FilterLIFE Podcast

About FilterLIFE Podcast

FilterLIFE™ Podcast Presented by The Enlisted Kidney Foundation What does it truly mean to live a #FilterLIFE? This isn't a medical lecture. This isn't a highlight reel. This is real life, filtered through experience. About the Podcast The FilterLIFE™ Podcast brings together kidney patients, living donors, caregivers, and advocates for authentic conversations about navigating life beyond a kidney disease diagnosis. Hosted by Dan Holmes, Founder of The Enlisted Kidney Foundation (EKF) and a kidney warrior himself, each episode bridges clinical understanding with lived experience — where personal narrative meets practical wisdom. Our philosophy is simple: Your kidneys filter your blood. Your life requires filtering everything else. Today’s patients face conflicting medical opinions, information overload, complex treatment decisions, emotional uncertainty, and systemic barriers. FilterLIFE™ creates space for the voices that matter most — those living this journey every day. This podcast rejects fear-based narratives. Instead, it offers clarity, ownership, and tools to filter what serves you and release what doesn’t. What We Explore Each episode examines how our guests FILTER through: • Fear and uncertainty after diagnosis • Information overload from providers and online sources • Dialysis and transplant decisions • Barriers to quality care access • Emotional and mental health challenges • Identity, resilience, and purpose after diagnosis We honor the full experience — the appointments, waiting rooms, lab results, sleepless nights, and the mindset shifts in between. Topics Include Kidney disease management — FSGS, IgA Nephropathy, polycystic kidney disease, membranous nephropathy, and other chronic or rare conditions. Transplant journeys — evaluation, waiting, surgery, recovery, and redefining “normal.” Living donation — donor perspective, paired exchange, and starting the conversation. Dialysis options — in-center hemodialysis, home hemodialysis, and peritoneal dialysis. Health equity — disparities in kidney care and practical solutions. Caregiver perspectives — the strength behind the scenes. Mental health — anxiety, resilience, and rediscovering purpose. Advocacy and policy — patient rights, systemic change, and elevating lived experience. Who You’ll Hear From • Newly diagnosed patients seeking direction • Long-term kidney warriors who’ve learned to thrive • Living donors • Caregivers supporting loved ones • Transplant recipients navigating post-surgery life • Advocates transforming kidney care These are unscripted conversations rooted in respect and growth. About EKF The Enlisted Kidney Foundation transforms the kidney disease experience through mentorship, education, and community support. No one should navigate kidney disease alone. FilterLIFE is an extension of that mission. Who This Podcast Is For • Kidney patients at any stage • Living donors and those considering donation • Caregivers and loved ones • Healthcare professionals seeking patient perspective • Anyone seeking clarity, connection, and hope New episodes release bi-weekly on Tuesdays. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite platform. Connect with us: EnlistedKidneyFoundation.org (http://EnlistedKidneyFoundation.org) Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube: @EnlistedKidneyFoundation

Publisher

Enlisted Kidney Foundation

Category

business · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

16 Dec 2025

Latest episode

7 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

18 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   7 Sept 2026

   FilterLIFE™ Podcast Ep. 18 — Wilson Du, The Renal Warrior: The Unfiltered Kidney Truth

   What happens when you need a kidney transplant but don’t have a living kidney donor? What if your donor isn’t a match? How does paired kidney exchange work—and when should someone with chronic kidney disease (CKD) start preparing for transplant? In Episode 18 of the FilterLIFE™ Podcast, Dan Holmes sits down with Wilson Du, “The Renal Warrior,” a nationally recognized kidney disease advocate, kidney transplant recipient, and former dialysis patient, for an unfiltered conversation about kidney disease, dialysis, living kidney donation, kidney transplant, paired kidney exchange, donor voucher programs, patient advocacy, and taking control of your kidney health. This isn’t another surface-level kidney disease interview. Wilson has shared his story on stages, podcasts, and patient advocacy platforms across the country. Dan has spent years advocating for kidney patients and veterans. This time, they sit down together to answer the questions kidney patients are actually asking—and leave nothing unfiltered. After spending five and a half years on dialysis, Wilson knows what it feels like to fight through end-stage kidney disease, prepare for transplant, and ultimately receive a kidney transplant. Today, he uses that lived experience to help kidney patients better understand the transplant process, living kidney donation, and the options available when finding a donor isn’t simple. Dan and Wilson tackle questions including: • I need a kidney transplant, but I don’t have a donor. What do I do? • My living kidney donor doesn’t match me. Now what? • How does paired kidney exchange work? • What is a living donor voucher program? • My nephrologist hasn’t mentioned living donation. Should I ask? • When should a CKD patient start learning about kidney transplant? • What can I do now to become a stronger transplant candidate? • How can patients take a more active role in their own kidney health? The conversation also goes beyond transplant. Dan and Wilson discuss kidney disease education, patient mentorship, self-advocacy, navigating short medical appointments, veterans navigating kidney care and transplant through the VA, and the gap between being given medical information and actually knowing what to do with it. Because being told to “get healthier,” “find a donor,” or “advocate for yourself” is one thing. Knowing what that actually looks like and having someone willing to walk beside you while you do it, is something completely different. Wilson puts the FilterLIFE™ philosophy perfectly: “Life throws a lot of bullshit at you. You filter that out and you get to the real stuff.” That’s FilterLIFE™. If you’re living with chronic kidney disease, approaching dialysis, searching for a living kidney donor, preparing for kidney transplant, supporting someone with kidney disease, or simply trying to understand what comes next, Episode 18 is for you. You don’t need to know everything today. But you do need to know your next step. Learn more, get support, and connect with the Enlisted Kidney Foundation: FilterLIFE.org (http://FilterLIFE.org) EnlistedKidneyFoundation.org (http://EnlistedKidneyFoundation.org) FilterLIFE™ Podcast — Real People. Real Stories. Real Impact.

2. 

   10 Jul 2026

   FilterLIFE™ Podcast ep. 17- Rae Hernandez: The Truth About Living Liver Donation

   FilterLIFE™ Podcast ep. 17- Rae Hernandez: The Truth About Living Liver Donation Most people know someone waiting for an organ transplant. Very few people know you can donate part of your liver while you're still alive. Even fewer realize that your liver can actually regenerate after donation. In this episode of the FilterLIFE™ Podcast, host Dan Holmes sits down with liver transplant advocate Rae Hernandez to uncover the truth about living liver donation, the liver transplant process, and why education could save countless lives. Living liver donation remains one of the most misunderstood topics in organ transplantation. Rae shares her personal journey while waiting for a liver transplant, explains how living donation works, discusses common misconceptions, and offers hope to patients and families navigating chronic liver disease. In this episode you'll learn: • What living liver donation really is • How living liver donation differs from kidney donation • How the liver regenerates after donation • Domino and paired liver donation explained • Common myths that prevent people from becoming living donors • What it's really like waiting for a liver transplant • How social media is helping patients find lifesaving donors • Why education, community, and advocacy save lives Whether you're living with liver disease, kidney disease, waiting for a transplant, considering becoming a living donor, supporting a loved one, or simply interested in organ donation, this conversation will leave you informed, inspired, and hopeful. If this episode helped you: 👍 Like this video 💬 Leave a comment and join the conversation. 📤 Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. 🔔 Subscribe to the FilterLIFE™ Podcast for more conversations about kidney disease, transplantation, living donation, veterans' health, chronic illness, and patient advocacy. About the FilterLIFE™ Podcast The FilterLIFE™ Podcast, presented by the Enlisted Kidney Foundation (EKF), brings together patients, caregivers, living donors, physicians, researchers, veterans, and healthcare leaders for honest, unfiltered conversations about kidney disease, transplantation, chronic illness, and patient advocacy. Hosted by Dan Holmes, a U.S. Navy veteran, kidney warrior, and Founder of the Enlisted Kidney Foundation, FilterLIFE bridges the gap between medical expertise and real-life experience. Because kidney disease isn't just medical... It's mental. It's emotional. It's personal. Learn More 🌐 EnlistedKidneyFoundation.org (http://EnlistedKidneyFoundation.org) Explore free educational resources, connect with our community, discover upcoming events, and learn how EKF is helping kidney warriors across the country. Listen Everywhere 🎙 YouTube 🎙 Spotify 🎙 Apple Podcasts Search: FilterLIFE Podcast #LivingLiverDonation #LiverTransplant #LivingDonor #OrganDonation #LiverDisease #KidneyDisease #DonateLife #Transplant #PatientAdvocacy #FilterLIFEPodcast #EnlistedKidneyFoundation

3. 

   25 Jun 2026

   FilterLIFE Podcast ep. 16- Josh Tarnoff, CEO of Nephcure: The New Era of Rare Kidney Disease

   For the first time in six years, Stacey and I won't be attending the annual NephCure Patient Summit. That feels strange to say because NephCure has been one of the most influential organizations in my kidney disease journey. When I was diagnosed with Membranous Nephropathy in 2020, I found myself doing what many newly diagnosed patients do—searching for answers, searching for hope, and searching for someone who understood what I was going through. What I found was NephCure. NephCure helped connect me to education, research, specialists, clinical trial opportunities, and most importantly, a community of people who truly understood rare kidney disease. They didn't just help me become a better patient—they helped shape my advocacy journey and played a pivotal role in the work we do today through The Enlisted Kidney Foundation. Since we couldn't be at Patient Summit this year, we wanted to do our part by bringing the spirit of Patient Summit directly to our audience. In this special episode of the FilterLIFE Podcast, I sit down with my friend Josh Tarnoff, CEO of NephCure, to discuss the future of rare kidney disease and why there has never been more hope for patients living with FSGS, Membranous Nephropathy, IgA Nephropathy, and other rare protein-spilling kidney diseases. Together we discuss: • How NephCure helped transform the rare kidney disease landscape • The approval of new treatments like FILSPARI for FSGS • Why reducing proteinuria is critical for long-term kidney health • The role patient advocates play in advancing research and policy • How the FDA, researchers, advocacy organizations, and patients worked together to create a new era of kidney disease treatment • Why early detection matters and what every family should know about kidney health • The future of rare kidney disease over the next 5–10 years Whether you're newly diagnosed, living with chronic kidney disease, caring for a loved one, or simply looking for hope, this conversation offers insight into how far we've come—and where we're headed next. NephCure was there when I needed them most. This episode is our way of saying thank you while helping share their mission with even more patients and families. Learn more about NephCure and their work supporting rare kidney disease patients around the world. https://Nephcure.org (https://Nephcure.org) https://EnlistedKidneyFoundation.org (https://EnlistedKidneyFoundation.org) #KidneyDisease #RareKidneyDisease #FSGS #MembranousNephropathy #IgANephropathy #NephCure #FILSPARI #PatientAdvocacy #KidneyHealth #Dialysis #Transplant #ChronicKidneyDisease #FilterLIFEPodcast #EnlistedKidneyFoundation

4. 

   31 May 2026

   FilterLIFE Podcast ep. 15- Michelle McMurtery: Why Every CKD Patient Needs a Renal Dietitian

   🎙️ Why Kidney Patients Need a Renal Dietitian | CKD Nutrition, Dialysis Diet & Kidney Health Tips Did you know that not all dietitians specialize in kidney disease? In this powerful episode of the FilterLIFE Podcast, Navy veteran, kidney disease advocate, and Enlisted Kidney Foundation founder Dan Holmes sits down with renal dietitian Michelle McMurtery to discuss one of the most overlooked members of a kidney care team: the renal dietitian. If you've been diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), FSGS, IgA Nephropathy, Membranous Nephropathy, APOL1 Kidney Disease, or are preparing for dialysis or kidney transplant, this episode could change the way you think about nutrition. Many kidney patients are told to: • Eat healthier • Watch their sodium • Cut back on protein But what does that actually mean? Michelle explains why renal dietitians receive specialized training in kidney disease and how they help patients understand lab results, protein intake, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, medications, and nutrition strategies designed to help slow kidney disease progression. In this episode you'll learn: ✅ The difference between a Dietitian and a Renal Dietitian ✅ Why kidney nutrition is different from general nutrition ✅ How nutrition impacts eGFR, proteinuria, and overall kidney health ✅ Plant-based diets and kidney disease explained ✅ Common mistakes CKD patients make with food choices ✅ How small dietary changes can improve kidney lab results ✅ Why accountability and coaching matter for long-term success ✅ How to navigate the confusion that comes after a CKD diagnosis Whether you're living with Stage 3 CKD, Stage 4 CKD, dialysis, transplant, or supporting a loved one through kidney disease, this conversation provides practical guidance and hope. 👇 TAKE THE NEXT STEP 👇 Visit FilterLIFE.org (http://FilterLIFE.org) to connect with The Enlisted Kidney Foundation and access free kidney disease resources, patient support, advocacy programs, Coffee & Conversations, and our growing community of kidney warriors. No kidney warrior should ever have to navigate this journey alone. 👍 Like this video 💬 Comment with your kidney diagnosis or biggest nutrition question 🔔 Subscribe for more kidney health education, veteran advocacy, transplant stories, dialysis support, and patient empowerment content #KidneyDisease #CKD #ChronicKidneyDisease #RenalDietitian #KidneyDiet #KidneyHealth #Dialysis #KidneyTransplant #Proteinuria #eGFR #FSGS #MembranousNephropathy #APOL1 #PlantBasedDiet #KidneyNutrition #VeteranHealth #PatientAdvocacy #EnlistedKidneyFoundation #FilterLIFEPodcast #KidneyWarrior #KidneyFailure #RenalNutrition #CKDStage3 #CKDStage4 #DialysisLife #TransplantJourney #FilterLIFE Subscribe to FilterLIFE and join a community that's filtering in hope, knowledge, and support for kidney warriors everywhere. 💚

5. 

   15 May 2026

   FilterLIFE Podcast Ep. 14 | Rev. Leroy Miles: “We Know the Statistics. Now Let’s Fix It.”

   In this powerful episode of the FilterLIFE Podcast, Dan Holmes sits down with Rev. Leroy Miles — community leader, health advocate, endurance athlete, and founder of Philadelphia’s nationally recognized “Know Your Numbers” men’s health initiative. Fresh off Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church’s annual Know Your Numbers event, Rev. Miles shares why Black men’s health, kidney disease awareness, early detection, and healthcare access are critical conversations that can no longer wait. Together, Dan and Rev. Miles dive into: • The hidden kidney health crisis impacting Black and Brown communities • Why health literacy and healthcare access must go hand-in-hand • Building trust in communities historically failed by the healthcare system • The importance of early detection, screenings, PSA testing, blood pressure monitoring, and kidney awareness • How faith, discipline, martial arts, cycling, and endurance training shaped Rev. Miles’ mindset • The real meaning behind “Your body is a temple on loan” • Why collaboration — not competition — is the key to saving lives • Dialysis, transplant advocacy, and helping patients navigate healthcare systems • Mental resilience, grief, purpose, and turning pain into service Rev. Miles also shares the incredible impact of Enon’s “Know Your Numbers” event — an 18-year community health initiative providing FREE screenings, nephrology support, lab work, mental health screenings, kidney health education, and direct healthcare navigation for hundreds of men every year. This conversation is bigger than kidney disease. It’s about purpose. Community. Advocacy. Trust. And learning how to FILTER OUT the noise so we can focus on what truly matters. If you or someone you love is living with kidney disease, dialysis, hypertension, diabetes, or navigating transplant conversations — this episode is for you. Subscribe to FilterLIFE Podcast for real conversations around kidney health, veteran health, chronic illness, toxic exposure, advocacy, transplant awareness, and patient empowerment. Follow & Support: Enlisted Kidney Foundation (https://www.enlistedkidneyfoundation.org?utm_source=chatgpt.com) #KidneyDisease #BlackMensHealth #KnowYourNumbers #KidneyHealth #RevLeroyMiles #FilterLIFE #EnlistedKidneyFoundation #HealthEquity #Dialysis #TransplantAwareness #ChronicIllness #CKD #Nephrology #KidneyWarrior #HealthAdvocacy #VeteranHealth #MentalHealth #CommunityHealth #KidneyFailure #HealthcareAccess

6. 

   1 May 2026

   FilterLIFE Podcast ep13- John Thomas: Worlds Largest VEGAN Bodybuilder

   In this episode of the FilterLIFE Podcast, Dan Holmes sits down with John, “The Bodybuilding Vegan,” to challenge everything you think you know about food, kidney disease, and personal responsibility. Dan opens up about living with kidney disease, chronic pain, and the struggle to make the “right” choices while running at full speed in real life. John brings over 20 years of vegan living, elite bodybuilding, and coaching hundreds of clients on plant-based nutrition and performance. Together, they dive into: Plant-based diets and kidney health The myth that you “can’t get enough protein without meat” Fast food, convenience, and making better choices on the go How culture, income, and environment affect food decisions The mental battle: accountability vs excuses Why leaders must align their actions with their mission The emotional reality of chronic illness and survival mode Raw talk on animal ethics and personal responsibility This isn’t a lecture. It’s a turning point. Dan makes a public commitment to start transitioning toward a plant-based lifestyle, not overnight, but with intention and invites YOU to walk that journey with him. Because at the end of the day: 👉 Your health is your responsibility 👉 Your choices shape your future 👉 Nobody is coming to save you but YOU If you’re a kidney warrior, living with chronic illness, or just tired of feeling stuck in your own habits, this episode is for you. 🔗 Learn more about John (The Bodybuilding Vegan) and his coaching: https://vegansquadcoaching.com/ (https://vegansquadcoaching.com/) 🎁 Need help with your diet? EKF will connect you with a FREE plant-focused coaching session to help you get started. 🌐 Learn more about the Enlisted Kidney Foundation (EKF): https://FilterLIFE.org (https://FilterLIFE.org) 💥 Stop waiting. Stop making excuses. Start choosing what actually fuels your life.

7. 

   20 Apr 2026

   FilterLIFE Podcast ep12- Marques Ogden: NFL Strength & His Father’s Kidney Battle

   When an NFL lineman tells you, “You can’t do push-ups for your kidneys,” you pay attention. In this powerful episode of the FilterLIFE Podcast, former NFL player Marques Ogden opens up about the hidden cost of being “big enough” for the league—and the kidney lessons every athlete needs to hear. Growing up around football greatness, including his father’s career at Howard Bison and alongside his brother Jonathan Ogden, Marques witnessed firsthand how size, diet, and years of physical strain can take a devastating toll. What started on the field eventually led his father to dialysis, kidney failure, and an early death, an experience that became Marques’s wake-up call. Marques shares the raw reality of watching his father spend years on dialysis, hours at a time, multiple days a week, slowly losing energy, confidence, and quality of life. From the physical toll of treatment to the emotional weight of seeing someone you love give up, this episode pulls back the curtain on what kidney disease really looks like behind the scenes. As Marques reflects on his NFL journey with teams like the Baltimore Ravens, Tennessee Titans, Buffalo Bills, and Jacksonville Jaguars, he explains how he worked to break the cycle. It wasn’t just about getting bigger, it was about staying consistent, staying active, and protecting his body beyond what shows on the outside. This conversation dives into the culture of elite sports, where athletes are pushed to be bigger, faster, and stronger—often without enough focus on long-term health. Marques highlights the importance of understanding your family history, monitoring blood pressure, and building a personal “medical board of directors,” including specialists who can help track and protect organ health over time. Beyond football, Marques shares how he continues to prioritize his health today—cutting alcohol, improving his diet, staying active, and making intentional choices that support longevity. His journey offers practical insight for athletes, veterans, and anyone looking to take control of their health before it’s too late. If you’re an athlete, coach, parent, or someone living with risk factors like high blood pressure or a family history of kidney disease, this episode is a must-listen. This isn’t just an NFL story— it’s a story about legacy, loss, and learning how to protect what matters most. If this message matters to you, help us get it out there. Like, subscribe, and share—because it truly affects the algorithm and helps us reach more people who need this. Learn more at FilterLIFE.org (http://FilterLIFE.org). EKF@FilterLIFE.org (mailto:EKF@FilterLIFE.org) is you know someone struggling with Kidney Disease https://EnlistedKidneyFoundation.org (https://EnlistedKidneyFoundation.org)

8. 

   6 Apr 2026

   FilterLIFE Podcast ep11- David Rush: World Tour on Dialysis—Wins Only Mindset

   World Tour on Dialysis—Wins Only. Platinum-selling artist David Rush is living proof that kidney disease doesn’t define your limits. Diagnosed with FSGS and living on dialysis with no kidneys, he went on to tour the world—while managing treatment. This isn’t a story about surviving chronic illness. It’s about building a life anyway. In this episode of the FilterLIFE Podcast, host Dan Holmes sits down with David Rush—artist, speaker, and kidney health advocate—to break down how mindset, purpose, and resilience turned adversity into action. From waking up on dialysis… to taking his machine across 42 cities… to building a legacy rooted in impact—this conversation will challenge how you think about kidney disease, dialysis, and what’s possible. “Every day is a win.” “I refuse to lose.” “Leave your mark. Leave your legacy.” If you or someone you love is living with kidney disease, on dialysis, or considering a kidney transplant, this episode is for you. 🎯 What You’ll Learn What it’s really like living on dialysis with no kidneys How David Rush toured while managing kidney disease The mindset behind the Wins Only philosophy Real talk on transplant fears, risks, and timing How purpose and family turn struggle into legacy 🇺🇸 Veterans – Start Here If you’re a veteran navigating kidney disease or trying to figure out the kidney transplant process—you are not alone. 👉 Visit https://www.FilterLIFE.org (https://www.FilterLIFE.org) We built this for you. 🔗 About FilterLIFE The FilterLIFE Podcast shares real, unfiltered stories about kidney disease, dialysis, transplant journeys, and overcoming adversity. Our mission is to educate, connect, and stand with kidney warriors—especially veterans. 📢 Subscribe for More Subscribe for more conversations on: Kidney disease awareness Dialysis life Kidney transplant journeys Veteran health advocacy Chronic illness mindset & resilience 💬 Join the Conversation If this episode hit home or you're navigating kidney disease, drop a comment—we’re in this fight with you.

9. 

   30 Mar 2026

   FilterLIFE Podcast ep10- Megan Huff: A Dietitian Who Needed A Dietitian

   What happens when you’re in your 20s—building your career, planning your future, figuring out life—and suddenly you’re diagnosed with a rare kidney disease? In this powerful episode of the #FilterLIFE Podcast, we sit down with Megan Huff, a young registered dietitian whose life took an unexpected turn in her mid-20s when she became the patient. At a time when most people are just getting started, Megan was forced to navigate a diagnosis that changed everything her health, her career, and the way she viewed her future. Despite her clinical background, she quickly realized something many patients learn the hard way: even as a dietitian, she needed a renal dietitian to truly understand what her body was going through. This conversation dives deep into what it’s really like to face chronic illness as a young adult in today’s world while trying to keep moving forward. We get into: What it feels like to be diagnosed in your 20s when life is just beginning The mental and emotional weight of navigating kidney disease as a young adult How her diagnosis reshaped her identity and career path Why specialized renal nutrition matters and why it’s often missed The importance of support systems when everything feels uncertain How Megan is using her story to advocate for awareness and better care This episode hits on something bigger because kidney disease doesn’t wait until life slows down. It shows up when people are building careers, relationships, and futures. Megan’s story is real, raw, and especially powerful for younger patients trying to find their footing in a world that suddenly feels very different. Because at the end of the day, this journey isn’t about having all the answers— It’s about learning how to Filter Out the Noise and Filter In LIFE. 🎧 Listen now and share this with someone who needs to hear it. #FilterLIFE Podcast is where real stories meet real impact—highlighting patients, caregivers, and advocates, and turning lived experience into guidance for those navigating kidney disease. FilterLIFE.org (http://FilterLIFE.org)

10. 

    26 Mar 2026

    FilterLIFE Podcast ep.9- Patrick Colson: From Dialysis to Mentorship

    From Dialysis to Mentorship | FilterLIFE Podcast Ep. 9 In this powerful episode of the FilterLIFE Podcast, Dan Holmes sits down with Patrick Colson—an Enlisted Kidney Foundation supporter whose journey through kidney disease is a testament to resilience, discipline, and purpose. After years of pushing through symptoms, Patrick’s life changed overnight when a routine eye exam revealed severe complications—leading to a diagnosis of end-stage renal disease with only 10% kidney function. But this isn’t a story about giving up. It’s about stepping up. From in-center dialysis to home hemodialysis, Patrick shares how he took control of his health, adapted his lifestyle, and found strength through education, community, and mindset. Today, he’s not just surviving—he’s mentoring others walking the same path. This is what it means to live the #FilterLIFE. What You’ll Learn The early warning signs of kidney disease most people ignore What it’s really like starting dialysis The difference between in-center and home hemodialysis How to take control of your health journey Why community and mentorship are critical Connect with EKF 🌐 Website: FilterLIFE.org (http://FilterLIFE.org) 📩 Join our community: FilterLIFE Mentorship Program (https://www.patreon.com/c/EnlistedKidneyFoundation) 🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple & more Chapters (optional but 🔥 for YouTube) 00:00 – Introduction 02:10 – The Moment Everything Changed 06:45 – Diagnosis: 10% Kidney Function 12:30 – Starting Dialysis 18:50 – Home Hemodialysis Decision 25:10 – Mental & Emotional Battle 32:40 – Finding Purpose Through Mentorship 40:00 – Living the FilterLIFE

11. 

    16 Mar 2026

    FilterLIFE Podcast Ep. 8 – Seferiana Day: Days Before Transplant After 10 Years of Stability

    In this powerful episode of the FilterLIFE Podcast, we sit down with Seferiana Day just days before her life-changing kidney transplant surgery. For nearly ten years, Seferiana lived with membranous nephropathy, managing her condition while continuing to live a full and impactful life. As a national kidney disease advocate, she has traveled across the country—and around the world—sharing her story, working with organizations and health leaders, and helping raise awareness for patients living with rare kidney disease. But in a shocking turn of events, after nearly a decade of relative stability, her kidney function rapidly declined in just two months, accelerating her journey toward transplant. In this deeply personal conversation, Seferiana opens up about what it feels like to be days away from transplant surgery, the emotional weight of facing such a life-changing moment, and how stress may have played a role in triggering her sudden kidney decline. For someone who has spent years advocating for others, this moment represents a powerful shift—the advocate now needing the very awareness and support she has spent years creating for others. In this episode we discuss: • What it feels like to be days away from a kidney transplant • Living with membranous nephropathy for nearly a decade • How kidney function can change rapidly—even after years of stability • The potential role stress can play in disease progression • The emotional reality of preparing for transplant • The importance of patient advocacy and awareness Seferiana’s story is a powerful reminder that kidney disease can change quickly—and why awareness, early detection, and community support matter. Kidney disease affects 1 in 7 Americans, and 90% don’t know they have it. Through conversations like this, we continue Filtering IN those who have been Filtered OUT. If you or someone you love is living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and needs support, guidance, or community, please reach out to the Enlisted Kidney Foundation. Visit www.EnlistedKidneyFoundation.org (http://www.EnlistedKidneyFoundation.org) to connect with our team, learn about our programs, and discover how EKF is working to ensure no kidney warrior fights alone. Subscribe to the FilterLIFE Podcast and share this episode to help us spread kidney disease awareness.

12. 

    2 Mar 2026

    FilterLIFE Podcast ep7- Sandra Hall: 90% don't know they have it!

    1 in 7 adults are living with kidney disease. 90% of them don’t know it. Sandra Hall was one of them. She didn’t find out during a routine checkup. She didn’t find out because of mild symptoms. She found out after she woke up from a stroke. Imagine this: You pass out at home. You wake up in a hospital. And the first question a doctor asks you is: “Where do you want your port?” Neck or arm? Sandra didn’t even know what dialysis was. She didn’t know her kidneys were failing. She didn’t know she was in kidney failure. She didn’t know her life had just changed. In this powerful episode of the FilterLIFE Podcast, Sandra shares the moment she learned she was in Stage 4 kidney disease — not during a conversation about prevention, but in an operating room being asked to choose where they would place the access point that would keep her alive. We talk about: • The silent nature of chronic kidney disease • Being blindsided by kidney failure • Waking up to life-altering decisions • The emotional trauma of emergency dialysis • Running from treatment out of fear • Feeling like a burden to family • Finding strength through faith and community Sandra openly admits, “I ran from dialysis.” The fear was real. The stigma was real. The weight of that moment — choosing a port location without understanding what was happening — was overwhelming. Today, Sandra is listed for kidney transplant at Duke University Hospital and Wake Forest University Hospital. She is waiting for the gift of life. If you or someone you know feels called to explore living kidney donation or wants to see if they may be a match, please reach out directly to us. EnlistedKidneyFoundation.org/contactus (http://EnlistedKidneyFoundation.org/contactus) Our team will guide you through the proper next steps and connect you with the appropriate transplant center resources. Kidney disease is often silent. It progresses quietly. And too many people only find out when it’s already advanced. Sandra’s story is not rare. That’s the problem. This episode is a wake-up call. Because here at FilterLIFE, we believe in filtering IN those who have been filtered out. Listen. Share. Start the conversation.

13. 

    23 Feb 2026

    FilterLIFE Podcast ep6- Robert A. Sanchez, MPS: The Man Behind "Sing Sing" & the Jentosy project

    This week, we sit down with Robert Sanchez, a man whose life story is a testament to resilience, redemption, and relentless advocacy. Robert’s journey is unlike any other: after spending 15 years in prison, he co-founded the renowned Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) program—a transformative initiative that inspired the film "Sing Sing." But his story of rebuilding didn't stop there. Today, Robert is a leading patient advocate with a deeply personal mission. Living with the rare kidney disease FSGS and having survived two kidney transplants, he now dedicates his life to empowering others navigating the complex world of kidney health. As the director of The Jentosy Project at Kidney Forward and a Clinical Interviewer at Albert Einstein Medical College, he works on the front lines to increase living kidney donations and fight for health equity in underserved Black and Brown communities. In this powerful conversation, Robert shares: How his 15 years inside and co-founding RTA shaped his approach to community and advocacy. The reality of living with FSGS and the journey through two transplants. His mission to demystify kidney disease and build trust in communities often left behind by the healthcare system. What it truly means to be a patient advocate—from hospital hallways to barbershop conversations. Tune in for an unforgettable conversation about finding purpose through pain and the ongoing fight to ensure that in healthcare, "rare doesn't mean forgotten." Find more about Robert's work at his website: https://robertpsanchez.com/ (https://robertpsanchez.com/)

14. 

    10 Feb 2026

    FliterLIFE Podcast ep5- Nick Gentile: A 2x Living Donor with NO QUIT!

    What does it take to fight for over a decade just to give a kidney away? In this powerful episode of the #FilterLIFE Podcast, host Dan Holmes sits down with Nick Gentile — a living kidney AND liver donor whose story redefines altruism. From the moment he decided in high school that he wanted to become an organ donor, Nick never wavered from his calling. Even after years of rejection, delays, and bureaucratic hurdles, his faith and determination kept him moving forward. After more than 10 years of trying, Nick finally donated a kidney — and that wasn’t the end of his journey. He later went on to donate 70% of his liver to a friend in need. Today, he channels that same passion into advocacy through his organization, Compassion Match, helping others navigate living donation. This episode explores: • The reality of the living donor process • Why perseverance matters in advocacy • How faith can fuel purpose • The urgent need for living donors • Legislative efforts like the HEART Act that impact donor opportunities Nick’s story is a reminder that one person’s determination can save lives and inspire countless others. If you’ve ever considered organ donation or want to understand its life-changing impact, this episode is for you. Key message: Even when the system says “no,” purpose and persistence can still lead to “yes.” You can learn more about the @EnlistedKIdneyFoundation by visiting our website. Donations are always appreciated. https://EnlistedKidneyFoundation.org

15. 

    5 Feb 2026

    FilterLIFE Podcast ep4- Dan Keaveney: "I got FSGS but FSGS will never have me"

    What happens when your kidneys start failing — and you don’t even know why? For Dan Keaveney, known online as KidneyManDan, that question became life-changing. After years of symptoms, testing, and uncertainty, he was diagnosed with FSGS (Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis) — a rare kidney disease that can lead to kidney failure. But Dan refused to let a diagnosis define him. In this episode of the #FilterLIFE Podcast, host Dan Holmes sits down with KidneyManDan from Maryland for a real, unfiltered conversation about living with chronic kidney disease, managing medications, adjusting diet and nutrition, and learning to advocate for yourself in the healthcare system. Dan shares what it was like taking up to 42 pills a day, navigating side effects, and facing the mental and emotional weight of chronic illness — all while choosing a mindset of resilience and hope. This episode is about more than kidney disease. It’s about taking control of your health, building community, and filtering out negativity so you can focus on what matters most. 🔍 In this episode: • Understanding FSGS and kidney disease • The long road to diagnosis • Medication management and side effects • Diet and nutrition for kidney health • Patient advocacy and empowerment • The importance of community support • Staying informed about new kidney research 💬 Powerful quotes from this episode: “I was on 42 pills a day at one point.” “I got FSGS — but FSGS will never have me.” “Now is the time to get tested.” Kidney disease affects millions and often develops silently. Early awareness and testing can make a life-changing difference. If you are a kidney patient, caregiver, donor, or advocate, this conversation will resonate deeply. The FilterLIFE Podcast shares real stories from kidney warriors and advocates to ensure no one faces kidney disease alone. 👉 Follow, subscribe, and share to help raise kidney disease awareness.

16. 

    23 Jan 2026

    FilterLIFE Podcast ep3- Mark Scotch: The Organ Trail

    On this episode of the Filter Life Podcast, host Dan Holmes sits down with living kidney donor and advocate Mark Scotch, whose extraordinary act of generosity began with a chance conversation in a bar — and led to a life-saving kidney donation for a complete stranger. Mark shares the moment that sparked his decision, the physical and emotional journey of becoming a living donor, how the living donor voucher program works, and why awareness, advocacy, and communication are critical in the fight against chronic kidney disease (CKD). Mark also introduces us to The Organ Trail, his nationwide kidney donation awareness project designed to spark conversations, connect patients with resources, and normalize living organ donation. Through long-distance cycling and public engagement, The Organ Trail is reframing what it means to donate an organ and showing how one storyteller can impact an entire community. This episode unpacks: ✔ the realities of kidney donation and living donor recovery ✔ misconceptions and barriers to organ donation ✔ how donor health is monitored and protected ✔ why more living donors aren’t coming forward (and how to change that) ✔ how storytelling can save lives by increasing kidney disease awareness Mark’s journey demonstrates how ordinary conversations can lead to extraordinary outcomes — and why living a Filtered Life means using your time, energy, and relationships with intention and purpose. If you're interested in organ donation, transplant advocacy, kidney health, or how one person can create a ripple effect of impact, this episode is for you.

17. 

    22 Dec 2025

    FilterLIFE Podcast ep2— Gail Rae-Garwood: Dancing With Disease & Living Her “Filter Life”

    In this episode, we introduce you to Gail Ray Garwood—a lifelong educator, acclaimed non-fiction writer, and one of the most respected voices in the chronic kidney disease community. A New York native turned Arizona resident, Gail holds advanced degrees in English and Communications and spent decades teaching research, writing, and literature before CKD changed the direction—but not the purpose—of her life. Diagnosed with chronic kidney disease in 2008, she turned her skills as a researcher and storyteller into what she calls “the kidney work,” authoring more than a dozen CKD education books and the internationally recognized SlowItDownCKD blog, read in over 100 countries. In this conversation, Gail shares how she continues to dance with disease—using knowledge, advocacy, humor, and community to live fully, adapt boldly, and show others that CKD is something you manage, not something that defines you. To learn more about Gail Ray Garwood, explore her writing, advocacy work, and the internationally recognized SlowItDownCKD blog, visit her website and discover her books—trusted resources for anyone navigating chronic kidney disease with knowledge, clarity, and hope. 👉 Website & Books: https://www.gail-raegarwood.com/about-me (https://www.gail-raegarwood.com/about-me)

18. 

    16 Dec 2025

    FilterLIFE Podcast ep1- Dr. Laurence Beck, Jr., MD, PhD: Rare Kidney Disease Godfather

    🎥 Interview with Dr. Laurence H. Beck, Jr. — A Rare Opportunity Welcome to our special conversation with Dr. Beck, a true leader in the world of rare kidney disease research. If you or someone you care about is navigating the challenges of a glomerular kidney disorder, this is one session you won’t want to miss. About Dr. Beck: Dr. Laurence H. Beck, Jr., MD, PhD, serves as the David J. Salant Professor of Nephrology at the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and practices at Boston Medical Center (BMC). He leads the clinical program for glomerular diseases at BMC, focusing on rare and immune-mediated kidney conditions like Membranous Nephropathy, FSGS, and Minimal Change Disease. Back in 2009, Dr. Beck and his team made a landmark discovery identifying the M-type phospholipase A₂ receptor (PLA2R) as a key autoantigen in membranous nephropathy — a finding that transformed how doctors diagnose and treat this rare condition. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, he received the inaugural Mid-Career Distinguished Researcher Award from the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) in 2019. Why this conversation matters: When you’re dealing with a rare kidney disease, especially one like membranous nephropathy where protocols and access can be murky, who better to ask than the person leading the science? We brought Dr. Beck’s expertise directly to you. In this interview we cover: Navigating the insurance hurdles and securing approval for therapies like Rituximab when standard treatments aren’t enough. Real-world advice about working with nephrologists, transplant teams, and kidney disease networks. Insights into what to ask your doctor if you’re newly diagnosed, or if you’ve been told “you’re rare” and don’t know who to turn to. How to engage proactively with your care team, advocate for yourself, and use the latest science to your advantage. What you’ll walk away with: A clearer understanding of how cutting-edge research is being translated into practice for rare kidney diseases. Practical steps you can take now — with your physician or as a caregiver — to improve your care pathway. Renewed hope that you’re not alone in this: there is someone leading the charge who understands these conditions deeply. 👉 If you or someone you love is living with a glomerular kidney disease, especially membranous nephropathy, this conversation is a must-watch. 👍 Please like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay connected — more expert interviews and kidney-health strategy sessions are on the way. 🔔 Have questions for Dr. Beck or topics you’d like us to cover in future episodes? Drop them in the comments below. About us – The Enlisted Kidney Foundation (EKF) We are a veteran-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting kidney disease patients — especially our fellow veterans — by connecting them with trusted resources, expert voices, and community. Learn more at: www.EnlistedKidneyFoundation.org (http://www.EnlistedKidneyFoundation.org) Thank you for watching. Stay hopeful. Stay connected. And remember: when you’re fighting a rare kidney disease, you don’t have to do it alone. — The EKF Team

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