This Thing Called Life
This Thing Called Life is a podcast dedicated to acts of giving, kindness, compassion, and humanity. Host Andi Johnson introduces you to powerful organ, tissue, and eye donation stories from individuals, families, and front-line healthcare teams. These stories are meant to inspire and remind you that while life can be challenging and unpredictable, it’s also incredibly beautiful. We hope this podcast inspires you to connect with our life-saving and life-healing mission.
Episodes
Title: One Family, Three Transplant Journeys: Life with Alport Syndrome
🎙️ Episode Summary
In this heartfelt episode of This Thing Called Life, host Andi Johnson speaks with Amanda and Hunter, a mother and son living with Alport Syndrome—a rare genetic disease that affects just 1 in 50,000 live births. Their story is one of resilience, family strength, and the life-changing power of organ donation.
Amanda and Hunter share their ...
"Full Circle: Interview with Markeyah Lewis on Life, Lupus, and the Gift of a Kidney"
Markeyah Lewis was diagnosed with Lupus, leading to early kidney failure. When her mother wasn’t a direct transplant match, they turned to Advanced Kidney Donation—a life-changing decision that helped Markeyah receive her transplant in 2022. Now a mother and soon-to-be Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Markeyah shares her powerful story of resilie...
This episode of TTCL will feature an interview with Luis Santiago from NFH on La Mega. This monthly interview will inform the Spanish Community about Network For Hope and the incredible miracles that happen with Organ, Tissue, and Eye Donation. Resources: https://getoffthelist.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/ https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO https://aopo.org/
Title: "The Gift of Life: A Conversation with Dr. Alex Ancheta, Transplant Surgeon"
🎙️ Episode Summary
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Dr. Alex Ancheta, a transplant surgeon at the UK HealthCare Transplant Center. Dr. Ancheta shares his journey into the world of transplant surgery, from his educational path to the personal motivations that drew him to this life-saving field. He opens up about the emotional and profes...
This episode of TTCL will feature an interview with Luis Santiago from NFH on La Mega. This monthly interview will inform the Spanish Community about Network For Hope and the incredible miracles that happen with Organ, Tissue, and Eye Donation. Resources: https://getoffthelist.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/ https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO https://aopo.org/
🎙️ Episode Summary
In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode, host Andi Johnson sits down with Hannah Boylan, a Family Support Supervisor at Network for Hope, to explore the delicate and vital world of organ donation. Hannah offers a behind-the-scenes look at how her team supports families during one of the most difficult moments of their lives—navigating the decision to donate a loved one’s organs.
With a background in bioethics,...
Title: "Bridging the Gap: The Power of Organ Donation in Kentucky"
🎙️ Episode Summary
In this powerful episode, host Andi Johnson sits down with Shelley Snyder, Executive Director of Donate Life Kentucky Trust, to explore the life-changing impact of organ donation across the Bluegrass State. Together, they discuss how the organization supports those waiting for transplants, honors donor families—true heroes in the community—and ...
This episode of TTCL will feature an interview with Luis Santiago on La Mega. This monthly interview will inform the Spanish Community about Network For Hope and the incredible miracles that happen with Organ, Tissue, and Eye Donation. Resources: https://getoffthelist.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/ https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO https://aopo.org/
Spreading Realistic Positivity: David Galbenski’s Mission to Champion Living Donation
When David Galbenski received a life-saving liver donation from his brother-in-law, it was more than a second chance—it was a call to action. In this powerful episode, David shares his personal journey from transplant recipient to national advocate for living donation. Discover how his gratitude turned into purpose through th...
"Full Circle: Interview with Markeyah Lewis on Life, Lupus, and the Gift of a Kidney"
Markeyah Lewis was diagnosed with Lupus, leading to early kidney failure. When her mother wasn’t a direct transplant match, they turned to Advanced Kidney Donation—a life-changing decision that helped Markeyah receive her transplant in 2022. Now a mother and soon-to-be Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Markeyah shares her powerfu...
In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Gretchen Starnes, Family Aftercare Manager with Network for Hope (Louisville), an organization that also supports families after the loss of a loved one through organ donation. Gretchen shares the deeply human side of her work—walking with families through the grief process, offering comfort, connection, and compassion in the wake of profound loss. We explore how the gift ...
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Jon and Felicia Rohman to share the remarkable journey of their daughter Hadlee, who underwent a life-saving heart transplant in 2020—right amid a global pandemic. What began as a terrifying health issue became a testimony of faith, resilience, and appreciation for the incredible gift of life. Years later, Hadlee is thriving, healthy, joyful, and full of gratitude. Join us ...
In this inspiring episode, Zach Wells a TV sports anchor shares his incredible journey of receiving a kidney donation from his brother. Zach opens up about the unexpected news that his kidney was failing and the challenges he faced battling kidney disease, and the profound lessons he learned about hope, resilience, and the importance of prioritizing health. Tune in as Zach offers a raw and honest conversation about ...
In this episode of This Thing Called Life, Andi Johnson interviews Means Cameron, a successful entrepreneur from Cincinnati and the founder of the clothing brand BlaCkOWned™ Outerwear. Means shares the inspiration behind launching BlaCkOWned™ Outerwear in 2011, influenced by his cultural experiences and the importance of representation. He discusses the significance of community ownership, legacy, and his personal c...
This episode of TTCL will feature an interview with Luis Santiago on La Mega. This monthly interview will inform the Spanish Community about Network For Hope and the incredible miracles that happen with Organ, Tissue, and Eye Donation. Resources: https://getoffthelist.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/ https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO https://aopo.org/
In this episode of This Thing Called Life, Andi Johnson sits down with Joel Chase, Vice President of Organ Services at Network for Hope, to discuss his role and how it has evolved following a recent merger. Joel shares insights into the integration of two smaller Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) into Network for Hope, the strategic changes that followed, and how he is leading a growing team.
Joel walks through the organ donat...
Community Heroes is a special extension of This Thing Called Life’s podcast. In this series, we talk to community leaders, share important information about organ and tissue donation, and honor those who have been instrumental in saving lives through the gift of donation. In this episode, we talk with Lincoln Ware from WDBZ the Buzz of Cincinnati talk station.
Resources
Community Heroes is a special extension of This Thing Called Life’s podcast. In this series, we talk to community leaders, share important information about organ and tissue donation, and honor those who have been instrumental in saving lives through the gift of donation. In this episode, we talk with Don Juan from 100.3 FM Cincy's R&B station in Cincinnati.
Resources
Episode 106: The Donation Coordinator's Responsibility within the Donation Process of the Organ Procurement Organization, with Christienne King
During this episode of This Thing Called Life, host Andi Johnson talks about the donation process from the OPO (Organ Procurement Organization) lens. This week, Andi is speaking with Christenne King. She is the Senior Donation Coordinator. She meets family in very difficult times. Tune in...
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