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

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What are the odds that four men from the same pledge line would all face prostate cancer? In this powerful and deeply personal episode of If You Are My Brothers, host Reggie Hicks is joined by three of his line brothers—Eric Chaney, Tony Liggett, and Frank “Frankie J.” Purnell—members of the Zeta Pi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity at the University of Georgia who pledged together in 1976. Decades after college, their brotherhood was tested again by the same diagnosis: prostate cancer.

Together, these men share their individual journeys—from diagnosis and treatment decisions to side effects, survivorship, and the emotional realities men rarely discuss. They talk candidly about PSA testing, active surveillance, radiation therapy, hormone treatment, incontinence, intimacy, and the importance of being your own health advocate. This is more than a conversation about cancer—it’s a call to action for men, especially Black men, to know their numbers, talk openly, and look out for one another. Brotherhood didn’t end at graduation—and in this case, it helped save lives.

🔔 If this episode resonates, please like, subscribe, and share it with a brother, father, son, or friend.

🎙️ Featured Guests:

• Eric Chaney – Prostate cancer survivor navigating treatment decisions
• Tony "T" Liggett – Survivor of aggressive prostate cancer and advocate for education
• Frank “Frankie J.” Purnell – Survivor emphasizing vigilance and family history

Learn more & support the mission: 👉 https://www.ifyouaremybrothers.org

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Early detection saves lives—know your PSA number
• Men must talk openly about prostate cancer
• Brotherhood and support matter during survivorship
• Treatment decisions should be informed and personalized
• Life after prostate cancer is real—and manageable

Support the Mission If You Are My Brothers is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) project of Straight Street Media, turning prostate cancer awareness into health action.

Visit 👉 https://www.ifyouaremybrothers.org to:

• Explore the documentary & podcast series
• Support community engagement efforts
• Help save lives through education and conversation

When a man hears the words “you have prostate cancer,” fear and uncertainty often follow. In this powerful and informative episode, host Reggie Hicks sits down with Dr. Rajesh Laungani, a board-certified urologist and Director of Minimally Invasive & Robotic Urology at Piedmont Hospital, to break down what prostate cancer surgery really looks like today. From robotic prostatectomy to minimally invasive techniques, Dr. Laungani explains how modern surgery has evolved, what men should realistically expect during recovery, and how to separate medical facts from fear-driven misinformation. This conversation is honest, empowering, and designed to help men make informed decisions about their health.

⏱️ WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

• What robotic prostate cancer surgery actually involves
• The difference between open surgery vs. minimally invasive approaches
• Recovery timelines for continence and sexual function
• Why not all prostate cancers require surgery
• How surgeon experience impacts outcomes
• Questions every man should ask before choosing surgery
• Why early detection saves lives—especially for Black men

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Prostate cancer is not one disease—treatment should be individualized
• Robotic surgery dramatically reduces blood loss, pain, and recovery time
• Cancer control, urinary control, and sexual function are all achievable goals
• Education and honest conversations are critical to men’s health outcomes

📣 IMPORTANT REMINDERS ⚠️

This podcast is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.

🔗 LEARN MORE & GET INVOLVED

🌐 Visit: ifyouaremybrothers.org 🎧

🤝 Support the nonprofit mission of If You Are My Brothers

👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 🔁 Share with a brother, father, son, or friend

Episode Show Notes

Guest: David Moffett (Prostate cancer survivor, U.S. Marine veteran, founder/advocate)

Host: Reggie Hicks

Theme: Breaking the silence around prostate cancer, survivorship, side effects, and building support systems

Episode Summary

Reggie Hicks closes out the final show of 2025 with a candid, survivor-centered conversation featuring David Moffett, a Marine veteran, husband, father, and grandfather whose life changed after a routine physical revealed elevated PSA levels. David shares that he had little to no understanding of prostate cancer beforehand, and what made it harder was realizing that the prostate cancer histories of his father, grandfather, and stepfather were never directly discussed with him—he only learned details through the women in his life. That silence fueled frustration, grief, and ultimately a sense of calling to break a generational pattern.

David recounts the shock of being told he had cancer in a public workplace setting—a moment that left him devastated and scrambling to process how he would tell his wife and family. He describes navigating the medical system, including a first urologist whose approach triggered his PTSD and felt dismissive, and how switching to a more supportive physician changed everything. David emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, encouraging men to “fire” doctors who don’t listen, don’t explain, or don’t treat them with dignity.

He also walks through the decision-making process between radiation, active surveillance, and surgery—ultimately choosing prostate removal because he couldn’t emotionally carry the weight of “watching” the cancer over time. The conversation turns deeply real as David and Reggie talk about post-surgery side effects, including incontinence, the emotional impact of sexual changes, and the trial-and-error path many men face in trying to regain function. David shares how faith, his wife’s support, and time helped him heal—and how he now challenges the damaging idea that erections define “manhood.”

During COVID, what began as a personal recovery journey became a mission: David launched the DMOF Prostate Cancer Support Group and later Courage and Strength to Fight, Inc., creating safe spaces for men (and increasingly women caregivers) to speak openly about fear, relationships, depression, intimacy, and survivorship.

Reggie closes with a call to action: know your PSA, don’t suffer in silence, and support the podcast’s year-end fundraising challenge grant.

5 key takeaways

•Silence can be deadly. Prostate cancer often goes undiscussed in families—David didn’t learn key family history until after his diagnosis. Open conversations can change outcomes.

•Advocate for yourself (and switch doctors if needed). A supportive provider who listens, welcomes questions, and respects your dignity can transform your experience and decision-making.

•PSA is a clue—not the whole story. David’s PSA wasn’t extremely high, yet cancer was present throughout his prostate; understanding PSA alongside other diagnostics matters.

•Side effects are real—and survivable. Incontinence, ED, and emotional distress can hit hard after treatment. Healing takes time, support, and honest guidance (and it’s okay to grieve). •Your value isn’t your erection. David challenges the “manhood” narrative and reframes masculinity around character, love, fatherhood, faith, and community, encouraging men to seek support rather than suffer alone.

Guest Bio — David Moffett David Moffett is a U.S. Marine veteran, prostate cancer survivor, and men’s health advocate based in Georgia. After his own diagnosis and treatment journey, David committed himself to breaking the silence that keeps many men from seeking help. He founded Courage and Strength to Fight, Inc., a nonprofit focused on creating safe spaces for men and families to discuss prostate cancer, treatment realities, side effects, mental health, and survivorship.

He also leads the DMOF Prostate Cancer Support Group, bringing together a growing brotherhood (and supportive caregivers) to replace isolation with community, faith, and practical resources.

Books, tools, and websites mentioned

Websites / Links

• If You Are My Brothers (donate): ifyouaremybrothers.org/donate

• If You Are My Brothers (main site mentioned): ifyouaremybrothers.com

• Courage and Strength to Fight: www.courageandstrengthtofight.com

When a man hears the words “You have prostate cancer,” everything stops — but your next steps don’t have to be confusing. In this powerful episode of If You Are My Brothers, host Reggie Hicks sits down with renowned radiation oncologist Dr. James Benton, President of Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia, to break down prostate cancer treatment with honesty, clarity, and hope. Whether you're newly diagnosed, supporting a loved one, or exploring treatment options, this conversation will help you understand the choices available — and how to make an informed decision. 💬

What We Discuss in This Episode

• Why early detection is saving lives
• PSA testing, Gleason scores, and understanding your diagnosis
• Treatment paths: brachytherapy, external beam radiation, proton therapy & more
• What “Prosticision” really is — and who it’s right for
• Genomic testing (Polaris, Decipher, GPS) and why it matters, especially for Black men
• Side effects explained in plain English — what to expect and what’s temporary
• Why prostate cancer disproportionately impacts African American men -How to manage the emotional weight of a diagnosis
• Honest advice for men choosing between active surveillance, surgery, or radiation

👨‍⚕️ About Our Guest: Dr. James Benton brings decades of experience in community-based, personalized cancer care. A graduate of Morehouse School of Medicine and Emory University (Chief Resident), he has treated thousands of men and is committed to helping patients navigate prostate cancer with confidence and dignity.

📘 Resources Mentioned

Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia (RCOG) https://georgiaradiationtherapy.com/

Free Prostate Cancer Guide for Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia https://info.georgiaradiationtherapy....

Genomic testing options: Polaris, Decipher, GPS

If You Are My Brothers: https://ifyouaremybrothers.org

🙏 Support Our Work

If You Are My Brothers is a nonprofit dedicated to turning health awareness into health action for men everywhere. Your support helps us reach more families with lifesaving information.

Donate here: https://ifyouaremybrothers.org/donate. Receive your official IYAMB commemorative mug with any contribution. Each donation enters you into our drawing for an original Everyman painting by world-renowned artist Cecil Bernard.

New episodes every Wednesday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms.

🔔 Stay Connected 👉 Subscribe to our channel 👉 Share this episode with a loved one 👉 Leave a comment with your questions — we may feature them on an upcoming show 👉 Follow us on social media for updates and resources

If You Are My Brothers… You will share this message. Stay healthy, stay informed, and stay encouraged.

Most men don’t talk about prostate health until something goes wrong. But nutrition, movement, stress management, and small daily habits can dramatically influence prostate health—before, during, and after cancer treatment.

In this special holiday-season episode of the If You Are My Brothers Podcast, host Reggie Hicks sits down with two experienced oncology dietitians—Valerie Buckley and Alison Sturgill—to break down the myths, truths, and practical everyday strategies that help men protect their prostate, reduce inflammation, and support long-term survivorship. This episode is filled with actionable advice, myth-busting clarity, and encouraging, realistic strategies for men on every step of the prostate cancer journey.

Key Takeaways

1. Don’t fear food. Food is not the enemy; confusion is. Nutrition is one piece of a larger lifestyle picture—exercise, mental health, bone health, and stress management all matter.

2. The “sugar feeds cancer” myth hurts more than it helps. Avoiding all sugar can lead to weight loss, low energy, and making treatment harder. Added sugars should be limited—but natural sugars in fruit, dairy, and balanced meals are essential fuel.

3. Supplements aren’t magic, and some can be harmful during treatment. Saw palmetto, NAC, antioxidant megadoses, and over-the-counter blends can interfere with radiation or medications. Always tell your doctor exactly what you’re taking.

4. ADT (hormone therapy) increases risks for weight gain, bone loss, and metabolic syndrome. This makes strength training, vitamin D, and calcium monitoring, and reducing inflammatory foods, especially important.

5. Small daily changes beat drastic diet overhauls. Examples: • Swap whole milk for 1% • Use a smaller plate • Add a 10-minute walk • Eat before holiday meals.

6. Exercise reduces cravings and improves treatment tolerance. Even simple movement boosts mood, energy, and helps maintain healthy weight and muscle.

7. Single men can still succeed—there are real tools available. Meal kits, frozen dietitian-designed meals, grocery guides, and simple sheet-pan recipes make healthy eating achievable.

8. The holidays don’t have to derail your health. Portion control + movement + not waiting until the meal to eat = better outcomes. And yes—save room for dessert without guilt.

9. Give yourself grace. Cancer is complex. This is not your fault. Focus on progress, not perfection.

Featured Expert Resources

1. AICR — American Institute for Cancer Research Evidence-based nutrition, recipes, and cancer-prevention resources. 🔗 aicr.org

2. Prostate Cancer Foundation — Nutrition & Lifestyle Guide Downloadable patient-friendly guide covering diet, exercise, and survivorship. 🔗 pcf.org

3. Oncology Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group: Find an oncology-specialized dietitian in your region.

Episode Action Steps for Men

✔ Tell your doctor about ALL supplements you take.

✔ Start small: one diet change + one movement change.

✔ Manage inflammation: reduce saturated fat, processed meats, sugary drinks.

✔ Stay hydrated, especially during radiation.

✔ Plan holiday meals instead of “saving up.”

✔ Ask your treatment center if a dietitian is available.

✔ Use meal kits, frozen meals, or prepped meals if you’re single or busy.

✔ Treat food as medicine—but also as joy. Eat the rainbow.

Support the Work

If You Are My Brothers is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to prostate cancer awareness, storytelling, and health action.

🎁 Donate & receive the commemorative IYAMB mug

🎨 Enter the drawing for the original Cecil Bernard “Everyman” artwork

🌐 Donate at ifyouaremybrothers.org/donate

Connect With Us

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• YouTube: Subscribe for episodes & VOD

• Newsletter: Bi-monthly updates & resources

• Social: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | X

What happens when the interviewer becomes the interviewee? In this special live episode, host and prostate cancer survivor Reggie Hicks steps from behind the camera to the center of the conversation — answering questions sent directly from listeners, brothers, caregivers, and men who are quietly wondering… “Could this be me?” Originally scheduled with guest David Moffett — this episode takes an intimate, unexpected turn after a last-minute change leads Reggie to open up fully about his own diagnosis, treatment decisions, proton therapy experience, fears, faith, masculinity, recovery… and what it really means to keep living forward. This is not scripted. It’s Reggie — raw, real, and here to tell the truth. -In this episode, Reggie answers YOUR questions:

-What was the exact moment you knew something was wrong?

-How did you go from filmmaker to patient?

-Did your identity as a Black man and fraternity brother affect your decisions?

-What did proton therapy REALLY feel like — week 1 vs week 3?

-How do you handle side effects men never talk about?

-And the big one: “How do you move forward without living in fear?”

Why this episode matters

So many men suffer in silence. shame. delay. denial. This episode is an invitation to do the opposite.

To get informed. Ask the questions. And maybe — save a life.

If this resonated — don’t keep it to yourself. LIKE • SUBSCRIBE • SHARE with one brother today.

Learn more or send your own questions at: https://ifyouaremybrothers.org/

Support the mission — We are a nonprofit 501(c)(3). Please support us at https://ifyouaremybrothers.org/donate