At 41, Kieran Bush thought he was doing everything right. He had lost weight, was walking regularly and felt healthier than ever. But in July 2025, after what seemed like an ordinary day in Darwin, Kieran became violently ill and experienced a moment of terrifying clarity: he needed help immediately.

In this episode of Stories from the Heart, Kieran shares what it was like to survive two heart attacks, including one while being transported to hospital, and how that experience now informs his work as a Consumer Engagement Officer with the Menzies School of Health Research.

Through his role at Menzies, Kieran helps connect researchers, clinicians and First Nations communities so health information is culturally appropriate, understandable and shaped by the people it is designed to support. His own heart story adds another layer to that work, giving him a deeply personal understanding of why clear communication, trust and community voices matter.

Resources and support

❤️ Heart attack vs cardiac arrest – Learn the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest, including warning signs and what to do in an emergency. https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/blog/heart-attack-vs-cardiac-arrest

❤️ Heart Health Checks – Find out what a Heart Health Check involves and how it can help assess your risk of heart disease. https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/your-heart/heart-health-checks

❤️ First Nations heart health – Access heart health information and support developed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/first-nations-heart-health

❤️ Menzies School of Health Research – Learn more about Menzies and its work to improve health outcomes, particularly for First Nations communities and people in northern Australia. https://www.menzies.edu.au/

If Kieran's story has made you think about your own heart health, don't wait. Learn the warning signs, know your risk, and speak with your GP about a Heart Health Check — especially if you have symptoms, risk factors or a family history of heart disease.

#StoriesFromTheHeart #HeartFoundation #HeartHealth #HeartDisease #HeartAttackSurvivor #KnowYourRisk #ListenToYourBody #NorthernTerritoryHealth

Tim Gallagher's Wake-Up Call at 33

When 33-year-old Tim Gallaher started struggling through his usual post-Christmas runs, he put it down to stress, fatigue and the challenges of a new job. What followed was a series of events that would ultimately save his life.

Despite being young, active and otherwise healthy, Tim was found to have a 99 per cent blockage in a major artery supplying blood to his heart. In this episode of Stories from the Heart, Tim shares the warning signs he nearly ignored, the extraordinary circumstances that led to a rapid diagnosis, and the emotional and physical challenges of recovery after emergency treatment.

Tim reflects on the shock of facing a life-threatening heart condition at such a young age, the importance of listening to your body, and how cardiac rehabilitation is helping him rebuild confidence in his heart and his future. He also discusses the role family history played in his diagnosis and why he now feels he's been given a second chance at life.

Resources and support

❤️ MyHeart MyLife – A free Heart Foundation support program for people living with heart disease and their carers.https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/myheartmylife

❤️ Heart Health Checks – Medicare-funded heart health checks are available for eligible Australians to help identify and manage cardiovascular risk factors.https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/heart-health-checks

❤️ Cardiac Services Directory – Find cardiac rehabilitation programs across Australia, including details on how programs run, costs, schedules and referral or contact information.https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/your-heart/cardiac-services-directory

Further reading: Heart disease in younger adults

Research shows that cardiovascular disease can begin developing much earlier in life than many people realise.

📖 Atherosclerosis can begin in childhood and adolescence The landmark Pathobiological Determinants of Atherosclerosis in Youth (PDAY) study found evidence of atherosclerosis developing in young people decades before symptoms occur.Read the study

📖 Genetics and family history play an important role Research has identified genes involved in lipid metabolism that may contribute to coronary artery disease in younger adults. Family history remains a significant risk factor.Read the review

📖 How common is coronary artery disease in younger people? Determining prevalence is challenging because rates vary considerably between populations. A recent review suggests young coronary artery disease (typically defined as occurring before 45 years of age) may represent between 1% and 16% of cases. The review also notes that women are frequently underrepresented in the research.Read the review

📖 Major risk factors for early coronary artery disease Research suggests smoking, dyslipidaemia (abnormal cholesterol levels), family history of premature coronary artery disease and genetic factors are strongly associated with increased risk in younger adults. Smoking, in particular, is highlighted as a significant modifiable risk factor.Read the study

📖 Heart attacks in younger adults may be under-recognised Emerging evidence suggests the burden of myocardial infarction (heart attack) among younger adults may be greater than previously appreciated.Read the study

📖 Sudden cardiac arrest in young Australians Sudden death from cardiac arrest in people younger than 35 remains rare, with an estimated incidence of approximately 1.3 per 100,000 people per year in Australia. Around 15% occur during or immediately after exercise.https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1510687

If you have concerns about your heart health, experience symptoms such as chest pain or unexplained shortness of breath, or have a family history of heart disease, speak with your GP.

#StoriesFromTheHeart #HeartHealth #HeartDisease #CardiacRehabilitation #HeartFoundation #HeartHealthCheck #CardiovascularHealth #HeartDiseaseAwareness #HeartAttack #FamilyHistory #MyHeartMyLife #PatientStory #RecoveryJourney #ListenToYourHeart #PreventiveHealth #KeepTheBeat

Why women's heart attack symptoms are still overlooked — and how it nearly cost Fiona her life

Political cartoonist Fiona Katauskas shares the morning she collapsed at home, convinced she was "just imagining it." As she recalls, "I didn't call an ambulance because I thought, oh, I don't want to cause a fuss."

Despite being fit and active, her symptoms didn't match the male‑centric heart attack descriptions she found online. Only after searching "women's heart attack symptoms" did she realise the danger — hours later.

Her story highlights a critical truth: women often experience different heart attack symptoms, yet public information and clinical practice still skew male.

Key Themes

• Subtle symptoms: dizziness, sweating, fainting, right‑arm numbness, jaw/neck tightness
• Why online symptom lists mislead women
• Gender bias in heart research and diagnosis
• The cultural pressure on women to "not make a fuss"
• Adjusting to life after a heart attack

LINKS

Why women delay calling emergency services

• Monash University research on why women hesitate to call 000 during a suspected heart attack: https://www.monash.edu/medicine/news/latest/2025-articles/why-women-wait-to-call-000-when-they-suspect-theyre-having-a-heart-attack

Gender bias in symptom recognition & clinical awareness

• Lack of education and awareness around female‑specific symptoms (including among clinicians): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9399064/

Underrepresentation of women in cardiovascular trials

• How clinical trial gaps worsen diagnostic and treatment inequality: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10978176/

Drivers of inequality in diagnosis & treatment

• Factors contributing to poorer outcomes for women with CVD: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9399064/

A similar real‑world case

• British Heart Foundation story mirroring Fiona's experience, plus insights on AI amplifying gender bias: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/news/heart-attacks-in-women

A Note for Listeners

If you're a woman over 45, or an Indigenous woman over 30, speak with your GP about a Medicare‑funded heart health check. And if something feels wrong — don't ignore it.

Heart health check: https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/your-heart/heart-health-checks

Heart attack symptoms: https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/your-heart/heart-attack

In this episode of Stories from the Heart, we hear from Sadie Goddard-Wrighton — a South Australian wellness coach, breast cancer survivor and founder of the Breast Friend Project, a Heart Foundation walking group supporting people affected by breast cancer.

Sadie shares her story of recovery, the role movement played in her healing, and how connection with others became a vital part of rebuilding her health and wellbeing. The conversation also explores why walking, nature and community can make such a powerful difference.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why movement and time in nature can support healing
• How the Breast Friend Project began and grew
• The importance of community and social participation for overall health

Resources and links

• Heart Foundation Walking
• MyHeart MyLife (support)

#StoriesFromTheHeart #PodcastEpisode #HeartHealth #BreastCancerRecovery #HealingJourney #WalkingForWellbeing #Wellness #SupportMatters #CommunityHealing #MovementMatters #heartfoundation #heartfoundationwalking

No Money, No Time?

It doesn't matter – you can still make healthy meals

With food bills creeping ever higher, many people worry about the expense of putting healthy meals on the table. But there are solutions.

In this episode, we explore how innovative tools and strategic partnerships are empowering Australians to improve their diet within budget and time constraints. This must-listen episode features insights from two of the most insightful nutrition experts in the business: Professor Clare Collins, a renowned University of Newcastle nutrition scientist and podcast host (check out her brilliant work by accessing the link to the 'No Money, No Time' website below), and the Heart Foundation's Manager of Food and Nutrition Claire Gardner, who discuss practical strategies for fostering healthier eating habits that can be sustained long-term.

Key Topics

• The origin and impact of the No Money, No Time platform, including its popular healthy eating quiz
• How small dietary changes can lead to significant health benefits
• The importance of making healthy eating accessible via smartphones
• Practical tips for shopping smarter—focusing on vegetables, fruits, and budget-friendly food swaps
• Resources available from the Heart Foundation to support heart-healthy, budget-friendly eating
• The concept of a flexible, sustainable "heart healthy eating pattern" instead of restrictive diets

Resources & Links

• No Money No Time Website
• Heart Foundation Recipes and Resources

In this episode of Stories from the Heart, we look at ithe Health Hive, an initiative reshaping of how young people engage with public health research—especially heart health. Host, Matt Dunn speaks with Associate Professor Stephanie Partridge and members of her team about why youth involvement matters, what's holding young people back, and how the Health Hive is breaking down barriers with practical, confidence‑building solutions.

You'll hear personal stories from young researchers who've stepped into the world of public health, discovered their own capabilities, and found their voices in spaces where youth perspectives have traditionally been overlooked. The conversation also explores the growing momentum behind youth‑led insights in health policy and the broader challenges young people face in heart health today.

Whether you're passionate about public health, youth empowerment, or community‑driven change, this episode offers a hopeful look at what happens when young people are invited to the table—and given the tools to thrive.

Want to know more? Go to: https://www.youthhealthhive.com/free-online-course

In this powerful episode of Stories from the Heart, we speak with renowned anti–food waste campaigner and chef Mandy Hall, who shares her deeply personal journey of misdiagnosis to a life‑threatening heart condition.

Despite experiencing persistent and alarming symptoms, the former MasterChef contestant was told her condition was anxiety‑related. It wasn't until much later that she discovered she had an 90% blockage in a major artery — a diagnosis that would ultimately save her life.

Mandy reflects on the challenges women face in having their heart disease symptoms recognised and taken seriously, and the emotional toll of not being believed. She also discusses how her experience has fuelled her passion to raise awareness about women's heart health, encouraging others to listen to their bodies and advocate for themselves.

This episode is a confronting and inspiring reminder that heart disease doesn't always look the way we expect — and that early recognition can make all the difference.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why heart disease symptoms in women are often missed or misdiagnosed
• The dangers of dismissing symptoms as anxiety or stress
• Mandy's journey to diagnosis and recovery
• The importance of self‑advocacy in healthcare
• Raising awareness to help save more women's lives

If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone you love and help spread the message about women's heart health. Learn more about the signs of heart disease in women and how to protect your heart at heartfoundation.org.au, and subscribe to Stories from the Heart so you never miss an episode.

If you'd like to find out more about Mandy Hall, go to: realfoodhall.com.au

*The Heart Foundation relies on peer-reviewed scientific research in the production of this podcast.

In this inspiring episode of Stories from the Heart, we sit down with Mildura teacher Graeme Tulloch, who turned a near-death experience into a mission to save lives.

During a routine bike ride, Graeme experienced a sudden cardiac arrest. Thanks to the quick actions of community members who performed CPR, his life was saved. He shares the harrowing details of that day, the medical response that followed, and how the experience reshaped his outlook forever.

We also talk to one of Graeme's rescuers, Seher Ozonal, whose early intervention not only helped to save Graeme's life but created a lifelong bond.

Out of this life-changing event came Hands on Heart Australia, an organisation Graeme founded to train and empower locals in CPR. His story is a reminder of the critical role everyday people can play in emergencies—and the emotional impact of surviving against the odds.

Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease continue to disproportionately affect First Nations communities, but a simple idea is making a powerful difference: clean clothes.

In this episode, we travel to Barunga Festival in the Northern Territory to learn how community-run remote laundries are reducing scabies, preventing new cases of RHD, and strengthening local pride. We hear from Aboriginal Investment Group CEO Liz Morgan-Brett, community laundry worker Darryl Miller, Heart Foundation leaders working on the ground, and researcher Dr Ailin Lepletier, who explains the science behind how skin infections can lead to serious heart damage.

We also share news of a brand-new Remote Laundry opening in Borroloola — the latest step in a growing, community-led movement improving health outcomes across remote Australia.

To learn more about rheumatic heart disease, the Remote Laundries Project, and how you can support this work, visit:

• https://www.remotelaundries.org.au/barunga/
• https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/catalyst/remote-laundries/umbakumba-borroloola-launch
• https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/first-nations-heart-health/acute-rheumatic-fever-and-rhd

In this powerful episode of Stories from the Heart, we sit down with Sanjiv Kulkarni, a 48-year-old father and husband whose life took an unexpected turn. Despite being active and health-conscious, Sanjiv dismissed his heart attack symptoms as simple heartburn—until a doctor's diagnosis led to a shocking recommendation: a triple bypass.

Sanjiv's story is a wake-up call for anyone who thinks heart disease only happens to "other people." With a family history of heart issues, his experience highlights how easily symptoms can be misunderstood—and how critical it is to listen to your body.

We're also joined by Natalie Raffoul from the Heart Foundation. As Senior Manager for Healthcare Programs and Clinical Strategy, Nat sheds light on why misinterpreting heart attack symptoms is so common. Plus, she also tells us about the My Heart, My Life program—a free support initiative designed to help people living with heart disease (and their caregivers) lead healthier, happier lives.

Tune in to hear:

· Sanjiv's emotional journey from denial to diagnosis

· Why heartburn and heart attack symptoms are often confused

· Expert insights from Natalie Raffoul on heart health awareness

Subscribe, listen, and share—because these stories could save a life.

My Heart, My Life: myheartmylife.org.au