Heart2Hearts

This week I speak to my friend MTG, who I met during a CHD weekend. MTG shares her experience living with a congenital heart condition and reflects on how CHD teenage weekends have helped her grow in confidence, independence, and as a person.

As always, you can follow the podcast on Facebook and Instagram @Heart2heartspodcast.

Music by Leon Laser — SoundCloud.

In this episode, I’m joined by Marlajan, a fellow Fallot's Tetralogy warrior. While we share the same medical diagnosis, we dive into the deeper, often unspoken parts of the journey. Marlajan shares an honest look at the trauma that can accompany a life of surgeries and medical procedures, discussing how she navigates the emotional impact of being a Heart Warrior and the resilience it takes to move forward.

As always music is brought to you by Leon Dietsch https://soundcloud.com/leon-laser-pew-pew

In this episode, I’m joined by Ryan, the first guest on the show who shares my exact heart condition. Ryan is also a triathlete, and we sit down to discuss how he balances high-level physical training with the realities of a congenital heart defect. We explore our shared experiences growing up as Heart Warriors and the mindset required to push physical boundaries while navigating a lifelong heart journey.

​Connect with us:

​Follow our journey on Instagram @Heart2heartspodcast for more Heart Warrior stories.

​If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review on Spotify to help our community grow!

Music is brought to you by Leon Dietsch https://soundcloud.com/leon-laser-pew-pew

In this episode, I’m joined by my wife, Alison. We sit down for an honest conversation about what it’s like to build a life and a family together while navigating the ongoing realities of the CHD journey. Alison shares her unique perspective on being a partner to a Heart Warrior, the strengths we’ve found in each other, and how we manage the balance between medical history and our everyday future.

Music by https://soundcloud.com/leon-laser-pew-pew

I’m joined by my mum and dad for an honest conversation about their own experiences. They share what it was like navigating the hospital system, the challenges they faced as parents, and the impact that journey had on our family. 

Music by Leon Dietsch https://soundcloud.com/leon-laser-pew-pew

In 1984, Jason Glen made headlines as the "Matchbox Kid" after undergoing a groundbreaking heart surgery at just three months old. With a heart barely the size of a matchbox and arteries as thin as pins, Jason’s survival was a miracle of medical science. Today, Jason joins Heart2Hearts to look back on that historic operation at Yorkhill Hospital, the surgeons who charted "uncharted medical territory" to save him, and what it’s like to grow up as a symbol of hope for the CHD community.

Music by Leon Dietsch https://soundcloud.com/leon-laser-pew-pew

In this milestone episode, Heart2Hearts goes global! I’m joined by our first international guest, Drezden, to discuss the universal bond of the CHD community and the fascinating differences in how we navigate medical care across the pond.

​We dive into a "Heart Warrior" comparison of the US Healthcare system vs. the UK’s NHS. From the way surgeries are scheduled to the different styles of post-op support and insurance hurdles, Drezden and I explore the pros, the cons, and the shared anxieties that every heart parent feels, regardless of their zip code.

​This episode is an eye-opening look at how geography changes the "medical routine" but never changes the heart of a parent's love and advocacy.

​Connect with our Global Community:

​Instagram: @heart2heartspodcast

​Spotify Q&A: Which system do you navigate? If you’ve experienced both or have questions about the differences we discussed, let us know below!

Music by Leon Dietsch

In Episode 3 of Heart2Hearts, I’m sitting down with Kirsty to continue our look into the diverse lives of the CHD (Congenital Heart Defect) community.

​Kirsty joins the conversation to share her personal story, highlighting the resilience it takes to navigate the medical and emotional milestones of the Heart Warrior life. We discuss the importance of shared experiences—how hearing someone else's story can provide the strength we need to face our own challenges.

​This episode is a deep dive into the bond that connects us all and a reminder that every heart story has the power to inspire and heal.

​Join the Heart2Hearts Family:

​Instagram: @heart2heartspodcast

​Community Question: Kirsty spoke about resilience—what is one thing that has helped you stay strong on your heart journey? Answer in the Spotify Q&A below!"

music is brought to you by Leon Dietsch https://soundcloud.com/leon-laser-pew-pew

In Episode 2 of Heart2Hearts, I’m joined by my friend Calum, whom I had the pleasure of meeting at a CHD community gathering.

​We talk about the life-changing impact of finding 'your people'—those who truly understand the Heart Warrior life without needing an explanation. Calum shares his personal journey, the power of peer support, and what it’s like to navigate the challenges of a Congenital Heart Defect with a community behind you.

​This episode is a tribute to the friendships formed through shared resilience and a reminder that there is a seat at the table for you here.

​Connect with the Heart2Hearts community:

​Instagram: @heart2heartspodcast

​Share your story: Have you attended a community gathering or met a fellow Heart Warrior? Tell us about it in the Spotify Q&A!

Music by Leon Dietsch https://soundcloud.com/leon-laser-pew-pew

Welcome to the very first episode of Heart2Hearts. Join me and my long-time friend Ayleigh as we open up about the mission behind this podcast.

​This episode serves as our official introduction to the CHD (Congenital Heart Defect) community. We share the story of how we met and why we felt it was time to create a dedicated space for Heart Warriors and their families to speak their truth. Ayleigh discusses her own experiences, the importance of advocacy, and how sharing our stories can turn isolation into strength.

​If you are looking for a community that understands the highs and lows of the heart journey, you’ve found it.

​Connect with the Heart2Hearts community:

​Instagram: @heart2heartspodcast

​Support: If this intro resonated with you, please hit 'Follow' to join us for the rest of Season 1!"