Welcome to "Heart of Hope," a powerful and inspiring podcast that delves into the extraordinary life of Jana Bonassi. A former dancer, dance teacher, personal trainer, and sport dietitian, Jana's life took a dramatic turn when she survived a cardiac arrest at the age of 33, thanks to the quick actions of her husband and family who performed CPR and used an AED. Her cardiac arrest was caused by a rare genetic disease, a challenge she faced with immense strength and resilience.
Crowned Mrs. Florida American in 2024, Jana is a beacon of hope, spirituality, and well-being. As a mother of two, she deeply believes in the importance of family and traditional values as the cornerstone of society.
In "Heart of Hope," Jana shares her incredible journey of recovery and the vital importance of learning CPR to save lives. Each episode features heartfelt stories, life lessons, and spiritual insights aimed at fostering well-being and positive self-talk. Jana advocates for heart health screening and provides support for family members of survivors.
Join us for enlightening interviews with survivors, specialists, and heart health advocates as we explore the significance of heart health and the power of community. Tune in to "Heart of Hope" for a weekly dose of inspiration, hope, and practical advice on living a heart-healthy life.
The Power of Connection: Healing After a Heart Attack
In this powerful and deeply moving episode of the Heart of Hope podcast, we sit down with Sharon, a 72-year-old heart attack survivor, and her devoted husband, Cliff. Together, they recount the harrowing events of Sharon’s unexpected heart attack and subsequent cardiac arrest, shedding light on the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest, the role of intuition in recognizing symptoms, and the life-saving power of quick medical intervention.
Sharon courageously opens up about her emotional journey of recovery, the trauma of losing memory of her own near-death experience, and the challenges of reconciling gratitude with lingering fear. Cliff shares his perspective as a co-survivor, emphasizing the emotional toll on loved ones and the strength it takes to stay hopeful in the darkest moments.
We are also joined by Megan, a patient advocacy specialist who helps survivors reconnect with the medical teams that saved their lives, facilitating healing through heart recovery reunions and survivor networks. Her work underscores the importance of bridging the gap between physical recovery and emotional healing.
Join us for a candid conversation about resilience, the significance of support networks, and the healing power of sharing one’s story.
Find more about Jana Bonassi here: https://www.instagram.com/janabonassi?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== (https://www.instagram.com/janabonassi?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==)
Heart of Hope Book available NOW:
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Hope-Jana-Bonassi-ebook/dp/B0F7HVL1W5 (https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Hope-Jana-Bonassi-ebook/dp/B0F7HVL1W5)
Apple Books - https://books.apple.com/us/book/heart-of-hope/id6745569320 (https://books.apple.com/us/book/heart-of-hope/id6745569320)
Learn more about CPR: Hands-Only CPR | American Heart Association CPR & First Aid (https://cpr.heart.org/en/cpr-courses-and-kits/hands-only-cpr)
Learn more about AEDs and where to get proper training: https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/aed/using-an-aed/what-is-aed (https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/aed/using-an-aed/what-is-aed)
Jana is an ambassador or the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation. Learn more here: https://www.sca-aware.org/ (https://www.sca-aware.org/)
This episode was recorded and produced by the amazing crew at Iron Pixel Studios: https://ironpixelstudios.com/ (https://ironpixelstudios.com/)
Follow us at Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartof_hope_?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== (https://www.instagram.com/heartof_hope_?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==)
And watch us on Youtube: https://youtube.com/@jana_bonassi?si=kxqp0LSnNV2BMZle (https://youtube.com/@jana_bonassi?si=kxqp0LSnNV2BMZle)
11 Jan 2025
Miracles in Motion: Turning Survival into Advocacy with Ed Kosiec
In this heartfelt episode of Heart of Hope, Jana Bonassi celebrates her "Miracle Day" alongside fellow cardiac arrest survivor and advocate, Ed Kosiec. Jana opens up about the duality of her survival—marked by gratitude but also the weight of trauma—and the path that eventually brought her to advocacy. Ed shares his own miraculous survival story, recounting how an 18-year-old, his angel Sarah, with CPR training saved his life after he collapsed unexpectedly in a Chick-fil-A restaurant. Their shared experience of survival, although unique, highlights the transformative power of CPR, AEDs, and the importance of bystander intervention.
Ed's journey extends beyond survival. Turning his experience into purpose, he played a key role in advocating for a law that will make CPR training mandatory for high school students in Florida, even embarking on a cross-country tour to spread CPR awareness nationwide. Together, Jana and Ed discuss the emotional challenges survivors face, the critical need for community and support, and the power of turning pain into advocacy. This episode is a testament to resilience and a rallying call for preparedness, offering hope and inspiration to listeners while underscoring that everyone has the potential to be a hero.
Find more about Jana Bonassi here: https://www.instagram.com/janabonassi?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== (https://www.instagram.com/janabonassi?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==)
Join the mission of Every Second Counts CPR at: https://www.everysecondcountscpr.org/ (https://www.everysecondcountscpr.org/) and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everysecondcountscpr123/ (https://www.instagram.com/everysecondcountscpr123/)
Learn more about CPR: Hands-Only CPR | American Heart Association CPR & First Aid (https://cpr.heart.org/en/cpr-courses-and-kits/hands-only-cpr)
Learn more about AEDs and where to get proper training: https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/aed/using-an-aed/what-is-aed (https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/aed/using-an-aed/what-is-aed)
Jana is an ambassador or the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation. Learn more here: https://www.sca-aware.org/ (https://www.sca-aware.org/)
This episode was recorded and produced by the amazing crew at Iron Pixel Studios: https://ironpixelstudios.com/ (https://ironpixelstudios.com/)
Follow us at Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartof_hope_?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== (https://www.instagram.com/heartof_hope_?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==)
And watch us on Youtube: https://youtube.com/@jana_bonassi?si=kxqp0LSnNV2BMZle (https://youtube.com/@jana_bonassi?si=kxqp0LSnNV2BMZle)
28 Oct 2024
Superbowl champion Fred Stokes - Men's "Life I never Tell" and how brotherhood can help
In this episode of Heart of Hope, host Jana Bonassi, a cardiac arrest survivor, invites former NFL player and Super Bowl winner, Fred Stokes, to discuss his journey with mental health, trauma, and the importance of vulnerability. Fred shares his experience from the NFL to his powerful work with his nonprofit, Lint Brother, which focuses on helping men confront and express their hidden struggles. Together with Jana's husband, Ricardo Bonassi, they dive into the reality behind the words, "I'm fine," as men grapple with the emotional toll of traumatic experiences. Ricardo shares his perspective as both a co-survivor and husband, highlighting how the facade of strength impacts their family and relationships.
Join them as they shed light on the necessity of emotional honesty and how Fred’s initiative is creating safe spaces for men to find genuine support. This heartfelt conversation explores themes of gratitude, resilience, and breaking the cycle of emotional suppression.
Listen in for a candid, emotional discussion that redefines what it means to be 'fine.'
Find more about Jana Bonassi here: https://www.instagram.com/janabonassi?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== (https://www.instagram.com/janabonassi?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==)
Find more about Lint Brother here: https://www.lintbrother.com/ (https://www.lintbrother.com/) and on IG: https://www.instagram.com/lintbrother?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== (https://www.instagram.com/lintbrother?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==)
Follow Fred Stokes on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigplaystokes?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== (https://www.instagram.com/bigplaystokes?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==)
Find more about Ricardo Bonassi here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickbonassi (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickbonassi)
Jana is an ambassador or the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation. Learn more here: https://www.sca-aware.org/ (https://www.sca-aware.org/)
This episode was recorded and produced by the amazing crew at Iron Pixel Studios: https://ironpixelstudios.com/ (https://ironpixelstudios.com/)
Follow us at Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartof_hope_?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== (https://www.instagram.com/heartof_hope_?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==)
And watch us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@jana_bonassi?si=kxqp0LSnNV2BMZle (https://youtube.com/@jana_bonassi?si=kxqp0LSnNV2BMZle)
12 Oct 2024
A Heartbeat Away
In this deeply moving first episode of Heart of Hope, Jana Bonassi, a cardiac arrest survivor and Mrs. Florida American 2024, sits down with her husband, Ricardo Bonassi, the man who saved her life. In an emotional and candid interview, Ricardo recounts the terrifying night when Jana’s heart stopped during a New Year’s Eve celebration, and how his quick thinking and CPR training brought her back from the brink of death.
Despite being out of his comfort zone, Ricardo shares his background in cardiac electrophysiology, his fascination with medical devices, and the crucial role CPR and an AED played in Jana’s survival. With insights into the emotional toll of performing CPR on a loved one, this episode offers inspiration for anyone who has faced life’s unexpected challenges. Ricardo’s account is not just about heroism, but also the power of love, resilience, and preparedness.
Join Jana and Ricardo in this unforgettable conversation that highlights the importance of CPR training and how life-changing moments can strengthen a family’s bond.
Listen now for a story of survival, love, and hope.
Find more about Jana Bonassi here: https://www.instagram.com/janabonassi?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== (https://www.instagram.com/janabonassi?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==)
Find more about Ricardo Bonassi here: linkedin.com/in/rickbonassi (http://linkedin.com/in/rickbonassi)
Jana is an ambassador or the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation. Learn more here: https://www.sca-aware.org/ (https://www.sca-aware.org/)
Learn more about CPR: https://cpr.heart.org/en/cpr-courses-and-kits/hands-only-cpr (https://cpr.heart.org/en/cpr-courses-and-kits/hands-only-cpr)
Learn more about AEDs and where to get proper training: https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/aed/using-an-aed/what-is-aed (https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/aed/using-an-aed/what-is-aed)
Learn more about ICDs: https://www.sca-aware.org/about-sudden-cardiac-arrest/implantable-cardioverter-defibrillator (https://www.sca-aware.org/about-sudden-cardiac-arrest/implantable-cardioverter-defibrillator)
This episode was recorded and produced by the amazing crew at Iron Pixel Studios: https://ironpixelstudios.com/ (https://ironpixelstudios.com/)
Follow us at Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartof_hope_?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== (https://www.instagram.com/heartof_hope_?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==)
And watch us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@jana_bonassi?si=kxqp0LSnNV2BMZle (https://youtube.com/@jana_bonassi?si=kxqp0LSnNV2BMZle)
9 Oct 2024
The power of the universe helping survivors
In this deeply inspiring episode of Heart of Hope, Jana Bonassi, a cardiac arrest survivor, shares her powerful journey of healing and transformation after her life-altering experience. Joined by special guest Mike Dooley, New York Times Bestseller and author of 18 books, most recent publishing The Great Awakening and a key figure from The Secret video documentary, they dive into overcoming the darkness of trauma and finding purpose again. Jana opens up about feeling trapped in a "box of trauma" following her cardiac arrest while raising two young daughters, and how pageantry became her path to rediscover her voice and mission.
Mike shares his own experiences of hitting rock bottom and how embracing creative visualization helped him rebuild his life. Together, they explore the importance of stepping out of fear, asking for help, and taking action towards one's dreams.
Listeners will leave this episode filled with hope and practical insights on how to move forward, regardless of life’s challenges. Whether you’re a survivor or someone searching for light, this episode is a reminder that there is always a way forward.
Find more about Jana Bonassi here: https://www.instagram.com/janabonassi?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== (https://www.instagram.com/janabonassi?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==)
Find more about Mike Dooley here: https://www.instagram.com/mikedooleytut?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== (https://www.instagram.com/mikedooleytut?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==)
Buy The Great Awakening now! https://club.tut.com/the-great-awakening (https://club.tut.com/the-great-awakening)
This episode was recorded and produced by the amazing crew at Iron Pixel Studios: https://ironpixelstudios.com/ (https://ironpixelstudios.com/)
Follow us at Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartof_hope_?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== (https://www.instagram.com/heartof_hope_?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==)
And watch us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@jana_bonassi?si=kxqp0LSnNV2BMZle (https://youtube.com/@jana_bonassi?si=kxqp0LSnNV2BMZle)
4 Aug 2024
Heart of Hope - Season One Trailer
Welcome to the “Heart of Hope” podcast! In this trailer, host Jana Bonassi introduces herself and shares a glimpse into her inspiring journey from a cardiac arrest survivor to a passionate heart health advocate. Discover the life-saving importance of CPR, the power of resilience, and the critical role of heart health awareness. Join Jana as she previews the heartfelt stories, expert interviews, and essential tips that will be featured in upcoming episodes. Subscribe now and embark on a journey of hope, health, and healing with “Heart of Hope.”
Keywords: Cardiac Arrest, CPR, Heart Health, Survival Stories, Health Advocacy, Wellness Tips, Positive Self-talk, Heart Disease Awareness, Spiritual Well-being, Health Education.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
82,929
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 40 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
19
Social presence
91
YouTube
76
Engagement
32
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