Tiny Little Hearts Podcast
This podcast is about Congenital Heart Disease (CHD), complex medical journeys, parenting through uncertainty and the deep resilience of walking through big life changes.
Hosted by Katelyn McMahan, a mom to three girls whose life was changed in an instant when she found out her youngest daughter had complex cardiac abnormalities. She went searching to hear about kids with a similar diagnosis and wanted to see the life they were living. She didn’t want the curated, polished stories so she could prepare her heart for the good, bad and ugly.
This podcast does just that and highlights conversations from individuals, parents, medical providers, and others navigating the very real and overwhelming world of congenital heart defects and other medical complexities. You’ll hear honest conversations, practical advice and space to feel seen and understood.
Tiny Little Hearts Podcast
14. Hearts Like Mine: Choosing How You View Your Story
In this powerful episode, Katelyn sits down with Garrett Deiro, a congenital heart disease (CHD) survivor who has a diagnosis of Tetralogy of Fallot and founder of Hearts Like Mine blog. Garrett opens up about his journey through four open heart surgeries, including a life-threatening emergency procedure at age 13 that profoundly shaped his life and years later, has been an instrumental aspect of pursuing his path toward medical school.
For all you boy moms and dads, this conversation offers a male perspective on growing up with CHD, navigating the challenges of adolescence with a heart condition, and choosing to view adversity as a catalyst for purpose rather than a limitation.
Key Topics Discussed:
- The reality of childhood surgeries and what it's like to remember your first major procedure
- How a medical emergency became a turning point
- Processing trauma and choosing your perspective
- Not letting CHD define your limitations
- Staying active and participating in sports with a heart condition
- The evolution from "why me?" to finding purpose
- Creating connection in the CHD community
Follow Garret on Instagram at @hearts.like.mine.chd
Let’s Connect!
Follow me on Instagram @tinylittleheartspodcast
Follow me on Substack at Tiny Little Hearts Substack
This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.