Tiny Little Hearts Podcast

Katelyn McMahan
  • 5.0 (16)
  • PARENTING

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. 2D AGO

    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

    20 min

  2. 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.

    31 min

  3. 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.

    27 min

  4. JAN 28

    17. Parenting Special Kids Network: Turning Experience into Support

    In this episode, Katelyn McMahan speaks with Jeff Thibault, co-founder of Parenting Special Kids Network, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families raising children with disabilities in Arizona. Jeff shares his personal journey, detailing the challenges he and his wife Debbie faced while raising their daughter Claire, who has an intellectual disability and anxiety disorder. Their experiences led them to create a supportive community for other parents navigating similar challenges, offering resources, guidance, and a space for shared experiences. Jeff discusses the importance of community and connection among parents, emphasizing the need for support groups where families can share their stories and strategies. He highlights the various services offered by Parenting Special Kids Network, including one-on-one coaching, assistance with navigating state and federal resources, and the development of a comprehensive guidebook for families. The conversation underscores the complexities of raising a child with disabilities and the critical role that support networks play in alleviating the burdens faced by these families. Use the code TINYLITTLEHEARTS for 10% off Better Days Co Follow Parenting Special Kids Network on Instagram Learn more about Parenting Special Kids Network Guillermo's Story 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.

    36 min

  5. JAN 21

    16. Lindsay’s Transplant Story: Where Grief and Joy Coexist

    Lindsay Alano and her mother Susan Barth share their journey through congenital heart disease, the challenges of growing up with a serious medical condition, and the transformative experience of undergoing a heart and liver transplant as an adult. Lindsay shares about an experience in college what turned out to be the catalyst for her transplant journey. They discuss the importance of family support, the emotional complexities of being a transplant recipient, and the significance of being your own self advocate in healthcare. Lindsay reflects on her experiences, the impact of her donor, and recognizing how grief and joy can coexist at the same time. Lindsay shares about the lessons learned about resilience and living life fully despite health challenges. Links: Better Days Co.: Use code ‘TINYLITTLEHEARS’ for 10% off: https://betterdaysco.com/?sca_ref=9353959.TCfBLni4cA&utm_source=referral&utm_medium=influencer&utm_campaign=new-affiliates&utm_content=Aaron-Wheeler Let’s Connect! Connect with Lindsay @lindsayalano 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.

    45 min

  6. JAN 14

    15. 2026: What I'm Continuing and What I'm Leaving Behind

    In this conversation, Katelyn discusses some of the things she has thought about continuing in the new year, and some things that she hopes to leave behind. She reflects on her experiences as a parent of a medically complex child, particularly during the holiday season. She discusses the importance of resilience, community support, and the need to embrace small joys while navigating the challenges of parenting a child with heart disease. Katelyn emphasizes the significance of leaving behind the comparison trap, releasing guilt over uncontrollable circumstances, and the unrealistic expectation of bouncing back to a previous normal. She encourages listeners to take one step at a time and find their own rhythm in this unique journey. 00:00 Reflections on the Holiday Season 04:36 Embracing Resilience and Community 09:38 Leaving Behind the Comparison Trap 12:44 Releasing Guilt and Expectations 17:23 Navigating the Journey Forward 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.

    19 min

  7. 11/24/2025

    14. Hearts Like Mine: Choosing How You View Your Story

    In this powerful episode, Katelyn sits down with Garrett Deiro, a congenital heart disease (CHD) survivor who has a diagnosis of Tetralogy of Fallot and founder of Hearts Like Mine blog. Garrett opens up about his journey through four open heart surgeries, including a life-threatening emergency procedure at age 13 that profoundly shaped his life and years later, has been an instrumental aspect of pursuing his path toward medical school. For all you boy moms and dads, this conversation offers a male perspective on growing up with CHD, navigating the challenges of adolescence with a heart condition, and choosing to view adversity as a catalyst for purpose rather than a limitation. Key Topics Discussed: The reality of childhood surgeries and what it's like to remember your first major procedureHow a medical emergency became a turning pointProcessing trauma and choosing your perspectiveNot letting CHD define your limitationsStaying active and participating in sports with a heart conditionThe evolution from "why me?" to finding purposeCreating connection in the CHD communityHearts Like Mine Blog Follow Garret on Instagram at @hearts.like.mine.chd 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.

    24 min

  8. 11/10/2025

    13. When “Fed is Best”- Our Feeding Journey From Tube to Table

    In this personal episode, host Katelyn shares details about the feeding journey- from challenges to small wins with her daughter Goldie, who was born with congenital heart defects (CHDs). From navigating tube dependence to completing an intensive feeding therapy program, Katelyn opens up about one of the most isolating aspects of caring for a medically complex child. If you're a heart parent or anyone dealing with pediatric feeding challenges, this episode offers hope, practical insights, and the reminder that you're not alone through any of these isolating tasks you now assume as a medical parent. Katelyn discusses how the prenatal diagnosis shaped the feeding plans, especially having struggled through the societal demands of “breast is best” with her oldest daughter and talks through the evolution of Goldie’s feeding and nutrition journey– from tube to completing an intensive feeding therapy program that kick started the tube weaning process. She talks about setting appropriate expectations for yourself and your child, what false hopes she experienced throughout the beginning stages of a feeding tube, and how she shaped her perspectives and managed expectations along the way.  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.

    22 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
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Tiny Little Hearts Podcast
  • Show Website
    Tiny Little Hearts Podcast