Tiny Little Hearts Podcast

Katelyn McMahan
  • 5.0 (16)
  • MEDICINE

This podcast is about Congenital Heart Disease (CHD), complex medical journeys, parenting through uncertainty and the deep resilience of walking through big life changes.  Hosted by Katelyn McMahan, a mom to three girls whose life was changed in an instant when she found out her youngest daughter had complex cardiac abnormalities. She went searching to hear about kids with a similar diagnosis and wanted to see the life they were living. She didn’t want the curated, polished stories so she could prepare her heart for the good, bad and ugly.  This podcast does just that and highlights conversations from individuals, parents, medical providers, and others navigating the very real and overwhelming world of congenital heart defects and other medical complexities. You’ll hear honest conversations, practical advice and space to feel seen and understood.

  1. 1D AGO

    25. It’s Not Your Season…Right Now: Half a Heart With a Full Life

    In this episode, host Katelyn McMahan sits down with Liz Gaston — heart mom, CHD advocate, and co-founder of Project 1 in 100 — for a deeply honest conversation about life after a prenatal congenital heart disease diagnosis. Liz shares her journey raising her four-year-old son Ben, who was born with single ventricle heart disease, double outlet right ventricle (DORV), and has completed all three stages of the Fontan surgery pathway. Together, Katelyn and Liz explore the emotions, fears, and unexpected growth that come with being a congenital heart defect (CHD) parent — and why advocacy isn't optional when it's your child's heart on the line. In This Episode: Ben's story: His diagnosis at the 20-week anatomy scan, life with a half heart, and how he's flourishing at age four — superhero obsessed, theater-bound, and full of joyThe unspoken fears every CHD parent faces after diagnosis: Will my child have friends? Will they be treated differently? Can they keep up with other kids?How Liz learned to let Ben try soccer, superhero camp, and theater — and why trusting his body to communicate its own limits was a turning pointTalking to your child about their heart: When to start, how much to share, and navigating the balance between awareness and letting them just be a kidPreserving your identity as a heart mom: Liz's honest reflection on going dark on social media for nearly three years, shrinking her circle, and slowly finding herself again post-FontanProject 1-100: The mission to unite the CHD community, amplify awareness of congenital heart disease, close the funding and resource gap, and their growing community resource map of 40+ organizations across the U.S.The gap in maternal care and CHD education — why so many families arrive at their fetal echocardiogram having never heard the words "congenital heart defect"In utero CHD diagnosis vs. postnatal diagnosis: What each brings, and the unexpected gift of time to prepareFinding yourself again after the Fontan: Moving to Charleston, solo grocery runs, and why "my toddler" is a completely valid answer to "what's your hobby?"Resources & Links: Instagram: Liz GastonInstagram: Project1in100Support Tiny Little Hearts — 10% of listener proceeds go to Stronger Hearts FoundationUse the code TINYLITTLEHEARTS for 10% off Better Days Co Let’s Connect! Follow me on Instagram @tinylittleheartspodcastFollow me on Substack at Tiny Little Hearts SubstackThis episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.Keywords: congenital heart disease (CHD), CHD awareness, heart mom podcast, single ventricle heart disease, Fontan surgery, prenatal heart diagnosis, in utero CHD diagnosis, congenital heart defect parent Support the show

    39 min

  2. APR 1

    24. More Than CHD: A 13-Year Friendship Between a Heart Mom and Adult CHDer

    In this episode, I’m joined by Lauren and Lauren. One, a heart mom, and the other, an adult CHDer. For Lauren Watson and Lauren Bednarz, that one message 13 years ago became the foundation of one of the deepest friendships either of them has ever known. We talk about how they found each other, what it looked like to build a real friendship virtually before it was "normal" to do so, and why CHD brought them together but doesn't define what keeps them close. Lauren Watson is a heart mom to Addie, who has tricuspid atresia and a hypoplastic right heart, and has been walking the CHD journey since Addie's diagnosis at her 20-week anatomy scan. Lauren Bednarz is a 38-year-old adult CHDer — also with tricuspid atresia and a hypoplastic right heart — and one of the most recognized advocates in the CHD community, having been in this space for over 18 years. Their friendship is the kind this community makes possible: born out of shared diagnosis, deepened through grief and hard seasons of life, and now one of those rare friendships where CHD doesn't even come up in most conversations. This episode is for anyone who has wondered whether the friendships you find in this community can actually go the distance. They can. And this one is proof. Tiny Little Hearts is hosted by Katelyn McMahan. A portion of listener support goes to Stronger Hearts Foundation. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with another heart family who might need it today. Support this show: Support Tiny Little Hearts — 10% of listener proceeds go to Stronger Hearts FoundationResources & Links: Connect with Lauren Bednarz on Instagram @laurenb_hopefulheartStronger Hearts Foundation: strongerheartsfoundation.comInstagram: @strongerheartsfoundationUse the code TINYLITTLEHEARTS for 10% off Better Days Co Let’s Connect! Follow me on Instagram @tinylittleheartspodcastFollow me on Substack at Tiny Little Hearts SubstackThis episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.Keywords: congenital heart disease friendship, CHD community, adult CHD, heart mom, tricuspid atresia, hypoplastic right heart, Fontan, heart warrior, CHD advocacy, Lauren Bednarz, CHD support, heart parent community, Tiny Little Hearts podcast Support the show

    39 min

  3. MAR 25

    23. Stronger Hearts Foundation: Surgery Support Every CHD Family Needs

    Summary: Every CHD parent remembers the moment the world stopped. The diagnosis. The surgery date. The waiting room. But what happens to the family holding it all together while their child is in the OR? In this episode, Katelyn sits down with Conner Hill, co-founder of Stronger Hearts Foundation, to talk about his son Dawson's diagnosis of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) at 20 weeks, the 100+ inpatient days that followed, and how one family's experience navigating the gaps in the CHD support system became a foundation that is already changing lives. From emergency housing assistance and day-of-surgery care packages to a community built on the belief that no CHD family should walk this road alone, Stronger Hearts Foundation is filling a critical gap that too many families don't know exists until they're already in crisis. Katelyn also shares exciting news: she and her husband Stephen have joined Stronger Hearts Foundation as Managing Directors, leading West Coast expansion efforts — and 10% of all Tiny Little Hearts listener support goes directly to Stronger Hearts Foundation. In This Episode: Dawson's HLHS diagnosis at the 20-week anatomy scan and the overwhelming first 24 hoursNavigating the Norwood, a Christmas Day discharge, two emergency flights during the interstage, and the Glenn procedureThe unspoken logistics of CHD life — Airbnbs, hotel bills, waitlists, and coordinating family across state linesWhy Ronald McDonald House isn't always available immediately and the gap Stronger Hearts was built to fillHow Conner designed the foundation's logo from Dawson's hospital room as a way to copeGetting 501(c)3 approval in just two months — and hitting the ground runningThe first Instagram DM from a care package recipient that made Conner cry in his kitchenBeing invited to the CNOC cardiology conference and overcoming imposter syndromeWhat's next for Stronger Hearts Foundation — nurse incentive programs, improved single-ventricle monitoring, and national expansionKatelyn and Stephen joining as Managing Directors and the West Coast presence they're building togetherResources & Links: Stronger Hearts Foundation: strongerheartsfoundation.comInstagram: @strongerheartsfoundationSupport Tiny Little Hearts — 10% of listener proceeds go to Stronger Hearts FoundationUse the code TINYLITTLEHEARTS for 10% off Better Days Co Let’s Connect! Follow me on Instagram @tinylittleheartspodcastFollow me on Substack at Tiny Little Hearts SubstackThis episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.Keywords: CHD financial assistance, congenital heart disease support, HLHS family resources, CHD housing help, day of surgery care packages, Stronger Hearts Foundation, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, CHD nonprofit, cardiac surgery family support, CHD community, interstage monitoring, Fontan surgery, CHD advocacy Support the show

    29 min

  4. MAR 11

    22. The Sibling Side of CHD: From Lila’s Heart

    Summary In this episode, Katelyn has a conversation with her 9 year old daughter, Lila, who shares about her experience being a sibling of a child with heart problems. She shares insights on family resilience, emotional processing and caring for her sister, Goldie. Lila gives insight to the emotional impact it had on her and her other sister Maeve, as well as what was helpful for them when processing and understanding what was going on with their new baby sister. Katelyn shares about giving Lila a Gizmo Watch for a line of communication that she could message at any time when needing to send a message or hear from mom or dad when they were away. They also talk about the ways Lila has learned to help care for her medically complex sister. This episode highlights how open communication helps children process difficult situations, how siblings can be brave and caring and provide emotional support for each other, and how involving children in care routines fosters understanding and connection.  Use the code TINYLITTLEHEARTS for 10% off Better Days Co Ryan Ellis- Gonna Be Alright Let’s Connect! Follow me on Instagram @tinylittleheartspodcast Follow me on Substack at Tiny Little Hearts Substack This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network. Support the show

    11 min

  5. MAR 4

    21. How To Prepare For a Cardiology Appointment

    Summary In this conversation, Katelyn discusses how to prepare for cardiology appointments, focusing on the importance of being armed with questions and emotional readiness. She emphasizes the need for preparation in three key areas: understanding changes in health, logistical arrangements for the appointment, and emotional readiness to advocate for oneself or your child. Katelyn also shares practical tips and resources to help parents navigate these appointments with confidence and shares a document that is a Cardiology Appointment Checklist.  Cardiology Appointment Checklist Use the code TINYLITTLEHEARTS for 10% off Better Days Co Let’s Connect! Follow me on Instagram @tinylittleheartspodcast Follow me on Substack at Tiny Little Hearts Substack This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network. Support the show

    10 min

  6. FEB 25

    20. Caregiver Burnout: The Raw Reality

    In this episode, Katelyn McMahan discusses the often-overlooked topic of caregiver burnout, sharing her personal experiences and insights. She emphasizes the commonality of burnout among caregivers, the emotional toll it takes, and the importance of recognizing its triggers and signs. Katelyn offers practical strategies for self-care and highlights the significance of building a supportive community to navigate the challenges of caregiving. Ultimately, she encourages listeners to prioritize their own needs while balancing their roles as caregivers. Let’s Connect! Follow me on Instagram @tinylittleheartspodcast Follow me on Substack at Tiny Little Hearts Substack This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network. Visit BetterDaysCo.com and use code TINYLITTLEHEARTS for 10% off Support the show

    20 min

  7. FEB 11

    19: How We Kept Our Marriage Strong When Statistics Told Us Otherwise

    In this conversation, Katelyn McMahan and her husband discuss the challenges of maintaining a strong marriage while navigating the complexities of raising medically complex children. They share personal experiences, strategies for communication, the importance of support systems, and the necessity of prioritizing both individual and marital well-being amidst caregiver burnout. The discussion emphasizes the significance of teamwork, asking for help, and finding moments of connection to strengthen their relationship during difficult times. Psychology Today Article Let’s Connect! Follow me on Instagram @tinylittleheartspodcast Follow me on Substack at Tiny Little Hearts Substack This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network. Support the show

    31 min

  8. FEB 4

    18: Meadow and Her Four-Leaf Clover Heart

    In this episode, host Katelyn McMahan welcomes Sarah Boes to celebrate the release of Sarah's children's book, 'Meadow and Her Four Leaf Clover Heart' launching February 8th, 2026. Together, they explore how the right story at the right time can truly change everything for a child navigating life with a congenital heart defect. Sarah opens up about the inspiration behind her book and the special meaning of the four leaf clover—a symbol of hope and uniqueness that mirrors the journey of children with CHD. Their conversation illuminates how positive, empowering narratives can help our little ones see their hearts not as something broken, but as something extraordinary. They also share the deep impact that community, connection, and advocacy have had in the CHD world, reminding us that no family has to walk this path alone. Sarah shares about a new coalition that has formed called Every 100th Heart. Follow Sarah Michelle Boes on Instagram Meadow and Her Four-Leaf Clover Heart can be purchased at: Amazon Barnes & Noble Booktopia Every 100th Heart  Let’s Connect! Follow me on Instagram @tinylittleheartspodcast Follow me on Substack at Tiny Little Hearts Substack This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network. Support the show

    27 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

This podcast is about Congenital Heart Disease (CHD), complex medical journeys, parenting through uncertainty and the deep resilience of walking through big life changes.  Hosted by Katelyn McMahan, a mom to three girls whose life was changed in an instant when she found out her youngest daughter had complex cardiac abnormalities. She went searching to hear about kids with a similar diagnosis and wanted to see the life they were living. She didn’t want the curated, polished stories so she could prepare her heart for the good, bad and ugly.  This podcast does just that and highlights conversations from individuals, parents, medical providers, and others navigating the very real and overwhelming world of congenital heart defects and other medical complexities. You’ll hear honest conversations, practical advice and space to feel seen and understood.

Information

  • Creator
    Katelyn McMahan
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Tiny Little Hearts Podcast
  • Show Website
    Tiny Little Hearts Podcast