Discover the unvarnished truth about kidney dialysis as social worker David Baptist joins us to share his profound insights into the emotional labyrinth faced by patients. In our candid discussion, David peels back the layers of adjustment, loss, and mental health challenges that accompany a life tethered to this lifesaving treatment. Learn about t…

When you're handed a diagnosis that turns your life upside down, what's your next move? Fila, our remarkable guest, didn't just face his kidney transplant journey; he took charge of it, becoming a beacon of knowledge and hope. As we delve into Fila's intimate tale of resilience, you'll be captivated by his mastery over the medical treatments that h…

Sometimes fate pushes us into the arms of innovation, just when we need it the most. My life's trajectory took an unexpected but fortuitous turn, leading me to Dr. Stanley Jordan's revolutionary study at Cedar Sinai Medical Hospital. In a heartfelt recount, I share how a third kidney transplant wasn't just a procedure—it was a rebirth, thanks to me…

What does it take to transform a life marked by gang violence and kidney failure into one of hope and second chances? Our guest Al Fila lays bare his heart in a raw, unrestrained narrative that charts his path from a troubled youth to a man graced with not just one, but two lifesaving kidney transplants. He shares the perils of his earlier days, th…

Water, often termed the essence of life, takes on a life-saving role in the world of dialysis – a truth that resonated deeply with me as my sister courageously navigates her path to a kidney transplant. With Maurice Carlisle and Paul Terry by my side, two titans in the dialysis arena, we unravel the intricate dance between life-giving technology an…

Maurice, a seasoned dialysis technician, joins us from Ohio to unravel the complexities of dialysis, the lifesaver for those grappling with end-stage renal disease. We promise that by the end of our conversation, you'll have a clearer understanding of the warning signs of kidney failure, including swollen ankles and shortness of breath, and why rec…

Did you know that the choices you make today can significantly alter the course of your kidney health tomorrow? As someone who has witnessed the ebb and flow of kidney function over nearly two decades at a dialysis center, I'm here to take you through the lesser-known impacts of medication on renal health and the pivotal role that stage three A kid…

When a former dialysis industry insider steps away from their calling, torn between the devotion to patient care and the stark reality of corporate healthcare, you know there's a powerful story to be shared. We welcome this courageous guest to unravel the complexities of dialysis care in the U.S., a narrative marred by an ethical tug-of-war between…

When Jeffrey Butler stepped back into his garden, shears in hand, ready to cut the grass after months of feeling too weak, it was a moment of triumph over his dialysis struggles—a journey I had the honor to be a part of as his former technician. Our latest episode invites you to witness the powerful story of Jeffrey and his son Jerry, as we delve i…

Navigating the healthcare system can be like walking through a maze blindfolded – fraught with unexpected turns and often overwhelming. Yet, we're pulling back the curtain to explore the real stories and challenges that patients and healthcare professionals face daily. Our latest episode peels back the layers of healthcare dynamics and the importan…

When Mr. Jeffrey Butler, alongside his son Jerry and their friend Maurice Carlisle, sat down to reflect on their kidney health journeys, they unearthed a wealth of wisdom and warnings that could save lives. Through their stories of managing dialysis and the power of informed choices, our latest episode becomes a beacon of hope and a call to action.…

When faced with a life-altering diagnosis, the strength and resilience of the human spirit are truly tested. Our latest guest's journey through the intricate dance of Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) reveals just that—a testament to the power of adaptation and the will to live fully, despite the strings attached to a peritoneal cath…

Imagine facing a life-altering illness with no insurance to cushion the fall. That is the stark reality our guest courageously navigates as they share their raw and stirring tale of kidney failure. This episode peels back the layers of emotion and hardship that come with a serious diagnosis, the immense pressure of balancing work, and the unforesee…

Faced with the stark reality of kidney failure without the safety net of insurance, our guest today shares a gripping tale of survival and resilience that cuts to the core of our healthcare system's shortcomings. The visceral accounts of financial strain, emotional turmoil, and the race against time will leave you astounded, but it's the unexpected…

When Elliott first encountered the rigors of dialysis treatment, he never anticipated the crucial role self-advocacy would play in managing his health. This episode uncovers Elliott's eye-opening experiences and the harsh realities of standardized dialysis protocols that often fail to account for a patient's unique situation, especially for those l…

Elliot's journey through end-stage renal failure is not just a story; it's a battle cry for self-advocacy in the healthcare system. Through our intimate conversation, we uncover the layers of emotional resilience required to navigate the complexities of serious health conditions. Elliot, a beacon of proactive health management, shares how taking ch…

When my friend Elliot Markmen's life was hijacked by kidney disease, he didn't expect the twists and turns that would lead him through the harrowing landscapes of dialysis and onto the hopeful path of transplantation. This episode welcomes Elliot alongside Maurice Carlisle, a committed dialysis technician, as they unravel the tapestry of experience…