16. What Surviving Sudden Cardiac Death Taught Jeff Luther About Living

The Great Detour

What happens when your heart suddenly stops — and everything you’ve built your identity around no longer fits? In this episode of The Great Detour, Jess talks with Jeff Luther — a father, athlete, and host of the All Can, No Can’t podcast — whose life changed in an instant during a CrossFit workout with his teenage son. Jeff experienced sudden cardiac death, losing his pulse for eight minutes before being revived. He was later diagnosed with ARVC, a rare genetic heart condition that forced him to rethink how he moved through the world — physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Together, they talk about what came next: the fear, the grief, the ego unraveling, and the long process of rebuilding. Jeff shares how he found his footing again — 30 seconds at a time — and what it really means to move forward when the life you knew is no longer an option.

This is a raw, honest conversation about resilience, reinvention, and the space between who you were and who you're becoming.

In this episode, Jess and Jeff discuss:

• What it’s like to face death — and the perspective that follows
• How identity loss and fear can paralyze us after trauma
• Why grief and bitterness often show up before gratitude
• Redefining strength and purpose when everything changes
• How “30 seconds at a time” became a mindset for healing and action
• The importance of taking small steps — even when you're scared

About Jeff Luther
Jeff Luther is the founder of Home-Probe, a trusted home inspection company he has built over two decades with a focus on precision, trust, and empowerment. An EO leader, he serves as the incoming President of the Charleston Chapter and coaches through the Chapter Accelerator program. Jeff’s life took a profound turn after surviving sudden cardiac death—an experience that shaped his passion for resilience, deep conversations, and authentic connections. A dedicated father of three, he now speaks on mastering meaningful dialogue, active listening, and turning challenges into opportunities, helping others build stronger relationships and lasting success in business and life.
Website: www.jeffluther.com
Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdluther2.0/
Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allcan_nocant/

Learn more about The Great Detour™
Website: www.thegreatdetour.com
Instagram: @thegreatdetour

Chapters

1. 16. What Surviving Sudden Cardiac Death Taught Jeff Luther About Living (00:00:00)

2. Jeff's Athletic Background (00:01:55)

3. The Life-Changing Incident (00:04:25)

4. The Immediate Aftermath (00:09:23)

5. Diagnosis and Reflection (00:18:31)

6. Facing the Reality of a Life-Changing Diagnosis (00:24:05)

7. Returning to the Gym (00:24:43)

8. The Emotional Toll and the Struggle with Fear (00:28:00)

9. Finding Gratitude in the Midst of Darkness (00:29:25)

10. Rebuilding Life 30 Seconds at a Time (00:32:35)

11. Adapting to a New Normal (00:37:36)

12. Final Reflections and Advice (00:43:53)