Nola Hawts: Recent Episodes
Lana Stevens & Susan Aucoin
A podcast by two "Heart moms" FOR Heart moms (Or whoever wants to listen). Topics related to Congenital Heart Defects and resources available to people who are affected by CHD. We can't promise that we won't get side tracked along the way though. Also, full disclosure - we are not professionals. It's all about survival, CHEERS!
Brittany McGregor talks with us about the loss of her CHD angel, Everett "WiBO" McGregor, and what she and her husband have done to give back since their experience. The start of "WiBO Giving" and their family's story has inspired many.
A special episode featuring Lana's heart baby, Harlie on her 18th birthday. We chat about her experiences as a CHD teen, moving forward in life and her takeaways of being a CHD kid. Happy Birthday, Nay!
In this episode, we chat with Dr. Ben Peeler, Pediatric and Adult CHD surgeon at Ochsner. He shares his journey into the CHD world and how much it means to him.
In this episode, we interviewed Dr. Elizabeth Wisner, a local pediatric allergist & immunologist talks to us about her experience as a CHD mom to son, Thomas.
On this episode, we talk to 17 year old CHD survivor, Ava and her mom, Shannon. They share their stories and what CHD has meant to their family.
In this episode, we talked to Lane about what it's like being married to someone with a congenital heart defect. Lane & Brynn Thompson, who we interviewed in episode #59 have known one another since 7th grade and have built a beautiful life together. Listen to Lane talk about his experience as a CHD spouse.
In June we love to honor heart dads for Father's Day. In this episode, we honor one special heart dad, George McGregor. George continues to honor HIS heart angel, Everett, also known as WIBO. George shares with us what he and his wife, Brittany do as a tribute to their baby boy since his passing last year.
Janel is the grandma of CHD hero, Thomas. In this episode, she shares a different perspective of what it was like to go through the journey with her own daughter, heart mom, Abigail Reller. Janel talked to us about how supporting her daughter and son in law was life changing for the whole family.
CHD mom Stephanie talks with us about her experience with her son, Stephen. After facing some challenges in his CHD journey, learn more about the foundation she and her husband started and why.
Sue and Lana had a conversation with heart mom. Casey, about her experience as transplant mom. She shared the ups and downs of transplant and we talked about our upcoming Mother's Day celebrations.
As National Donate Life Month continues, we talk to Chrissy Andersen, mom to Tayt. Tayt received a heart transplant and is Ellen DeGeneres' favorite boyfriend. Chrissy talks with us about her family's transplant journey.
Donor mom to hero, Nicholas, Maria chats with us about how much the gift of organ donation means to her and Candace, mom to heart recipient, Jean Paul expresses her appreciation for the gift of life. To register as an organ, eye and tissue donor, go to www.donatelife.net
17 Year Old Peyton Bono shares her personal experience with us as a CHD patient giving back to the community and how she's doing so through her American Heart Association campaign.
We spoke with Brynn Thompson who is a CHD adult survivor about her experience as a patient, a mom and working with Camp Bon Coeur.
Happy Mardi Gras! Sue and Lana sat down to chat with their very own "heart mom squad crew" about how important it is to connect with other people who have been through what you have. All past podcast guests, Abigail, Ami & Caroline made for a fun episode full of laughs, tears and mom jokes.
Lana & Susan enjoyed talked with Letitia about her journey as a single ventricle patient, her journey into adulthood and how her faith has carried her through her CHD life.
Susan and Lana loved sitting around the table to chat with good friends, Abigail and Aaron Reller about their experience as CHD parents over the last 6 months. Abigail was interviewed in episode 38 about her experience as a pregnant CHD mom. We are happy to hear from dad in this episode as well and learn how life has changed for them. Abigail wants to share a great resource that helped her as well...check out this link.
Lana and Susan eat, drink and chat about all of their amazing guests in 2022 on location at the Ruby Slipper in Old Metairie. As you know, "There's no judgement here...it's all about survival...CHEERS!" Thanks for another great year, y'all!
We loved chatting with Stephanie Fried, a 33 year "seasoned" CVICU nurse with Ochsner. She shared why she's so passionate in her role as a nurse.
Lana & Sue learned lots about anesthesiology in pediatric patients from our friend, Dr. Dominic Carollo with Ochsner. Check it out.
Susan and Lana sat down to chat with Susan Timmins, a volunteer and board member of the Adult Congenital Heart Association. She shares with us, her experience as a CHD mom as well as the work she does with the ACHA.
Janelle Foligno sat down to chat with us about her CHD warrior, Milana. Married to Nick Foligno, professional hockey player with the Boston Bruins, the couple started a foundation to raise funds and awareness of CHD. Janelle talks about her book, The Hearts Playbook and how to purchase it so other CHD kids can benefit from it.
We sat down to chat with Kate Hecker Coreil about her role as a Jefferson Parish Public School Early Interventionalist with Early Steps of Louisiana. Plenty of resources out there to offer to CHD or any special needs kids if they qualify for services.
We had a great conversation with David Hebert, ECMO Coordinator at Children’s Hospital of New Orleans. We learned all about ECMO and he answered questions that many of us have probably never thought of. Check it out.
Laura Ogden share her family's CHD story and how her son Nash's diagnosis led her to her outreach role with Conquering CHD Louisiana.
Jon Pierre & Ami Pastorek sat down with us to talk about what it's like being heart parents to 1 year old, August. Jon Pierre also shares his experience as a CHD patient as well and what that's meant for him as August's dad.
Sue and Lana sat down with Dana Kimble of SCRATCHgolf where they learned about an amazing program being offered to local CHD patients. Learn more about this program and how you can get your CHD child involved.
Sue & Lana sat down with heart & ninja warrior, Chris O'Connell to learn about life as a CHD patient, a CHD dad and what being on American Ninja Warrior has meant for him.
CHD and Heart transplant survivor, Hailey Steimel sat down to chat with us about her journey as a CHD kid, teen and adult as well as life after heart transplant. With a second chance at life, she wrote a children's book called A Heart on Valentine's Day.
In this episode, we spoke to Brian Smith, Director of Communications and Marketing for Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana Chapter. We learn about all of wonderful things that the Make-A-Wish organization does for CHD families and so many other families.
In this episode we chat with Meredith Knauer, MS, CACP of NeuroDivergent Coaching. Meredith discusses the benefits of ADHD coaching.
We loved talking to Ellen Boyer, mom to CHD angel, Brett. Ellen and her husband, Bo, began the Brett Boyer Foundation in loving memory and in honor of their beloved daughter Sadie Brett. Learn all about what this foundation does to help the CHD community with both research and awareness, along with awareness for Down Syndrome.
With Father's Day this weekend, what better CHD dad to talk to than one who performs surgery on the tiniest of CHD patients. Dr. Dennis Mello of Connecticut Children's Hospital spoke with us about his experience as a heart dad and what it has meant for him in his career.
May was the month of the Mom! Alex Dishon, mom to CHD hero, Dylan, joined us this week. We enjoyed wrapping up the month of May with another amazing mom. Alex sits on the CHNOLA PFAC board and shares a few of her feelings as a CHD mom with us.
We LOVED chatting with our new "hawt mom" friend & local artist, Abigail Reller. With a different perspective than most moms on our podcast, her CHD baby hasn't arrived yet. Learn how she's felt navigating this new world.
In this episode, we are joined by Caroline Robinson, mom to Henry. Caroline shares all that she's been through as a heart mom over the last year or so as well as her perspective as a heart momma.
We had a nice chat with HLHS patient, heart recipient & Tulane student, Blake Babin and his mom, Jennifer. We learned all about what it was like for Jennifer to experience becoming a CHD mom & transplant mom in a matter of two short weeks! Blake shares many words of inspiration for CHD & transplant patients.
Susan & Lana had the honor and privilege to sit down and chat with Paul Cardall, award winning pianist and composer about his life as a CHD patient. Paul shared his transplant experience with us as well as what he does to give back to the CHD community.
In this episode we learn about what one heart mom did to gave back to the CHD community and the hospital that saved her son's life after his open heart surgery. Lovies for Bravehearts in 2014 and has been able to donate over 2000 lovies to CHD babies to date.
In this episode we chat with Dr. Ivory Crittendon, a Pediatric Interventional Cardiologist from Ochsner. We learn about all of the amazing things interventional medicine can offer CHD patients.
In this episode, we learn about CHD patients and pregnancy. Can a CHD patient get pregnant? Learn about what Dr. Durst & Dr. Young have to tell us.
This week we chat with Benjamin & Emily, Henry's twin and older sister. We also chat with Carson, younger brother of Harlie, about their experiences as CHD siblings.
In this episode, Kimberly Bell shares with us the benefits of Music Therapy. She also discusses the role plays at a Music Therapist Clinical Lead at CHNOLA.
Lana & Susan absolutely loved chatting with Dr. Pettitt this week. As a surgeon who perfomed open heart surgery on both Harlie & Henry, it was special to sit down and learn so much from Dr. Pettitt about the world of CHD surgical repairs. Thanks Dr. Pettitt!
We had a blast "on location" as we strolled down memory lane with all of our episodes of NOLA Hawt's 1st year! Enjoy!
On this episode, we chat with the gentlemen of NeuroJust about their local mental health clinic and the benefits of TMS therapy.
In this episode, we chatted with Beth Cooney, a Clinical Social Worker and Therapist who works with children. Learn about how therapy can benefit a CHD child or any child who may suffer with anxiety or depression.
Sue & Lana chat with Rebecca Connick of Crane Rehab about the benefits of OT in CHD kids or any kids at all.
On this episode we chat with Dr. Diego Lara of Ochsner. He shares some insight about fetal cardiology and all that goes with it. It was a pleasure chatting with Dr. Lara.
We enjoyed talking with Abigail & Katie from Ochsner's Child Life Dept. about what their role is when helping children cope during surgery and hospital stays. And Happy Birthday to Sue!
We enjoyed our chat with Brittany and Nicolle from the Louisiana Chapter of the American Heart Association. Listen to learn about the things this organization does for heart families and the community.
This month's "Lagniappe Episode" feature Amy Porter sharing her heart warrior, Artie and his CHD journey.
We had the pleasure to sit down and chat with Stephanie Berault, Executive Director of HeartGift, Louisiana. This organization does such amazing things for the CHD community from all over the world.
In this episode we talked with Dr. Algu & Dr. Davis about life as a general pediatrician.
Susan and Lana dive into the correlation of CHD and ADHD with psychologist, Dr. Adrianne Brennan of Brennan Behavior Group.
We had such a great time chatting with Colby Groom, the name sake of Colby Red Wine. Learn how Colby Red gives back to heart healthy communities across the United States and Canada as well.
This month's "Lagniappe Episode" features Denyse Englert sharing her own CHD story along with her CHD daughter, Hannah's CHD journey.
Casual conversations with Dr. James Krulisky about his role as a Pediatric Cardiologist, how he came to that specialty, why he loves it and so much more.
On Episode 15, we chat with Dr. Frank Pigula, Pediatric heart surgeon at CHNOLA. Dr. Pigula is also a dad to a heart warrior and shares his expertise and experiences with us.
We had the privilege to have our own hubbies join us on the podcast this week as we prepare to celebrate Father's Day 2021! Happy Father's Day to all of the great "hawt dads" out there!
We spoke to Christian about his role as a heart dad and he tells us all about his experience with his CHD warrior daughter, Darby.
In this episode, we learn all of the great thinks that Conquering CHD Louisiana is doing for the community and how to get more involved, including volunteering to make/deliver care packages to Louisiana hospitals.
This month's "Lagniappe Episode" features Ashley Restel sharing her heart warrior, Fiona, and her CHD journey.
With Mother's Day this week, we chat with heart mom, Stacy about her sweet Brooks and have some laughs along the way. Happy Mother's Day to all of the moms out there!
We spoke with Amy, a heart transplant recipient of 27 years. Amy was born with a CHD and shares how life has been for her before & after transplant. She also talks about her donor hero and how important it is to be an organ, tissue and eye donor.
This month's "Lagniappe Episode" features Hillary Alread sharing her heart warrior, Beau and his CHD journey.
In this episode Lana & Sue chat with Kelly Ranum, CEO of LOPA (Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency). As a Community Educator with LOPA for nearly 19 years, Lana is thrilled to share her knowledge as well. April is National Donate Life Month and a great time to talk about the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation.
A special episode with two sections. First, hear about Health Logic Pharmacy and what it can offer to CHD families. Also, Mrs. Kellie Walters shares her son, Lucas' special heart journey.
We sat down and had an amazing conversation with Dr. Young, Pediatric Cardiologist at Ochsner New Orleans. We talked about many things including his connection to Camp Bon Coeur, transitioning from pediatric to adult cardiology care, technology and so much more.
Our first "Lagniappe Episode" features Christina White sharing her heart warrior, Aubrey, and her CHD journey so far.
In this episode we interview heart momma, Kerri Beth Tanksley. She discusses her daughter, Jules' CHD, which is Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. Jules' is a two and a half year old pageant queen whose platform is CHD awareness. Kerri Beth Talks to us about why she chooses to raise awareness for CHD.
Sue and Lana chat about what being a heart mom means to them as well as how and why they choose to raise awareness of CHD especially February 7 -14, CHD Awareness Week.
Sue and Lana sit down and chat with Harlie and Henry about their experiences with CHD, giving back to the community through the HAF, and going away to heart camp.
Lana & Sue interview Camp Bon Coeur Executive Director, Susannah Craig and learn all about "heart camp". They also chat with Allie & Shawn Fontenot about how Camp Bon Coeur has played an important role in their lives.
Learn all about the Henry Aucoin Foundation, an organization that Sue and her hubby, Dwayne started back in 2013 and how it helps so many CHD families.
Lana & Susan share their personal connection to the CHD world and what brought them to NOLA Hawts!