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, host Oya Gilbert passes the mic to three care partners from the multiple myeloma community: Michelle Ware Ivy, Diane Kennedy, and Chad Moore.

Together, they share what happened when multiple myeloma entered their families and how they suddenly found themselves becoming advocates, researchers, appointment partners, emotional anchors, and voices for the people they love.

The conversation explores the difficult moments that often happen outside the spotlight—from telling children and parents about a cancer diagnosis to questioning treatment decisions, managing fear, navigating grief, learning to be present, and finding ways to care for yourself while caring for someone else.

Michelle also shares how her promise to her late husband, Malcolm, continues through her advocacy and the Malcolm Orlando Ivy Foundation. Diane discusses becoming the “truth serum” during medical appointments and learning when to trust her instincts. Chad opens up about the “messy” reality of caregiving and realizing that care partners don't always have to know the answer or fix every problem.

Their message to other care partners is simple but powerful:

Be flexible. Lead with love. You don’t have to have all the answers.

In this cipher, the care partner’s light doesn’t dim when the patient enters the room.

This time, they take the mic.

▶️ Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QYr2COcD41g

🎧 Listen to Hip Hope Hooray! Men Talkin’ Health on Podbean or wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Clinical trials have transformed the treatment of multiple myeloma—but myths, fear, and misinformation continue to keep many patients from considering them.

In this episode of Hip Hope Hooray! Men Talkin' Health, Oya Gilbert welcomes board-certified hematologist and multiple myeloma specialist Dr. Craig Cole for one of the most important conversations we've had on the podcast.

Dr. Cole shares the personal experience that led him into medicine, explains why patient empowerment is central to his work, and tackles some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding clinical trials.

During this episode, you'll learn:

• Why patients are never denied the standard of care in modern cancer clinical trials.
• Why the myth of being a "guinea pig" no longer reflects today's research process.
• Why clinical trials aren't just for patients who have exhausted every treatment option.
• How participants often receive additional monitoring, support, and access to their healthcare team.
• Why healthy skepticism is important—but fear shouldn't prevent patients from asking questions.
• How unconscious bias can influence who is offered a clinical trial.
• Why Black and Brown representation in research is critical to improving treatments for everyone.

Dr. Cole also explains why many barriers people assume exist—transportation, financial concerns, lodging, and support—often already have solutions built into clinical trial programs. The biggest barrier, he says, is that too many eligible patients are simply never asked.

This conversation is educational, honest, and empowering. Whether you're newly diagnosed, living with multiple myeloma, supporting a loved one, or working in healthcare, you'll leave with a better understanding of why clinical trials matter—not just for today's patients, but for future generations.

As Dr. Cole reminds us:

"There is no cure until everybody is cured."

Thank you for listening to Hip Hope Hooray! Men Talkin' Health, where we bridge the gap between healthcare and culture through real conversations that educate, inspire, and empower.

Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Johnson & Johnson/Legend Biotech, and to Pfizer for their continued support of the Hip Hope Hooray! Men Talkin' Health Podcast.

In this episode of Hip Hope Hooray! Men Talkin’ Health, Oya Gilbert sits down with hip-hop legend Master Ace for an honest conversation about living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Ace shares:

• His early symptoms and diagnosis journey
• The emotional toll of living with a chronic illness
• Why he kept his diagnosis private for over 10 years
• How MS inspired him to create some of his most meaningful work
• The role of diet, fitness, and mindset in managing his health

This episode is a powerful reminder that your condition doesn’t define you—your response does.

🎧 Tap in and be inspired.

#HealthHopeHipHop #HipHopeHoorayPodcast #MasterAce #MultipleSclerosis #MSAwareness