1135: Tara Benoit - "Torn Heart, New Beginnings"

What if the moment your life appeared most put-together was the exact instant everything fell apart?

In this revealing episode of Thrive LouD, host Lou Diamond sits down with Tara Benoit—a competitive athlete, CEO, and self-described “purpose-filled powerhouse”—whose journey took an unimaginable turn after surviving a rare and life-altering heart event (SCAD: Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection).

Discover how Tara Benoit, a high-achieving woman who thought she’d mastered strength and resilience, was forced to redefine her own identity when her heart—and her life—quite literally tore apart. She opens up about the physical and emotional toll of her recovery, navigating a “devastating” loss of identity and learning that true strength isn’t found in always doing more.

Key Highlights:

• Tara Benoit candidly shares her SCAD survival story, including the little-known realities of women’s heart health and the mystery behind her condition.
• Honest conversation about what “strength” really means—and why sacrificing balance can be dangerous for high performers.
• How an unexpected trauma became the catalyst for a life-changing shift in purpose, leading Tara Benoit to launch her own coaching program and author the book "Torn: A Journey Through Trauma, Truth, and Transformation."
• A closer look at her MOVE method and how she now empowers other women to reclaim their voices and live boldly.
• Fun insights into Tara Benoit 's everyday joys, from her love of EDM and vegetables to her ultimate travel dreams and her nerdy side for laundry gripes.

Whether you’re driven to achieve more, facing your own crossroads, or just looking for evidence that transformation is always possible, this episode is packed with raw truth, hope, and next-level inspiration.

Timestamped Overview

• [00:00:02] Intro Announcer introduces the episode and host.
• [00:00:26] Lou Diamond welcomes Tara Benoi and sets the stage for her story.
• [00:01:51] Tara Benoit recounts her SCAD heart attack and the start of her transformation.
• [00:03:17] Deeper dive into the emotional and identity challenges during recovery.
• [00:05:45] Physical recovery: the reality, adjustments, and ongoing health concerns.
• [00:08:30] Tara Benoit finds new purpose after loss—launching a book and coaching women to move forward.
• [00:12:27] An introduction to the MOVE method and the inspiration behind her new program.
• [00:13:36] Insights from her book release and the impact it’s having on others.
• [00:15:14] Where to find Tara Benoit online and connect further.
• [00:16:10] Fun Street: favorite movies, EDM jams, go-to foods, and lifestyle habits.
• [00:21:18] Dream travel destinations, family, and a final message of hope and inspiration.
• [00:22:12] Outro Voiceover wraps the show.

This is one episode you’ll want to share with anyone looking for a comeback story—or who needs a reminder that life’s sharpest turns can reveal your true direction.