KidneyTalk - An Online Radio Show By Renal Support Network

KidneyTalk - An Online Radio Show By Renal Support Network

RSN’s KidneyTalk™ is an informative, inspirational, and entertaining online, half-hour radio talk show that launched in June of 2006 with host RSN Founder & President Lori Hartwell. With Lori Hartwell’s, a renal disease survivor since 1958, KidneyTalk™ provides the audience with practical advice on how to live a full and productive life despite CKD. The show features healthcare professionals and people living successfully with kidney disease who share personal experiences in inspirational, thought-provoking interviews.

Episodes

7/14/2025 - Shelbys Journey: Navigating Home Dialysis and Embracing Transplant Life

July 14, 2025
On this episode of KidneyTalk, Lori Hartwell chats with Shelby McClure, whose kidney journey is anything but ordinary. Shelby has experienced nearly every form of dialysis"each with its own challenges, breakthroughs, and life lessons. From peritoneal dialysis in the quiet hours of the night to the self-discipline of home hemodialysis, Shelbys story is packed with unexpected turns, personal revelations, and a powerful transplant exp...
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5/8/2025 - Exploring Gut Health & Chronic Kidney Disease

May 8, 2025
In this episode of Kidney Talk, Lori welcomes Dr. Richard Johnson - renowned nephrologist, author of Comprehensive Clinical Nephrology, and a pioneer in kidney disease research. Together, they dive into the fascinating connection between gut health and chronic kidney disease, exploring how good bacteria can support kidney function. Dr. Johnson shares insights on probiotics like Renadyl, leaky gut syndrome, and how gut imbalances mi...
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4/30/2025 - Understanding High Potassium and Kidney Disease

April 30, 2025
In this episode, Lori talks with nephrologist Dr. Arun Malhotra about what inspired him to pursue nephrology and dives into an important discussion about the connection between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and high potassium, also known as hyperkalemia. They cover symptoms to watch for, the role of diet, how to manage potassium levels, and the importance of working closely with healthcare providers.
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2/9/2025 - From Adversity to Advocacy: A Journey to Finding Your Tribe

February 9, 2025
Austin Lees journey with kidney disease began before he was even born. Lori first met Austin when he traveled from DC as a teenager to attend the Renal Teen Prom. Overcoming anxiety and depression, Austin has transformed into a powerful advocate for others facing similar challenges. Tune in to discover how he turned adversity into empowerment and continues to inspire his peers.
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2/5/2025 - Resilience Through Adversity: Reflections on Growing Up with Kidney Disease

February 5, 2025
Much like our host Lori, Michael Jiuliano faced the challenges of kidney disease from a young age. In a spirited and heartfelt conversation, they delve into their childhood experiences"navigating numerous treatments and hospital stays, and the impact these had on their relationships with peers. Listen in to learn how these early encounters not only shaped their lives but forged a resilience that continues to define them today.
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12/10/2024 - Kidneys - The Body's Keepers: A Conversation with Dr. Paul Kimmel

December 10, 2024
In this podcast, Lori Hartwell chats with Dr. Paul Kimmel, a prominent nephrologist, to explore the valuable insights found in his book, The Bodys Keepers: A Social History of Kidney Failure and Its Treatments. Together, they examine the history of kidney disease, addressing the emotional challenges faced by patients, the significant advancements in treatment, and the continuing inequities in kidney care. This discussion underscore...
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12/2/2024 - Fluid Management, Sodium and Food Choices for People on Home Dialysis

December 2, 2024
In a joint interview, Krystal Bilodeau, a Home Therapies RN at FMCNA, and Brian Hutchinson, who is currently undergoing peritoneal dialysis, talk with Lori about fluid management, sodium intake, and dietary choices. Brian shares his personal experiences with treatment and reveals his familys favorite kidney-friendly meals. Meanwhile, Krystal explains the training process for peritoneal dialysis and outlines what it entails.
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10/28/2024 - Managing Phosphorus Levels in People with Kidney Disease: Treatments, Challenges and Emerging Solutions

October 28, 2024
Dr. Frita Fisher, who is triple board-certified in Nephrology, Internal Medicine, and Pediatrics, engages in a discussion with Lori Hartwell about the role of phosphorus and its impact on overall health. Join them as they explore what phosphorus is, why it is present in many foods, and why people with kidney disease are more likely to experience elevated phosphorus levels. They also cover the symptoms and health risks associated wi...
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9/5/2024 - Believing in Possibilities

September 5, 2024
Living with kidney disease is not easy, but its a journey shared by many. In a compelling exchange between KidneyTalk® host Lori Hartwell and Jennifer Cramer Miller, author of Incurable Optimist: Living with Illness and Chronic Hope, striking parallels emerge in their respective multiple kidney transplant experiences. So, grab a seat, relax, and tune in to their engaging discussion as they delve into the art of cultivating optimism...
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7/26/2024 - Understanding and Avoiding Internet Scams

July 26, 2024
Have you ever encountered a financial or healthcare internet scam? Advocate Karol Franks and Lori discuss the latest trending scams, key signs to identify potential scams, what to do if you believe you have been a victim, and most importantly, tips to avoid becoming one.
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5/2/2024 - The Impact of Living with Kidney Disease on Your Mental and Emotional Well-being

May 2, 2024
Kidney disease is a chronic condition, in addition there are five stages. How you are going to feel from day to day and through each of the stages can have a negative impact your mental wellness. Felicia Speed, PhD, LMSW, VP of Social Work Services, Fresenius Kidney Care and Lori discuss coping strategies and other options that are available to help.
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4/9/2024 - Access to Innovation in Dialysis Care has its Ups and Downs

April 9, 2024
Barriers to innovation for people who are on dialysis is a hot issue. While Medicare is a great source of comfort and provides access to necessary treatments, it does face challenges with its existing payment structure that hinder access to new, innovative treatments. Dr. Jeffrey Silberzweig, a nephrologist, and Lori discuss recent breakthroughs and delve into the advantages and disadvantages of the current payment system, while al...
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2/22/2024 - Clinical Quality - How CMS Measures Quality Care for People on Dialysis

February 22, 2024
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) implements quality initiatives for Medicare beneficiaries on dialysis. CMS uses these measures to see how the dialysis facility is performing. Dawn Curtis, VP of Clinical Quality, Fresenius Medical Care and Lori discuss the measures dialysis clinics look at and how the kidney care team uses them as a benchmark to provide adequate care for people on dialysis.
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2/8/2024 - Expressions of Joy

February 8, 2024
Joy Araujo, a source of inspiration for her peers, has won the RSN annual essay contest on multiple occasions. Through her heartfelt and insightful essays, Joy has touched the hearts of readers, sharing her life experiences and imparting wisdom as only she can. Lori, too, has faced her own set of challenges growing up with kidney disease. Together, these seasoned warriors offer insights on how they have conquered kidney disease, ho...
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1/12/2024 - Little Things Lead to Big Changes

January 12, 2024
Jennifer McClung was diagnosed with kidney disease at a young age. After receiving a kidney transplant Jennifer started to put on extra weight and needed to make a change. She managed to lose the weight and along the way developed lifestyle changes to keep it off. Listen in to hear what worked for her and tips that can help make your own weight loss journey a success.
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12/13/2023 - Resilience and Strength in the Face of Adversity

December 13, 2023
The journey of a single mom with kidney disease is a testament to unwavering determination as they navigate a career, medical appointments, treatments and the emotional toll, all the while nurturing and supporting their family. Mauricia Ambrose is a mother, a real estate investor and an author. Mauricia is also on peritoneal dialysis and shares how she gets things done, introduced her illness and treatment to her son and includes h...
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12/5/2023 - Changes Happening to the Dialysis Payment Bundle and How it Can Impact Care

December 5, 2023
The inclusion of oral phosphate lowering drugs in the dialysis payment bundle starting in January 2025 is a significant change that has sparked debates and discussions within the kidney community. Lori and Jeffrey Silberzweig, MD delve into this topic along with a brief history and evolution of the bundled payment system. They discuss the pros and cons of this action and potential limitations on medication choices for patients. Whi...
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11/8/2023 - Recycling Medication & Dialysis Supplies

November 8, 2023
Lori and Cher, both kidney transplant recipients, have dealt with kidney disease for the majority of their lives. They also share a deep respect for the environment. Listen in to hear some tips, and what they have learned from their experiences with recycling medical and dialysis supplies and medications.
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10/27/2023 - An Unexpected Diagnosis at a Young Age

October 27, 2023
When you are in high school the list of things to worry about usually include getting good grades and getting the chance to talk to your crush, not kidney disease. Lori sits down with the RSN Administrative Coordinator, Isela King, who was diagnosed with IgA Nephropathy while in high school to talk about what it was like to be diagnosed at a young age, her experience volunteering at the Renal Teen Prom, and how her experience with ...
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9/11/2023 - Hope for People Suffering from Itchy Skin

September 11, 2023
If itching is causing you discomfort or keeping you up a night, this show is for you! Itchy skin, medically referred to as pruritus, is a common and often distressing condition. The uncomfortable sensation can range from a mild annoyance to a severe, incessant itch, leading to scratching that may exacerbate the issue. Managing pruritus often involves identifying the underlying cause before finding a treatment that works. Listen in ...
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