Candid Hearts: Conversations and CHD

Amy
  • 4.0 (4)
  • Health & Fitness

Candid Hearts: Conversations and CHD is a podcast hosted by Amy Erhart and Meagan Houpt, both born with a congenital heart defect known as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). Through candid conversations, we share our personal journeys and amplify the voices of others living with congenital heart disease—patients, caregivers, spouses, and advocates alike. Each episode is rooted in honesty, education, and connection, exploring both the challenges and the triumphs of life with CHD. Our mission is to raise awareness, provide education, and offer hope for the future of the CHD community. Whether you are living with CHD, loving someone who is, or simply looking to learn more, this space is for you. We invite you to join us as we open our hearts and share real stories that matter. Welcome to Candid Hearts: Conversations and CHD.

  1. 17h ago

    The Brett Boyer Foundation with Ellen Boyer

    Today, we’re honored to speak with Ellen Boyer, Co-Founder and President of the The Brett Boyer Foundation. Through this conversation, Ellen shares the beautiful and deeply moving story of her daughter, Brett. Born with both a congenital heart defect and Down syndrome, Brett brought immense joy and light to everyone around her. Even through profound loss, Ellen, her husband, and their community have transformed their grief into something truly meaningful—creating a foundation that supports CHD, Down syndrome, mental health, research, and provides financial assistance to families in need. We also highlight two incredible parts of their mission: the Warriors program, which celebrates Heart Warriors and creates a space to embrace and honor their stories and scars, and Brett’s Barn—founded by Brett’s aunt, Caroline Bryan, and fully funded by Caroline and Luke Bryan. Ellen shares how Brett’s Barn came to life and the impact it continues to have today. Brett’s story is nothing short of extraordinary—offering hope to families navigating grief and strength to those still in the fight. Join us as we celebrate Brett’s life and legacy with her mother, Ellen. https://www.thebrettboyerfoundation.org/ https://www.instagram.com/brightforbrett/ https://www.facebook.com/brightforbrett/ If you or someone you know would like to be part of the podcast you can message both Meagan and Amy at:  candidhearts25@gmail,com Find our journey’s on Facebook: My HLHS Diary- Amy Erhart Cunningham My HLHS Story- Meagan Houpt

  2. Jul 20

    The Balance of It All- with Jake Chico

    Today, Jake joins us to share his perspective on his heart journey and the path it has led him down. From navigating the transplant evaluation process to reflecting on what it all means for his future, Jake offers an honest and grounded look at life in a complex season. He walks us through his recent appointments, giving insight into what transplant evaluation can look like, while also opening up about his mindset along the way. Jake brings a refreshing balance — reminding us not to take everything too seriously, while still honoring the weight and reality of what he’s facing.  If you or someone you know would like to be part of the podcast you can message both Meagan and Amy at:  candidhearts25@gmail,com Find our journey’s on Facebook: My HLHS Diary- Amy Erhart Cunningham My HLHS Story- Meagan Houpt

  3. Jul 6

    The Beginning of Adult Heart Camp- with Amy Erhart Cunningham and Meagan Houpt

    In this special episode, Amy and Meagan reflect on an unforgettable milestone—the very first Adult Heart Camp. Seventeen adults living with congenital heart disease traveled from multiple states to gather for a weekend built on something many of us have searched for our entire lives: connection. While heart camps have long existed for children with CHD, this weekend was created specifically for adults—a place where no one had to explain their scars, their medical history, or what it's like to live with a lifelong heart condition. Throughout the weekend, strangers became friends as stories were shared, laughter filled the campgrounds, and a community was formed through a shared understanding that only another CHDers can truly provide. Join us as we look back on the memories, the lessons, and the incredible impact of creating a space where adults with CHD could simply belong. This episode celebrates the power of community and reminds us that heart camp doesn't have to end in childhood—it can become something just as meaningful in adulthood. Until we meet again at Adult Heart Camp 2027, Amy Erhart Cunningham Founder/Host Please email amyc9235@gmail.com for more information about Heart Camp 2027 If you or someone you know would like to be part of the podcast you can message both Meagan and Amy at:  candidhearts25@gmail,com Find our journey’s on Facebook: My HLHS Diary- Amy Erhart Cunningham My HLHS Story- Meagan Houpt

  4. Jun 22

    The Murmur Mill: CHD Patients Can’t Have ‘Normal’ Lives

    In today’s Murmur Mill, we talk about the idea of living “normal” lives. While we’re fully aware that we have heart defects, we also know they don’t define who we are. The belief that people with CHD can’t live full, fulfilling lives is just that—a misconception. Many of us are thriving and living abundant lives. That doesn’t mean we don’t need support from time to time, but we’re not nearly as fragile as some people assume. Join us as we walk through this concept.   If you or someone you know would like to be part of the podcast you can message both Meagan and Amy at:  candidhearts25@gmail,com Find our journey’s on Facebook: My HLHS Diary- Amy Erhart Cunningham My HLHS Story- Meagan Houpt

  5. Jun 8

    Finding Confidence Through Sport with Elisabeth Baril

    On today’s episode, we talk with Lizzie about her inspiring journey. Lizzie was born with a congenital heart defect and 22q11 deletion syndrome, which has shaped many aspects of her life beyond just her heart condition. She shares her experience navigating the Canadian healthcare system and how it has supported her throughout her life. Lizzie also tells us how she found her way to the Special Olympics, explains the program, and reflects on the opportunities it has brought her along the way.  If you or someone you know would like to be part of the podcast you can message both Meagan and Amy at:  candidhearts25@gmail,com Find our journey’s on Facebook: My HLHS Diary- Amy Erhart Cunningham My HLHS Story- Meagan Houpt

  6. May 25

    Icing Smiles: Creating Joy, One Cake at a Time

    Let’s talk about cake! Not just any cake, but cakes that bring smiles to some truly incredible people. Icing Smiles is an organization that connects volunteer bakers from across the country to create special cakes for children with chronic illnesses, their siblings, and families honoring a child who has passed. Join us as Chelsea shares her story and gives us a closer look at the heart behind Icing Smiles and the joy it brings to so many families.   https://www.icingsmiles.org https://www.instagram.com/icingsmiles/ https://www.tiktok.com/tag/icingsmiles  If you or someone you know would like to be part of the podcast you can message both Meagan and Amy at:  candidhearts25@gmail,com Find our journey’s on Facebook: My HLHS Diary- Amy Erhart Cunningham My HLHS Story- Meagan Houpt

  7. May 11

    Living Both Sides of CHD with Mia Johnson

    Today, Mia joins us to share her incredibly unique story. Born with a congenital heart defect of her own, Mia has lived a healthy and vibrant life. When she and her husband decided to grow their family, she knew there were potential risks after  conversations with her medical team. At her 21-week fetal ultrasound, they learned that her son would also be born with a congenital heart defect. In this episode, Mia vulnerably walks us through her pregnancy journey — the emotions, the unknowns, and the strength it took to move forward with courage. She shares how she advocated for specialized care, made critical decisions for both herself and her baby, and prepared for a birth that would require a carefully coordinated medical team. Join us as we talk about generational CHD, maternal intuition, advocacy, and the powerful resilience of a heart mom who has lived both sides of the story — as a patient and now as a parent. If you or someone you know would like to be part of the podcast you can message both Meagan and Amy at:  candidhearts25@gmail,com Find our journey’s on Facebook: My HLHS Diary- Amy Erhart Cunningham My HLHS Story- Meagan Houpt

  8. Apr 27

    Mezzion & FUEL-2: A New Chapter of Hope with John Pressor, Margaret Sarah Alexander, and Meg Didier

    Today, we’re joined by members of Mezzion, a pharmaceutical company focused on improving outcomes for those living with single ventricle heart conditions. In our conversation with John, Margaret Sarah, and Meg, we learn more about their mission to bring hope to the CHD community through their FUEL-2 study. FUEL-2 is exploring a potential new medication called udenafil, designed to help children and teens who have undergone the Fontan procedure. The study is looking at whether this treatment can improve energy levels, exercise capacity, and daily functioning, while also evaluating its safety. Join us as they share more about Mezzion’s work, the population they serve, and how studies like FUEL-2 could make a meaningful difference for the single ventricle community. https://mezzion.com/ https://www.fuel2study.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/mezzion If you or someone you know would like to be part of the podcast you can message both Meagan and Amy at:  candidhearts25@gmail,com Find our journey’s on Facebook: My HLHS Diary- Amy Erhart Cunningham My HLHS Story- Meagan Houpt

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Ratings & Reviews

4
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Candid Hearts: Conversations and CHD is a podcast hosted by Amy Erhart and Meagan Houpt, both born with a congenital heart defect known as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). Through candid conversations, we share our personal journeys and amplify the voices of others living with congenital heart disease—patients, caregivers, spouses, and advocates alike. Each episode is rooted in honesty, education, and connection, exploring both the challenges and the triumphs of life with CHD. Our mission is to raise awareness, provide education, and offer hope for the future of the CHD community. Whether you are living with CHD, loving someone who is, or simply looking to learn more, this space is for you. We invite you to join us as we open our hearts and share real stories that matter. Welcome to Candid Hearts: Conversations and CHD.

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