr. Christopher Kwon's Non-Traditional Approach to Myocardial Bridge Unroofing.
08 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This may be one of those episodes that could be considered controversial and I hope it does prompt questions. Dr. Christopher Kwon is a highly experie...
Episode 60: Cardiac Rehab After Open Heart Surgery
24 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Recovering from a heart surgery or cardiac event is never simple—the questions, fears, and “what-ifs” can feel overwhelming. That’s where card...
Episode 59: Cath Lab Process and Procedures for Myocardial Bridge Testing.
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode I sit down with Vesta Hurlbutt, a cardiac cath lab x-ray tech, functional nutritionist, and host of the Open Heart Healing podcast. This ...
Episode 58: Provocative Testing for Myocardial Bridges and Effect on the Heart. Encore Edition.
14 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This is an encore episode as I believe we cannot stress the significance enough for this type of testing to confirm the effects of a myocardial bridge...
Episode 57: How Pain, Perseverance and Prayer Led to Successful Robotic Unroofing.
31 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if facing a serious heart condition could be your turning point towards a more empowered life? Join us as we uncover the extraordinary journey of...
Episode 56: How an Imperfect Heart Nearly Ruined a Marriage.
11 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode needs little description. Thanks to Kelly and Tank Sears for their candid and sometimes raw emotion in this conversation as they share th...
Episode 55: Dr. Ronald Hoffman Interviews ME on Intelligent Medicine.
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This intro requires few words. We have a friend with a huge podcast and radio audience. 170 stations strong and he gave us the courtesy of interviewin...
Episode 54: Heart Surgery IS Life and Death Serious
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Navigating the intricate journey of living with a myocardial bridge is no small feat. This episode, I open up about the emotional rollercoaster of cop...
Episode 53: To Unroof or Not to Unroof? Janie Desmond Ison Shares Her Very Unique Health Journey.
05 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Could you be one of the tens of thousands of people unknowingly living with a myocardial bridge? Or worse yet, knowingly living with the condition and...
Episode 52: Microvascular Disease - Beyond the Bridge. Cleveland Clinic's Dr. Khaled Ziada explains.
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Can myocardial bridges be more than just incidental findings in cardiac diagnostics? Join us as we unravel this complex topic with Dr. Khaled Ziada fr...
Episode 51: Discover INOCA - Establishing Diagnostic Protocols with Dr. Samit Shah
11 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if the symptoms of heart disease are present, but the usual suspects aren't to blame? This intriguing question sets the stage for my conversation...
Episode 50: An Unbelievable Journey of Friendship, Advocacy and Hope.
09 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when a fit and active lifestyle is interrupted by an unexpected health condition? Join me as I explore the profound journey of Mark Davis...
Faith Carries Open Heart Surgery Patient to Successful Unroofing. Encore Episode.
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
IMPERFECT HEART: STORIES OF MYOCARDIAL BRIDGES… THE BOOK! You can now find it on amazon by clicking on the link HERE. Share it with your docto...
FINALLY… A BOOK! THE BOOK! MY BOOK – Proves Myocardial Bridges Cause Heart Attacks.
12 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Enduring the tumultuous journey of heart condition diagnosis and treatment led me, Jeff Holden, to realize the profound need for a supportive communi...
Episode 49: From Heart Nurse to Heart Patient-Jen Shetler’s “Unroofing” Journey.
26 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jennifer Shetler never imagined that a routine run would lead her from the role of a healthcare professional to that of a heart patient. Yet, an unex...
Episode 48: Deadly Desperation Leads to a Myocardial Bridge Unroofing in Pakistan.
13 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Embarking on a quest for answers, Steve Millington faced a world of mystery when his heart first sent distress signals at just 22. Misdiagnosed and m...
Episode 47: Heartfelt Recognition and Gratitude for Recovery From Myocardial Bridge Heart Surgery.
29 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Facing unexpected health challenges can be a monumental experience, as lifelong athlete John Chan discovered when he encountered severe chest pains du...
Episode 46: My Virtual Conversation With A I About Myocardial Bridges.
08 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I was doing some work with AI for a project and I wondered what I would find if I began a conversation about myocardial bridges. To my amazement, the ...
Thank You for Another Incredible Year of Stories and a Little Holiday Message.
24 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I take a moment to reflect and celebrate a year of content novelty and camaraderie in our Imperfect Heart community. From hosting 11 a...
Episode 45: Robotic’s Revolution in Cardiac Care. Dr. Johannes Bonatti Shares Myocardial Bridge Unroofing From the Operating Room.
12 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode includes graphic video and a detailed explanation of the “unroofing procedure” from the operating room and is best when viewed on the...
Episode 44: Describing in Detail the Myocardial Bridge Provocative Test Procedure with UPMC’s Dr. Jeffrey Fowler.
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Unlock the secrets of properly understanding and diagnosing myocardial bridges with insight from Dr. Jeffrey Fowler, a leading interventional cardiolo...
Episode 43: David Vollmer’s Journey Into the Holisitic and Alterntative Therapies. Part 1 of a 3 part series.
27 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When David Vollmer first felt his heart race unpredictably during a workout, little did he know it would kickstart a journey that would redefine his u...
Encore Episode: Expressing Gratitude for the Holiday with the Gratitude Psychologist, Dr. Peggy DeLong.
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For many of us afflicted with this condition, it’s easy to get lost in the challenges of living with a myocardial bridge. Whether you’ve been unro...
Episode 42: How Ben Hunt’s Heart Health was Finally Revealed and Ultimately Repaired.
13 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Imagine growing up on a rural desert farm, surrounded by sports and discovering pickleball before it became a sensation. That was Benjamin Hunt’s l...
Episode 41: My (Your) First Meeting With a New Cardiologist Post Unroofing Surgery.
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Knowing I needed to find a cardiologist in my home community post surgery, left me a little disappointed to leave the confines of Stanford’s outst...
Episode 40: Meetup Session- Post Surgery Recovery. Our (VERY!) Candid Discussion.
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What if the very medication meant to ease your post-surgery pain ends up causing a whole new set of problems? This episode pulls back the curtain on t...
Episode 39: Meetup Session-The Caregivers Perspective On Living With a Myocardial Bridged Partner.
25 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Live from the Imperfect Heart meetup, this episode features an intimate and heartfelt roundtable discussion among the patients and their caregivers w...
Imperfect Heart Meetup Thank You & Shout Outs.
20 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
These things don’t happen in a vacuum so I just wanted to express my appreciation for everyone that took the time out of their weekend to show up, c...
Episode 38: Meetup Session Live With Dr. Kofidis on Myocardial Bridge Scarring and More.
18 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is there a right surgical approach that completely transforms the lives of patients with myocardial bridges? This episode is a live recording of the f...
Episode 37: Dr. Allan Stewart's Childhood Appreciation of Mechanics Led to "Unroofing" of Myocardial Bridges.
11 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What if the future of heart surgery didn’t involve massive scars and long recovery times? On this episode we’ll visit the pioneering world of mini...
Episode 36: Pete Furman’s Push to Get Proper Insurance Acceptance for His Myocardial Bridge
28 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join me for an enlightening episode of the Imperfect Heart Program, where I sit down with Pete Furman, a competitive cyclist who shares his unexpected...
Episode 35: An Important Message and Updates From Your Host.
15 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Imagine waking up each day with a renewed sense of hope and determination, knowing you’re part of a community that truly understands your journey. I...
Episode 34: Hereditary Heart Disease and a Cross Continent Cardiac Cure. Mary McDonalds Journey to Greece.
31 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wonder how someone can maintain a healthy lifestyle yet still face severe heart issues? Join me as I unpack Mary McDonald’s gripping journey th...
Episode 33: Dr. Danny Ramzy’s Vision for the Future of Robotic Cardiac Surgery and Unroofing Myocardial Bridges.
11 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Can personal experiences with heart disease shape the future of heart surgery? Join me as I sit down with Dr. Danny Ramzy, a groundbreaking minimally ...
Episode 32: A Doctor’s Diagnostics & Research Lead a Myocardial Bridge Patient to “Unroofed” Progress.
26 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Could your heart be sending distress signals that traditional tests can’t detect? Join me, Jeff Holden, for a revealing conversation with Dr. Samit ...
Episode 31: What to Say to Your Primary Care Physician When You’re Experiencing Chest Pain.
12 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wondered why some heart conditions slip through the cracks? I do. And myocardial bridges are one of those conditions. Join me as I speak...
Episode 30: You Have a Myocardial Bridge. Could You Die? Stanford’s Dr. Ingela Schnittger Explains.
29 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Can a legal case become a catalyst for groundbreaking medical research? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Ingela Schnittger, a trailblazer in the f...
Episode 29: You’re Having Symptoms of a Heart Issue. The Story of Myocardial Bridges You Should Know.
08 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I attempt to reveal some lesser known truths of myocardial bridges as I unravel the complexity of heart-related symptoms that often g...
Episode 28: Kathy Hoseth’s Rebellion Against Symptom Dismissal Erased 50 Years of Doubt.
24 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join me as I sit down with Kathy Hoseth, a remarkable woman with a compelling story of heart health struggles and self-advocacy. From her early childh...
Episode 27: Jed Baker’s “Bridge to Nowhere” Journey Went Right Where it Belonged.
10 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Embark on a mission dirven purpose with Jed Baker, as he narrates his battle with enigmatic health symptoms, culminating in the pivotal uncovering of ...
Episode 26: Dr. T. Sloane Guy Explains His Robotic Unroofing Procedure and Process for Acceptance.
27 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever marveled at the precision of robotic cardiac surgery or pondered the moral complexities hidden behind the robot’s arm? Dr. Guy, a card...
Episode 25: Louis’s Odyssey Turns Into a Tale of Tenacity
13 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join me as I embark on a heartfelt journey with my guest Louis Merlin, who bravely shares his personal struggle with his myocardial bridge—a conditi...
Episode 23: Only Days After Unroofing Surgery, 24 Year Old Kaylin Kellert Enthusiastically Shares Her Real Time Experience.
07 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I never imagined that a story of heart surgery could come with a side of laughter and gourmet hospital food. Yet here we are, with Kaylin Kellert, an ...
Episode 22: Only Days From Surgery, Liane Aigner Shares Her Conviction and Confidence
23 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Never before have I had a conversation with somebody only days from their surgery sharing their story and their thoughts on a life-changing and contro...
Episode 21: What You Need to Know About the Sternotomy with Thoracic Surgeon Dr. Mark Francis Berry
03 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You’re standing at the crossroads of cardiac care and ready to make the decision for your “unroofing” procedure. From the conversations I’ve h...
Episode 20: Embracing Gratitude to Replace the Fear of Uncertainty Our Myocardial Bridges Create. Dr. Peggy DeLong Explains.
20 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
My own heart skipped a beat upon hearing Dr. Peggy DeLong’s tales of loss and fear. Peggy, a beacon of resilience, opens up about the profound losse...
Episode 19: Inside the University of Chicago OR for a Robotic Unroofing Procedure. What It’s Like.
06 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Prepare to journey through the operating room doors as I give you a front row seat to a robotic unroofing surgery with Dr. Balkhy at the University of...
Special Episode: With Gratitude…Happy Thanksgiving.
23 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
From one Imperfect Heart to another, may your day be full of family, friends and gratitude. Happy Thanksgiving. Today, is a great day to be alive.
Episode 18: Emily Tedore’s Heart Attack Changed the Holidays Forever.
22 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You likely can relate navigating life’s ups and downs, then suddenly, your heart throws you an unexpected curveball. My guest, Emily Tedore, a 39-ye...
Episode 17: Minimally Invasive Myocardial Bridge Unroofing Explained by Professor Theo Kofidis
08 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join me for a conversation with Professor Theo Kofidis, Head of the Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery at the National University Hospi...
Episode 16: Robotic Cardiac “Unroofing” with Dr. Husam Balkhy
18 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What if you could peer into the future of cardiac care and discover a method for Myocardial Bridge “unroofing” surgery that offers less pain, less...
Episode 15: Surviving to Thriving – 6 Steps to Turn Trauma & Depression Into Transformation.
13 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Since you’re listening to this podcast, you’ve likely got symptoms of a Myocardial Bridge or you’re post-surgery and have been “unroofed”. ...
Episode 14: Death Ride, Carmel and An Anniversary
31 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join me as I reflect and celebrate several anniversaries, acknowledge the emotional and mental shifts post-surgery, and advocate for proper diagnosis ...
Episode 13: Amanda’s Heart Journey Takes Another Unexpected Turn…
09 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this second part of Amanda’s journey, a relatively successful unroofing procedure leaves a residual problem related to the sternotomy. Of cours...
Episode 12: Outrageous Diagnoses Lead to Surprise Solution for Amanda Pearlman
09 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Amanda Pearlman was training to be a law enforcement officer when during Police Academy, a heart attack took her out of contention. But that’s jus...
Episode 11: Everything Doesn’t Always Go Perfectly. How Boots Knighton Handled Her Doctor’s Mistake.
19 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Many of the stories to date, mine included, have had relatively good outcomes with little drama in the post-surgical process to recovery and final out...
Episode 10: Stanford’s Dr. Jack Boyd Explains Myocardial Bridge Surgery. The Unroofing Process.
28 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This is a very special episode for anyone considering the unroofing process for their Myocardial Bridge. Dr. Jack Boyd, Stanford School of Medicine’...
Coming June 28th: A conversation with Stanford’s Dr. Jack Boyd
21 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I want to share something very exciting for all my MB Family whether you’re still on your journey or you’ve already been unroofed. And if you ha...
Episode 9: Journeys 2 – A Nurse’s Dilemma: Sternotomy vs Robotic Unroofing.
17 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jeremy Hester, a nurse at a local hospital in a small northern community of California is faced with a wonderful, yet incredibly difficult decision. H...
Episode 8: From Bangladesh to Stanford, Raisul Islam Discovers His Myocardial Bridge
24 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A driven and determined electrical engineer with a degree from Bangladesh University of Engineering makes his way to Stanford to pursue his PHD. Litt...
Episode 7: Journeys 1 – Dr. Linda Cunningham Discovers the Source of Her Pain
10 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the first episode of Imperfect Heart “Journeys”, a monthly publication that will release on alternate weeks with our complete stories o...
Episode 6: 2 Women Continued… What Happens After Surgery and Will I Ever Run Again?
19 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As promised from part 1, Veronica and Sarah get into the Q & A from a recently unroofed patient to an experienced and once again athlete. We’ll...
Episode 5: 2 Women Both Athletes, 2 Surgeries, 2 Stories to Share
19 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I had the great privilege of speaking with two female athletes, both working moms and both having suffered with and then recovered from “unroofing”...
Episode 4: You Have a Myocardial Bridge, Now What? Dr. Ingela Schnittger Suggests Next Steps (part 2 of 2 episodes)
15 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
So you’ve clearly listened to part 1 of Dr. Schnittger’s descriptions, definitions and requirements of ascertainment to identify you’re bridge a...
Episode 3: Stanford’s Dr. Ingela Schnittger Defines the Myocardial Bridge. (part 1 of 2 episodes)
15 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr.Ingela Schnittger, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at Stanford University Medical Center is my guest for this discussion. Oh, what a conversa...
Dr. Ingela Schnittger Reveals More About Myocardial Bridges…coming March 15th
09 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I want to be sure you’re either subscribed or have it marked in your calendar to be sure to listen to our next episode with Dr. Ingela Schnittger of...
Episode 2: Where To Get Answers and Support From Others With Myocardial Bridges
14 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
First things first. What better day to share the second episode of Imperfect Heart than Valentines Day! I am most appreciative of the recognition of h...
Episode 1: What the Hell Just Happened? I Had a Heart Attack?
19 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this very first episode of Imperfect Heart I take you on the steps of my journey starting with the recognition, albeit reluctantly, that there is s...
Trailer
05 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Imperfect Heart, a podcast for those born with a Myocardial Bridge. Hear from your host, Jeff Holden, the beginning of his journey with a M...