Monday Dec 15, 2025
Stackin Moments with Myeloma: Trust the Process
Hip. Hope. Hooray! Men Talkin’ Health
Hip. Hope. Hooray! Men Talkin’ Health was born out of my own journey—as a Black man navigating life with cancer. This show comes from a place of lived experience, healing, and the urgency to empower. I’ve been there... and now I’m bringing the mic to the movement.
Men from underrepresented communities carry a heavy burden when it comes to health. Black Americans, for instance, have the highest mortality rates for most cancers, face delayed diagnoses, and lead in heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. These aren’t just statistics—they’re real stories, real losses, and real people.
The system plays a part, sure—lack of access, coverage, and resources—but there’s another layer: health literacy. Many of us haven’t been given the tools or the language to protect our own well-being. It’s time to change that narrative.
Enter: Hip. Hope. Hooray! Men Talkin’ Health. I’m your host, Oya Gilbert—Multiple Myeloma survivor, nonprofit founder, and relentless advocate for health equity. This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a health literacy movement, infused with the rhythm and resilience of hip-hop culture.
Each episode features real conversations with men from all walks of life—doctors, activists, artists, athletes, caregivers, and brothers from the block. We’re keepin’ it raw and honest, talking about the struggles and breakthroughs that come with being a man trying to stay healthy in a world that often makes it hard.
While the heart of the show centers Black and Brown experiences, our reach includes all underrepresented communities who’ve been pushed to the margins of the healthcare conversation.
Whether you're behind the wheel, in the gym, or posted up at home—lock in. You’ll get practical tools, real stories, and inspiration that just might save your life or someone you love.
This is about reclaiming our health.
This is about breaking silence.
This is Hip. Hope. Hooray!
Let’s stay healthy, stay hopeful, and keep celebrating each win—one “hooray” at a time.
Listen on:
Episodes
Episodes
Monday Dec 15, 2025
Monday Dec 15, 2025
Lupus. Love. Life. The Remix of Resilience.
Recorded live at HealtheVoices 2025, this episode of Hip Hop Hooray! Men Talkin’ Health is a powerful conversation about faith, mental strength, chronic illness, and the will to keep going.
Host Oya Gilbert sits down with Emmitt Henderson III and Shanell Matlock, lupus warriors and advocates whose journey together proves that resilience isn’t just about surviving—it’s about purpose.
Emmitt Henderson III, founder of Male Lupus Warriors, has lived with lupus for more than 30 years and is currently facing kidney failure while recovering from major back surgery. In this episode, Emmitt shares how prioritizing mental health, holding onto faith, and staying rooted in purpose have carried him through decades of physical challenges. He is also the author of The Power in Men, available on Amazon.
Shanell Matlock is a U.S. military veteran, co-author of Veterans Unchained, and creator of the 8 Second Campaign, a movement raising awareness for kidney donation and Emmitt’s urgent need for a living donor. Together, they discuss love, partnership, advocacy, and what it means to show up for one another through chronic illness.
This episode is a reminder that pain doesn’t have to silence you—and that your story can be someone else’s survival guide.
🎙️ “God kept me here, and His will with me is not done. The back will heal. The kidney will come.” – Emmitt Henderson III
🔑 In This Episode:
What lupus is and how it affects the body
Living with chronic illness for decades
Mental health as a survival tool
Faith, resilience, and purpose
The mission behind Male Lupus Warriors
The story of the 8 Second Campaign
Turning pain into power through advocacy
🎧 Listen now on Podbean and all major podcast platforms.📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3XZKbdZZr5g?si=Nwx_RhKmvJEQ2otp
Monday Oct 13, 2025
Monday Oct 13, 2025
In this raw and real episode of Hip. Hope. Hooray! Men Talkin’ Health, host Oya Gilbert brings the mic to a powerful conversation among myeloma survivors who open up about the unsung heroes in their journeys — the care partners.
From marriage and brotherhood to friendship and faith, these men break down what it really means to love, live, and advocate while fighting cancer. They speak on gratitude, growth, heartbreak, and healing — and why protecting your peace is just as vital as protecting your health.
Featuring survivors Thomas Goode, Tony Newberne, and Michael Riotto, this episode honors the ones who hold it down behind the scenes — the caregivers, the partners, the family, the friends — because care partners need care too.
💬 Real talk. 💪 Real men. ❤️ Real love.Sponsored by:
Johnson & Johnson
PfizerLearrn more about our foundation at: www.healthhopehiphop.org#hiphopehooray #mentalkinhealth #healthhopehiphop
Saturday Aug 16, 2025
Saturday Aug 16, 2025
On this episode of Hip. Hope. Hooray! Men Talkin Health, host Oya Gilbert is joined by Randy Haskins, Eric Mosley, and Tony Goicuria for an unfiltered conversation on gut health, food culture, and the lessons we learn when our bodies finally hit the “check engine” light.
From growing up in dietary deserts to battling soda, chips, and fast food cravings, the crew reflects on how access, culture, and personal choices shaped their health over the years. They share what it takes to break old habits—cutting sugar, tracking meals, drinking more water, and being intentional about what fuels the body—and why men in particular must shift from reactive health care to proactive wellness.
With humor, honesty, and real talk, this episode connects food, culture, and health into a powerful wake-up call for longevity and community strength.
💡 Hip. Hope. Hooray! Men Talkin Health is proudly powered by our official sponsor, Johnson & Johnson, supporting the movement to elevate men’s health conversations through culture and community.
📺 Watch this episode on our YouTube channel: @healthhopehiphop
Monday Sep 23, 2024
Monday Sep 23, 2024
Clinical trials are an essential part of the process that brings new drug therapies and cures to market, but Brown and Black people are severely underrepresented in this life-saving research.
The problem dates back to misconduct in trials like Tuskegee and a subsequent lack of inclusion in later studies. Unfortunately, a host of stigmas and stereotypes have since become barriers to accessing quality healthcare. We must address the inherent mistrust and break down those barriers now, before it’s too late.
In this episode, I talk with two dawgs from the International Myeloma Foundation: Dr. Joseph Mikhael, and President and CEO, Yelak Biru. Both are working tirelessly to educate and engage Brown and Black communities and bring essential diversity to clinical trials. It’s a heavy lift—it takes time to build trust—but the IMF is focused on the tools and connections that will make a difference.
Join us as we delve into the critical role of clinical trials, specifically in underserved communities, and explore the factors driving reluctance to participate, along with actionable steps to overcome them. Our guests share personal insights and professional expertise on how to build trust and encourage greater participation.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complexities and solutions surrounding clinical trials and healthcare disparities in underserved communities.
Listen in and learn how you can help pave the way for a healthier future.
Monday Aug 26, 2024
Monday Aug 26, 2024
If you're a dude, you've probably heard those dreaded words, "bend over, it's time for your prostate exam" from your doc'. And if you're getting an annual physical, you've likely had your PSA tested, maybe even heard that your number was high.
What are you supposed to do? The National Cancer Institute recommends additional testing for a PSA above 4.0 in anyone over age 60, or above 2.5 in anyone younger than 60. But there's so much more to understanding your risk of Prostate Cancer, and how to treat it once you've been diagnosed.
In this episode we bust myths about prostate cancer's aggressiveness in black men, highlight the importance of early detection, and dig in to the emotional and mental aspects of dealing with the disease.
The conversation is enlightening, heartfelt, and empowering, ultimately encouraging men to prioritize their health.
I'm joined by an impressive lineup of guests:
Dr. Mack Roach III, a specialist in urologic tumors from UCSF, shares his extensive knowledge on the subject. Mark Harris, diagnosed in 2013, discusses his journey and efforts to support others. David Fields, diagnosed in 2020, provides a candid look at his experience and the choices he made for treatment.
The guys share their personal experiences with the disease, discuss the impact it's had on their lives and the challenges they've faced in navigating their treatment options.
Tune in to learn more about prostate, the importance of early detection and treatment, and the innovative approaches being used to combat this prevalent disease.
Remember, don't let pride stand in the way of prevention. Stay informed, get checked, and keep the conversation going.
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For more information on prostate cancer, visit:
- Prostate Cancer Foundation: www.pcf.org
- American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org
To learn more about Dr. Mack Roach III and the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, visit: www.ucsfhealth.org/cancer
To learn more about the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation visit: www.healthhopehiphop.org.
Monday Jul 15, 2024
Monday Jul 15, 2024
High blood pressure, aka hypertension, can quietly mess up the body for years before symptoms appear. Not surprisingly, many of the black community's top killers are caused by high blood pressure, including heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure and even kidney disease. That's why it's so important to have your blood pressure checked; and why you need to keep it in check through diet, exercise, and even medication.
My man Phillip Davis is a prime example. In September of 2020, Phillip was working as a School Administrator for Mastery Charter School. He had just wrapped up a routine workday that was marked by an excruciating headache that would not go away. It was so bad that he went to the ER and was admitted to Chestnut Hill Hospital, where he quickly learned that his blood pressure sky high; a troubling 287/92. He was immediately transported to ICU where he spent the next few days being accessed to figure out the cause.
After several negative tests, Phillip received shocking news from a Nephrologist about his kidneys; they were in danger of failure and the problem had reached the acute stage. To stay alive, Phillip had to begin dialysis treatment immediately. But after several weeks on dialysis, his condition worsened and Phillip was officially diagnosed with Stage 4 Kidney Disease also known as Renal Failure. The only remedy for the condition is a kidney transplant or long-term, life-sustaining dialysis.
At just 34 years of age, that was some heavy news. So I sat down with Phillip to hear how he managed to cope with his diagnosis, navigate his treatment journey, and become an advocate for kidney health in the Black and Brown communities.
Through faith, family, hip-hop music, and an unbreakable spirit, Phillip has found strength and purpose in sharing his story. Join us as we discuss Phillip's resilience, determination, and the importance of early detection and blood pressure screening in kidney health.
Today he is a global ambassador for The Gift of Life, where he educates men and women about the causes, early signs of high blood pressure, and kidney failure.
His story is inspiring. Check it out.
LINKS
Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation
https://www.healthhopehiphop.org
The Gift of Life
https://www.giftoflife.org/
Follow Phillip on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/p.dot57/
Monday Jun 17, 2024
Monday Jun 17, 2024
Multiple Myeloma ain't no joke, Black folks! A cancer of the bone marrow plasma cells, Myeloma is called “multiple” because there are frequently multiple patches or areas in bone marrow where it grows.
In this episode, four men (three black and one white) come together to discuss the challenges they faced with delayed diagnosis of multiple myeloma and the impact it had on their treatment. They delve into the disparities in healthcare access and quality that often impact the black community, leading to -- you guessed it -- delayed diagnoses and poorer outcomes for black patients with multiple myeloma.
Our guests get personal and share their individual experiences navigating the healthcare system, including encounters with healthcare providers who dismissed their symptoms or failed to recognize the signs of multiple myeloma. They also discuss the importance of advocating for oneself and seeking second opinions when faced with a potential misdiagnosis.Through candid conversations and personal anecdotes, these men shed light on the systemic barriers that contribute to delayed diagnoses and disparities in treatment for black patients with multiple myeloma. They also provide insights and advice for others facing similar challenges, emphasizing the importance of being proactive in seeking proper medical care and advocating for one's health. Join us for this enlightening discussion on the impact of delayed diagnosis and disparities in healthcare on the black community.
GUEST LIST:Michael Ritto - Multiple Myeloma Dx: 7/2011
Thomas Goode - Multiple Myeloma Dx: 2007, 2008, 2011 Arthur Marsh - Multiple Myeloma Dx: 1/2024With your Emcee Oya Gilbert - Multiple Myeloma Dx: 12/2017
LINKS
Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation
https://www.healthhopehiphop.org
For more about Multiple Myeloma visit the sites below.
International Myeloma Foundation
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Myeloma Link
Monday May 27, 2024
Monday May 27, 2024
Yo, not to get all heavy on you, but this podcast was born out of my personal experience as a "Black man with cancer." I've learned a lot... sooo peep this.
When it comes to most types of cancer, Black people have the highest death rate and shortest survival of any ethnic group in the United States. I got wind of this fact AFTER being diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2017, a treatable but incurable blood cancer that impacts Black Americans 2:1 vs their White counterparts.
So, what's shaking and taking our lives in such disproportionate numbers?
Yeah, healthcare disparities like lack of access and insurance, historical injustices, and implicit bias are hurting us.... but we also suffer from limited health literacy -- and that's something we can change through conversation... Starting now!
Welcome to the premiere episode of Hip Hope Hooray – Black Men Talking About Health. In this genuine and unscripted conversation, we've brought together five Black men to share their journeys, struggles, and triumphs when it comes to their health.
From personal challenges to navigating the healthcare system, these brothas hold nothing back as they open up about obstacles they’ve faced on their wellness journey. It's a straight convo that's as relatable as it is empowering.Tune in for this groundbreaking podcast series and find out about what it really means to prioritize health in the Black community.
Let's get real, let's get inspired, and let's get healthy together. 🎙️💪🏾
GUEST LIST:Charles Duncan (Type II Diabetes) Randy Haskins (Borderline Hypertension)Antonio Goicuria III (Benign Myoclonic Epileptic Disorder)Eric Mosley (Hypertension)With your Host Oya Gilbert (Multiple Myeloma)
LINKS
Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation
https://www.healthhopehiphop.org
Multiple Myeloma’s Sneak Attack on The Black Community And How To Fight Back by Carri Helman
https://heragenda.com/p/multiple-myeloma-awareness-facts-affect-on-black-women/
🎧 Listen Up
Let’s be real—too many men from underrepresented communities, especially Black and Brown men, don’t talk about their health. We tough it out. We self-medicate. We ignore the signs. And we definitely don’t bring it up with each other.
But that silence? It’s deadly.
And it stops now.
Did you know Black Americans have the highest cancer death rate and the lowest survival of any ethnic group in the U.S.? I didn’t… not until after I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2017—a treatable but incurable blood cancer that hits our community nearly twice as hard.
So what’s really shaking and taking us out in these numbers?
Yeah—structural issues like lack of access, insurance gaps, implicit bias, and medical mistrust are part of the story.
But here’s what we can control: limited health literacy.
Too many of us don’t get the information, support, or language we need to take charge of our health.
But knowledge is power—and that power starts with conversation.
That’s what Hip. Hope. Hooray! Men Talkin’ Health is all about.
No more shame. No more silence. No more going it alone.
Let’s talk. Let’s heal. Let’s live.
✊🏾💥🩺