Yo, not to get all heavy on you, but this Podcast was born out of my personal experience as a Black man with cancer. I’ve learned a lot... sooo peep this. Black Americans carry a disproportionate cancer burden, including the highest mortality rates from most cancers, and slowest time to diagnosis of any other race. Not only are Black Americans 41% more likely to die from cancer, but they also top the charts in heart disease, diabetes, and obesity too. So, what’s shaking and taking our lives in such disproportionate numbers? Yeah, healthcare disparities like lack of access and insurance are impacting us.... but we also suffer from limited health literacy -- and that’s something we can fix. Black men are notorious for downplaying their health; they’re tough enough not to need a doctor, and they sure as heck don’t talk about that stuff with each other. All that’s about to change… Welcome to Hip, Hope, Hooray! Black Men Talking Health. I’m your emcee Oya Gilbert, a Multiple Myeloma survivor, nonprofit Founder, and advocate for health literacy. With my unique perspective I’ve created a space for Black men to come together and share their stories, struggles, and successes – so we can all rise up. That said, Hip, Hope, Hooray! is more than just a podcast - it’s a health literacy movement that our community desperately needs. We can’t transform the lives of future generations without changing how we think today. In each episode, I’ll be choppin’ it up with inspiring guests from all walks of life, from doctors and fitness experts spittin’ facts, to everyday brothas from the block, working to make a difference in their own communities. Together, we’ll explore the unique challenges and triumphs faced by Black men on their journey to better health. So, get comfy in the driver’s seat on your commute, or grab your headphones, settle into the LoveSac, and join me and my homies as we lay out practical tips, resources, and encouragement that could save your life. These Black men are dropping knowledge, sharing struggles and laughs, and throwing up deuces for everyone on the health front. You’re not gonna wanna miss these gems! Let’s stay healthy, stay hopeful, and keep on celebrating life’s victories, one ”hooray” at a time.