<![CDATA[Music, Faith, Life + Other Stuff: Spirit and Truth]]>https://blog.kipperjones.com/s/spirit-and-truthhttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!BmVJ!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F580854ca-5d5b-4834-809d-5e4ecbf12ed6_256x256.pngMusic, Faith, Life + Other Stuff: Spirit and Truthhttps://blog.kipperjones.com/s/spirit-and-truthSubstackTue, 14 Apr 2026 07:45:56 GMT<![CDATA[Rev. Duncan E. Teague on Faith, Support, and Thriving After Prostate Cancer]]>https://blog.kipperjones.com/p/rev-duncan-e-teague-on-faith-supporthttps://blog.kipperjones.com/p/rev-duncan-e-teague-on-faith-supportFri, 12 Sep 2025 12:03:34 GMTThank you for tuning in for this season of Spirit and Truth. This is our final episode for this season, and I am wrapping up with Rev. Duncan E. Teague to discuss the personal and spiritual journey of navigating prostate cancer, particularly in Black men.

Rev. Teague highlights how he chose to be open about his diagnosis, recognizing that seeking support from loved ones and the community is key.

“If I invest too much energy in trying to hide my cancer, my diagnosis, I’m going to miss out on the love and support I deserve to get through this.”

- Rev. Duncan E. Teague

The episode also confronts the stigma and silence that often surrounds prostate cancer, especially in the Black community. Me and Rev. Teague touch on fears around masculinity and sexuality, explaining that identity and intimacy are much larger than a diagnosis.

The conversation is honest about the ongoing challenges of life after treatment, including the lingering side effects, but it remains firmly rooted in hope and resilience.

Hold on to the power of faith, community, and joy throughout hard times.

Thanks y’all!

Support Us

Make a tax-deductible donation by visiting: https://fundraising.fracturedatlas.org/ninetysix-percent-black-men-prostate-cancer/general_support

Acknowledgements

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

Thanks for tuning in for Spirit and Truth. To get Music, Faith, Life and Other Stuff - The Kipper Jones Blog subscribe for free and receive new posts and support my work.

]]><![CDATA[Prostate Cancer: What You Need to Know Now (with Dr. Sagar Patel)]]>https://blog.kipperjones.com/p/prostate-cancer-what-you-need-tohttps://blog.kipperjones.com/p/prostate-cancer-what-you-need-toThu, 11 Sep 2025 12:03:12 GMTOn this latest episode of "Spirit and Truth" we focus on a topic close to many hearts, facing prostate cancer with resilience, information, and hope. I sit down with Dr. Sagar Patel, a radiation oncologist, for a candid discussion that blends medical advice with personal experience.

"So every year, we seem to be making advances in the drugs, but the cornerstone of suppressing the testosterone, for better or worse, will remain a backbone of treatment for a big proportion of men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer."

- Dr. Sagar Patel

This one is chock full of information. Here’s what we discuss:

  • Making Treatment Decisions

  • Recent Advancements in Screening

  • Understanding PSA and Individualized Care

  • Why Some Prostate Cancer Cases Become Advanced

  • Treatment Side Effects and Recovery

Whether you or a loved one is affected by prostate cancer or you simply want to stay informed, this episode is full of practical insights and encouragement!

Support Us

Make a tax-deductible donation by visiting: https://fundraising.fracturedatlas.org/ninetysix-percent-black-men-prostate-cancer/general_support

Acknowledgements

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

To get ‘Spirit and Truth’ delivered to your inbox, along with other news from me, subscribe below.

]]><![CDATA[Kris Bennett, MiM on Prostate Cancer, Health Equity, and Community Power]]>https://blog.kipperjones.com/p/prostate-cancer-health-equity-andhttps://blog.kipperjones.com/p/prostate-cancer-health-equity-andWed, 10 Sep 2025 12:03:23 GMTIn this conversation, recorded in Spring 2024, Kipper welcomes Kris Bennett, MiM, the Director of Health Equity Initiatives at Movember. The two discuss health disparities and the importance of community support. The episode highlights how cultural silence around cancer diagnoses, especially in Black and brown communities, can be dangerous. Both speakers encourage open conversations about family health history, noting that survival rates are very high with early detection and treatment.

"Use this as information to then be able to say, hey, I'm arming myself with this knowledge. So if this does happen to me or if this does happen to somebody in my community, I know what to do to point them in the right direction."

- Kris Bennett, MiM

Both Kipper and Kris urge everyone, especially survivors, to share information with family and community, helping to break the cycle of silence and isolation.

Whether you have a prostate, a family history of cancer, or simply care about men’s health in your community, knowledge and early action matter.

Support Us

Make a tax-deductible donation by visiting: https://fundraising.fracturedatlas.org/ninetysix-percent-black-men-prostate-cancer/general_support

Acknowledgements

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

To get ‘Spirit and Truth’ delivered to your inbox, along with other news from me, subscribe below.

]]><![CDATA[Healing Out Loud: Dr. Ed Garnes on Prostate Cancer & Mental Health]]>https://blog.kipperjones.com/p/healing-out-loud-dr-ed-garnes-onhttps://blog.kipperjones.com/p/healing-out-loud-dr-ed-garnes-onTue, 09 Sep 2025 12:02:52 GMTOn the latest episode, host Kipper Jones sits down with Dr. Ed Garnes to explore the deep connections between a prostate cancer journey and mental wellness. Kipper opens up about his experience with prostate cancer and the impact of a major diagnosis coming right after a divorce. He shares how seeking mental health support was an essential step from the very start. Dr. Garnes highlights that help-seeking is a skill and that asking for help is especially important when dealing with medical trauma and life-altering news.

“Healing is a skill set. Everyone has the potential to heal, but sometimes you need a conductor for your emotional well-being.”

- Dr. Ed Garnes

The discussion addresses how, in the Black community, strength is often equated with silence. Dr. Garnes highlights the dangers of holding things in and challenges traditions that discourage vulnerability.

If you or someone you love has faced a major health diagnosis, or if you care about mental health in our community, this episode is for you.

Support Us

Make a tax-deductible donation by visiting: https://fundraising.fracturedatlas.org/ninetysix-percent-black-men-prostate-cancer/general_support

Acknowledgements

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

To get ‘Spirit and Truth’ delivered to your inbox, along with other news from me, subscribe below.

]]><![CDATA[Kipper Jones & James Caldwell on Prostate Cancer, Early Detection, and Life After Diagnosis]]>https://blog.kipperjones.com/p/kipper-jones-and-james-caldwell-onhttps://blog.kipperjones.com/p/kipper-jones-and-james-caldwell-onMon, 08 Sep 2025 12:00:00 GMTIn this first episode of Spirit and Truth, host Kipper Jones sits down with James Caldwell of The Music Education Group for a frank conversation about prostate cancer. Both Kipper and James open up about their diagnoses, treatment journeys, and the life changes they have faced along the way.

They emphasize the importance of early detection and regular health screenings. Together, both men discuss the delays, fears, and the hesitance many men have about seeking care, especially in Black and Brown communities where medical trust is often an issue.

Key takeaways from this episode:

  • Prostate cancer is highly treatable when caught early. Get regular PSA blood tests, especially if you have a family history.

  • Don’t ignore changes in your urinary health or sexual function.

  • Support and conversation matter. Seek out community, professionals, and care teams who listen and relate to your experience.

Support Us

Make a tax-deductible donation by visiting: https://fundraising.fracturedatlas.org/ninetysix-percent-black-men-prostate-cancer/general_support

Acknowledgements

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

To get ‘Spirit and Truth’ delivered to your inbox, along with other news from me, subscribe below.

]]><![CDATA[Welcome To 'Spirit and Truth' My Podcast About Prostate Cancer]]>https://blog.kipperjones.com/p/welcome-to-spirit-and-truth-my-podcasthttps://blog.kipperjones.com/p/welcome-to-spirit-and-truth-my-podcastSun, 07 Sep 2025 09:00:00 GMTHey y’all! “Spirit and Truth” is my new five-episode series where faith meets facts and barbershop talk sits down with board‑certified science about my journey as a prostate cancer survivor. Each episode brings you real conversations with pastors, oncologists, therapists, advocates, and brothers who’ve been there, so we can tell the whole story.

If you have a prostate or love someone who does, Black or Brown, queer or straight, this show is for you.

The show launches this week in honor of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Watch your email inbox for links to listen and watch, and please share it with someone who needs it. If you aren’t on the list yet, subscribe below, so you don’t miss a thing. Also, you can subscribe on your favorite podcast app and YouTube. If you don’t see it on your favorite platform yet, keep watching, because it’s coming!

Let’s walk this journey together.

Support Us

Make a tax-deductible donation by visiting: https://fundraising.fracturedatlas.org/ninetysix-percent-black-men-prostate-cancer/general_support

Acknowledgements

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

To get ‘Spirit and Truth’ delivered to your inbox, along with other news from me, subscribe below.

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