Can we catch sepsis earlier?

Sepsis doesn’t just overwhelm the body, it can turn the lungs into ground zero for multi-organ dysfunction. In this episode, host Nicole Kupchik sits down with Dr. Julie Bastarache to explore how sepsis triggers Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) in a significant portion of critically ill patients. Dr. Bastarache explains why sepsis-induced ARDS isn’t a single entity but a spectrum of clinical, physiologic and biologic responses, each requiring its own approach. From the fundamentals of mechanical ventilation and why low tidal volume remains lifesaving, to the emerging, and surprising protective effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists, Dr. Bastarache’s reverse translational science bridges bedside observations back into the lab, to uncover new pathways and potential therapies. Plus, mental health counselor Kristan Seaford, shares her Sepsis Survival story of how pushing through the holiday season while caring for children sick with strep and the flu, led her to overlooking her own symptoms until she was fighting for her life.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is far more dangerous and complex than previously understood. In this episode, host Nicole Kupchik sits down with Dr. Gonzalo Matzumura to break down what really happens inside the kidneys during sepsis. From disrupted renal perfusion, tubular cell injury, and overwhelming inflammation, clinicians and, more importantly, patients, face high stakes when it comes to treating sepsis-related AKI. Dr. Matzumura sheds light on why prevention, recognition, and calling in the nephrologist earlier can mean the difference between lifelong disease, kidney replacement therapy, and full recovery. We’re also joined by Josh and Chelsea Woodward who share their powerful sepsis survival story, recounting how just a few red spots on Josh’s skin quickly spiraled into a medical crisis, underscoring just how quickly AKI and sepsis can escalate and why awareness is essential.

Host Nicole Kupchik is joined by Dr. Kaveh Hoda to unpack one of the most overlooked drivers of sepsis: the gut. Often called “the motor of MODS,” the GI tract can push the body toward recovery, or accelerate systemic collapse. In this episode, Dr. Hoda explains the importance of microbiome diversity, the breakdown of gut barriers leading to leaks and inflammation, and how critical illness disrupts the small intestine. More importantly, he shares what clinicians can do to support GI function at the bedside, from early nutrition strategies and listening to bowel sounds, to C.diff management. Plus, Sepsis Survivor Hailey Bain shares her story of septic shock, which was triggered by a ruptured appendix and originally mistaken for gynecologic pain. Her experience highlights how sepsis can escalate if early warning signs are missed.

In this episode, Nicole Kupchik sits down with Dr. Craig Jenne to unravel how the liver’s immune response shifts during sepsis. Together, they explore how an organ known for detoxifying and defending the body can actually fuel inflammation and injury. From leukocyte traps to immune misfires, we’re looking at the cellular chaos behind sepsis and what it takes to restore balance. A fascinating deep-dive for clinicians, researchers, and anyone curious about the unseen complexity of critical illness.

What if the key to controlling inflammation, and even saving lives from sepsis, lies not in the bloodstream, but in the brain? In this episode, Nicole Kupchik talks with Dr. Kevin J. Tracey, President and CEO of the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research at Northwell Health, whose groundbreaking work in neuroimmunology and bioelectronic medicine is redefining how we understand the vagus nerve and how it communicates with the immune system to regulate inflammation. From surprising results of sheep studies to the promise of vagus nerve stimulation devices, Dr. Tracey explains how rethinking the body’s electrical signs could transform sepsis care, redefine inflammation, and reveal new frontiers in treatment. We also hear from Kimberly Emanuel, a sepsis survivor who endured the breakdown of her body systems before her remarkable recovery.