Dr. Jonathan Fisher, MD, FACC, is a globally recognized cardiologist and best-selling author of Just One Heart. As a Harvard and Mt. Sinai-trained physician, he integrates physical and emotional healing in cardiac care. After overcoming personal burnout, Dr. Fisher now leads well-being programs for large organizations and speaks internationally on stress reduction and mindfulness. Named one of Charlotte’s “Best Doctors,” he also contributes to Mindful.org. He lives in Charlotte, NC, with his family, dedicated to helping others “train the mind and heal the heart.”

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Show Notes

• “The mind-heart connection is essential; we can’t expect that we’re just going to exercise, eat right, and be healthy, and run a multimillion dollar business and not avoid having a heart attack from all the stress we’re ignoring.” [11:45] Guest, Dr. Jonathan Fisher, describes the core message behind Just One Heart. Caring for the mind-heart connection within yourself AND between our peers with our physiological responses and influences.

• “If I have to face you [a cardiologist], that means I’m having heart issues. But if I can manage the heart through those 4 dimensions—physical, emotional, social and spiritual—and live the kind of life, having the proper balance that addresses those 4 areas…this is life-changing.” [17:34] Host Marcel Schwantes responds to Dr. Fisher’s explanation on how cardiologists should be gauging heart health with their short 7 minutes of face-to-face time in the patient exam room.

• “People who don’t have a sense of their core purpose and meaning and transcendent sense of belonging in life… Those people are at higher risk of dying young from heart diseases.” [26:02] Dr. Fisher elaborates on the heart crisis of today riddled with obesity, depression, anxiety, loneliness, and loss of purpose. This ‘Doom and Gloom’ only proves to emphasize the extreme need to focus on multidimensional heart health. 

• “I didn’t want to just avoid being sick. I wanted to live a good life.” [30:55] As he sets up the support for the message in his book, Dr. Fisher explains the 7 traits of a healthy heart that go beyond physical health. All listed in an intentional and meaningful order: Steadiness, Wisdom, Openness, Wholeness, Courage, Lightness, and Warmth.

• “We are often so harsh with ourselves… that it spills over and affects others negatively, and we don’t know it until people tell us. So it begins by examining the way we speak to ourselves and treat ourselves. And we begin by treating ourselves with love and kindness.” [44:25] Working his way through the 7 traits from the book, Dr. Fisher poses step-by-step questions to assess and work on your heart. 

• “If I can just pause and be a little gentler to myself and treat myself with some ease and lightness, there’s this amazing spillover effect that everyone else around me can feel.” [48:12] As Marcel and Dr. Fisher close out their conversation, Dr. Fisher reminds and encourages listeners to be kind to yourself. It goes a long way.

The Book:

Mentioned in this episode:

• Jonathan Fisher, MD, FACC
• Instagram – @happyheartMD
• Jonathan Fisher on LinkedIn 
• Just One Heart: A Cardiologist’s Guide to Healing, Health, and Happiness: Fisher M.D., Jonathan: 9781636760001
• Episode 223: Dr. James Doty: The Neuroscience of Manifestation
• Episode 224: Dr. Rollin McCraty: The Science of the Heart (And What It Means for Leaders)
• Marcel Schwantes on LinkedIn
• Marcel Schwantes

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