Guests: Matt Granato, LL.M., MBA, PHA's President and CEO; Kevin Heyen, PHA's Vice President, Development & Industry Relations; Jaeger Spratt, MSW, PHA’s advocacy and treatment access program manager; Eric Borstein, PAH patient and advocate; and Roopa Radhakrishnan, PH patient and advocate

On this episode, the Pulmonary Hypertension Association takes you inside the rooms where real change begins. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the meetings where pulmonary hypertension patients’ and health care providers’ stories are heard, valued, and carry real weight.

You will learn how advocacy meetings work, hear directly from individuals who traveled to Capitol Hill to speak on behalf of the PH community, and understand the impact their voices have in shaping policy.

Most importantly, this episode breaks down how PHA can support you in advocating from wherever you are. Whether you are new to advocacy or already involved, you will see just how powerful your voice is and why it matters.

Discover upcoming advocacy volunteer opportunities by subscribing to the monthly Advocacy Action Alert newsletter.

Guest: Mary Jo Farmer, MD, PhD; board certified pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine physician, Mass General Brigham- Salem Hospital, associate professor of medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine

Sleep-disordered breathing is far more common in pulmonary hypertension than most people may realize. On this episode of PH Insights, host Jolie Lizana sits down with a pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine specialist, Mary Jo Farmer, to unpack how nighttime oxygen drops, sleep apnea, and hypoventilation can impact your pulmonary vascular health and right heart function.

Together, they discuss how clinicians diagnose and classify sleep‑disordered breathing, what happens in the body when sleep is disrupted, and how targeted treatment strategies can help.

Visit Pulmonary Hypertension Related to Sleep Apnea to learn more.

Register for the PHA 2026 International PH Conference and Scientific Sessions to hear more from Dr. Farmer in, “The Impact of Treating Sleep Apnea and Hypoxia on Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Management.”  

PHA 2026 Scientific Sessions brings together health care professionals from all disciplines to earn continuing education credit, network with fellow pulmonary hypertension professionals, learn about the latest research and discuss best practices for PH treatme

Guest: Roberto Bernardo, MD, MS, ATSF, clinical assistant professor, Adult Pulmonary Hypertension Service, Vera Moulton Wall Center for Pulmonary Vascular Disease, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy & Critical Care Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine

On this episode, host Meghan Cirulis speaks with clinician and researcher Roberto Bernardo about his work exploring ethnicity and social determinants of health for those living with pulmonary arterial hypertension in the Hispanic community. Bernardo discusses underlying disparities and offers insight into ways to improve quality of life for patients with limited access to care. 

Bernardo also shares how PHA’s Pulmonary Hypertension Association Registry provided the data needed for his study.

Guest: Silvana Saleme Mooney, MSN, APRN, nurse practitioner with the Pulmonary Vascular Disease Program at the Medical University of South Carolina

On this episode, host Jenna Olitsky, a PAH patient and estate planning attorney, and nurse practitioner Silvana Mooney discuss how advance health care directives, health care power of attorney documents, HIPAA authorizations, and Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) forms work in real-life medical situations.

This episode is not legal or medical advice, but an educational conversation designed to help listeners better understand how these tools can support their care, reduce confusion and ensure their voices are heard when it matters most.

Visit Health Care Planning: conversations, decisions, and directives - PH Association to learn more.

On this episode, host Megan Cirulis sits down with cardiologist Katherine (Katie) Clapham to discuss methamphetamine-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension. They explore the increasing prevalence of methamphetamine use, particularly in the western United States, and its severe health implications. Clapham also discusses treatment approaches, including the integration of addiction medicine into PAH care.

Visit Pulmonary Hypertension Related to Meth Use for more information.

On this special episode, cardiologists Paul Critser and Priya Pillutla, discuss congenital heart disease associated pulmonary hypertension. They explain how PH is diagnosed, treatment advances, and what those advancements mean for life expectancy.

Visit Pulmonary Hypertension and Congenital Heart Disease for more information.

Guests: Judy and Ed Simpson, PHA co-founders

On this episode of PH Insights, Courtney Durham, PHA’s director of individual giving, speaks with PHA co-founders, Judy and Ed Simpson. They discuss the challenges and milestones of establishing PHA, the importance of connecting patients with physicians, and the significant advancements in pulmonary hypertension research and treatment.

Guests: Debbie Kittel, BSN, RN, CCRN, nursing program manager, PAH program, Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital; and Tiffani Brown, PH patient, Ohio State University-Columbus support group co-leader.

Just in time for the holidays, the Pulmonary Hypertension Association shares the extraordinary impact of a simple, thoughtful gift. Host Jolie Lizana talks with Debbie Kittel, a PH nurse, and Tiffani Brown, the patient who received a priceless gesture during one of her darkest moments: a jar of handwritten notes from her care team and support group. Hear how this act of empathy became a tradition, inspired dozens of patients and redefined what it means to give and receive support.

Guests: Ripla Arora, PhD, developmental geneticist and associate professor, Michigan State University; and Katelyn Enzer, MD, assistant professor of pediatrics, University of Colorado

On this episode of PH Insights, we highlight the women innovators who are transforming how we understand and treat pulmonary hypertension in children. Guest host Elizabeth Joseloff sits down with the Pulmonary Hypertension Association’s 2025 Pediatric PH Research Award recipients, Ripla Arora and Katelyn Enzer, to discuss how their work could lead to earlier answers for families and pave the way for better care in the future. Arora and Enzer also reflect on the impact of PHA funding on their careers and what inspired them to focus on PH.

About their research: Arora aims to uncover how genetic changes affect lung development and identify therapeutic targets to improve outcomes for children with TBX4 syndrome. Enzer is focused on developing innovative techniques to assess pulmonary function in preterm infants and deepen understanding of the complex cardiopulmonary physiology underlying these conditions.

To learn more about PHA supported research, visit PHA’s Research Programs page.

In this episode, hosts Lizana, Olitsky and Cirulis continue the conversation on advocacy, focusing on self-advocacy beyond the doctor’s office. They share how to communicate your needs with family, friends and others, set healthy boundaries and find confidence in representing yourself and your condition. The discussion offers real-life strategies and encouragement for living and advocating for yourself every day.

Visit PHA's Traveling with PH page for travel tips. 

Read more about the Air Carrier Access Act to learn about your rights as a taveler. 

Jolie Lizana, PAH patient and advocate

Meghan M. Cirulis, MD, MS, medical director, Intermountain Health Pulmonary Hypertension Center, assistant professor, pulmonary and critical care medicine, Intermountain Medical Center, adjunct assistant professor, University of Utah Pulmonary and Critical Care.

In this episode, new show hosts and PH patients Jolie Lizana and Jenna Olitsky join PH expert Meghan Cirulis to discuss why understanding your health is the foundation of effective advocacy. They explore how education empowers patients to communicate confidently with their doctors, build trust within their care teams and take an active role in managing PH

In this episode, PHA fundraising team members Sarah Smith and Courtney Durham discuss the role and impact of charitable giving. They highlight the value of broad-based donor support, how fundraising events like the O2breathe Walk series empower community members to make a significant impact, and preview upcoming 2026 tax changes that will affect charitable deductions.

This episode is the second in a two-part series about philanthropy at PHA.

In this episode, Jaeger Spratt shares what you need to know to prepare for the 2026 open enrollment period. They explain how cuts to Medicaid and other social safety net programs in the recently passed budget bill will affect the PH community and what to expect from 2026 Health Insurance Marketplace plans.

Listen now to learn how to navigate potential formulary changes and stay up to date on key enrollment deadlines.

Visit PHA’s Insurance and Treatment Access page for more in-depth information.

Additional Resources:

Financial Assistance info: phassociation.org/help

PHA Insurance Guide: phassociation.org/patients/insurance-and-treatment-access/

ACA Marketplace Plans: healthcare.gov

Medicare Rights Center: MedicareRights.org; 800-333-4114

Patient Advocate Foundation case management service: PatientAdvocate.org; 800-532-5274

State Health Insurance Assistance Program: shiphelp.org/; 877-839-2675

Guest stories from: Doug Taylor, PHA Board of Trustees member, support group leader and PH patient; Kimberlee Miller, PH patient; Amy Burant, PH patient; Casey Perez, PH patient; Priya Bavalia, PH community supporter; Shirley Duggan, family member of person with PH and bereaved family member.

On this episode, PHA’s board chair Traci Stewart shares inspiring stories from PH community members about their unique ways of giving back to PHA. From monthly donations and raising awareness to annual traditions and a lemonade stand, hear how everyday people are making a difference for the PH community.

This episode is the first in a two-part series about philanthropy at PHA.

Learn more about fundraising on PHA’s website.

To make a gift, visit PHA’s Donate page.

On this episode of PH Insights, guests Nicole Creech and James Tarver explore the connection between sickle cell disease and pulmonary hypertension. They discuss the complexities of diagnosis, the challenges faced by patients and the role of advocacy and resilience in managing both chronic conditions.

Tune in to learn about treatment options, the importance of a supportive health care team, and the hope for future advancements in care.

For more information, download the Pulmonary Hypertension & Sickle Cell Disease brochure.

The Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform Act is pending legislation that would establish requirements for the payment and provision of supplemental oxygen and related services under Medicare. But how would this legislation affect patients, and how is the American Thoracic Society Nursing Assembly leading the charge in advocating for their needs? Guest host Patti Tripathi explores these questions with Susan Jacobs and Jaeger Spratt.

This episode is the first in a two-part collaboration with the ATS Breathe Easy podcast. Visit “Help Us Breathe: PH Patients Advocate for Oxygen Reform” to listen to part two. 

To learn more about PHA’s advocacy efforts, visit the  Advocacy Action Center and make your voice heard by using PHA’s SOAR Act advocacy message template to tell your legislators to pass the SOAR Act. If you have any questions about advocacy and the SOAR Act, please contact Advocacy@PHAssociation.org

In this episode, we celebrate PH Insights’ one-year anniversary with Keisha Jackson, who shares her inspiring journey of resilience while living with pulmonary hypertension, scleroderma and lupus. She reflects on the daily challenges of managing her health, raising a family and coping with the often-unseen toll these conditions take on her personal and social life.  

Jackson emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and shares how she continues to find her voice while living with multiple chronic illnesses.  

For more information on PH and associated conditions, visit PHA’s Associated Disease Resources page.

This episode of PH Insights is the second in a two-part series about the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform Act, created in collaboration with the American Thoracic Society’s Breathe Easy podcast. Visit “How the SOAR Act Can Keep Patients' Oxygen Flowing” to listen to part one.  

Guest host Jaeger Spratt highlights the voices of long-time PH patient advocates Amy Burant and Colleen Connor, who share their experiences with oxygen access and how those challenges have shaped their PH journeys. They also discuss their advocacy work and call on all members of lung disease communities, especially health care professionals, to advocate for the SOAR Act and help lung disease patients breathe easier.

To learn more about our advocacy efforts, visit PHA’s Advocacy Action Center and make your voice heard by using PHA’s SOAR Act advocacy message template to tell your legislators to pass the SOAR Act. If you have any questions about advocacy and the SOAR Act, please contact Advocacy@PHAssociation.org

Emergencies don’t wait. For people living with pulmonary hypertension, preparedness isn’t just peace of mind — it is essential. In this episode, Elise Whalen and Jess MacLean share practical tips and information to help plan ahead for natural disasters, power outages and other medical emergencies.

To prepare for any emergency, visit PHA’s Emergency Situations page for additional resources.

On this episode of PH Insights, Jenna Olitsky shares five travel tips she’s learned while living with pulmonary arterial hypertension and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. She discusses the unique challenges a person with rare illness faces, including navigating accessibility and managing her medications across time zones and international borders. She also shares lessons learned through trial and error, offering practical advice for others with chronic illnesses.

Download PHA’s Travel Checklist to help prepare for your next trip.

Scott E. Olitsky, MD, MBA, Global Center of Excellence outreach director, Cure HHT;

Marla Olitsky, PH and HHT patient of over 20 years;

Monica Penaranda, PH and newly diagnosed HHT patient

On this episode of PH Insights, guest host Scott Olitsky explores the connection between pulmonary hypertension and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. Olitsky, along with guests Marla Atkins and Monica Penaranda, discusses the signs and symptoms of both conditions and the role genetic testing plays in early diagnosis. Atkins and Penaranda also share the differences and similarities in their PH and HHT journeys.

Hear Monica’s full PH story by listening to Filling in the Blanks: Understanding Pulmonary Hypertension, Part 2

In this episode of PH Insights, guest host Abby Sickles welcomes Marcie McGregor to discuss her experience as a PHA support volunteer. Marcy shares her personal journey with pulmonary hypertension, the impact of peer support and the importance of community in navigating a chronic illness. They dive into the benefits of support groups, from easing isolation to boosting mental health and explore why no one should face PH alone.

To find a support program that works for you, visit https://phassociation.org/support/   

In this episode of PH Insights, Abby Sickles discusses the various Pulmonary Hypertension Association support programs available to individuals affected by pulmonary hypertension. She shares insights into peer mentoring, support groups as well as resources for caregivers, emphasizing that no one has to navigate their PH journey alone.

To find a support program that works for you, visit https://phassociation.org/support/   

On this episode, PH expert Oksana Shlobin provides a detailed overview of sarcoidosis-related PH. She reviews common signs and symptoms, outlines treatment options and shares insight into the complexities of diagnosing and managing SAPH. Shlobin also emphasizes the importance of effective communication between patients and their health care teams.

Learn more about sarcoidosis-related PH by downloading the brochure, PH and Sarcoidosis.

On this episode, peer mentor Mitzi McIver-LaBarge shares her journey as a parent and caregiver following her daughter’s pulmonary hypertension diagnosis at 1 year old. In honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month, Mitzi discusses the importance of connection, the power of community and how volunteering with the Pulmonary Hypertension Association helped her find purpose and support. She also offers insight into how others can get involved and make a difference.  

To see volunteer opportunities, visit PHA’s Take Action page.

To find a peer mentor, visit PHA’s Peer Mentor page.

Navneet Singh, MD, ScM, MBA

Assistant Professor of Medicine

Associate Fellowship Program Director for Research

Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine

The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University

Christopher Mullin, MD, MHS

Assistant Professor of Medicine, Clinician Educator

Director of the CTEPH Program;

Associate Director of the Rhode Island Hospital Pulmonary Hypertension Center 

The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University

On this episode of PH Insights, guest hosts and pulmonary hypertension experts Navneet Singh and Christopher Mullen talk about the risk factors for developing blood clots, along with current approaches to diagnosis and treatment. They explore pulmonary embolisms and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, including the emotional impact these conditions have on patients. Singh and Mullin also cover treatment options, standard discharge practices and the importance of building a multidisciplinary care team.

To learn more, download the free brochure PH & CTEPH.

Visit Financial Assistance for information about co-pay assistance.  

On this episode, Naomi Habib, co-director of the Arizona Pulmonary Specialists PH Center of Excellence and recent PH Community Workshop-Phoenix co-chair, shares key takeaways from her experience and explains why these workshops benefit both patients and health care providers.

The Pulmonary Hypertension Association’s PH Community Workshops are free one-day educational events designed to support patients, caregivers and families affected by pulmonary hypertension. These workshops provide a space for connection and support within the PH community while offering interactive sessions, expert-led discussions and networking opportunities for all attendees. 

To learn more and find an upcoming event near you, visit PH Community Workshop.

The Pulmonary Hypertension Association accredited care center network was established over a decade ago to raise the quality of pulmonary hypertension care and expand patient access to specialized care and resources.

In this episode, Colleen Connor shares the importance of PHA-accredited care centers, their approach to building your PH care team and its impact on her journey. She also highlights the benefits of the team-based approach used and how families can locate a center in their area.

If you would like more information on the PHA-accredited care center program or find a center in your area, please visit https://phassociation.org/phcarecenters/

In this episode of PH Insights, Mrinalini Krishnan discusses pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease, the most common cause of PH.  Approximately 60% of people with LHD develop PH. Krishnan highlights the risk factors and signs and symptoms of PH-LHD that you should monitor over time. She also provides an overview of available treatment options.

Download the Pulmonary Hypertension and Left Heart Disease brochure for more information.

In this episode, Akshay Muralidhar provides an overview of pulmonary arterial hypertension and how a PAH diagnosis may affect a person’s daily activities and quality of life. He also shares the benefits of exercise and how a safe regimen can improve cardiovascular health and lead to reduced symptoms. Muralidhar provides a summary of the types of exercises suitable for PAH and tips for setting achievable goals.

For information on finding an exercise plan that works for you, visit Living with PH. Please consult your physician before making any changes to your exercise routine. to ensure your plan is the right one for you.

In this excerpt from PH Insights episode, “Relax and Recharge: Practical Strategies for Managing Stress,” Freeman leads listeners through a guided mindfulness exercise to assist with reducing stress during difficult circumstances.

In this episode, Freeman provides an overview of the impact of stress and trauma to a person’s body while living with a chronic illness. She then leads listeners through a mindful meditation exercise designed to help manage stress. Additionally, she shares information about the importance of supportive care and why those in the PH community should consider joining a support group.

 For more information on in-person and virtual support groups discussed in this episode, please visit https://phassociation.org/support/

Matthew R. Lammi, associate professor of medicine of Johns Hopkins University and current Research Committee Chair and PHA Board Member

In this episode, Matthew R. Lammi, associate professor of medicine of Johns Hopkins University, current Research Committee Chair and Nadine Al-Naamani, assistant professor of medicine at University of Pennsylvania and past recipient of the PHA/ATS Research Fellowship and the Aldrighetti Research Award for Young Investigators continue the conversation on how research impacts the pulmonary hypertension community. Al-Naamani shares the progression of her career after receiving PHA award and the greater impact of her research on understanding the relationship between body muscle and fat and the underlying disease process in PH.

For more information visit, https://phassociation.org/research/

Todd Bull, recipient of 2006 PHA/ATS Research Fellowship Award and incoming Scientific Leadership Council Chair, past Chair of the SLC Research Committee and Rachel Hopper, Associate Director, Pulmonary Hypertension Program, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford recipient of Robyn Barst Pediatric PH Research and Mentoring Award

In this episode, Todd Bull, professor of medicine and director of University of Colorado Health, Pulmonary Vascular Disease Clinic and Rachel Hopper, associate director of the Pulmonary Hypertension Program at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford discuss the significance of research in the field of pulmonary hypertension, with a focus on pediatric studies. They explore the impact of the Pulmonary Hypertension Association's research grant awards on advancing careers and improving patient care. Hopper shares her journey in pediatric cardiology after receiving the Robyn Barst Pediatric PH Research and Mentoring Award – a one-year mentorship opportunity for clinicians and researchers in the field of pediatric PH. She also shares the challenges faced in studying pulmonary hypertension in children, and the importance of continued support for research initiatives.

In this episode, Critser provides an overview of Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension and how it may differ from adults living with PH. Critser shares the unique challenges a child living with PH may face from diagnosis to long-term management. He shares his insights on the signs a parent should look for, the latest treatment advancements, research, and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to care. Tune in to this episode to learn the essential information families should know about pediatric PH.

Transplantation may be a treatment option reserved for patients who are not improving on medical therapies. While transplantation can prolong survival, improve quality of life and offer a potential cure for pulmonary hypertension, it also carries risk of significant complications, and many factors need to be considered before going forward. In this episode of PH Insights, Whitson discusses what a transplant recipient can expect before and after surgery. Heart and lung transplant recipient, Diane Ramirez  joins him to share her experience with the transplant process and how she’s feeling a year post transplantation.

In this episode of PH Insights, Spiwak, a pulmonary hypertension and interstitial lung disease patient, joins Hamoud to discuss the impact of PH-ILD on daily life and the importance of exercise or physical activity to manage the condition. Homoud and Spiwak share the importance of support and maintaining a positive attitude while living with a chronic illness. The episode concludes with advice for seeking early medical help and a message of hope.

In this episode of PH Insights, Homoud discusses the connection between pulmonary hypertension and interstitial lung disease. ILD is a group of disorders that cause scarring (fibrosis) or inflammation of lung tissue, leading to stiffened lungs and difficulty breathing. People with ILD may develop pulmonary hypertension due to a stiff left side of the heart or sleep apnea. Homoud explains the development of PH in ILD, a rare condition that affects about 30% of patients. He also discusses the diagnostic process for both conditions and available treatment options, including medications, oxygen therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation. He also emphasizes the importance of early detection and encourages patients to work closely with their medical team.

In this episode, we hear from Monica Penaranda, who has been living with pulmonary arterial hypertension for 27 years. Diagnosed while pregnant, Penaranda shares her diagnosis journey and discusses the importance of perseverance, proper medical care and finding joy while living with PH. Jenny Yang explains how pregnancy can often reveal undiagnosed PAH, highlighting the critical importance of early detection and specialized care. Tune in to hear Penaranda’s inspiring journey and how advancements in PAH treatment have supported her along the way.

Pulmonary hypertension is a complex and underdiagnosed condition that affects the blood vessels in the lungs. Blood vessels can become stiff, damaged or narrow, causing the right side of the heart to work harder to pump blood through. In this inaugural episode of PH Insights, Jenny Yang provides a comprehensive overview of PH, its classifications and common misconceptions associated with the condition. Listen now for valuable insights into PH and new advancements in research and treatment that offer hope to people with PH.