In this episode, host Sami Glastonbury speaks with Mark Edmonds, Education Project Coordinator at HeartKids, about the power of co-design and education in transforming care for people living with childhood-onset heart disease. Mark shares how his background in neurophysiology and teaching has shaped his approach to developing national education modules for healthcare professionals, ensuring care is holistic, evidence-based, and grounded in lived experience. Together, they explor...

In this episode, host Sami is joined by Natasha D'Souza, one of our dedicated Family Support Coordinators in Western Australia. Drawing on her own experience as a heart parent, Tash shares how she and the WA team walk alongside families through hospital stays, unexpected admissions, and the life-changing reality of having to travel interstate for cardiac care. From practical tips on preparing for the journey, to the compassion of support that stretches across states and siblings a...

In this episode of From The Heart, Angela Webb, our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Engagement Manager, speaks with Maria Tass and her twin sons, Benson and Albert, from Mackay, Queensland. Born with congenital heart conditions in 2015 and later diagnosed with rheumatic heart disease, the boys went through multiple surgeries and were among the first patients at Queensland Children’s Hospital. Maria reflects on the challenges of caring for twins with complex needs, the vital ro...

In this episode of From the Heart, Jonathan Mackley shares his journey from being born with a complex heart condition and undergoing one of the earliest Fontan surgeries, to becoming a strong voice in the HeartKids community. Jonathan talks about growing up in the 70s and 80s, the shift from limited supports to today’s networks, and how connection with others living with congenital heart disease transformed his perspective. He reflects on advocacy, co-founding the Australian and N...

In this episode of From the Heart, host Sami Glastonbury speaks with world champion athlete and health ambassador Hugo Taheny and his mum, Louise. Hugo is a Heart Kid living with Down syndrome, along with vision and hearing impairments. His journey has been shaped by resilience, family, and community. Hugo shares how sport became his passion, earning him the nickname “Rockstar” and leading him to represent Australia on the world stage. Louise reflects on Hugo’s early health challenges, the st...

In this episode of From the Heart, host Sami Glastonbury sits down with Dr Stephanie Perrier, Paediatric and Congenital Cardiac Surgeon at the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne. From her early training in France to performing life-changing surgeries in Australia, Stephanie shares her path into cardiac surgery and why she still sees the heart as magical. They explore what a typical surgery day looks like, who’s in the room during an operation, and what families can expect before, during and ...

In this episode of From The Heart Sami chats with Emily Hayes, a speech pathologist and feeding specialist who works closely with babies and young children, including those who’ve had surgery or spent time in intensive care. Listen as Sami and Emily discuss nasogastric (NG) tubes, feeding difficulties, speech delays as well as what to expect during recovery, how to support your child at home, and when it might be time to seek extra help. Emily Hayes Emily Hayes is the founder of SA-bas...

In this episode of 'From The Heart', our host Rachael chats to Annabel Turner - a young heart adult who has tricuspid artresia. Listen as Rachael and Annabel chat about having a heart condition has not stopped Annabel from living a full, rich and exciting life. HEARTKIDS From The Heart is brought to you by HeartKids, the only national not-for-profit solely focused on supporting and advocating for people affected by childhood-onset heart disease. For support, information or guidance on ...

In this episode of 'From The Heart', our host Rachael chats to Stacey Micallef - a sexologist and relationship & trauma counsellor based in Geelong, Victoria. Listen as Rachael and Stacey chat about how CoHD can impact sexual health and relationships, and the strategies you can employ to build healthy, fulfilling sexual relationships. HEARTKIDS From The Heart is brought to you by HeartKids, the only national not-for-profit solely focused on supporting and advocating for people affected by...

In this episode of 'From The Heart', our host Rachael chats to clinical psychologist Carlye Crank about mental health, medical trauma and the unique ways in which physical health can impact your mental health. HEARTKIDS From The Heart is brought to you by HeartKids, the only national not-for-profit solely focused on supporting and advocating for people affected by childhood-onset heart disease. For support, information or guidance on your CoHD journey, call the HeartKids Helpline on 1800 432...

In this special episode for Reconciliation Week, Angela Webb, HeartKids’ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Engagement Manager, has a yarn with Tanika Parker, RHD Nurse Navigator, and Genavie Tabuai, Health Worker Coordinator for Maternal, Child and Family Health Programs, both from Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service. Tanika and Genavie speak about the realities of delivering care across remote communities in Far North Queensland, with a strong focus on preventing and ma...

In this episode of "From the Heart," join our host, Sami, for a conversation with Mitch McGovern. Mitch is a football player with Carlton, and a HeartKids Ambassador. Sami and Mitch chat about Mitch's connection with CoHD, and how his trajectory changed after his best friend, Logan, passed away due to complications with his condition. HEARTKIDS From The Heart is brought to you by HeartKids, the only national not-for-profit solely focused on supporting and advocating for people affected by c...

In this episode of "From the Heart," join our host, Sami, for a conversation with Dr Shannon Schedlich. Shannon joins the podcast this episode, to chat with Sami about strengthening family units, and promoting nuanced support for all members. Shannon shares critical insights in acknowledging emotions, allowing space and an opportunity for siblings to share time with parents, and the significance of a siblings' understanding of their brother or sister's disability or chronic health con...

In this episode of "From the Heart," join our host, Sami, for a conversation with Curtis McGrath. Curtis is an Australian Paralympic gold medalist in paracanoe who lost both his legs while serving as a combat engineer in Afghanistan. His extraordinary evolution from soldier to Paralympic icon has inspired millions worldwide, with his journey taking on new meaning in 2024 when he and his wife Rachel welcomed their son Monty, born with transposition of the great arteries (TGA), adding a...

In this episode of "From the Heart," join our host, Sami, for a conversation with Mahan Ahmadiram, an adult navigating her life with CHD, with CH-FIT, community, and exceptional strength. Sami and Mahan discuss the significant journey Mahan and her family have experienced across several countries, and the many surgeries and supports that have bolstered her resolve and strength to this day. Mahan has recently volunteered at a HeartKids camp, and is actively involved in the CH-FIT program off...

In this episode of "From the Heart," join our host, Sami, for a conversation with Cindy Hutchison. Cindy and Sami chat about Cindy's extraordinary experiences with supporting her daughter Maddi, and grandson York, through their exceptionally challenging heart journey. Cindy shares incredible insight as to support and routines she offered, and the ways in which the whole family rallied around their newest member. Content Warning: This episode contains some discussion regarding termination fo...

Welcome to From the Heart: The HeartKids Podcast, Season 4. In this episode of "From the Heart," join our host, Sami, for a conversation with Chloe Peck, a young adult who is a sibling to a heart teen. Join Sami and Chloe as they discuss the complexities of a heart journey, for siblings and extended family members, and the extraordinary efforts and routines Chloe's family implemented to bolster their whole support network. HEARTKIDS From The Heart is brought to you by HeartKids, the only ...

Welcome to From the Heart: 2024 Wrapped! As we have closed off 2024 and into 2025, we're bringing you some fan favourite episodes of From the Heart, season 3. Here is Encore #5 - Erin Ferguson In this episode of From the Heart, Tahnee Jash is joined by Erin Ferguson, a dedicated paediatric Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) clinical nurse consultant from the Happy Heart Clinic in Far North Queensland. Erin discusses her team's efforts to improve healthcare experiences for young patients with RH...

Welcome to From the Heart: 2024 Wrapped! As we have closed off 2024 and looking into 2025, we're bringing you some fan favourite episodes of From the Heart, season 3. Here is Encore #4 - Danielle Green Danielle is a mother to two children, Sonny and Airlie, who have both passed away due to a rare genetic condition known only as PPA2. Sami and Danielle chat about Danielle and her husband Leon's journey with this extremely rare condition, advocating for genetic testing and counselling, and th...

Welcome to From the Heart: 2024 Wrapped! As we close off the end of this year, we're bringing you some fan favourite episodes of From the Heart, season 3. Here is Encore #3 - Amber Adamson: Ask a Nurse In this episode Rachael chats with Amber Adamson, a dedicated Clinical Nurse Consultant at Prince Charles Hospital, who specialises in Adult Congenital Heart Disease. Before the episode was recorded, we put out a call on social media for young people and adults to submit questions to be answe...