The Men's Health Foundation Podcast

Men's Health Foundation
  • 5.0 (9)
  • Health & Fitness

Welcome to the Men's Health Foundation Podcast! Men’s Health Foundation is a nonprofit healthcare provider for all men, specializing in gay men’s health, here in Los Angeles. Each episode, we welcome members of our care team to discuss trending topics in medicine and wellness to help you take charge of your health. The information and opinions shared in this podcast are for educational purposes only. For medical advice, please talk with your primary care physician or a medically-licensed professional. Hosted by David Watson and Marc Esposo

  1. Feb 27

    Black History Month Reflections

    On this very special edition of the Men's Health Foundation Podcast, TJ Griffin, MHF program manager for community engagement, and Stephanie Johnson, MHF PCC & MSS program manager, discuss the importance of Black History Month. Joined by Brandye Combs, Wesley Health D2C manager, and Royal Telfar, APLA program coordinator, they share some of the challenges that Black people face when seeking health care, where medical distrust stems from, and how organizations can address health disparities. They also dive into their personal experience of what it means to be Black, their favorite role models, and the cultural similarities and differences they share growing up across the US.

    Black History Month Reflections

  2. 11/06/2025

    Bigorexia: When Does Gym Culture Become Body Dysmorphic?

    In this episode of the Men’s Health Foundation Podcast, we sit down with Angela Bartolome, LCSW and Behavioral Health Director at MHF, to talk about “bigorexia”: a form of body dysmorphia centered around muscle size and perceived physical adequacy. Angela breaks down what bigorexia looks like in everyday life, why it can be difficult to recognize, and how it can impact mental health, relationships, and well-being. She also shares grounded, compassionate strategies for improving self-talk and self-image, and offers guidance for seeking support or treatment when navigating body image concerns. On this episode, you will hear: What bigorexia is and how it shows up in thought patterns, behaviors, and routines.How to recognize the signs, whether in yourself or someone you care about.Why cultural and social pressures (including gym culture and online fitness spaces) can reinforce bigorexia.Tools to improve inner dialogue and self-image, including reframing techniques and emotional awareness.Approaches to treatment and support, from therapy options to supportive community care.

    Bigorexia: When Does Gym Culture Become Body Dysmorphic?

  3. 06/02/2025

    HIV Care: What Happens When Funding Disappears

    MCC (Medical Care Coordination) is a vital service that helps people living with HIV stay healthy and ready for any of life’s challenges. Men’s Health Foundation is proud to offer this program but federal funding cuts threaten to put an end to these initiatives, putting the lives of many individuals at stake. On today’s episode, MCC Program Manager Stephanie Johnson and Data-2-Care (D2C) Program Manager join the podcast to discuss why medical care coordination is so important for everyone in our communities. On this episode you will hear: How care teams navigate barriers to HIV care like stigma and housingWhat’s at risk when HIV programs lose supportStories of clients going from crisis to thrivingA call to protect the people and programs behind HIV care Read a transcript of this episode on our website. The information and opinions shared in this podcast are for educational purposes only. For medical advice, please talk with your primary care physician or a medically-licensed professional.

    HIV Care: What Happens When Funding Disappears

  4. 03/27/2025

    HIV and Women: Combating Stigma with New Treatments

    In honor of Women's History Month and National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, we are highlighting clinical research focused on HIV care and prevention for women. Erica Kill and Ashley Toomey, two research coordinators from Mills Clinical Research, along with Dr. Manuel Pardo, physician and HIV specialist, join us in this month’s episode to discuss the current state of HIV care for women. Women account for 20% of new HIV infections in the U.S. today, but women in the general population remain largely unaware of their risk due to poor sexual education. Furthermore, women living with HIV are less likely to get tested or adhere to treatment due to fear of stigma. Fortunately, with promising advancements in HIV medicine, women and people living with HIV can soon have access to treatment options that grant more privacy. Erica, Ashley, and Dr. Pardo are here to reiterate the important role that women play in taking these advancements even further to ensure that future generations can live in an HIV-free world. In this episode you will hear about: 1. The impact of HIV on women 2. The underrepresentation and importance of women in HIV research 3. Lack of awareness and stigma as major barriers for women 4. Promise of long-acting injectable PrEP 5. Benefits of participating in clinical trials 6. Calls for self-advocacy and action Read a transcript of this episode on our website. The information and opinions shared in this podcast are for educational purposes only. For medical advice, please talk with your primary care physician or a medically licensed professional.

    HIV and Women: Combating Stigma with New Treatments

  5. 02/12/2025

    From Self-Love to Ethical Non-Monogamy: Relationship Advice with Preston Lopez, LMFT

    For this Valentine’s episode, we’re discussing polyamory and the guidelines that apply to the relationship with ourselves or to any of our partners, with new MHF Behavioral Health Specialist Preston Lopez, LMFT. Have you ever thought of being in an open relationship? Have you ever rejected the idea because you thought it was just an excuse for people to cheat on their partner? If so, Preston is here to define what polyamory is and isnt, in a way that might dispel those preconceived notions of what love looks like. In this episode, you'll discover that, like a box of chocolates, love comes in many forms. In this episode you'll hear about: Definitions of ethical non-monogamy (ENM), polyamory, open relationships, relationship anarchy, and other forms of relationshipsThe importance of communication and setting boundariesJealousy and compersion (finding joy in your partner's joy/pleasure)Dealing with social stigmaTime managementEmotional labor and how to be a supportive partner Read a transcript⁠⁠ of this episode on our website. The information and opinions shared in this podcast are for educational purposes only. For medical advice, please talk withyour primary care physician or a medically licensed professional.

    From Self-Love to Ethical Non-Monogamy: Relationship Advice with Preston Lopez, LMFT

  6. 11/26/2024

    World AIDS Day: How Far Have We Come?

    World AIDS Day, recognized annually on December 1st since 1988, honors the lives lost to the HIV epidemic and raises awareness about HIV/AIDS. Holding the memory of the lives lost brings light to their stories of resilience and resistance, offering hope for the future. In this episode, Rob Lester and T.J. Griffin join hosts David Watson and Marc Esposo for a discussion on their personal and professional experiences in the fight against HIV/AIDS. They touch on: 1.    The evolution of HIV/AIDS treatment 2.    Key milestones that have shaped the course of the epidemic 3.    Stories of resilience and strength from affected community members 4.    Ongoing challenges of overcoming stigma and ensuring access to healthcare 5.    The importance of personal advocacy and community engagement To read a transcript of the episode, visit: menshealthfound.org/podcast-transcript-episode-8 To request an appointment for an HIV testing/treatment, visit menshealthfound.org/book or call 310-550-1010. The information and opinions shared in this podcast are for educational purposes only. Diagnostic or treatment advice requires individual consultation with a doctor. Please talk with your primary care physician or a medically-licensed professional.

    World AIDS Day: How Far Have We Come?

  7. 10/09/2024

    Mpox: Will U.S. Vaccines Hold Up Against the Global Health Emergency?

    The World Health Organization recently declared a global health emergency over the growing mpox outbreak in several African countries. While the United States experienced its own outbreak 2 years ago, new questions have been raised about the potential severity of this resurgence. Is the outbreak caused by a different more contagious form of mpox? What extra precautions can be taken to protect against infection? Will the vaccine provided in the U.S. protect against this new outbreak overseas? Jorell Blanco, a registered nurse at Men’s Health Foundation, joins the podcast to shed light on these questions and give listeners a refresher on how to stay safe and protected against mpox. In this episode you will hear insights on: 1.    What makes this current outbreak different from the one that occurred in 2022 2.    The importance of vaccination and preventative measures to minimize the spread of mpox 3.    The disproportionate impact that mpox has on the LGBTQ+ community 4.    Which behaviors may increase your risk of mpox infection, and which will keep you safe To read a transcript of the episode, visit: menshealthfound.org/podcast-transcript-episode-7 To request an appointment for an mpox vaccine, visit menshealthfound.org/book or call 310-550-1010. The information and opinions shared in this podcast are for educational purposes only. Diagnostic or treatment advice requires individual consultation with a doctor. Please talk with your primary care physician or a medically-licensed professional. Resources mentioned in this episode: Myturn.ca.gov

    Mpox: Will U.S. Vaccines Hold Up Against the Global Health Emergency?

  8. 07/30/2024

    Sex and Porn Addiction: Why Is It So Hard to Recognize?

    Is there such a thing as having too much sex or watching too much porn? What’s the difference between something that’s done for pleasure and an addiction? How do these things affect gay men in particular? These are questions that we discuss with behavioral health specialist, Brandon Simpson, AMFT, who specializes in treating patients who struggle with sex and porn addiction. It's no secret that sex and porn play a big role in our culture. The impact that these components can have on mental health is often not talked about, though, for fear of being “sex-negative”. Brandon brings his expertise to help us untangle the complex impacts of sex and porn on individuals and communities. He also defines the difference between something that enhances intimacy and something that is used as an escape. Additionally, he shines a light on how people struggling with their relationship to sex and porn can reframe their neural pathways and develop healthier habits. This episode takes an honest look at cultural norms in a compassionate and non-judgmental way. You will hear about: • The defining characteristics of sex and porn addiction • What sex and porn addiction looks and feels like in day-to-day life • Why gay men are more likely to be addicted to sex and porn • How sex and porn addiction can be treated • How to support others who are struggling with the ways they relate to sex and porn To read a transcript of the episode, visit: menshealthfound.org/podcast-transcript-episode-6 To request an appointment with Brandon, visit menshealthfound.org/book or call 310-550-1010. The information and opinions shared in this podcast are for educational purposes only. Diagnostic or treatment advice requires individual consultation with a doctor. Please talk with your primary care physician or a medically-licensed professional. Resources mentioned in the episode: Sexual Health Clinics in the LA Area Center for Healthy Sex - https://centerforhealthysex.com/ Seeking Integrity - https://seekingintegrity.com/ Novus Mindful Life - https://novusmindfullife.com/ Cruise Control: Understanding Sex Addiction in Gay Men https://allstora.com/products/cruise-control-understanding-sex-addiction-in-gay-men

    Sex and Porn Addiction: Why Is It So Hard to Recognize?
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About

Welcome to the Men's Health Foundation Podcast! Men’s Health Foundation is a nonprofit healthcare provider for all men, specializing in gay men’s health, here in Los Angeles. Each episode, we welcome members of our care team to discuss trending topics in medicine and wellness to help you take charge of your health. The information and opinions shared in this podcast are for educational purposes only. For medical advice, please talk with your primary care physician or a medically-licensed professional. Hosted by David Watson and Marc Esposo

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