This Thing Called Life-logo

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.

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

Episode 15: A Life of Dedication to Changing Lives with Paula Franckhauser

3/2/2021
During episode 15 of This Thing Called Life podcast, host Andi Johnson speaks with Paula Franckhauser, a woman who has been in the fight for a long time but is now retiring from the kidney transplant game. Paula knows all things kidney and has dedicated almost half of her life to changing the lives of so many! Episode Highlights: 3 Key Points: Resources Mentioned: websiteFacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitterwebsiteLinkedInThe Christ Hospital

Duration:00:37:45

This Thing Called Life: Community Heroes 01

2/23/2021
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.

Duration:00:10:33

Episode 14: From My Heart to Yours with Donna Jones Baker

2/16/2021
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 13: Families Are The Focus with Betsy Morgan

2/2/2021
During this episode of This Thing Called Life, host Andi Johnson speaks with Betsy Morgan, the Donation Support Services Trainer at LifeCenter. Betsy trains members of her team on how to approach families for donation interviews while remaining supportive in their time of need. Episode Highlights: 3 Key Points: Resources Mentioned: websiteFacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitterwebsiteLinkedIn

Duration:00:34:09

Episode 12: Closing the Health Gap of Racial Disparity with Renee Mahaffey Harris

1/19/2021
During this episode, host Andi Johnson speaks with Renee Mahaffey Harris, President and CEO of the Center for Closing the Health Gap in Cincinnati. Renee and the CCHG are working tirelessly to educate everyone on the hidden factors that contribute to the racial disparity in the health of the American population! Episode Highlights: 3 Key Points: Resources Mentioned: websiteFacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitterwebsiteLinkedInwebsiteWMSU CampaignCOVID-19 Resources

Duration:00:45:53

Episode 11: Find A Way To Grieve with Chamoda Palmore

1/5/2021
During this episode of This Thing Called Life, host Andi Johnson speaks with Chamoda Palmore, a father to a son that was fatally injured in a motorcycle accident on his way to football practice in 2014. As a man, Chamoda knows that he might grieve differently than other people, but as someone going through his own journey of grief, he knows it’s important to find a way to grieve. Episode Highlights: 3 Key Points: Resources...

Duration:00:34:32

Episode 10: Grief Shows Itself in Many Different Ways with Jenn Proffitt

12/22/2020
During this episode of This Thing Called Life Podcast, host Andi Johnson speaks with Jenn Proffitt, one of Andi’s coworkers at LifeCenter. Jenn is a Family Aftercare Coordinator, working to help support the families of donors after the donation process takes place. With so much experience of supporting people in their own grief, Jenn has unique insight into what grief really looks like. Episode Highlights: 3 Key Points: Resources...

Duration:00:28:19

Episode 09: Grief Looks Different For Everyone with Debbie Pollino

12/8/2020
During this episode of This Thing Called Life Podcast, host Andi Johnson speaks with Debbie Pollino, a Donate-Life Ambassador for LifeCenter. Unfortunately, Debbie’s experience as an ambassador found its roots in the death of her son Nick after a car crash in 2014. Debbie knows firsthand that grief looks different for everyone and she hopes that sharing her son’s story can help others deal with their own tragedies. Episode Highlights: 3 Key Points: Resources...

Duration:00:39:49

Episode 08: A Transplant Journey of Great Luck with Donerik Black

11/24/2020
During this episode of This Thing Called Life, host Andi Johnson speaks with Donerik Black who she has known for over 20 years. Donerik had no experience with organ transplants until the day his father told him that he needed a kidney. A deep love for his father made it an easy choice. That, however, was just the beginning of his donor journey! Episode Highlights: 3 Key Points: Resources Mentioned: websiteFacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitterwebsiteLinkedInUnited Network for Organ Sharing

Duration:01:28:20

Episode 07: Giving the Breath of Life After Death with Kris Grigsby

11/10/2020
During this episode of This Thing Called Life Podcast, host Andi Johnson speaks with Kris Grigsby, an incredible human being that has acted as the primary support system for a loved one. After struggling with Cystic Fibrosis for his entire life, Kris’s husband Joe had to have a lung transplant in 2012. Listen in to hear all about Kris and Joe’s inspiring story! Episode Highlights: 3 Key Points: Resources Mentioned: websiteFacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitterwebsiteLinkedInFacebookMatthew West

Duration:00:44:26

LifeCenter Virtual Community Breakfast, November 18, 2020

11/6/2020
We would love for you to join us for LifeCenter's Virtual Community Breakfast on Wednesday, November 18th 2020 from 9 am - 10 am est. We will be sharing inspiring stories and honoring the heroes of organ donation. You can register for this FREE event at lifepassiton.org.

Duration:00:01:36

Episode 06: To Save a Brother with Courtney Schapier

10/27/2020
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:01:14:10

Episode 05: The Liver Transplant Process with Dr. Shimul Shah

10/13/2020
During this episode of This Thing Called Life podcast, host Andi Johnson speaks with Dr. Shimul Shah, the head of the Liver Transplant Program at UC Health. Dr. Shah and his team are utilizing ever-evolving medical technologies to help all those facing the liver-transplant process. He knows that it is vitally important to try to understand what the patient is going through so that they can best be served with their health problems. Episode Highlights: 3 Key Points: Resources...

Duration:00:39:13

Episode 04: Miracle After Miracle with Liver Recipient John Mock

9/29/2020
During this episode of This Thing Called Life, host Andi Johnson speaks with John Mock, a salesman for a large wheelchair manufacturer. His life took a turn two years ago when his liver failed after 56 years of perfect health. It took a ridiculous set of miracles for John to get his new liver, but he did, and his story is absolutely inspiring! Episode Highlights: 3 Key Points: Resources Mentioned: websiteFacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitterwebsiteLinkedInFacebookHope is Not a StrategyUnited...

Duration:00:50:46

Episode 03: Giving the Ultimate Gift as a Living Donor with Monica Weakley

9/15/2020
During this episode of This Thing Called Life podcast, host Andi Johnson speaks with Monica Weakley, a living kidney donor, who shares her inspiring story. Learn how Monica made the important decision to donate, how she feels about her decision thirteen years later, and how you can share her important message. Episode Highlights: 3 Key Points: Resources Mentioned: websiteFacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitterwebsiteLinkedInFacebookbookbook

Duration:00:51:22

Episode 02: Organ Donation During a Pandemic with Barry Massa

9/1/2020
During this episode of This Thing Called Life Podcast, host Andi Johnson speaks with Barry Massa, the executive director of LifeCenter Organ Donor Network. They discuss what it’s like to recover organs and tissues during a pandemic. Episode Highlights: 3 Key Points: Resources Mentioned: websiteFacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitterwebsiteLinkedInwebsiteLinkedIn

Duration:00:42:20

Episode 01: Introduction to This Thing Called Life Podcast

8/18/2020
Host Andi Johnson discusses why This Thing Called Life was created.

Duration:00:03:35