LIVING WITH HEART DISEASE
Welcome to Living with Heart Disease, a Heart of a Giant production.
Is it possible to live a longer quality of life after a heart disease diagnosis? – Listen to the patients, support systems, and care providers who have resolved to become healthier both physically and mentally. We share the challenges and the triumphs. Discover what it really means to survive and thrive with a heart condition.
Amplifying Patient Voices through Unfiltered Conversations with Inspiring Voices.
Living with Heart Disease is recorded LIVE monthly. Bouba facilitates unfiltered conversations with inspiring voices from all around the world. Attendees can also participate and ask questions during the meeting. Besides, the values of positivity, inspiration, and good humor are emphasized!
Next Episode Release
May 23, 2023
Battle of Heart Disease: Overcoming Obstacles with Armin Muzafirovic
Against all odds, Armin refused to let his diagnosis define him. But a ski trip to Colorado brought an unexpected twist, changing everything he thought he knew about his condition. What happened next was an ongoing battle, and Armin's incredible resilience kept him fighting every step of the way. Bouba sits down with his guest Armin Muzafirovic to talk about the ups and downs of his heart journey. Armin has navigated the challenges of living with heart disease since his mid-teens. His journey began with a diagnosis of muscular dystrophy, followed by discovering his heart condition. Despite these setbacks, Armin has remained determined to live life to the fullest, continuously seeking activities that push the boundaries of his physical capabilities. Armin's story offers a unique perspective on the impact of heart disease on daily life and how he has adapted to his new reality. In this episode, learn more about: The complex world of heart transplant surgeries and the road to recovery. Uncover the crucial role of a support system in managing heart disease and treatment. Third, empower yourself as a patient advocate to take charge of your own heart health journey. Finally, understand the urgent need for organ donors and increase awareness about heart transplantation. Find out more about Armin here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/armin.muza/ Connect with me: Instagram: livingwithheartdisease.podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heartofagiant.foundation YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heartofagiant Twitter: https://twitter.com/LWHDpodcast Catch the bonus content on our Youtube channel. https://www.youtube.com/@heartofagiant
May 09, 2023
Episode 12: Defying Odds with Olivia Rose: Heart Disease Survivor's Journey
Bouba chats with Olivia Rose to talk about her heart disease journey. After suffering two strokes and heart disease, Olivia Rose, an elite athlete, courageously fights for her life and embarks on an inspiring journey of self-discovery and resilience to defy the odds. In this episode, you will learn the following: 1. How Olivia dealt with the diagnosis of her heart disease at the age of 25, and how did she manage her mental health? 2. How does Olivia's competitive spirit help her recover? 3. How was it for Olivia's family when she was diagnosed with heart disease, and what changes did they have to make? Find out more about Olivia here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/i.am.oliviarose/ Connect with me: Instagram: livingwithheartdisease.podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heartofagiant.foundation YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heartofagiant Twitter: https://twitter.com/LWHDpodcast
Apr 25, 2023
From Professional Basketball to LVAD: George Boakye-Yiadom's Unexpected Journey
"If it wasn't for Ivy, I probably wouldn't be where I am. So I thank God for her. It wasn't easy. " - George Boakye-Yiadom Bouba talks with George about the ups and downs of living with a heart condition. George Boakye-Yiadom is a mental health coach, fashion designer, and technology consultant. He is the founder the Boak Group LLC and works at of Fathers Uplift. He is married with three children and recently underwent a heart transplant. George Boakye-Yiadom was a professional basketball player playing in Russia when he experienced a sharp pain in his chest and was diagnosed with heart failure. He was quickly put on a Balloon Pump and then an LVAD. During this difficult time, his wife Ivy found him a therapist and mentor, Charles Daniels (Co-Founder of Fathers’ Uplift), who helped George rebuild his life. George developed an interest in fashion, starting a company called The Boak Group, and later became a technology consultant and a coach at Fathers Uplift. Despite his heart condition, George was able to travel to Ghana with his LVAD. With the support of his wife and family, George has been able to make a successful transition from professional basketball player to entrepreneur.
Apr 11, 2023
Episode 10: Inspiring Journey From Heart Failure to Transplant: A Chat With John Sanson
Bouba sits down with John to talk about living with heart failure, LVAD, and a heart transplant. John Sanson is a Houston-based patient diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in 2016 and has since undergone LVAD and transplant procedures. He is an inspiration to many, having shed over 100 pounds, and is currently working in the coffee industry and producing a documentary series.
Sep 03, 2022
Episode 9 - The Better Half of Heart of a Giant Speaks on LWHD
Anyone facing a heart journey knows how much a support system makes life easier. The core of our support system is often our spouses and life partners. Our talk today is about the better half of Heart of a Giant.
Aug 16, 2022
Episode 8 - Leading Heart Health Advocacy
People feel inspired when you talk about the topics you care about with passion. More so, people feel moved to take action when they see your dedication. Advocacy can show the tangible changes that your efforts make, and start a ripple effect of positive action. Our talk today is about leading heart health advocacy.
Aug 03, 2022
Episode 7 - The 757 Renaissance Man on his journey with the LVAD
We are more than just heart failure. We have heart failure, but it is not a limit on who we are as people. We are multitalented and dimensional. Without a doubt, we should enjoy our lives. Our talk today is about living with humor and giving life your all.
Jul 16, 2022
Episode 6 - Finding the courage and passion to live with heart failure
Sharing your story and building a community along the way is impactful. Your journey can be filled with excitement, empathy, resilience, and joy. Every time you make a new connection, you’ll realize that you never know who your story will resonate with. Our talk today is about finding the courage and passion to live with heart failure.
Jul 03, 2022
Episode 5 - Life with an LVAD while waiting for a heart transplant
Heart disease can change our physical health, but how often do we address the impact heart disease has on our identity? Part of our heart health journey is about rebuilding. We change our view of our identity and the role we play in the lives of our loved ones. Our talk today features stories about managing the physical and mental challenges of heart disease.
Jun 16, 2022
Episode 4 - Caring with a Big Loving Heart
Some people light up an entire room with their presence. They are the ones who bring love and laughter wherever they go. One interaction with them is unforgettable. People who make the most of life inspire everyone else to do the same. Our talk today celebrates the contagiously energetic life of Evelyn Charrisse McRae.
Jun 03, 2022
Episode 3 - Patient Education and Research
Doesn’t it feel great to speak with someone who understands you? It’s common for people to connect with someone who has a similar lived experience. Through advocacy, people can connect; and educate each other. Most importantly, they can empathize with one another. Our talk today creates an open dialogue for patient education and research in the heart condition community.
May 16, 2022
Episode 2 - Pretty Lady vs. Heart Failure
Instinct is often the best guidance we can have. For an invisible disease, the patient has the most significant insight into what’s going on with their body. Learning to trust those hints can be lifesaving in times where professional counsel and the patient’s instinct don’t match up. Our talk today focuses on not being afraid to trust your voice in leading your heart failure journey.
May 03, 2022
Episode 1 - Heart Failure or Heart Disco?
Receiving a heart disease diagnosis throws you into a winding journey of information. Suddenly there’s a lot to catch up on, and while this can seem daunting at first, you start to find a rhythm as you learn. Our talk today focuses on what is helpful to know earlier in the journey so you can ease into a rhythm of your own more quickly.
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Meet Your Host
Somaneh Bouba was an engineer and social entrepreneur from Mali and Senegal when he found himself having to stay in the U.S. with his wife and young son to receive life-saving heart treatment for a rare congenital heart defect.
The next year, Bouba underwent open-heart surgery to implant an LVAD pump inside his heart to help his heart function while he waits for a heart transplant. Bouba and his wife, Désirée, now live in Boston, Massachusetts, and in 2018 they welcomed twin boys to their family.
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