In this episode, host Rachel Knowles speaks with Holly Cuthbert, a 25-year-old living with childhood-onset heart disease from Busselton in Western Australia.

Holly shares her experience growing up with a complex heart condition and undergoing four open-heart surgeries, including three during her teenage years. She reflects on the challenges of balancing school, friendships and health, the impact of medical trauma, and the importance of connection through the HeartKids community.

Now working as a social worker supporting teenagers, Holly discusses how her lived experience has shaped the way she supports others navigating their own challenges.

This special 100th episode brings Sammy and Rachel together to revisit the moments, people and insights that have defined From the Heart. They explore the power of shared stories, the evolving experiences of heart parents and heart adults, and how community connection continues to shape the podcast. A warm, open conversation that celebrates the stories that brought us here — and those still to come.

HEARTKIDS

From The Heart is brought to you by HeartKids, the only national not-for-profit solely focused on supporting and advocating for people affected by childhood-onset heart disease.

For support, information or guidance on your CoHD journey, call the HeartKids Helpline on 1800 432 785 or visit the website at https://www.heartkids.org.au

COPYRIGHT

All content on this podcast is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced, repurposed, republished, or copied, in any form, without permission.

Repurposing or republishing content from this podcast, even with credit and acknowledgement to the creators, host, and guest, does not provide an exemption to this copyright.

CREDITS
Hosts and Guests: Rachel Knowles & Sami Glastonbury
Producer: Becky Oakley

In this episode of the HeartKids Podcast, host Rachel Knowles speaks with 20-year-old Brodie and his mum, Annie, from Tasmania. Brodie has lived with childhood-onset heart disease and has undergone not one, but two heart transplants — the first during the height of COVID-19, and the second just last year.

Brodie and Annie share the early signs that something wasn’t right, the frightening dash from regional Tasmania to Melbourne for lifesaving treatment, and the long months spent away from home due to border closures and hospital restrictions. They reflect on the intense isolation of that time, the power of connection with other heart families, and the mix of courage, humour and resilience that carried them through.

Now 18 months on from his second transplant, Brodie talks about recovery, returning to everyday life, and the simple routines that help him stay well. Annie offers insight into the experience of parenting through uncertainty, the strength she discovered along the way, and the support they received from HeartKids when their world was suddenly turned upside down.

HEARTKIDS

From The Heart is brought to you by HeartKids, the only national not-for-profit solely focused on supporting and advocating for people affected by childhood-onset heart disease.

For support, information or guidance on your CoHD journey, call the HeartKids Helpline on 1800 432 785 or visit the website at https://www.heartkids.org.au

COPYRIGHT

All content on this podcast is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced, repurposed, republished, or copied, in any form, without permission.

Repurposing or republishing content from this podcast, even with credit and acknowledgement to the creators, host, and guest, does not provide an exemption to this copyright.

CREDITS
Host: Rachel Knowles
Guests: Annie and Brodie Whelan
Producer: Becky Oakley