Best Lopa Podcasts (2025)

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Liver Transplants for Patients With Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer 37:39

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11d ago37:39

37:39

Show Notes: In this episode, we spotlight a groundbreaking advancement in transplantation offering new hope to patients with stage 4 colorectal cancer. At Northwestern Medicine, surgeons successfully split a donor's liver to save two lives. One portion of the donor's liver went for a traditional waitlist recipient, and the other portion, for a pati…

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ʻĀina-Based Education with Kuʻuleianuhea Awo-Chun 55:12

13d ago55:12

55:12

Send us a text Kuʻuleianuhea Awo‑Chun, Director of Education and Culture‑Based Learning at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, joins us to talk story about ʻāina‑based education, identity, and healing. Drawing from her decades in Hawaiian‑focused charter schools, she reflects on how land teaches reciprocity, how to center children's potential, and why …

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Aloha as Practice 58:56

1M ago58:56

58:56

Send us a text Ashley and Lopa explore the deeper meaning of Aloha as a lived practice. They discuss how mindfulness became a pathway back to cultural values, breaking down the word ALOHA through the teachings of Auntie Pilahi Paki and Pono Shim: Akahai, Lokahi, ʻOluʻolu, Haʻahaʻa, and Ahonui. They reflect on how these values show up in medicine, i…

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A Mascot and Advocate for Donation 39:34

1M ago39:34

39:34

Show Notes: On this episode of The Gifted Life Podcast, we sit down with Robert Boudwin who's a man known for his larger-than-life presence both on and off the court as the Houston Rockets’ beloved mascot “Clutch the Rocket Bear”. However, Robert’s story goes far beyond entertainment. He’s also a passionate Donate Life advocate with a personal jour…

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Staying Wild in Medicine: Dr. Wendy Lau on GRACE, Moral Resilience & Self-Stewardship 58:48

2M ago58:48

58:48

Send us a text What does it mean to stay tender-hearted—and even a little wild—while working in modern medicine? Dr. Wendy Lau, an emergency physician and Zen practitioner, shares the GRACE approach (Gather, Recall, Attune, Consider, Engage/End) that helps clinicians meet patients with genuine compassion, even on the busiest shifts. She explains ho…

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Peace Seekers - Reimagining Belonging 30:20

2M ago30:20

30:20

Send us a text What does it mean to be well—not just physically, but emotionally, culturally, and in community? In this episode, we talk with Saul Ferolus, a Haitian peace seeker, father, husband and community advocate, who shares his lived experience as a Haitian navigating life after the 2010 earthquake, migration, and the challenges of being mis…

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A Quest for a Lung 25:40

2M ago25:40

25:40

Show Notes: We’re joined by Ron Chapman — lung transplant recipient, author, and passionate advocate for those awaiting a second chance at life. In a powerful conversation, Ron shares his deeply personal story of resilience, fear, hope, and gratitude. Through his heartfelt discussion with our hosts and his inspiring book, A Quest for a Lung, Ron of…

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The Engine of the Heart: Compassionate Global Health with Dr. Shams Syed 57:24

3M ago57:24

57:24

Send us a text What does it mean to lead with compassion in global health—and why does it matter now more than ever? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Shams Syed to explore how compassion, partnership, and service are not just values—but strategies for systems change. From his early work designing bi-directional hospital partnerships across con…

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Passion & Purpose: Transforming Rural Healthcare in Africa 1:00:35

3M ago1:00:35

1:00:35

Send us a text If you would like to donate to Kiwoko hospital please visit: https://www.adaragroup.org/development/get-involved/donate/ 100% of proceeds go to global health programming. We're excited to share this episode featuring Dr. James, a leader who's transforming rural healthcare in Uganda with unwavering commitment and care. In our conversa…

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A Soldier’s Second Chance 35:57

3M ago35:57

35:57

Show Notes: For our milestone 250th episode, we bring you an inspiring conversation with Louis Smith, an Army veteran and heart transplant recipient, alongside Dr. Benjamin Bryner, a cardiac surgeon at Northwestern Memorial Hospital who saved more than just his life. After serving in the military, Smith’s heart function declined to just 10 percent,…

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“Authentic Healing & Narrative Medicine” with Dr. Rana Awdish 54:30

4M ago54:30

54:30

Send us a text Dr. Rana Awdish is a critical care physician, best-selling author, physician advocate, and public speaker whose book In Shock: My Journey from Death to Recovery and the Redemptive Power of Hope has sparked profound conversations across the world of medicine. In this episode, we explore the question: What happens when a physician beco…

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More Than Medicine: Redefining Healing 45:31

4M ago45:31

45:31

Send us a text What does it mean to truly heal—and who are we beyond our white coats? In this first episode of Inspire Global Radio, co-hosts Dr. Lopa Basu and Dr. Ashley Ono, two women physicians practicing in Hawai‘i, interview one another to unpack how their personal healing journeys have reshaped their understanding of medicine, identity, and c…

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Miracle Man 34:45

4M ago34:45

34:45

Show Notes: In this powerful episode, we sit down with Todd and Carrie Hensel. Todd underwent a two day surgery which included a seven-organ transplant, during which he died five times. Fate had other plans and organ donation gave Todd a second chance at life. Now, Todd and Carrie live on a peaceful ranch and we discuss their newly released book, “…

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444 Miles and 4 Women Raise Awareness for Living Donation 27:14

5M ago27:14

27:14

Show Notes: In September of 2024, 4 women kidney donors, over 4 days, biked 444 miles to promote living organ donation. We’re excited to have Diane Mills, one of the four women behind the event, join us to share the story of how it all began and the incredible success it achieved. She’ll talk about the supportive people they encountered along the j…

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Deputy Saves Lives Through Organ Donation 37:19

6M ago37:19

37:19

Show Notes: On this episode, we welcome Deputy Kim Bergeron of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, an extraordinary individual who serves, protects and saves lives. Deputy Bergeron shares her inspiring story as a living kidney donor to her high school friend, and her recent experience as a stem cell donor. Discover her journey and the profound…

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Honoring a Donor Through Endurance 31:23

7M ago31:23

31:23

Show Notes: We welcome Angie Mikkelson, a heart transplant recipient who’s galloping into her second chance at life. Angie shares her incredible journey from living with a lifelong heart defect to receiving the lifesaving gift of a heart at 25 years old. She shares how the generosity of her donor hero inspired her to push the boundaries of enduranc…

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A Kidney Life 44:03

9M ago44:03

44:03

Show Notes: In this episode, we explore the journey of living with kidney disease. We talk to Pesh Patel, who has transformed a life altering diagnosis into his mission. Pesh shares his personal story and how he founded A Kidney Life, which includes a podcast, Talk Kidney to Me. This podcast is dedicated to raising awareness for those living with k…

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Medical Breakthrough - Awake Kidney Transplant 32:55

9M ago32:55

32:55

Show Notes: Dr. Satish Nadig with Northwestern Medicine and kidney transplant recipient, John Nicholas, join us to share details about a medical breakthrough in kidney transplantation. The AWAKE Kidney Program (Accelerated Surgery Without General Anesthesia in Kidney Transplantation) is a new approach in kidney transplantation, and in John's case, …

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Donation Advocate and Miss Florida 2024, Casana Fink 33:49

10M ago33:49

33:49

Show Notes: We welcome Casana Fink, an advocate for organ and tissue donation, nonprofit founder, entrepreneur, author, Miss Tampa and at the release of this episode, the current Miss Florida, who will be competing in the Miss America competition next year. As the daughter of a liver recipient, Casana has dedicated over a decade to educate others a…

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Safe Schools 35:32

11M ago35:32

35:32

Show Notes: In this community partnership episode, we dive into the topic of school safety and gain important insights from Louisiana Center for Safe Schools Director, Trevis Thompson. Trevis explores the strategies, practices and programs that support school communities and their safety partners. Learn how communities can use these programs to ens…

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It Was a Christmas Miracle: A Pediatric Nurse Donated Her Kidney to a Teen 33:11

1y ago33:11

33:11

Show Notes: Join us for an inspiring episode as we chat with nurse Lori Vaughn and teen Lauren Swanson. Lauren’s battle with a rare disease led to her needing a kidney transplant. One day, Lori stumbled upon a social media plea for a living donor for Lauren. Even though she had no direct connection to Lauren, Lori felt led to see if she was a match…

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Transplant Games of America Film Festival 28:11

1y ago28:11

28:11

Show Notes: We are getting you ready for the 2024 Transplant Games of America and TGA's inaugural Film Festival in Birmingham by welcoming previous guests Bill Ryan and Robert Horsey. Bill is President and CEO of the Transplant Games of America, and Robert is the Writer and Executive Producer of Gifted: The Docuseries. They catch us up by sharing t…

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Four Time Kidney Recipient, Mark Fenrich 29:17

1y ago29:17

29:17

Show Notes: We sit down with Mark Fenrich, who's faced a lifelong battle with kidney disease, undergoing a remarkable journey with a total of four kidney transplants from four different members of his family. Mark's inspiring story has captivated national media, and showcases the incredible impact of living kidney donation. Following our conversati…

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The Houston Gamer - A Thankful Recipient 44:35

1y ago44:35

44:35

Show Notes: In this episode, we’re joined by The Houston Gamer, Willie Jefferson, who's an avid gamer, popular YouTube vlogger, journalist, minister, and a grateful kidney recipient. Willie shares his journey with our hosts by detailing his illness, insights into his dialysis treatments and his life saving transplant. He reveals the reason behind n…

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Inspiring Change Through Loss 34:36

1y ago34:36

34:36

Show Notes: In this pivotal episode, Kelli McQuesten, a Community Outreach Coordinator at Lifeline of Ohio, channels her personal tragedy into a powerful call for change. She tragically lost her husband, Matthew, due to not receiving a heart transplant in time. Motivated by her family's heart-wrenching experience of waiting in vain for a life-savin…

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Fais Do-Donate 43:33

1+ y ago43:33

43:33

Show Notes: We are discussing the Fais Do-Donate, an upcoming fundraiser to benefit the LOPA Foundation aimed at celebrating the gift of life on a Louisiana Saturday night. Wendy Lipsey, a LOPA Foundation Board Member and grateful transplant recipient, joins our podcast to share her transplantation journey and shed light on the activities lined up …

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Gifted: The Docuseries 29:33

1+ y ago29:33

29:33

Show Notes: Presenting "Gifted: The Docuseries," a compelling and uplifting exploration of organ donation and transplantation. Delve into the genesis of this inspirational series with author and filmmaker, Robert Horsey, as we journey alongside donor mom Jody Miller. Through Jody's poignant experience, we witness how her daughter, Heather, became a…

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From Loss to Law: The Legacy of Aliye Ringe 35:29

1+ y ago35:29

35:29

Show Notes: Leah Veck, grandmother to the donor hero Aliye Ringe, transformed her grief into action by delivering impassioned testimony before a Louisiana Legislative Committee. Thanks to Leah's tireless advocacy, Aliye's Law HB 289 was enacted in July 2023, guaranteeing that all Louisiana high school students receive education on organ, tissue, ey…

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Fire Safety with Ashley Rodrigue 30:28

1+ y ago30:28

30:28

Show Notes: We partner with Ashley Rodrigue, the Public Affairs Director for the State Fire Marshal's Office, to share life-saving fire safety tips. Learn about Louisiana's new carbon monoxide law, the Operation Save-A-Life program, and crucial measures to ensure your home and family are safe. In our Mental Health Moment, we discuss tips for priori…

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Unwrapping Grief 29:01

1+ y ago29:01

29:01

Show Notes: Dive into the exploration of grief with Patricia Cameron, an author and donor wife, who shares her journey after her husband's sudden passing at 45. In her book, Grief Unwrapped, Patricia confronts the burning question many face in the wake of loss: "Can I find joy again?" Discover her empowering insights on transitioning from mere surv…

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A Grateful Recipient 39:35

1+ y ago39:35

39:35

Show Notes: Join us as we warmly welcome Tony Lucero, an avid listener and grateful liver recipient, to share his remarkable transplantation journey. Tony's powerful story sheds light on the many faceted connections made in the organ donation process. Our mental health moment takes a reflective turn as we discuss the importance of slowing down in a…

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SODA: Student Organ Donation Advocates 25:36

1+ y ago25:36

25:36

Show Notes: In this podcast episode, we delve into the impactful work of Student Organ Donation Advocates (SODA National), an organization empowering students to drive organ donation advocacy on their high school or college campuses. Program Director, Nicole Nidea, provides an insightful update on SODA's outreach initiatives since our previous disc…

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Brain Donation for Alzheimer's Research 35:30

1+ y ago35:30

35:30

Show Notes: Dr. Crystal Glover and Ryan Johnson of The Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center (RADC), join us to discuss the importance of brain donation in understanding and treating Alzheimer's disease. Brain donation provides a definite diagnosis for families to help identify any hereditary issues and risk factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease an…

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Wyatt's Wish 30:04

1+ y ago30:04

30:04

Show Notes: A listener turns into a guest on The Gifted Life Podcast. Pam Dworetz-Sofarelli wrote Wyatt's Wish, inspired by the gift of donation. Her book is geared towards young children with family and friends who are journeying through the organ donation process. Learn how Pam utilizes gentle storytelling to lead Wyatt to a very unexpected life …

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Infant Safe Sleep 34:13

1+ y ago34:13

34:13

Show Notes: In this episode, we talk about infants and how to ensure a safe sleep environment. Chris Knoblauch, Director of Education/Community Outreach with St. Tammany Parish Coroner's Office, and Sara Dickenson, Maternal Child Health Coordinator Supervisor with the Bureau of Family Health, join us to give valuable but simple tips for learning ab…

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Mazie's Mission 37:08

1+ y ago37:08

37:08

Show Notes: Heather Broussard, a mother on a mission, is dedicated to spreading awareness about water safety in the wake of the tragic loss of her 17-month-old daughter, Mazie. Transforming their family's heartbreak into a beacon of hope, they founded Mazie's Mission, an organization committed to promoting water safety. Heather not only recounts he…

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Ava's Wish 48:48

1+ y ago48:48

48:48

Show Notes: We have a big bunch of friends in the studio to talk about Ava's Wish, a new book available now. The book is an inspired guide to help children understand the gift of organ and tissue donation. This book was written in honor of Ava Grace, who, following kindergarten graduation, became a "helper angel" at just 6-years-old and saved lives…

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ATV Safety 36:05

1+ y ago36:05

36:05

Show Notes: Community partners, Kristen Sanderson with the Louisiana Office of Public Health and Chris Knoblauch with the St. Tammany Parish Coroner's Office, join us in the studio to share important tips for maintaining safety while operating an ATV/UTV. Learn the ins and outs of the equipment and safety precautions families can take when enjoying…

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17 Again, A Story of Life After Life 34:21

2y ago34:21

34:21

Show Notes: Have you ever wondered how many people's lives can change in a matter of minutes? That's the guiding question for the book 17 Again, A Story of Life After Life, which is inspired by real-life events that occurred 30 years ago. At 17, Andrea Boullt, became a donor saving 6 lives following a tragic accident. Now, her sister and the book's…

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Bone Marrow Research 39:58

2y ago39:58

39:58

Show Notes: We welcome back Kevin Caldwell from Ossium Health, who was previously featured on episode #114, to reveal groundbreaking developments in the realm of bone marrow research and transplantation. Prepare to be amazed as we delve into Ossium's cutting-edge research, showcasing remarkable advancements in the preservation of bone marrow over e…

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The Gift - Organ Donation Through a Child's Eyes 28:21

2y ago28:21

28:21

Show Notes: Children are naturally curious, and they have a unique ability to empathize and understand complex concepts when presented in a clear and simple manner. In this episode, we welcome Madeline Pawloski, author of The Gift: A Children's Book About "The Gift" of Organ Donation. Madeline delicately introduces the topic in a kid-friendly way t…

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A Heart Recipient Shares His Story 45:34

2y ago45:34

45:34

Show Notes: This episode’s guest is heart recipient, Ryan Gallet, who hails from the heart of Cajun Country. Ryan, who is 48 years old, had a massive heart attack at the age of 30 due to a 100% blockage. About 3 years later, Ryan learned his heart only had 10% function and he needed a new heart to live. Now, he shares his story to inspire more peop…

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NRP-DCD A New Process for Saving Lives - Part 2 27:09

2y ago27:09

27:09

Show Notes: As we continue our conversation with Dr. Anji Wall, Abdominal Transplant Surgeon and Bioethicist at Baylor, Scott and White Health in Dallas, we delve into the legal and ethical aspects of Normothermic Regional Perfusion (NRP), a revolutionary advancement in organ recovery and transplantation. One of the critical issues surrounding NRP …

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NRP-DCD A New Process for Saving Lives 42:09

2y ago42:09

42:09

Show Notes: Welcome to a special two-part series on Normothermic Regional Perfusion (NRP)! We have a true pioneer and expert in the field of transplantation joining us. Dr. Anji Wall, Abdominal Transplant Surgeon and Bioethicist at Baylor, Scott and White Health in Dallas, will be sharing with us the groundbreaking advancements in organ recovery an…

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Traumatic Loss Support Program 37:05

2y ago37:05

37:05

Show Notes: We welcome Dr. Ray Tucker, with the Baton Rouge Crisis Intervention Center to discuss the Traumatic Loss Support Program and how its structure helps support families going through a sudden loss such as suicide. Learn key details about the program, statistics and gain takeaways to apply to your own life. Then in our Mental Health Moment …

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Learning About Biliary Atresia 45:03

2y ago45:03

45:03

Show Notes: We welcome Analy Navarro, a mom who gave life twice. Analy's daughter was born with Biliary Atresia, a rare liver disease that affects 1 in every 12,000 infants worldwide. Analy's act of donation, along with her children's book, Mighty Me, showcases her commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others. She continues to …

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Writing to Express Grief 41:29

2y ago41:29

41:29

Show Notes: Writing can be a powerful tool for expressing intense emotions, including grief. Whether it's through journaling, letters, or other forms of written communication, putting our thoughts and feelings into words can provide solace and support during the grieving process. In the context of organ and tissue donation, writing can play a signi…

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Take Good Care App 36:15

2y ago36:15

36:15

Show Notes: Experiencing a health crisis is a daunting journey filled with uncertainties. Lisa Bradshaw personally encountered this challenge when she received a cancer diagnosis. She faced it once again while providing care for her husband, Wesley, during his illness and subsequent lung transplant. Lisa's invaluable knowledge and firsthand experie…

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Gun Safety 31:02

2y ago31:02

31:02

Show Notes: Saving lives and educating the public about preventable deaths is part of our podcast’s mission. In this episode, we partner with our friends from the St. Tammany Parish Coroner's Office and the Louisiana Office of Public Health to talk about gun safety. Chris Knoblauch and Kristen Sanderson join us in the studio to talk about practical…

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The Decision to Donate - We Hadn't Talked About it Before 43:34

2y ago43:34

43:34

Show Notes: How does a family make a decision about donation, when their loved one's wishes about being a donor are unknown? Our guest, Jessica Andrade, shares the details of her family's intense discussions about making the decision to donate, and how her younger brother was able to save the lives of 4 people and hundreds with his tissue, skin and…