In this episode of The Heart of the Matter podcast, we dive into the cinematic portrayal of hearts in three selected films: 'Return to Me,' 'Heart Eyes,' and 'The Heart Knows.'

We discuss the narrative connections between heart transplants and romantic relationships, exploring themes of love, memory, and identity.

Join the conversation as the team navigates these heart-centric films, their symbolic significance, and ethical implications.

In this episode of 'Heart of the Matter,' hosts Claire Hansen, Brid Phillips and Michael Stevens discuss the latest in heart related research in 2025!

The hosts cover a range of topics, starting with the latest research on the benefits of brisk walking for reducing heart rhythm problems. They also delve into the fascinating parallels between Shakespearean depictions of heartbreak and modern medical understandings of Takotsubo syndrome (or broken heart syndrome), drawing insights from their peer-reviewed research. Lastly, Michael shares an update on a groundbreaking artificial heart project in Australia.

Tune in for a blend of historical and contemporary perspectives on heart health.

Relevant Links

• Brisk walking linked to lower risk of heart rhythm problems
• ‘Wilt Break My Heart?’ Takotsubo Syndrome and Shakespeare’s Discourse of Heartbreak in Antony and Cleopatra and King Lear
• Australian becomes first in world discharged with durable artificial heart - ABC News

In this episode of "Heart of the Matter," we dive into the fascinating connections between health literacy and cardiovascular disease (CVD) with Dr. Bonnie Beasant, an early-career lecturer and researcher.

Join us as we explore barriers to health literacy among underserved populations, the behavioral and clinical factors influencing CVD, and practical steps to enhance heart health education. With insights from Bonnie’s groundbreaking research and her work as Associate Lecturer in the Global Medicine Team at University of Western Australia, this episode bridges the gap between public health and clinical care to promote understanding and wellbeing.

Australian CVD Risk Checker

On this episode, we sit down with Professor John Fraser, Director of the Critical Care Research Group at Prince Charles Hospital. Professor Fraser is an absolute legend in the field of critical care research. He has led several incredible initiatives, too many to list here.

He also has a past life as an actor, so we use this interview to discuss how John combines his two passions of the arts and medicine in his daily work.

In this episode, we sit down with Kirsty Freeman, Associate Professor at the Rural Clinical school of Western Australia. Kirsty shares her perspective on the heart and how we keep the heart going, the work of first responders, and the difficulties faced by rural and remote clinicians. Kirsty discusses her experiences working in remote communities as well as her work in the impact of imposter phenomenon (not imposter syndrome!) in healthcare simulation educators.

In this episode Brid also shares a story about how her Uncle Hugh was physically revived by a passerby and then cared for by paramedics and hospital staff after he had a cardiac arrest in the community many years ago. He was forever grateful for the help he received and the way he was able to lead a full and fulfilling life after the event.

Unfortunately, since this episode was recorded, Hughie passed away in his own home on a property he loved in the rural countryside of Western Australia. We want to dedicate this episode to him, all the first responders doing a magnificent job each and every day, and all those members of the community who upskill themselves and are willing to jump in and save a stranger.

Welcome to the next enlightening episode of "Heart of the Matter." Join Dr. Claire Hansen, Dr. Brid Phillips, and Dr. Michael Stevens, along with our special guest, Dr. Michelle Barrett, a revered GP from Canberra with a passion for storytelling and teaching.

In this episode, we delve into Dr. Barrett's remarkable journey of using storytelling to enhance medical education and patient care. With over two decades of experience at Hughes Family Practice and a role as a Senior Lecturer and Co-ordinator of Phase 1 Clinical Skills at ANU, Dr. Barrett brings a wealth of insights into how storytelling can revolutionize the teaching of clinical history taking.

Discover how Dr. Barrett's innovative methods have transformed the way medical students learn to diagnose and treat heart failure. From crafting compelling narratives to engage students to harnessing the power of storytelling to deepen patient understanding, Dr. Barrett's approach highlights the pivotal role of storytelling in medical education and practice.

Join us as we uncover the art of storytelling in medicine and its profound impact on shaping the doctors of tomorrow and improving patient outcomes.

Welcome to another enlightening episode of "Heart of the Matter," where we delve into the intricate world of cardiology with your knowledgeable hosts, Dr. Claire Hansen from ANU, Dr. Brid Phillips from UWA, and Dr. Michael Stevens from UNSW.

In this thought-provoking installment titled "The 'Normal' Heart," our expert trio navigates the complex terrain of what constitutes a "normal" heart. Unraveling the challenges associated with using such subjective terminology, our hosts shed light on the implications of labeling and its impact on understanding cardiac health.

Join us as we explore the fascinating variations in "normal" hearts across different species, drawing intriguing comparisons and contrasts. Through engaging discussions and expert insights, this episode aims to broaden your perspective on the diversity within the beating core of living beings.

Tune in to "Heart of the Matter" for an illuminating exploration of the intricacies, challenges, and wonders that lie within the realm of the 'normal' heart.

Welcome back to another episode of HOTM! Our regular hosts Brid and Claire sit down virtually with Dr Emma Trott from University of Leeds to discuss how the heart is represented in contemporary literature, film and culture.

You can view Emma's research profile here.