PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK™

Experiencing erectile dysfunction after prostate cancer treatment? In this episode of PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK, El and Shay are joined by Dr. Tsambarlis, a board-certified urologist at Northwestern Medicine and a leader in the Sexual Medicine Society of North America, to discuss one of the most personal challenges men can face after prostate cancer surgery or radiation. Dr. Tsambarlis explains w...

Will your health insurance cover your cancer diagnosis and treatment ? In this episode of PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK , El and Shay welcome back Joanna Doran , a distinguished cancer rights attorney, author, and advocate with more than 30 years of experience helping patients and families navigate the challenges that can come with a cancer diagnosis. Joanna discusses common insurance questions facin...

What are the latest treatments, clinical trials, and emerging technologies shaping the future of prostate cancer care ? In this episode of PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK , El and Shay are joined by Dr. Karine Tawagi , a specialist in the Division of Hematology and Oncology at UI Health, to discuss advances in prostate cancer treatment and research. Dr. Tawagi shares insights into the evolving landscap...

In this episode of PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK , El and Shay welcome back Rob Jackson to discuss his experience after undergoing a prostatectomy and the lessons he has learned during recovery. After previously sharing his journey from active surveillance to surgery, Rob returns to provide an honest update on life after treatment. Rob discusses the physical and emotional challenges that can follow p...

What happens when active surveillance is no longer the right option ? In this episode of PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK , El and Shay welcome Rob Jackson , a prostate cancer survivor who spent five years on active surveillance before ultimately deciding to undergo a prostatectomy. Rob shares his personal experience navigating the uncertainty of monitoring his cancer over time, the factors that influen...

Considering active surveillance for prostate cancer? In this episode of PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK, El and Shay are joined by Dr. Adam Murphy, Associate Professor of Urology and Preventive Medicine at Northwestern Medicine, to discuss how active surveillance works and which patients may be good candidates for this approach. Dr. Murphy explains how doctors monitor prostate cancer over time using to...

What happens emotionally when a loved one is nearing the end of life with cancer? In Part 2 of this powerful conversation on PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK , El and Shay continue their discussion with Doctor Janet Abrahm , professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, about grief, hope, palliative care, hospice care, and the emotional realities families face during difficult moments. Drawing from p...

What is the difference between palliative care and hospice care ? In this episode of PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK , El and Shay are joined by Doctor Abrahm , a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, to help break down two areas of care that are often misunderstood. Board certified in multiple medical specialties, Doctor Abrahm has authored more than 130 scholarly publications, including th...

What does it take to live with metastatic prostate cancer long term? In this episode of PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK, El and Shay welcome Clarence Williamson, a long-time survivor and dedicated advocate, who shares his powerful journey living with the disease. Diagnosed at 53, Clarence reflects on the challenges he has faced and the mindset that has helped him continue moving forward. As co-founder...

Struggling with intimacy after prostate cancer treatment ? In this episode of PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK , El and Shay are joined by Antonio Aguilar-Diaz, PhD , a psychologist who focuses on how prostate cancer impacts not just the patient, but the relationship as a whole. Aguilar-Diaz explores the emotional challenges men face as they navigate the biological changes from treatment alongside deepl...

Concerned about a prostate cancer biopsy or considering active surveillance ? In this episode of PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK , El and Shay sit down with Dr. Matthew Ferroni , a urologist at Mercy Urology Center, to break down what men need to know when making these critical decisions. Dr. Ferroni explains what to expect during a prostate biopsy , how results are interpreted, and how doctors determi...

Struggling with bladder control after prostate cancer surgery ? In Part 2 of this conversation on PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK , El and Shay continue their discussion with Heather Moky , a physical therapist at University of Illinois Health, focusing on realistic expectations, recovery timelines, and what progress actually looks like . Heather explains why recovery varies from person to person and w...

Struggling with bladder control after prostate cancer surgery or dealing with urinary incontinence after prostatectomy? In this episode of PROSTATE CANCER: REAL TALK, El and Shay speak with Heather Moky, a physical therapist at University of Illinois Health, about how men can regain control through pelvic floor therapy and rehabilitation. With over 24 years of experience in pelvic health, Heather...

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. Dr. Ferroni and Dr. Marquardt highlight how urology and radiation oncology work hand-in-hand with other specialties—including gen...

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 local...

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. Ralph explains why he chooses to participate in clinical trials and how research has played a...

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and early detection saves lives. In this video, El — a prostate cancer survivor — and his wife Shay share their story and introduce Dr. Adam Murphy of Northwestern Medicine, who explains the warning signs and risk factors men need to know. www.prostatecancerrealtalk.com

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 resi...

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. As the co-founder of the Memphis-based support group Man2Man , Clarence has dedicated his life to raising awar...

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 . In this episode, Dr. Deville breaks do...

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. They open up about the challenges they faced in intimacy, communication, and daily life, and how these experiences...

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. Tony and Shannon open up about choosing brachytherapy radiation and an...

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. Dr. Murphy brings a wealth of expertise as an Associate Professor of Urology and Preventive Medicine at N...

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. Dr. Murphy is an Associate Professor of...

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. Angela shares her insights o...