The Heart Attack Thriver Podcast

Brian Simpson
  • 5.0 (10)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED 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 Episode I'm in conversation with Psychotherapist and former Paramedic Patrick Callaghan

    Send us Fan Mail Patrick and I recently reconnected thru Social Media which is always super fascinating to me given we now live over 5000 miles away from each other!   I first met Patrick thru 911 Hockey in Lindsay, ON, Canada when he was a Paramedic and I was a Pharmaceutical Rep or "Drug Dealer" as I know jokingly refer my career back then! Patrick in now a licensed Psychotherapist at KORR Performance and Psychotherapy in Kingston, ON, Canada. In this episode Patrick and I discuss  mental health, the power of a positive mindset, meditation as medication and how Box Breathing can help reduce stress, anxiety and fear!! You can contact Patrick via email:  pat@korrmentalmindset.com Website: yourkorr.ca 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

    25 min

  2. MAY 7

    In this Episode I share my thoughts on Spirituality and what that means to me!

    Send us Fan Mail What is Spirituality?   Is it a Buzzword?  Does it encapsulate religion, woo-woo?   Is there a Higher Power at work?   Is it all BS?? or is there more to it?? 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

    22 min

  3. MAY 1

    In this weeks Episode I have Firefighter Randy Feltner back on the Pod!

    Send us Fan Mail I first interviewed Randy back in 2022—hard to believe it’s already been that long. Randy is truly a kindred spirit. He continues to inspire and educate others in the fire service by bravely sharing his heart attack story. His journey has reached thousands of men and women across the country, as he travels to speak and raise awareness. Heart attacks remain the #1 killer in the fire service. That reality has to change. We need more conversations, more education, and more action to shift this narrative and protect those who dedicate their lives to protecting us. If you'd like Randy to speak at your workplace or organization you can contact him via email.. randolph.feltner@gmail.com 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

    32 min

  4. APR 25

    It was an honour to have UHN Dietitian Veronica Rouse back on the podcast talking about what a Heart Healthy Diet looks like!

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode I'm in conversation with Toronto Dietitian Veronica Rouse who works at the University Health Network and is part of the amazing Cardiac Rehab Team at Toronto Sunnybrook Hospital (for context it was at Toronto Sunnybrook’s Cardiac Rehab Center where they put me thru a full on VO2 Max test on a stationary bicycle under the supervision an care of  with Dr. Paul Oh and his amazing team Cardiac Rehab team!   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

    28 min

  5. APR 18

    Jamie Whitehouse of CP+R a UK Based Cardiac Rehab Organization

    Send us Fan Mail This week on T.H.A.T. I’ll be in conversation with Jamie Whitehouse, @jphysiologist who is Head of Partnerships for CP+R that operates out of the UK providing in-person and virtual Cardiac Rehab.  Jamie has an extensive background in Cardiac Rehab working in the field since 2013.  Jamie manages the Clinical Nursing team, the assessment centre and leads their client onboarding process working directly with the Cardiologists, Surgeons and Cardiac Nurses on a daily basis helping patients who recently suffered a cardiac event or procedure. A typical day for Jamie involves speaking to patients 1:1 to help reassure them and explain what the treatment plan is and what to expect. CP+R on Instagram:   @cpandr Website: www.cpandr.co.uk Jamie Whitehouse:  referrals@cpandr.co.uk 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

    36 min

  6. APR 16

    Holly Morell from Heart Felt Screening shares their mission and there "WHY"

    Send us Fan Mail In this week’s episode, I’m sitting down with Holly Morrell, the founder of Heartfelt Screening—and this conversation hit me on a really deep level. As someone who’s lived through a heart attack, I know how powerful awareness and early detection can be… and how different life can look when you get a second chance. For over 26 years, Holly and her grassroots organization have been on a mission to screen young men and women for the risk of Sudden Cardiac Arrest. To date, they’ve screened more than 65,000 kids… and when you really stop and think about that, it’s not just a number—it’s thousands of opportunities to catch something before it becomes life-threatening. Because the truth is, Sudden Cardiac Arrest in young people is far more common than most of us realize. This conversation is about prevention, purpose, and what it means to dedicate your life to protecting others—before they ever know they’re at risk. To make a Donation to this very worthy cause please visit https://heartfeltscreening.org/ 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

    28 min

  7. APR 10

    A Tribute to Heart Warrior Leigh Pechillo

    Send us Fan Mail In this Episode / Public Service Announcement I share the sad news that Leigh Pechillo passed away April 2, 2026 Leigh was a Heart Warrior, she had the brightest smile and the greatest laugh and always seemed to find the bright side of things which is something I really admired in her.  Leigh was one of my early guests and here Podcast recording happened back in 2022 in the midst of Covid-19 Leigh was a passionate volunteer for the American Heart Association, The Were Red for Women Campaign and was an advocate for “Hands Only CPR” as it was CPR done by a stranger that saved Leigh’s life when she had here “Event of the Heart!”   RIP Leigh…. You will be missed! Brian 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

    12 min

  8. APR 3

    Talking about Kindness with Darren Gingras

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I sit down with Toronto-based divorce lawyer Darren Gringras, whose recent Instagram post on “Kindness” quickly went viral. I came across Darren’s post and was immediately struck—not just by what he said, but by how deeply it resonated with me. It felt especially meaningful given my own journey. After my heart attack, I created a second Instagram account called The Kindfulness Coach, inspired by a Buddhist monk I met at a meditation and mindfulness conference in Toronto. He had written a book titled Kindfulness, a concept that stayed with me. For a long time, I poured energy into that account, but like many things, it became challenging to manage alongside everything else, and I stepped away from it. Now, I’m feeling called to bring it back to life—especially as I continue to grow and evolve (even if I’m still not the most IG-savvy person out there!). I hope you enjoy my conversation with Darren as much as I did. You can find Darren on Instagram @thecommonsensedivorce — be sure to check him out! 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

    35 min
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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
    109
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Heart Attack Thriver Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Heart Attack Thriver Podcast

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