Hot Topics in Kidney Health
This podcast, brought to you by the National Kidney Foundation, is for the kidney community - patients, family members, living donors, and other individuals interested in all things related to kidney health. We’ll highli...
AI overview.The National Kidney Foundation is a prominent organization dedicated to combating kidney disease and enhancing the quality of life for those affected. Renowned …
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| Date | Episode | Description | Length | ||||||
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| 10/6/26 | Nutrición, cultura y salud renal en nuestras comunidades | En este episodio exploramos cómo cuidar la salud renal respetando las distintas tradiciones alimentarias de las comunidades de Hispanoamérica. Hoy hablaremos de cómo adaptar los alimentos y platos que cada persona realmente come, sin borrar su identidad cultural y de acuerdo con sus necesidades clínicas. In this episode we heard from: Susana Guarino es una profesional con un MBA y muchos años de experiencia en diversas áreas del sector financiero. Comenzó su carrera en contabilidad pública como auditora de distintas industrias en la ciudad de Nueva York. Posteriormente, trabajó en el sector de organizaciones nacionales sin fines de lucro, enfocándose en contabilidad y cumplimiento normativo, antes de pasar al sector privado, donde aporta su experiencia para lograr resultados financieros positivos. Además, Susana participa activamente como voluntaria en varias organizaciones. Durante más de 10 años, ha colaborado con la National Kidney Foundation como defensora de pacientes y actualmente forma parte del Comité de Diversidad y Equidad en la Salud y del Consejo Asesor de Pacientes del pódcast “Hot Topics in Kidney Health”. También es voluntaria en God’s Love We Deliver, una organización que entrega 15,000 comidas diarias adaptadas a las necesidades médicas de sus beneficiarios, y en la Iglesia St. Ann’s, donde brinda apoyo en el área de contabilidad. Lorena Drago, MS, RD, CDN, CDCES, es dietista registrada, autora, conferencista y especialista certificada en educación y cuidado de la diabetes. Se especializa en educación nutricional y manejo de la diabetes con un enfoque multicultural, especialmente para las comunidades latinas e hispanas. Lorena ha ocupado diversos cargos de liderazgo en organizaciones de nutrición y educación sobre la diabetes y ha recibido numerosos reconocimientos, incluido el premio Diabetes Educator of the Year en 2022. También es autora de Beyond Rice and Beans: The Caribbean Guide to Eating Well with Diabetes y ha contribuido a varias publicaciones sobre nutrición y prácticas alimentarias culturales. Obtuvo su maestría en Alimentación y Nutrición de Hunter College. Additional Resources Centro de nutrición de NKF Dieta Caribeña Adecuada Para Personas Con Problemas Renales: Dieta Mexicana Adecuada Para Los Riñones Do you have comments, questions, or suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. Also, make sure to rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts. | 37m 15s | ||||||
| 9/24/26 | Blood pressure, heart, and kidney health: what you need to know | High blood pressure can have a major impact on both your heart and kidneys—but understanding your risk can help you take steps to protect your health. In this episode, we break down the connection between blood pressure, kidney disease, and heart disease, including the key tests that can help detect problems early. You’ll also learn practical ways to support your kidney and cardiovascular health and how to prepare for more informed conversations with your healthcare team. This episode is supported by Boehringer Ingelheim and developed in collaboration with The Mended Hearts. In this episode we heard from: Daniel Edmonston, MD, MHS, is a board-certified nephrologist and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Duke University School of Medicine, where he is also a faculty member at the Duke Clinical Research Institute. He cares for adults with chronic kidney disease, hypertension, and related cardiovascular conditions, and his research focuses on the close connection between kidney and heart health. Dr. Edmonston leads clinical trials and large real-world studies aimed at detecting kidney disease earlier and helping patients receive evidence-based treatments that protect both the kidneys and heart. His work has examined gaps in kidney disease screening, the use of newer kidney-protective medications, and the cardiovascular complications of kidney disease. Rory Pace has dedicated her career to nephrology nutrition, a field in which she is a leader, educator, and patient advocate. Rory earned a bachelor’s degree in Dietetics from the University of California, Davis and a Master’s in Public Health from UCLA. She has been a board-certified specialist in renal nutrition for 20 years, providing expert nutrition care for people with kidney disease. Rory has published and presented on numerous nephrology nutrition topics and is a strong advocate for the role of nutrition in the care of people with kidney disease. Bob Sheridan is a 55 year old heart attack survivor from Michigan. He is passionate about sharing his journey to encourage and support others living with heart disease. Following his heart attack in 2016, Bob was diagnosed with heart failure with an ejection fraction of 26% and received an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) in 2017. He also has a history of hypertension. Through his experience, Bob offers a personal perspective on navigating recovery, adapting to life and living well with heart disease. Additional Resources Learn more about high blood pressure and your kidneysLearn more about our collaborating partner, The Mended Hearts. Do you have comments, questions, or suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. Also, make sure to rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts. | 44m 51s | ||||||
| 9/11/26 | An Interview With J. Harrison Ghee: “Help Through Community is Key” | You may know Tony and Grammy Award winner J. Harrison Ghee from their Broadway performances, like Some Like It Hot. Now, they’re using their platform to talk about what’s been happening behind the curtain—their journey with kidney disease and their search for a living kidney donor. Today, we’re talking about listening to your body, asking for help, and why Ghee hopes their story inspires more people to learn about living kidney donation. In this episode we heard from: J. Harrison Ghee is an award-winning American actor, singer, and dancer best known for their work on Broadway. They made their Broadway debut as Lola in Kinky Boots and later originated the role of Jerry/Daphne in Some Like It Hot, earning a 2023 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical. Ghee, who is nonbinary and uses he/she/they pronouns, became one of the first openly nonbinary Tony Award winners. They have also appeared in Mrs. Doubtfire, Hadestown, and Once Upon a Mattress, among other productions. In 2022, Ghee was diagnosed with kidney disease and is currently on the waiting list for a kidney transplant. Additional Resources Your Genes and Your Kidney Health Genetics and Kidney Health NKF Peers Information on Transplantation Do you have comments, questions, or suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. Also, make sure to rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts. | 16m 44s | ||||||
| 8/26/26 | Advocating for a new U.S. Transplant System | The transplant system in America is evolving. And you deserve to know what that means. Today, we unpack the Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) Act with experts Miriam Godwin and Jullie Hoggan. Learn why this legislation was introduced, how it could improve the organ transplant system, and what it means for people waiting for or living with a transplant. In this episode we heard from: Miriam Godwin is a kidney donor and Vice President of Health Policy and Clinical Outcomes at the National Kidney Foundation. She previously led transformative initiatives at CMS, including the ESRD Treatment Choices Model, and supported groundbreaking programs like Kidney Care Choices. With a strong foundation in health policy, clinical trials, and drug development, Miriam has dedicated her career to advancing kidney care and increasing access to transplants. She holds a master’s degree in public policy from George Washington University. Jullie Hoggan is the Transplant Director at patients.app and previously co-founded Square Knot Health, where she helped develop a peer-led transplant navigation program alongside a transplant nephrologist. She is also a kidney transplant recipient, bringing both lived experience and professional expertise to her work. Jullie provides peer mentoring, education, and support to patients, living donors, and care partners through Kidney Solutions. She serves on the OPTN Patient Affairs Committee, the National Kidney Foundation Public Policy Committee, and several other national committees and advisory groups focused on improving transplantation and living donation. Additional Resources NKF Advocacy Transplantation Do you have comments, questions, or suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. Also, make sure to rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts. | 33m 52s | ||||||
| 7/23/26 | Salir a comer fuera cuando se está en diálisis | Empezar con la diálisis suele implicar replantearse la relación con la comida, y eso incluye comer fuera de casa. Pero salir a comer fuera no tiene por qué estar prohibido. En este episodio, hablamos de los aspectos emocionales y prácticos de comer fuera de casa, desde saber defenderse en los restaurantes hasta encontrar el equilibrio entre las necesidades dietéticas y la calidad de vida. Notas del ponente Lauren Levy es la propietaria y dietista principal de una consulta privada que trabaja con seguros médicos y se centra en la salud renal. Lauren factura a las compañías de seguros y colabora a diario con pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) y nefrólogos para prevenir la progresión de la ERC. A Melissa Bensouda le diagnosticaron enfermedad del riñón crónica tras dar a luz a su segunda hija. Tras el nacimiento de su tercer hijo, había perdido por completo la función renal. En junio de 2002 la incluyeron en la lista de espera de trasplantes. Aunque al principio Melissa comenzó los tratamientos de diálisis en un centro especializado, fue seleccionada para participar en un programa de hemodiálisis nocturna en casa. Tras seis semanas de formación exhaustiva, Melissa instaló una máquina en su dormitorio y se sometía a diálisis por su cuenta cada dos noches durante ocho horas mientras dormía. En abril de 2012 recibió el regalo de la libertad gracias a un donante fallecido. Casi cinco años después del trasplante, el riñón trasplantado a Melissa sufrió un rechazo, lo que la obligó a reanudar la diálisis en casa. La pasión y el compromiso de Melissa con la sensibilización se han reavivado tras un recorrido tan largo. A pesar de trabajar a tiempo completo y criar a tres hijos, Melissa está decidida a seguir defendiendo la tecnología, la educación y la investigación para mejorar los resultados de las personas afectadas por la enfermedad del riñón. Alimentación para pacientes renales Información sobre cómo salir a comer fuera con confianza Cronómetro | 15m 16s | ||||||
| 7/20/26 | Dining Out on Dialysis | Starting dialysis often means rethinking your relationship with food—and that includes eating out. But dining out doesn’t have to be off-limits. In this episode, we’re talking about the emotional and practical sides of dining out, from advocating for yourself at restaurants to balancing dietary needs with quality of life. In today's episode we heard from: Lauren Levy is the practice owner and principal dietitian in an insurance based private practice that focuses on kidney health. Lauren bills insurance companies, works with CKD patients and nephrologists on a daily basis to prevent progression of CKD. Melissa Bensouda was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease after giving birth to her second daughter. After her third child, she had lost all functionality of her kidneys. She was placed on the transplant wait list in June of 2002. Although Melissa initially began dialysis treatments in-center, she was selected to participate in a nocturnal home hemodialysis program. After 6 weeks of extensive training, Melissa set up a machine in her bedroom and dialyzed on her own every other night for 8 hours while she slept. She received the gift of freedom from a deceased donor in April of 2012. Nearly five years post-transplant, Melissa’s transplant kidney rejected, causing her to resume dialysis at home. Melissa’s passion and commitment to awareness has been revived following such an extensive journey. Despite working full-time and raising three children, Melissa is determined to continue advocating for technology, education, and research to improve outcomes of those affected by kidney disease. Additional Resources Nutrition for Kidney Patients Dining Out With Confidence Info Cronometer Do you have comments, questions, or suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. Also, make sure to rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts. | 31m 22s | ||||||
| 6/23/26 | Vascular Access Options | Vascular access is the lifeline for people on dialysis. Today we’ll cover the different types, how doctors determine the best option, what the surgery and recovery involve, and more! Today we're joined by Dr. Vandana Dua Niyyar, and kidney warrior Brittany Dickerson to discuss vascular access–an important topic that will hopefully help you all listening feel more informed and confident in your care. In today's episode we heard from: Vandana Dua Niyyar is Professor of Medicine in the Division of Nephrology and has received the Clinical Distinction of Master Physician at Emory University. Dr. Niyyar is passionate about promoting multidisciplinary collaboration in research and education in the field of vascular access; with the ultimate goal of optimizing access care and processes for dialysis patients. She currently serves as Immediate Past President of the American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology (ASDIN). Dr. Niyyar has been recognized for her exemplary clinical and service achievements through various awards including ASDIN Distinguished Service Award in 2019, Emory Nanette Wenger Service Award in 2019, ASN Mid-Career Distinguished Clinical Service Award in 2020, ANIO Clinical Excellence Award in 2021, Emory DOM Outstanding Quality Achievement Award in 2022 and and ASDIN Gerald Beathard Award in recognition of her teaching excellence, scholarly activity, and clinical excellence in 2024. Brittany Dickerson- I am a dedicated mother, motivational speaker, and compassionate life coach living with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). I use my kidney failure battle to educate and help others regarding kidney disease and transplantation. My personal journey has fueled my passion for helping others navigate life's challenges with courage and grace. Through partnership with the National Kidney Foundation, I have had the opportunity to mentor others and to be a guest for the National Kidney Foundation Podcast channel. My dedication to kidney awareness has led me to pursue becoming a National Kidney Foundation Advocate. I use my voice to spread my powerful message of perseverance and hope. My goal is to continue making an impact on individuals facing adversity, offering guidance, support, and being a shining example of strength in the face of hardship. Additional Resources Vascular Access Guidelines Do you have comments, questions, or suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. Also, make sure to rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts. | 41m 09s | ||||||
| 4/15/26 | Navigating Kidney Cancer Treatment Side Effects: What to Expect | Behind every kidney cancer diagnosis is a person navigating difficult decisions about treatment and care. Today, we’re diving into how to navigate the side effects of kidney cancer treatments and how to tell the difference between side effects and warning signs. This episode is supported by Exelixis. In this episode we heard from: Andrew Allers was diagnosed incidentally with clear-cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) in 2015 after a soccer injury. After a radical nephrectomy and four years of monitoring, Andrew's stage IV diagnosis was made in 2019 with metastases in his rib, hip, lungs and lymph nodes. The bone tumors were radiated, and after two rounds of an immunotherapy combination, a serious auto-immune reaction necessitated a pause in treatment while Andrew's care team figured out a solution. With regular IVIG infusions to manage the adverse reactions, a single-agent immunotherapy was restarted in early 2020 and within a few months a set of scans showed remarkable improvement -- tumors still visible, but "clinically unmeasurable" in the words of his oncologist. Just over a month later, a vision issue took Andrew to the local ER where he was diagnosed with two brain metastases, one of which was in the occipital lobe. The following day an emergency craniotomy was performed, followed by a round of brain radiation. Over the next 18 months, a series of 4 more brain tumors were discovered, radiated and added to the monitoring schedule. Since beginning a TKI in 2022 Andrew has been free of new brain metastases, and the immunotherapy continues to keep the lung and lymph node tumors at bay. After retiring in 2023, Andrew has become active in the Kidney Cancer community, participating in the research grant review process in the CDMRP & KCRP and as a Legislative Advocate for KidneyCAN, an advocacy group that campaigns for federally funded research into Kidney Cancer treatments. Julia Stevens, PharmD, BCOP is a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Ambulatory Oncology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, MA. She collaborates with medical oncologists to care for patients with kidney cancer. Her primary clinical responsibilities include educating patients and caregivers, monitoring and supporting those on oral therapies, minimizing the financial toxicity of treatment, and providing drug information and treatment recommendations to her team. Dr. Stevens is also a member of the Kidney Cancer Association Clinical Advisory Board. Rimda Wanchoo, MD is a Professor of Medicine at the Zucker School of Medicine and full time nephrologist at Northwell Health in NY. She graduated from medical school in India followed by residency at St. Barnabas in New Jersey and fellowship at NY Presbyterian at Weill Cornell. Her interests are taking care of patients with cancer and kidney diseases, glomerular disease and end stage kidney disease. She has been at Northwell for the last 14 years . She also serves as director of quality for the division and medical director of the largest joint venture dialysis unit in the health system. She has published and spoken on several onconephrology topics internationally. She serves as an associate editor for JON and CKJ. She is one of the founding members of American Society of Onconephrology (ASON). Additional Resources Kidney Cancer Kidney Cancer: Treatment and Living Well Voices for Kidney Health Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) KidneyCAN Do you have comments, questions, or suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. Also, make sure to rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts. | 36m 59s | ||||||
| 3/24/26 | Speaking Up About Phosphorus on Dialysis | Join us for the discussion on the treatment and management of hyperphosphatemia or high phosphorus levels in the blood, a common challenge experienced by people living with chronic kidney disease on dialysis. This episode is supported by Ardelyx. In this episode we heard from: Dr. Annabel Biruete is an Assistant Professor and Registered Dietitian in the Department of Nutrition Science at Purdue University and an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Division of Nephrology at the Indiana University School of Medicine. Her broad clinical interest is nutrition in kidney diseases. Dr. Biruete’s research aims to study the effects of nutritional and pharmacological therapies for chronic kidney disease on the gastrointestinal tract and gut microbiome. Additionally, Dr. Biruete is interested in improving outcomes in the Hispanic/LatinX community living with chronic kidney disease, primarily targeting nutritional interventions using language- and culturally-concordant lifestyle educational materials. Melissa Tuff has been living with chronic kidney disease for 30 years. Her journey began in 1996 on her 17th birthday when she “crashed” into dialysis following a misdiagnosed UTI. She was on in-center hemodialysis for 9 and a half years until she received a life-changing kidney transplant that lasted 11 years. In 2016 her kidney rejected and since then, she continued treatment with 4 years of peritoneal dialysis and 6 years of solo home hemodialysis. She utilizes her Social Media pages for digital education & patient empowerment by hosting educational TikTok Live sessions while performing solo home hemodialysis; offering real-time insight into dialysis life and empowering others to take an active role in their treatment. Her goal is to build a support community and reduce the stigma around kidney disease by fostering open, educational, and uplifting conversations online while providing resources and guidance as to how one can live long and well on dialysis. Dr. Jaime Uribarri is a practicing nephrologist and clinical investigator in NYC. He has been in the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NYC, since 1990, where he is currently Professor of Medicine and Director of the Renal Clinic and the Home Dialysis Program at the Mount Sinai Hospital. In parallel with his clinical activities, Dr Uribarri has been very active in clinical investigation for more than 40 years. His main areas of research have been on acid-base and fluid and electrolytes disorders as well as nutrition in chronic kidney disease and diabetic patients. He has published well over 200 peer-reviewed papers, written many chapters in books and edited several books. He has lectured extensively on these research topics in New York City as well as in national and international meetings. Additional Resources High Phosphorus Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD) Secondary Hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) ASN Kidney Health Guidance on Potassium and Phosphorus Food Additives Do you have comments, questions, or suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. Also, make sure to rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts. | 38m 47s | ||||||
| 3/13/26 | Diversity in Clinical Trials | For people living with kidney disease, clinical trials can offer hope—but not without questions or concerns. Today, we talk with Dr. Nadine Barrett, Glenda Roberts, and Luz Baqueiro about lived experience, community trust, and the power of being asked. In this episode we heard from: Dr. Nadine J. Barrett is a Professor in the Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy in the Division of Public Health Sciences and the inaugural Senior Associate Dean of Community Engagement and Equity in Research at Wake Forest School of Medicine, she is Associate Director of Community Outreach and Engagement for Wake Forest Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Clinical Translational Science Institute and the Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity. Prior to joining Wake Forest, Dr. Barrett served 13 years in senior leadership roles at Duke University, as the Founding Director of both the Duke Center for Equity in Research and the nationally awarded, Duke Cancer Institute's Office of Health Equity. She is also President of the national Association of Cancer Care Centers, in Washington DC. A medical sociologist by training, Dr. Barrett is a health disparities researcher, expert equity strategist, and a nationally recognized leader in facilitating authentic community, healthcare, and academic partnerships to advance health equity. She develops multi-level interventions to address implicit bias, structural and systemic racism, and inequities that limit access to quality research and trustworthy health care among underserved and marginalized populations. Dr. Barrett brings an equity lens to her work and collaborations to enhance healthcare systems, close the disparities gap in health outcomes, and increase diverse and broad representation in research participation and the research workforce. Glenda Roberts: Prior to joining the Mount Sinai Center for Kidney Disease Innovation as the Director of Communications and Patient Engagement, Glenda V. Roberts was an Information Technology executive with over 35 years of experience with top-caliber corporations, including General Electric, Microsoft and Johnson & Johnson. She was also the Executive Director of the Seattle Transplant House, and the Director of External Relations & Patient Engagement at the University of Washington Center for Dialysis Innovation (CDI) and the Kidney Research Institute (KRI). Before going on dialysis, Glenda managed the progression of her disease for over 40 years using diet and exercise. Since her transplant in 2010, she’s completed nine half marathons. Based upon her personal experience with kidney disease, Glenda is a passionate activist for kidney research and patients living with kidney disease. She’s involved in myriad patient-centered national and international health care transformation initiatives. All are focused on addressing patient preferences and improving patient-reported outcomes. Glenda brings the patient voice to several NIH/NIDDK government and industry research efforts (Kidney Precision Medicine Project, APOLLO), as well as the American Society of Nephrology’s Current & Emerging Threats (C-ET) Steering Committee. She’s the inaugural co-chair of the Critical Path Institute’s Biomarker Data Repository Governance Committee, and a member of the Kidney Health Initiative (KHI) Board of Directors. Additionally, she contributes to the Advisory Boards of LifeCenter Northwest and Home Dialyzors United, and over 15 other industry and academic research advisory committees/boards focused on transplantation, kidney, cardiovascular, and metabolic health. As an ambassador for the National Kidney Foundation, the American Kidney Fund, and the American Association of Kidney Patients, Glenda’s advocacy tirelessly advances the voices, needs, and aspirations of the kidney community worldwide. Luz Baqueiro serves as a patient advocate with the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), providing feedback and helping develop new initiatives to better support the La | 44m 59s | ||||||
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| 2/25/26 | A Conversation with Xenotransplantation Experts | Last time we talked about kidney xenotransplantation, we were joined by Towana Loony and Tim Andrews, who shared their personal experiences with receiving a xenotransplant. Today, two doctors who helped propel xenotransplantation forward, Dr. Vineeta Kumar and Dr. Leonardo Riella, are here to explain the science and what comes next. This episode is supported by eGenesis and United Therapeutics In this episode we heard from: Vineeta Kumar is the lead nephrologist for UAB's Living Kidney Donor and Incompatible Kidney Transplant programs. She is an expert in kidney transplantation, living kidney donation, incompatible kidney transplant, kidney paired donation and cardiovascular outcomes after kidney transplantation. Kumar also engages in research in the prevention, treatment and prognosis of antibody mediated rejection. She has been named a "Top Doctor" by U.S. News & World Report each year since 2012. She has been lead facilitator of the UAB Schwartz Rounds since 2009, a program that brings together nurses, physicians, social workers, and other providers to discuss delivery of compassionate care. She was awarded the Brewer-Heslin Endowed Award for Professionalism in Medicine for the highly skilled and compassionate medical care she provides to her patients. Kumar was recently named "Best Educator" by the 2018, 2019 and 2020 UAB Medical School classes. She has previously served on the Education Committee for the American Society of Transplantation. Leonardo V. Riella, M.D., Ph.D. is the Harold and Ellen Danser Endowed Chair in Transplant Surgery at Harvard Medical School and the Medical Director of Kidney Transplantation at Massachusetts General Hospital. His research focuses on mechanisms of immune regulation and the development of novel therapies to promote transplant tolerance. In addressing kidney disease recurrence post-transplantation, he founded and leads the TANGO Consortium, the largest global effort dedicated to studying glomerular disease recurrence. In March 2024, Dr. Riella led the world’s first successful kidney xenotransplant from a gene-edited pig into a living human. He now leads the first FDA-approved pilot study in kidney xenotransplantation and is conducting high-dimensional immune profiling studies to characterize the human xeno-immune response and guide immunosuppressive strategies. Find out more about Dr. Riella's research here. Additional Resources Xenotransplantation Information Do you have comments, questions, or suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. Also, make sure to rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts. | 48m 20s | ||||||
| 2/10/26 | "I Had a Xenotransplant." | History is often made through science, but it is lived through people. Today, only four living people in the US have received a xenotransplant or a transplant using a gene-edited pig kidney. Two of these pioneers are here to share in their own words what it means to be part of medical history. Their stories remind us that behind every breakthrough is a person waiting, hoping, and choosing to move forward even when the path ahead is uncertain. This episode is supported by eGenesis and United Therapeutics In this episode we heard from: Tim Andrews is a pioneering kidney patient whose experience has helped shape the emerging field of xenotransplantation. A longtime resident of Concord, New Hampshire, Tim lived with end‑stage kidney disease and endured more than two years on dialysis before stepping into the unknown and signing up for a kidney xenotransplant. On January 25, 2025, he became one of the earliest recipients of a pig kidney and went on to live with the organ for a record 271 days before it was removed due to declining function, an achievement that provided valuable data for researchers around the world. After returning to dialysis, Tim continued his transplant journey and recently received a human kidney transplant, becoming the first person in this group of xenotransplant pioneers to transition from an animal organ to a human donor organ. His courage, resilience, and willingness to participate in cutting‑edge medical research have offered hope to patients facing long transplant wait times and contributed meaningful insights to the scientific community. Towana Looney is a trailblazing kidney patient whose journey has now made history. After donating a kidney to her mother in 2000 and later developing chronic kidney disease herself, Towana began dialysis in 2016. As a highly sensitized patient with 100% antibodies, she was told she would never qualify for a human kidney transplant. In 2024, Towana was offered a rare and groundbreaking opportunity: to receive a genetically modified pig kidney. She bravely said yes, becoming one of the earliest recipients of a kidney xenotransplant and helping open the door to a new era in transplantation. Towana lived with the xenokidney for 130 days before it was removed. While she has returned to dialysis, her courage has given hope to patients everywhere and invaluable scientific knowledge to the researchers advancing xenotransplantation. Additional Resources Xenotransplantation Information Do you have comments, questions, or suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. Also, make sure to rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts. | 46m 03s | ||||||
| 1/16/26 | Transplant Medications | A recent online survey of more than 10,000 transplant recipients across the U.S. and Canada found that ninety-two percent had side effects from their immunosuppressive medications. And while most patients trust their care teams, one in four skips doses because of their side effects. Four in ten skip due to cost. Today, I’m joined by Anne Bina, a kidney transplant recipient, and Nurse Practitioner, Nicole McCormick, to discuss the importance of immunosuppressive or anti-rejection medications and how to manage side effects associated with them. In this episode we heard from: Nicole McCormick is a Nurse Practitioner with AdventHealth Porter Transplant Institute in Denver, CO. She has been working in Transplant Nephrology since 2015, and she worked as a heart transplant coordinator starting in 2012. Nicole attended the University of Colorado for her Doctor of Nursing Practice as well as her Master’s, and she received her Bachelor of Nursing from Thomas Jefferson University. Nicole enjoys spending time with her family and fur babies. She enjoys strength training and teaches yoga in her community. Nicole is an avid reader and lifelong student. Anne Bina-I live in Casper, WY but I was born and raised in WI. When I was 9 I had strep throat and a couple months later I was in the hospital with nephritis. Doctors told my parents that it could reoccur later in my life. I attended the University of WI where I met my husband. He was in the Air Force ROTC, so after we graduated he began his military career. I was blessed with two daughters - Jenny & Kris. Some 30 years later (1992)my husband was stationed at Whiteman AFB, MO. I had just completed my master’s degree, and I was diagnosed with kidney failure with FSGS - all related back to my case of strep. My husband retired from the Air Force in 1998 and we returned to WI. I was placed on the UNOS Transplant list in 1998 at U of WI Transplant Center. By August of 1999, my kidney function had gotten to the point that it it was time to start dialysis. For me at least, I was only on dialysis for less than 2 months when a coordinator from U of Wisconsin called me on Oct 15th 1999 that they had a kidney for me. She told me that my donor was a 16 year old that had been involved in a car accident. Later, I received a picture of “Ryan” my donor, from his family. He is indeed my HERO! Here I am almost 26 years later - LIFE IS GOOD! From 2008 till we moved to Casper in 2016 , I was the Director of a non-profit helping seniors in the Milwaukee area. And for the last 20 years I have been trying to “give back” by being a volunteer and public speaker, first in Wisconsin with the WI Donor Network and now here in Wyoming with the WY Donor Alliance. I have also become active with the National Kidney Foundation (NKF). Besides being an Ambassador with their on-line site, HealthUnlocked; I have also become a Kidney Advocate. This has involved working with the Wyoming Legislature trying to get the “Living Donor Protection Act”(LDPA) passed. Governor Gordon signed it into WY Law on February 24, 2023. Additional Resources Transplant Information Therapeutic needs in solid organ transplant recipients: The American Society of Transplantation patient survey Do you have comments, questions, or suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. Also, make sure to rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts. | 33m 28s | ||||||
| 12/5/25 | Mental Health and Kidney Disease | When it comes to kidney health, taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body. Today, we’re exploring how mental health support can improve your overall well-being and breaking the stigma around therapy and medications. In this episode we heard from: Lydia Johnson, MSW -Lydia is a social worker based in Massachusetts. They previously worked in direct care as a dialysis social worker and now serve at the national level as a leader in support of home dialysis social workers and the growth of home dialysis in the kidney care community. Malkia White -Malkia was diagnosed with IgA Nephropathy when she was only 6 years old. In 2017, she began doing nocturnal dialysis for 3 years, 3 nights a week from 9pm – 3am while maintaining a full-time job. In November of 2021 she received a kidney transplant. She celebrates life by continuing to advocate for kidney health and shares her story to encourage people and give others hope. Shannon Glynn -Shannon Glynn is committed to having face-to-face conversations and dialogue to champion the issues central to the National Kidney Foundation mission. She received her life-saving kidney from her friend Molly in March of 2009 after being on peritoneal dialysis for seven months. And while Shannon thinks that petitions championing the issues are important, she wants to meet with representatives to discuss the concerns surrounding kidney issues today so that they can take action. Shannon believes that care and coverage are essential for transplant patients. She is passionate about the intersection of mental health, kidney disease, and overall wellness. Additional Resources NKF Cares NKF Peers Do you have comments, questions, or suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. Also, make sure to rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts. | 31m 30s | ||||||
| 11/6/25 | EnROUTE Study: Dialysis Transportation | What does it mean to design a study with patients, not just for them, and why does that shift matter for kidney care outcomes? Dr. Na'mah, Bethney Bonilla, and Jennifer McClung answer these questions and more with insights from their En-ROUTE Study, which explores transportation challenges through the lived experiences of dialysis patients. In today's episode we heard from: Bethney Bonilla-Herrera, MA, is a health researcher at the UC Davis Center for Healthcare Policy and Research (CHPR), specializing in social risks and health policy. She conducts qualitative research, manages projects, fosters community-engaged research, and performs policy analyses. Prior to her role at CHPR, she worked as an investigative journalist, honing her skills in research and analysis. Na’amah Razon, MD, PhD is a family physician, medical anthropologist, and Assistant Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of California, Davis. Dr. Razon’s research focuses the relationship of health and place and evaluating policies aimed to advance social care activities in the healthcare sector. Her current research explores the impact of transportation insecurity on chronic disease and cross-sector opportunities to improve health and mobility. Jennifer McClung was 16 1/2 when she was diagnosed with end-stage kidney failure. She went from having what was believed to be a bad case of the flu to being told her kidneys had failed, her heart was double the size it should be and needed to be placed on dialysis in less then 48 hours. Jennifer did dialysis for over 17 years. She survived on peritoneal dialysis for just over 14 years and then had to be switched to hemodialysis for 3 and a half years more. She finally received her kidney transplant in Dec 2015. Since getting her kidney transplant Jennifer helps to run a kidney support group in her local community and has devoted her life to being kidney advocate. She uses her voice to educate the public about their kidneys, encourages people to be organ donors, and speaks to the different legislators in Washington D.C about bills and laws that need to be passed to help the kidney community. Jennifer continues to use her story to inspire others that with a positive mindset and a bit of humor, they can get through whatever challenges they may face. Additional Resources EnROUTE Study Info NKF Cares Do you have comments, questions, or suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. Also, make sure to rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts. | 37m 44s | ||||||
| 10/13/25 | Vaccines: What Kidney Patients Need to Know | According to a 2024 World Health Organization study, over the last 50 years vaccines have saved over 154 million lives worldwide from over 20 life threatening diseases. As vaccines are facing skepticism, we are here to cut through the noise and lay out the facts as to why staying up-to-date on vaccinations is especially important for kidney patients. This episode is supported by Moderna. In today's episode we heard from: Mary Baliker has been a dedicated healthcare advocate for the past 40 years, and is involved in several kidney initiatives regionally, nationally and globally. Mary was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease at the age of nine and since then has undergone hemodialysis and received four kidney transplants. As a result of this life-long journey, Mary cherishes her life and possesses a strong desire to help improve the healthcare experience, health outcomes and quality of life for patients with kidney disease. In addition to publishing multiple peer reviewed articles related to the kidney patient experience, Mary is the author of Maria Never Gives Up, a story written to help children and families facing chronic illnesses. Her book is distributed across transplant and dialysis centers nationwide and is available for purchase online William Werbel, MD, PhD is a transplant infectious diseases physician and scientist at Johns Hopkins focused on optimizing protection against infections in immunocompromised persons. He completed clinical and research fellowship in infectious diseases at Johns Hopkins following MD training at the University of Michigan and internal medicine residency and chief residency at the Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine. He is the current Associate Director for Epidemiology and Quantitative Sciences in the Johns Hopkins Transplant Research Center and principal investigator of the national Emerging Pathogens of Concern in Immunocompromised Persons (EPOC) cohort study. He receives NIH funding to study the landscape of infections in transplant recipients and evaluate the real-world impact of vaccination using a combination of epidemiological and laboratory approaches. Additional Resources: Vaccines for CKD Patients Vaccine Integrity Project IDSA Immunization Resources Emerging Pathogens of Concern in Immunocompromised Persons (EPOC) Study Do you have comments, questions, or suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. Also, make sure to rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts. | 38m 52s | ||||||
| 9/26/25 | How to Treat and Prevent Kidney Stones | Discover expert insights on kidney stone prevention and management in this podcast episode featuring a physician, dietitian, pharmacist, and patient. Learn about key kidney stone risk factors and explore how dietary adjustments can reduce stone recurrence. Experts discuss fluid intake strategies, medication considerations, surgical indications, and even unconventional questions about roller coasters’ impact on stone passage. Tune in for actionable advice, myth-busting discussions, and interprofessional perspectives. On today's episode we heard from: Melanie Betz, MS, RD, CSR, FNKF, FAND is a nationally recognized renal dietitian and the Founder & CEO of The Kidney Dietitian. She is a Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition and a Fellow of both theNational Kidney Foundation and the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics. Melanie has published extensively on kidney stone prevention and nutrition, and has presented at numerous state, national, and international conferences on the topic. Through her clinical work, research, and educational outreach, she is dedicated to helping patients and professionals understand the critical role of diet in kidney health. Mark Garofoli, PharmD, MBA, BCGP, CPE, CTTS is a Clinical Associate Professor at West Virginia University School of Pharmacy and a Clinical Pain & Addiction Pharmacist. With expertise in painmanagement, substance use disorders, and geriatric care, he brings both clinical and personal perspectives to kidney stone discussions. Mark has shared his experience through the Pain Pod podcast, PAINWeek presentations, and a published article detailing his own kidney stone journey. Mary Raines, CRA is a retired clinical research associate with more than 30 years ofexperience in medical research. After learning she needed a kidney transplant, shededicated herself to advocacy and now serves as a Patient Advocate with the NationalKidney Foundation and other kidney health organizations. Mary brings both professionalexpertise and personal experience to her work, amplifying the voices and needs ofpeople living with kidney disease. Andrew Rule, MD, MSc is a Professor of Medicine and Consultant Nephrologist at the MayoClinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He divides his time between clinical care, research, andeducation, with a particular focus on kidney stone disease and its link to chronic kidneydisease. Dr. Rule has published extensively on the epidemiology of kidney stones andprovides specialized care in the Mayo Clinic’s nephrology stone clinic. Bryan Tucker, DO, MS, FASN is an Assistant Professor of Medicine in Nephrology at Baylor Collegeof Medicine, where he serves as a clinician educator teaching medical students,residents, and fellows while caring for patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings.He holds a master’s degree in nutrition from Columbia University and completed hisnephrology fellowship at Yale. A Fellow of the American Society of Nephrology, Dr.Tucker has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and book chapters and is anactive contributor to The Kidney Commute podcast. Additional Resources: Kidney Stone Information Earn CME Credit Here Do you have comments, questions, or suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. Also, make sure to rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts. | 35m 49s | ||||||
| 9/19/25 | Shared Decision Making in Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome | This NKF Live crossover episode features a discussion on shared decision making on medical treatment options for people with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS). Our faculty includes a patient expert and advocate -- the actor and Substack author, Taylor Coffman, as well as two nephrologists, Holly Koncicki, MD and Ramy Hanna, MD, an expert on aHUS. They’ll cover a range of topics, with a focus on how to work with your medical team to achieve the best outcomes in aHUS. This discussion provides valuable tips and information not only for people with aHUS, but for all others who wish to gain insight into how to work with the most effectively with their medical team. In today's episode we heard from: Taylor Coffman is an actor, writer, podcast-maker, and mother with pregnancy-triggered aHUS. As a performer, she can be seen in Silicon Valley, Feud: Bette and Joan, and Life In Pieces, among others. Following her remission, Taylor also started work as a patient advocate helping those with life-changing diagnoses. She’s a patient expert and the author of Rare Disease Girl substack, sharing her journey and life-navigation tools weekly Dr. Ramy Hanna ia an Associate Professor of Medicine and Nephrology at the University of California Irvine. He’s a clinician-educator who’s devoted to patient education and research on kidney diseases like aHUS. Dr. Hanna is focused on working with underserved communities, as well as improving the diagnostic process and treatment outcomes for patients. Dr. Holly Koncicki graduated from the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and completed her Internal Medicine Residency and Fellowship training at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She is triple board certified in Internal Medicine, Nephrology and Palliative Medicine and Hospice. She is one of a few physicians who has trained in an integrated program of Nephrology and Palliative Medicine and is part of a small group of experts in this field. Though she cares for patients with all types of kidney problems, her specialty is caring for older patients with kidney impairment. She is widely published and has spoken nationally on topics including decision making in advanced kidney disease and symptom management. Her research focuses on communication tools to improve communication between patients and providers around discussion of treatment options for kidney disease. In 2020, she was honored by receiving the Cullman Family Physician Communication Award. She prides herself in learning each patient’s narrative that she treats, so she can best understand how to care for them. Additional Resources: Learn More About aHUS Do you have comments, questions, or suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. Also, make sure to rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts. | 35m 01s | ||||||
| 9/3/25 | GLP-1 Medications and Kidney Disease | GLP-1 medications like Ozempic were designed to treat diabetes—but they’re quickly becoming known for weight loss and possible kidney benefits. Kidney doctor Holly Kramer and kidney patients Patrick Gee, and Jane DeMeis, are here to break down what these medications are, how they work, and what people with kidney disease need to know. In today's episode we heard from: Holly Kramer, M.D., MPH, is a practicing nephrologist who conducts research connecting nutrition and kidney health. Her connection to the National Kidney Foundation was inspired by her mom, who was a dialysis nurse and helped create some of the first dialysis units in Northwest Indiana. Dr. Kramer finds being on the NKF Board important, because it is the largest, patient-centered organization focusing on kidney disease. Her long-term goal is to increase national funding for kidney disease research and to heighten awareness about chronic kidney disease. Jane DeMeis became involved with the National Kidney Foundation when she was diagnosed in 2018 with stage 4 kidney disease. She is currently on home hemodialysis and the transplant waitlist. Ms. DeMeis was the Director of Education and Organizational Development for U R Medicine Home Care. Part of her responsibilities was working with clinicians in teaching them how to present education to patients. She also was the Chairperson of the Patient Family Centered Care program and worked with improving home care through patient advocacy. In 2018, Ms. DeMeis retired. She had been fighting CKD along with Psoriatic Arthritis for many years and needed to focus on her health. She currently serves as a member of NKF's Kidney Advocacy Committee, as an Ambassador for NKF's online communities, and also as a NKF Peer mentor. Her other volunteer activities include being on the Board of the Perinton Food Shelf and working with clients as the Lead Verifier. She and her husband sing with the Perinton Senior Chorus and enjoy working in their garden. Patrick Gee is a Community Activist, fighting against systemic issues such as poverty, social and racial injustices, criminal justice reform, and education reform. Patrick worked for the Virginia Department of Corrections and the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice, where during his time in service, he acquired several awards and recognitions. In April 2013, Patrick was diagnosed with Stage 3b End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD). He began doing Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) in December 2013. On April 21, 2017, Patrick received a kidney transplant. Patrick has been very passionate in his pursuit to speak on behalf of the underserved, undervalued, and disenfranchised communities of color. Because of this, he serves as an advocate and kidney patient expert for a number of organizations including the NKF, CMS, FDA, KHI, AKF, AAKP and HDU. Patrick was the 2025 winner of NKF's Celeste Lee Castillo Patient Engagement Award. Additional Resources: GLP-1 Receptor Agonists NKF Supports Proposal to Expand Access to Weight-Loss Medications Do you have comments, questions, or suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. Also, make sure to rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts. | 34m 12s | ||||||
| 8/4/25 | Fixing Transplant Delays Caused by Race-Based eGFR | Imagine you’ve been on the kidney transplant waitlist for years, hoping for a second chance at life. Then, one day, you find out that your estimated wait time was longer than it should have been—not because of your health, but because your kidney function was calculated using a race coefficient. That was the reality Black kidney patients faced. Now, that’s changing. Dr. Vinay Nair, the Medical Director at North Shore University Hospital and Northwell Health, Morgan Reid, NKF’s former Senior Transplant Policy and Strategy Director, and two kidney warriors Michele Bibby and Brittany Dickerson are here to break down the impact of removing race from eGFR and what that means for transplant patients In today's episode we spoke to: Dr. Vinay Nair, is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/ Northwell and the medical director of kidney transplantation for Northwell Health. Dr. Nair’s clinical and research interests include novel immunosuppressive protocols, kidney paired exchange and infectious and malignant complications after transplantation. He serves as part of CERCA (coalition to end racism in clinical algorithms), the editorial board and reviewer of several nephrology and transplant journals, and has served in the UNOS kidney transplantation committee. Dr. Nair has published on various transplant related topics and co-authored book chapters on immunosuppression and post-transplant malignancy. He is an advocate for equality in medicine and has spoken at several community outreach events on the importance of chronic kidney disease recognition and kidney transplantation. Michele Bibby is President of MAB Consulting Services. Michele provides mental health education, advocacy, and policy analysis to public and private entities. Michele designs and delivers mental health workshops and training. Michele delivers public speeches and presentations on mental health topics. Michele Bibby previously enjoyed a successful career in Human Resources Management in the Private and Public Sector. Michele has a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Certification. Michele is a Certified Peer Specialist and a Certified Mediator. Michele serves as Board Chair for Via Hope a Texas Mental Health Nonprofit. Michele also serves on the National Kidney Foundation “Kidney Advocacy Committee” and the “Health Equity Sub Committee”. Michele holds a B.A. in Government from The University of Texas at Austin (1984). Morgan Reid is the Regional Patient Advocacy Manager for Ardelyx, Inc. Previously, she worked at the National Kidney Foundation as the Senior Director of Healthcare Policy and Strategy. She is a tireless patient advocate and also a kidney recipient herself. Brittany Dickerson- I am a dedicated mother, motivational speaker, and compassionate life coach living with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). I use my kidney failure battle to educate and help others regarding kidney disease and transplantation. My personal journey has fueled my passion for helping others navigate life's challenges with courage and grace. Through partnership with the National Kidney Foundation, I have had the opportunity to mentor others and to be a guest for the National Kidney Foundation Podcast channel. My dedication to kidney awareness has led me to pursue becoming a National Kidney Foundation Advocate. I use my voice to spread my powerful message of perseverance and hope. My goal is to continue making an impact on individuals facing adversity, offering guidance, support, and being a shining example of strength in the face of hardship. Additional Resources: Removing Race-Based eGFR Do you have comments, questions, or suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. Also, make sure to rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts. | 48m 52s | ||||||
| 7/17/25 | Post Transplant Health: Skin Cancer | Did you know that people who have received a kidney transplant are at a much higher risk for skin cancer? We sat down with experts to discuss how you can lower your risk. In this episode we heard from: Dr. Cerrene Giordano is a dermatologist and Mohs Micrographic surgeon at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, New York. She specializes in treating skin cancers, particularly in patients who are high risk such as those who have received organ transplants, have weakened immune systems, or a genetic predisposition to skin cancer development. Her expertise includes skin cancer surgery, wound reconstruction, and the management of skin cancers such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma, to name a few. Dr. Giordano is also involved in research aimed at improving pain management following dermatologic surgeries and exploring advanced imaging techniques to enhance surgical outcomes. Kent Bressler is a retired RN who was diagnosed with FSGS in 1984, and received a living donor transplant from his brother Kip in 1987. Kent is an active advocate for preemptive kidney transplant and has on the recommendation of NKF worked closely with the DoD and PCORI as a consumer peer reviewer. He is an NKF peer mentor and advocate who has collaborated on an editorial “Change in Albuminuria and GFR as End Points for Clinical Trials in Early Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease,” published in AJKD in 2019. He will also be participating in the development of the new NKF Patient Network serving on the Data Input and Integration Committee. He has been an active hill advocate for the NKF for six years and was the proud recipient of the 2017 Richard K. Salick Advocacy Award. Kent is also an Army Veteran and retired from the Veterans administration as an RN. He is the co-founder of Kidney Solutions a not for profit program in Texas that assists patients and families in the transplant process and in finding a donor. He is currently an assistant team leader for Region 7. Kent and Cathy Bressler have been married for 56 years and their family consists of Gretchen and Todd Rossington and their son Colt and Celeste and Alex Brown and their children John Banks, Catherine and Alexis Brown. Risa Simon is a passionate author, speaker, mentor, kidney patient coach and advocate. As the founder and CEO of The Proactive Path and the TransplantFirst Academy, her mission is to help all kidney disease patients advocate for their best life possible—the life she now lives. As a preemptive kidney transplant recipient, Risa was able to circumvent the need for dialysis. This is her hope for all eligible kidney patients. Risa gives back a good portion of her time by serving on various advisory committees, such as the National Kidney Foundation’s (NKF’s) Kidney Action committee, the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) program and convention committees and she chairs the Phoenix Chapter’s Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) education committee. She is also a member of the PKD Legacy Society and serves as a Peer Mentor for the National Kidney Foundation (NKF). Risa’s message is all about empowering kidney patients to bring their voice to life. Additional Resources: Dr. Cerrene Giordano Protect the Skin You're In Do you have comments, questions, or suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. Also, make sure to rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts. | 50m 18s | ||||||
| 6/17/25 | High Potassium and Kidney Disease | Potassium is an essential mineral, but it is important to make sure you have the right amount. Tune in and hear from experts on how high potassium (hyperkalemia) can impact health and it’s risk in people with advanced chronic kidney disease. In this episode we heard from: Briana Douglas is currently a Peer Mentor for the National Kidney Foundation. At 17 yrs old, she was diagnosed with Lupus Nephritis. She was then diagnosed with end stage 5 kidney disease, in 2016, and immediately had to start dialysis. After starting hemo dialysis, she remained on treatment for 7 years, experiencing home hemo, peritoneal, nocturnal and in center-hemo dialysis. In 2024, she received a kidney transplant and is now living really well with her new transplant. She also takes pride in being a peer Mentor for NKF to help others with similar experiences. Dr. Pascale Khairallah, MD, MS, is an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Nephrology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). She specializes in chronic kidney disease and kidney transplantation. Dr. Khairallah has been recognized with multiple awards for excellence in patient care and teaching. She has multiple publications in the field of chronic kidney disease mineral and bone disorders and kidney transplant outcomes. Annabel Biruete is an Assistant Professor and Registered Dietitian in the Department of Nutrition Science at Purdue University and an Affiliate in the Division of Nephrology at the Indiana University School of Medicine. Her broad clinical interest is nutrition in kidney diseases. Her research aims to study the effects of nutritional and pharmacological therapies for chronic kidney disease on the gastrointestinal tract and gut microbiome. Additionally, she is interested in improving outcomes in the Hispanic/Latine community living with chronic kidney disease, primarily through language- and culturally-concordant interventions. Additional Resources: High Potassium Information Do you have comments, questions, or suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. Also, make sure to rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts. | 35m 06s | ||||||
| 6/12/25 | Finding Community As An LGBTQ+ Patient | What does feeling truly seen and supported mean in your health care? For many LGBTQIA+ people with kidney disease, the answer isn’t simple. Jess Walters is a mixed-media artist, Board Certified Patient Advocate, and independent scholar living with a kidney transplant. Marissa is the Patient Programs Director at the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) and a social worker working to make kidney care more inclusive. Together, they share what supportive care and community look like and why they matter. In today's episode we heard from: Jess Walters (they/them) is a mixed-media artist, Board Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA), and independent scholar from Charlottesville, Virginia. They are a multiply-neurodivergent, queer, nonbinary person with Alport syndrome, a rare genetic disorder which caused late-onset deafness and kidney failure at age 29. In 2018, after undergoing two months of peritoneal dialysis, Walters received a kidney transplant from a living donor at the University of Virginia, where they currently serve as an inaugural FusionLab Arts Research Fellow at the Center for Health Humanities and Ethics in the School of Medicine. Their research focuses on the intersections of art and health, navigating accommodations in cultural arts spaces to promote individual and community wellbeing by including disabled, neurodivergent, and chronically ill participation and perspectives. They regularly participate in Kidney Patient Summits with the National Kidney Foundation and have served as a member of their Diversity & Health Equity Advisory Committee for 4 years. Marissa Argentina, LMSW is a licensed social worker who has been in the field of nephrology since 2010. She has worked for the National Kidney Foundation since 2015 and has been working on the NKF Peers program 2017. She is currently the Patient Programs Director at the National Kidney Foundation. She had previously worked as a dialysis center social worker in the Bronx, NY. Additional Resources: The Impact of Unequal Care for LGBTQ+ Kidney Patients NKF Online Community: LGBTQIA NKF Peers Jess Walters Art Rivanna Area Queer Center New City Arts Initiative Do you have comments, questions, or suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. Also, make sure to rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts. | 46m 03s | ||||||
| 5/28/25 | A Legacy of Hope with Maura Casey | In a time when the hope of surviving kidney failure was rare, one family refused to give up. Pulitzer prize winning journalist, Maura Casey recounts her sister's fight for life in the 1960s and the legacy of hope it left behind. In today's episode we heard from: Maura Casey grew up in an Irish-American family in Buffalo, New York, the youngest of six children. For more than 30 years, Casey was an opinion writer for three New England newspapers and The New York Times, where she had a seat on the exalted Times editorial board. Over the course of her career, Casey won 45 state, regional and national awards for her writing. She and her husband Pete have two adult children and two grandchildren. They live on a small Connecticut farm with their two dogs and a barn cat. Casey writes a weekly column, Casey’s Catch, and when the breeze is right, she coasts on Long Island Sound in her sailboat, Second Wind. “Saving Ellen” (Skyhorse Publishing, April 1, 2025) is her first book. Additional Resources: Saving Ellen; A Memoir of Hope and Recovery Do you have comments, questions, or suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. Also, make sure to rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts. | 27m 21s | ||||||
| 5/16/25 | Peer Support for Care Partners | Care partners—whether family, friends, or close loved ones—are the quiet champions who help manage medications, attend appointments, offer emotional support, and walk beside patients every step of the way. But what does that look like day-to-day? And how can care partners find the support they need, too? In today's episode we heard from: Ruthie Eastman is a former massage therapist and office administrator. She is passionate about health and exercise and rides her three-wheel assisted tricycle regularly. She is a new NKF Peer Mentor for Care Partners. Jim Eastman has experienced two life-changing issues where Ruthie provided the role of Care Partner. A traumatic brain injury in 1990 established a basis and need for care for Jim. While bumpy in the beginning, we worked it out in couple’s therapy. When CKD entered our lives, the patient/care partner dynamic had been experienced. Three years of PD and eight years post-transplant, Ruthie continues to be a Care Partner extraordinaire! Michelle Rowlett, MSW, LICSW is a dedicated nephrology social worker with 25 years of healthcare experience, including 16 years in kidney care. She currently serves as Social Work Supervisor and CKD Program Lead at Puget Sound Kidney Centers, supporting patients and families through chronic kidney disease, dialysis, and major life transitions. Additional Resources: Life Stress Inventory NKF Peers Do you have comments, questions, or suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. Also, make sure to rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts. | 41m 36s | ||||||
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The National Kidney Foundation is a prominent organization dedicated to combating kidney disease and enhancing the quality of life for those affected. Renowned for its advocacy, education, and research initiatives, the foundation aims to raise awareness and provide resources to patients, families, and healthcare professionals alike. "Hot Topics in Kidney Health" distinguishes itself by focusing specifically on current issues in kidney research, care, and treatment. The podcast features discussions around the latest advancements and practical advice for living well with kidney disease, making it an essential resource for patients, caregivers, and anyone interested in kidney health. With 88 episodes, the show blends informative content with a supportive community approach. Listeners, including patients, family members, and living donors, tune in to gain insights and stay informed about kidney health. The podcast delivers valuable information and resources, fostering a sense of community while empowering individuals to manage their health effectively.
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- Total followers: 48K
- Total plays: 27M
- Total reviews: 37
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- Followers: 4
Castbox
- Followers: 40
- Plays: 494
YouTube
- Subscribers: 48K
- Views: 27M
- Videos: 902
Podcast App
- Followers: 37
- Reviews: 37
Find them online
Audience
adults, family
Chart history for Hot Topics in Kidney Health
Peaked at #78 in GR, currently #78 in GR.
| Market | Genre | Peak | Current | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GR | — | #78 | #78 | — |
Chart Positions
1 placement across 1 market.
Chart Positions
1 placement across 1 market.