Episode 7 - The 757 Renaissance Man on his journey with the LVAD

Living with Heart Disease

We are more than just heart failure. We have heart failure, but it is not a limit on who we are as people. We are multitalented and dimensional. Without a doubt, we should enjoy our lives. Our talk today is about living with humor and giving life your all.

Welcome to Living with Heart Disease. Listen to the patients, support systems, and care providers who have resolved to become healthier. Join host Somaneh Bouba as we share challenges and triumphs. Discover what it means to survive and thrive with heart conditions.

Today’s main guest is Shawn Connors, an LVAD-enabled man, avid heart health educator, and enthusiastic advocate. Shawn is a self-proclaimed Renaissance Man. In his own words, he explains that “a Renaissance Man is a man who is skilled at all tasks he attempts and has wide-ranging knowledge in many fields.” He shares his thoughts and insights on his two podcasts: the LVAD Talk podcast and the Renaissance Man 757 podcast.

Born with a heart condition, Shawn had open heart surgery at 3 years old during a time when it was not a common procedure to do on children. Doctors told his parents he’d be lucky to see his teenage years. Decades later, Shawn is a family man living his life to the fullest. Shawn is a widow/single father, computer nerd, gamer, Christian, sneakerhead, and foodie.

During this live discussion, we speak about what it’s like to be in the journey alongside someone living with heart disease. Shawn’s family shares their thoughts and curiosities in this chance to speak transparently about the journey. We also have an engineer of heart technology who opens a moment for us to give feedback on what innovations could help us in the future.

Laughter is Shawn’s therapy, and he is spreading his zest for life with us all. Listen as we talk about fatherhood with heart disease, Black History, and an LVAD vs. a transplant. Enjoy this conversation that reminds us to make everyday a good day.

Timestamps:

[02:35] - Shawn Connors shares where the name “757 Renaissance Man” came from.

[06:44] - Shawn speaks about his parents’ role in his heart journey. How did they influence Shawn as he grew up managing heart disease?

[10:46] - How much did faith mean in Shawn’s journey? He talks about how God knows what you need before you need it.

[18:57] - Bouba and Shawn discuss how their heart disease journey influences their dedication as fathers. What mindset helps them stay grounded?

[24:57] - Shawn talks about prepping for the LVAD.

[30:39] - What are the differences between getting a LVAD or a transplant?

[37:15] - Shawn describes the mutual effort to support his wife through pancreatic cancer.

[42:17] - How can you make the most out of life after unexpected difficulties?

[49:46] - Bouba and Shawn talk about the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys.

[55:28] - Do you want to be a Renaissance Man?

[01:03:36] - Shawn gives his thoughts on success and happiness.

[01:09:41] - Shawn talks about Black history, the current times, and hope for the upcoming generations.

[01:16:50] - Who is in our live audience today? Listen to our audience discuss being a spouse of heart disease and technology for heart conditions.

[01:28:22] - Make everyday a good day.

Links/ Resources:

Shawn Connors

LVAD Talk podcast

Renaissance Man 757 podcast

Heart of a Giant

Heart of a Giant Foundation (HGF)

Heart of a Giant on Heart-Failure.Net