Episode 409

Matthew Harmody, MD, Retired Emergency Physician, Kidney Donation Advocate, Author

Published on: 16th March, 2026

Today we’re joined by Dr. Matthew Harmody — a retired emergency physician, living kidney donor, and one of the leading advocates for kidney donation in the United States. Matthew donated a kidney to a stranger, then dedicated his post-medical career to eliminating the national kidney waitlist through education, mentorship, and policy reform.

Matt's Website

@5k50ss on Instagram

Matt's Facebook page

Matt's Facebook group

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-harmody-97988311/

He currently serves as Board Chair of the National Kidney Donation Organization, is a founding member of the Coalition to Modify NOTA, and has just released a remarkable new book, Ascending America: Five Kidney Donors, Fifty States, One Record-Breaking Journey. The book chronicles an extraordinary feat—summiting the highest point in all fifty states in record time—while carrying a much bigger message about courage, health, and the power of giving.

  1. From the ER to Altruism in Action
  2. Matt, you spent years as an emergency physician—trained to assess risk, act fast, and save lives under pressure. What first inspired you to donate a kidney to a stranger, and how did that single decision redirect the course of your life?
  3. Donor Myths vs. Reality
  4. Many people believe kidney donation is dangerous, permanently limiting, or something only done for family. What surprised you most—physically and emotionally—about living with one kidney, and what do you wish the public understood about life after donation?
  5. Climbing for a Cause
  6. Ascending America documents your team’s Guinness World Record journey summiting the highest point in every state. How did this extreme physical challenge become a platform for kidney donation advocacy—and what moments on that journey stayed with you the most?
  7. The Science of Selflessness
  8. You’ve spoken about the neuroscience behind altruism. From your perspective, what does science tell us about why people give so selflessly—and how might understanding that help normalize and expand living kidney donation?
  9. Changing the System, Not Just the Story
  10. Beyond individual donors, you’re working to change federal policy through efforts to modify the National Organ Transplant Act. What needs to change to eliminate the kidney waitlist—and how can everyday people support this mission?

Matt, after everything you’ve experienced—as a physician, a donor, an athlete, and an advocate—what do you hope people take away about courage, health, and the power of giving?

All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for Your World of Creativity

About the Podcast

Your World of Creativity
Catalyst of Inspiration, Stories, and Tools to Get Your Work Out Into the World
On YOUR WORLD OF CREATIVITY, best-selling author and global brand innovator, Mark Stinson introduces you to some of the world’s leading creative talent from publishing, film, animation, music, restaurants, medical research, and more.

In every episode, you'll discover:
- How to tap into your most original thinking.
- Inspiration from the experts’ own experience.
- Specific tools, exercises, and formulas to organize your ideas.
- And most of all, you’ll learn how to make connections

 and create opportunities to publish, post, record, display, sell, market, and promote
 your creative work.

Listen for the latest insights for creative people who want to stop questioning themselves and overcome obstacles to launch their creative endeavors out into the world.

Connect with Mark at www.Mark-Stinson.com

About your host

Profile picture for Mark Stinson

Mark Stinson

Mark Stinson has earned the reputation as a “brand innovator” -- an experienced marketer, persuasive writer, dynamic presenter, and skilled facilitator. His work includes brand strategy and creative workshops. He has contributed to the launches of more than 150 brands, with a focus on health, science, and technology companies. Mark has worked with clients ranging from global corporations to entrepreneurial start-ups. He is a recipient of the Brand Leadership Award from the Asia Brand Congress and was included in the PharmaVoice 100 Most Inspiring People in the Life-Sciences Industry.