Tiny Little Hearts Podcast: CHD and Heart Mom Life
Tiny Little Hearts Podcast is your honest, unfiltered space for the CHD (congenital heart disease / congenital heart defect) community. Whether you're a heart parent, a CHD warrior, or someone newly navigating a complex congenital heart diagnosis — this podcast was made for you.
Hosted by Katelyn McMahan, a mom of three girls whose world changed the moment she learned her youngest daughter had complex cardiac abnormalities. She searched for real stories — kids with complex CHD, single ventricle hearts, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, and other congenital heart defects— not the polished highlight reels, but the honest, raw truth of what this life actually looks like. She wanted to prepare her heart for the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Each episode features conversations with heart parents, CHD adults, providers, and others navigating the deeply real world of congenital heart disease, open heart surgery, and medical complexity. You'll hear practical advice, emotional honesty, and stories that remind you that you are not alone in this journey. Because this life is hard — and you deserve a place to feel seen.
Topics covered include: CHD diagnosis, heart surgery recovery, parenting a medically complex child, grief and resilience, NICU and PCICU experiences, fontan circulation, cardiac catheterization, and life after a congenital heart defect diagnosis.
Support this show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2464576/support
Tiny Little Hearts Podcast: CHD and Heart Mom Life
16. Lindsay’s Transplant Story: Where Grief and Joy Coexist
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Lindsay Alano and her mother Susan Barth share their journey through congenital heart disease, the challenges of growing up with a serious medical condition, and the transformative experience of undergoing a heart and liver transplant as an adult. Lindsay shares about an experience in college what turned out to be the catalyst for her transplant journey. They discuss the importance of family support, the emotional complexities of being a transplant recipient, and the significance of being your own self advocate in healthcare. Lindsay reflects on her experiences, the impact of her donor, and recognizing how grief and joy can coexist at the same time. Lindsay shares about the lessons learned about resilience and living life fully despite health challenges.
Links:
Better Days Co.: Use code ‘TINYLITTLEHEARS’ for 10% off: https://betterdaysco.com/?sca_ref=9353959.TCfBLni4cA&utm_source=referral&utm_medium=influencer&utm_campaign=new-affiliates&utm_content=Aaron-Wheeler
Let’s Connect!
Connect with Lindsay @lindsayalano
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Follow me on Substack at Tiny Little Hearts Substack
This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.