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This Thing Called Life is a podcast dedicated to acts of giving, kindness, compassion, and humanity. Host Andi Johnson introduces you to powerful organ, tissue, and eye donation stories from individuals, families, and front-line healthcare teams. These stories are meant to inspire and remind you that while life can be challenging and unpredictable, it’s also incredibly beautiful. We hope this podcast inspires you to connect with our life-saving and life-healing mission.
Episodes
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EP 144: When Everything Changes Overnight: Corie Blount on Fighting for His Son, CJ
Episode Description:
On this episode of This Thing Called Life, former University of Cincinnati standout and 11-year NBA veteran Corie Blount shares a deeply personal story far beyond the game.
His 25-year-old son, CJ, went from a simple headache and fatigue to a life-altering diagnosis: dangerously high blood pressure and severe kidney disease.
With no family history, the news came out of nowhere.
Now on dialysis, CJ is waiting for a life-saving kidney transplant as Corie and their family begin the emotional journey of seeing who might be a match.
This conversation is about more than basketball, it’s about fatherhood, resilience, and what it means to show up when everything shifts in an instant. Corie also reflects on life after the NBA—from co-hosting Legends Unplugged with Terry Nelson to his work on the Bob Huggins documentary.
It’s an honest, powerful look at how quickly life can change and the strength it takes to fight for the people you love.
Episode Highlights
- Host Andi Johnson welcomes former NBA player Corie Blount, whose connection to both the University of Cincinnati and the organ donation community brings depth and perspective to the conversation.
- Corie reflects on his basketball journey—from his time at the University of Cincinnati to an 11-year NBA career playing alongside legends like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and Scottie Pippen.
- He shares his deep connection to Cincinnati, describing it as home and a place that continues to shape his life beyond basketball.
- The conversation shifts as Corie opens up about his son CJ’s sudden health crisis, which began with what seemed like minor symptoms—headaches and fatigue—but quickly escalated.
- After being taken to the emergency room, CJ was diagnosed with extremely high blood pressure and severe kidney failure, leaving the family in shock.
- Corie candidly describes the emotional impact of the diagnosis and the steep learning curve his family faced in understanding kidney disease, dialysis, and transplant options.
- CJ is now undergoing dialysis treatments while awaiting a kidney transplant, and Corie shares how the family has rallied together to support him physically and emotionally.
- Despite the challenges, CJ continues to show strength, positivity, and resilience, even after graduating from the University of Cincinnati with a degree in business.
- Corie emphasizes the importance of being present as a family, recalling how loved ones stayed by CJ’s side in the hospital to ensure he never felt alone.
- He shares his willingness to become a donor himself and speaks about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle—both for donors and recipients.
- The episode highlights the importance of organ donation awareness, particularly the need for more people to consider living donation.
- Andi explains how simple it is to begin the donor testing process, often starting with a basic mouth swab.
- The conversation introduces the concept of paired kidney exchange, where donors who are not a direct match can still help save lives through a matching network.
- Corie expresses gratitude for organizations like Network for Hope, which help educate families and guide them through the transplant journey.
- Beyond his family’s story, Corie shares updates on his life after basketball, including his podcast “Legends Unplugged” and involvement in the Bob Huggins documentary.
- The episode concludes with a powerful call to action—encouraging listeners to get informed, consider donation, and support families navigating similar challenges.
Key Takeaways
- Health Crises Can Happen Without Warning
CJ’s story is a reminder that serious health conditions can develop unexpectedly, even without a known family history—making awareness and regular checkups essential. - Support Systems Make All the Difference
In moments of crisis, the presence of family, community, and trusted organizations provides strength, stability, and hope. - Organ Donation Saves Lives—and Starts With Awareness
From simple testing to paired exchanges, understanding the donation process can open doors to life-saving opportunities for those in need.
Tweetable Quotes
“I have an indebtedness of gratitude to the city and the university, and that's why I'm still here, and this is home now.”
- Corie Blount
“ It's more of a learning curve for me, and then just trying to make sure that let him know he's loved and that we're supporting him. He's never alone. Whenever he was at the hospital, our whole family was there sleeping on the couches and on the floors and everything, just to show our support. We're supporting it now through this; it's just a learning curve.”
- Corie Blount
“I appreciate what you guys did with the program, that you guys have to bring awareness to his situation, and it kind of educated me also.”
- Corie Blount
“I never even knew you could live with one kidney, right when you met someone saying that they needed a kidney, like, 'Man, if I get my kidney up. How am I going to live? How is my life going to be moving forward?’
But the good thing that I've learned is that you have to treat your body right, no matter what.”
- Corie Blount
“And it's important also to say that to be tested to be a living kidney donor, it's actually a very simple process, and it starts with a mouth swab. They send you a Q tip, it's a longer Q tip, and they do a mouth swab, and that's how the process starts.”
- Andi Johnson
“It's hard for someone that you know, being of such a young age, you know, I think too, though it is helpful that he is young and doing the dialysis versus being older.”
- Corie Blount
“Well, our hope and prayer is that you are the match, and if not, it's someone else in the family or but I would, I would not be surprised if there aren't people just knocking down the door to see if they would be a match for CJ.”
- Andi Johnson
“Interesting fact about the living kidney donation process is that even if you're not a match for CJ, or if anyone else wants to be tested, and they're not a match for CJ, but they can still be a donor. Then there's this program. It's called the Paired Kidney exchange. So then you, for example, would donate to someone else that you were a match for, and then someone else who was a match for CJ would then donate for him.”
- Andi Johnson
“Man, this is phenomenal that I don't know how we would have been able to deal with what we deal with. And fortunately, organizations like yourselves are stepping up and getting people to understand what's going on, and it's definitely needed.”
- Corie Blount
Resources:
https://www.networkforhope.org/
https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/
https://www.networkforhope.org/stories-of-hope/
https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO
Tuesday Apr 28, 2026
Tuesday Apr 28, 2026
This episode of TTCL will feature an interview with Luis Santiago from NFH on La Mega.
This monthly interview will inform the Spanish Community about Network For Hope and the incredible miracles that happen with Organ, Tissue, and Eye Donation.
Resources:
https://getoffthelist.org/
https://www.networkforhope.org/
https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/
https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO
https://aopo.org/
Tuesday Apr 21, 2026
Tuesday Apr 21, 2026
EP 142: Living Proof: How A Transplant at 7 months Sparked a Life of Impact
Episode Summary
Haley Williamson’s life began with a fight—and it turned into a mission. In this episode of This Thing Called Life, Haley shares her experience of receiving a liver transplant as an infant and how that second chance shaped her path. Now at 27 years old and working with Network for Hope, she connects with communities, spreading awareness and encouraging others through her story. This is a conversation about resilience, purpose, and making every day count.
Episode Highlights
- Host Andi Johnson welcomes Haley Williamson, a liver transplant recipient whose journey began at just seven months old.
- Haley shares that she was diagnosed with biliary atresia shortly after birth, leading her family to quickly explore transplant options, including the possibility of her mother becoming a living donor.
- Although her mother was approved to donate, Haley ultimately received a liver from a deceased donor.
- She reflects on growing up post-transplant and how, despite taking daily medication, she has been able to live a largely healthy and active life.
- Andi and Haley discuss a common misconception—that transplant recipients immediately return to “normal”—while acknowledging that every journey is different and often includes ongoing challenges.
- Haley shares how her early medical experiences influenced her career path, leading her to roles in healthcare and eventually to Network for Hope, where she now works in community outreach and education.
- She opens up about the emotional challenges of body image, particularly growing up with a visible surgical scar, and how her mother supported her in building confidence and self-acceptance.
- Haley reflects on the maturity she developed over time, including navigating social situations—such as college environments—while making choices aligned with her health.
- She expresses deep gratitude for both her mother’s willingness to donate and the selfless gift from her donor’s family, recognizing the duality of loss and life in transplantation.
- During an internship, Haley had the opportunity to mentor patients awaiting transplants, offering encouragement and perspective from someone who has lived through the experience.
- Andi highlights Haley’s gift for breaking down complex topics around organ donation, making them more approachable for individuals who may feel hesitant or unsure.
- Haley shares how education helps dispel fear, noting that many people become more open to donation once they truly understand the process.
- Beyond her advocacy work, Haley shares glimpses of her personal life—including her love for concerts (especially One Direction and Taylor Swift) and her recent interest in tennis and pickleball.
- The episode closes with Andi recognizing Haley as living proof of the impact of organ donation and celebrating her role in spreading hope and awareness.
Key Takeaways
- A Second Chance Can Become a Life of Purpose
Haley’s journey shows that transplantation is not just about survival—it can inspire a life dedicated to helping and uplifting others. - Education Reduces Fear and Builds Trust
Many misconceptions about organ donation come from a lack of understanding. Honest conversations and real stories can change perspectives and encourage action. - Resilience Is Built Over Time—With Support
From navigating body image to making health-conscious decisions, Haley’s story highlights the importance of family support, self-acceptance, and personal growth.
Tweetable Quotes
“I think it is really a testament to how much medicine has improved since then, because now we have a ton of transplant centers near us, so that's great.”
- Haley Williamson
“I've been very fortunate. I've lived a very normal life. I honestly don't think about it most of the time, unless it comes up, and then I'm able to share my story with people. But I know that's not the norm for everyone, so I hope, if nothing else, I can be a voice of hope for people who are awaiting a transplant, or their child's going through something, that there is good on the horizon, and you can live a normal life after a transplant.”
- Haley Williamson
“So, Child Life is a program that they have in hospitals for kids. Okay, it's to help improve morale, but also to help things not seem so scary. And other examples are like putting a baby doll through an MRI, so kids know what to expect. They see that their dolls are going through it, so it's not that scary. And so I'm like, I really like this. I enjoy being in this environment.”
- Haley Williamson
“I love getting to really break down organ donation to people. I've experienced a lot of hesitancy from people just in my day-to-day life. And so it can be scary going in to talk to people and thinking they're automatically going to say, No, I'm not interested, right? But as soon as you explain things to people, they're like, Oh, this is like, I had no idea. This is what was really going on.”
- Haley Williamson
“My scar did not say the same size it was when I was a baby. It has stretched with me. It goes all the way across my stomach, and it's been like, that'd be hard. Yes, it's been like that my whole life. So, especially like in elementary school, for sure, other kids don't understand, right?”
- Haley Williamson
Resources:
https://www.networkforhope.org/
https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/
https://www.networkforhope.org/stories-of-hope/
https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO
Tuesday Apr 07, 2026
Tuesday Apr 07, 2026
EP 141: Hope Springs Eternal this Donate Life Month
Episode Summary
In this special episode of This Thing Called Life, host Andi Johnson shines a light on Donate Life Month, observed each April—a time dedicated to honoring organ, tissue, and eye donors, celebrating transplant recipients, and raising awareness about the life-saving power of donation.
Andi reflects on the profound impact of donation—not just as a medical process, but as a deeply human act of generosity that gives others a second chance at life. From the courage of donor families to the renewed hope experienced by recipients, this episode highlights the stories and purpose behind the mission of Network for Hope.
Listeners will also learn simple yet meaningful ways to get involved, from registering as a donor to starting conversations that can ultimately save lives.
This episode is both a tribute and a call to action—reminding us that hope is real, and it begins with a single decision.
Episode Highlights
- Host Andi Johnson introduces the significance of Donate Life Month, observed each April to honor organ, tissue, and eye donation and the lives impacted by it.
- She shares why this month holds deep meaning for Network for Hope, as it recognizes the extraordinary courage of donors and their families who make life-saving decisions during incredibly difficult times.
- The episode celebrates transplant recipients, highlighting how donation provides not just survival—but more time, more milestones, and an improved quality of life.
- Andi emphasizes that Donate Life Month is a powerful reminder that hope is made possible through generosity.
- She outlines several ways individuals can show support, including wearing blue and green, as a visible sign of awareness and solidarity.
- Listeners are encouraged to share personal stories—their own or those of loved ones—to help humanize the impact of donation and inspire others.
- Andi highlights opportunities to get involved through local events, flag-raising ceremonies, and online engagement to help spread awareness within communities.
- She underscores the importance of registering as an organ donor and, just as importantly, having open conversations with family members about that decision.
- The episode reinforces the idea that normalizing conversations around donation is key—because informed, shared decisions are stronger and more likely to be honored.
- Andi closes with a message of gratitude and purpose, honoring the legacies of donors while inspiring listeners to help build a future where no one has to wait for a second chance at life.
Key Takeaways
- Donation Is a Powerful Legacy of Life
Every donor creates a ripple effect—impacting not just one life, but entire families and communities through the gift of a second chance. - Awareness Starts With Conversation
Talking openly about organ donation with your family ensures your wishes are known and helps normalize a life-saving decision. - Small Actions Can Make a Life-Saving Difference
From registering as a donor to wearing blue and green or sharing a story, simple actions can raise awareness and inspire others to take part.
Tweetable Quotes
“For us at network for hope, this month is deeply meaningful. It's about celebrating the heroes, donors and their families who made courageous decisions during incredibly difficult moments. It's about recognizing transplant recipients whose second chance means more time, more milestones, and a better quality of life.”
- Andi Johnson
“You can wear blue and green to show your support. You can share a story. You can attend a local event, participate in a flag raising ceremony, or engage with us online to help spread awareness. You can register as an organ donor and talk with your family about your decision. Most importantly, you can help normalize the conversation, because donation starts with a decision, and decisions are stronger when they're informed and shared.”
- Andi Johnson
Resources:
https://www.networkforhope.org/
https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/
https://www.networkforhope.org/stories-of-hope/
https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO
Tuesday Mar 24, 2026
Tuesday Mar 24, 2026
EP 140: "Strength in Every Generation: Orlando Brown Jr. on Family, Football, and Understanding Type 1 Diabetes"
Episode Summary
Cincinnati Bengals Offensive Lineman Orlando Brown Jr. opens up about his family’s powerful story of resilience and awareness in the face of Type 1 diabetes. After losing his father to diabetic ketoacidosis and supporting his brother through the same diagnosis, Orlando has turned his personal loss into a mission for generational health.
In this episode of This Thing Called Life, Orlando discusses how going through the process of genetic testing, prioritizing dietary choices, and educating his family on the disease has shaped their understanding of health—and why awareness, prevention, and advocacy matter for every family.
Episode Highlights
- Host Andi Johnson welcomes Cincinnati Bengals offensive lineman Orlando Brown Jr. for a meaningful conversation about family, football, and health advocacy.
- Orlando shares his appreciation for being on the show and talks about continuing his journey with Cincinnati for two more seasons.
- He explains the story behind his signature fox tail, a tradition that began in college as a good luck charm and has since become part of his identity.
- Orlando reflects on his unique path to football, including how his father—former NFL player Orlando Brown Sr.—initially did not want him or his siblings to play sports because of the physical risks involved.
- He shares how, despite that hesitation, his love for football continued to grow, eventually leading him to begin playing in the eighth grade.
- Orlando talks about how his father later became one of his biggest supporters, helping him develop his game and encouraging his growth as an athlete.
- The conversation takes a deeper turn as Orlando opens up about his father’s undiagnosed diabetes and the devastating impact it had on his family.
- He discusses how cultural beliefs, distrust of the medical system, and reliance on home remedies can sometimes delay diagnosis and treatment—especially in communities where medical mistrust has been passed down over time.
- Orlando also shares his family’s experience with his brother’s Type 1 diabetes diagnosis, and how that moment brought a new level of urgency and awareness to their lives.
- He emphasizes the importance of early detection, prevention, and education, especially for families who may be at greater risk.
- Orlando speaks candidly about the steps he now takes to protect his own health, including monitoring his body closely and making intentional lifestyle choices to avoid the same health challenges that affected his family.
- He shares how supporting his brother and others living with Type 1 diabetes deepened his understanding of the daily realities of the disease.
- Orlando highlights his advocacy work, including efforts to make insulin more affordable, raise awareness, and support research aimed at prevention and a cure.
- He discusses participating in preventive testing and trials, using his platform to encourage others to take action before health issues become crises.
- Orlando also opens up about the meaning behind several of his tattoos, including one honoring his father and another connected to his brother’s diagnosis.
- He shares the story of one of his most meaningful tattoos—a portrait of his grandfather—and reflects on the powerful influence his grandfather had on his life and values.
- The episode also touches on Orlando’s commitment to long-term wellness through nutrition. He explains why he hired a full-time nutritionist to help reduce inflammation, improve recovery, and better understand how food affects his body.
- He talks about preventative health practices, natural remedies, and the importance of using today’s science and resources to avoid the chronic health issues many former athletes face later in life.
- Orlando closes by speaking about his role on the field, his love for protecting his quarterback, and the importance of being a consistent, vocal leader for his team.
Key Takeaways
- Family health history matters more than many people realize.
Orlando’s story is a powerful reminder that understanding your family’s medical history can help you make informed, life-saving decisions earlier. - Awareness and early action can change outcomes.
From genetic testing to prevention efforts, this episode underscores the importance of paying attention to warning signs and taking proactive steps before a health crisis occurs. - Personal pain can become purposeful advocacy.
Orlando has transformed his family’s loss and challenges into a mission to educate others, support research, and use his platform to drive meaningful change.
Tweetable Quotes
“My football story is really unique. My so my dad played in the NFL for 13 years, and he didn't start playing till he was in 11th grade in high school, and his biggest thing for me and my siblings were he didn't want us playing sports.”
- Orlando Brown Jr.
“I would always go to the practices. I kept up with it. So I've always had a real passion for the game of football, but he would not let me play. For him, football is a dark sport in a way, you know, and I've been fortunate in my path to get here, I was drafted, and I've had better opportunities than he did.”
- Orlando Brown Jr.
“Southern black culture isn't, you know, the hospitals and doctors and medicine, it's more about remedies and, you know, things like that. That was my family. Distrust of the medical system.”
- Orlando Brown Jr.
“ It's so important because, you know, as you said, experiencing it firsthand. You know, I always want to make sure that somebody can learn from my mistakes and or my family's mistakes. And that's so important. It's so important to be able to get ahead of it.”
- Orlando Brown Jr.
“I've spent a lot of time, I feel like all over the US. I've gone to the Senate and talked about making insulin more affordable. I've gone to different children's Mercy hospitals across the US and work with them on finding a cure. I've completed the trial net, which is the preventive version of type one, just to make sure you don't have the antibodies.“
- Orlando Brown Jr.
“My nutritionist does this food test where she's able to tell you what food you can and can't eat that inflames your body.”
- Orlando Brown Jr.
Resources:
https://www.networkforhope.org/
https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/
https://www.networkforhope.org/stories-of-hope/
https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO
Tuesday Mar 17, 2026
Tuesday Mar 17, 2026
This episode of TTCL will feature an interview with Luis Santiago from NFH on La Mega.
This monthly interview will inform the Spanish Community about Network For Hope and the incredible miracles that happen with Organ, Tissue, and Eye Donation.
Resources:
https://getoffthelist.org/
https://www.networkforhope.org/
https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/
https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO
https://aopo.org/
Tuesday Mar 10, 2026
Tuesday Mar 10, 2026
EP 138: "A Leap Of Faith, Chelsea's Altruistic Kidney Donation Journey"
Episode Summary
Chelsea McNicholas, a Hospital Partnership Liaison with Network for Hope, joins This Thing Called Life to share how a social media post and her faith led her to become an altruistic kidney donor for a Child. Chelsea recounts starting the testing process after hearing about a friend’s mother's need. Although she was not a match, it led her to another post about a child's need for a kidney, so she continued the testing. Ultimately, she was not needed because that child found a donor.
She walks us through her personal journey, the emotional and logistical realities of altruistic donation, and why community education about organ, tissue, and eye donation matters. Hear a personal, hopeful story that demystifies donation and inspires listeners to learn how they can help save lives.
Episode Highlights
- Host Andi Johnson welcomes listeners and introduces guest Chelsea McNicholas, a dedicated advocate for organ donation and a valued member of the team at Network for Hope.
- Chelsea shares her professional background in healthcare and explains how becoming a mother helped inspire her decision to transition into her role with Network for Hope, where she could make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.
- As a Hospital Partnership Liaison, Chelsea explains that her work centers on building and maintaining strong relationships with hospital teams to ensure the organ donation process is handled with care, compassion, and efficiency.
- She describes the unique dual advocacy role she plays—supporting both hospital partners and the Network for Hope team throughout the donation process to ensure every step honors the donor and their family.
- Chelsea discusses her day-to-day responsibilities, which include hospital education, policy updates, compliance support, and continuous follow-up to strengthen collaboration between healthcare teams and the donation network.
- The conversation highlights how strong hospital partnerships are essential to ensuring successful donation outcomes and providing families with compassionate support during difficult moments.
- Chelsea shares some of the challenges of her role, particularly when unexpected issues arise within hospital systems. In those moments, creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving become essential.
- She praises the leadership at Network for Hope for fostering a supportive culture that empowers team members to think innovatively and find solutions that best serve donors, recipients, and healthcare partners.
- Andi and Chelsea reflect on the fulfillment that comes from working alongside passionate colleagues who are united by a shared mission to save and improve lives through donation.
- The conversation also addresses the scrutiny and misinformation that can sometimes surround organ donation. Chelsea emphasizes the importance of transparency, education, and trust in maintaining strong relationships with hospitals and the public.
- They discuss the important role donation ambassadors play in sharing personal stories that build understanding and confidence in the donation process.
- Chelsea then shares her deeply personal journey as a living donor. Before working in the field, she had little direct connection to organ donation until she began seeing social media posts from former classmates searching for kidney donors.
- Moved by their stories, Chelsea began exploring the possibility of becoming a donor herself. She describes the emotional and physical process of testing and waiting to see if she would be a match.
- Faith played a central role in her decision, along with the encouragement and support she received from her family.
- Chelsea recounts the powerful moment she met Reed, the young man who would ultimately receive her kidney, and learned more about the health challenges he and his family had faced due to kidney failure.
- She reflects on the emotional experience of donation surgery and the immediate bond formed between her and Reed’s family.
- Chelsea also discusses the recovery process for both herself and Reed, highlighting the strength, faith, and support systems that carried them through the journey.
- Today, Chelsea continues to stay connected with Reed and his family, witnessing firsthand the life-changing impact of living donation.
- She shares how the experience has shaped conversations with her own children, teaching them the importance of compassion, generosity, and helping others whenever possible.
- The episode concludes with Andi expressing deep admiration for Chelsea’s courage, compassion, and dedication to the mission of organ donation—recognizing her as both an advocate and a source of hope for many families.
Key Takeaways
- Organ Donation Is Built on Trust and Relationships
Strong partnerships between hospitals, donation organizations, and families are essential to ensuring the donation process is handled with compassion, integrity, and respect. - One Person’s Courage Can Transform Multiple Lives
Chelsea’s decision to become a living kidney donor demonstrates how a single act of generosity can profoundly impact not only a recipient but their entire family. - Personal Stories Inspire Awareness and Action
Sharing real experiences helps break through misinformation and encourages others to learn more about organ donation and consider how they might make a difference.
Tweetable Quotes
“We are the glue that holds the process together. I believe that our team is kind of a dual advocate in the donation process. “
- Chelsea McNicholas
“When things go awry at a hospital, that is challenging because the work is not flawless. The work is never done, if you will. So there are always challenges that arise. “
- Chelsea McNicholas
“I think it leans back into that strong relationship and strong trust. So knowing the truth right, like we know the truth right, and we have strong relationships with our hospitals to the point where they trust us. We've built that culture of trust and connection with our partners.”
- Chelsea McNicholas
“So I think again, a great opportunity for me to be an advocate and to educate people in my circle, my husband, and my entire family, was incredibly supportive.”
- Chelsea McNicholas
“I think when I can look back on my life, faith was the foundation through every step and every decision, maybe in the moment, not as easy to see, but now looking back, I can absolutely identify that.”
- Chelsea McNicholas
“It's really wild to think that a part of me is living on and someone else, and that most days I completely forgot I even did it, because I am right back to where I was, you know, five months ago, prior to the surgery.”
- Chelsea McNicholas
Resources:
https://www.networkforhope.org/
https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/
https://www.networkforhope.org/stories-of-hope/
https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO
Friday Feb 27, 2026
Friday Feb 27, 2026
EP 137: Reborn at 51: Jamie Mahaffey’s Second Chance at Life
Episode Summary
What does it mean to be reborn at 51?
In this powerful episode of This Thing Called Life, heart transplant recipient Jamie Mahaffey shares his extraordinary journey of survival, resilience, and purpose. After undergoing a heart transplant, the former athlete, coach, and Athletic Director at North College Hill City Schools discovered a renewed calling to lead with greater intention. Becoming a John Maxwell Coach inspired him to launch his own company focused on helping others achieve their goals and elevate their lives.
Jamie’s story is a masterclass in perseverance, perspective, and personal leadership—proof that you don’t match the energy around you… You set the standard.
Episode Highlights
- Host Andi Johnson welcomes Jamie Mahaffey and invites him to share the health crisis that changed everything.
- On November 11, Jamie became lightheaded at work and was rushed to UC Hospital, where doctors discovered a serious infection in his LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device).
- Facing two life-altering options—replace the LVAD or undergo a heart transplant at Vanderbilt University—Jamie chose the transplant after prayer, reflection, and encouragement from trusted advisors.
- While driving to Vanderbilt on January 17, Jamie was shocked by his defibrillator 42 times, a harrowing moment that underscored the urgency of his condition.
- Within days of being upgraded to Status Level One on the transplant list, a donor heart became available. Surgery was scheduled for January 21.
- Jamie remained in a coma until January 24. When he awoke, he was reunited with his wife Robin and their children in an emotional and life-defining moment.
- Robin’s meticulous advocacy and unwavering presence became a critical part of Jamie’s survival and recovery.
- Jamie reflects on the deep gratitude he feels for his donor—and the profound awareness that his second chance came through another family’s loss.
- A letter from the donor’s mother became a pivotal moment, inspiring Jamie to move forward boldly in launching his leadership company.
- Post-transplant recovery included the unexpected amputation of his leg—an emotional and physical challenge Jamie describes as even harder than the transplant itself.
- Through faith, family support, and resilience, Jamie developed a renewed vision for his life centered on impact and purpose.
- He shares his journey to becoming a certified John Maxwell Coach and his vision of speaking, writing, and helping others live beyond their potential.
- Jamie emphasizes living with integrity, leading intentionally, and choosing purpose over comfort.
Key Takeaways
- Adversity Clarifies Purpose
Life-threatening challenges often strip away distractions and reveal what truly matters. Jamie’s second chance forced him to reevaluate his priorities and commit fully to purposeful leadership. - Leadership Starts With Personal Responsibility
You don’t match the energy around you—you set the standard. Jamie’s story demonstrates that leadership is not about position, but about the example you choose to live daily. - Gratitude Changes Everything
Understanding that his new heart came at a great cost reshaped Jamie’s perspective. Gratitude became fuel for impact, reminding him to live in a way that honors both the gift and the giver.
Tweetable Quotes
“So I had two weeks of tests. Everything you can imagine. You know dentists, too. That's another thing, if you don't take care of your teeth, that's an affection of your heart. So those appointments are important, something that I didn't do regularly.”
- Jamie Mahaffey
“My defibrillator shocked me 42 times. And so the cardiologist came down, and he was like, Okay, we have to admit him. And so that's when I stayed there. And on January 18, the doctor came in that morning, and he said, You go from level three to level one a. Level one is where you need a transplant. “
- Jamie Mahaffey
“I was in a coma for five days because my heart wasn't initiating with my body.”
- Jamie Mahaffey
“God was giving me another opportunity to listen to him. It was a time. I mean, I was just always busy. I was a head coach and won state titles and played college ball and played overseas, and I was always moving, but I was always looking after other people as a man. We are fathers, and we take care of our house, and I was an ad, and I was a coach, I was a mentor, so I'm looking after everybody else but myself. And it was a time he was saying, it's your turn.”
- Jamie Mahaffey
“I know there's a purpose for me to just keep having people to not live off their potential, but pursue their destiny. And so that's why I teach a lot of kids. A lot of people are still in life, living off potential but not pursuing their destiny. “
- Jamie Mahaffey
“Maxwell certification was a stepping stone to a vision. I always heard about myself, about being a motivational speaker, about writing books, about having normal eyesight in life.”
- Jamie Mahaffey
Resources:
https://www.networkforhope.org/
https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/
https://www.networkforhope.org/stories-of-hope/
https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO
Tuesday Feb 17, 2026
Tuesday Feb 17, 2026
This episode of TTCL will feature an interview with Luis Santiago from NFH on La Mega.
This monthly interview will inform the Spanish Community about Network For Hope and the incredible miracles that happen with Organ, Tissue, and Eye Donation.
Resources:
https://getoffthelist.org/
https://www.networkforhope.org/
https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/
https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO
https://aopo.org/
Tuesday Jan 20, 2026
Tuesday Jan 20, 2026
This episode of TTCL will feature an interview with Luis Santiago from NFH on La Mega.
This monthly interview will inform the Spanish Community about Network For Hope and the incredible miracles that happen with Organ, Tissue, and Eye Donation.
Resources:
https://getoffthelist.org/
https://www.networkforhope.org/
https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/
https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO
https://aopo.org/