FilterLIFE Podcast

Enlisted Kidney Foundation

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 Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube: @EnlistedKidneyFoundation

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

    6d ago

    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://EnlistedKidneyFoundation.org #KidneyDisease #RareKidneyDisease #FSGS #MembranousNephropathy #IgANephropathy #NephCure #FILSPARI #PatientAdvocacy #KidneyHealth #Dialysis #Transplant #ChronicKidneyDisease #FilterLIFEPodcast #EnlistedKidneyFoundation

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

    May 31

    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 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. 💚

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

    May 15

    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 #KidneyDisease #BlackMensHealth #KnowYourNumbers #KidneyHealth #RevLeroyMiles #FilterLIFE #EnlistedKidneyFoundation #HealthEquity #Dialysis #TransplantAwareness #ChronicIllness #CKD #Nephrology #KidneyWarrior #HealthAdvocacy #VeteranHealth #MentalHealth #CommunityHealth #KidneyFailure #HealthcareAccess

    38 min

  4. May 1

    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 healthThe myth that you “can’t get enough protein without meat”Fast food, convenience, and making better choices on the goHow culture, income, and environment affect food decisionsThe mental battle: accountability vs excusesWhy leaders must align their actions with their missionThe emotional reality of chronic illness and survival modeRaw talk on animal ethics and personal responsibilityThis 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/ 🎁 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 💥 Stop waiting. Stop making excuses. Start choosing what actually fuels your life.

    1 hr

  5. Apr 20

    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. EKF@FilterLIFE.org is you know someone struggling with Kidney Disease https://EnlistedKidneyFoundation.org

    28 min

  6. Apr 6

    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 LearnWhat it’s really like living on dialysis with no kidneysHow David Rush toured while managing kidney diseaseThe mindset behind the Wins Only philosophyReal talk on transplant fears, risks, and timingHow purpose and family turn struggle into legacy🇺🇸 Veterans – Start HereIf 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 We built this for you. 🔗 About FilterLIFEThe 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 MoreSubscribe for more conversations on: Kidney disease awarenessDialysis lifeKidney transplant journeysVeteran health advocacyChronic illness mindset & resilience💬 Join the ConversationIf this episode hit home or you're navigating kidney disease, drop a comment—we’re in this fight with you.

    56 min

  7. Mar 30

    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 beginningThe mental and emotional weight of navigating kidney disease as a young adultHow her diagnosis reshaped her identity and career pathWhy specialized renal nutrition matters and why it’s often missedThe importance of support systems when everything feels uncertainHow 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

    34 min

  8. Mar 26

    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 LearnThe early warning signs of kidney disease most people ignoreWhat it’s really like starting dialysisThe difference between in-center and home hemodialysisHow to take control of your health journeyWhy community and mentorship are criticalConnect with EKF🌐 Website: FilterLIFE.org 📩 Join our community: FilterLIFE Mentorship Program 🎙️ 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

    27 min
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Ratings & Reviews

About

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 Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube: @EnlistedKidneyFoundation

Information

  • Creator
    Enlisted Kidney Foundation
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Enlisted Kidney Foundation
  • Show Website
    FilterLIFE Podcast