Welcome to Candid Hearts: Conversations in CHD.
We’re Meagan and Amy, and we’re so glad you’re here.

This podcast is a space for real, honest conversations about congenital heart disease. We’ll be sharing stories not only from our own journeys, but also from other CHD patients and families who know this life firsthand. Together, we’ll talk about all aspects of CHD—the good, the hard, and everything in between.

We’ll also bring you a special segment called The Murmur Mill, where we debunk common myths and rumors surrounding CHD and shed light on what’s fact versus fiction.

Our hope is to create meaningful content that helps all of us learn, grow, and feel less alone as we navigate life with CHD—together.

Thank you for joining us. ❤️

If you or someone you know would like to be part of the podcast you can message both Meagan and Amy at:  candidhearts25@gmail,com

Find our journey’s on Facebook:

My HLHS Diary- Amy Erhart Cunningham

My HLHS Story- Meagan Houpt

After two years of recording solo, I’ve made the decision for Diaries of a Heart Warrior to change and evolve. This choice tugged at my heartstrings in a very personal way, but deep down I knew that bringing in a co-host would allow us to create the kind of meaningful, impactful content we need.

A HUGE thank you to every listener and guest who shared this journey with me over two wonderful years of Diaries of a Heart Warrior. Your stories, support, and trust have meant more than I can put into words.

Here’s to many more conversations as we transition into Candid Hearts: Conversations in CHD, now with my co-host, Meagan Houpt!

Thank you all for growing with us.

Much love,
 Amy

Join me for this episode as I sit down with Dr. Ilardi, a neuropsychologist, whose journey into supporting the CHD community began unexpectedly. While she did not originally set out to work with CHD patients, a clinical rotation opened her eyes to a significant gap in care—particularly around neurodevelopmental challenges faced by these children and their families.

After years within the healthcare system, Dr. Ilardi recognized that her impact was needed in a different way. Today, her mission is clear: to empower families, support children’s development, and help them truly thrive.

Be sure to visit Dr. Ilardi’s website to explore the incredible work she is doing and the meaningful change she continues to bring to the community.

https://pedneurocenter.com/

Today I’m joined by Amanda as she shares her CHD journey. While childhood brought relatively few issues, things changed in her teenage years, leading to surgery and ongoing complications into adulthood. Through it all, Amanda’s positivity and outlook on life shine. In this episode, she opens up about her challenges, her resilience, and her hopes for the future—reminding us that CHD doesn’t have to hold us back.

If you would like to be on the show please reach out! 
Facebook:  Amy Erhart Cunningham

Facebook Page:  Diaries of a Heart Warrior
Instagram:  amyerhart_hlhs

Today I’m joined by Jul, Aaron, and Scott for a conversation about transitioning from pediatric to adult care. When you’re born with CHD, so much happens before you’re even old enough to understand it. In this episode, we share the things we wish we had known during that transition—offering insight, lessons, and hope to help others navigate their own path into adult care.

If you would like to be on the show please reach out! 
Facebook:  Amy Erhart Cunningham

Facebook Page:  Diaries of a Heart Warrior
Instagram:  amyerhart_hlhs

Today I’m joined by Patrick Mason for a special episode. Since we both host podcasts, we thought it would be fun to do a dual interview and share our stories together. Patrick opens up about his own journey—what led him into podcasting, his experience as a dad to a child with HLHS, and the hopes he carries for the future.

https://micahmasonfoundation.org/

https://micahmasonfoundation.org/sharingthehope/sharing-the-hope/

If you would like to be on the show please reach out! 
Facebook:  Amy Erhart Cunningham

Facebook Page:  Diaries of a Heart Warrior
Instagram:  amyerhart_hlhs

Growing up with CHD, there was no manual on what we could or couldn’t do—it was often trial by fire. Our parents did the best they could with the information they had, but as we step into adulthood, it’s on us to figure out how to start—or keep up—an active lifestyle. For some, that comes naturally; for others, it’s a lifelong struggle. What we all share, though, is an understanding of how important movement is for our health and well-being. Join us today as we talk openly about our health journeys and the role physical activity plays in our lives.

If you would like to be on the show please reach out! 
Facebook:  Amy Erhart Cunningham

Facebook Page:  Diaries of a Heart Warrior
Instagram:  amyerhart_hlhs

Today I’m joined by Aiden, who shares his powerful CHD and transplant journey. His path toward transplant began when he was just 16, and at 18, he received his new heart. Now, nine years later, Aiden reflects on the reality that while his heart is strong, his body is facing new challenges. Join us as he opens up about his experiences, what he’s learning along the way, and how he continues moving forward.

If you would like to be on the show please reach out! 
Facebook:  Amy Erhart Cunningham

Facebook Page:  Diaries of a Heart Warrior
Instagram:  amyerhart_hlhs

Aaron is back! Today, he opens up about his disability journey—what led him to the decision to step away from his job and begin the Social Security process. He shares the barriers he faced along the way and highlights the key things he believes others should consider when navigating this path. After a long road, he finally receives that official stamp of approval.

If you would like to be on the show please reach out! 
Facebook:  Amy Erhart Cunningham

Facebook Page:  Diaries of a Heart Warrior
Instagram:  amyerhart_hlhs

Today, Bekah opens up about her journey of finding her footing as an adult with CHD. Learning to advocate for ourselves isn’t always easy—it takes time, growth, and confidence. For Bekah, certain life experiences have sparked a stronger drive to speak up for her needs. Now, she’s drawing from those moments and the lessons they’ve taught her to make positive changes in both her health and the way she communicates with her care team.

If you would like to be on the show please reach out! 
Facebook:  Amy Erhart Cunningham

Facebook Page:  Diaries of a Heart Warrior
Instagram:  amyerhart_hlhs