The Kidney Collective Podcast
Giving voice to what it's really like to live with kidney disease.
Welcome to the Collective
The Kidney Collective™, a podcast launched by AKF in August 2025 gives an intimate voice to the many facets of living with kidney disease. Episodes feature voices representing every aspect of the kidney journey, including people living with kidney failure, living kidney donors, patient advocates, health care professionals and other leaders in the field. No matter where you are on your kidney 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.
Season 2 is almost here!
Rare Voices, Relatable Stories
Our second season of the podcast features conversations about rare kidney diseases and the shared experiences that connect the entire kidney community.
Watch the teaser for a sneak preview of what’s ahead in 2026 before the first episode of our newest podcast season drops March 31!
Get a sneak preview of season 1 and its guests!
Episode 1
Tamara and Mike speak with Alex Simmons about his experiences from diagnosis to dialysis to transplant, and raising awareness about kidney health.
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.
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.
Episode 4
Tamara and Mike chat with Mary-Beth Roberts about genetic testing in kidney disease and its impact on patients' treatment plans.
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).
Episode 6
Tamara and Mike speak with Leigh-Ann Williams about her dialysis journey — from in-center to home dialysis.
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."
