Best National Kidney Foundation Podcasts (2024)

1
Research Spotlight: Reporting and Management of Hemodialysis Symptoms 37:26

2d ago37:26

37:26

For people with kidney failure, hemodialysis is a life saving treatment. On average, people can live for 5 to 10 years on dialysis, but many have lived 20 to 30 years. Hemodialysis also comes with some distressing symptoms like muscle cramps, itching, and fatigue. Doctor Jennifer Flythe and Precious McCowan, a dialysis patient and kidney advocate, …

1
Gender Diversity & Kidney Care 49:47

3d ago49:47

49:47

The most commonly used equation that determines someone’s kidney function includes a binary male-female sex coefficient. But what does this mean for the care of transgender, gender-diverse, and nonbinary people? Cameron Whitley, an associate professor with kidney failure experience, and researchers Keila Turino Miranda, a PhD student, and Dr. David…

1
A Weighty Topic 26:54

4d ago26:54

26:54

Obesity is more than just a few extra pounds. When left unchecked, it can lead to serious health issues – including chronic kidney disease. Dr. Evgueni Minev, a nephrologist who studies the link between obesity and chronic kidney disease, explains new ways to manage obesity while caring for your kidneys. This episode is sponsored by Nephrology Asso…

1
Pride in Practice: Empowering LGBTQIA+ Communities in Kidney Health 27:37

24d ago27:37

27:37

Empowering the LGBTQIA+ community is important during Pride Month and beyond. Today we're speaking with Brian Sims, Living donor and former PA State Representative, and Josh Wilder, DPM, transplant recipient, podiatrist and former Survivor contestant, about how to empower the LGBTQIA+ community in kidney health and how to create an inclusive and af…

1
Project Donor 27:54

26d ago27:54

27:54

Ruby Rorty is the Executive Director of Project Donor – a non-profit group that helps potential organ donors achieve eligibility by helping them meet their weight loss goals or quit smoking. She shares about the development, success, and future of the program as it changes lives. Learn more about Project Donor at projectdonor.org…

1
EP 44: Super Dads vs Toxic Dads - What’s the Difference? 58:43

1M ago58:43

58:43

It’s Dad Season so I wrangled two of my favorite dads, Ken Carlson and Jefferson Denim, with a combined experience of over 58 years of fatherhood to candidly share their own wins, losses, tips, tricks and insights. I know that everyone has unique experiences around this topic - some dads are great, some are toxic, and then there’s everything in bet…

1
My Why 28:33

1M ago28:33

28:33

Casana Fink is best known as the current reigning Miss Tampa but she’s just as proud of her accomplishment as the author of a children’s book about organ donation. Her experience as the daughter of liver transplant recipient inspired her to bring comfort and understanding to families across the country. Follow Casana on Instagram @MissCasanaFink @C…

1
Roots & Wings 16:12

2M ago16:12

16:12

Aaron Sims was used to a jet-setting lifestyle, traveling the world and enjoying life when Lupus caused his kidneys to fail. His illness grounded him until a transplant from his brother helped him return to doing all of the things he loves. Read more about Aaron on his blog or follow him on Instagram @aarondanielsims…

1
Unfiltered Story: Next steps after losing a transplant 30:26

2M ago30:26

30:26

Losing a kidney transplant can feel very overwhelming. Today we're here with Anthony Tuggle, a former NKF board member, to hear how he's coping with losing a transplant and learn what's next for him. Anthony Tuggle is the Afiniti President of Customer Operations, and a former Board Member of the National Kidney Foundation and of NKF Serving Alabama…

1
Coping with Losing a Transplant 28:13

2M ago28:13

28:13

Everyone loves to talk about kidney transplant success stories but rarely do we talk about what happens if a transplant fails. On today's episode Dori Muench, a post transplant social worker, and Sue George, a kidney warrior with experience losing a transplant, are here to discuss the impact of losing a kidney and how to cope. Dorothy Muench, LCSW …

1
Perfect Match 29:25

2M ago29:25

29:25

Jon McCabe knew the moment that he laid eyes on Carol in college that she was his perfect match. When the pair learned in their early 70s that Carol needed a kidney transplant, he got the medical proof. The couple shares the importance of advocating for yourself and having the right team in your corner.…

1
EP 43: Neuroscience-Backed Tools to Boost Your Mental Health with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) 40:14

2M ago40:14

40:14

If you or anyone you love needs a pick-me-up or has ever experienced a mental health challenge, then this podcast is for you. In highlighting Mental Health Awareness Month, our guests Brenda Sarai Zuniga and Elizabeth Stephens from NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness) share their expertise and lived experiences to give us helpful tools to…

1
Compassion Over Everything 26:49

3M ago26:49

26:49

Registered Nurse Von Alcedo is passionate about caring for dialysis patients. He uses his almost 40 years of expertise to coach them through their options, boost their spirits, help them take charge of their health even during the low times, and live their best lives while undergoing treatment. Thank you to Fresenius Kidney Care for sponsoring this…

1
EP 42: How Jake “Body by Jake®” Steinfeld Turned Harrison Ford Into a Ripped Indiana Jones and More! 1:24:21

3M ago1:24:21

1:24:21

We can’t wait for you to meet our guest, Jake “Body by Jake®” Steinfeld, a guiding light for health & wellness in lifestyle, sports, and entertainment for over four decades. Fueled by his "Don't Quit" mindset, Jake will motivate you, inspire you and have you laughing throughout our entire conversation. Jake has trained a myriad of well-known client…

1
Artificial Kidneys 33:46

3M ago33:46

33:46

When will the artificial kidney be ready for human use? Learn more about the progress of the artificial kidney and how it will affect someone's quality of life from expert Shuvo Roy, Ph.D. Shuvo Roy, PhD is a bioengineer focusing on the development of medical devices to address unmet clinical needs through strong collaboration and a multidisciplina…

1
A Magical Bond 30:37

3M ago30:37

30:37

When nurse and mom Linda Miller learned her PKD had advanced to kidney failure, her daughter's high school best friend Joel Shoemaker didn't hesitate to be her donor. The two have always shared a special bond and their friendship and love for one another is infectious! Visit Joel's website at itsjoelshoemaker.com or follow him on social media: Inst…

1
Comfort Food 28:01

4M ago28:01

28:01

Chef Chloe Gould’s journey is filled with learning, discovery and painful loss. Whether she’s showing love to her clients, her family, her mentors, or her students - food has been there, for the hurting and the healing. Follow Chef Chloe on social media at @DixiePura or visit her website at https://www.dixiepura.com/…

1
Meant for Each Other 34:16

4M ago34:16

34:16

Tony and Tracey Gonzalez’s love story started as a classic opposite attract romance. Now 25 years and a kidney transplant later, they’re falling in love in new, deeper ways.By National Kidney Foundation of Illinois

1
What is a high KDPI kidney? 25:11

4M ago25:11

25:11

When a kidney from a deceased donor becomes available, it is scored on a system called the Kidney Donor Profile Index (KDPI). How does the KDPI work and is it accurate at predicting possible transplant survival compared to a lower KDPI donation or a living donor? On this episode, we speak with experts to get the facts. Nichole Jefferson is a kidney…

1
Experience into Purpose 22:15

5M ago22:15

22:15

Janet Hasson, LCSW is used to helping her clients navigate life’s challenges. When her young son was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease, she found herself in need of support and created a community of fellow kidney parents. Now she advocates for funding, research and more for kidney patients across the nation.…

1
How I Smuggled George Clooney into a War Zone 1:01:57

5M ago1:01:57

1:01:57

Buckle up, this episode is wild! Our guest on this adventure is Ryan Boyette, a regular guy from Florida who was inspired to move to a war-torn region of Sudan during a mass genocide. He's being bombed, he's living through atrocities and instead of running back to America, he goes…I'm not going anywhere. This is my home. This is where I’m meant to …

1
Fad diets and kidney diets 32:57

6M ago32:57

32:57

It’s hard to keep up with all the new diets that cycle through news outlets and social media. Do you know which ones are right for you and your kidney health? On this episode, you will hear from experts on how to find the diet that's right for you and how to stick to it. Amanda Hays, MS, RDN, LD is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist in Austin, TX …

1
An Ounce of Prevention 29:04

6M ago29:04

29:04

In her role at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, as well as in her own personal health journey, Shelley Turk has learned the importance of the saying, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Her commitment to whole person and whole community health is shifting the focus from treatment to prevention with increased education, access, and…

1
The Right Fit 29:15

6M ago29:15

29:15

John Czechowicz is a self-described professional dialysis patient. He and his wife Sara are an unstoppable team, loving and supporting one another through 27 years of marriage, parenting their son, and finding the right dialysis treatment to fit their lifestyle. This episode is sponsored by Fresenius Kidney Care. Learn more at https://www.fresenius…

1
Can Humans "Coexist" ? A Jew, a Catholic, a Muslim, a Hindu, a Humanist, a Buddhist, and a Protestant walk into a podcast… 39:42

7M ago39:42

39:42

With all the division we see in the world, is coexistence even possible? A recent article in Psychology Today on this topic pointed out how we are constantly reminded of our differences, but in reality we are all very much the same. We all want love, we all want purpose, we all want the best for our children, etc... But the #1 thing we have in comm…

1
A Guiding Light 23:36

7M ago23:36

23:36

Getting listed for a transplant isn't as simple as making a phone call to add your name. The process and be long and confusing. Transplant Manager Amanda Michaud helps her patients navigate the journey, every step of the way. This episode is sponsored by NANI - Nephrology Associates of Northern Illinois and Indiana. Learn more at nephdocs.com…

1
BONUS: kidney disease and the holiday season 39:49

7M ago39:49

39:49

Holidays can be difficult for individuals with CKD. Tune in to gain insight into the patient holiday experience and how professional teams can provide education for patients to ensure the best holiday outcomes. In this episode we spoke with, Dori Muench, LCSW, CCTSW, FNKFOsama El Shamy, MDJesse Engelken, MPH, RDN, LD,CDJoyce Vergili, EdD, RD, CSR, …

1
Health Equity for All 25:35

7M ago25:35

25:35

When someone loses their Medicaid coverage, they must apply for “redetermination.” Nancy Wohlhart from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois explains how to regain coverage to ensure everyone receives the quality medical care they deserve. Learn more about Medicaid access at Medicaid.gov This episode is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois.…

1
Art and music therapy for kidney patients 35:25

8M ago35:25

35:25

Coping with kidney disease and dialysis can be difficult. Sometimes you have to think outside the box! Have you considered music or art therapy? Today Social Worker Melissa Fry and patient Steve Light are here to share their experiences with using music and art as coping strategies. In this episode we spoke with, Melissa Fry, MSW, CAPSW is a dialys…

1
Incurable Optimist 33:34

8M ago33:34

33:34

Jennifer Cramer-Miller is a self-described incurable optimist. Her sense of humor, family, friends, and generous spirit keep her positive and grateful through her journey with FSGS and four kidney transplants.By National Kidney Foundation of Illinois

1
Superfoods for patients with kidney disease 32:14

8M ago32:14

32:14

You may have heard the buzzword superfoods but what are they and do they have special qualities? Board-certified renal dietitian, Jen Hernadez is here to break it down. In this episode we spoke with, Jen Hernandez RDN, CSR, LDN- Jen Hernandez is a registered dietitian and a certified specialist in renal nutrition. She has served the kidney communit…

1
The State of Diabetes 24:15

8M ago24:15

24:15

Uncontrolled diabetes is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease and minority communities are especially affected. This special live episode features Dr. Ngozi Ezike from Mt. Sinai Hospital and Tonita Cheatham from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois in a frank discussion about diabetes and prevention.…

1
Hand Me Down Genes 22:40

9M ago22:40

22:40

Everyone has the APOL1 gene but people with sub-Saharan African heritage may have variants of the gene that can cause kidney disease. Nephrologist Dr. Suneel Udani explains how new research is changing how certain kidney diseases are diagnosed and treated. This episode is sponsored by NANI – Nephrology Associates of Northern Illinois and Indiana. L…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

National Kidney Foundation Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide