The power of the human spirit to overcome the most daunting of obstacles continues to surprise me on a daily basis. No need to look any further than the Summer Olympics taking place right now. It's worth your time to tune in and watch the athletes show up, take up space and give it their all for themselves, their team and their country. Equally worth your time is watching the pure joy and pride the parents exude as their children take center stage in front of the world.

The news teams are doing an exemplary job at not only capturing the current moment but also telling athlete's stories that led to their Olympic dreams becoming fulfilled, giving meaning, context and purpose to each athlete's journey.

There's always a story behind the story.

And that is what this week's podcast episode captures. The power of story continues to render me speechless each week as I hear of how this podcast is impacting fellow heart patients in real time. New friends are being made through guests' vulnerability to show up, be heard and seen, and be open to miracles through the power of storytelling.

On this week's episode, I interview... John Spilman, a triathlete turned heart patient turned triathlete who shared his incredible story of determination, resilience, and triumph.

John, a seemingly healthy vegan, found himself facing a life-changing diagnosis when he experienced fatigue and shortness of breath. Tests revealed severe blockages in his arteries, necessitating triple bypass surgery. Despite the challenges he faced during recovery, including Afib, John remained focused on his rehabilitation and personal workouts, determined to regain his strength.

A year after his surgery, John achieved a remarkable feat by completing a 70.3 half ironman, proving that with the right mindset and support, it's possible to overcome even the most daunting obstacles. His experience emphasizes the importance of being one's own advocate and prioritizing recovery.

John's journey is far from over, as he now aims to participate in the triple challenge triathlon in August and the Chicago marathon in October. His story serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience of the human spirit, and the power of taking ownership of our personal health.

Throughout the episode, John and I discuss the significance of finding support within the heart surgery community. We both have found inspiration and hope in connecting with and supporting others who have undergone similar experiences.

I invite you to listen to this inspiring episode and join the conversation. If you or someone you know has undergone heart surgery, I encourage you to reach out and share your story. Together, we can create a strong, supportive community that empowers and uplifts one another.

Episode takeaways for you:

• Listen to your body and advocate for your health, even if you lead a healthy lifestyle
• Focus on recovery and pursue your goals, no matter the challenges you face
• Find strength and support within the heart surgery community

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In case no one has told you today,

I love you,

you matter,

and you deserve to take up space and be seen.

Thank you for being here! -Boots