PODCAST · health
Stories from the Heart
by Heart Foundation
Welcome to "Stories from the Heart," an engaging podcast series that delves into the personal experiences of the people navigating life with heart conditions, and of those researching solutions to heart disease's biggest challenges.The series aims to harness the story-telling power of people's experiences with heart disease, Australia's leading cause of death, to raise awareness that could save lives, and influence positive action on heart health.Join us as we embark on a journey of resilience, courage, and inspiration. Each episode offers a unique perspective on living with heart conditions and shares practical advice for fostering emotional health. "Stories from the Heart" aims to create a supportive community where individuals facing similar challenges can find solace, encouragement, and a wealth of shared wisdom.Stay tuned for the upcoming episodes as we amplify the voices of those with lived experience, fostering a sense of connection and understanding in the broader communi
Episodes
-
Tay Smith: all in for the people she loves
Tay Smith: All in for the people she loves When Tay Smith's father, Shaun, died suddenly from coronary artery disease at the age of 52, her family was left devastated. He was active, fit, and appeared to be in good health, making his death all the more shocking. In this episode of Stories from…
more -
Two Heart Attacks, One New Mission
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...
-
Tim Gallaher's Wake-Up Call at 33
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...
-
Internet bias and women's heart attack symptoms
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...
-
The Breast Friend Project
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…
more -
No Money, No Time? You can still make healthy meals
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 youth through the Health Hive
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...
-
Anxiety or heart disease? The misdiagnosis of a MasterChef
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...
-
Heart Failure to Heart Hero
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...
-
Washing Away Heart Disease in Barunga
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...
-
This is NOT a Heart Attack
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...
-
Heart Risks for Women: Pregnancy and Beyond (with Dr Clare Arnott)
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death for women in Australia - yet too often it's underdiagnosed and undertreated. In this episode, Dr Clare Arnott, cardiologist and Heart Foundation Clinical Ambassador for the Hand on Heart campaign, explains the gender gaps in heart attack care…
more -
Busting Nutrition Myths with Dietitian Jemma O'Hanlon
From coffee to cocktails, butter to "super-protein" diets, the world of nutrition is full of confusing (and sometimes misleading) advice. In this episode, Heart Foundation Senior Food and Nutrition Advisor Jemma O'Hanlon helps us bust some of the biggest diet myths. We explore how much sugar is...
-
Shaping the Future of Obesity and Heart Disease Care
Obesity is now one of the biggest drivers of poor heart health in Australia - affecting one-third of adults and contributing more to our national disease burden than tobacco. In this episode, we take you inside the Heart Foundation's first-ever National Stakeholder Forum on Obesity and...
-
Saving the Heart, Protecting the Brain
Open heart surgery can save your life — but it can quietly put your brain and kidneys at risk. Many patients wake up from surgery confused or forgetful, with inflammation in the brain now known to be a likely cause of delirium. Dr Simon Iles knows this firsthand. As a young ICU doctor, he…
more -
Leanne's Story: Surviving Cardiac Arrest at 14
At just 14 years old, Leanne went into sudden cardiac arrest in a supermarket car park. Born with a rare congenital heart defect, her journey has included open-heart surgery, recovery from a coma, and learning to live with an internal defibrillator - all before adulthood. In this episode, Leanne...
-
How a Fit, Healthy Man Nearly Missed a Deadly Heart Condition
Pete Marnock was the picture of health—lean, active, and unstoppable on a mountain bike. But beneath his peak fitness was a hidden, life-threatening heart condition. He had no symptoms, no risk factors, and no idea he was days away from disaster. In this episode, Pete shares his powerful story of...
-
The Queen of Hearts Race to Save Lives
When Janet suffered a heart attack at the theatre, her daughter Dawn didn't just take it as a warning—she turned it into a challenge. Now, she is embarking on the Queen of Hearts Run and Ride: a 20,000km endurance event to raise funds and awareness for heart disease research. In this episode, we...
-
The Fight Against Junk Food Marketing
How do we stop junk food advertising from shaping the next generation's health? In our first episode of this new season of Stories from the Heart we speak with three leading experts about the power of unhealthy food marketing and the urgent need for change. Jane Martin from the Food for Health...
-
Rethinking Mammograms: Could They Soon Save Hearts Too?
Could a routine mammogram save your life in more ways than one? In this episode, Dr Lauren Houston, Research Fellow in the Cardiovascular Program at The George Institute for Global Health, shares her groundbreaking work on combining heart disease screening with mammograms. Discover how artificial...
-
Heart Attack on Horseback: Vicki Roycroft's Survival Story
Vicki Roycroft, three time Olympian and Australian equestrian royalty, takes us on a journey from a life-threatening heart emergency to getting back on her beloved horse. After an aortic rupture at the Sydney Royal Easter Show in 2023, Vicki reflects on how CPR and the presence of skilled medics...
-
The Benefits of Walking and Wearables for Heart Health
Can a simple stroll really boost your heart health? In this episode of Stories from the Heart, we dive into the surprising benefits of walking. Dr Matthew Ahmadi, a research fellow at the Charles Perkins Centre, breaks down how wearable devices can turn everyday steps into heart-healthy wins.…
more -
The Heart-Pumping Power of Jump Rope
This week, we're jumping into the Skip Your Way for 30 Days challenge with Jump Rope World Champion, Luke Boon. Luke shares his expert insights on how skipping is not only a fun and accessible way to get fit, but also a powerful exercise for boosting heart health. We're also joined by Dr Brooklyn...
-
Unpacking Ultra-Processed Foods
How much do you really know about the foods you eat? In this episode of Stories from the Heart, we explore how ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are silently shaping our health—and not always for the better. Dietary experts Jemma O'Hanlon and Dr. Priscila Machado break down the rapid rise of UPFs in...
-
Mental Health and the Impact of Heart Disease
What happens to your mind when your heart lets you down? In this episode, we delve into the critical but often overlooked link between mental health and heart disease. With around 3 million Australians living with depression or anxiety, the connection between mental well-being and heart health…
more -
Blood Pressure's Deadly Role in Heart Disease
Could high blood pressure be the hidden force behind life-threatening heart conditions? In this powerful episode of Stories from the Heart, we hear from Nathan Krepp, a self-described workaholic from Western Australia. With high blood pressure and a poor diet, Nathan had already lost 5% of his...
-
A life transformed by a rare heart disease: Geoff Lester
What would you do if your life changed in an instant? For Dr Geoff Lester, a promising economics student and basketball referee, it all began with dizziness and a tingling sensation during a game. At just 24, he was on the brink of death from a rare genetic heart disease he didn't even know he…
more -
Heart Histories: A Genetic Journey
In this episode of Stories from the Heart, we delve into the critical role of genetic counselling in understanding and addressing inherited heart diseases. We speak to Associate Professor Jodie Ingles, a leading cardiac genetic counsellor and head of the Clinical Genomics Laboratory at the Garvan...
-
Transforming Heart Health in Remote Communities
In this episode, we travel to Barunga - a remote town in the Northern Territory, and the birthplace of a groundbreaking initiative poised to transform heart health in remote Aboriginal communities: the Remote Laundries project. We delve into the stark realities of rheumatic heart disease (RHD)…
more -
Beyond the Finish Line: Exploring Exercise Cardiology with Dr Aaron Baggish
In this episode, we speak with former Medical Director for the Boston Marathon, Dr Aaron Baggish, who takes us back to the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013, recounting his harrowing experience as one of the first responders on the scene. From the chaos of the explosions to the impromptu trauma…
more -
Surviving Sudden Cardiac Arrest: Laurie and Mark's Journey
What happens when you've committed your life to improving the cardiovascular health of others, but you're one day confronted with the sudden cardiac arrest of a loved one? In this episode of "Stories from the Heart," we delve into the harrowing experience of Laurie and Prof Mark Haykowsky as they...
-
The Race to Keep Young Hearts Beating
Sudden cardiac arrest – where the heart suddenly stops beating – is the leading cause of death among Australians aged 50 and under. Worryingly, it can strike even seemingly healthy people, like 31-year-old Bryan Maris, an A-Grade cyclist who passed away in his sleep. Bryan's wife, Jessica Maris…
more
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to "Stories from the Heart," an engaging podcast series that delves into the personal experiences of the people navigating life with heart conditions, and of those researching solutions to heart disease's biggest challenges.The series aims to harness the story-telling power of people's experiences with heart disease, Australia's leading cause of death, to raise awareness that could save lives, and influence positive action on heart health.Join us as we embark on a journey of resilience, courage, and inspiration. Each episode offers a unique perspective on living with heart conditions and shares practical advice for fostering emotional health. "Stories from the Heart" aims to create a supportive community where individuals facing similar challenges can find solace, encouragement, and a wealth of shared wisdom.Stay tuned for the upcoming episodes as we amplify the voices of those with lived experience, fostering a sense of connection and understanding in the broader communi
HOSTED BY
Heart Foundation
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Stories from the Heart have?
Stories from the Heart currently has 32 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Stories from the Heart about?
Welcome to "Stories from the Heart," an engaging podcast series that delves into the personal experiences of the people navigating life with heart conditions, and of those researching solutions to heart disease's biggest challenges.The series aims to harness the story-telling power of people's...
How often does Stories from the Heart release new episodes?
Stories from the Heart has 32 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Stories from the Heart?
You can listen to Stories from the Heart on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Stories from the Heart?
Stories from the Heart is created and hosted by Heart Foundation.
URL copied to clipboard!