I would love to hear from you, just send me text and let me know what you think of the podcast.

In this episode of Sax in the Morning, I share one of the most personal experiences of my life — my recent open-heart surgery and the diagnosis that changed everything.

Despite a lifetime of fitness and no symptoms, I discovered I had severe heart disease, including a 99% blockage in a critical artery. It was a wake-up call I never saw coming.

I’m joined by Dr. Kamal Kolappa, cardiologist and Senior Medical Officer at Alignment Health, who breaks down what happened, why it happened, and what every listener should understand about heart health today.

We talk about the reality of modern heart surgery, the importance of early detection, and how coordinated care — from insurance to hospital to recovery — can make all the difference in both outcomes and peace of mind.

This conversation is about more than my story. It’s about what you can do right now to protect your health — before it’s too late.

🔑 What We Cover:

• How someone can be 99% blocked with no symptoms
• The role of family history in heart disease risk
• When doctors choose bypass surgery vs. stents
• What open-heart surgery is really like today
• Why outcomes have improved 40–50% in the last 20 years
• The importance of cardiac rehab and recovery discipline
• How Alignment Health simplifies a complex healthcare journey
• The biggest warning signs people ignore
• What you can do today to prevent heart disease

💡 Key Takeaway:

Heart disease doesn’t always announce itself — but the right care, the right plan, and the right decisions can save your life.

To learn more about how Alignment Health my work for you visit: https://www.alignmenthealthplan.com/

Chapter Summaries

00:00 – Steve Sax’s Shocking Heart Diagnosis (No Symptoms)
02:45 – Family History & Hidden Risk of Heart Disease
06:30 – When Do You Need Heart Surgery vs. Stents?
10:30 – What Open-Heart Surgery Is Really Like Today
14:30 – Recovery, Cardiac Rehab & Returning to Normal Life
18:30 – How Alignment Health Simplifies the Care Process
22:00 – Warning Signs, Prevention & What You Should Do Now

Remember, Sax in the Morning swag is now available on my Instagram site. Go to "Sax in the Morning" underscore podcast. (saxinthemorning_podcast)You'll see it right there on the Instagram and just hit the link. Everything's there Mugs, hats, tumblers you name it.

I would love to hear from you, just send me text and let me know what you think of the podcast.

What if enduring life's hardest moments could lead you to a new purpose? This episode we explore the inspiring journey of Dave Drevecky, a former ace pitcher for the San Francisco Giants, whose career was dramatically altered by a cancer diagnosis. Despite reaching the highest echelons of professional baseball, Dave faced the unimaginable when he was told he might never pitch again. However, his relentless determination saw him return to the mound triumphantly, only to suffer yet another heartbreaking setback. Dave's story is one of resilience, transformation, and ultimately, finding a deeper meaning beyond the baseball field.

Listen to how Dave Drevecky transformed personal tragedy into a mission of hope and inspiration for others. His journey wasn't just about overcoming cancer and the end of a cherished career; it was about embracing vulnerability, confronting his own anger and grief, and redefining what it means to succeed. Through years of hard work and counseling, Dave found a new path, one driven by faith, joy, and service to others. His story challenges us all to look beyond our struggles and find empowerment in our response to life's challenges. Tune in to hear the powerful lessons Dave learned and how they might just change your perspective too.

Remember, Sax in the Morning swag is now available on my Instagram site. Go to "Sax in the Morning" underscore podcast. (saxinthemorning_podcast)You'll see it right there on the Instagram and just hit the link. Everything's there Mugs, hats, tumblers you name it.

I would love to hear from you, just send me text and let me know what you think of the podcast.

Ever wondered what makes a leader truly exceptional? I want to unpacks the essence of leadership with insights from Adam Galinsky's groundbreaking research featured in the Harvard Business Review. Adam's journey began in the tumultuous times of the 2009 global financial collapse, where he observed a CEO lead with unparalleled empathy and transparency. This episode shines a light on the crucial traits of being a visionary, an exemplar, and a mentor, offering listeners a roadmap to inspire and lead effectively, whether at work or in personal pursuits.

Listeners will discover how the repetition of a clear vision can foster alignment and understanding within a team, and the importance of leading by example to build credibility and trust. Steve shares anecdotes that illustrate the impact of empowering others through mentorship, highlighting studies that reveal how involving team members in meaningful ways can elevate productivity and satisfaction. Adopting these principles can create a thriving environment for everyone involved, equipping you with the tools to elevate your leadership skills and inspire those around you. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your approach to leadership and ignite positive change.

Remember, Sax in the Morning swag is now available on my Instagram site. Go to "Sax in the Morning" underscore podcast. (saxinthemorning_podcast)You'll see it right there on the Instagram and just hit the link. Everything's there Mugs, hats, tumblers you name it.