The If You Are My Brothers Podcast
If You Are My Brothers podcast is a companion piece to the documentary and outreach project that follows the journey of two African-American men with prostate cancer. Ralph Franklin is a real estate lawyer with a PSA of 100 and a prognosis of death. While chronicling Ralph’s story, Reggie Hicks, the producer of the documentary, is also diagnosed with the disease. Now, this one story evolves into two intricately intertwined stories: two men with their own challenges and two men with a common bond of brotherhood and hope.
Episodes
2 days ago
2 days ago
What if one of the most powerful medicines available didn't require a prescription?
In this final installment of our Men's Health Month series, host Reggie Hicks sits down with exercise physiologist Paige Jones to discuss why movement may be one of the most effective tools for preventing disease, improving quality of life, and helping us age well.
Paige explains why exercise impacts everything from heart health and diabetes prevention to cancer survivorship, bone strength, sleep, mood, and longevity. He also tackles some of the biggest fitness myths, including whether you can "outwork" a poor diet, the truth about belly fat, and what older adults need to know about strength training.
Whether you're just getting started or looking to get back on track, this conversation offers practical advice you can put into action today.
In This Episode:
✅ Why exercise is often more powerful than medication
✅ The biggest fitness mistakes men make
✅ Why you can't out-exercise a poor diet
✅ The truth about belly fat and weight loss
✅ Strength training after 50, 60, and beyond
✅ Exercise during and after cancer treatment
✅ The pros and cons of GLP-1 weight loss medications
✅ How much exercise do you really need
✅ Why "muscles don't know age—they know use and disuse"
✅ How to find a fitness routine you'll actually stick with
Memorable Quote:
"Muscles don't know age. They know use and disuse." — Paige Jones
Resources Mentioned in This Episode
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)https://www.acsm.org
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)https://www.nsca.com
American Council on Exercise (ACE)https://www.acefitness.org
CDC Physical Activity Guidelines for Americanshttps://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity
YouTube Fitness and Exercise Resourceshttps://www.youtube.com
Piedmont Atlanta Fitness Centerhttps://www.piedmont.org
Recommended Goal
• 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week
• Strength training at least 2 days per week
• Regular stretching and mobility work
About Our Guest
Paige Jones is Assistant Manager of the Piedmont Atlanta Fitness Center and an Exercise Physiologist with more than 20 years of experience helping people improve their health through movement. He specializes in helping individuals prevent and manage chronic disease, improve strength and mobility, and lead healthier lives through practical, sustainable fitness strategies.
Learn More
https://www.ifyouaremybrothers.org
Support Our Work
If You Are My Brothers is a nonprofit initiative dedicated to turning health awareness into health action, particularly around prostate cancer and men's health.
Donate:https://www.ifyouaremybrothers.org/donate
Subscribe
Subscribe for more conversations about prostate cancer, men's health, wellness, survivorship, and healthy living.
Wednesday Jun 17, 2026
Wednesday Jun 17, 2026
Heart disease remains the #1 killer of men, yet many men don't know they're at risk until it's too late. In this Men's Health Month special, Reggie Hicks sits down with board-certified cardiologist Dr. David Montgomery, founder of PREventClinic in Atlanta, to discuss what every man should know about heart health, prevention, family history, and taking control of his future.
Topics include:
✔ Why heart disease is still the leading cause of death
✔ Why many men avoid doctors and health screenings
✔ The warning signs of cardiovascular disease
✔ Family history and genetic risk
✔ Blood pressure, cholesterol, and the numbers every man should know
✔ The connection between heart health and prostate cancer
✔ Erectile dysfunction as a possible warning sign of vascular disease
✔ Stroke prevention
✔ The truth about GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy
✔ What tests every man should consider after age 40
✔ Practical steps to improve your heart health today
Key Takeaways
"Be afraid and do it anyway."
"Find a doctor you trust."
"If you don't test, you don't know." "
Your family history is not your destiny—it is your roadmap.
Recommended Heart Health Checklist According to Dr. Montgomery, men over 40 should discuss:
• Stress testing
• Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)
• Coronary calcium/plaque score CT scan
• Lipoprotein(a) blood testing
• Blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar screening
Quote: Learn more about If You Are My Brothers: 🌐 https://www.ifyouaremybrothers.org
Support our mission: Your tax-deductible contribution helps us turn prostate cancer awareness into health action through documentary storytelling, podcasting, and community engagement.
Learn more about Dr. Montgomery:
https://www.preventatl.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHealth
MasteryCafe Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-health-mastery-caf%C3%A9-with-dr-dave/id448654344
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5GjIfUHkFoHyjlIY8gizof
Wednesday Jun 10, 2026
Wednesday Jun 10, 2026
What if some of the most powerful medicine in your life isn't found in a prescription bottle, but in the choices you make every day? In this special Men's Health Month episode of If You Are My Brothers, host Reggie Hicks sits down with physician, public health professional, and wellness advocate Dr. Marvin Randall for a thought-provoking conversation about what it truly means to pursue health and healing.
Dr. Randall explains why health begins long before a visit to the doctor's office and how daily lifestyle choices—including nutrition, exercise, stress management, sleep, and faith—play a critical role in preventing disease and improving overall well-being. The conversation explores the differences among holistic, naturopathic, and homeopathic approaches to health; the growing popularity of supplements and GLP-1 weight-loss medications; and how chronic inflammation may contribute to many of today's most common health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and cancer. For prostate cancer survivors and men concerned about prostate health,
Dr. Randall shares practical insights on nutrition, weight management, inflammation, and lifestyle habits that may support long-term prostate wellness. Perhaps most importantly, he challenges men to stop viewing health as something controlled solely by doctors and medications and instead embrace their personal responsibility for wellness—while recognizing the important connection between physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
In This Episode:
• Why health begins at home—not in the doctor's office
• The difference between holistic, naturopathic, and homeopathic medicine • The truth about supplements and how to use them wisely
• Dr. Randall's perspective on GLP-1 weight-loss medications
• How chronic inflammation affects the body
• Foods that may increase or decrease inflammation
• The connection between gut health and overall wellness
• Lifestyle approaches to supporting prostate health
• The role of faith, purpose, and mindset in healing
• Small changes that can create significant health improvements
Memorable Quote: "Health begins at home. You go to the doctor's office because you don't have health. Health starts with the choices we make every day."
Resources Mentioned:
• Healthy Encounters
• Uchee Pines Health Institute
• Lifestyle Medicine Resources
• Natural approaches to nutrition and wellness
Learn more at:
https://www.ucheepines.org/counseling-sheets/prostate-disease-1
https://www.ucheepines.org/counseling-sheets/prostate-disease-2
Dr. Randall can be contacted via:
www.healthyencounters.org
Take Action:
Dr. Randall challenges listeners to spend the next 30 days focusing not only on physical health but also on their spiritual well-being. Begin with one healthy habit, seek help when you need it, and remember that lasting wellness is built one decision at a time.
If You Are My Brothers is dedicated to turning prostate cancer awareness into health action through conversations that educate, inspire, and empower men and their families. Learn more about the If My Brothers Project at:
www.ifyouaremybrothers.org
Wednesday Jun 03, 2026
Wednesday Jun 03, 2026
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
Learn More about the If You Are My Brothers Prostate Cancer Project Visit: https://ifyouaremybrothers.org/
Support the mission to turn prostate cancer awareness into health action. Visit: https://ifyouaremybrothers.org/donate
Visit our supporters
Atlanta Brand Central https://abcatl.com/
Borkhouse Productions https://www.borkhouse.com/
Cecil Bernard https://www.cecilbernardgallery.com/
Wednesday May 27, 2026
Wednesday May 27, 2026
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
Emory 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.
Wednesday May 13, 2026
Wednesday May 13, 2026
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
Learn more about the If You Are My Brothers Project: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.
Wednesday Apr 29, 2026
Wednesday Apr 29, 2026
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 EatingFocus on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds while reducing red meat, processed foods, and dairy.
Guided Support
Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institutehttps://rochesterlifestylemedicine.org
Virtual Jumpstart Programs
Physician-led coaching and support
Nutrition, stress management, and behavior change
Meal Planning
Purple Carrot https://www.purplecarrot.com
Plant-based meal delivery
Free recipes available online
Beginner-friendly
Eating Healthy Anywhere
HappyCow https://www.happycow.net
Find plant-based meals worldwide
Ideal for travel and dining out
Learn More
Men’s Health Show
SiriusXM Channel 110Wednesdays | 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
Stay Connected
👍 Like | 🔁 Share | 🔔 Subscribe🌐 https://ifyouaremybrothers.org
Disclaimer:This podcast is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Wednesday Apr 01, 2026
Wednesday Apr 01, 2026
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
Wednesday Mar 04, 2026
Wednesday Mar 04, 2026
When many people hear the words clinical trials, history, and mistrust come to mind. But at the same time, diseases like prostate cancer continue to impact men every day — and research remains one of the most powerful tools we have to improve outcomes. In this important conversation, host Reggie Hicks — prostate cancer survivor and founder of If You Are My Brothers — is joined by Dr. Monica Webb Hooper, Acting Director of the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Together, they explore the legacy of medical mistrust, modern research protections, and why participation in clinical trials is essential — especially for Black men facing higher rates of prostate cancer.
🔎 In This Episode
✔ How the Tuskegee Study still influences perceptions of medical research
✔ Common misconceptions about clinical trials (including placebo concerns)
✔ Why underrepresentation in prostate cancer research persists
✔ The importance of asking questions and being your own health advocate ✔ What “informed consent” really means today
✔ The role of trust, transparency, and community engagement in rebuilding confidence
✔ How to find clinical trials in your area
✔ Why research participation is not just a “last resort.”
✔ The psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis — and why bringing someone to appointments matters
💬 Key Takeaways
Modern clinical trials are tightly regulated and monitored for safety.
Participants are never left without a standard of care in cancer treatment trials.
Underrepresentation is often about access and invitation, not simply hesitation.
Trust must be earned through transparency and community engagement.
Black men do participate in research — and their involvement is essential to advancing equitable care.
Clinical trials power medical progress for future generations.
📌 For more information about clinical trials and helpful resources, visit:
https://www.cancer.gov/research/participate/clinical-trials/what-are-clinical-trials
https://www.cancer.gov/research/participate/clinical-trials-search
or call 1-800-4-CANCER
Learn more about the work conducted and led by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities www.nimhd.gov
💙 A Personal Note from Reggie Reggie shares an update on his own prostate cancer journey, including recent PSA results and reflections on the anxiety many men experience while waiting for test results. His message is clear: Know your PSA. Ask questions. Don’t go through it alone.
🎯 Call to Action -If this episode helped you, share it with a brother, father, son, friend, or colleague.
-Visit www.IfYouAreMyBrothers.org to learn more about the documentary, community engagement efforts, and ways to support the mission.
🔔 Reminder: This podcast is for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding your personal health decisions.
Wednesday Feb 18, 2026
Wednesday Feb 18, 2026
Prostate cancer research at Clark Atlanta University is advancing treatment and advancing health equity. In this Black History Month special, we spotlight the Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development (CCRTD) and its Executive Director, Dr. Jaideep Chaudhary.
In this episode of If You Are My Brothers Podcast, host Reggie Hicks explores how CCRTD is advancing prostate cancer research, addressing health disparities, improving drug development, and engaging the community to drive better outcomes for African American men. Prostate cancer disproportionately impacts Black men.
CCRTD’s mission focuses on:
Understanding cancer metastasis
Improving treatment strategies
Using AI and big data in cancer research
Training the next generation of cancer scientists
Community-driven prostate cancer awareness
Dr. Chaudhary explains the drug development pipeline, the importance of PSA screening, and how early detection reduces mortality by nearly 50%.
This Black History Month edition, we honor institutions and leaders shaping the future of cancer research and health equity.
📌 Learn more about CCRTD’s work at Clark Atlanta University
📌 Subscribe and share this Black History Month special








