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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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In this episode I’m sharing my thoughts and reflections on the 10-year anniversary of my “Event of the Heart.” Which was on January 17th, 2016

What I’ve come to realize is that I’m not just a Heart Attack Survivor—I’m a HEART ATTACK THRIVER.

I can laugh about it now, but I also know that life is always testing us, always challenging us to see how badly we really want what we think we want. I wouldn’t change a thing. I truly believe this happened for my higher good, and I know I’m living in my purpose when I’m helping others—when I’m using my platform to raise awareness about the #1 killer of men and women worldwide. Yes—more than all cancers combined.

Cardiovascular DIS-EASE, as I like to call it, is treatable. It can be prevented and even reversed. Eat better. Move your body. Exercise. Know your family history. Get tested. Know your numbers. Know the signs and symptoms of a heart attack—and most importantly, listen to your body. It’s always talking to us.

If you have unusual pain in your shoulder, neck, or jaw—go to the emergency room immediately. Don’t wait. Time is muscle.

and if you’ve had a heart attack and feel paralyzed by fear, stress, or anxiety—know that you are not alone. There is help. And you get to choose how you move forward. You get to choose whether what happened defines you—or fuels you.

As I often say:

You can use what happened as rocket fuel to propel you toward your best life and best self….or treat it like an anchor that holds you back.

At the end of the day, it’s up to you. And you get to choose.

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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On November 25, 2025 Mark was in the Gym doing a routine work out when suddenly he started to feel unwell! He stopped exercising and sat down in the Spin Cycle room and things went away, and he was able to finish his workout. When he went to go home when he started to feel tightness in his chest at once at home things progressed rapidly for Mark so much so that his father called 911!

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