This Thing Called Life

Title: Twice Gifted: Beth Otto’s Journey As a  2 Time Kidney Recipient

🎙️ Episode Summary

In today’s episode of This Thing Called Life, host Andi Johnson interviews Beth Otto. At just 25 years old, Beth Otto received her first life-saving kidney transplant from a deceased donor. Years later, a second transplant — this time from a selfless friend — gave her a renewed lease on life. In this inspiring episode, Beth opens up about h...

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/

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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/

RegisterMe.org/Ne...

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/

RegisterMe.org/Ne...

🎙️ 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 ...

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...

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...