Podcast Episodes

9/30/25

Prostate Cancer Treatment: Support Through A Team Approach

In this mini-episode of PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK, hosts El and Shay are joined by Dr. Matthew Ferroni and Dr. Michael Marquardt of Mercy Urology Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Together, they discuss the importance of a team-based approach in prostate cancer treatment. You can learn more by visiting the Mercy Urology Center website
9/16/25

Prostate Cancer: Making the Decision – Surgery vs. Radiation

In this episode of PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK, hosts El and Shay welcome two distinguished physicians from Mercy Urology Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Dr. Matthew Ferroni, a leading urologist specializing in minimally invasive and robotic surgery, and Dr. Michael Marquardt, a radiation oncologist treating prostate, lung, and other cancers, share their expertise on treatment decisions for localized prostate cancer.
9/9/25

Three Cancer Diagnoses – Why I Participate In Clinical Trials

In this episode of PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK, we welcome back Ralph Jones, who shares more of his personal journey with prostate cancer and beyond. Having faced multiple cancer diagnoses, Ralph speaks candidly about the challenges of living with cancer and the strength it takes to keep moving forward.
9/2/25

Prostate Cancer My 600 PSA Score – My Advice to Men

In this episode of PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK, we hear the powerful story of Ralph Jones, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer with a staggering PSA score of 600. Under the care of UI Health in Chicago, Ralph entered clinical trials that helped bring his PSA levels down to nearly zero. His journey highlights the seriousness of prostate cancer, the importance of medical research, and the resilience needed to face such a diagnosis.
8/26/25

Metastatic Prostate Cancer: Surviving and Thriving

Join us for another impactful episode of PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK as we welcome back Clarence Williamson from Memphis, TN. Clarence is a longtime prostate cancer survivor and tireless advocate who shares how maintaining a positive mindset has been vital in his fight against the disease.
8/19/25

Radiation Treatment for Prostate Cancer

Join us on PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK as we sit down with Dr. Deville, Associate Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He also serves as the Medical Director of the Johns Hopkins Proton Therapy Center and the Clinical Director and Chair of Sibley Radiation Oncology.
8/12/25

Prostate Cancer – How It Affected Our Marriage

In this episode of PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK, Shannon and Tony Mekeel return to share the deeper story of how prostate cancer shaped their marriage. With Tony now in remission, the couple reflects on the emotional highs and lows that came with his diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
8/5/25

Prostate Cancer – Our Experience With Androgen Deprivation Therapy

In this episode of PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK, hosts El and Shay sit down with Shannon and Tony Mekeel, a couple navigating the emotional and physical challenges of prostate cancer. Diagnosed in December 2022 with a PSA of 26, Tony’s journey began with urgency—and brought with it the life-altering decisions many families face.
7/29/25

Prostate Cancer – Understanding Active Surveillance (Part 2)

In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Adam B. Murphy, we continue exploring the realities of Active Surveillance as a prostate cancer strategy. This follow-up episode dives deeper into the nuances of monitoring, patient lifestyle factors, and when a shift to active treatment may be necessary.
7/22/25

Prostate Cancer – Understanding Active Surveillance (Part 1)

In this episode of PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK, Dr. Adam B. Murphy returns to explain the concept of Active Surveillance—a prostate cancer management option focused on close monitoring instead of immediate treatment. It’s a path chosen by many men with low-risk prostate cancer, offering a way to avoid unnecessary procedures while staying safe and informed.
7/15/25

Prostate Cancer – Healthy Nutrition and a Healthy Lifestyle

In this episode of PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK, hosts El and Shay are joined by Angela Dennison, a Registered Dietitian (RD) and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN) who serves as Nutrition Manager at Wellness House. Wellness House is a holistic support organization dedicated to helping cancer patients and their families improve their physical and emotional well-being.
7/8/25

Prostate Cancer Research and Clinical Trials – What You Should Know (Part 2)

Join us on PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK as Dr. Donald Vander Griend returns to continue our discussion on prostate cancer research and clinical trials. In this episode, Dr. Vander Griend dives deeper into the advancements being made in prostate cancer research, what current clinical trials are focusing on, and how these studies are paving the way for new prevention and treatment options.
7/1/25

Prostate Cancer Research and Clinical Trials – What You Should Know (Part 1)

Join us on PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK as Dr. Donald Vander Griend shares his expertise on prostate cancer research and clinical trials. In this episode, we explore how groundbreaking research is shaping the future of prostate cancer prevention and treatment.
12/25/24

Prostate Cancer; Marriage, Faith, Intimacy, Therapy and Diet

Join us on PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK as David and Kathie Houchens share their powerful story of navigating life and marriage in the shadow of prostate cancer. In this episode, we dive deep into how their relationship has adapted to meet the challenges brought on by the disease.
12/4/24

Prostate Cancer: Understanding PSA Screening, Robotic Prostatectomy Surgery and Side Effects

Join us on PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK as Dr. Shilajit D. Kundu shares his expert insights into key aspects of prostate cancer management. As an Associate Professor at the Department of Urology at Northwestern Medicine, Dr. Kundu specializes in the latest diagnostic and treatment techniques, including PSA screening and robotic prostatectomy surgery.
11/27/24

Prostate Cancer, Brachytherapy, Gleason Score and Active Surveillance

Join us for another uplifting episode of PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK as we welcome back Simon T. Bailey, an award-winning keynote speaker known for his powerful insights on resilience and personal empowerment. In this follow-up episode, Simon shares more on maintaining positivity and finding strength during the prostate cancer journey.
11/20/24

Prostate Cancer Stay Encouraged You Can WIN!

Join us for another uplifting episode of PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK as we welcome back Simon T. Bailey, an award-winning keynote speaker known for his powerful insights on resilience and personal empowerment. In this follow-up episode, Simon shares more on maintaining positivity and finding strength during the prostate cancer journey.
11/13/24

Prostate Cancer, Divorce, Radiation Treatment, Faith and Intimacy

In this episode of PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK, we welcome Simon, an award-winning keynote speaker known for inspiring resilience and purpose in challenging circumstances. Simon shares insights from his personal journey, which includes overcoming a difficult divorce and battling prostate cancer.
11/6/24

Prostate Cancer and Radiation Oncology

Join us on PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK as we welcome Dr. Deville, an Associate Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Serving as the Medical Director of the Johns Hopkins Proton Therapy Center and Clinical Director and Chair of Sibley Radiation Oncology, Dr. Deville is an expert in the field of radiation oncology, specializing in prostate cancer.
10/23/24

Supporting Your Husband Through A Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

In this episode of PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK, hosts El and Shay sit down with David and Kathie Houchens to explore the profound impact of prostate cancer on a marriage. Twenty years after David's initial diagnosis, the Houchens delve into how they have navigated the challenges and changes brought on by this life-altering condition.
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