PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK™

In this episode of PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK, hosts El and Shay welcome two distinguished physicians from Mercy Urology Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Dr. Matthew Ferroni, a leading urologist specializing in minimally invasive and robotic surgery, and Dr. Michael Marquardt, a radiation oncologist treating prostate, lung, and other cancers, share their expertise on treatment decisions for localized prostate cancer.

Together, Dr. Ferr...

In this episode of PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK, we welcome back Ralph Jones, who shares more of his personal journey with prostate cancer and beyond. Having faced multiple cancer diagnoses, Ralph speaks candidly about the challenges of living with cancer and the strength it takes to keep moving forward.

Ralph explains why he chooses to participate in clinical trials and how research has played a life-saving role in his story. From hi...

In this episode of PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK, we hear the powerful story of Ralph Jones, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer with a staggering PSA score of 600. Under the care of UI Health in Chicago, Ralph entered clinical trials that helped bring his PSA levels down to nearly zero. His journey highlights the seriousness of prostate cancer, the importance of medical research, and the resilience needed to face such a diagnosis.

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Join us for another impactful episode of PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK as we welcome back Clarence Williamson from Memphis, TN. Clarence is a longtime prostate cancer survivor and tireless advocate who shares how maintaining a positive mindset has been vital in his fight against the disease.

As the co-founder of the Memphis-based support group Man2Man, Clarence has dedicated his life to raising awareness and helping others navigate the...

Join us on PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK as we sit down with Dr. Deville, Associate Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He also serves as the Medical Director of the Johns Hopkins Proton Therapy Center and the Clinical Director and Chair of Sibley Radiation Oncology.

In this episode, Dr. Deville breaks down the latest advancements in radiatio...

In this episode of PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK, Shannon and Tony Mekeel return to share the deeper story of how prostate cancer shaped their marriage. With Tony now in remission, the couple reflects on the emotional highs and lows that came with his diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

They open up about the challenges they faced in intimacy, communication, and daily life, and how these experiences tested — and ultimately strengthened...

In this episode of PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK, hosts El and Shay sit down with Shannon and Tony Mekeel, a couple navigating the emotional and physical challenges of prostate cancer. Diagnosed in December 2022 with a PSA of 26, Tony’s journey began with urgency—and brought with it the life-altering decisions many families face.

Tony and Shannon open up about choosing brachytherapy radiation and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT)—a fo...

In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Adam B. Murphy, we continue exploring the realities of Active Surveillance as a prostate cancer strategy. This follow-up episode dives deeper into the nuances of monitoring, patient lifestyle factors, and when a shift to active treatment may be necessary.

Dr. Murphy brings a wealth of expertise as an Associate Professor of Urology and Preventive Medicine at Northwestern Medicine. He continues t...

In this episode of PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK, Dr. Adam B. Murphy returns to explain the concept of Active Surveillance—a prostate cancer management option focused on close monitoring instead of immediate treatment. It’s a path chosen by many men with low-risk prostate cancer, offering a way to avoid unnecessary procedures while staying safe and informed.

Dr. Murphy is an Associate Professor of Urology and Preventive Medicine at Nor...

In this episode of PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK, hosts El and Shay are joined by Angela Dennison, a Registered Dietitian (RD) and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN) who serves as Nutrition Manager at Wellness House. Wellness House is a holistic support organization dedicated to helping cancer patients and their families improve their physical and emotional well-being.

Angela shares her insights on how nutrition and lifestyle choice...

Join us on PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK as Dr. Donald Vander Griend returns to continue our discussion on prostate cancer research and clinical trials. In this episode, Dr. Vander Griend dives deeper into the advancements being made in prostate cancer research, what current clinical trials are focusing on, and how these studies are paving the way for new prevention and treatment options.

As an Associate Professor in the Department of ...

In this episode of PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK, hosts El and Shay are joined by Dr. Donald Vander Griend, an Associate Professor in the Department of Pathology and Associate Director for Shared Resource at the UI Cancer Center. Growing up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Dr. Vander Griend has a deeply personal connection to his research, as both his father and father-in-law are prostate cancer survivors.

Dr. Vander Griend earned his PhD in...

Join us on PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK as David and Kathie Houchens share their powerful story of navigating life and marriage in the shadow of prostate cancer. In this episode, we dive deep into how their relationship has adapted to meet the challenges brought on by the disease.

The Houchens discuss the critical role of maintaining intimacy and sustaining faith through their journey. They open up about the importance of bo...

Join us on PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK as Dr. Shilajit D. Kundu shares his expert insights into key aspects of prostate cancer management. As an Associate Professor at the Department of Urology at Northwestern Medicine, Dr. Kundu specializes in the latest diagnostic and treatment techniques, including PSA screening and robotic prostatectomy surgery.

In this episode, Dr. Kundu explains the critical role of PSA screening in e...

In this episode of PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK, Dr. John McGill joins hosts El and Shay to delve into advanced prostate cancer treatment options and diagnostic measures. Dr. McGill, an experienced urologist specializing in robotic surgery at Phoebe Urology in Albany, Georgia, brings his expertise in discussing the intricacies of Brachytherapy, understanding Gleason Scores, and the role of Active Surveillance in managing prostate can...

Join us for another uplifting episode of PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK as we welcome back Simon T. Bailey, an award-winning keynote speaker known for his powerful insights on resilience and personal empowerment. In this follow-up episode, Simon shares more on maintaining positivity and finding strength during the prostate cancer journey.

Building on his previous discussion, Simon delves deeper into strategies for staying enco...

In this episode of PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK, we welcome Simon, an award-winning keynote speaker known for inspiring resilience and purpose in challenging circumstances. Simon shares insights from his personal journey, which includes overcoming a difficult divorce and battling prostate cancer.

Simon teaches how to harness strengths and rebound stronger from setbacks, drawing from his own experiences. Having started his ca...

Join us on PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK as we welcome Dr. Deville, an Associate Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Serving as the Medical Director of the Johns Hopkins Proton Therapy Center and Clinical Director and Chair of Sibley Radiation Oncology, Dr. Deville is an expert in the field of radiation oncology, specializing in prostate can...