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This Thing Called Life

Health & Wellness Podcasts

This Thing Called Life is a podcast about acts of giving, kindness, compassion, and humanity. Host Andi Johnson, will introduce you to powerful stories about organ, eye, and tissue donation from individuals, families and front-line health care teams, whose experiences will hopefully inspire you and remind you, that while life is hard and unpredictable, it’s also beautiful. We hope this podcast serves as a catalyst for you to register to become an organ, eye, and tissue donor.

Location:

United States

Description:

This Thing Called Life is a podcast about acts of giving, kindness, compassion, and humanity. Host Andi Johnson, will introduce you to powerful stories about organ, eye, and tissue donation from individuals, families and front-line health care teams, whose experiences will hopefully inspire you and remind you, that while life is hard and unpredictable, it’s also beautiful. We hope this podcast serves as a catalyst for you to register to become an organ, eye, and tissue donor.

Language:

English


Episodes

Todos Pueden Ser Donantes

5/23/2023
Todos Pueden Ser Donantes During this episode of This Thing Called Life, host Andi Johnson speaks with Courtney Schapier, a liver donor, the sister of a liver recipient, and one of the Organ Donation Coordinators at LifeCenter. Upon learning about her brother’s need for a liver, Courtney made the incredibly brave decision to make a difference. Her story is simply amazing! Episode Highlights: 3 Key Points: Resources Mentioned: websiteFacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitterwebsiteLinkedInwebsite

Duration:00:17:59

May 2023 Appreciation and Community Impact Events - EP 76 Mini

5/16/2023
Episode 76: MAY 2023 Appreciation and Community Impact Events It’s been a minute! April was National Donate Month, and we honored and celebrated our donor heroes across the region. Now sliding into May, we extend our gratitude to nurses and teachers, Happy National Nurses Week, National Transplant Nurses Week, and National Teacher Appreciation Week! Episode Highlights: 3 Key Points: Tweetable Quotes: Resources: https://lifepassiton.org/ https://lifepassiton.org/board-of-directors-leadership/ https://www.facebook.com/LifeCenterOH https://www.youtube.com/user/LifeCenterOH https://aopo.org/

Duration:00:05:36

Episode 75: A Fifteen-year-old’s Decision to Become an Organ Donor and the Impact on his Family

5/2/2023
On this episode of This Thing Called Life, Andi Johnson speaks with Aimee Cordrey. She will be sharing the gift of life that her son, Nicholas has given to many recipients and how influenced others to do the same. She will also be reflecting some light upon the life of her son and sharing her story of grief and pathway to healing. Tune in now for this special story. Episode Highlights: 3 Key Points: Resources Mentioned: Website FacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitterwebsiteLinkedInOrgan Donation Website

Duration:00:49:41

Episode 74: The Incredible Journey Of Receiving A Kidney

4/25/2023
Episode 74: The Incredible Journey Of Receiving A Kidney On this episode of This Thing Called Life, Andi is going to talk to Marty and Bonnie Garneret. Bonnie is not only Marty’s wife but his kidney champion also. Marty and his wife have been married for 41 years this month, and he says that has married an angel without wings. He shares his special journey; You don’t want to miss it! Episode Highlights: 3 Key Points: Resources Mentioned: Website FacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitterwebsiteLinkedInOrgan Donation Websitehttps://www.facebook.com/life4uppo

Duration:00:44:29

Episode 73: Why Is Kidney Disease So Prevalent In The African American Community

4/18/2023
On this episode of This Thing Called Life Podcast, host Andi Johnson is going to talk to Shelly Sherman and Stephanie Jackson. They are discussing kidney health and an exciting new project that is being launched to shed light on kidney disease as well as prevention. No doctor or medical expert will kill you for your organs; In fact, no medical professional is aware of your donor status until your death is declared. Tune in for more information! Episode Highlights: 3 Key Points: Tweetable Quotes: Resources Mentioned: Website FacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitterwebsiteLinkedInOrgan Donation Websitehttps://www.cincinnatilinks.org/black-kare-initiativehttps://www.facebook.com/CincinnatiLinkshttps://www.instagram.com/cincinnatilinks/https://www.yoursweetestlife.com/https://www.facebook.com/yoursweetestlifewithstephaniejhttps://www.instagram.com/yoursweetestlifewithstephaniej/

Duration:00:34:48

Community Heroes- El mes nacional de Done Vida- EP 50

4/12/2023
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. Resources: https://lifepassiton.org/ https://www.facebook.com/LifeCenterOH Life Center Phone # 513-558-5555

Duration:00:18:29

Episode 72: It’s National Donate Life Month, Lets Make A Difference For Those In Need!

4/5/2023

Duration:00:06:26

Episode 71: National Kidney Month with Mike McConnell

3/28/2023
March is National Kidney Month. On this episode of This Thing Called Life, host Andi Johnson talks with Mike McConnell about kidney health and community outreach. Resources: https://lifepassiton.org/ https://lifepassiton.org/board-of-directors-leadership/ https://www.facebook.com/LifeCenterOH https://www.youtube.com/user/LifeCenterOH https://aopo.org/

Duration:00:06:33

Community Heroes- Riñónes y Mujeres Hispanas En Marzo-EP 49

3/21/2023
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. Resources: https://lifepassiton.org/ https://www.facebook.com/LifeCenterOH https://www.instagram.com/lifecentercincy/ https://www.youtube.com/user/LifeCenterOH https://twitter.com/LifeCenterCincy

Duration:00:16:18

Episode 70: Kidney Donor’s Health And Serendipitous Career Path, Post Surgery With Brett Milam

3/14/2023
March is National Kidney Month. On this episode of This Thing Called Life, host Andi Johnson talks with someone who saw a vital need and acted on it in regards to living kidney donation, Brett Milam. Tune in to hear his journey as a living kidney donor. Episode Highlights: 3 Key Points: Resources: https://lifepassiton.org/ https://lifepassiton.org/board-of-directors-leadership/ https://www.facebook.com/LifeCenterOH https://www.youtube.com/user/LifeCenterOH https://aopo.org/

Duration:00:36:34

Episode 69: What You Need To Know About Kidney Disease?

3/7/2023
On this episode of This Thing Called Life, host Andi Johnson highlights March as National Kidney Month. Kidney disease is often referred to as the “silent killer” because so many people have experienced it and complications that cause it without knowing it for an extended period of time. Tune in so you can be educated about this important topic and proactive with your own health. Episode Highlights: https://closingthehealthgap.org/https://lifepassiton.org/ Tweetable Quotes: Resources: https://closingthehealthgap.org/ https://www.kidney.org/ https://aopo.org/ https://lifepassiton.org/ https://lifepassiton.org/board-of-directors-leadership/ https://www.facebook.com/LifeCenterOH https://www.youtube.com/user/LifeCenterOH

Duration:00:05:07

Episode 68: Role Of Executive Director For An OPO, With Barry Massa

2/28/2023
On this episode of This Thing Called Life, host Andi Johnson finishes up the series of exploring all the parts and roles in the donation process at the OPO. There is one final position to cover, the Executive Director of Life Center, held by Barry Massa. He is also President of the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO). Tune in. Episode Highlights: 3 Key Points: Resources: https://aopo.org/ https://lifepassiton.org/ https://lifepassiton.org/board-of-directors-leadership/ https://www.facebook.com/LifeCenterOH https://www.youtube.com/user/LifeCenterOH

Duration:00:27:24

Community Heroes: El mes del corazon y la historia negra- EP 48

2/21/2023
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. Resources: https://lifepassiton.org/ https://www.facebook.com/LifeCenterOH Life Center Phone # 513-558-5555

Duration:00:20:03

Episode 67: The Gift Of Receiving A Heart Transplant With Donna Jones Baker

2/14/2023
During this episode of This Thing Called Life podcast, host Andi Johnson speaks with Donna Jones Baker who recently received the gift of life through the donation of a kidney and a heart. Donna has learned to appreciate organ donation and its ability to help save so many lives! Episode Highlights: 3 Key Points: Resources Mentioned: websiteFacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitterwebsiteLinkedInDonna’s StoryUrban League Of Greater Southwestern Ohio

Duration:00:23:26

Episode 66: What does The Chief Administration Officer Do Within An OPO (Organ Procurement Organization)?

2/7/2023
On this episode of This Thing Called Life, host Andi Johnson finishes up the series of exploring all the parts and roles in the donation process at the OPO. Many different entities come together to make it all possible. Today, Tracie Shelton, the Chief Administration Officer joins the show to share about her role in the organization. Tune in! Episode Highlights: 3 Key Points: Resources: https://aopo.org/ https://lifepassiton.org/ https://lifepassiton.org/board-of-directors-leadership/ https://www.facebook.com/LifeCenterOH https://www.youtube.com/user/LifeCenterOH

Duration:00:21:33

Episode 65: What does The Chief Operating Officer Do Within An OPO (Organ Procurement Organization)? With Matt Niles

1/31/2023
On this episode of This Thing Called Life, host Andi Johnson finishes up the series on ‘The Donation Process Through The Lens Of The OPO’, exploring how things work and who is involved. There will be two additional guests for the series that will join in to share what they do within the OPO. Today, Matt Niles joins the show to discuss his new role at Life Center as the Chief Operations Officer. Tune in! Episode Highlights: https://lifepassiton.org/https://lifepassiton.org/https://registerme.org/ 3 Key Points: Resources: https://aopo.org/https://lifepassiton.org/https://www.facebook.com/LifeCenterOHhttps://www.youtube.com/user/LifeCenterOH

Duration:00:22:58

Episode 64: Understanding How Organ Procurement Organizations Are Financed

1/24/2023
On this episode of This Thing Called Life, host Andi Johnson winds down the series on ‘The Donation Process Through The Lens Of The OPO’, exploring how things work and who is involved. If you missed the previous episode in the series, you can find them at lifepassiton.org or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Today, Andi talks with Maryanne Krumpleman, the finance manager. Tune in to hear how this piece of the puzzle comes together. Episode Highlights: 3 Key Points: Resources: https://aopo.org/ https://lifepassiton.org/ https://www.facebook.com/LifeCenterOH https://www.youtube.com/user/LifeCenterOH

Duration:00:23:13

Community Heroes: Se puede tener ataúd abierto.- Ep 47

1/17/2023
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. Resources: https://lifepassiton.org/ https://www.facebook.com/LifeCenterOH Life Center Phone # 513-558-5555

Duration:00:19:37

Episode 63: How Does A Family Aftercare Coordinator Help Donor Families? With Katie Wright

1/10/2023
On this episode of This Thing Called Life, host Andi Johnson continues the series on ‘The Donation Process Through The Lens Of The OPO’, exploring how things work and who is involved. If you missed the previous episode in the series, you can find them at lifepassiton.org or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Today, Andi talks with Katie Wright, a family aftercare coordinator with Life Center. . Tune in to hear her personal connection to the organization as well as her career path. Episode Highlights: Katie, a family aftercare coordinator introduces herself. She has been with Life Center for nine years. Andi asks Katie what led her to begin working at Life Center; She shares that her brother was waiting on the transplant list and ended up passing away while he was waiting. He went on to be a tissue donor. He was young at 32. Katie used to work in the communication department and she actually started up the aftercare department when Life Center wanted to make a bigger support system for donor families. What exactly does aftercare do? Katie talks about outcome letters which thanks families and explains what they know about what their gifts and how they helped. What is the communication process between recipient and donor family? “Every recipient and every donor family handles their grief and their survivor's guilt and medical bumps in the road differently”, says Katie. She explains that some families want the letter and sometimes they don’t. Their department balances that to meet the needs of what people want and need. Andi asks Katie to talk about how Aftercare helps in bereavement. Katie talks about events and live streaming to reach families and give opportunities for them to connect with other families. Andi shares her perspective on families interacting with each other as she has seen it play out. Families receive a memorial gift from Life Center too to celebrate and remember their family members. What is the Donor Family Council? Andi asks Katie to share how her family personally remembers her brother. Katie and Andi talk about The Path Of Life located in a local park, Mt. Echo. Families receive ribbons of remembrance to tie on trees if they choose. 3 Key Points: Resources: https://aopo.org/https://lifepassiton.org/https://www.facebook.com/LifeCenterOHhttps://www.youtube.com/user/LifeCenterOH

Duration:00:31:54

Episode 62: Awareness Of Kidney Donation with CEO of Christ Hospital, Debbie Hayes

12/27/2022
During this episode of This Thing Called Life podcast, host Andi Johnson talks to Debbie Hayes. She is a healthcare leader in Cincinnati, and specifically she leads a number one ranked hospital in the Cincinnati region. Tune in to hear her experiences and perspective on kidney donation. Episode Highlights: 3 Key Points: Resources Mentioned: websiteFacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitterwebsiteLinkedInOrgan Donation Website

Duration:00:36:47