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Kody Schaffnerās life is powered by resilience ā literally. Living with advanced heart failure, Kody (@justadudeonbatteries) relies on a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD), a mobile life-support system that keeps his heart pumping and his future moving forward. But Kodyās story isnāt just about survival ā itās about perspective, gratitude, and refusing to let fear define your life.Ā
In this episode, Kody opens up about what itās really like to live with an LVAD, the realities of open-heart surgery, and how quickly life can change when your health is no longer guaranteed. We talk about vulnerability, healing, patience, and learning how to find purpose in uncertainty. Kody shares how he reframed strength, learned to accept help, and continues to show up with hope even on the hardest days.Ā
This conversation is a powerful reminder that resilience doesnāt always look loud or dramatic ā sometimes it looks like waking up, adapting, and choosing to keep going.Ā
ā±ļø Chapter TimestampsĀ
1. Intro to Kody & āJust a Dude on Batteriesā ā 00:01:18Ā
2. Early Trauma: Fatal Car Accident at 18 & Losing His Girlfriend and Family Members ā 00:03:20Ā
3. Climbing Cell Towers High on Drugs & Living in Full-Blown Addiction ā 00:05:05Ā
4. Six-Figure Remodeling Business, Home Depot Collapse & First Heart Failure Diagnosis ā 00:07:11Ā
5. Rock Bottom: Living in His Truck, & Finally Going Back to the Hospital ā 00:11:25Ā
6. Turning Down the LVAD, Choosing Long-Term Life Over Short-Term Fixes ā 00:15:12Ā
7. Regaining Independence: Managing His LVAD & Walking Into the Gym ā 00:17:52Ā
8. Daily Gym Videos, Cognitive Therapy & Rewiring a Brain Stuck in Depression ā 00:23:23Ā
9. From Instant Gratification to Discipline, & Fully Owning āJust a Dude on Batteriesā ā 00:31:31Ā
10. The Gym Healing His Heart (8% to 45%) and His Advice for Anyone at Rock Bottom ā 00:42:15Ā
Connect with Kody Schaffner:Ā
⢠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justadudeonbatteriesĀ
⢠Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@justadudeonbatteriesĀ
⢠Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ āØ@Justadudeonbatteriesā©
Connect with The Sick Burn Podcast:Ā
⢠Website: https://www.sickburnpodcast.comĀ
⢠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sickburnpodĀ
⢠TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sickburnpodĀ
⢠Threads: https://www.threads.net/@sickburnpodĀ
š§ Mahalo for listening! If this episode connected with you, please:Ā
⢠Subscribe to The Sick Burn Podcast so you never miss an episode.Ā
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Credits:Ā
Hosted & Executive Produced by Thomas Craig VIIIĀ
Produced by Voice & Video ā Bill LanzarottaĀ
Audio Engineer ā Mickey DixonĀ
Edited by ā Lizi BronsonĀ
Graphics by ā Jeff LeeĀ
Special Thanks ā Kody SchaffnerĀ
Disclaimer:Ā
The opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily represent those of The Sick Burn Podcast, its affiliates, or any organizations we are associated with. This podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice.Ā
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