Hip, Hope, Hooray! Black Men Talking Health

About Hip, Hope, Hooray! Black Men Talking 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.

Publisher

Health, Hope, & Hip-Hop Foundation

Category

education · health & fitness · music

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

27 May 2024

Latest episode

1 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

17 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   1 Oct 2026

   Waiting for the Beat to Drop: Smoldering Myeloma, Purpose & the Power of the Wait

   What does it mean to live with cancer when the next step is to wait? Oya Gilbert sits down with Gulf War veteran and patient advocate **Eric Blackburn** for a powerful conversation about living with smoldering multiple myeloma, navigating uncertainty, and turning the wait into purpose. From veteran health and early detection to advocacy and Eric’s cycling journey through Iceland for myeloma research, this episode reminds us that **waiting doesn’t mean standing still.**

2. 

   12 Aug 2026

   The Care Partner Cipher - We Take the Mic

   Every patient has a story—but every care partner has one too. On this episode of **Hip Hope Hooray! Men Talkin’ Health**, Oya Gilbert passes the mic to Michelle Ware Ivy, Diane Kennedy, and Chad Moore for an honest conversation about love, advocacy, grief, family, self-care, and navigating multiple myeloma alongside someone you love. Three care partners. Three different journeys. One powerful reminder: **care partners need care too.**

3. 

   28 Jul 2026

   Trust the Process: Why Clinical Trials Need Our Culture

   Oya Gilbert sits down with leading multiple myeloma specialist Dr. Craig Cole to separate fact from fiction about clinical trials. Together, they tackle medical mistrust, patient safety, and why greater Black and Brown representation in research is essential to improving outcomes for everyone.

4. 

   11 May 2026

   Master Ace Hid His MS for Years… Here’s Why He Finally Spoke Out

   Hip-hop legend Master Ace shares his journey living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in this powerful episode of Hip Hope Hooray! Men Talkin’ Health. After experiencing unexplained symptoms and receiving a life-changing diagnosis, Ace made the decision to keep his condition private for over a decade. In this episode, he explains why—and how that decision shaped his music, mindset, and life. From early warning signs to performing through adversity, this is a story of resilience, discipline, and purpose. #HealthHopeHipHop #HipHopeHoorayPodcast #MasterAce #MultipleSclerosis #MSAwareness

5. 

   29 Mar 2026

   She Tricked Me Into the ER: Freeman & Susan Williams on Myeloma, Marriage & the Corporation

   She Tricked Me Into the ER — Freeman & Susan Williams Keep It 💯 on Myeloma, Marriage & the Corporation Ayo fam — pull up. 🎙️ This one right here? This one HITS different. 💥 Oya is in the building with two of the dopest people to ever grace this mic — Dr. Freeman Williams and his wife and care partner, Dr. Susan Williams. Freeman is a former school superintendent, NAACP leader, father, grandfather, community giant — AND a brother living with multiple myeloma since 2015. Susan? She's the Street Fighter 🥊 standing beside him every single step of the way. But here's how it ALL started — Freeman was out here powering through like he always does, suits getting loose, body slowing down, kidneys flagging... and this man said "maybe next week" to the doctor. 😤 So what did Susan do? She called his doctor's nurse, put her on hold, called Freeman like "hey honey, somebody wants to talk to you" — and BAM. Three-way call. Nurse told him get to the ER NOW. He went after his workday. He never came back. 🏥 That's Day One of the Freeman Williams Corporation. 💼 ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 — Oya sets it off: Meet Dr. Freeman Williams — father, grandfather, superintendent, NAACP leader, myeloma patient — and his Street Fighter wife Susan. Life BEFORE the diagnosis: retirement plans, traveling, yard work, walking together — they were LIVING 💃🏾🕺🏾 8:35 — THE THREE-WAY CALL 📲 How Susan tricked Freeman into talking to the doctor's nurse — and why he never came back from the ER that evening. Inside the hospital: "You need to get your house in order." 🏥😳 17:10 — Treatment time 💊 Chemo AND dialysis three times a week while still going to work full time. The insurance battle over stem cell coverage. Susan's hardest day — and the military mindset that kicked in when she couldn't afford to fall apart 🪖📋 25:45 — The Freeman Williams Corporation is BORN 💼 Why they never make split decisions, always go as a pair, push back on medical jargon, and come strapped with questions every single time. Plus: why Black men stay avoiding the doctor and what that pride is REALLY costing us 😤🧠 34:20 — Finding your real ones 💙 How their day-one people carried them through. How myeloma deepened a friendship-first marriage. THE POPEYES WINGS ERA 🍗😂 "Adapt and Adopt" — and Oya closes it out with Heavy D, Double Dutch Bus, and a message every brother needs to hear 🎵🙌🏾 In this episode we get into ALL of it: 🚨 How Susan low-key tricked Freeman into the ER — and why that call saved his life 💊 Going through chemo AND dialysis three times a week — while still going to work full time 🧾 Fighting insurance companies in real time over stem cell therapy coverage 🫰🏾 Susan snapping her fingers at a specialist mid-conversation — "You need to talk to ME" 📋 Why you GOTTA come to every appointment locked and loaded with questions 🤝 Building your health team like a corporation — second opinions, due diligence, no split decisions 🧠 Why Black men stay avoiding the doctor — and what that pride is REALLY costing us 🍗 The Popeyes wings era: the ONLY thing Freeman would eat after his stem cell transplant (the manager knew Susan's order by name 😂) ❤️ How myeloma deepened a friendship-first marriage and what "the new normal" really looks like 🎵 Plus: Heavy D, Double Dutch Bus, and a reminder of WHY we gotta take care of ourselves No fluff. No scripts. Just two real people who been through the fire and came out the other side still standing — together. 🙏🏾 This for every brother avoiding that appointment. Every care partner running on fumes. Every family trying to figure out what comes next. TAP IN. 🎧 Resources mentioned: 🔗 International Myeloma Foundation — myeloma.org 🔗 Blood Cancer United — bloodcancerunited.org 🔗 HealthTree Foundation — healthtree.org🔗 Johnson & Johnson "That's My Word" — thatsmywordmm.com🔗 Pfizer "MMToldTrue" — mmtoldtrue.com 🔗 Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation — healthhopehiphop.org

6. 

   23 Feb 2026

   Prostate Talk: No Filter, No Excuses — Real Brothers, Real Stories

   Host Oya Gilbert heads to the Healthevoices Conference in Jersey for one of the most important conversations in the Hip. Hope. Hooray! catalog. Joining him are prostate cancer survivors and advocates Mark Harris and Robert Ginyard — two brothers who stared down a diagnosis and chose purpose over fear. Mark was diagnosed at 58, and just six days later became a caregiver when his son received his own cancer diagnosis, passing away four months later. Robert was diagnosed at 48 after years of consistent annual checkups and a wife who held him accountable. Now at 63, he’s channeling that experience into advocacy work centered on prostate cancer awareness, mental health, and what he calls ”building generational health.” Together with Oya, they get into everything — PSA testing and why Black men should start screening at 40, navigating major treatment decisions like surgery versus radiation, what intimacy and quality of life really look like after prostate surgery, the danger of keeping health history secret within families, and the powerful connection between mental, physical, and spiritual wellness. Raw, real, and necessary — this episode is for every man who’s been putting off that doctor’s appointment, and for everyone who loves him. 💊 Powered by Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer 📍 Recorded live at Healthevoices Conference 🎙️ Hosted by Oya Gilbert | Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation #HipHopeHooray #HealthHopeHipHop #ProstateCancer #BlackMensHealth #KnowYourPSA #Healthevoices

7. 

   22 Jan 2026

   Open Bar to Open Eyes: Dr. Greg “Grouchy” Watkins on Hip-Hop, Sobriety & Mental Health

   In this episode of Hip Hope Hooray! Men Talkin’ Health, host Oya Gilbert (Grand G) sits down with Dr. Greg “Grouchy” Watkins, co-founder of AllHipHop.com, for an honest conversation about sobriety, alcoholism, and mental health. Dr. Greg shares how hip-hop shaped his identity and how addiction was present in his family long before his career took off. Together, they talk about the “open bar” culture of the entertainment industry and how easily drinking can shift from casual to destructive. This episode is a reminder that healing takes awareness, support, and the courage to take it one moment at a time.

8. 

   29 Dec 2025

   Men, Myeloma, and the Weight of Pain: A Patient and Care Partner

   Men, Myeloma, and the Weight of Pain: A Patient and Care Partner Speak Multiple myeloma patient Richard Armstrong and male care partner Chad Moore join host Oya Gilbert to unpack the heavy reality behind back-breaking pain, delayed diagnosis, kidney failure, and life-threatening complications during the height of COVID. Their stories reveal how easily multiple myeloma can be missed—especially in Black and Brown communities—and what happens when symptoms are dismissed as “just getting older” or lifestyle issues instead of serious blood cancer. Richard shares his journey from spinal lesions, 9% kidney function, and sky-high light chains to finally getting answers, while Chad breaks down what it means to stand in the gap for his wife when her spine fractures, her pain is overlooked, and he must fight to be heard as a male caregiver in a space often assumed to be “women’s work.” Listeners will hear hard truths about chronic pain, mental health, and health equity, along with the hope that comes from strong family support, faith, and informed advocacy in the multiple myeloma communit

9. 

   15 Dec 2025

   Stackin Moments with Myeloma: Trust the Process

   A real conversation about trust, teamwork, and survival. In this episode, Oya Gilbert talks with myeloma specialist Dr. Brandon Blue and patient advocate Gary Lambert about living with multiple myeloma, navigating clinical trials, and the life-changing impact of CAR-T therapy. Gary reflects on his diagnosis at 38, missed warning signs, and how trusting the right doctor at the right time helped him reclaim his life and focus on what matters most — family, faith, and stacking moments.

10. 

    15 Dec 2025

    Lupus. Love. Life. The Remix of Resilience.

    Recorded live at HealtheVoices 2025, Emmitt Henderson III and Shanell Matlock share how faith, mental strength, and love fuel resilience through lupus, kidney failure, and chronic illness—turning pain into purpose.

11. 

    13 Oct 2025

    Ride or Die: The Care Partner Chronicles”

    In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Hip. Hope. Hooray! Men Talkin’ Health, host Oya Gilbert brings together three myeloma survivors — Thomas Goode, Tony Newberne, and Michael Riotto — for an honest conversation about love, resilience, and the unsung heroes of every patient’s journey: the care partners. From marriage and partnership to friendship and faith, these men open up about the emotional highs and lows of life with myeloma — and how advocacy, healing, and purpose often come with tough lessons about peace, gratitude, and growth. 💬 Real talk. 💪 Real men. ❤️ Real love. Because care partners need care too. Sponsored by Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer. #hiphopehooray #healthhopehiphop #mentalkinhealth Learn more about our foundation at: www.healthhopehiphop.org

12. 

    16 Aug 2025

    Gut Check: Food, Culture & The Health Wake-Up Call

    In this episode of Hip. Hope. Hooray! Men Talkin Health, Oya Gilbert sits down with Randy Haskins, Eric Mosley, and Tony Goicuria to talk food, culture, and the wake-up calls that come when our bodies start showing the wear of old habits. From growing up in “dietary deserts” to breaking soda and chip addictions, the crew dives into gut health, proactive wellness, and how small, intentional changes can transform longevity. With humor, honesty, and hip-hop energy, this episode is a gut check for every man ready to take his health seriously. 💡 Powered by Johnson & Johnson 📺 Watch the full video on YouTube → @healthhopehiphop

13. 

    23 Sept 2024

    Bustin' Barriers: Behind the Grind to Make Clinical Trials Diverse

    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.

14. 

    26 Aug 2024

    Prostate Cancer: It's More Than Just a PSA Thang

    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. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 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.

15. 

    15 Jul 2024

    The Dangers of High Blood Pressure

    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 (https://www.healthhopehiphop.org/) The Gift of Life https://www.giftoflife.org/ (https://www.giftoflife.org/) Follow Phillip on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p.dot57/ (https://www.instagram.com/p.dot57/)

16. 

    17 Jun 2024

    "Doubts, Disbelief, & Delayed Diagnosis: Multiple Myeloma Is No Joke, Black Folks!"

    Multiple myeloma (https://www.myeloma.org/what-is-multiple-myeloma) is 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 affect the black community, leading to delayed diagnoses and poorer outcomes for black patients with multiple myeloma. The group shares their personal 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: 1/2024 With your Emcee Oya Gilbert - Multiple Myeloma Dx: 12/2017 LINKS Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation https://www.healthhopehiphop.org (https://www.healthhopehiphop.org/) For more about Multiple Myeloma visit the sites below. International Myeloma Foundation (https://www.myeloma.org/) Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Myeloma Link (https://www.lls.org/myeloma-link)

17. 

    27 May 2024

    The Silent Struggle: Why Black Men Avoid the Doctor's Office

    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 (https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/type-2-diabetes)) Randy Haskins (Borderline Hypertension (https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/borderline-hypertension)) Antonio Goicuria III (Benign Myoclonic Epileptic Disorder (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10297251/)) Eric Mosley (Hypertension (https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure)) With your Host Oya Gilbert (Multiple Myeloma (https://www.myeloma.org/what-is-multiple-myeloma)) LINKS Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation https://www.healthhopehiphop.org (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/ (https://heragenda.com/p/multiple-myeloma-awareness-facts-affect-on-black-women/)

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

590

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 23 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

7

Social presence

0

YouTube

66

Engagement

32