RSN’s KidneyTalk is an online bi-weekly, half-hour radio talk show that launched in June of 2006. This novel undertaking features RSN Founder & President Lori Hartwell. Periodically Stephen Furst, an accomplished television and movie actor/producer/director and transplant recipient is her co-host.
With Lori Hartwell’s 44 years as a renal disease survivor and Stephen Furst’s entertainment credentials, KidneyTalk provides the audience with practical advice on how to live a full and productive life despite CKD.
Each show is available online 24 hours a day or can be downloaded free any time from the iTunes store, and includes at least one guest interview with someone who is well-qualified to comment on the topic at hand and share their stories of health, happiness or hope.
Lucy Kim is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in West Hollywood, CA. She has worked with transplant recipients for several years. Patients always ask her, “After I get my transplant, how long will my Medicare benefits last?” In this interview, Lori and Lucy talk about what people need to know if their benefits end 36 months after their transplant to help them look for other ways to get their life-saving antirejection medication. Play Now
Recent Shows
All in the Family
The Hostert family never knew that kidney disease would affect their lives in so many ways. Kathleen and her son Justin share the bond of having given the gift of life to Husband/Dad Craig. Listen to this rollercoaster of a ride show and hear what the family learned throughout this journey. Organ donation can bring a family even closer together. Play Now
Multi-listing for a Kidney Transplant
Different organ procurement regions across the country have different wait times for a transplant. They range from a couple of years to a decade. Ron Taubman shares his personal experience with multi-listing at various transplant centers throughout the country to increase his chances of getting a kidney. In this informative interview, learn what most centers require and what the patient’s financial obligations are. Play Now
Pregnancy and Kidney Disease
Mandy Trolinger always knew that she wanted a child, but the two kidney transplants she had had meant that pregnancy was risky both for her and for the baby. As a physician assistant and renal dietician, she understands the medical risks involved and explains what she learned during her pregnancy about immunosuppressants, weight gain, and breastfeeding. She also describes what she had to do to deliver the healthy baby boy whom she and her husband Steve named Brandon. Play Now
Kidney Diet Info at Your Fingertips
Lynne Sanditen’s father was diagnosed with kidney disease and was constantly trying to figure out the phosphorus, potassium, protein and sodium for his diet. It was daunting. She knew she had to find a way to help him and thus, the Kidney Diet App was born. Listen to how this user-friendly tool works and can be personalized to help you make the right renal friendly food choices. Play Now
Creating an Alliance for Home Dialysis
There is a movement in the United States to help educate people and public officials of the benefits of home dialysis. Dr. Leslie Wong is Vice President of Clinical Affairs of Satellite and on the Steering Committee of the Alliance for Home Dialysis. He discusses with Lori the issues that can prevent people from having this treatment option made available to them. Have you been offered peritoneal or home hemodialysis as treatment options? Tune in and get informed. Play Now
Anxiety and Panic Attacks: When is it Time to Get Help?
Kidney disease presents a number of stressful situations that can lead to feelings of anxiety. How do you know that it's time to seek help? Mark Meier, MSW, is the Founder and Executive Director of the Face It Foundation. He explains what the symptoms are and how to determine if they are affecting your life or your health care. In addition to providing some tips on coping with anxiety, he asserts that “you owe it to yourself to deal with it." You, your family, and your health care providers will all benefit. Play Now
