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The If You Are My Brothers Podcast

The If You Are My Brothers Podcast

By: Straight Street Media
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About this listen

If You Are My Brothers podcast is a companion piece to the documentary and outreach project that follows the journey of two African-American men with prostate cancer. Ralph Franklin is a real estate lawyer with a PSA of 100 and a prognosis of death. While chronicling Ralph’s story, Reggie Hicks, the producer of the documentary, is also diagnosed with the disease. Now, this one story evolves into two intricately intertwined stories: two men with their own challenges and two men with a common bond of brotherhood and hope.Copyright 2024 All rights reserved. Hygiene & Healthy Living Physical Illness & Disease
Episodes
  • PSA Screening 2026 — New Rules & What Men Must Know
    Apr 29 2026

    For years, men have heard mixed messages about PSA screening: test, don’t test, it causes harm, it saves lives. The confusion has led too many men—especially Black men—to tune out completely.

    In this powerful and informative episode of If You Are My Brothers, host Reggie Hicks sits down with leading urologist Dr. Stacy Loeb to cut through the noise and bring clarity to one of the most important conversations in men’s health.

    This episode is about moving from confusion to clarity—and from awareness to action.

    What You’ll Learn

    • What PSA really measures—and why it’s still critical
    • Why prostate cancer often has no early symptoms
    • The truth behind PSA controversy and how guidelines have changed
    • When men should start screening—and why Black men should begin at age 40
    • Why PSA is like a “check engine light” for your body
    • How modern tools (MRI, blood & urine tests) are reducing unnecessary biopsies
    • What to do if your PSA is rising or fluctuating
    • Lifestyle changes that can reduce prostate cancer risk and improve overall health

    RESOURCE BOX: Take Action for Better Prostate Health

    These trusted resources from the episode that can help you move from awareness to action

    Nutrition & Lifestyle

    Whole-Foods, Plant-Based Eating Focus on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds while reducing red meat, processed foods, and dairy.

    Guided Support

    Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute https://rochesterlifestylemedicine.org

    • Virtual Jumpstart Programs
    • Physician-led coaching and support
    • Nutrition, stress management, and behavior change

    Meal Planning

    Purple Carrot https://www.purplecarrot.com

    • Plant-based meal delivery
    • Free recipes available online
    • Beginner-friendly

    Eating Healthy Anywhere

    HappyCow https://www.happycow.net

    • Find plant-based meals worldwide
    • Ideal for travel and dining out

    Learn More

    Men’s Health Show

    SiriusXM Channel 110 Wednesdays | 6–8 PM ET

    Live call-in format

    Prostate health Q&A

    Lifestyle Checklist

    ✔ Eat more whole, plant-based foods ✔ Exercise 150 minutes/week + strength training ✔ Prioritize sleep ✔ Manage stress ✔ Avoid smoking

    Support the Mission

    If You Are My Brothers is dedicated to turning awareness into health action.

    Support: 👉 https://ifyouaremybrothers.org

    Stay Connected

    👍 Like | 🔁 Share | 🔔 Subscribe 🌐 https://ifyouaremybrothers.org

    Disclaimer: This podcast is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider.

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    48 mins
  • Strong For Him: Partners Behind the Prostate Cancer Journey
    Apr 1 2026

    What does prostate cancer look like from the other side?

    In this deeply moving episode, host Reggie Hicks brings together a group of women whose lives were forever changed by a diagnosis they didn’t receive—but had to live through every day.

    From shock and fear to faith and resilience, these women open up about:

    • Navigating life after diagnosis
    • Supporting their partners emotionally and physically
    • Facing the unspoken realities of caregiving
    • Redefining intimacy and connection
    • Finding strength through faith

    This conversation is a reminder that prostate cancer is not just his fight—it’s a shared journey.

    Episode Highlights
    • Early detection saved lives
    • Caregivers often carry silent burdens
    • Faith plays a central role in healing and endurance
    • Relationships evolve—but love deepens
    Powerful Quotes
    • “The journey is worth the fight.”
    • “I cried in silence so he could be strong.”
    • “Praying together is the highest form of intimacy.”
    About the Podcast

    The If You Are My Brothers Podcast is part of a national prostate cancer awareness and community engagement initiative designed to move men—and their families—from health awareness to health action.

    Support the Work

    Learn more, donate, and join the movement: 👉 www.ifyouaremybrothers.org

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    53 mins
  • Clinical trials, medical trust, and prostate cancer—what every man needs to know
    Mar 4 2026

    When many people hear the words clinical trials, history, and mistrust come to mind. But at the same time, diseases like prostate cancer continue to impact men every day — and research remains one of the most powerful tools we have to improve outcomes. In this important conversation, host Reggie Hicks — prostate cancer survivor and founder of If You Are My Brothers — is joined by Dr. Monica Webb Hooper, Acting Director of the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

    Together, they explore the legacy of medical mistrust, modern research protections, and why participation in clinical trials is essential — especially for Black men facing higher rates of prostate cancer.

    🔎 In This Episode

    ✔ How the Tuskegee Study still influences perceptions of medical research

    ✔ Common misconceptions about clinical trials (including placebo concerns)

    ✔ Why underrepresentation in prostate cancer research persists

    ✔ The importance of asking questions and being your own health advocate ✔ What “informed consent” really means today

    ✔ The role of trust, transparency, and community engagement in rebuilding confidence

    ✔ How to find clinical trials in your area

    ✔ Why research participation is not just a “last resort.”

    ✔ The psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis — and why bringing someone to appointments matters

    💬 Key Takeaways

    • Modern clinical trials are tightly regulated and monitored for safety.
    • Participants are never left without a standard of care in cancer treatment trials.
    • Underrepresentation is often about access and invitation, not simply hesitation.
    • Trust must be earned through transparency and community engagement.
    • Black men do participate in research — and their involvement is essential to advancing equitable care.
    • Clinical trials power medical progress for future generations.

    📌 For more information about clinical trials and helpful resources, visit:

    https://www.cancer.gov/research/participate/clinical-trials/what-are-clinical-trials

    https://www.cancer.gov/research/participate/clinical-trials-search

    or call 1-800-4-CANCER

    Learn more about the work conducted and led by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities www.nimhd.gov

    💙 A Personal Note from Reggie Reggie shares an update on his own prostate cancer journey, including recent PSA results and reflections on the anxiety many men experience while waiting for test results. His message is clear: Know your PSA. Ask questions. Don’t go through it alone.

    🎯 Call to Action -If this episode helped you, share it with a brother, father, son, friend, or colleague.

    -Visit www.IfYouAreMyBrothers.org to learn more about the documentary, community engagement efforts, and ways to support the mission.

    🔔 Reminder: This podcast is for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding your personal health decisions.

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    49 mins
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