In this conversation, Katelyn McMahan sits down with Mary Jenner, a former pediatric oncology nurse and the owner of The Butterfly Pig, a company dedicated to creating medical toys that make healthcare more child-friendly. They discuss the importance of play in pediatric healthcare, the journey that led Mary to starting this business, and the various ways The Butterfly Pig supports families and healthcare systems. The conversation highlights the significance of representation in medical play and the role of community in navigating medical journeys.

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In this episode, host Katelyn McMahan interviews her father, Steve, about his experiences growing up with congenital heart defects (CHD). They discuss the medical challenges he faced, the advancements in cardiac care over the years, and the emotional impact of living with a chronic condition. The conversation also touches on the generational aspects of CHD, the importance of advocacy for patients, and the role of faith and family support in navigating these challenges. Steve shares his reflections on his childhood, the bond he shares with his granddaughter Goldie, who also has CHD< and offers advice to parents and caregivers of children with similar conditions.

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In this conversation, Lauren Celeskey Bednarz shares her journey living with a congenital heart defect, specifically a single ventricle condition. She discusses her early diagnosis, the challenges of growing up with a heart condition, the dynamics with her siblings, and the importance of mental health advocacy. Lauren emphasizes the need for support within the CHD community and how she finds hope despite the challenges she faces. Her story serves as an inspiration for others navigating similar journeys.

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In this conversation, Katelyn sits down with Sarah Michelle Boes, who shares her journey as a mother of a child with congenital heart defects. Sarah discusses the unexpected diagnosis of her daughter, the emotional and psychological challenges she faced, including grief and guilt, and the complexities of navigating the healthcare system as both a parent and a medical professional.

The conversation highlights the importance of advocacy, the realities of living with a heart condition, and the balance between being a caregiver and a healthcare provider. In this conversation, Sarah and Katelyn discuss the complexities of navigating congenital heart disease (CHD) as parents. They emphasize the importance of collaboration with medical teams, the balance between hope and realism, and the emotional challenges faced by families. They also highlight the significance of advocacy and community support in improving outcomes for children with CHD, sharing personal experiences and insights on mental health and resilience.

Conquering CHD Website

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In this episode, host Katelyn McMahan shares her personal journey as a mother to Goldie, who was diagnosed with congenital heart defects during pregnancy. She discusses the emotional impact of the diagnosis, the medical complexities involved, and the various surgical pathways available. Katelyn emphasizes the importance of community support and the need for open conversations about the challenges faced by families with medically complex children. The episode aims to provide hope and resources for those navigating similar journeys.

Let’s Connect!

Follow me on Instagram @tinylittleheartspodcast

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This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

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.