Real Health Black Men

Grantley Martelly
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Updated Biweekly

This is a space where we talk about the things that matter to us. We're building a community dedicated to empowering Black men to take control of their health. We're bringing you vital information, cutting through the noise, and giving you the real deal on everything from major health issues to mental wellness, physical fitness, and everything in between. We know that real change happens with support, and that's exactly what we're here to provide.  #blackmen, #health,# blackmenshealth, #race, #racism, #mentalwellness Your support is appreciated: www.buymeacoffee.com/realhealthblackmen Email: realhealthblackmen@gmail.com Music by: Alex Guz from Pixabay.

  1. Sep 26

    Episode 19: From Cancer to Purpose - Robert Ginyard

    We'd love to hear from you A doctor’s phone call can flip your mind straight to worst-case scenarios. That’s how Robert Ginyard describes the moment he heard he had prostate cancer and instantly started thinking about death, his family, and what comes next. We sit down and get honest about what happens right after the news, including the common “I don’t want them to worry” instinct that leads men to conceal their diagnosis, even from the people who will later become their strongest support. We discuss why prostate cancer can be a stealth disease with no symptoms, and why having a long-term primary care physician gives you the baseline data you need for early detection. Robert breaks down the way he made decisions using his “3D” approach: diagnosis, data, decision. We also discuss a frustration many Black men share: how hard it can be to find clear, trustworthy information on outcomes for Black men across different treatment options. We also go beyond the physical. Robert shares what recovery taught him about intimacy, partnership, and healing, plus why mental health counseling and trusted support circles should be part of the treatment plan, not an afterthought. Finally, he explains “Dibby Dibby” (Dream It, Believe It, Do It, Be It) and how purpose can be the reason we take our health seriously in the first place. If this conversation helps you, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review so more men can find it. Promote my new consolidated website: grantleymartelly,com Bad Science: Changes in politics and ideology do not change our need to be vigilant. Support the show Become a Supporter: Click here to become a supporter. Comments are welcome: realhealthblackmen@gmail.com Become a Sponsor, send us an email. Rating: Leave a rating on your podcast listening site. Follow on Instagram: @realhealthblackmen  #realhealthblackmen   #blackmenshealth   #menshealth #blackmen   #blackhealth   #prostatecancer   #mentalhealth

  2. Aug 28

    Episode 18: Dr. Tiffani Thomas: The Healthcare System Isn't Built For You: Here's How To Fight Back

    We'd love to hear from you The healthcare system wasn't built with Black men in mind — and once you finally get to the doctor, the insurance company can still stand in your way. In this episode of Real Health Black Men, I sit down with Dr. Tiffani Thomas — board-certified family physician, mom of four, and now a medical reviewer inside the insurance industry — for a conversation that goes deeper than "go see your doctor." We talk about why Black men avoid the exam room in the first place, the stigma that keeps us silent, and then flip the script to expose exactly how insurance denials, prior authorizations, and appeals actually work from someone who's sat on both sides of the table. In this episode: - Why "feeling fine" is the most dangerous mindset for Black men's health - The real reason wives and daughters are often the ones who get men to the doctor - How prostate cancer, high blood pressure, and kidney disease are all connected - Why early detection can mean a 100% survival rate for prostate cancer - What a "prior authorization" actually is — and how to fight a denial - The difference between an appeal, a peer-to-peer, and a grievance (and why almost no one uses that last one) - Why healthcare is so expensive, and whether other countries' systems are really better - Dr. Thomas's own podcast, Overachiever Moms, and why moms need permission to put themselves first too. Connect with Dr. Tiffani Thomas Podcast: Overachiever Moms (Apple Podcasts & Spotify) Instagram: @theoverachievermamaspodcast Email: momsofmargin@gmail.com 👉 Subscribe so you don't miss the next one. ⚠️ This episode is for educational purposes and general awareness. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice — always talk to your own doctor about your specific health situation. #RealHealthBlackMen #BlackMensHealth #HealthEquity #Healthinsurance    #Heartdisease Promote my new consolidated website: grantleymartelly,com Bad Science: Changes in politics and ideology do not change our need to be vigilant. Support the show Become a Supporter: Click here to become a supporter. Comments are welcome: realhealthblackmen@gmail.com Become a Sponsor, send us an email. Rating: Leave a rating on your podcast listening site. Follow on Instagram: @realhealthblackmen  #realhealthblackmen   #blackmenshealth   #menshealth #blackmen   #blackhealth   #prostatecancer   #mentalhealth

  3. Jul 30

    Episode 17: Dezra Nauls - What Would You Trade To Live?

    We'd love to hear from you 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. If this conversation helps you, subscribe, share it with a brother who needs it, and leave a review so more men can find it. Write to us at realhealthblackmen@gmail.com. To support this podcast, go to: buymeacoffee.com/realhealthblackmen And to become a corporate sponsor, send us an email. Promote my new consolidated website: grantleymartelly,com Bad Science: Changes in politics and ideology do not change our need to be vigilant. Support the show Become a Supporter: Click here to become a supporter. Comments are welcome: realhealthblackmen@gmail.com Become a Sponsor, send us an email. Rating: Leave a rating on your podcast listening site. Follow on Instagram: @realhealthblackmen  #realhealthblackmen   #blackmenshealth   #menshealth #blackmen   #blackhealth   #prostatecancer   #mentalhealth

  4. Jun 18

    Episode 16: Dr. Soyombo -Heart Health: Everybody Feels Alright Until They Are Not.

    We'd love to hear from you 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. Promote my new consolidated website: grantleymartelly,com Bad Science: Changes in politics and ideology do not change our need to be vigilant. Support the show Become a Supporter: Click here to become a supporter. Comments are welcome: realhealthblackmen@gmail.com Become a Sponsor, send us an email. Rating: Leave a rating on your podcast listening site. Follow on Instagram: @realhealthblackmen  #realhealthblackmen   #blackmenshealth   #menshealth #blackmen   #blackhealth   #prostatecancer   #mentalhealth

  5. Apr 29

    Episode 15: Sex Medicine with Dr. Marah Hehemann

    We'd love to hear from you 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 Promote my new consolidated website: grantleymartelly,com Bad Science: Changes in politics and ideology do not change our need to be vigilant. Support the show Become a Supporter: Click here to become a supporter. Comments are welcome: realhealthblackmen@gmail.com Become a Sponsor, send us an email. Rating: Leave a rating on your podcast listening site. Follow on Instagram: @realhealthblackmen  #realhealthblackmen   #blackmenshealth   #menshealth #blackmen   #blackhealth   #prostatecancer   #mentalhealth

  6. Apr 3

    Episode 14: Hakim Asadi: Healing Out Loud

    We'd love to hear from you 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 #mentalandemotional wellness #therapy #buildingcommunity @hakimasadi Promote my new consolidated website: grantleymartelly,com Bad Science: Changes in politics and ideology do not change our need to be vigilant. Support the show Become a Supporter: Click here to become a supporter. Comments are welcome: realhealthblackmen@gmail.com Become a Sponsor, send us an email. Rating: Leave a rating on your podcast listening site. Follow on Instagram: @realhealthblackmen  #realhealthblackmen   #blackmenshealth   #menshealth #blackmen   #blackhealth   #prostatecancer   #mentalhealth

  7. Feb 20

    Episode 13: Neville Brewster - From Diagnosis To 12 Years Cancer Free

    We'd love to hear from you 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. #NevilleBrewster      #prostatecancer   #prostatecancerbarbados Promote my new consolidated website: grantleymartelly,com Support the show Become a Supporter: Click here to become a supporter. Comments are welcome: realhealthblackmen@gmail.com Become a Sponsor, send us an email. Rating: Leave a rating on your podcast listening site. Follow on Instagram: @realhealthblackmen  #realhealthblackmen   #blackmenshealth   #menshealth #blackmen   #blackhealth   #prostatecancer   #mentalhealth

  8. Jan 2

    Episode 12: Anthony Christie - I control What I can Control

    We'd love to hear from you 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. Promote my new consolidated website: grantleymartelly,com Support the show Become a Supporter: Click here to become a supporter. Comments are welcome: realhealthblackmen@gmail.com Become a Sponsor, send us an email. Rating: Leave a rating on your podcast listening site. Follow on Instagram: @realhealthblackmen  #realhealthblackmen   #blackmenshealth   #menshealth #blackmen   #blackhealth   #prostatecancer   #mentalhealth

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

This is a space where we talk about the things that matter to us. We're building a community dedicated to empowering Black men to take control of their health. We're bringing you vital information, cutting through the noise, and giving you the real deal on everything from major health issues to mental wellness, physical fitness, and everything in between. We know that real change happens with support, and that's exactly what we're here to provide.  #blackmen, #health,# blackmenshealth, #race, #racism, #mentalwellness Your support is appreciated: www.buymeacoffee.com/realhealthblackmen Email: realhealthblackmen@gmail.com Music by: Alex Guz from Pixabay.

Information

  • Creator
    Grantley Martelly
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Real Health Black Men
  • Show Website
    Real Health Black Men