Stories from the Heart Podcast

A podcast series that delves deeply into the personal experiences of the people navigating life with heart conditions, and of those researching solutions to heart disease’s biggest challenges

This series aims to harness the story-telling power of people’s experiences with heart disease, Australia’s leading cause of death, to influence positive action on heart health across the country and raise awareness that could help save lives.

Join us as we embark on a journey of resilience, courage, and inspiration. Each episode offers a unique perspective on living with heart conditions and shares practical advice for fostering emotional health. Stories from the Heart aims to create a supportive community where individuals facing similar challenges can find solace, encouragement, and a wealth of shared wisdom.

Stay tuned for the upcoming episodes as we amplify the voices of those with lived experience, fostering a sense of connection and understanding in the broader community.

The race to keep young hearts beating

Sudden cardiac arrest – where the heart suddenly stops beating – is the leading cause of death among Australians aged 50 and under. Worryingly, it can strike even seemingly healthy people, like 31-year-old Bryan Maris, an A-Grade cyclist who passed away in his sleep. Bryan's wife, Jessica Maris, is now working to raise awareness of sudden cardiac arrest and the need for more research in this space to better understand and prevent unnecessary death in younger Australians. Jess’ children are now at risk of the same genetic condition that is believed to have led to Bryan's sudden cardiac arrest, adding to the urgency of her advocacy in this space. Thanks to support from donors, the Heart Foundation is funding work by Dr Elizabeth Paratz to compile the world's largest registry of sudden cardiac deaths which will give scientists their closest look yet at possible causes in young people.