Real Cancer Talk

In this crossover episode of Real Cancer Talk and The Cancer Letter Podcast, Dr. Robert Winn spoke with Paul Goldberg, editor and publisher of The Cancer Letter, about the program Winn started to address a sizable gap between being a scientist and a successful cancer center director. Winn and Goldberg discuss the Executive Leadership Academy for Cancer Centers and how the program is helping foster successful careers for cancer center leaders faced with unique responsibilities. The conversation dives into the critical components of leadership development in oncology, including training in CCSG (Cancer Center Support Grant) processes, grant writing, and cultivating internal talent to lead with vision and purpose.

This episode originally aired in September 2025.

Massey Website: https://masseycancercenter.org

Facebook: /vcumasseycancercenter

Instagram: @vcumassey

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center is among an elite group of National Cancer Institute-designated institutions that lead and shape America's cancer research efforts. As a Comprehensive Cancer Center, Massey is recognized for its scientific leadership and its ability to bridge groundbreaking research with life-saving patient care. Working with all kinds of cancers, Massey conducts basic, translational and clinical cancer research, provides state-of-the-art treatments and clinical trials, and promotes cancer prevention and education.

Since 1974, Massey has served as an internationally recognized center of excellence. It offers the most cancer clinical trials in Virginia and serves patients at multiple locations. Its 1,000-plus researchers, clinicians and staff members are dedicated to improving the quality of human life by developing and delivering effective means to prevent, control and ultimately cure cancer. Visit Massey online at masseycancercenter.org or call 877-4-MASSEY for more information.

Dr. Thelma Ramsey Bryant is a veteran administrator with over 25 years of experience working in urban education in New Jersey. She feels proud and privileged to be working in the district in which she was educated from pre-k to 12 th grade. The daughter of educators, her career goals were shaped by their legacy. Dr. Ramsey Bryant attended Talladega College, Talladega, Alabama (the oldest historically Black college in Alabama) where she majored in Deaf Rehabilitation with a minor in Early Childhood Education for the Handicapped. Upon graduation, she attended the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign on the Patricia Roberts Harris fellowship. She received her Master of Arts degree in Speech Pathology. She returned to New Jersey and worked as a speech pathologist in various healthcare settings until transitioning to schools. Dr. Ramsey Bryant completed her doctorate in education leadership at Arkansas State University. Her research focus is trauma and its impact on literacy in Black children, specifically Black boys. She has worked in various capacities in education, assistant director of special education, assistant principal at the secondary level and principal at all grade levels pre-k through 12 th . She currently serves as principal of a 7th and 8th grade middle school with just over 300 students. In her spare time, she loves to travel with her husband, Kevin, read, golf, and shoe shop. She is a DJ and also a stand-up comedian.

This episode originally aired in August 2025.

Massey Website: https://masseycancercenter.org

Facebook: /vcumasseycancercenter

Instagram: @vcumassey

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center is among an elite group of National Cancer Institute-designated institutions that lead and shape America's cancer research efforts. As a Comprehensive Cancer Center, Massey is recognized for its scientific leadership and its ability to bridge groundbreaking research with life-saving patient care. Working with all kinds of cancers, Massey conducts basic, translational and clinical cancer research, provides state-of-the-art treatments and clinical trials, and promotes cancer prevention and education.

Since 1974, Massey has served as an internationally recognized center of excellence. It offers the most cancer clinical trials in Virginia and serves patients at multiple locations. Its 1,000-plus researchers, clinicians and staff members are dedicated to improving the quality of human life by developing and delivering effective means to prevent, control and ultimately cure cancer. Visit Massey online at masseycancercenter.org or call 877-4-MASSEY for more information.

In this heartfelt and insightful July 2025 episode of Facts & Faith Friday, we welcome Dr. Marilyn Barnes, the Reverend Robert B. Lance Chair and Associate Professor in the Department of Patient Counseling at VCU’s College of Health Professions. Dr. Barnes joins us to explore the often-overlooked emotional and spiritual needs of caregivers, and introduces the Spiritual Care Companion program—a transformative initiative offered through VCU’s Patient Counseling department.

Other guests include Rev. Dr. Tiffany M. Redmond and Danielle Boose McDowell.

Tune in as we discuss how this program supports caregivers through spiritual care, community connection, and holistic healing. Whether you're a caregiver yourself or someone who supports them, this episode offers valuable perspectives on compassion, resilience, and faith in the caregiving journey.

This interview originally aired in July 2025.

Massey Website: https://masseycancercenter.org

Facebook: /vcumasseycancercenter

Instagram: @vcumassey

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center is among an elite group of National Cancer Institute-designated institutions that lead and shape America's cancer research efforts. As a Comprehensive Cancer Center, Massey is recognized for its scientific leadership and its ability to bridge groundbreaking research with life-saving patient care. Working with all kinds of cancers, Massey conducts basic, translational and clinical cancer research, provides state-of-the-art treatments and clinical trials, and promotes cancer prevention and education.

Since 1974, Massey has served as an internationally recognized center of excellence. It offers the most cancer clinical trials in Virginia and serves patients at multiple locations. Its 1,000-plus researchers, clinicians and staff members are dedicated to improving the quality of human life by developing and delivering effective means to prevent, control and ultimately cure cancer. Visit Massey online at masseycancercenter.org or call 877-4-MASSEY for more information.

Artificial intelligence can be a scary phrase, but AI could be the future of healthcare. Dr. Robert Winn, Director of VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Community Clovia were joined by Dr. Jim Weinstein, the Senior Vice President for Microsoft Healthcare, to discuss the future of AI in healthcare. Dr. Weinstein first explains what Artificial Intelligence is and why the phrase doesn’t have to be so intimidating. Then Dr. Weinstein explains how AI is already impacting healthcare, and specifically cancer care, and how long term the technology could save lives.

This interview originally aired in July 2025.

Massey Website: https://masseycancercenter.org

Facebook: /vcumasseycancercenter

Instagram: @vcumassey

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center is among an elite group of National Cancer Institute-designated institutions that lead and shape America's cancer research efforts. As a Comprehensive Cancer Center, Massey is recognized for its scientific leadership and its ability to bridge groundbreaking research with life-saving patient care. Working with all kinds of cancers, Massey conducts basic, translational and clinical cancer research, provides state-of-the-art treatments and clinical trials, and promotes cancer prevention and education.

Since 1974, Massey has served as an internationally recognized center of excellence. It offers the most cancer clinical trials in Virginia and serves patients at multiple locations. Its 1,000-plus researchers, clinicians and staff members are dedicated to improving the quality of human life by developing and delivering effective means to prevent, control and ultimately cure cancer. Visit Massey online at masseycancercenter.org or call 877-4-MASSEY for more information.

Welcome to Community Conversations, a podcast hosted by Community Clovia, where real talk meets real impact. Join regular guest Dr. Robert Winn, director of VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, and special guest Jennifer Pegher from the Association of American Cancer Institutes (AACI), as they explore how AACI’s work is transforming cancer care across the country. From improving cancer screening and prevention to advancing treatment and advocacy, each episode dives into the stories, science, and strategies that are changing lives. Whether you're a patient, provider, or passionate about public health, this show brings the cancer conversation to your community.

This interview originally aired in June 2025.

Massey Website: https://masseycancercenter.org

Facebook: /vcumasseycancercenter

Instagram: @vcumassey

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center is among an elite group of National Cancer Institute-designated institutions that lead and shape America's cancer research efforts. As a Comprehensive Cancer Center, Massey is recognized for its scientific leadership and its ability to bridge groundbreaking research with life-saving patient care. Working with all kinds of cancers, Massey conducts basic, translational and clinical cancer research, provides state-of-the-art treatments and clinical trials, and promotes cancer prevention and education.

Since 1974, Massey has served as an internationally recognized center of excellence. It offers the most cancer clinical trials in Virginia and serves patients at multiple locations. Its 1,000-plus researchers, clinicians and staff members are dedicated to improving the quality of human life by developing and delivering effective means to prevent, control and ultimately cure cancer. Visit Massey online at masseycancercenter.org or call 877-4-MASSEY for more information.

Cancer prevention and screenings are widely available and contribute the reduction in cancer deaths that we're seeing.

Dr. Robert Winn, Director of VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Community Clovia are joined by Dr. Electra Paskett, Chair of Cancer Prevention at Ohio State University to discuss the importance of cancer screenings and prevention. Dr. Paskett explains the widespread availability of cancer screenings and the data behind why screenings and cancer prevention are contributing to the reduction in cancer deaths. Then the conversation touches on the importance of community engagement to get more involved in cancer prevention and screenings.

This interview originally aired in March 2025.

Massey Website: https://masseycancercenter.org

Facebook: /vcumasseycancercenter

Instagram: @vcumassey

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center is among an elite group of National Cancer Institute-designated institutions that lead and shape America's cancer research efforts. As a Comprehensive Cancer Center, Massey is recognized for its scientific leadership and its ability to bridge groundbreaking research with life-saving patient care. Working with all kinds of cancers, Massey conducts basic, translational and clinical cancer research, provides state-of-the-art treatments and clinical trials, and promotes cancer prevention and education.

Since 1974, Massey has served as an internationally recognized center of excellence. It offers the most cancer clinical trials in Virginia and serves patients at multiple locations. Its 1,000-plus researchers, clinicians and staff members are dedicated to improving the quality of human life by developing and delivering effective means to prevent, control and ultimately cure cancer. Visit Massey online at masseycancercenter.org or call 877-4-MASSEY for more information.

Disparities in cancer cases, detection, prevention, and healthcare are still prevalent among African-American communities.

Dr. Robert Winn, Director of VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Community Clovia look into cancer disparities and dispelling the myths around healthcare on this episode of Real Cancer Talk: Community Conversations. Dr. Winn and Community Clo first dive into the disparities that have existed in cancer care, but also the progress made in the last three decades. Later Dr. Winn tackles some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding clinical trials, cancer screenings and prevention.

This interview originally aired in February 2025.

Massey Website: https://masseycancercenter.org

Facebook: /vcumasseycancercenter

Instagram: @vcumassey

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center is among an elite group of National Cancer Institute-designated institutions that lead and shape America's cancer research efforts. As a Comprehensive Cancer Center, Massey is recognized for its scientific leadership and its ability to bridge groundbreaking research with life-saving patient care. Working with all kinds of cancers, Massey conducts basic, translational and clinical cancer research, provides state-of-the-art treatments and clinical trials, and promotes cancer prevention and education.

Since 1974, Massey has served as an internationally recognized center of excellence. It offers the most cancer clinical trials in Virginia and serves patients at multiple locations. Its 1,000-plus researchers, clinicians and staff members are dedicated to improving the quality of human life by developing and delivering effective means to prevent, control and ultimately cure cancer. Visit Massey online at masseycancercenter.org or call 877-4-MASSEY for more information.

Dr. Robert Winn is joined by Dr. Brian Rivers, director of the Cancer Health Equity Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine, for a special edition of Real Cancer Talk in a series for Black History Month with The Cancer History Project podcast. In this episode, Dr. Rivers dives into why he got involved in cancer research, including the discovery of his family’s health history which led him down his path of research. Dr. Rivers later discusses what drew him back to his home in Atlanta and his work at Morehouse, one of four historically black medical schools in the country. Finally, Dr. Winn asks Dr. Rivers what keeps him up at night.

This interview originally aired in February 2025.

Massey Website: https://masseycancercenter.org

Facebook: /vcumasseycancercenter

Instagram: @vcumassey

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center is among an elite group of National Cancer Institute-designated institutions that lead and shape America's cancer research efforts. As a Comprehensive Cancer Center, Massey is recognized for its scientific leadership and its ability to bridge groundbreaking research with life-saving patient care. Working with all kinds of cancers, Massey conducts basic, translational and clinical cancer research, provides state-of-the-art treatments and clinical trials, and promotes cancer prevention and education.

Since 1974, Massey has served as an internationally recognized center of excellence. It offers the most cancer clinical trials in Virginia and serves patients at multiple locations. Its 1,000-plus researchers, clinicians and staff members are dedicated to improving the quality of human life by developing and delivering effective means to prevent, control and ultimately cure cancer. Visit Massey online at masseycancercenter.org or call 877-4-MASSEY for more information.

On this edition of Real Cancer Talk: Facts and Faith Fridays, Dr. Robert Winn, Director of VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Dr. Arnethea Sutton are joined by Dr. David Turner, Associate Director for Community Outreach and Engagement at VCU Massey, to talk about what you don’t know about your AGE! Dr. Turner explains the way people live their lives influences their chances of getting cancer and how a healthy lifestyle can prevent a cancer diagnosis in the first place. The conversation zeroes in on food, not just what you, but how you cook them and leaving people with helpful tips to become AGE aware.

This interview originally aired in February 2025.

Facts & Faith Fridays is a partnership between VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center and the African American faith-based community. Led by community leaders, Rudene Mercer Haynes, Rev. F. Todd Gray, and Robert A. Winn, M.D., the program was founded in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Facts & Faith Fridays recognizes that faith leaders are trusted sources of accurate information and act as ambassadors for their communities.

Facts and Faith Fridays Website: https://www.masseycancercenter.org/facts-and-faith-fridays/

Massey Website: https://masseycancercenter.org

Facebook: /vcumasseycancercenter

Instagram: @vcumassey

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center is among an elite group of National Cancer Institute-designated institutions that lead and shape America's cancer research efforts. As a Comprehensive Cancer Center, Massey is recognized for its scientific leadership and its ability to bridge groundbreaking research with life-saving patient care. Working with all kinds of cancers, Massey conducts basic, translational and clinical cancer research, provides state-of-the-art treatments and clinical trials, and promotes cancer prevention and education.

Since 1974, Massey has served as an internationally recognized center of excellence. It offers the most cancer clinical trials in Virginia and serves patients at multiple locations. Its 1,000-plus researchers, clinicians and staff members are dedicated to improving the quality of human life by developing and delivering effective means to prevent, control and ultimately cure cancer. Visit Massey online at masseycancercenter.org or call 877-4-MASSEY for more information.

Virginia's fight against cancer has support in government, being led by members of the Cancer Caucus.

Dr. Robert Winn, Director of VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Community Clovia welcomed State Delegate Delores McQuinn to discuss Virginia’s fight against cancer on this episode of Real Cancer Talk: Community Conversations. McQuinn talks about support in the government for the fight against cancer being led by members of the Cancer Caucus. Then McQuinn explains why people should pay attention to the General Assembly when it comes to their health.

This interview originally aired in January 2025.

Massey Website: https://masseycancercenter.org

Facebook: /vcumasseycancercenter

Instagram: @vcumassey

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center is among an elite group of National Cancer Institute-designated institutions that lead and shape America's cancer research efforts. As a Comprehensive Cancer Center, Massey is recognized for its scientific leadership and its ability to bridge groundbreaking research with life-saving patient care. Working with all kinds of cancers, Massey conducts basic, translational and clinical cancer research, provides state-of-the-art treatments and clinical trials, and promotes cancer prevention and education.

Since 1974, Massey has served as an internationally recognized center of excellence. It offers the most cancer clinical trials in Virginia and serves patients at multiple locations. Its 1,000-plus researchers, clinicians and staff members are dedicated to improving the quality of human life by developing and delivering effective means to prevent, control and ultimately cure cancer. Visit Massey online at masseycancercenter.org or call 877-4-MASSEY for more information.