Best Congenital Heart Defect Podcasts (2024)

1
Chapter 10: Life Lessons from Congenital Heart Defects: Stories of Hope and Resilience 35:54

24d ago35:54

35:54

Send us a Text Message. What happens when resilience meets a congenital heart defect? Join us as we uncover the extraordinary journeys of women who have turned their medical challenges into stories of hope and triumph. Begin with Emily Falcon's deeply moving "A Letter to my Younger Self," where she offers wisdom and reflections that will resonate w…

1
From Heart Block to Myotonic Dystrophy: A Survivor's Tale 33:58

10d ago33:58

33:58

Send us a Text Message. What if your heart's rhythm was out of sync from birth, yet you persevered to defy medical odds? Join us as Gwenyth Murphy, a resilient second-generation congenital heart defect survivor, shares her compelling journey of managing complete heart block and other heart conditions. From coping with an abnormally low heart rate a…

1
Navigating Life with HLHS and Marfan Syndrome: Rachael's Powerful Story 32:12

6d ago32:12

32:12

Send us a Text Message. Discover the remarkable resilience of Rachael Gott, our extraordinary guest born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). Despite her condition remaining uncorrected, Rachel has navigated a complex medical journey, including ten cardiac ablations and two device implants, all while avoiding open-heart surgeries. Rachael a…

1
Chapter 9 of "The Heart of a Heart Warrior" Featuring Heart Warrior Authors 47:06

21d ago47:06

47:06

Send us a Text Message. How do heart warriors find incredible strength amidst life's most challenging moments? In this episode of "Heart to Heart with Anna," we bring you deeply touching and empowering stories from individuals who have triumphed over congenital heart defects (CHD). Join us as Megan Tones sets the stage with an introduction to Chapt…

1
"The Heart of a Heart Warrior" Chapter 8 Featuring Megan Tones and Julie Kerr 42:01

28d ago42:01

42:01

Send us a Text Message. Ever wondered how a heartfelt community can transform lives through stories and shared experiences? Join me on this special episode of "Heart to Heart with Anna" as I express my gratitude for the overwhelming birthday wishes from the congenital heart defect community. You'll be introduced to the latest literary gem from Baby…

1
Heart Warrior Transformations: From Challenges to Creative Triumphs 28:11

1M ago28:11

28:11

Send us a Text Message. Have you ever wondered how living with a congenital heart defect can shape one's life journey? This week, we’re diving into the remarkable stories of heart warriors, those extraordinary individuals who navigate life with congenital heart defects. I'm Anna Jaworski, and in this episode, we explore the powerful metaphor of tra…

1
Navigating Parenthood with a Congenital Heart Defect During Covid-19: Amelia Woods' Journey 30:52

2M ago30:52

30:52

Send us a Text Message. What happens when you're expecting a baby with a congenital heart defect during a global pandemic? Join me, Anna Jaworski, as I sit down with Amelia Woods, a courageous heart mom who faced this exact challenge. Amelia shares the emotional rollercoaster of managing her son Henderson's dextrotransposition of the great arteries…

1
Navigating Romantic Life with a Heart Condition: Insights from Dr. Corinne Smorra 38:41

2M ago38:41

38:41

Send us a Text Message. What happens when your heart condition becomes part of your dating narrative? Today on Heart to Heart with Anna, we welcome back Dr. Corinne Smorra, a psychotherapist and adult living with congenital heart defects (CHD). Dr. Smorra opens up about her personal journey with truncus arteriosus and sheds light on the myths and m…

1
James Robinson's Emotional Odyssey: Love and Loss in a Heart Family 44:11

2M ago44:11

44:11

Send us a Text Message. What happens when your entire world is defined by hospital walls and medical jargon? On "Heart to Heart with Anna," we share the poignant and raw journey of James Robinson, a father who walks us through the emotional highs and profound lows of raising his son Nadav, who was born with a congenital heart defect known as single…

1
Heartfelt Battles to Artistic Revelations with Amy Milz 31:08

3M ago31:08

31:08

Send us a Text Message. Amy Milz opens her heart to us—quite literally—in a candid recount of her life as a congenital heart defect survivor. With grace and vulnerability, she takes us through the paces of her medical odyssey, from the relentless advocacy of her mother to her personal victories in the operating room. Each scar tells a story of resi…

1
Mother's Day Reflections: The Valor and Vitality of Heart Moms 26:56

3M ago26:56

26:56

Send us a Text Message. When Hope's first breaths were intertwined with the whispers of uncertainty, my world changed. As a heart mom, each Mother's Day is not just a celebration but a milestone, reflecting the grit and grace it takes to raise a child with a congenital heart defect. Join me, Anna Jaworski, in an episode where we explore the deep em…

1
The Courageous Chronicle of Hope: From Heart Surgery to Self-Discovery 34:29

4M ago34:29

34:29

Send us a Text Message. When my daughter Hope graced the podcast with her presence, her story wasn't just a chronicle of living with a single ventricle heart at 29—it was a profound testament to her strength amid her gender transition. Our conversation unveils the seamless integration of her heart health with her journey of self-discovery, all whil…

1
Embracing Life's Pulse Amidst HLHS and PLE Hurdles with Hollie Stephenson 36:18

4M ago36:18

36:18

Send us a Text Message. Witnessing your child's bravery and resilience as they navigate a life-altering condition like hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is both harrowing and inspiring. Hollie Stephenson joins Anna to share the profound story of her son Tom, who not only fought through the early challenges of HLHS but also the complex battle w…

1
Navigating the Emotional Landscape of Raising Children with Congenital Heart Defects 39:06

4M ago39:06

39:06

Send us a Text Message. When your child's heartbeat is a symphony laced with irregularities, every moment becomes a measure of uncertainty. This is the world heart moms like myself, Anna Jaworski, and my guest Kelsi Rogers live in every day. Join us as we peel back the curtain on the mental marathon of raising children with congenital heart defects…

1
Cardiogenic Shock! 44:31

4M ago44:31

44:31

Send us a Text Message. In this episode I cover cardiogenic shock considerations and how this type of shock differs from the other types. Medication considerations, nursing interventions and how one would evaluate if care provided improved the patient outcome. Support the Show.By Nurse Em

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Heart Mom Kelsi Rogers on Jett's Electrical Problems with His Heart 49:25

5M ago49:25

49:25

Send us a Text Message. This episode of "Heart to Heart with Anna" features a very special heart mom. Kelsi Rogers talks about the surprising circumstances around her son's heart condition. Born with an electrical problem in his heart, Jett has already faced life-and-death situations several times in his short life. Not even three years old yet, he…

1
An Author for CHD Adults with Learning Disabilities: Deanna Altomara 58:07

5M ago58:07

58:07

Send us a Text Message. As an author myself, I understand the power of stories to heal and inspire. That's why I'm thrilled to introduce Deanna Altomara, who created "Chrysalis," a book to help people facing open-heart surgery. Born with a congenital heart defect herself, Deanna understands what it means to have had open-heart surgery. Deanna's tal…

1
Seizures - Hear all about it! 25:04

5M ago25:04

25:04

Send us a Text Message. In this episode I discuss different types of seizures, how they might present, and nursing interventions to consider if taking care of these types of patients. Support the Show.By Nurse Em

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Shattering Stereotypes in the World of Down Syndrome and Congenital Heart Defects 1:06:42

5M ago1:06:42

1:06:42

Send us a Text Message. When Ellen Boyer's voice joins the conversation, the room lights up with an array of heartfelt stories and powerful messages. Together, we celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by shattering stereotypes and trumpeting the accomplishments of those with Down Syndrome. From the awe-inspiring feat of Chris Nikic, the first athlete w…

1
Ellen Boyer and World Down Syndrome Day 2024 & Volume Two: Endurance! 1:02:02

6M ago1:02:02

1:02:02

Send us a Text Message. When Ellen Boyer graced our show with her story of love and resilience, it was clear that her daughter Brett, who blessed the world with her presence despite Down syndrome and a congenital heart defect, has sparked a legacy that transcends every stereotype. Through the Brett Boyer Foundation, Ellen's dedication to challengin…

1
Learning about Anesthesia During Ablations & Volume Two! 41:07

6M ago41:07

41:07

Send us a Text Message. In this episode of Heart to Heart with Anna we welcome Frank Jaworski back to the program. Frank shares information about anesthesia when patients go to the electrophysiology lab (EP lab), especially when they need to undergo an ablation. Frank is a certified, registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) and he has been delivering an…

1
Embracing the Heartbeat of Motherhood: Meagan Houpt’s Adoption Journey 1:05:45

6M ago1:05:45

1:05:45

Send us a Text Message. When Megan Houpt made the heart-wrenching decision to pursue adoption over pregnancy due to her heart condition, it struck a chord with me as a heart mom. Together, we unfold her narrative in this episode, navigating the complexities of adoption with a CHD. From the intricate dance of home studies to the emotional synergy wi…

1
Resilience in Motion: The Unseen Struggles of Adult Life with Congenital Heart Defects 1:00:01

6M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

Send us a Text Message. Navigating life with congenital heart defects (CHD) is a journey of resilience and emotional fortitude. As I converse with my fellow heart mom, Rita Scoggins, we unearth the layers of complexity that come with raising adult children affected by CHD. This episode goes beyond the clinical; it’s an intimate foray into the emoti…

1
Threads of Resilience Sewn by Heart Moms and Their Children with CHDs 58:22

6M ago58:22

58:22

Send us a Text Message. Navigating the torrent of emotions that come with being a heart mom to an adult child, Rita Scoggins and I, Anna Jaworski, unfold the layers of our unique journey. Our intimate conversation traverses the evolution of care, from the hands-on nurturing of our children's younger years to the complexities of supporting their mat…

1
Heart Month News February 2024 and an Audiobook Surprise! 43:36

7M ago43:36

43:36

Send us a Text Message. This episode of Heart to Heart with Anna involves news regarding Heart Month 2024. In this episode, you’ll learn about who our guest next week will be, how Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day came to be and what it has evolved to. You’ll also learn about how Baby Hearts Press, a publishing company devoted to the CHD commun…

1
Enriching Lives with CHD Support Networks and Healing Stories 47:54

7M ago47:54

47:54

Send us a Text Message. Embark with us as we illuminate the enduring pulse of Hearts Unite the Globe, the non-profit championing an array of deeply impactful podcasts. From the heartfelt dialogues of Heart to Heart with Anna to the comforting echoes of Bereaved but Still Me, we're uniting voices across the congenital heart disease (CHD) community. …

1
Upper GI problems!!! (Hernia's, Peptic Ulcer Disease, and Gastritis) 44:41

7M ago44:41

44:41

Send us a Text Message. In this episode I briefly break down upper GI issues include Hernias, PUD, and gastritis. I talk about what this might look like in your patients, what you do as a nurse, and how you evaluate and educate your patients regarding these issues from the nitty gritty standpoint. Support the Show.…

1
From Manuscript to Masterpiece: Tales of Tenacity and Triumph 47:27

7M ago47:27

47:27

Send us a Text Message. Ever wonder about the emotional odyssey of creating a book that captures the essence of human resilience? My co-editor Megan Tones and I, Anna Jaworski, take you on the intimate trek behind "The Heart of a Heart Warrior," from the flicker of an idea to the jubilance of publication. Our conversation unwraps the passion and de…

1
Embracing Healing: The Synergy of Functional Medicine, Aromatherapy, and Spirituality 56:14

8M ago56:14

56:14

Send us a Text Message. Have you ever felt the tug of curiosity towards an approach to mental health that strays from the conventional path? Today, I'm thrilled to welcome Valerie Chavez MD and Ryan Hunter to share their insights on functional medicine's transformative role in mental health care, especially for those touched by congenital heart def…

1
Uniting Hearts: A Decade of Hope, Support, and Volunteerism 21:10

8M ago21:10

21:10

Send us a Text Message. As I sit back and reflect on Heart to Heart with Anna in the year 2023, I want you to celebrate with me, Anna Jaworski, as we mark a milestone of connection and growth within the congenital heart defect community. From the early days on Voice America to our move to Blog Talk Radio and beyond, we've weathered sponsorship stor…

1
Sepsis! (SIRS->Sepsis->Shock->MODS) 34:46

8M ago34:46

34:46

Send us a Text Message. In this episode I talk about the trajectory of sepsis and nursing considerations. Support the Show.By Nurse Em

1
Finding Hope Amidst Long Q-T Syndrome: Jackie Renfrow's Journey 33:57

9M ago33:57

33:57

Send us a Text Message. Imagine living in a family where sudden deaths were a tragic norm. That's the reality heart mom Jackie Renford faced before the fateful identification of Long Q-T Syndrome, a genetic heart condition, in her family. Her misdiagnosis and the subsequent loss of her son and daughter have inspired her to become an advocate for ea…

1
Battling Congenital Heart Defects: The Extraordinary Stories of Emily Falcon and Mabel's Friendship, Advocacy, and Resilience 32:37

10M ago32:37

32:37

Send us a Text Message. How does a young child learn to fight, to survive, and even thrive when they're born battling a congenital heart defect? Join us as we journey through the inspiring life stories of Emily Falcon and Mabel, two extraordinary women who refused to let their heart conditions define them. Emily, born with the rare ALCAPA--Anomalou…

1
Exploring Functional Medicine: Harnessing the Power of Essential Oils and Holistic Health Approaches 53:53

11M ago53:53

53:53

Send us a Text Message. Have you ever considered how your lifestyle choices could be affecting your health? Ever wondered about the benefits of essential oils or how to improve your gut health? Then you're in the right place. In a riveting discourse with renowned Valerie Chavez, MD, and Ryan Hunter, we delve into the heart of Functional Medicine. T…

1
DIC: Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation 25:23

11M ago25:23

25:23

Send us a Text Message. In this episode I discuss the basic pathology of DIC and then dive into the nitty gritty basics of how these patients present, what our interventions are and how we evaluate their outcomes. Support the Show.By Nurse Em

1
NSG 353 Basic pain medication review 8:43

12M ago8:43

8:43

This podcast is brief and hits the highlights.

1
A-Kid-Again Family 48:15

12M ago48:15

48:15

Send us a Text Message. Have you ever wondered about the strength that it takes to parent a heart warrior child? What does the journey of raising a child with a congenital heart defect look like? Meet Alison and Brian Blankenship, parents to two children, one of whom is a heart warrior named Ian. Ian was born with a critical congenital heart defect…

1
An Unseen Threat: The Cody Watkins Story of Heart Failure and Recovery 53:14

1y ago53:14

53:14

Send us a Text Message. Meet Cody Watkins, a beacon of resilience and health, who brushed against mortality when he discovered a congenital heart problem lurking beneath his ripped physique. Unaware of the ticking time bomb in his chest for 30 years, Cody offers a riveting recount of his journey within the world of bodybuilding, his shocking discov…

1
Hepatic Encephalopathy 24:16

1y ago24:16

24:16

Send us a Text Message. In this episode I discuss how we treat hepatic encephalopathy, the nitty gritty basics of how it evolves and what we do from a nursing perspective on managing this type of patient. Support the Show.By Nurse Em

1
Esophageal Varices 23:36

1y ago23:36

23:36

Send us a Text Message. In this episode I discuss esophageal varices, considerations, nursing interventions, and what you should consider if taking care of a patient who is suffering from these. Support the Show.By Nurse Em

1
Liver 101 & Cirrhosis 23:49

1y ago23:49

23:49

Send us a Text Message. In this episode I try to break down what the liver is responsible for doing in the body and why liver cirrhosis is so terrible to have. Support the Show.By Nurse Em

1
Navigating the Journey of Parenting Children with Autism and Congenital Heart Defects: A Heartfelt Conversation and Advocacy 41:00

1y ago41:00

41:00

Send us a Text Message. As a heart mom myself, I know firsthand the unique challenges that come with raising a child with both a congenital heart defect and autism. That's why I invited Melanie Letzer and Kelly Blumenthal to join me for a candid conversation about their experiences navigating this complex journey. Together, we discuss the importanc…

1
Cardiac Chronicles and Community Connections: Leigh Kamping-Carder's Story 41:39

1y ago41:39

41:39

Send us a Text Message. What if you could find a space to share your story, ask questions, and connect with others living with congenital heart conditions? Join me as I chat with Leigh Kamping-Carder, founder and writer of "The Heart Dialogues," a free newsletter that does just that. We discuss Leigh's own experience of living with tricuspid atresi…

1+ y ago20:42

20:42

Send us a Text Message. In this episode I'll cover acyanotic congenital heart defects (CHD). Which is a defect in increased pulmonary blood flow. Hopefully this is helpful for those of you needing clarification! Increased pulmonary blood flow means that more blood goes to the lungs than to the body on the systolic squeeze. Its often a left to right…

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