For Kidneys' Sake
About the Podcast
For Kidneys Sake is a 5-star-rated podcast on Apple Podcasts, listened to in over 65 countries worldwide. It is brought to you by Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and the North West London Integrated Care Board (NWL NHS), organisations committed to improving kidney health through education and integrated care.
What Is It?
This podcast delivers bite-sized episodes (around 20 minutes) packed with practical insights on chronic kidney disease (CKD), with practical tips about day to day challenges about diagnosing and management about CKD particularly when the disease manifests concomitantly with other long term conditions such as heart failure, diabetes and obesity, perfect for listening on your commute, during a break, or while on the move.
Who Is It For?
For Kidneys Sake is created for busy healthcare professionals, particularly those in primary care, GPs, nurses, and pharmacists. The aim is to bridge gaps between primary and secondary care while equipping clinicians with the latest knowledge and strategies to support patients living with kidney conditions.
Meet the Hosts
Consultant Nephrologist, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Professor Jeremy Levy
Professor Jeremy Levy is a Consultant Nephrologist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and Professor of Practice (Medicine) at Imperial College London. He is co-host of the For Kidneys’ Sake podcast and part of the strategic team driving this initiative. With expertise in immune-mediated renal disease, HIV and kidney health, and chronic kidney disease, he is an internationally recognised educator and author of leading nephrology texts, including the Oxford Handbook of Dialysis. "Making these podcasts with the whole team, including our colleagues in primary care, has been brilliant, and I really hope we have produced useful, bite-sized learning around all aspects of kidney health, kidney disease, and interpreting kidney data. And I've learned so much, especially about the challenges facing primary care.. For kidneys sake !"
Consultant Nephrologist, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Dr Andrew Frankel
Dr Andrew Frankel is a Consultant Nephrologist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, where he has worked since 1995, based at the Imperial Renal and Transplant Centre—one of Europe’s largest kidney units, serving over three million people. He is co-host of the For Kidneys’ Sake podcast and part of the team driving this initiative. Dr Frankel is an internationally recognised expert in the management of kidney disease in the context of diabetes, cardiac disease, and obesity, with extensive research contributions on how diabetes affects kidney function and vice versa. He has led the development of national guidelines on managing diabetes in patients with kidney disease and continues to play a pivotal role in advancing best practice and integrated care. “For kidneys sake – these podcasts really give all clinicians in primary care the opportunity to up skill themselves on the management of chronic kidney disease for the sake of their patients.”
Our Team.
Joana Teles
CKD Lead Nurse & Podcast Lead
Dr Kuldhir Johal
GP & Podcast Contributor
Heather Pownall
Producer & Media Strategist
Joana Teles is a specialist kidney care nurse and the CKD Lead Nurse at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust in North West London. She’s passionate about helping people understand and manage chronic kidney disease (CKD) early, turning complex kidney care into something clear and approachable for both patients and healthcare professionals. From supporting early detection in GP practices to creating practical tools and resources, Joana’s work is all about making kidney care proactive and patient‑friendly. Joana brings that same passion for education to the “For Kidneys’ Sake” podcast, which she strategically leads and project‑manages alongside Professor Jeremy Levy and Dr Andrew Frankel. Together, they create engaging episodes that combine expert insights with real‑world advice, empowering patients and keeping healthcare professionals up to date with the latest in kidney care. "What excites me about this podcast is the chance to share knowledge with fellow healthcare professionals in a way that’s practical and accessible. Kidney disease can feel complex and sometimes hidden in everyday practice, so creating episodes that offer clear guidance and real‑world tips helps colleagues feel more confident in spotting, managing, and supporting patients with CKD."
Dr Kuldhir Johal, BM, DCH, DFFP, MRCGP, PGCE, is an experienced General Practitioner and partner at her practice since 1998, with a medical career that began at Southampton Medical School. Over the years, she has worked at University College London Hospital, Harefield, and Hillingdon Hospital, and served as a GP Trainer for the London Deanery for eight years. Her interests span paediatrics, women’s health, acute and general medicine, as well as clinical commissioning, technology, and service redesign. Dr Johal has been instrumental in shaping the podcast’s vision, planning, and content strategy, providing the insight and support needed to turn an idea into a high‑quality, educational series. Her leadership continues to guide the podcast’s development, helping it remain relevant and impactful for both patients and healthcare professionals. "I enjoyed being part of this podcast because it allows us to teach, share, and connect with other healthcare professionals. Our goal is to take the lessons we’ve learned in practice and turn them into engaging discussions that help colleagues improve patient care, streamline their approach, and feel supported in their day‑to‑day work."
Heather Pownall, founder of Heather’s Media Hub, is the producer and media strategist behind the “For Kidneys’ Sake” podcast. With over 20 years of experience in media, communications, and content strategy, Heather has worked closely with the team to bring their vision to life—from shaping the content and planning episodes to delivering polished, professional production. She thrives on collaboration, helping the hosts transform expert knowledge into engaging episodes that are clear, relevant, and accessible. Heather’s role goes beyond production. She continues to support the podcast’s growth and evolving strategy, and for Series Two she is leading a dedicated digital marketing campaign to reach an even wider audience. Her passion is in amplifying expert voices and ensuring the podcast continues to inform, inspire, and grow as a trusted resource in kidney care. "What I enjoy most about producing this podcast is helping transform expert knowledge into content that healthcare professionals genuinely want to listen to and learn from. Seeing the team’s insights reach colleagues in a way that’s clear, engaging, and useful is incredibly rewarding, and it’s exciting to know the series supports professional learning while making a real impact on patient care."
Our Guest Experts
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
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Our Mission
To provide accessible, practical, and evidence-based insights on kidney health and cardio-renal-metabolic care, bridging the gap between primary and secondary care, and empowering clinicians with clear, actionable knowledge to improve patient outcomes.
Our Values
To become the go-to educational resource for healthcare professionals worldwide, encouraging a collaborative approach to kidney care that breaks down silos, promotes early detection, and integrates prevention and management strategies across clinical settings.
Our Goals
Educate and empower: Deliver bite-sized episodes (15–25 minutes) with clear takeaways to support everyday clinical decision-making for GPs, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals.
Break down silos: Facilitate better understanding and cooperation between primary and secondary care in managing kidney and cardio-renal-metabolic conditions.
Reach and engage: Grow a national and international audience of clinicians, with a focus on continuous learning, innovation, and early intervention.
Respond to need: Use listener feedback and clinical questions to shape future topics and ensure relevance to real-world challenges.
Support integrated care models: Highlight best practices, like the Harrow CRM model, to inspire practical and systemic improvements.