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Three Strikes. And Still Beating.

Three Strikes. And Still Beating.

By: A.K. Thiagaraj
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About this listen

Three Strikes. And Still Beating.


A heart attack. Cardiac arrest. Heart valve replacement.


I survived all three—and now I’m left dealing with the debris they scattered across my life.


This isn’t a podcast about advice, inspiration, or being strong. It’s just me, trying to make sense of what happened—physically, emotionally, spiritually—and saying the things I couldn’t say in the moment.


Each episode is a raw, irreverent, sometimes messy reflection on life after your heart breaks down—literally. Dark humor is my way through the absurdity. Family, faith, work, identity—nothing stays untouched.


I’m not here to teach anything. I’m just speaking out loud, because it helps.


This podcast wouldn’t exist without the support of the medical community. I poke fun at the system—but make no mistake: I have the deepest respect for the doctors, nurses, techs, and EMTs who kept me alive (and put up with my sarcasm along the way).


I’m also grateful to the companies and colleagues I’ve worked with—especially those who stepped up with grace, patience, and empathy while I was going through the worst.


It’s not for everyone. But if you’ve been through something that flipped your world upside down and left you wondering, “Now what?”—this might be for you.


Beaten by life. Still beating.

© 2025 Three Strikes. And Still Beating.
Episodes
  • Ep 2: Coat Checked – Ego and Dignity
    Jul 24 2025

    The hours after my heart attack were a blur of sirens, shaved body parts, and stripped pride. In this episode, I recount the surreal chaos of the ER—where I went from family man to medical case file in seconds. Nurses, needles, a backless gown, and a groin-access surprise were just the beginning.


    And yes… I actually called my boss and asked my wife to cancel our Airbnb booking while hooked up to monitors.


    This is what happens when your body crashes but your brain keeps trying to manage the calendar.


    Beaten by life. Still beating.

    Show More Show Less
    23 mins
  • Ep 1: Eighteen Hours Late (Give or Take)
    Jul 22 2025

    I thought it was the laptop bag. Or the seafood. Or maybe just stress.

    It wasn’t.

    This is the story of the day I had a heart attack—and didn’t realize it until it was nearly too late. Mid-July, a work offsite, some bad shellfish (maybe), and a slow-motion collapse I tried to laugh off with Coke and denial.

    I take you through the whole thing: the symptoms I ignored, the EMS ride I weirdly enjoyed, and the quiet moment I realized I might not make it back to my daughters.

    No medals. No triumph. Just baby aspirin, bad decisions, and the beginning of what I now call Strike One.


    Dark humor. Honest reflection. And the start of a very unexpected trilogy.

    Show More Show Less
    17 mins

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