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LVAD Talk featuring The LVAD Nation

LVAD Talk featuring The LVAD Nation

By Shawn Connors

LVAD Talk featuring The LVAD Nation is a podcast hosted by Shawn Connors, where we feature conversations with LVAD Patients, heart transplant recipients, and caregivers, we discuss life before, during and after the LVAD.
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LVAD Talk with Aiste Staraite

LVAD Talk featuring The LVAD NationApr 25, 2021

00:00
50:53
LVAD Talk with Akeisha King

LVAD Talk with Akeisha King

Let's have a conversation with Akeisha King

Welcome to season 2!  

This episode we keep it all the way real with Ms Akeisha King!

Oct 03, 202239:51
LVAD Talk with Marlon Smith

LVAD Talk with Marlon Smith

Let's have a conversation with Marlon Smith; LVAD's, tattoos, and a clock! 

Dec 21, 202136:19
LVAD Talk with Frankie DeFore - LVAD EXPLANT - RECORED LIVE!!!!

LVAD Talk with Frankie DeFore - LVAD EXPLANT - RECORED LIVE!!!!

Let's have a conversation with Frankie DeFore and what it is like to live with having his LVAD explanted! 

Dec 20, 202101:04:28
LVAD Talk with Lisa Justus

LVAD Talk with Lisa Justus

On this episode we discuss what its like to get the false call!!!!

Nov 25, 202149:11
Lvad Talk with James "Slim" Overton

Lvad Talk with James "Slim" Overton

Let's have a conversation with the Valant James "Slim" Overton LVAD recipient and transplant survivor! 

Nov 15, 202144:00
LVAD Talk with John Stratton round 2

LVAD Talk with John Stratton round 2

Let have a talk with the incredible John Stratton of Medimaterials!

Oct 20, 202140:15
LVAD Talk with Amy Bacon

LVAD Talk with Amy Bacon

Lets have a conversation for the remarkable Amy Bacon!! 


https://www.lvadtalk.com/

Oct 13, 202101:06:43
LVAD Talk with Doug, Cami Behl, and family

LVAD Talk with Doug, Cami Behl, and family

On this episode of LVAD Talk with Doug, Cami Behl, and family

We discussed...

Who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters!!

How they found out Doug had heart failure

Heart failure at age 6

From one pediatric cardiac patient to another (Doug and I)

How does this affect you as a parent

Heart failure with Big Doug and Lil Doug

Dealing with heart failure with multiple people in the household

Thank God for the friends and caregivers

Fighting for explanation after the heart heals

And much more!

Let's have a conversation with Doug, Cami Behl, and family

Sep 20, 202138:02
LVAD Talk with Kayla Lewis

LVAD Talk with Kayla Lewis

On this episode of LVAD Talk with Kayla Lewis

We discussed...

How she discovered she had heart failure

Heart failure and college life

When you code and lose a few days

When you have to get a LVAD and don't know what it is

Not understanding the symptoms of heart failure

How long after getting the LVAD how long before you started feeling like you

The recovery process

Working after the LVAD

Going back to college after the LVAD

Batteries beeping in class…

Making YouTube videos how I got into it

The 10 day challenge

And much more!

Let's have a conversation with Kayla Lewis

Aug 30, 202132:58
LVAD Talk with Dèjá Samuels and Georgiana Rankin

LVAD Talk with Dèjá Samuels and Georgiana Rankin

On this episode of LVAD Talk with Dèjá Samuels and Georgiana Rankin


This is a special episode Dèjá is non verbal because of a stroke and her mother Georgiana Rankin is telling her story for her.


We discussed...

Being non verbal but yet on a podcast!

How her journey began

When Dèjá’s heart stopped for 45 minutes

Having a determined and praying mother

When the first heart isn’t the one

Dealing with a stroke at such a young age

The 23 year old four Miracle lady

And much more!

Let's have a conversation with Dèjá Samuels and Georgiana Rankin

Aug 17, 202120:36
LVAD Talk with Darian Blue

LVAD Talk with Darian Blue

On this episode of LVAD Talk with Darian Blue

We discussed...

How many people do “it” without a heartbeat

How he discovered he had heart failure

When you are the picture of health and have an EF of 6

Complications of surgery

What it was like to “work”

What is your LVAD purpose

God works in mysterious ways

Being your own best advocate

RN’s are life!

We are more than a LVAD

Music life and the LVAD

And much more!

Let's have a conversation with Darian Blue

Jul 23, 202135:39
LVAD Talk with Jasmine Morrison

LVAD Talk with Jasmine Morrison

On this episode of LVAD Talk with Jasmine Morrison

We discussed...

Being from the south and knowing how to cook!

Finding out she had postpartum myopathy

How her LVAD made her strength in God stronger

Concerns of a single mother and getting a LVAD

What her recovery was like

Needing a strong support system to be successful with recovery

Her kids being her ultimate motivation

Are you going for transplant or are you happy with your LVAD

The struggles of having a LVAD and being a pisces!

Self esteem and love life after the LVAD

LVAD is not the end of the world!

And much more!

Let's have a conversation with Jasmine Morrison

Jul 15, 202136:23
LVAD Talk with Sonya Jackson

LVAD Talk with Sonya Jackson

On this episode of LVAD Talk with Sonya Jackson

We discussed...

VA to CA in hopes of having a better chance at getting a heart

Being a breast cancer survivor

Getting the cancer call at work

The heart failure diagnosis

Her internal motivation - Life is not a game

The strange sounds our hearts make now

The importance of mental health and LVAD’s

LVAD, six flags and roller coasters

Heart condition and marching band

Step out of your comfort zone and be great!

And much more!

Let's have a conversation with Sonya Jackson

Jul 12, 202151:43
LVAD Talk with Javed Awan

LVAD Talk with Javed Awan

On this episode of LVAD Talk with Javed Awan

We discussed...

How he discovered he had heart failure

Golf and a heart attack

Going from stint to ICD

Blacked out and shocked behind the wheel

Finally getting the LVAD

Our DMV connection

Dead man walking

Living that shock life!

Ablation then the shocks stop

Thankful for the LVAD

What was his biggest lifestyle adjustment after the LVAD

Train life with the LVAD got to love the DMV

Thank God for the caregivers!

And much more!

Let's have a conversation with Javed Awan

Jul 06, 202150:46
LVAD Talk with Olivia Rose 2.0

LVAD Talk with Olivia Rose 2.0

On this episode of LVAD Talk with Olivia Rose

We discussed...

Getting vaccinated and traveling!

Getting in the pool for the first time since transplant

What it was like dealing with strokes

The recovery from all strokes are not the same

Learning how to speak and write again, and still learning 2 years later

When God speaks you have to listen

Lvad recovery is worse than transplant recovery

What is worse the physical recovery or mental health recovery

Confidence after the LVAD

The battery bag...is it a purse

Afib and flying does 30,000 ft make it worse?

Water being our kryptonite and nightmares

Cardiac rehab

Still dealing with being a high stroke risk

African Americains and heart diease and slavery is it related?

Pain meds and not trying to enjoy them

Did her discipline help with her recovery

And much more!

Let's have a conversation with Olivia Rose

Jun 25, 202159:13
LVAD Talk with Tom Shad

LVAD Talk with Tom Shad

On this episode of LVAD Talk with Tom Shad

In this episode we discuss...

Sharing the same surgery date

How he found out he was in heart failure

“No weightlifting or rough sex”

Defibrillator and The Blue Man Group

Weight and heart transplant

Catching corona in the hospital

The touring musician lifestyle and heart health

Puking in from of Spike Lee’s house  i

Dealing with covid and living in New York City

The vaccine and the symptoms

Being immunocompromised, taking public transportation and band rehearsal.

And much more!

Let's have a conversation with Tom Shad

Jun 16, 202159:36
LVAD Talk with Dr. Brittany Clayborne (drbrittanyspeaks)
Jun 07, 202101:08:02
LVAD Talk with Nicole Clement

LVAD Talk with Nicole Clement

On this episode of LVAD Talk with Nicole Clement

In this episode we discuss...

How she realized she had heart failure

Getting introduced to the LVAD

What is the name of your LVAD

Bridge to transplant and having to lose weight

The newbie perspective

What it is like 3 months out of surgery and what is her biggest adjustment

And much more!

Let's have a conversation with Nicole Clement

May 27, 202139:29
LVAD Talk with Armin Muzafirović

LVAD Talk with Armin Muzafirović

On this episode of LVAD Talk with Armin Muzafirović

In this episode we discuss...

LVAD from a young guys perspective

Dealing with muscular dystrophy

Finding heart failure at the top of a mountain

Being rebellious and adventurous

Missing out on a school semester but finishing strong

From Icd’s to LVAD

Getting the call

His transplant story!

On the road to be a medical doctor

And much more!

Let's have a conversation with Armin Muzafirović

May 26, 202101:03:24
LVAD Talk with Hannah Sharma

LVAD Talk with Hannah Sharma

On this episode of LVAD Talk with Hannah Sharma

In this episode we discuss...

Health care in the UK

How she realized she had heart failure

The wait for transplant

Living months in the hospital

What her recovery was like

Her new lease on life with her new heart

Why you should have milk in your next cup of tea!

Let's have a conversation with Hannah Sharma!


If you have a story to tell reach us here! 

ig:shawnconnors

shawn.m.connors@gmail.com

May 12, 202138:45
LVAD Talk with Dantrell Brown a.k.a LVAD Dad

LVAD Talk with Dantrell Brown a.k.a LVAD Dad

On this episode of LVAD Talk with Dantrell Brown a.k.a LVAD Dad

In this episode we discuss...

How he got the name LVAD Dad

How he realized he had heart failure

Getting introduced to the LVAD

Becoming “Iron Man”

“God giving his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers”

How his family influenced his LVAD decision

How is LVAD made is new marriage stronger

Let's have a conversation with Dantrell Brown a.k.a LVAD Dad

May 11, 202131:41
LVAD Talk with Aiste Staraite

LVAD Talk with Aiste Staraite

On this episode of LVAD Talk we talk with Aiste Staraite

OUR FIRST INTERNATIONAL EPISODE! Aiste is living in Lithuania.

On this episode we discuss...

How she found out she had heart failure

What her recovery was like

Problems dealing with antibiotics

Having a stroke during surgery

Living on your own with LVAD

Walking is key to recovery

Covid and recovery in Lithuania

When doctors miss the symptoms

Empathy is important

Apr 25, 202150:53
LVAD Talk with Alexis PeeWee Smith

LVAD Talk with Alexis PeeWee Smith

On this episode of LVAD Talk we talk with Alexis PeeWee Smith

On this episode we discuss...

How she found out she had heart failure

Dealing with lymphoma and heart failure

Going to hospice and walking out!

Finally getting her LVAD and her recovery

When you need a caregiver but you are the caregiver

ICD shocks

Dating with a LVAD is easier for men?


Apr 24, 202156:15
LVAD Talk John Sanson a.k.a thejohnsanny

LVAD Talk John Sanson a.k.a thejohnsanny

On this episode of LVAD Talk we talk with John Sanson

On this episode we discuss...

How he found out he had heart failure

Being a gladiator before being diagnosed

LVAD surgery and gastric sleeve at the same time

What his recovery was like from both surgeries

He got the call...Twice!

Getting a hep C heart

And we talk about cameras!

Apr 19, 202138:27
LVAD Talk with Farrah Wilson

LVAD Talk with Farrah Wilson

On this episode of LVAD Talk we talk with Farrah Wilson

On this episode we discuss...

How she found out he had heart failure

Finding out she had heart failure in Japan

What Japanese hospitals are like

Coming back to america and getting her LVAD

Selling her house in the country because she couldn't swim in the pool

Grand kids, and kids being motivation

The battery bag search

Weight loss surgery and the search for a heart

Apr 19, 202142:36
LVAD Talk with Kevin Alexander Taveras

LVAD Talk with Kevin Alexander Taveras

On this episode of LVAD Talk we talk with Kevin Alexander Taveras

We discuss...

How he found out he had heart failure

Men, why  do we think we are invincible?

Lasik is the devil!

Single dad’s and LVADs

Sneezing after surgery

Defibrillators, shocks and PVP (video games)

Mini strokes  and emergency rooms

Getting the Gastric Sleeve

Nissans and Twitch streaming!


Apr 15, 202101:23:40
LVAD Talk with Sonia Leon

LVAD Talk with Sonia Leon

On this episode of  LVAD Talk we talk with Sonia Leon

We discuss...

How she discovered she had heart failure

Waking up with her LVAD

Making lifestyle adjustments after implant

G.I. bleeds and having her LVAD decommissioned

Life after LVAD

Apr 10, 202135:43
LVAD Talk with Dr. Wayne Old, cardiologist, and Hannah Cassa LVAD, coordinator.

LVAD Talk with Dr. Wayne Old, cardiologist, and Hannah Cassa LVAD, coordinator.

On this episode of  LVAD Talk  we talk to Dr Wayne Old, cardiologist, and Hannah Cassa LVAD, coordinator.

We discuss...

How they became heart health care providers

Viruses, pregnancy and heart failure

A day in the life of an LVAD coordinator

What are DCD Transplants

TIps for caregivers

And they answer Questions from the LVAD Nation!

Apr 09, 202156:15
LVAD Talk with Charles Schulz

LVAD Talk with Charles Schulz

On this episode of LVAD Talk with Charles Schulz

We discuss...

How he found out he had heart failure

Who hit me a.k.a ICD shocks

Waking up with an LVAD

Rehab after the LVAD

Coming home to Covid lockdown

Shout out to the caregivers

Future plans and goals

DCD heart transplant

Mar 30, 202135:48
LVAD Talk with Fatima Mathews

LVAD Talk with Fatima Mathews

On this episode of LVAD Talk with Fatima Mathews

We discuss...

How she found out she had heart failure

postpartum cardiomyopathy

Dying and coming back to life....with an LVAD

Dealing with life after death

Having great care givers, her parents

Being a mean patient

The sounds of our LVAD

Dating with a LVAD

LVAD tinder

Mar 29, 202131:02
LVAD Talk with Mike Alleva

LVAD Talk with Mike Alleva

On this episode of LVAD Talk we speak with Mike Alleva

We discuss...

How he found out he had heart failure

Flying up to VCU

His heart history and being athletic

Is it a purse?

Energy boost after surgery

Single dads and LVADs

LVADS and Showers

LVADS and Dating

Flying with the LVAD

And we talk basketball!

Mar 25, 202141:10
LVAD Talk with Tracy McNeill

LVAD Talk with Tracy McNeill

On this episode of LVAD Talk we speak with Tracy McNeill

We discuss...

How she carries her batteries

The need for fashionable bags!

Short cords and backpacks

How she found out she has heart failure

Dealing with the LVAD and 4 kids

Winning the raffle to get the heartmate 3

When your kids are the LVAD police

What her recovery and support system was like

The joys of the water pill!

Where the best Philly cheesesteaks are in Philly

and much more!

Mar 24, 202132:04
LVAD Talk with Carlos Miguel De Larosa

LVAD Talk with Carlos Miguel De Larosa

On this episode of LVAD Talk we speak with Carlos Miguel De Larosa

We discuss...

That good Dominican food!

The importance of knowing your heart history

How he discovered having heart disease

The struggles of a heart healthy diet

Depression after diagnosis

What his recovery was like

LVAD recalls

Getting a the Transplant call

Your new heart and your brain syncing

and much more!

Mar 20, 202101:00:34
LVAD Talk with Cardiac Perfusionist John Stratton

LVAD Talk with Cardiac Perfusionist John Stratton

On this episode of LVAD Talk we speak with Cardiac Perfusionist John Stratton

We discuss...

What is a perfusionist

What is his role in LVAD and transplant surgery

How LVADS work

The difference between the heartmate 2 and heartmate 3

The Freedom Under Vest!!

and much more!

Mar 19, 202132:22
LVAD Talk with Erica Shea

LVAD Talk with Erica Shea

On this episode of LVAD Talk we speak with Erica Shea

We discuss...

Her battle with cancer

Childbirth and heart failure

Her introduction to the LVAD

Kids, dogs, rabbits and LVADs

Getting the call for transplant!

Going from transplant to nursing!

and much more!

Mar 16, 202124:03
LVAD Talk with Chris Donges

LVAD Talk with Chris Donges

On this episode of LVAD Talk we speak with Chris Donges

We discuss...

The healthcare mystery that led to his LVAD

Blood Clots on i-95

When your ejection fraction is 5%

ECMO

The joys of dressing changes

Having a baby after LVAD

and much more!

Mar 12, 202143:24
LVAD Talk with Kevin McCarthy a.k.a Tinman 2009

LVAD Talk with Kevin McCarthy a.k.a Tinman 2009

On this episode of LVAD Talk we speak with Kevin McCarthy a.k.a Tinman 2009

We talk about how he got a great nickname

How he went from driving down the street to waking up 33 days later with a LVAD

What recovery was like for him

Close calls with batteries

What it was like to get the call for transplant

When you have 45 mins to get to the hospital for transplant!

From transplant to CrossFit!

The importance of organ donation

and much more!

Mar 09, 202127:00
LVAD Talk with Oliva Rose

LVAD Talk with Oliva Rose

On this episode of LVAD Talk we speak with Olivia Rose

We talk about how she went from bodybuilding to a LVAD

Battery bags and swag

Power outages

Getting it in at the gym with a LVAD

Transplant life and what to expect

and much more!

Mar 07, 202130:05
LVAD Talk with DaKeia Williamson

LVAD Talk with DaKeia Williamson

On this episode of LVAD Talk we speak with DaKeia Williamson

We talk about how after giving birth she had to have quadruple bypass surgery

Her introduction to the LVAD

How we style our battery bags

Having her pump replaced

ICD shocks flag football and video games!

Flu shots and vaccines and much more!

Mar 07, 202131:55
LVAD Talk with Michael Cruz

LVAD Talk with Michael Cruz

On this episode we speak with Michael Cruz

We talk about how his heart failure journey started

Complications after surgery

Recovery time after getting his LVAD

The challenges of Driving and working out after surgery

His experience with Covid and the LVAD

Drivelines and obstacles and much more!

Mar 02, 202138:09
LVAD Talk with Bouba aka Heart of a Giant

LVAD Talk with Bouba aka Heart of a Giant

In this first episode we talk to Bouba aka Heart of a Giant

We discuss his journey with his LVAD and how sharing his story has giving more meaning and purpose to his life through social entrepreneurship in health

We discuss the origins of his symptoms in South Africa

His big heart (he is 6'8)

How ended up in the United States

The joys of an ICD shocks

What his recovery time was like 

How is life has been improved after LVAD!


Feb 27, 202101:01:08