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. You are not alone. Your story matters. Brian

  1. 1D AGO

    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

  2. 3D AGO

    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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. MAR 31

    In this Episode I share my thoughts and reflections on "A DISCONNECTED HEART!"

    Send us Fan Mail Lately I’ve been reflecting on something I didn’t expect to stay with me this long. After a conversation with a coaching client who’s living in constant fear that their heart attack might happen again, I found myself asking… Why didn’t I feel that? And the truth is—it’s not that I felt nothing. I just felt something different. I didn’t see my heart attack as the end… I saw it as a turning point.   I didn’t see my body as broken… I saw it as communicating. And that shift in meaning didn’t leave much room for fear. So maybe the real question isn’t: “What if it happens again?” Maybe it’s: “What is my body asking of me now?” Because there’s a different path available… One where you don’t just survive— You learn to trust, to listen… and to thrive. 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

    9 min

  6. MAR 22

    SCAD Thriver Annie Kalter shares her incredible story of Survival X 2

    Send us Fan Mail In this Episode I am in conversation with SCAD Thriver Annie Kalter who shares her powerful story of not only surviving a heart attack, but how she survived getting hit by a truck in the early morning hours while out walking her dog!   Annie is the epitome of a what I call a TRUE THRIVER!   Her story is one that needs to be shared and heard by the masses and is a powerful wake up call to how we are still not doing enough to give women the same level of care men are getting when it comes to heart attack symptoms (I talk more about this in my recent podcast recording with Cardiologist Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum which is a must listen for any of the female listeners out there! I'm confident you will enjoy Annie's miraculous story!  You can contact Annie via email @ Anniekalter@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

    35 min

  7. MAR 17

    Cardiologist Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum from New York City shares the powerful work she is doing in her practice!

    Send us Fan Mail Dr. Steinbaum is a preventative Cardiologist who is the CEO and Founder of Heart-Tech Health and Adesso and her focus is empowering women to live healthy vital lives through comprehensive heart-centered prevention and wellness. You can learn more about Dr. Steinbaum and her work at: https://www.drsuzannesteinbaum.com/ Get a copy of her book here: https://www.amazon.com/Suzanne-Steinbaums-Heart-Book-Heart-Healthy/dp/1583335420/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=suzanne%20steinbaum&qid=1613433300&sr=8-1 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

  8. MAR 8

    Toronto Sunnybrook Cardiologist and Cardiac Rehab Specialist Dr. Paul Oh

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode I finally reconnect with Dr. Paul Oh  who works at Toronto Sunnybrook Hospital as the lead Cardiologist of their world class Cardiac Rehab Clinic.   I was referred to Dr. Oh by Dr. Katy Shufelt who is the doctor that saved my life 10 years ago!  I will always be grateful that Katy was on call that day as she was a very big part why I refer to myself as "THE HEART ATTACK THRIVER!"  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

    40 min
See All (105)

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. You are not alone. Your story matters. Brian

Information

  • Creator
    Brian Simpson
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    105
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Heart Attack Thriver Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Heart Attack Thriver Podcast

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