Leanne’s Story: Surviving Cardiac Arrest at 14
Stories from the Heart
At just 14 years old, Leanne went into sudden cardiac arrest in a supermarket car park. Born with a rare congenital heart defect, her journey has included open-heart surgery, recovery from a coma, and learning to live with an internal defibrillator - all before adulthood. In this episode, Leanne shares her remarkable story with honesty, humour, and a powerful message about resilience, visibility, and advocacy. We’re also joined by Bridget O ‘Malley, a clinical researcher investigating the genetic and environmental causes of congenital heart disease. From cutting-edge...
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How a Fit, Healthy Man Nearly Missed a Deadly Heart Condition
Stories from the Heart
Pete Marnock was the picture of health—lean, active, and unstoppable on a mountain bike. But beneath his peak fitness was a hidden, life-threatening heart condition. He had no symptoms, no risk factors, and no idea he was days away from disaster. In this episode, Pete shares his powerful story of survival and the routine GP check-up that saved his life. With raw honesty, he talks about identity, recovery, and what it’s like to face your own mortality despite “doing everything right.” We also hear from Natalie Raffoul, Senior Manager Healthcare Programs & Clinical...
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The Queen of Hearts Race to Save Lives
Stories from the Heart
When Janet suffered a heart attack at the theatre, her daughter Dawn didn’t just take it as a warning—she turned it into a challenge. Now, she is embarking on the Queen of Hearts Run and Ride: a 20,000km endurance event to raise funds and awareness for heart disease research. In this episode, we hear from Dawn Beaumont, the powerhouse behind the event, Janet, whose heart attack changed everything, and Wade D’Arcy, a cycling expert and heart disease survivor playing a crucial role in getting this ride on the road. From CPR in a theatre foyer to the logistics of cycling...
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The Fight Against Junk Food Marketing
Stories from the Heart
How do we stop junk food advertising from shaping the next generation’s health? In our first episode of this new season of Stories from the Heart we speak with three leading experts about the power of unhealthy food marketing and the urgent need for change. Jane Martin from the Food for Health Alliance sheds light on the tactics used by advertisers and the urgent need for stronger regulations. Alison Corfield of the Jamie Oliver Group shares inspiring global success stories, offering a roadmap for change in Australia. And, the Heart...
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Rethinking Mammograms: Could They Soon Save Hearts Too?
Stories from the Heart
Could a routine mammogram save your life in more ways than one? In this episode, Dr Lauren Houston, Research Fellow in the Cardiovascular Program at The George Institute for Global Health, shares her groundbreaking work on combining heart disease screening with mammograms. Discover how artificial intelligence is revolutionising diagnostics, why women’s unique health needs demand attention, and the global potential of this innovative research. Dr Houston also opens up about the challenges of breaking new ground in medicine and the critical importance of...
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Heart Attack on Horseback: Vicki Roycroft’s Survival Story
Stories from the Heart
Vicki Roycroft, three time Olympian and Australian equestrian royalty, takes us on a journey from a life-threatening heart emergency to getting back on her beloved horse. After an aortic rupture at the Sydney Royal Easter Show in 2023, Vicki reflects on how CPR and the presence of skilled medics saved her life. Hear her candid account of recovery, her decision to step back from competition, and the genetic heart condition that has shaped her family’s health journey.
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The Benefits of Walking and Wearables for Heart Health
Stories from the Heart
Can a simple stroll really boost your heart health? In this episode of Stories from the Heart, we dive into the surprising benefits of walking. Dr Matthew Ahmadi, a research fellow at the Charles Perkins Centre, breaks down how wearable devices can turn everyday steps into heart-healthy wins. Plus, we chat with Kym Lang and Elizabeth Calleja from the Heart Foundation’s healthy living programs about how small steps can make big changes.
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The Heart-Pumping Power of Jump Rope
Stories from the Heart
This week, we’re jumping into the Skip Your Way for 30 Days challenge with Jump Rope World Champion, Luke Boon. Luke shares his expert insights on how skipping is not only a fun and accessible way to get fit, but also a powerful exercise for boosting heart health. We’re also joined by Dr Brooklyn Fraser, a leading researcher in childhood fitness, who tells us how skipping and other forms of physical activity can set children up for lifelong heart health. If you’re ready to make a difference, join the Skip Your Way for 30 Days challenge this November! Have...
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Unpacking Ultra-Processed Foods
Stories from the Heart
How much do you really know about the foods you eat? In this episode of Stories from the Heart, we explore how ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are silently shaping our health—and not always for the better. Dietary experts Jemma O'Hanlon and Dr. Priscila Machado break down the rapid rise of UPFs in modern diets and their connection to growing rates of chronic diseases like heart disease. They reveal the hidden additives and industrial ingredients that make these foods so appealing yet harmful to our hearts. We also hear from quadruple bypass survivor Chris Harrison, who shares...
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Mental Health and the Impact of Heart Disease
Stories from the Heart
What happens to your mind when your heart lets you down? In this episode, we delve into the critical but often overlooked link between mental health and heart disease. With around 3 million Australians living with depression or anxiety, the connection between mental well-being and heart health has never been more important. We hear from Nadene Hall, who experienced a spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) heart attack in 2023, and how she’s adjusting to her new reality. Professor Adrienne O'Neill from Deakin University, an expert in...
info_outlineWhen Janet suffered a heart attack at the theatre, her daughter Dawn didn’t just take it as a warning—she turned it into a challenge. Now, she is embarking on the Queen of Hearts Run and Ride: a 20,000km endurance event to raise funds and awareness for heart disease research.
In this episode, we hear from Dawn Beaumont, the powerhouse behind the event, Janet, whose heart attack changed everything, and Wade D’Arcy, a cycling expert and heart disease survivor playing a crucial role in getting this ride on the road.
From CPR in a theatre foyer to the logistics of cycling around Australia, we’re along for the ride with our guests as they share a journey of resilience and determination.
Tune in to hear how this incredible journey came to life—and how you can be part of it.
Follow Dawn’s progress and support the cause: www.dawnbeaumont.com.au