In this episode, Drs. Amirtha Chinnadurai and Jason Misurac are joined by Dr. Laurel Willig to discuss APOL1-mediated kidney disease in children. They discuss how to conceptualize APOL1 disease, emerging targeted therapies and clinical trials, and practical considerations for genetic testing and counseling families.
00:00 Introduction
01:14 Understanding APOL1 Disease
08:58 APOL1 Phenotypes and Precision Medicine
13:07 Emerging APOL1 Therapies
18:01 Clinical Trials and Pediatric Patients
20:35 Genetic Counseling and APOL1 Testing
Dr. Willig’s ASPN 2026 slides: http://aspneph.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/APOL1-Slides-ASPN-2026.pdf
In Episode 3, we’re covering a wide range of topics that highlight just how diverse pediatric nephrology can be. We start with Antimicrobial Dosing in Pediatric Renal Replacement Therapy, joined by Dr. Hambrick and Dr. Tang-Girdwood, breaking down the complexities of getting dosing right in some of our most critically ill patients. From there, we take a turn into the digital space with All Things Social Media with Dr. Garmiella and Dr. Villegas.
Next, we tackle Addressing Nutrition and Metabolic Complications Across CKD with Dr. Pottanat, exploring the role of nutrition in kidney disease management. Finally, we provide updates on glomerular disease with Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Management of IgA Nephropathy, followed by the latest insights in Lupus Nephritis.
In Episode 2, we’re diving into another packed lineup of sessions pushing pediatric nephrology forward. We kick things off with The New Age of Complement Blockade in C3 Glomerulonephritis, with Dr. Ankana Daga. From there, we break down key insights on APOL1 Mediated Kidney Disease with Dr. Rima Zahr. Next up, we shift gears to systems-level impact with Implementation Science to Advance Pediatric Hypertension Care with Dr. Andrew Tran and Dr. Tammy Brady, followed by highlights from the always engaging Urine the Know Workshops with Dr. Meredith Harris. We then explore the future of tailored therapy in Personalized Immunosuppression with Dr. Julia M. Steinke before wrapping up with key takeaways from the Nephrology 2 session with Dr. Danielle Soranno.
In episode 1, we break down some hot topics in pediatric nephrology, starting with Neonatal Nephrology/AKI and the networking breakout session on Neonatal Critical Care Nephrology: A Rapidly Evolving Field with Dr. Cara Slagal and Dr. Paulomi Chaudhry. We then dive into SGLT2 Inhibitors: Should We Put Them in the Water?! with Dr. Alexander Kula, followed by insights from the networking breakout on The “How” to Developing Clinical, Research, Advocacy, and Education Careers in Pediatric Nephrology: Inspiring the Next Generation with Dr. Sonia Solomon. We also explore evolving perspectives from AKI – It’s Not Just Acute with Dr. Amy Strong and Dr. Shina Menon, and wrap up with highlights and key takeaways from the Nephrology 1 session with Dr. Shina Menon.
In this episode, Dr. Jason Misurac and Dr. Amirtha Chinnadurai are joined by Dr. Michael Somers, Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and pediatric nephrologist at Boston Children’s Hospital, to discuss his real-world approach to steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome.
• Selecting and monitoring immunosuppressive therapy
• Avoiding common clinical pitfalls
• Navigating difficult conversations with families about diagnosis and prognosis
Designed for busy pediatric nephrologists, The Bean Pod delivers practical takeaways you can apply in clinic and on service.
The Bean Pod: A Pediatric Nephrology Podcast
Created by the Clinical Affairs Committee of the American Society of Pediatric Nephrology (ASPN), The Bean Pod delivers concise, high-yield conversations on topics that matter to busy clinicians. Each 15–20 minute episode features expert perspectives, practical pearls, and real-world insights to support pediatric nephrologists in their everyday practice.
Whether you’re on rounds, commuting, or between patients, The Bean Pod brings you trusted voices from the ASPN community—straight to your ears.
