Hip. Hope. Hooray! Men Talkin’ Health

Health, Hope, & Hip-Hop Foundation

Hip. Hope. Hooray! Men Talkin’ Health was born out of my own journey—as a Black man navigating life with cancer. This show comes from a place of lived experience, healing, and the urgency to empower. I’ve been there... and now I’m bringing the mic to the movement. Men from underrepresented communities carry a heavy burden when it comes to health. Black Americans, for instance, have the highest mortality rates for most cancers, face delayed diagnoses, and lead in heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. These aren’t just statistics—they’re real stories, real losses, and real people. The system plays a part, sure—lack of access, coverage, and resources—but there’s another layer: health literacy. Many of us haven’t been given the tools or the language to protect our own well-being. It’s time to change that narrative. Enter: Hip. Hope. Hooray! Men Talkin’ Health. I’m your host, Oya Gilbert—Multiple Myeloma survivor, nonprofit founder, and relentless advocate for health equity. This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a health literacy movement, infused with the rhythm and resilience of hip-hop culture. Each episode features real conversations with men from all walks of life—doctors, activists, artists, athletes, caregivers, and brothers from the block. We’re keepin’ it raw and honest, talking about the struggles and breakthroughs that come with being a man trying to stay healthy in a world that often makes it hard. While the heart of the show centers Black and Brown experiences, our reach includes all underrepresented communities who’ve been pushed to the margins of the healthcare conversation. Whether you're behind the wheel, in the gym, or posted up at home—lock in. You’ll get practical tools, real stories, and inspiration that just might save your life or someone you love. This is about reclaiming our health. This is about breaking silence. This is Hip. Hope. Hooray! Let’s stay healthy, stay hopeful, and keep celebrating each win—one “hooray” at a time.

Episodes

  1. FEB 23

    Prostate Talk: No Filter, No Excuses — Real Brothers, Real Stories

    What do you do when the doctor says cancer? For Mark Harris and Robert Ginyard, the answer was simple — survive, then serve. In this episode of Hip. Hope. Hooray! Men Talkin' Health, host Oya Gilbert goes on location at the Healthevoices Conference in Jersey for a raw, unfiltered conversation with two prostate cancer survivors who turned their diagnoses into a lifelong mission to save other men's lives. Mark was diagnosed at 58 — and just six days later became a caregiver when his son received his own cancer diagnosis. Robert was diagnosed at 48 after years of diligent annual checkups and a wife who held him accountable. Now both men are on the front lines of prostate cancer advocacy, and they're bringing everything to this conversation. In this episode: — What the prostate is, what it does, and why Black men need to pay attention — PSA testing explained and why Black men should start screening at 40 — Navigating treatment decisions — surgery, radiation, active surveillance — The truth about sex, intimacy, and quality of life after treatment — Why keeping your diagnosis a secret is a generational health curse — The spiritual and mental health elements of surviving cancer — Building generational health, not just generational wealth This is the conversation your doctor wishes you were already having with the men in your life. Listen, share, and take action. 🎧 New episodes drop regularly — subscribe so you never miss a beat. 💊 Powered by Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer 📍 Recorded live at Healthevoices Conference #HipHopeHooray #HealthHopeHipHop #ProstateCancer #BlackMensHealth #KnowYourPSA #Healthevoices

    30 min
  2. 12/15/2025

    Lupus. Love. Life. The Remix of Resilience.

    Lupus. Love. Life. The Remix of Resilience. Recorded live at HealtheVoices 2025, this episode of Hip Hop Hooray! Men Talkin’ Health is a powerful conversation about faith, mental strength, chronic illness, and the will to keep going. Host Oya Gilbert sits down with Emmitt Henderson III and Shanell Matlock, lupus warriors and advocates whose journey together proves that resilience isn’t just about surviving—it’s about purpose. Emmitt Henderson III, founder of Male Lupus Warriors, has lived with lupus for more than 30 years and is currently facing kidney failure while recovering from major back surgery. In this episode, Emmitt shares how prioritizing mental health, holding onto faith, and staying rooted in purpose have carried him through decades of physical challenges. He is also the author of The Power in Men, available on Amazon. Shanell Matlock is a U.S. military veteran, co-author of Veterans Unchained, and creator of the 8 Second Campaign, a movement raising awareness for kidney donation and Emmitt’s urgent need for a living donor. Together, they discuss love, partnership, advocacy, and what it means to show up for one another through chronic illness. This episode is a reminder that pain doesn’t have to silence you—and that your story can be someone else’s survival guide. 🎙️ “God kept me here, and His will with me is not done. The back will heal. The kidney will come.” – Emmitt Henderson III 🔑 In This Episode: What lupus is and how it affects the body Living with chronic illness for decades Mental health as a survival tool Faith, resilience, and purpose The mission behind Male Lupus Warriors The story of the 8 Second Campaign Turning pain into power through advocacy 🎧 Listen now on Podbean and all major podcast platforms. 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3XZKbdZZr5g?si=Nwx_RhKmvJEQ2otp

    40 min
  3. 09/23/2024

    Bustin' Barriers: Behind the Grind to Make Clinical Trials Diverse

    Clinical trials are an essential part of the process that brings new drug therapies and cures to market, but Brown and Black people are severely underrepresented in this life-saving research. The problem dates back to misconduct in trials like Tuskegee and a subsequent lack of inclusion in later studies. Unfortunately, a host of stigmas and stereotypes have since become barriers to accessing quality healthcare. We must address the inherent mistrust and break down those barriers now, before it’s too late. In this episode, I talk with two dawgs from the International Myeloma Foundation: Dr. Joseph Mikhael, and President and CEO, Yelak Biru. Both are working tirelessly to educate and engage Brown and Black communities and bring essential diversity to clinical trials. It’s a heavy lift—it takes time to build trust—but the IMF is focused on the tools and connections that will make a difference. Join us as we delve into the critical role of clinical trials, specifically in underserved communities, and explore the factors driving reluctance to participate, along with actionable steps to overcome them. Our guests share personal insights and professional expertise on how to build trust and encourage greater participation. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complexities and solutions surrounding clinical trials and healthcare disparities in underserved communities. Listen in and learn how you can help pave the way for a healthier future.

    31 min
  4. 08/26/2024

    Prostate Cancer: It's More Than Just a PSA Thang

    If you're a dude, you've probably heard those dreaded words, "bend over, it's time for your prostate exam" from your doc'. And if you're getting an annual physical, you've likely had your PSA tested, maybe even heard that your number was high. What are you supposed to do? The National Cancer Institute recommends additional testing for a PSA above 4.0 in anyone over age 60, or above 2.5 in anyone younger than 60. But there's so much more to understanding your risk of Prostate Cancer, and how to treat it once you've been diagnosed. In this episode we bust myths about prostate cancer's aggressiveness in black men, highlight the importance of early detection, and dig in to the emotional and mental aspects of dealing with the disease. The conversation is enlightening, heartfelt, and empowering, ultimately  encouraging men to prioritize their health. I'm joined by an impressive lineup of guests: Dr. Mack Roach III, a specialist in urologic tumors from UCSF, shares his extensive knowledge on the subject. Mark Harris, diagnosed in 2013, discusses his journey and efforts to support others. David Fields, diagnosed in 2020, provides a candid look at his experience and the choices he made for treatment. The guys share their personal experiences with the disease, discuss the impact it's had on their lives and the challenges they've faced in navigating their treatment options. Tune in to learn more about prostate, the importance of early detection and treatment, and the innovative approaches being used to combat this prevalent disease. Remember, don't let pride stand in the way of prevention. Stay informed, get checked, and keep the conversation going. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: For more information on prostate cancer, visit: - Prostate Cancer Foundation: www.pcf.org - American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org To learn more about Dr. Mack Roach III and the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, visit: www.ucsfhealth.org/cancer To learn more about the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation visit: www.healthhopehiphop.org.

    53 min
  5. The Dangers of High Blood Pressure

    07/15/2024

    The Dangers of High Blood Pressure

    High blood pressure, aka hypertension, can quietly mess up the body for years before symptoms appear. Not surprisingly, many of the black community's top killers are caused by high blood pressure, including heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure and even kidney disease. That's why it's so important to have your blood pressure checked; and why you need to keep it in check through diet, exercise, and even medication. My man Phillip Davis is a prime example. In September of 2020, Phillip was working as a School Administrator for Mastery Charter School. He had just wrapped up a routine workday that was marked by an excruciating headache that would not go away. It was so bad that he went to the ER and was admitted to Chestnut Hill Hospital, where he quickly learned that his blood pressure sky high; a troubling 287/92.  He was immediately transported to ICU where he spent the next few days being accessed to figure out the cause.  After several negative tests, Phillip received shocking news from a Nephrologist about his kidneys; they were in danger of failure and the problem had reached the acute stage. To stay alive, Phillip had to begin dialysis treatment immediately.  But after several weeks on dialysis, his condition worsened and Phillip was officially diagnosed with Stage 4 Kidney Disease also known as Renal Failure.  The only remedy for the condition is a kidney transplant or long-term, life-sustaining dialysis.  At just 34 years of age, that was some heavy news. So I sat down with Phillip to hear how he managed to cope with his diagnosis, navigate his treatment journey, and become an advocate for kidney health in the Black and Brown communities.  Through faith, family, hip-hop music, and an unbreakable spirit, Phillip has found strength and purpose in sharing his story. Join us as we discuss Phillip's resilience, determination, and the importance of early detection and blood pressure screening in kidney health. Today he is a global ambassador for The Gift of Life, where he educates men and women about the causes, early signs of high blood pressure, and kidney failure.  His story is inspiring. Check it out. LINKS Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation https://www.healthhopehiphop.org   The Gift of Life https://www.giftoflife.org/   Follow Phillip on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p.dot57/

    1h 9m
  6. Doubts, Disbelief, and Delayed Diagnosis

    06/17/2024

    Doubts, Disbelief, and Delayed Diagnosis

    Multiple Myeloma ain't no joke, Black folks! A cancer of the bone marrow plasma cells, Myeloma is called “multiple” because there are frequently multiple patches or areas in bone marrow where it grows.   In this episode, four men (three black and one white) come together to discuss the challenges they faced with delayed diagnosis of multiple myeloma and the impact it had on their treatment. They delve into the disparities in healthcare access and quality that often impact the black community, leading to -- you guessed it -- delayed diagnoses and poorer outcomes for black patients with multiple myeloma. Our guests get personal and share their individual experiences navigating the healthcare system, including encounters with healthcare providers who dismissed their symptoms or failed to recognize the signs of multiple myeloma. They also discuss the importance of advocating for oneself and seeking second opinions when faced with a potential misdiagnosis. Through candid conversations and personal anecdotes, these men shed light on the systemic barriers that contribute to delayed diagnoses and disparities in treatment for black patients with multiple myeloma. They also provide insights and advice for others facing similar challenges, emphasizing the importance of being proactive in seeking proper medical care and advocating for one's health. Join us for this enlightening discussion on the impact of delayed diagnosis and disparities in healthcare on the black community.   GUEST LIST: Michael Ritto - Multiple Myeloma Dx: 7/2011 Thomas Goode - Multiple Myeloma Dx: 2007, 2008, 2011  Arthur Marsh - Multiple Myeloma Dx: 1/2024 With your Emcee Oya Gilbert - Multiple Myeloma Dx: 12/2017 LINKS Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation https://www.healthhopehiphop.org   For more about Multiple Myeloma visit the sites below. International Myeloma Foundation Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Myeloma Link

    1h 5m
  7. S1:E1 - The Silent Struggle: Why Black Men Avoid the Doctor's Office

    05/27/2024

    S1:E1 - The Silent Struggle: Why Black Men Avoid the Doctor's Office

    Yo, not to get all heavy on you, but this podcast was born out of my personal experience as a "Black man with cancer." I've learned a lot... sooo peep this. When it comes to most types of cancer, Black people have the highest death rate and shortest survival of any ethnic group in the United States. I got wind of this fact AFTER being diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2017, a treatable but incurable blood cancer that impacts Black Americans 2:1 vs their White counterparts.  So, what's shaking and taking our lives in such disproportionate numbers? Yeah, healthcare disparities like lack of access and insurance, historical injustices, and implicit bias are hurting us.... but we also suffer from limited health literacy -- and that's something we can change through conversation... Starting now! Welcome to the premiere episode of Hip Hope Hooray – Men Talkin’ Health. In this genuine and unscripted conversation, we've brought together five Black men to share their journeys, struggles, and triumphs when it comes to their health. From personal challenges to navigating the healthcare system, these brothas hold nothing back as they open up about obstacles they’ve faced on their wellness journey. It's a straight convo that's as relatable as it is empowering. Tune in for this groundbreaking podcast series and find out about what it really means to prioritize health in the Black community. Let's get real, let's get inspired, and let's get healthy together. 🎙️💪🏾   GUEST LIST: Charles Duncan (Type II Diabetes)  Randy Haskins (Borderline Hypertension) Antonio Goicuria III (Benign Myoclonic Epileptic Disorder) Eric Mosley (Hypertension) With your Host Oya Gilbert (Multiple Myeloma) LINKS Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation https://www.healthhopehiphop.org   Multiple Myeloma’s Sneak Attack on The Black Community And How To Fight Back by Carri Helman https://heragenda.com/p/multiple-myeloma-awareness-facts-affect-on-black-women/

    50 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Hip. Hope. Hooray! Men Talkin’ Health was born out of my own journey—as a Black man navigating life with cancer. This show comes from a place of lived experience, healing, and the urgency to empower. I’ve been there... and now I’m bringing the mic to the movement. Men from underrepresented communities carry a heavy burden when it comes to health. Black Americans, for instance, have the highest mortality rates for most cancers, face delayed diagnoses, and lead in heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. These aren’t just statistics—they’re real stories, real losses, and real people. The system plays a part, sure—lack of access, coverage, and resources—but there’s another layer: health literacy. Many of us haven’t been given the tools or the language to protect our own well-being. It’s time to change that narrative. Enter: Hip. Hope. Hooray! Men Talkin’ Health. I’m your host, Oya Gilbert—Multiple Myeloma survivor, nonprofit founder, and relentless advocate for health equity. This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a health literacy movement, infused with the rhythm and resilience of hip-hop culture. Each episode features real conversations with men from all walks of life—doctors, activists, artists, athletes, caregivers, and brothers from the block. We’re keepin’ it raw and honest, talking about the struggles and breakthroughs that come with being a man trying to stay healthy in a world that often makes it hard. While the heart of the show centers Black and Brown experiences, our reach includes all underrepresented communities who’ve been pushed to the margins of the healthcare conversation. Whether you're behind the wheel, in the gym, or posted up at home—lock in. You’ll get practical tools, real stories, and inspiration that just might save your life or someone you love. This is about reclaiming our health. This is about breaking silence. This is Hip. Hope. Hooray! Let’s stay healthy, stay hopeful, and keep celebrating each win—one “hooray” at a time.