Beating the Odds: Sean Elliot on Chronic Kidney Disease

The Interns Takeover: A Youth Movement (feat. Dana and Meilani)

Mainstream media rarely highlights the voice of young people when it comes to health, a trend that is in dire need of change. This week our two TRWU interns, Dana and Meilani, take over the podcast to discuss historical figures in medicine, the state of Black and Latino Health, and the need for greater representation in health care, as they pursue careers in the health industry.

Beating the Odds: Sean Elliot on Chronic Kidney Disease

Former all star and NBA champion Sean Elliot was diagnosed with high blood pressure at 12 years old, but he never received treatment. After the 1993 NBA season, at 25 years old, Elliott was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. In the prime of his career, Elliot lived and played with the disease for years, but his condition worsened to the extent that doctors told him he needed a transplant in 1999 or he may not live much longer. Sean was fortunate to find a donor and became the first athlete to ever return to play after an organ transplant. The Spurs legend, an avid health advocate and kidney care care coach, joins the show to reflect on his chronic kidney disease journey nearly 30 years after his diagnosis during National Kidney Month.

A Promise to Our Community and Ourselves: D.L. Hughley on Black Health

March is Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month, and celebrities like D.L. Hughley are lending their voices to the cause. Multiple myeloma rates in the Black community are staggering — according to the International Myeloma Foundation, Black people will make up nearly a quarter (24%) of all newly diagnosed cases by 2034 if nothing is done — an astonishing rate given that Black Americans make up only 13% of the population. These statistics are undoubtedly fueled by stigma and challenges within the health care system. That's why Hughley and I have decided to use our platforms to bring awareness around multiple myeloma ( and its early signs and symptoms), screening, establishing care with a medical provider, and accessing the free or low-cost resources that are available in your community, like the That’s My Word Campaign.

Join us for a riveting conversation about health, truth, and the Daily Show!

For more info read my full article on theGrio.com and visit ThatsMyWordMM.com to learn more about how to get involved. You can also follow the conversation and make your own Multiple Myeloma Promise on social media using the hashtags #ThatsMyWordMM and #MMPromise

Me, Myself, and My Own Mind: Living with Schizophrenia

In 2017, after a year of intense partying, work-related stress, and isolation, Aleo Covi, a talented artist and software engineer, found himself homeless in LA. Hounded by intense delusions and hallucinations, he sought help. Today he shares his insights on his experience with schizophrenia, connections between schizophrenia and creative design, and the power of art and music to empower others who have mental illness.

The Wide Awake Club: Taye Diggs' Experience With Insomnia

Actor, Taye Diggs, and Dr. Shamard Charles discuss living with insomnia, its many triggers, unhealthy coping strategies, and the toll that  poor sleep habits takes on the body. The two do a deep dive into functional insomnia - working through chronic sleep deprivation despite fatigue, mood swings, and irritability; first time parenthood; Taye's realization that he needed to get help; and how taking Quiviv changed his outlook on getting help.

For more info follow: askdrcharles