The Kidney Collective Podcast
Giving voice to what it's really like to live with kidney disease.
Real Stories of Real Strength
The Kidney Collective, AKF’s limited series, features seven unscripted conversations with someone who shares their journey—from what it's like to crash into dialysis to becoming a living donor.
Whether you're living with kidney disease yourself or caring for someone who is, join us for a personal look at what life is like in The Kidney Collective and come away with information and inspiration to help you know how to take charge of your kidney health.
Hosted by Tamara Ruggiero, vice president and chief communications and marketing officer at AKF, and Mike Spigler, vice president of patient support and education at AKF.
Teaser
An Introduction to the Collective
Get a sneak preview of our podcast series and its guests.
November 12, 2025
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.
October 29, 2025
Tamara and Mike speak with Leigh-Ann Williams about her dialysis journey — from in-center to home dialysis.
October 15, 2025
Tamara and Mike talk with Robert "Buzz" Buchanan about his experience living with type 2 diabetes and stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD).
October 1, 2025
Tamara and Mike chat with Mary-Beth Roberts about genetic testing in kidney disease and its impact on patients' treatment plans.
September 17, 2025
Tamara and Mike welcome Emmitt Henderson III, and discuss his journey with lupus and kidney disease and the importance of prioritizing mental health.
September 3, 2025
Tamara and Mike talk to kidney disease advocate Nichole Jefferson about her diagnosis, experiences with dialysis, and how to seek answers about your health.
August 14, 2025
Tamara and Mike speak with Alex Simmons about his experiences from diagnosis to dialysis to transplant, and raising awareness about kidney health.
"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."
