The Kidney Collective Podcast

Giving voice to what it's really like to live with kidney disease.

Welcome to the Collective

The Kidney Collective™ podcast features voices representing every aspect of the kidney journey, including people living with kidney failure, living kidney donors, patient advocates, healthcare professionals and other leaders in the field. No matter where you are on your journey, The Kidney Collective provides insights and inspiration to remind you that even in the toughest moments, there’s hope ahead.

The podcast is hosted by LaVarne A. Burton, president and chief executive officer at AKF, Tamara Ruggiero, vice president and chief communications and marketing officer at AKF, and Mike Spigler, chief program officer and vice president of strategic partnerships, research and education at AKF. 

The Kidney Collective with Dr. Molly Kierein

Season 3 Episode 1

"Honor Your Feelings"

Season 3 is here! The Kidney Collective's third season features conversations about how each part of the kidney disease journey—from diagnosis to transplant—can impact mental health. Dr. Molly Kierein kicks off the season with a discussion about the mental health impacts of being diagnosed with kidney disease.

Watch or listen now

Dr. Chiadi Ndumele The Kidney Collective

Special Episode

"A New Frontier"

Mike Spigler and guest co-host, Dr. Pranav Garimella, welcome special guest Dr. Chiadi Ndumele to talk about the importance of a comprehensive, holistic and coordinated approach to cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) health. Our thanks to the American Heart Association for helping bring this crucial conversation to The Kidney Collective!

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Season 2: Rare Voices, Relatable Stories

AKF's second season features different members of the kidney community who are living with a rare disease. We explore what it's like to live with various rare kidney diseases, why it's important to raise awareness, educate and advocate, as well as the shared experiences that connect the entire kidney community.

The Kidney Collective season 2 trailer
Episode 0
Watch a teaser of season 2 and it's guests, as well as what's to come for 2026!
"I found the bright lights and the silver linings"
Episode 1
A conversation with Donna Cryer kicks off The Kidney Collective's new season.
"You're not alone"
Episode 2
Vincent Ko discusses his experiences living as a parent to a daughter with congenital abnormalities of the kidneys and urinary tract (CAKUT).
"I'm not just here for basketball"
Episode 3
Alonzo Mourning talks about APOL1-mediated kidney disease (AMKD) and encourages others to be proactive in their health journeys.
"Our voices need to be heard"
Episode 4
Malkia White talks about IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and how there is "no face or look" to kidney disease.
"This is my second life"
Episode 5
Tamara Walker gives insight into her polycystic kidney disease (PKD) diagnosis and why advocating and educating the community is so important.
"The hardest punch I ever took"
Episode 6
Marc explains how boxing training provided a framework for pushing through the challenges of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS).
"My will to live is stronger than this disease"
Episode 7
Della shares how she was diagnosed with both kidney disease and lupus, and how a trip to the dialysis center changed her perspective.
"You turn your pain into purpose"
Episode 8
Ellie Kugler shares her Alport syndrome diagnosis, her bittersweet kidney transplant story and her love for being a resource to others, in our final episode of season 2.

Season 1: I Wish I Knew

AKF's pilot season features seven conversations with someone who shares their journey — from what it's like to crash into dialysis to becoming a living donor. Each guest shares their unique experience and what they wish they knew at the start of their kidney disease journeys.

The Kidney Collective season 1 teaser
Episode 0
Get a sneak preview of season 1 and its guests!
I wish I knew I could crash into kidney failure
Episode 1
Tamara and Mike speak with Alex Simmons about his experiences from diagnosis to dialysis to transplant, and raising awareness about kidney health.
I wish I knew my diagnosis earlier
Episode 2
Tamara and Mike talk to kidney disease advocate Nichole Jefferson about her diagnosis, experiences with dialysis, and how to seek answers about your health.
I wish I knew how kidney disease could impact my mental health
Episode 3
Tamara and Mike welcome Emmitt Henderson III, and discuss his journey with lupus and kidney disease and the importance of prioritizing mental health.
I wish others knew they could get answers about kidney disease from genetic testing
Episode 4
Tamara and Mike chat with Mary-Beth Roberts about genetic testing in kidney disease and its impact on patients' treatment plans.
I wish I knew that diabetes could cause kidney disease
Episode 5
Tamara and Mike talk with Robert "Buzz" Buchanan about his experience living with type 2 diabetes and stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD).
I wish I knew about transitioning to home dialysis
Episode 6
Tamara and Mike speak with Leigh-Ann Williams about her dialysis journey — from in-center to home dialysis.
I wish others knew about being a living kidney donor
Episode 7
Tamara and Mike chat with Marnisha Mintlow about her decision to become a living kidney donor, including surgery and recovery, myths and facts, and advocating for living donor protections.

"Every episode is full of such helpful first person perspective... I applaud each featured hero for making it real, being honest and vulnerable and ultimately leaving the listener with hope."