A Big Heart

Aug 31 2023 1

A Big Heart Podcast artwork

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!

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Heart Disease Patient: Tamar Gevorkian

Aug 31 2023 30 mins

Welcome to "A Big Heart," the podcast that shares inspiring stories of resilience, courage, and the power of the human spirit. In each episode, we dive deep into the lives of individuals who have faced incredible challenges and emerged stronger than ever. Join us as we explore the transformative journey of Tamar Gevorkian, a true embodiment of courage and compassion. In t

Heart Transplant Recipient & Cardiologist: Dr. Colby Salerno

Jul 09 2023 38 mins

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Colby Salerno, an extraordinary individual who has not only overcome personal health challenges but is also on the path to becoming a renowned cardiologist. Dr. Colby Salerno's journey began in middle school when he was diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, a rare heart condition that threatened to restrict his dreams and passions. Ag

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survivor Julieta Valdes & her sister Patty Valdes

May 29 2023 38 mins

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 ex

Tori Geiger

Jan 08 2022 23 mins

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. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mike-papale/message

Too Many Young People Are Dying From Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Nov 09 2021 16 mins

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 sud

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

Sep 20 2021 59 mins

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/. --- Send in a voice message: https

Tess Kossow - Cardiac Arrest Survivor, Author, & Advocate

Sep 13 2021 49 mins

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

Book Release: A Big Heart

Aug 20 2021 15 mins

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,

My Surgery Last Week

Aug 17 2021 21 mins

I had surgery last Thursday, August 12, to replace the generator in my Boston Scientific ICD. In this episode, we talk about my experience with surgery from leading up to the day, the actual surgery, and recovery. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mike-papale/message

My Personal Exercise Journey

Jul 11 2021 20 mins

In this episode, we discuss my personal exercise journey after my sudden cardiac arrest at the age of 17. Exercise is an important conversation for heart disease patients and everyone is different. You might not have the same exercise journey as me, but I hope you can learn from some of the things I have experienced and allow them to have a positive impact on your life. --- Send i