The If You Are My Brothers Podcast

When Was Your Last Physical?... Let’s Talk About the Checkup Men Avoid

What if one doctor's visit could save your life? In this first installment of our Men's Health Month series, host Reggie Hicks sits down with his own physician, Dr. Adrian Douglass, to discuss one of the most overlooked tools in men's health: the annual physical. Too many men wait until something feels wrong before seeing a doctor. But conditions like prostate cancer, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and sleep apnea often develop silently, with few or no symptoms in the early stages. Dr. Douglass explains why establishing a relationship with a primary care physician may be one of the most important health decisions a man can make. During this conversation, you'll learn: ✅ Why every man needs a primary care physician ✅ What actually happens during an annual physical ✅ The health numbers every man should know: PSA A1C LDL Cholesterol Blood Pressure Kidney Function Liver Function BMI ✅ Why Black men face higher risks for prostate cancer ✅ The truth about PSA testing and Digital Rectal Exams (DRE) ✅ How family history influences screening recommendations ✅ The dangers of delaying preventive care ✅ The connection between sleep apnea, heart disease, diabetes, and hormone health ✅ Why early detection saves lives Reggie also shares his personal prostate cancer journey and how a routine exam helped identify cancer before symptoms appeared. His story serves as a powerful reminder that prevention isn't just about living longer—it's about being present for the people who depend on you. Key Takeaway: "Health awareness only matters when it leads to health action." If you haven't had an annual physical in the last year, make the appointment today. About Dr. Adrian Douglass Dr. Douglass is a board-certified internal medicine physician with more than 30 years of experience in preventive and primary care medicine. An MDVIP-affiliated physician and Fellow of the American College of Physicians, he is recognized for his patient-centered approach to wellness, prevention, and chronic disease management. Learn More About Dr. Douglass                                                                      Visit: https://www.mdvip.com/doctors/adriandouglassmd [https://www.mdvip.com/doctors/adriandouglassmd] Learn More about the If You Are My Brothers Prostate Cancer Project    Visit: https://ifyouaremybrothers.org/ [https://ifyouaremybrothers.org/] Support the mission to turn prostate cancer awareness into health action. Visit: https://ifyouaremybrothers.org/donate [https://ifyouaremybrothers.org/donate] Visit our supporters Atlanta Brand Central https://abcatl.com/ [https://abcatl.com/] Borkhouse Productions https://www.borkhouse.com/ [https://www.borkhouse.com/] Cecil Bernard https://www.cecilbernardgallery.com/ [https://www.cecilbernardgallery.com/]

Understanding Proton Therapy: Precision Care for Prostate Cancer

This episode of the  If You Are My Brothers Podcast explores one of the most advanced prostate cancer treatments available today—proton therapy. Host Reggie Hicks sits down with Dr. Karen Godette, radiation oncologist at Winship Cancer Institute and Emory Proton Therapy Center, for an in-depth conversation about precision radiation treatment, side effects, survivorship, and how men can make informed decisions about their prostate cancer care. Dr. Godette explains how proton therapy differs from traditional radiation and why reducing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue may improve quality of life for many patients. Reggie also shares his personal experience undergoing proton therapy after biochemical recurrence following prostatectomy, creating a candid and informative discussion from both the physician and patient perspective. Topics include: * What proton therapy is * Who qualifies for treatment * Radiation side effects * Erectile dysfunction and continence concerns * Hormone therapy * Active surveillance * Biochemical recurrence * Advances in prostate cancer treatment * Questions patients should ask before treatment This episode offers practical information, hope, and clarity for men and families navigating prostate cancer treatment decisions. Learn more: If You Are My Brothers [https://www.ifyouaremybrothers.org] Emory Proton Therapy Center [https://winshipcancer.emory.edu/patient-care/proton-therapy-center/] Remember: This podcast is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding diagnosis and treatment options. If this episode helped you, please subscribe, share, and leave a review. Because if you are my brothers…we’re in this fight together.

Living With It: The Courage of Active Surveillance

Host Reggie Hicks welcomes award-winning journalist and AL.com columnist Roy S. Johnson for an honest and inspiring conversation about living with prostate cancer through active surveillance. After learning that his father died from prostate cancer, Roy became committed to regular screenings and early detection. When his own diagnosis came, he faced a difficult question many men struggle with: Do you immediately treat prostate cancer—or carefully monitor it? Roy shares how faith, research, trusted doctors, and family helped guide his decision to pursue active surveillance instead of immediate surgery or treatment. In this episode: * Roy discusses discovering his family history * The emotional moment he received his diagnosis * Why he chose to publicly share his journey * The psychological challenge of living with cancer * What “thriving with cancer” means * The importance of PSA testing for Black men * His advocacy around Alabama’s SB19 prostate cancer screening legislation This episode is an important reminder that informed decisions, early detection, and open conversations can save lives. Resources AL.com Cancer Chronicles: https://www.al.com [https://www.al.com] Learn more about the If You Are My Brothers Project: https://www.ifyouaremybrothers.org [https://www.ifyouaremybrothers.org] Disclaimer This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Take action. It could save your life.

PSA Screening 2026 — New Rules & What Men Must Know

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 [https://www.purplecarrot.com] * Plant-based meal delivery * Free recipes available online * Beginner-friendly Eating Healthy Anywhere HappyCow  https://www.happycow.net [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 [https://ifyouaremybrothers.org]  Stay Connected 👍 Like | 🔁 Share | 🔔 Subscribe 🌐 https://ifyouaremybrothers.org [https://ifyouaremybrothers.org]  Disclaimer: This podcast is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider.

Strong For Him: Partners Behind the Prostate Cancer Journey

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 [http://ifyouaremybrothers.org]