Kipper Jones' Spirit and Truth

On the Intersection of Faith: Rev. Duncan E. Teague’s Journey

On this final episode of Season 1 of Spirit and Truth, host Kipper Jones sits down with Rev. Duncan E. Teague for a thoughtful conversation exploring the intersection of faith and prostate cancer, with a focus on the experiences of Black men. Both Kipper and Rev. Teague share their personal journeys as prostate cancer survivors, opening up about diagnosis, treatment, and the emotional and spiritual challenges the disease brings. The discussion moves beyond medical details to address deeply personal topics, such as the fear and stigma that can keep men from seeking care, especially in the Black community. Rev. Teague highlights the importance of companionship, support systems, and open conversations, emphasizing how faith, therapy, and community can play key roles in navigating the cancer journey. The episode also touches on how spirituality can help reframe difficult experiences, finding strength and even moments of joy amid uncertainty and struggle. Rev. Duncan E. Teague is the founding and senior minister of Abundant Love Unitarian Universalist (Abundant LUUv), a West End Atlanta congregation established in 2018 and devoted to healing within both UU and Black church traditions. He earned his M.Div. from Emory’s Candler School of Theology (2011), was ordained by the UU Congregation of Atlanta in 2014, and serves as an Affiliated Community Minister there. Rev. Teague is the current vice-president of the UU Ministers Association and has served on CARAOM and UUA appointments committees. A longtime HIV/AIDS educator, he worked with Emory’s Rollins School of Public Health on faith-based anti-stigma projects. His contributions have been honored by proclamations from the Atlanta City Council (2022), the Georgia House (2017), and the Georgia Senate (2024). He lives in Decatur, GA, with his husband, David Thurman, and is a ten-year prostate cancer survivor. SUPPORT US Make a tax-deductible donation by visiting: https://fundraising.fracturedatlas.org/ninetysix-percent-black-men-prostate-cancer/general_support [https://fundraising.fracturedatlas.org/ninetysix-percent-black-men-prostate-cancer/general_support] FOLLOW US Website + Email List: https://spiritandtruthpod.com [https://spiritandtruthpod.com/] Instagram: https://instagram.com/unclekipper [https://instagram.com/unclekipper] Facebook: https://facebook.com/unclekipperfb [https://facebook.com/unclekipperfb] ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This season was produced with support from the Counter Narrative Project (CNP) Media Roundtable. Learn more about their work at https://thecounternarrative.org [https://thecounternarrative.org]

Understanding Prostate Cancer: A Conversation with Dr. Sagar Patel

On this episode of Spirit and Truth, host Kipper Jones sits down with Dr. Sagar Patel, a radiation oncologist, to discuss the realities of prostate cancer. Kipper shares his personal journey from diagnosis to treatment, exploring how family history and the power of language shaped his experience. Dr. Patel explains the current options for diagnosis, how doctors choose between surgery and radiation, and the latest advances in prostate cancer imaging and care. They also address the specific risks for men of color, the importance of early screening, and the challenges of hormone therapy and recovery. Through honest conversation, the episode offers insight, support, and practical information for anyone facing prostate cancer or supporting a loved one on a similar path. DR. SAGAR PATEL BIOGRAPHY Sagar A. Patel, MD, is a board certified radiation oncologist specializing in the treatment of genitourinary cancers, including prostate, bladder and kidney cancer. He specializes in advanced forms of radiation therapy, including brachytherapy and proton therapy. He sees patients at Winship Cancer Institute at Emory Midtown and Emory Proton Therapy Center. Dr. Patel graduated from Harvard Medical School and completed his residency at the Harvard Radiation Oncology Program, where he trained at Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. He completed advanced fellowship training in brachytherapy with a focus on prostate high-dose rate brachytherapy at UCLA prior to joining the faculty at Emory. SUPPORT US Make a tax-deductible donation by visiting: https://fundraising.fracturedatlas.org/ninetysix-percent-black-men-prostate-cancer/general_support [https://fundraising.fracturedatlas.org/ninetysix-percent-black-men-prostate-cancer/general_support] FOLLOW US Website + Email List: https://spiritandtruthpod.com [https://spiritandtruthpod.com/] Instagram: https://instagram.com/unclekipper [https://instagram.com/unclekipper] Facebook: https://facebook.com/unclekipperfb [https://facebook.com/unclekipperfb] ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This season was produced with support from the Counter Narrative Project (CNP) Media Roundtable. Learn more about their work at https://thecounternarrative.org [https://thecounternarrative.org]

Prostate Cancer, Health Equity, and Community Support With Kris Bennett, MiM

On this episode of Spirit and Truth, recorded in Spring 2024, host Kipper Jones sits down with Kris Bennett, MiM, the director of health equity initiatives at Movember, to talk about prostate cancer, health disparities, and the importance of early detection—especially within Black and brown communities. Drawing from personal experiences and professional insight, they explore why prostate cancer impacts men of color at higher rates, the role of medical distrust, and the barriers that contribute to late diagnoses. Kipper shares his own journey through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, highlighting the power of family, genetic testing, and open conversations about men’s health. The episode also offers resources for support, discusses the role of community activism, and stresses the need for earlier screenings. Join them for a candid and informative discussion that aims to empower listeners with knowledge and encourage proactive care. KRIS BENNETT, MIM BIOGRAPHY Kris Bennett, MiM is the Global Director of Health Equity Initiatives and currently focusing on prostate cancer at The Movember Foundation. Kris has spent the majority of his career in the public health sector, with virtually all of his experience centered around health equity and health disparities. Before joining Movember, Kris served at ZERO Prostate Cancer as the inaugural Director of Health Equity, Community Organizing, and Engagement in which he successfully was able to create and implement programming that helped serve thousands of people across the United States. Kris earned his undergraduate degree from Lesley University, his first Masters in Management from Durham University in the United Kingdom, and is currently working towards a dual MSW and MPH from the University of Alabama.   Prior to his work in the public health and policy space, Kris played professional basketball around the world. SUPPORT US Make a tax-deductible donation by visiting: https://fundraising.fracturedatlas.org/ninetysix-percent-black-men-prostate-cancer/general_support [https://fundraising.fracturedatlas.org/ninetysix-percent-black-men-prostate-cancer/general_support] FOLLOW US Website + Email List: https://spiritandtruthpod.com [https://spiritandtruthpod.com/] Instagram: https://instagram.com/unclekipper [https://instagram.com/unclekipper] Facebook: https://facebook.com/unclekipperfb [https://facebook.com/unclekipperfb] ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This season was produced with support from the Counter Narrative Project (CNP) Media Roundtable. Learn more about their work at https://thecounternarrative.org [https://thecounternarrative.org]

Navigating Prostate Cancer and Mental Wellness with Dr. Ed Garnes

On this episode of Spirit and Truth, host Kipper Jones sits down with therapist Dr. Ed Garnes for a powerful conversation about prostate cancer and mental wellness. Kipper opens up about the emotional challenges he faced after his diagnosis and how seeking mental health support became a critical part of his recovery. Together, they explore the importance of emotional processing, resilience, and breaking the stigma around therapy—especially for Black men and those raised in faith communities. Dr. Garnes offers insights into building coping skills, finding culturally competent therapy, and the unique ways Black communities navigate medical trauma. Whether you are facing illness yourself, supporting a loved one, or just looking for honest talk about healing, this episode provides practical advice and hope for anyone navigating difficult times. DR. ED GARNES BIOGRAPHY Dr. Ed Garnes, founder of From Afros To Shelltoes, is a therapist, educator, and life consultant with 25 years of experience helping clients heal and succeed. He serves global activists, Hollywood celebrities, best-selling writers, collegiate and pro athletes, and corporate leaders. A doctoral internship trainee of Cal Berkeley, he holds a PhD (University of Tennessee), MA in Counseling (Michigan State), MA in Psychology (University of Tennessee), and BA in English Writing (DePauw). Garnes designs culturally responsive interventions attentive to race, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, socioeconomic background, and disability. A respected voice on hip hop, Black identity, manhood, and popular culture, his work has been featured by Young Black Entrepreneur Magazine, Black Enterprise, CNN Headline News, Sirius Radio, CBS Radio, and allhiphop.com. His research centers on gendered racism toward Black men, athlete career development, social justice, and mental health. SUPPORT US Make a tax-deductible donation by visiting: https://fundraising.fracturedatlas.org/ninetysix-percent-black-men-prostate-cancer/general_support [https://fundraising.fracturedatlas.org/ninetysix-percent-black-men-prostate-cancer/general_support] FOLLOW US Website + Email List: https://spiritandtruthpod.com [https://spiritandtruthpod.com/] Instagram: https://instagram.com/unclekipper [https://instagram.com/unclekipper] Facebook: https://facebook.com/unclekipperfb [https://facebook.com/unclekipperfb] ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This season was produced with support from the Counter Narrative Project (CNP) Media Roundtable. Learn more about their work at https://thecounternarrative.org [https://thecounternarrative.org]

Early Detection, Treatment, and Life After Prostate Cancer with James Caldwell

On this episode of Spirit and Truth, host Kipper Jones sits down with his longtime friend and colleague James Caldwell to have an open, personal conversation about their journeys with prostate cancer. Drawing from their own experiences with diagnosis, treatment, and life after cancer, Kipper and James discuss the importance of early detection, cultural barriers to talking about men’s health, and the realities men face during and after treatment—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Together, they aim to break the silence around prostate health in the Black community and encourage others to seek early screening and support. This honest exchange offers insight, resources, and hope for anyone navigating prostate cancer or supporting a loved one through the process. JAMES CALDWELL BIOGRAPHY James Caldwell is the owner of The Caldwell Group, a Partner with Wholeteam Enterprises, LLC, and Founder of the Mid-Atlantic Music Conference. Wholeteam is one of the leading resources for independent artists in the southeast, providing event activation, music integration, booking, website and multi-media campaigns, and graphic design. Through TCG, he sources and promotes multiple music, film, and digital media events each year, creating performance opportunities for 300+ independent artists across NC, SC, TN, GA, and Canada, and connecting clients with brands including Sam Ash Music Stores, Monster Energy Drink, Anheuser-Busch, and SESAC. Since 2012, he has served as Executive Director of The Music Education Group, Inc., a 501(c)(3) that teaches life skills and career development through music, film, and digital media in metro Atlanta. SUPPORT US Make a tax-deductible donation by visiting: https://fundraising.fracturedatlas.org/ninetysix-percent-black-men-prostate-cancer/general_support [https://fundraising.fracturedatlas.org/ninetysix-percent-black-men-prostate-cancer/general_support] FOLLOW US Website + Email List: https://spiritandtruthpod.com [https://spiritandtruthpod.com/] Instagram: https://instagram.com/unclekipper [https://instagram.com/unclekipper] Facebook: https://facebook.com/unclekipperfb [https://facebook.com/unclekipperfb] ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This season was produced with support from the Counter Narrative Project (CNP) Media Roundtable. Learn more about their work at https://thecounternarrative.org [https://thecounternarrative.org]