The Men's Health Foundation Podcast

On this very special edition of the Men's Health Foundation Podcast, TJ Griffin, MHF program manager for community engagement, and Stephanie Johnson, MHF PCC & MSS program manager, discuss the importance of Black History Month. Joined by Brandye Combs, Wesley Health D2C manager, and Royal Telfar, APLA program coordinator, they share some of the challenges that Black people face when seeking health care, where medical distrust stems from, and how organizations can address health disparities. They also dive into their personal experience of what it means to be Black, their favorite role models, and the cultural similarities and differences they share growing up across the US.

In this episode of the Men’s Health Foundation Podcast, we sit down with Angela Bartolome, LCSW and Behavioral Health Director at MHF, to talk about “bigorexia”: a form of body dysmorphia centered around muscle size and perceived physical adequacy. Angela breaks down what bigorexia looks like in everyday life, why it can be difficult to recognize, and how it can impact mental health, relationships, and well-being. She also shares grounded, compassionate strategies for improving self-talk and self-image, and offers guidance for seeking support or treatment when navigating body image concerns.On this episode, you will hear:What bigorexia is and how it shows up in thought patterns, behaviors, and routines.How to recognize the signs, whether in yourself or someone you care about.Why cultural and social pressures (including gym culture and online fitness spaces) can reinforce bigorexia.Tools to improve inner dialogue and self-image, including reframing techniques and emotional awareness.Approaches to treatment and support, from therapy options to supportive community care.

MCC (Medical Care Coordination) is a vital service that helps people living with HIV stay healthy and ready for any of life’s challenges. Men’s Health Foundation is proud to offer this program but federal funding cuts threaten to put an end to these initiatives, putting the lives of many individuals at stake.On today’s episode, MCC Program Manager Stephanie Johnson and Data-2-Care (D2C) Program Manager join the podcast to discuss why medical care coordination is so important for everyone in our communities.On this episode you will hear:How care teams navigate barriers to HIV care like stigma and housingWhat’s at risk when HIV programs lose supportStories of clients going from crisis to thrivingA call to protect the people and programs behind HIV careRead a transcript of this episode on our website.The information and opinions shared in this podcast are for educational purposes only. For medical advice, please talk with your primary care physician or a medically-licensed professional.

In honor of Women's History Month and National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, we are highlighting clinical research focused on HIV care and prevention for women. Erica Kill and Ashley Toomey, two research coordinators from Mills Clinical Research, along with Dr. Manuel Pardo, physician and HIV specialist, join us in this month’s episode to discuss the current state of HIV care for women. Women account for 20% of new HIV infections in the U.S. today, but women in the general population remain largely unaware of their risk due to poor sexual education. Furthermore, women living with HIV are less likely to get tested or adhere to treatment due to fear of stigma. Fortunately, with promising advancements in HIV medicine, women and people living with HIV can soon have access to treatment options that grant more privacy. Erica, Ashley, and Dr. Pardo are here to reiterate the important role that women play in taking these advancements even further to ensure that future generations can live in an HIV-free world. In this episode you will hear about:1. The impact of HIV on women2. The underrepresentation and importance of women in HIV research3. Lack of awareness and stigma as major barriers for women4. Promise of long-acting injectable PrEP5. Benefits of participating in clinical trials 6. Calls for self-advocacy and actionRead a transcript of this episode on our website.The information and opinions shared in this podcast are for educational purposes only. For medical advice, please talk with your primary care physician or a medically licensed professional.

For this Valentine’s episode, we’re discussing polyamory and the guidelines that apply to the relationship with ourselves or to any of our partners, with new MHF Behavioral Health Specialist Preston Lopez, LMFT.Have you ever thought of being in an open relationship? Have you ever rejected the idea because you thought it was just an excuse for people to cheat on their partner? If so, Preston is here to define what polyamory is and isnt, in a way that might dispel those preconceived notions of what love looks like. In this episode, you'll discover that, like a box of chocolates, love comes in many forms.In this episode you'll hear about:Definitions of ethical non-monogamy (ENM), polyamory, open relationships, relationship anarchy, and other forms of relationshipsThe importance of communication and setting boundariesJealousy and compersion (finding joy in your partner's joy/pleasure)Dealing with social stigmaTime managementEmotional labor and how to be a supportive partnerRead a transcript⁠⁠ of this episode on our website.The information and opinions shared in this podcast are for educational purposes only. For medical advice, please talk withyour primary care physician or a medically licensed professional.

World AIDS Day, recognized annually on December 1st since 1988, honors the lives lost to the HIV epidemic and raises awareness about HIV/AIDS. Holding the memory of the lives lost brings light to their stories of resilience and resistance, offering hope for the future. In this episode, Rob Lester and T.J. Griffin join hosts David Watson and Marc Esposo for a discussion on their personal and professional experiences in the fight against HIV/AIDS. They touch on: 1.    The evolution of HIV/AIDS treatment 2.    Key milestones that have shaped the course of the epidemic 3.    Stories of resilience and strength from affected community members 4.    Ongoing challenges of overcoming stigma and ensuring access to healthcare 5.    The importance of personal advocacy and community engagement To read a transcript of the episode, visit: menshealthfound.org/podcast-transcript-episode-8 To request an appointment for an HIV testing/treatment, visit menshealthfound.org/book or call 310-550-1010. The information and opinions shared in this podcast are for educational purposes only. Diagnostic or treatment advice requires individual consultation with a doctor. Please talk with your primary care physician or a medically-licensed professional.

The World Health Organization recently declared a global health emergency over the growing mpox outbreak in several African countries. While the United States experienced its own outbreak 2 years ago, new questions have been raised about the potential severity of this resurgence. Is the outbreak caused by a different more contagious form of mpox? What extra precautions can be taken to protect against infection? Will the vaccine provided in the U.S. protect against this new outbreak overseas? Jorell Blanco, a registered nurse at Men’s Health Foundation, joins the podcast to shed light on these questions and give listeners a refresher on how to stay safe and protected against mpox. In this episode you will hear insights on: 1.    What makes this current outbreak different from the one that occurred in 2022 2.    The importance of vaccination and preventative measures to minimize the spread of mpox 3.    The disproportionate impact that mpox has on the LGBTQ+ community 4.    Which behaviors may increase your risk of mpox infection, and which will keep you safe To read a transcript of the episode, visit: menshealthfound.org/podcast-transcript-episode-7 To request an appointment for an mpox vaccine, visit menshealthfound.org/book or call 310-550-1010. The information and opinions shared in this podcast are for educational purposes only. Diagnostic or treatment advice requires individual consultation with a doctor. Please talk with your primary care physician or a medically-licensed professional. Resources mentioned in this episode: Myturn.ca.gov

Is there such a thing as having too much sex or watching too much porn? What’s the difference between something that’s done for pleasure and an addiction? How do these things affect gay men in particular? These are questions that we discuss with behavioral health specialist, Brandon Simpson, AMFT, who specializes in treating patients who struggle with sex and porn addiction. It's no secret that sex and porn play a big role in our culture. The impact that these components can have on mental health is often not talked about, though, for fear of being “sex-negative”. Brandon brings his expertise to help us untangle the complex impacts of sex and porn on individuals and communities. He also defines the difference between something that enhances intimacy and something that is used as an escape. Additionally, he shines a light on how people struggling with their relationship to sex and porn can reframe their neural pathways and develop healthier habits. This episode takes an honest look at cultural norms in a compassionate and non-judgmental way. You will hear about: • The defining characteristics of sex and porn addiction • What sex and porn addiction looks and feels like in day-to-day life • Why gay men are more likely to be addicted to sex and porn • How sex and porn addiction can be treated • How to support others who are struggling with the ways they relate to sex and porn To read a transcript of the episode, visit: menshealthfound.org/podcast-transcript-episode-6 To request an appointment with Brandon, visit menshealthfound.org/book or call 310-550-1010. The information and opinions shared in this podcast are for educational purposes only. Diagnostic or treatment advice requires individual consultation with a doctor. Please talk with your primary care physician or a medically-licensed professional. Resources mentioned in the episode: Sexual Health Clinics in the LA Area Center for Healthy Sex - https://centerforhealthysex.com/ Seeking Integrity - https://seekingintegrity.com/ Novus Mindful Life - https://novusmindfullife.com/ Cruise Control: Understanding Sex Addiction in Gay Men https://allstora.com/products/cruise-control-understanding-sex-addiction-in-gay-men

There are many barriers that gay youth of color experience in South LA when it comes to affordable healthcare, housing, and sexual health education, but one community center is trying to change that. This Pride Month, hosts David Watson and Marc Esposo welcome André-Jamison Molette, Director of SoCal Club. SoCal Club is a youth space in South LA for young gay men of color ages 12-29. In this conversation, we learn about how the club aims to empower gay youth to live healthier and happier lives. In this episode, you'll hear about: • Wellness programs that are popular with queer youth • Successful methods of public health outreach in South LA • How to create safe spaces for gay youth to express themselves • Ways that the club has empowered members, both with practical skills and intangible community support. To read a transcript of the episode, visit: menshealthfound.org/podcast-transcript-episode-5 The information and opinions shared in this podcast are for educational purposes only. For medical advice, please talk with your primary care physician or a medically-licensed professional.

Have you ever wondered about joining a clinical trial, but never really understood how it works? This episode is for you. In celebration of Clinical Trials Day, join hosts David Watson and Marc Esposo for an insightful conversation with guests Michael Hirsch, RN, and Nelson Guzman from Mills Clinical Research. Their mission is to help create cutting-edge technologies in HIV medicine by offering clinical trial opportunities to the community. In this episode you’ll hear their insights on: • Why clinical research is so crucial for creating new HIV medications • The difference you can make by joining a clinical trial • Misconceptions about clinical trials and how to address them • Clinical trial success stories that have made a big impact • The future of HIV medicine and if a cure is possible To read a transcript of the episode, visit: menshealthfound.org/podcast-transcript-episode-4 The information and opinions shared in this podcast are for educational purposes only. For medical advice, please talk with your primary care physician or a medically-licensed professional.

On this episode, we talk with "sex detectives" Rick Turpin and Nestor Kamurigi, more formally known as Community-Embedded Disease Intervention Specialists. On the frontlines of stopping the spread of STIs, they take on the task of anonymously informing sexual partners of possible exposure. Unpacking the rising rates of syphilis in the U.S. and debunking STI myths runing rampant on TikTok, Rick and Nestor go beyond the surface in this candid and compassionate conversation.  Read a transcript of this episode at www.menshealthfound.org/podcast-transcript-episode-3 The information and opinions shared in this podcast are for educational purposes only. For medical advice, please talk with your primary care physician or a medically-licensed professional.

It's that time of year! Many folks are feeling the effects of seasonal depression, or "seasonal affective disorder." Brandon Simpson, AMFT joins us to unpack some common misconceptions and to share insights as a behavioral health specialist focused on men's health and gay men's health. Read a transcript of this episode at www.menshealthfound.org/podcast-transcript-episode-2

In our first episode, we dive deep on DoxyPEP with two of our providers, Michael Tran, FNP-C and James Bon, MSN, FNP-BC. DoxyPEP is a post-exposure preventative medication to treat syphilis and chlamydia within 72 hours after potential exposure. Michael and James talk us through the basics of what you need to know, and share their insights as care providers specializing in sexual health. Read a transcript of this episode at https://www.menshealthfound.org/podcast-transcript-episode-1.