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If food feels like comfort, celebration, stress relief, and identity all at once, how do you know when it’s no longer just “liking to eat” but a real addiction? My friend Dezra Nauls answers that with a raw story that starts with being a self-described foodie who would literally fly to other cities for a meal, then climbs to the edge of 400 pounds, and a decision that couldn’t wait.

We talk about what health really means beyond weight and blood pressure: mobility, energy, being able to walk without getting winded, and living long enough to see your people grow. Dezra walks us through the cultural myths he had to unlearn, the moment he realized he was “living to eat,” and why sugar cravings, soda, and mindless snacking can mirror other addictions. He also breaks down what changed when he entered the bariatric surgery process: therapy, dietitian coaching, reading nutrition labels, avoiding added sugar, and learning to build meals around protein.

Then we get into the part most people skip. Dezra shares the fear the night before surgery, the complications that followed, and how a vitamin deficiency and low potassium landed him in the hospital with nausea, numb legs, and blurred vision. It’s a serious reminder that post-op instructions, vitamins, and follow-up care are not optional. On the other side, he shares his life now, no longer addicted: his weight loss; lifestyle adjustments; and food awareness.

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Bad Science: Changes in politics and ideology do not change our need to be vigilant.

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Heart disease is still the number one cause of death and disability on the planet, and the scariest part is how quietly it can build. From Barbados, we sit down with Dr. Sayambo, a non-invasive cardiology specialist, to make heart health practical and plainspoken especially for Black men who too often face earlier high blood pressure, higher rates of heart failure and stroke, and worse outcomes when care comes late.

We start by clearing up confusion about what cardiologists actually do, then zoom out to what “cardiovascular health” really means: not just avoiding a diagnosis, but keeping the heart and blood vessels working efficiently so your whole body gets what it needs. Dr. Sayambo walks us through the full range of cardiovascular disease and then anchors the conversation in the American College of Cardiology framework that matters most day to day: blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, body weight, diet, activity, sleep, tobacco, and psychological health. We also talk honestly about stress, how it fuels risk factors, and why you can do “everything right” in the clinic and still struggle if your environment keeps pulling you backward.

A major focus is hypertension, the silent killer, and the myths that keep men from getting checked. We get specific about what normal blood pressure looks like (less than 120/80), why “I feel fine” is not a plan, how family history helps guide earlier screening, and why tracking your numbers and medications on your phone can prevent dangerous mistakes. We also cover cultural food realities, processed foods, sodium, and small changes that are actually sustainable, plus the warning signs that should send you to urgent or emergency care because time is muscle.

If you want a clear, grounded guide to heart disease prevention, cardiovascular screening, and healthier routines that fit real life, press play. Subscribe, share this with one man you care about, and leave a review with the one heart-health number you’re committed to tracking.

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Bad Science: Changes in politics and ideology do not change our need to be vigilant.

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We 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     #prostatecancer

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Strength 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

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#therapy

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@hakimasadi

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Bad Science: Changes in politics and ideology do not change our need to be vigilant.

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A 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.

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A 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.

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Two 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 checkup

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We 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‑challenge

Write us at [email protected]

To support this podcast, either with a one-time contribution or as a monthly subscriber, go to www.buymeacoffee.com/RealHealthBlackMen

For more information about my other podcasts, strategic business consulting, public speaking requests, and other endeavors, go to www.Grantleymartelly.com

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Bad Science: Changes in politics and ideology do not change our need to be vigilant.

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BACPAC 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

#ProstateCancer

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Bad Science: Changes in politics and ideology do not change our need to be vigilant.

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Dr. 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 programs

To 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

#blackphysicians

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Bad Science: Changes in politics and ideology do not change our need to be vigilant.

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