Real Health Black Men

We'd love to hear from youWe sit down with Dr. Marah Hehemann, a Seattle-based urologist and men’s sexual and reproductive health specialist at the UW Men’s Health Center, to unpack why erections, fertility, and urinary symptoms can reflect your heart health, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar control.We get specific about the science of erections and why ED can show up years before a cardiac event. Dr. Hehemann explains how diabetes contributes to erectile dysfunction through blood vessel injury, penile nerve damage, scar tissue changes, and even hormonal shifts, plus why common ED medications may be less effective when nerves are impaired. We also connect the dots between male fertility and overall health risk, and why a urologist can be an important entry point for men who haven’t seen a primary care provider in years.From there, we move into what you can do today: exercise targets to improve erectile function, practical dietary shifts to reduce inflammation, and a “food as medicine” mindset that respects culture rather than demanding perfection. We also cut through the noise on testosterone therapy, including what “normal” can mean, why free testosterone matters, and how to avoid clinics that sell hormones without real medical oversight. Finally, we talk about mental well-being, masculinity, and the emotional recovery men face after prostate cancer treatment or any major health change, plus how caregivers can find support too.If this conversation helps you, subscribe, share it with a brother or friend, and leave a review so more men can find credible guidance on men’s health, ED, testosterone, fertility, and prostate cancer survivorship.#sexmedicine          #testosterone        #menshealth     #prostatecancerPromote my new consolidated website: grantleymartelly,com Bad Science: Changes in politics and ideology do not change our need to be vigilant.Support the showBecome a Supporter: Click here to become a supporter.Comments are welcome: [email protected] a Sponsor, send us an email.Rating: Leave a rating on your podcast listening site.Follow on Instagram: realhealthblackmen #realhealthblackmen#blackmenshealth#menshealth#blackmen#blackhealth#prostatecancer#mentalhealth

We'd love to hear from youStrength doesn’t have to mean silence. If you’ve ever pushed through a health scare, family pressure, or daily stress while telling yourself you’re “fine,” this conversation puts real words to what’s happening underneath.We sit down with Hakeem Asadi, a licensed social worker, speaker, and facilitator who works closely with Black men across prostate cancer support, HIV care, substance use recovery, and community settings. Together, we unpack why mental and emotional wellness often gets treated like an emergency only, and how a simple shift in language can reduce mental health stigma. When “therapy” feels loaded, words like support, mental fitness, and coaching can open the door to getting help without shame.We discuss the grief that comes with diagnosis, treatment, and recovery; the “strong Black man” narrative that rewards emotional suppression; and why anger is often a secondary emotion hiding pain, fear, or exhaustion. We also talk about social determinants of health, including how your zip code, environment, and exposure to violence shape trauma responses over time. Then we explore survivor’s guilt, reframing it as empathy and compassion, and we challenge the idea that healing means abandoning your people.We end with practical takeaways on building emotional literacy, creating a new normal that holds both grief and joy, and forming a real support team through friends, faith spaces, barbershops, and support groups. If this resonates, subscribe, share with someone who needs it, and leave a review so more Black men can find these mental health and wellness conversations.#wellbeing#mentalandemotional wellness#therapy#buildingcommunity@hakimasadiPromote my new consolidated website: grantleymartelly,com Bad Science: Changes in politics and ideology do not change our need to be vigilant.Support the showBecome a Supporter: Click here to become a supporter.Comments are welcome: [email protected] a Sponsor, send us an email.Rating: Leave a rating on your podcast listening site.Follow on Instagram: realhealthblackmen #realhealthblackmen#blackmenshealth#menshealth#blackmen#blackhealth#prostatecancer#mentalhealth

We'd love to hear from youA routine physical, a shocking PSA spike, and a phone call that changed everything—Neville Brewster opens up about choosing life when prostate cancer tried to choose for him. We sit down in Barbados to trace his path from diagnosis to a swift radical prostatectomy, and the faith, family, and community that helped him turn a feared death sentence into twelve cancer-free years. You’ll hear a candid look at side effects like stress incontinence, an honest take on sex after surgery, and a powerful case for testing early—especially for Black men with a family history.Neville’s story stretches beyond one operation. He returned from surgery to two sisters in hospital—one with terminal breast cancer, another with a rare nasal cancer—three siblings battling cancer at once. That experience sharpened his mission: dismantle the myths keeping men from screening, talk plainly about what treatment is really like, and show how gratitude and prayer steady the mind when fear flares. Practical and hopeful, this conversation blends hard facts with lived wisdom: know your family history, get your annual physical, exercise, build a circle of support, and choose longevity over ego. Technology improves, treatments advance, and knowledge turns panic into a plan. If you or someone you love has questions about prostate cancer risk, early detection, or life after surgery, this story offers both clarity and courage. Subscribe, share this with a brother who needs it, and leave a review to help more men find the information that can save their lives.#NevilleBrewster     #prostatecancer  #prostatecancerbarbadosPromote my new consolidated website: grantleymartelly,comSupport the showBecome a Supporter: Click here to become a supporter.Comments are welcome: [email protected] a Sponsor, send us an email.Rating: Leave a rating on your podcast listening site.Follow on Instagram: realhealthblackmen #realhealthblackmen#blackmenshealth#menshealth#blackmen#blackhealth#prostatecancer#mentalhealth

We'd love to hear from youA lean, disciplined runner with decades of clean eating and meticulous checkups doesn’t fit the stereotype of heart disease—until a quiet pinch of chest pain during a run reveals a 70% blockage that advances to 90%. Anthony takes us through the surprise diagnosis, the three stents that restored blood flow, and the sober truth that genetics can outrun even strong habits. His story is more than a scare; it’s a blueprint for how informed action, consistent monitoring, and mental resilience can change the arc of a life.We walk through the early warning signs many men dismiss, from “heartburn” mid‑run to a post‑race collapse during the pandemic’s most chaotic months.  He breaks down the stent procedure in clear language, shares the new medication that has finally stabilized his cholesterol after years of statin struggles, and details a practical recovery plan that returned him to sprints, hills, and half-marathons.The heart of the conversation is mindset. Anthony’s stress playbook includes sleep protection, time‑blocking, midday resets, and filtering toxic inputs. He shares a mental model for right‑sizing problems, along with a simple framework—wisdom, understanding, and knowledge—to turn fear into decisions. We openly discuss family history, the roles of spouses and siblings, and why sharing our stories helps other men identify issues sooner. If you’ve ever put off a checkup, ignored a nagging symptom, or doubted that change could matter against your genes, this one offers both clarity and courage.If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs a nudge, and leave a review so more people can find these conversations. Your next checkup might be the pivot that saves your life.Promote my new consolidated website: grantleymartelly,comSupport the showBecome a Supporter: Click here to become a supporter.Comments are welcome: [email protected] a Sponsor, send us an email.Rating: Leave a rating on your podcast listening site.Follow on Instagram: realhealthblackmen #realhealthblackmen#blackmenshealth#menshealth#blackmen#blackhealth#prostatecancer#mentalhealth

We'd love to hear from youTwo Black men speak plainly about prostate cancer, early detection, and the mindset shift that follows a diagnosis. We share how monitoring PSA, planning for family, and building support make health care a team effort, not a solo burden.• treating health like a job with annual physicals • family history, military exposure, and higher risk in Black men • mindset changes after diagnosis and valuing time • debunking the “jinx” myth around talking about death • modern diagnostics, early detection, and better options • support systems including counseling, advisors, and groups • one conversation that led to a life-saving checkupSupport the showBecome a Supporter: Click here to become a supporter.Comments are welcome: [email protected] a Sponsor, send us an email.Rating: Leave a rating on your podcast listening site.Follow on Instagram: realhealthblackmen #realhealthblackmen#blackmenshealth#menshealth#blackmen#blackhealth#prostatecancer#mentalhealth

We'd love to hear from youWe trace Victor Ingram’s path from a tough Las Vegas childhood to the Marine Corps, a recall to war, and a second career as a mental health therapist serving veterans and civilians. We confront stigma, faith without action, and how coaching-style therapy helps men build real strength. We cover topics such as:• Origins in a single‑parent home and early mentors• Boot camp shock, identity, and belonging• 9/11 recall, combat tours, and PTSD recovery• Launching a social work practice serving veterans and civilians• Military culture, stigma, and help‑seeking barriers• Faith and action working together in healing• Cultural norms, accountability, and breaking cycles• Therapy as coaching, teaching, and accountability• When to seek help and what a tune‑up looks like• Three takeaways: checkups, support networks, self‑challengeWrite us at [email protected] support this podcast, either with a one-time contribution or as a monthly subscriber, go to www.buymeacoffee.com/RealHealthBlackMenFor more information about my other podcasts, strategic business consulting, public speaking requests, and other endeavors, go to www.Grantleymartelly.comPromote my new consolidated website: grantleymartelly,com Bad Science: Changes in politics and ideology do not change our need to be vigilant.Support the showBecome a Supporter: Click here to become a supporter.Comments are welcome: [email protected] a Sponsor, send us an email.Rating: Leave a rating on your podcast listening site.Follow on Instagram: realhealthblackmen #realhealthblackmen#blackmenshealth#menshealth#blackmen#blackhealth#prostatecancer#mentalhealth

We'd love to hear from youBACPAC is addressing the alarming prostate cancer disparities affecting Black men through innovative patient-centered research that transforms how cancer care is delivered. Black men are 2-2.4 times more likely to die from prostate cancer and 60-70% more likely to be diagnosed with aggressive forms, making this community-driven approach essential for creating effective solutions.• BACPAC stands for Black and African Descent Collaborative for Prostate Cancer Action.• The organization brings together researchers, patient advisors, and community members.• Black men often face barriers when requesting PSA screening despite higher risk factors.• Current research projects include STAR (post-surgery care), GEMS (aggressive cancer factors), and resource toolkit development.• Virtual research community connects over 2,500 people, including 1,500+ prostate cancer survivors.• Patient advisors provide critical insights that shape research questions and methodologies.• Research focuses on solutions rather than just documenting existing disparities.• Cultural context matters - many Black men prefer PSA blood tests over digital rectal exams.• The organization aims to become independent to influence prostate cancer research nationally.• The annual symposium on October 4th will share research findings and build community connections.Join us at bacpacnetwork.org to connect with our virtual research community, participate in surveys, or become a patient advisor. Support our upcoming walk/run/bike event by searching for "BACPAC" team at obliteride.org.#BACPAC#ProstateCancerPromote my new consolidated website: grantleymartelly,com Bad Science: Changes in politics and ideology do not change our need to be vigilant.Support the showBecome a Supporter: Click here to become a supporter.Comments are welcome: [email protected] a Sponsor, send us an email.Rating: Leave a rating on your podcast listening site.Follow on Instagram: realhealthblackmen #realhealthblackmen#blackmenshealth#menshealth#blackmen#blackhealth#prostatecancer#mentalhealth

We'd love to hear from youDr. Richard Ferguson, Chief Medical Officer at Health Choice of Utah and founder of Black Physicians of Utah, shares his journey from military surgeon to health equity champion and discusses strategies for improving healthcare outcomes for Black men.• Board-certified in family practice with experience in emergency medicine and military service• Founded Black Physicians of Utah to increase representation and provide support for Black physicians• Military service as a battalion surgeon in Iraq profoundly influenced his humanitarian work• Currently leads Black Physicians of Utah with approximately 30 Black physician members• Organizes community health events focused on brain health, Alzheimer's awareness, and cardiovascular fitness• Addresses cultural barriers to mental health treatment within Black communities• Advocates for regular preventive care visits, bringing support to medical appointments• Recommends 150 minutes of physical activity weekly and utilizing public health resources• Emphasizes the importance of early intervention and not waiting until symptoms are severe• Creates pathways for Black students to enter medicine through mentorship programsTo learn more about Black Physicians of Utah and upcoming events, visit bpou.org or find them on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn under Black Physicians of Utah.#blackphysiciansofutah#blackphysiciansPromote my new consolidated website: grantleymartelly,com Bad Science: Changes in politics and ideology do not change our need to be vigilant.Support the showBecome a Supporter: Click here to become a supporter.Comments are welcome: [email protected] a Sponsor, send us an email.Rating: Leave a rating on your podcast listening site.Follow on Instagram: realhealthblackmen #realhealthblackmen#blackmenshealth#menshealth#blackmen#blackhealth#prostatecancer#mentalhealth

We'd love to hear from youUrologic Oncologist, Dr. Yaw Nyame, joins us to discuss the critical yet often overlooked aspects of men's urologic health. We explore how modern detection methods can identify problems before symptoms appear, potentially saving lives through early intervention.• Urologic health involves the entire urinary system plus male sexual organs• Prostate cancer affects 1 in 8 men overall, but 1 in 6 Black men• Black men are 60% more likely to get prostate cancer and twice as likely to die from it• Waiting for symptoms before seeking care is often "waiting until it's too late"• Early relationship-building with primary care physicians supports better lifelong health• Testosterone replacement therapy carries significant risks and isn't appropriate for most men• Cancer screening can often detect issues before symptoms develop• Patient-partnered research helps create interventions that better serve community needs• Simple practices like testicular self-examination should begin in your 20sTalk to your family about cancer history, establish a medical home early in life, and don't wait for pain before seeking healthcare. Prevention is always better than treatment.Promote my new consolidated website: grantleymartelly,com Bad Science: Changes in politics and ideology do not change our need to be vigilant.Support the showBecome a Supporter: Click here to become a supporter.Comments are welcome: [email protected] a Sponsor, send us an email.Rating: Leave a rating on your podcast listening site.Follow on Instagram: realhealthblackmen #realhealthblackmen#blackmenshealth#menshealth#blackmen#blackhealth#prostatecancer#mentalhealth

We'd love to hear from youDr. Avi Baskin joins us to discuss President Biden's aggressive prostate cancer diagnosis and what it means for men's health screening practices. We explore how prostate cancer can grow silently for years before symptoms appear and why screening recommendations matter.• Screening vs. diagnostic testing for prostate cancer explained• How the President's diagnosis aligns with typical presentation patterns among older men• Current screening guidelines and debates about when to stop screening• Treatment options for metastatic prostate cancer and potential outcomes• The increased aggressiveness of prostate cancer diagnosed in older men• Why early baseline screening starting at age 40-45 is recommended for high-risk groups• The importance of not waiting for symptoms to appear before getting testedSupport this podcast by writing to [email protected] or becoming a supporter at buymeacoffee.com/RealHealthBlackMen.#prostatecancer#presidentbiden#earlydetectionSupport the showBecome a Supporter: Click here to become a supporter.Comments are welcome: [email protected] a Sponsor, send us an email.Rating: Leave a rating on your podcast listening site.Follow on Instagram: realhealthblackmen #realhealthblackmen#blackmenshealth#menshealth#blackmen#blackhealth#prostatecancer#mentalhealth

We'd love to hear from youTwo men share their stories about prostate cancer, offering raw testimonies that could save lives. Philip Atkins and Stephen Harris share their deeply personal journeys from diagnosis through treatment – each following different paths but united by courage and determination.Philip discovered his prostate cancer in 2023 during a routine kidney transplant follow-up. When his PSA registered at 11.8, doctors confirmed Stage 3+4 Gleason 7 cancer. Due to his transplant, Philip underwent brachytherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy instead of surgery. Stephen's story reveals the importance of vigilance. Despite regular screening, his 2018 diagnosis showed cancer had already spread to his hip and lymph nodes. Now living with incurable cancer, Stephen manages it through Lupron injections and daily Xtandi tablets, while battling side effects like depression, dehydration, and weight fluctuations.Both men highlight how the Zero Prostate Cancer Black Men's Therapy Group transformed their experiences. This biweekly gathering offers emotional support and practical knowledge about treatments, medications, and coping strategies. They emphasize family support as crucial – Philip credits lifestyle changes and his wife's understanding attitude, while Stephen celebrates 50 years of marriage to a woman he says saved his life.Whether you're concerned about your own health or supporting someone you love, these stories offer invaluable wisdom from those walking the journey. Listen, learn, and most importantly, take action.Promote my new consolidated website: grantleymartelly,com Bad Science: Changes in politics and ideology do not change our need to be vigilant.Support the showBecome a Supporter: Click here to become a supporter.Comments are welcome: [email protected] a Sponsor, send us an email.Rating: Leave a rating on your podcast listening site.Follow on Instagram: realhealthblackmen #realhealthblackmen#blackmenshealth#menshealth#blackmen#blackhealth#prostatecancer#mentalhealth

We'd love to hear from youDr. Jeff Tosoian reveals a groundbreaking advancement in prostate cancer detection that could save thousands of lives, especially among Black men who face double the risk of both diagnosis and death from this disease. The newly available My Prostate Score 2.0 (MPS2.0) test represents years of meticulous research aimed at solving one of medicine's most persistent challenges: accurately identifying dangerous prostate cancers while reducing unnecessary procedures.Growing up with parents diagnosed with multiple cancers, including his father's unusually early prostate cancer diagnosis in his 40s, Dr. Teshoian's personal mission led him from laboratory research to developing practical solutions for patients. He explains how traditional PSA testing, while valuable, often results in unnecessary biopsies because it's prostate-specific but not cancer-specific. In fact, approximately 75% of prostate biopsies performed after elevated PSA readings alone come back negative.The real innovation of the MPS2 test lies in its ability to detect 18 genetic markers specifically associated with aggressive prostate cancers - the kind that actually requires treatment. Through urine testing that can be completed at home, this breakthrough can prevent between one-third and one-half of unnecessary biopsies while still identifying 95% of dangerous cancers.This episode offers hope through scientific advancement for listeners concerned about prostate health, particularly Black men at higher risk. The MPS2 test requires a doctor's prescription but provides a clear, actionable risk assessment without invasive procedures. Ask your doctor about MPS2 today—it might be the most important health decision you make this year.Promote my new consolidated website: grantleymartelly,com Bad Science: Changes in politics and ideology do not change our need to be vigilant.Support the showBecome a Supporter: Click here to become a supporter.Comments are welcome: [email protected] a Sponsor, send us an email.Rating: Leave a rating on your podcast listening site.Follow on Instagram: realhealthblackmen #realhealthblackmen#blackmenshealth#menshealth#blackmen#blackhealth#prostatecancer#mentalhealth

We'd love to hear from youIn our latest episode, my two brothers and I share our heart-wrenching and yet inspiring journeys through prostate cancer. From early diagnosis to treatment pathways, our discussions delve into the emotional and mental health implications of navigating this battle. You’ll hear firsthand the importance of regular check-ups and community support in managing prostate health, especially for Black men who are at a higher risk.We've come together not just as siblings but as advocates for better health awareness. Our stories reflect resilience and hope, reminding every listener that facing health challenges can be a journey filled with support, love, and strength. With insights on handling diagnosis, managing the emotional impact, and the power of family support, this episode serves as a powerful call to action for men everywhere to prioritize their health. Whether you’re currently on your own health journey or know someone who is, our message is clear: you’re not alone. Let’s break the silence and encourage each other to seek the care we need. Tune in and take the essential steps to empower yourself or someone you care about. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and experiences with us after listening!Promote my new consolidated website: grantleymartelly,com Bad Science: Changes in politics and ideology do not change our need to be vigilant.Support the showBecome a Supporter: Click here to become a supporter.Comments are welcome: [email protected] a Sponsor, send us an email.Rating: Leave a rating on your podcast listening site.Follow on Instagram: realhealthblackmen #realhealthblackmen#blackmenshealth#menshealth#blackmen#blackhealth#prostatecancer#mentalhealth

We'd love to hear from youThe discussion focuses on understanding and improving Black men's health through a community-driven approach to wellness. We explored health challenges specific to Black men alongside the importance of holistic living. Dr. John Vassell provided insights into the medical landscape while fostering awareness of the social determinants affecting health.• Need for community support in navigating health • Focus on holistic health rather than just ailments • Understanding how social determinants impact health outcomes • Importance of proper diet and exercise • Effective communication with healthcare providers • Proactive measures for managing common health issues • Encouragement of cultural identity in dietary choices • Building a framework for better health management To support this podcast, go to buymeacoffee.com/realhealthblackmen.Promote my new consolidated website: grantleymartelly,com Bad Science: Changes in politics and ideology do not change our need to be vigilant.Support the showBecome a Supporter: Click here to become a supporter.Comments are welcome: [email protected] a Sponsor, send us an email.Rating: Leave a rating on your podcast listening site.Follow on Instagram: realhealthblackmen #realhealthblackmen#blackmenshealth#menshealth#blackmen#blackhealth#prostatecancer#mentalhealth

We'd love to hear from youThe journey toward health empowerment is deeply personal, filled with challenges, triumphs, and necessary conversations. Through sharing stories of cancer survival, chronic health issues, and the essential support of community, this episode dives into understanding health disparities in Black communities and the tools available for taking control of our health. • Personal stories of health challenges and survival • The significance of family health history • The impact of prostate cancer as a life-altering wake-up call • Distinction between health and healthcare, and the need for awareness • Importance of early detection and treatment options • Breaking the stigma around mental health within the community • The role of community support in fostering health education • Encouragement to seek knowledge and take control of health decisionsSupport the showBecome a Supporter: Click here to become a supporter.Comments are welcome: [email protected] a Sponsor, send us an email.Rating: Leave a rating on your podcast listening site.Follow on Instagram: realhealthblackmen #realhealthblackmen#blackmenshealth#menshealth#blackmen#blackhealth#prostatecancer#mentalhealth