PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK™

What is the difference between palliative care and hospice care? In this episode of PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK, El and Shay are joined by Doctor Abrahm, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, to help break down two areas of care that are often misunderstood.

Board certified in multiple medical specialties, Doctor Abrahm has authored more than 130 scholarly publications, including the fourth edition of the Comprehensive Guide to Supportive and Palliative Care for Cancer Patients. Her work has focused on improving symptom management and quality of life for cancer patients through better clinical decision support systems and patient-centered care.

In this conversation, Doctor Abrahm explains the goals of palliative care, how it differs from hospice care, and why these services can play an important role throughout a cancer journey. This episode offers practical insight for patients, caregivers, and families looking to better understand supportive care and informed decision-making.

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What does it take to live with metastatic prostate cancer long term? In this episode of PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK, El and Shay welcome Clarence Williamson, a long-time survivor and dedicated advocate, who shares his powerful journey living with the disease.

Diagnosed at 53, Clarence reflects on the challenges he has faced and the mindset that has helped him continue moving forward. As co-founder of the Man to Man support group and an active member of national advocacy organizations, he has spent years raising awareness and supporting other men navigating prostate cancer.

This conversation highlights the importance of early detection, PSA testing, and community support, while offering encouragement to those facing their own diagnosis. Clarence’s story is a reminder that with the right mindset and support, it is possible to keep moving forward and live with purpose.

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Struggling with intimacy after prostate cancer treatment? In this episode of PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK, El and Shay are joined by Antonio Aguilar-Diaz, PhD, a psychologist who focuses on how prostate cancer impacts not just the patient, but the relationship as a whole.

Aguilar-Diaz explores the emotional challenges men face as they navigate the biological changes from treatment alongside deeply ingrained beliefs about masculinity and identity. He explains how these internal struggles can affect connection, communication, and intimacy within a relationship.

This conversation provides practical insight for both patients and partners, helping couples move away from fear and silence toward honest communication, emotional connection, and renewed closeness. If you are working to rebuild intimacy and strengthen your relationship after treatment, this episode offers guidance to help you move forward together.

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Concerned about a prostate cancer biopsy or considering active surveillance? In this episode of PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK, El and Shay sit down with Dr. Matthew Ferroni, a urologist at Mercy Urology Center, to break down what men need to know when making these critical decisions.

Dr. Ferroni explains what to expect during a prostate biopsy, how results are interpreted, and how doctors determine whether active surveillance is an appropriate option. He walks through how monitoring works over time and why some men may safely delay treatment while staying closely observed.

With a focus on clarity and real-world application, this conversation helps men and their families better understand the decision-making process, reduce uncertainty, and feel more confident navigating the next steps. If you are facing testing or evaluating your options, this episode provides straightforward insight to help guide you forward.

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Struggling with bladder control after prostate cancer surgery? In Part 2 of this conversation on PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK, El and Shay continue their discussion with Heather Moky, a physical therapist at University of Illinois Health, focusing on realistic expectations, recovery timelines, and what progress actually looks like.

Heather explains why recovery varies from person to person and what men can expect in the first few weeks after surgery, including how long leakage may last and when improvements typically begin. She also breaks down how pelvic floor therapy improves coordination, strength, and control, along with simple techniques like preparing before coughing or sneezing to reduce leakage. 

The conversation also covers how to find the right pelvic floor physical therapist, the role of caregivers in supporting recovery, and when tools or devices may be helpful. Heather shares practical guidance for both patients and partners, emphasizing that progress takes time, consistency, and the right support system. If you are working to regain control and improve quality of life, this episode provides clear and realistic direction to help you move forward.

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Struggling with bladder control after prostate cancer surgery or dealing with urinary incontinence after prostatectomy? In this episode of PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK, El and Shay speak with Heather Moky, a physical therapist at University of Illinois Health, about how men can regain control through pelvic floor therapy and rehabilitation.

With over 24 years of experience in pelvic health, Heather explains why bladder control issues happen after prostate surgery and what men can expect during recovery. She breaks down pelvic floor exercises, therapy techniques, and practical steps that can help improve bladder control, strengthen the pelvic floor, and even support sexual function and erections after treatment.

Heather has also taught and presented for organizations such as the International Continence Society and the University of Chicago. If you are experiencing leakage, urgency, or loss of control, this episode offers clear, actionable guidance to help you move forward. Share this with someone who needs it.

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In this mini-episode of PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK, hosts El and Shay are joined by Dr. Matthew Ferroni and Dr. Michael Marquardt of Mercy Urology Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Together, they discuss the importance of a team-based approach in prostate cancer treatment.

Dr. Ferroni and Dr. Marquardt highlight how urology and radiation oncology work hand-in-hand with other specialties—including genetics, nutrition, physical therapy, and mental health—to provide patients with comprehensive care. Their insights emphasize how collaboration not only guides men through treatment options like surgery and radiation, but also ensures ongoing support for long-term wellness and survivorship.

Tune in for a focused conversation on how a multidisciplinary team can make a lasting difference in the journey through prostate cancer care.

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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. Ferroni and Dr. Marquardt explain the similarities and key differences between radical prostatectomy (surgery) and radiation therapy—two options that offer comparable cure rates but vary in side effects, recovery, and suitability for each patient.

This conversation provides essential insights to help men and their families make informed choices, highlighting the importance of early detection and a multidisciplinary approach to prostate cancer care.

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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 his prostate cancer diagnosis with a PSA score of 600 to other battles he has endured, he highlights the importance of access to trials and how they can change outcomes for patients.

As the C.E.O. of Youth Development Systems Inc., Ralph is not only a leader in education but also a strong voice for cancer awareness and advocacy. His story is a powerful reminder of resilience, the importance of hope, and the role of research in improving cancer care.

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September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and early detection saves lives. In this video, El — a prostate cancer survivor — and his wife Shay share their story and introduce Dr. Adam Murphy of Northwestern Medicine, who explains the warning signs and risk factors men need to know.

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