24 episodes

A Big Heart is a podcast about living with heart disease. When Mike Papale was 17 years old he was seemingly healthy and being recruited to play basketball in college. On August 24, 2006, while working at a basketball camp, Mike slumped over and went into sudden cardiac arrest. There was no AED on site and doctors have said his chances of survival were one in a million. He was later diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM). Mike is currently the President & CEO of In A Heartbeat, a nonprofit organization with the mission to prevent death from sudden cardiac arrest. This podcast will dissect the physical and emotional obstacles that a patient endures while living with heart disease. The goal is to help heart disease patients of all ages live a long and normal life!

A Big Heart Mike Papale

    • Health & Fitness
    • 5.0 • 24 Ratings

A Big Heart is a podcast about living with heart disease. When Mike Papale was 17 years old he was seemingly healthy and being recruited to play basketball in college. On August 24, 2006, while working at a basketball camp, Mike slumped over and went into sudden cardiac arrest. There was no AED on site and doctors have said his chances of survival were one in a million. He was later diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM). Mike is currently the President & CEO of In A Heartbeat, a nonprofit organization with the mission to prevent death from sudden cardiac arrest. This podcast will dissect the physical and emotional obstacles that a patient endures while living with heart disease. The goal is to help heart disease patients of all ages live a long and normal life!

    Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survivor Julieta Valdes & her sister Patty Valdes

    Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survivor Julieta Valdes & her sister Patty Valdes

    In the compelling podcast series "A Big Heart," join us as we dive into the extraordinary story of Julieta Valdes and her sister Patty Valdes. In one fateful moment, Julieta's life changed forever when she suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while working out alongside Patty on that unforgettable day, May 3, 2020.

    In this episode, we sit down with Julieta and Patty to explore the depths of their experience, from the life Julieta led before the sudden cardiac arrest to the physical and emotional obstacles she has faced on her road to recovery. As we navigate through their inspiring journey, we gain a profound understanding of the human spirit's resilience and the power of love and support in the face of adversity.

    Julieta's sudden cardiac arrest not only challenged her physically but also tested the strength and endurance of Patty, who bravely stood by her sister's side. We delve into the complexities of the trauma Patty endured as she watched her beloved sister fight for her life, exploring the emotions, challenges, and unwavering determination that propelled her forward.

    Throughout the conversation, we explore the incredible bond shared between Julieta and Patty, highlighting the unconditional love and unwavering support that has served as their foundation. Their story serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human heart and the remarkable strength that lies within each of us.

    Join us on "A Big Heart" as we embark on this poignant exploration of resilience, hope, and the power of familial love. Be inspired by Julieta and Patty's incredible journey as they overcome adversity, face their fears, and emerge stronger than ever. Through their story, we learn valuable lessons about the importance of cherishing each day and appreciating the profound impact we can have on one another's lives.

    Subscribe to "A Big Heart" now and join us for this transformative and heartwarming podcast experience. Get ready to be moved, inspired, and reminded of the extraordinary strength that resides within every beating heart.


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    • 38 min
    Tori Geiger

    Tori Geiger

    In this episode we sit down with Tori Geiger. Tori is a heart disease patient, former athlete, entrepreneur, and the author of From Vulnerable to Victorious: Turning Your Chronic Illness Into Your Victory Story. Click here to learn more about all of the awesome work Tori is doing.


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    • 23 min
    Too Many Young People Are Dying From Sudden Cardiac Arrest

    Too Many Young People Are Dying From Sudden Cardiac Arrest

    I am frustrated. We are losing too many young people to sudden cardiac arrest. In the last 4 days, I have ready stories about 4 kids under the age of 18 who have died. We need to do better. We need to do more to prevent this from happening. CPR and AEDs are not enough. Young people should be getting electrocardiograms to test their hearts.  23,000 youth are affected each year by sudden cardiac arrest. 1 in 300 youth is walking around with an undiagnosed heart condition (a ticking time bomb). Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death on school campuses. We cannot be reactive and create change when we lose a life. We need to be proactive and act NOW!


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    • 16 min
    Rob Gentile - Heart Attack Survivor, Heart Transplant Survivor & Author

    Rob Gentile - Heart Attack Survivor, Heart Transplant Survivor & Author

    In this episode, we sit down with Rob Gentile and hear his amazing story. Rob is a heart attack survivor and a heart transplant survivor. He is also the author of "Quarks of Light," a book about his near death experience and what he saw that opened his heart. To learn more about Rob and purchase his book, visit https://robagentile.com/. 


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    • 59 min
    Tess Kossow - Cardiac Arrest Survivor, Author, & Advocate

    Tess Kossow - Cardiac Arrest Survivor, Author, & Advocate

    In this episode we hear the inspiring life story of Tess Kossow. Tess suffered sudden cardiac arrest on October 10, 2020 and was very lucky to survive. She also is the author of the I'm Very Ferris series, a children's book that opens the conversation of IVF to children. She has more books coming out soon, is launching a podcast, and is an advocate for the American Heart Association! To learn more about Tess or to purchase her books, visit https://tesskossow.com. 


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    • 49 min
    Book Release: A Big Heart

    Book Release: A Big Heart

    In this episode we announce the exciting news that my memoir, A Big Heart is currently available for pre-order. Visit www.abigheartbook.com to place your order!

    Here is the book description: 

    As a teen, Mike Papale had one dream: to play college basketball. He was laser-focused—training like an Olympic hopeful to make his dream reality. Out of nowhere, his world changed. August 24, 2006, while coaching a summer camp basketball game, he slumped over, unresponsive, turning blue within minutes. He was 17, and had gone into cardiac arrest. With no AED on site, he was given a one in a million chance to survive. 
     He was soon diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, or HCM, which, left undiagnosed and untreated, can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. At the time, he was crushed—processing the life-altering news he would never be able to play competitive basketball again. He quickly realized he was fortunate to be alive, and redefined his life’s purpose.  
     A Big Heart brings the reader on Mike’s story of reinvention, hope, and survival. It is guaranteed to inspire readers to battle adversity and live their BEST life!


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    • 15 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
24 Ratings

24 Ratings

Bob Smith @aortic_adventure ,

Awesome Conversation

Well done Mike. It was great talking to you and I love all of your episodes. Keep up the great, meaningful work! -Bob

alhandgmh ,

Worth your time

Awesome, informative podcast that helps spread awareness of sudden cardiac arrest and HCM

cmeehan20 ,

MUST listen

Amazing story and a MUST listen for anyone who is suffering from heart disease, those who want to hear an inspiring story or someone who wants to hear a great speaker tell his story of living with a health complication. Spread the word!

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