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, 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.

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This season was produced with support from the Counter Narrative Project (CNP) Media Roundtable. Learn more about their work at https://thecounternarrative.org