The Kidney Collective Podcast
Giving voice to what it's really like to live with kidney disease.
Welcome to the Collective
The Kidney Collective™ is a podcast launched in 2025 that 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, 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.
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!
Episode 0
Watch a teaser of season 2 and it's guests, as well as what's to come for 2026!
Episode 1
A conversation with Donna Cryer kicks off The Kidney Collective's new season.
Episode 2
Vincent Ko discusses his experiences living as a parent to a daughter with congenital abnormalities of the kidneys and urinary tract (CAKUT).
Episode 3
Alonzo Mourning talks about APOL1-mediated kidney disease (AMKD) and encourages others to be proactive in their health journeys.
Episode 4
Malkia White talks about IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and how there is "no face or look" to kidney disease.
Episode 5
Tamara Walker gives insight into her polycystic kidney disease (PKD) diagnosis and why advocating and educating the community is so important.
Episode 6
Marc explains how boxing training provided a framework for pushing through the challenges of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS).
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.
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.
Episode 0
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."
Watch or listen wherever you get your podcasts:
"Many thanks. Listening to episodes of the podcast helped me make important decisions regarding a recent kidney donation."
