The Heart Attack Thriver Podcast

Brian Simpson
  • 5.0 (10)
  • Mental Health
  • Weekly

The sharing of stories is often underrated in the healing journey after a heart attack—or any near-death experience. This platform exists to create a safe, supportive space for those who have experienced an “Event of the Heart” to share their stories, be seen, and continue healing. I believe we all carry medicine within our hearts, and that our stories are often the medicine someone else needs to receive. Through conversations with survivors, medical experts, healthcare providers, dietitians, and holistic practitioners, we explore how storytelling, yoga, meditation, breath-work, and mind-body practices can help reduce stress and anxiety—and ultimately support the prevention of cardiovascular dis-ease. A podcast dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular disease—the #1 killer of men and women worldwide. This platform was created as a safe space for heart attack survivors to share their powerful stories of survival, resilience, and transformation. Our conversations dive deep into the emotional journey that follows a near‑death experience—battling fear, stress, and anxiety—and how people find their way from merely surviving to truly thriving… Together, we aim to change the narrative, break the silence, and show that life after a heart attack can be full, vibrant, and filled with purpose.

  1. 5d ago

    In this weeks Episode I share my personal Plant Based Lifestyle that I started 8 yrs ago!

    I’d love to hear from you in Fan Mail In this Episode I talk about my "Why", I share some of my learnings and the things I did that I would not recommend you try on your journey and how important it is to start slow and allow you body to adjust and adapt to eating a whole food plant based Lifestyle!  Support the show Thank you for listening and please be sure to hit “SUBSCRIBE”, and “SHARE” this podcast with anyone that you feel could benefit from it. If you’d like to reach me for support or to leave a comment or feedback, please send an email to:  heartattackthriver@icloud.com Podcast Disclaimer: The information and opinions presented in the Heart Attack Thriver Podcast is not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical advice. While the information provided on this Podcast relates to medical issues, and health and wellness, the information is not a substitute for medical advice from a Medical Professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. #heartattack #heartattacksurvivor #heartattackprevention #awarenessiseverything #knowthesigns #knowthesymptoms #knowyourfamilyhistory #listentoyourbody #itsnotalwaystextbooksymptoms #seekhelpimmediately #breathe #listentoyourheart #listentoyourbody #theheartattackthriver #theheartthriverpodcast

  2. Oct 19

    Retired Professional Cyclist Phil Gaimon and I talk his about his cycling career, our mutual love of riding bikes, and our "WHY"!!

    I’d love to hear from you in Fan Mail I often share how doctors told me the day after my heart attack that "CYCLING SAVED MY LIFE!!" and I will never lose site of that and will continue to ride bikes and push myself and my body until the day I can no longer turn over the pedals!! So in this week's Episode, I'm moving slightly off topic with my recent  conversation with Phil Gaimon talking about our love of cycling, what riding was for us when we were much younger, and how later in life we both developed a passion for riding and racing!  Phil has segwayed his Pro cycling career into a very successful Cycling Event Organizer hosting Phil's Cookie Fondo in Malibu and Thousand Oaks California, and Whisky Tango Fondo in Lone Pine and the Alabama Hills, California (near the Sierra Nevada foothills)  along side this he has a very successful YouTube Channel known as "The Worst Retirement Ever!!"  which captures Phil Travelling all over the world as a Strava KOM (King of the Mountain) hunter!! I hope you enjoy our conversation!! Brian Support the show Thank you for listening and please be sure to hit “SUBSCRIBE”, and “SHARE” this podcast with anyone that you feel could benefit from it. If you’d like to reach me for support or to leave a comment or feedback, please send an email to:  heartattackthriver@icloud.com Podcast Disclaimer: The information and opinions presented in the Heart Attack Thriver Podcast is not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical advice. While the information provided on this Podcast relates to medical issues, and health and wellness, the information is not a substitute for medical advice from a Medical Professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. #heartattack #heartattacksurvivor #heartattackprevention #awarenessiseverything #knowthesigns #knowthesymptoms #knowyourfamilyhistory #listentoyourbody #itsnotalwaystextbooksymptoms #seekhelpimmediately #breathe #listentoyourheart #listentoyourbody #theheartattackthriver #theheartthriverpodcast

  3. Oct 12

    Keagan Oelofse suffered a heart attack in 2024 at the age of 32 which led to a struggle with fear and anxiety! Thankfully Keagan was able to turn his fear and anxiety into Forward Motion!

    I’d love to hear from you in Fan Mail In September of 2024 while travelling back to China from South Africa, Keagan began to experience crushing chest pain during his first layover.  Thankfully he was able to safely get back to his home in China and eventually got the care he needed thanks to Advanced Chinese Cardiac care!  Support the show Thank you for listening and please be sure to hit “SUBSCRIBE”, and “SHARE” this podcast with anyone that you feel could benefit from it. If you’d like to reach me for support or to leave a comment or feedback, please send an email to:  heartattackthriver@icloud.com Podcast Disclaimer: The information and opinions presented in the Heart Attack Thriver Podcast is not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical advice. While the information provided on this Podcast relates to medical issues, and health and wellness, the information is not a substitute for medical advice from a Medical Professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. #heartattack #heartattacksurvivor #heartattackprevention #awarenessiseverything #knowthesigns #knowthesymptoms #knowyourfamilyhistory #listentoyourbody #itsnotalwaystextbooksymptoms #seekhelpimmediately #breathe #listentoyourheart #listentoyourbody #theheartattackthriver #theheartthriverpodcast

  4. Oct 5

    Retired Army Colonel Brian Cook shares how surviving 4 Cardiac Arrests impacted his life and how he views the world!

    I’d love to hear from you in Fan Mail Brian is a retired Army Colonel and the author of the Amazon Best Seller "Set Your Table" where Brian lays out a plan for success in any arena using the tools he writes about in his book!   Watch my YouTube recording with Brian here:  https://youtu.be/k3SozH2ww7c Its a powerful conversation I know you are going to enjoy! You can contact Brian via email:  Couragesix@icloud.com You can buy Brian's book "Set Your Table" directly on Amazon Support the show Thank you for listening and please be sure to hit “SUBSCRIBE”, and “SHARE” this podcast with anyone that you feel could benefit from it. If you’d like to reach me for support or to leave a comment or feedback, please send an email to:  heartattackthriver@icloud.com Podcast Disclaimer: The information and opinions presented in the Heart Attack Thriver Podcast is not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical advice. While the information provided on this Podcast relates to medical issues, and health and wellness, the information is not a substitute for medical advice from a Medical Professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. #heartattack #heartattacksurvivor #heartattackprevention #awarenessiseverything #knowthesigns #knowthesymptoms #knowyourfamilyhistory #listentoyourbody #itsnotalwaystextbooksymptoms #seekhelpimmediately #breathe #listentoyourheart #listentoyourbody #theheartattackthriver #theheartthriverpodcast

  5. Sep 26

    Meet David Wilson who at 45, survived a Widow-Maker heart attack and turned his recovery into a MISSION to help others.

    I’d love to hear from you in Fan Mail In 2017, David suffered a life-threatening heart attack—an experience that profoundly changed the way he thought about heart health, prevention, recovery, and life after a cardiac event. Years later, David founded Cardio Natural and CardioConnect to help others become more informed and engaged in their heart-health journey through practical education, natural wellness, healthy lifestyle support, and evidence-informed resources. CardioConnect, is a community where heart attack survivors, families, and prevention-minded adults can connect, learn, and support one another. David’s mission is simple: use what he has lived through to help others ask better questions, make informed choices, and feel less alone on their heart-health journey. You can contact David via email at   david@cardionatural.com Support the show Thank you for listening and please be sure to hit “SUBSCRIBE”, and “SHARE” this podcast with anyone that you feel could benefit from it. If you’d like to reach me for support or to leave a comment or feedback, please send an email to:  heartattackthriver@icloud.com Podcast Disclaimer: The information and opinions presented in the Heart Attack Thriver Podcast is not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical advice. While the information provided on this Podcast relates to medical issues, and health and wellness, the information is not a substitute for medical advice from a Medical Professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. #heartattack #heartattacksurvivor #heartattackprevention #awarenessiseverything #knowthesigns #knowthesymptoms #knowyourfamilyhistory #listentoyourbody #itsnotalwaystextbooksymptoms #seekhelpimmediately #breathe #listentoyourheart #listentoyourbody #theheartattackthriver #theheartthriverpodcast

  6. Sep 14

    In this Episode Dr. Justin Grant talks about the heart attack he had just over a year ago at the young age of 37!!

    I’d love to hear from you in Fan Mail Dr. Justin Grant is a Sports Medicine Physician from Colorado and describes himself as a life lifelong athlete. Just over a year ago in July of 2025, Justin was competing in a 21 km Spartan Race when he began experiencing what they now know were symptoms of a heart attack.  Thankfully Justin was able to complete the event. It's a great conversation with lots of takeaways and I know you will enjoy hearing Justin’s story! To listen to "Not Done" -   by Tyson James & Hannah Barr click on the links below   Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/ca/album/not-done-single/1761330760 Spotify:   https://open.spotify.com/track/2xzebBSgdlrImjcDYfFRTn?si=qBNj8iciSM-FV2FPnjGT0g&utm_source=copy-link If you wish to contact Justin you can do so via email:  dr.grant.sportsmedicine@gmail.com  Support the show Thank you for listening and please be sure to hit “SUBSCRIBE”, and “SHARE” this podcast with anyone that you feel could benefit from it. If you’d like to reach me for support or to leave a comment or feedback, please send an email to:  heartattackthriver@icloud.com Podcast Disclaimer: The information and opinions presented in the Heart Attack Thriver Podcast is not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical advice. While the information provided on this Podcast relates to medical issues, and health and wellness, the information is not a substitute for medical advice from a Medical Professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. #heartattack #heartattacksurvivor #heartattackprevention #awarenessiseverything #knowthesigns #knowthesymptoms #knowyourfamilyhistory #listentoyourbody #itsnotalwaystextbooksymptoms #seekhelpimmediately #breathe #listentoyourheart #listentoyourbody #theheartattackthriver #theheartthriverpodcast

  7. Sep 6

    On this weeks episode I'm in conversation with fellow Canuck Mike Baldesarra who has a shockingly similar Heart Attack story to mine that he shares!

    I’d love to hear from you in Fan Mail Mike reached out to me after finding my "The Heart Attack Thriver Podcast!" Mike shared a bit of his journey with me and a few weeks later we sat down to record this episode!   Its crazy looking back on how different, yet similar our stories are!    Mike is great guy, well spoken and he to as accepted the call to share his powerful story!   I hope you enjoy it!! With much Love and Gratitude! Brian Mike has asked me to include his personal email address here so that anyone interested in learning more about him and  his journey  you can reach out to him directly! baldesarra.mike@gmail.com Support the show Thank you for listening and please be sure to hit “SUBSCRIBE”, and “SHARE” this podcast with anyone that you feel could benefit from it. If you’d like to reach me for support or to leave a comment or feedback, please send an email to:  heartattackthriver@icloud.com Podcast Disclaimer: The information and opinions presented in the Heart Attack Thriver Podcast is not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical advice. While the information provided on this Podcast relates to medical issues, and health and wellness, the information is not a substitute for medical advice from a Medical Professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. #heartattack #heartattacksurvivor #heartattackprevention #awarenessiseverything #knowthesigns #knowthesymptoms #knowyourfamilyhistory #listentoyourbody #itsnotalwaystextbooksymptoms #seekhelpimmediately #breathe #listentoyourheart #listentoyourbody #theheartattackthriver #theheartthriverpodcast

  8. Aug 29

    In this weeks episode, I'm in conversation with Heart Attack Thriver Sherri Rice from Lexington Kentucky

    I’d love to hear from you in Fan Mail Sherri shares her powerful Heart Attack Story and to the female listeners out there this is an episode you DO NOT want miss!! You can contact Sherri via email @sagr01@yahoo.com Reach out and show her some love for being so brave to share her story!! 🙌🏻💫✨ Support the show Thank you for listening and please be sure to hit “SUBSCRIBE”, and “SHARE” this podcast with anyone that you feel could benefit from it. If you’d like to reach me for support or to leave a comment or feedback, please send an email to:  heartattackthriver@icloud.com Podcast Disclaimer: The information and opinions presented in the Heart Attack Thriver Podcast is not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical advice. While the information provided on this Podcast relates to medical issues, and health and wellness, the information is not a substitute for medical advice from a Medical Professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. #heartattack #heartattacksurvivor #heartattackprevention #awarenessiseverything #knowthesigns #knowthesymptoms #knowyourfamilyhistory #listentoyourbody #itsnotalwaystextbooksymptoms #seekhelpimmediately #breathe #listentoyourheart #listentoyourbody #theheartattackthriver #theheartthriverpodcast

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5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

The sharing of stories is often underrated in the healing journey after a heart attack—or any near-death experience. This platform exists to create a safe, supportive space for those who have experienced an “Event of the Heart” to share their stories, be seen, and continue healing. I believe we all carry medicine within our hearts, and that our stories are often the medicine someone else needs to receive. Through conversations with survivors, medical experts, healthcare providers, dietitians, and holistic practitioners, we explore how storytelling, yoga, meditation, breath-work, and mind-body practices can help reduce stress and anxiety—and ultimately support the prevention of cardiovascular dis-ease. A podcast dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular disease—the #1 killer of men and women worldwide. This platform was created as a safe space for heart attack survivors to share their powerful stories of survival, resilience, and transformation. Our conversations dive deep into the emotional journey that follows a near‑death experience—battling fear, stress, and anxiety—and how people find their way from merely surviving to truly thriving… Together, we aim to change the narrative, break the silence, and show that life after a heart attack can be full, vibrant, and filled with purpose.

Information

  • Creator
    Brian Simpson
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    125
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Heart Attack Thriver Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Heart Attack Thriver Podcast

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