Waiting for the Beat to Drop: Smoldering Myeloma, Purpose & the Power of the Wait

What happens when you’re diagnosed with cancer—but instead of immediately starting treatment, you’re told to wait and be monitored?

For people living with smoldering multiple myeloma, that uncertainty can become part of everyday life.

In this episode of Hip Hope Hooray! Men Talkin’ Health, Oya Gilbert sits down with Eric Blackburn, a Gulf War veteran, husband, father and patient advocate living with smoldering multiple myeloma.

Eric gets real about the emotional weight of his diagnosis, depression, military culture, toxic exposures, learning to listen to his body and the decision to turn uncertainty into purpose.

He also takes us inside his recent journey to Iceland, where he participated in the International Myeloma Foundation’s Iceland Cycling Expedition in support of myeloma research.

Along the way, Eric shares a powerful perspective:

🔥 Waiting doesn’t have to mean standing still.

The conversation explores early detection, veteran health, mental health, patient advocacy, the evolving future of myeloma treatment and what happens when we stop looking at waiting as lost time—and start asking what we can do with the time we’ve been given.

In this episode:

• Living with smoldering multiple myeloma • Active monitoring and the uncertainty of waiting • Gulf War service, toxic exposures and veteran health • Depression, vulnerability and men asking for help • Why patients need a seat at the table • Early detection and myeloma research • Cycling through Iceland to support myeloma research • Finding purpose after diagnosis • Why men need to listen to their bodies—and act

Sometimes there is power in the wait.

Waiting does not mean standing still.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vhTrFSv8SN0

This episode is supported by Johnson & Johnson, Legend Biotech and Pfizer.

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.