Real Cancer Talk

In this episode of Real Cancer Talk, Dr. Robert Winn sits down with Dr. Julian Adams—President and CEO of Stand Up To Cancer and one of the world’s leading oncology researchers—for a wide-ranging conversation about the past, present, and future of cancer science.

Dr. Adams reflects on his journey from a childhood fascination with invention to decades of drug development in HIV and cancer, and how that path ultimately led him to Stand Up To Cancer. Together, he and Dr. Winn explore why curiosity is the DNA of science, why collaboration—not competition—drives real break...

Lisa Manganello has been a librarian at South Brunswick High School for the past seventeen years, where she was recognized as Educator of the Year in 2015. An active member of the New Jersey Association of School Librarians, Lisa presents regularly on information literacy. Recent presentations include Now What?: Information Literacy Lessons for the High School Library, Diverse Readers, Diverse Books: New Titles to Build a Culture of Reading, and Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Information Literacy with your Librarian. In January 2024, she published an article titled “Information Literacy begins in your school library” in NJEA Review Magazine. Partnering with Dr...

In this powerful episode of Community Conversations / Black Health Wins, host Miss Community Clovia sits down with Dr. Robert Winn, Director of VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center; Dr. Katherine Tossas, Associate Co-Director of Global Oncology; and Suzanne Brown of the Chickahominy Tribe—the catalyst behind the TRUTH Project (Trust, Research, Understand, Tell, Heal).

The conversation traces how a hand-drawn map created by local residents of Charles City County—marking cancer diagnoses and deaths in a small neighborhood—sparked a major community–academic partnership. Suzanne’s personal story of losing her mother to nonsmoking lung cancer inspired her to seek an...

In this episode of Real Cancer Talk recorded at the annual convening of the Robert A. Winn Excellence in Clinical Trials program, Dr. Robert Winn spoke with Winn CDA Cohort 3 scholars Maliha Nusrat, M.D., M.S., from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Blessie E. Nelson, M.M.B.B.S., D.M.R.T., from MD Anderson Cancer Center, about what they see as the most pressing issue in the realm of clinical trials and cancer research today. Dr. Nusrat and Dr. Nelson also go in-depth on their research into pearheading new decentralized trial designs at their...

In this episode of Real Cancer Talk, Dr. Robert Winn spoke with Dr. Oluwadamilola "Lola" T. Oladeru, Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology at Mayo Clinic and 2024 Robert A. Winn Excellence in Clinical Trials: Clinical Investigator Leadership Award winner, about the impact she is making in breast cancer and health equity as part of the first class on Winn Career Development Award scholars. Dr. Oladeru discusses her work in engaging historically marginalized communities like incarcerated patients, who she believes mirror what is happening in the local community. Later Later Dr. Winn and Dr. Oladeru talk about the rapidly changing landscape...

Dr. Shanita Brown is a speaker, board certified licensed clinical mental health counselor and educator that believes in fostering transformative and empowering dialogue about intimate partner violence, Black women and mental health wellness. With over 15 years of experience in the clinical mental health field, Dr. Brown is carving out an important dimension within counselor education, the Black community, and counseling profession by intersecting Black women, domestic violence, spirituality, and mental health. She is passionate to break the silence and empower change through education, empowerment and clinical services. She is a sought out expert in mental health wellness, domestic violence...

In this episode of Community Conversations, Miss Community Clovia sits down with Kayla Nixon, public health communicator, cancer survivor, and founder of the Uterine Care Collaborative and Bloom RVA, who shares her deeply personal journey with uterine cancer and the calling it sparked to create change.

Kayla opens up about what it means to navigate a reproductive health crisis as a young Black woman, the medical gaslighting she faced, and the community she built so others wouldn’t have to feel alone. She also dives into the importance of culturally relevant education, the state of advocacy in wo...

In this compelling episode of Community Conversations, host Community Clovia welcomes Dr. Robert Winn and special guest Dr. Norman E. "Ned" Sharpless, Professor of Cancer Policy and Innovation at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. Originally aired on KISS Richmond radio, the conversation dives deep into the intersection of cancer research, public health policy, and community engagement.

Dr. Sharpless shares insights from his distinguished career, including his leadership roles at the National Cancer Institute and the FDA, and discusses how innovation and equity must go hand-in-hand in the fight against cancer. The discussion highlights the...

In this episode of Real Cancer Talk, Dr. Robert Winn spoke with with Rev. Charles Cheek, pastor of Kingdom United Fellowship, and a prostate cancer survivor to discuss Prostate Cancer Awareness month. Rev. Cheek shares his cancer journey and the importance of early prostate screenings. Later the two discuss prostate cancer in the Hampton Roads area and how to engage the community about their health.

This episode originally aired in October 2025.

Massey Website: https://masseycancercenter.org

Facebook: /vcumasseycancercenter

Instagram: @vcumassey

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center is one of only 71...

In this Real Cancer Talk episode—adapted from Massey's Facts and Faith Fridays series—we explore endometrial cancer. This episode highlights racial disparities, common symptoms, and the need to expand screening and care access. Guests Monika Brown, a women's health nurse practitioner, and Erika Brown, a gynecologic oncology nurse (not related), share expert insights and compassionate strategies to help break stigmas and encourage open conversations between women, their communities, and their doctors.

You can also watch this episode and more from Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center on our YouTube Channel.

This episode originally aired in September 2025.

In this episode adapted from the Community Conversations podcast with Community Clovia, we welcome Dr. Monica Baskin, the new deputy director of research at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center. Formerly of the University of Pittsburgh Hillman Cancer Center, Dr. Monica Baskin brings a wealth of experience in community outreach, health equity, and population sciences. She shares her journey, her vision for advancing cancer research through community engagement, and how Massey is working to bridge gaps in care and equity across Virginia.

This episode originally aired in August 2025.

Massey Website: https://masseycancercenter.org

Facebook...

In a special episode of Real Cancer Talk, Dr. Robert Winn is joined by Dr. Marcie Wright, deputy director for the Alliance for Equity in Cancer Care, and Sharon Gentry, Editor in Chief of the Journal of Navigation and Survivorship (JONS) and CONQUER, discussing the importance of patient navigation. The episode helps kickoff a ten part series celebrating the latest achievements and advancements through the Alliance, in conjunction with an article published with JONS.

The conversation begins with an explanation about what the Alliance is, a national, multi-site initiative funded by the Merck Foundation, and how these...

In this crossover episode of Real Cancer Talk and The Cancer Letter Podcast, Dr. Robert Winn spoke with Paul Goldberg, editor and publisher of The Cancer Letter, about the program Winn started to address a sizable gap between being a scientist and a successful cancer center director. Winn and Goldberg discuss the Executive Leadership Academy for Cancer Centers and how the program is helping foster successful careers for cancer center leaders faced with unique responsibilities. The conversation dives into the critical components of leadership development in oncology, including training in CCSG (Cancer Center Support Grant) processes, grant writing, and...

Dr. Thelma Ramsey Bryant is a veteran administrator with over 25 years of experience working in urban education in New Jersey. She feels proud and privileged to be working in the district in which she was educated from pre-k to 12 th grade. The daughter of educators, her career goals were shaped by their legacy. Dr. Ramsey Bryant attended Talladega College, Talladega, Alabama (the oldest historically Black college in Alabama) where she majored in Deaf Rehabilitation with a minor in Early Childhood Education for the Handicapped. Upon graduation, she attended the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign on the Patricia Roberts...

In this heartfelt and insightful July 2025 episode of Facts & Faith Friday, we welcome Dr. Marilyn Barnes, the Reverend Robert B. Lance Chair and Associate Professor in the Department of Patient Counseling at VCU’s College of Health Professions. Dr. Barnes joins us to explore the often-overlooked emotional and spiritual needs of caregivers, and introduces the Spiritual Care Companion program—a transformative initiative offered through VCU’s Patient Counseling department.

Other guests include Rev. Dr. Tiffany M. Redmond and Danielle Boose McDowell.

Tune in as we discuss how this program supports caregivers through spiritual care, community connec...

Artificial intelligence can be a scary phrase, but AI could be the future of healthcare. Dr. Robert Winn, Director of VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Community Clovia were joined by Dr. Jim Weinstein, the Senior Vice President for Microsoft Healthcare, to discuss the future of AI in healthcare. Dr. Weinstein first explains what Artificial Intelligence is and why the phrase doesn’t have to be so intimidating. Then Dr. Weinstein explains how AI is already impacting healthcare, and specifically cancer care, and how long term the technology could save lives.

This interview originally aired in July 2025.

Welcome to Community Conversations, a podcast hosted by Community Clovia, where real talk meets real impact. Join regular guest Dr. Robert Winn, director of VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, and special guest Jennifer Pegher from the Association of American Cancer Institutes (AACI), as they explore how AACI’s work is transforming cancer care across the country. From improving cancer screening and prevention to advancing treatment and advocacy, each episode dives into the stories, science, and strategies that are changing lives. Whether you're a patient, provider, or passionate about public health, this show brings the cancer conversation to your community.

Cancer prevention and screenings are widely available and contribute the reduction in cancer deaths that we're seeing.

Dr. Robert Winn, Director of VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Community Clovia are joined by Dr. Electra Paskett, Chair of Cancer Prevention at Ohio State University to discuss the importance of cancer screenings and prevention. Dr. Paskett explains the widespread availability of cancer screenings and the data behind why screenings and cancer prevention are contributing to the reduction in cancer deaths. Then the conversation touches on the importance of community engagement to get more involved in cancer prevention and...

Disparities in cancer cases, detection, prevention, and healthcare are still prevalent among African-American communities.

Dr. Robert Winn, Director of VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Community Clovia look into cancer disparities and dispelling the myths around healthcare on this episode of Real Cancer Talk: Community Conversations. Dr. Winn and Community Clo first dive into the disparities that have existed in cancer care, but also the progress made in the last three decades. Later Dr. Winn tackles some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding clinical trials, cancer screenings and prevention.

This interview originally aired in February 2025.

Dr. Robert Winn is joined by Dr. Brian Rivers, director of the Cancer Health Equity Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine, for a special edition of Real Cancer Talk in a series for Black History Month with The Cancer History Project podcast. In this episode, Dr. Rivers dives into why he got involved in cancer research, including the discovery of his family’s health history which led him down his path of research. Dr. Rivers later discusses what drew him back to his home in Atlanta and his work at Morehouse, one of four historically black medical schools in th...

On this edition of Real Cancer Talk: Facts and Faith Fridays, Dr. Robert Winn, Director of VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Dr. Arnethea Sutton are joined by Dr. David Turner, Associate Director for Community Outreach and Engagement at VCU Massey, to talk about what you don’t know about your AGE! Dr. Turner explains the way people live their lives influences their chances of getting cancer and how a healthy lifestyle can prevent a cancer diagnosis in the first place. The conversation zeroes in on food, not just what you, but how you cook them and leaving people wi...

Virginia's fight against cancer has support in government, being led by members of the Cancer Caucus.

Dr. Robert Winn, Director of VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Community Clovia welcomed State Delegate Delores McQuinn to discuss Virginia’s fight against cancer on this episode of Real Cancer Talk: Community Conversations. McQuinn talks about support in the government for the fight against cancer being led by members of the Cancer Caucus. Then McQuinn explains why people should pay attention to the General Assembly when it comes to their health.

This interview originally aired in January 2025.

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HPV vaccination is a crucial tool in preventing cancers among adolescents and young adults. This episode aims to educate listeners on the importance of vaccination, debunk myths, and promote the benefits of modern vaccines.

This interview originally aired in September 2024.

Massey Website: https://masseycancercenter.org

Facebook: /vcumasseycancercenter

Instagram: @vcumassey

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center is one of only 71 National Cancer Institute-designated institutions in the country that leads and shapes America's cancer research efforts. Working with all kinds of cancers, Massey conducts basic, translational and clinical cancer research, provides state-of-the-art...

On this highly attended Real Cancer Talk: Facts & Faith Fridays hosted by Dr. Robert Winn, Director of VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, and faith leaders, National Institutes of Health director Monica Bertagnolli, M.D., recalled the pivotal moments of her journey to becoming the director. Bertagnolli shared how bringing research to the community is a primary focus of the NIH, as well as her personal experience as a cancer patient.

This interview originally aired in September 2024.

Facts and Faith Fridays Website: https://www.masseycancercenter.org/facts-and-faith-fridays/

Massey Website: https://masseycancercenter.org

...

Cancer and healthcare disparities significantly affect LGBTQIA+ and SGM communities. This episode aims to raise awareness of these issues and advocate for inclusive healthcare practices that address the specific needs of these populations.

In the June episode of Community Conversations, Community Clovia and Dr. Robert Winn are joined by James Milner, Director of Virginia Pride, to discuss the impact of cancer and healthcare disparities on LGBTQIA+ and Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) communities. This episode explores the unique challenges faced by these communities in accessing cancer care and prevention services, highlighting the importance of inclusive and equitable...

Facts & Faith Fridays host Rudene Mercer Haynes is joined by CancerLINC executive director Julianne Duvall and Kandra Brown, Early Childhood Navigator with the Virginia Department of Education, to share vital resources available to Virginia families for cancer, and early childhood education and childcare. First, Julianne explains what CancerLINC can provide to cancer patients and their families from legal and financial resources to community resources. Then Kandra walks through programs in place to make sure children enter school ready.

This interview originally aired in June 2024.

Facts and Faith Fridays Website: https://www.masseycancercenter.org/facts-and-faith-fridays/

Cancer disparities among Indigenous and Black communities are significant and require targeted, culturally sensitive approaches to healthcare. This episode aims to raise awareness of these issues and highlight the similarities in the challenges faced by these communities.

In the May 2024 episode of Community Conversations, Community Clovia and Dr. Robert Winn are joined by Dr. Rodney Haring, Chair of the Department of Indigenous Cancer Health at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. This insightful conversation delves into the cancer disparities and healthcare issues that disproportionately affect Indigenous and Black communities. The discussion highlights the common challenges these groups face...

Dr. Robert Winn catches up with Dr. Karen Winkfield, Ingram Professor of Cancer Research at Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center and the Executive Director of the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance, at the American Association for Cancer Research 2024 annual meeting for a special episode of Real Cancer Talk. Dr. Winn and Dr. Winkfield discuss how much the conference has grown in relation to the topics on equity, disparities and the quality of science.

This interview originally aired in April 2024.

Massey Website: https://masseycancercenter.org

Facebook: /vcumasseycancercenter

Instagram: @vcumassey

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center...

Breast cancer disparities among women, particularly in underserved communities, require targeted outreach and awareness efforts. This episode aims to educate listeners on these disparities and the importance of community engagement in improving breast cancer outcomes.

In the March 2024 episode of Cancer Conversations: One Team, One Fight, we focus on the critical issue of breast cancer disparities among women. Dr. Robert Winn and Community Clovia welcome Dr. Kandace McGuire, Chief of Breast Surgery at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, to discuss the unique challenges faced by women in underserved communities. They explore how outreach and raising awareness are...

Dr. Robert Winn and Paul Goldberg, editor and publisher of The Cancer Letter, are joined by Dr. Monica Baskin, formerly the deputy director for Community Outreach and Engagement and Health Equity at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Pittsburgh, for a special edition of Real Cancer Talk in a series for Black History Month with The Cancer History Project podcast. Dr. Baskin shares her story of how a family history with cancer led her to psychology before eventually bringing her back to cancer research.

This interview originally aired in March 2024.

Massey Website: https://masseycancercenter.org

Cancer disparities among Black and other racial and ethnic groups are significant and require targeted efforts to address. This episode aims to shed light on these disparities, highlight ongoing initiatives, and inspire action towards equitable cancer care.

In this special episode of Cancer Conversations: One Team, One Fight, recorded during Black History Month and National Cancer Prevention Month, we explore the critical issue of cancer disparities among Black and other racial and ethnic groups. Join Dr. Gary Ellison from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Dr. Robert Winn, and Community Clovia as they discuss the unique challenges faced...

The Chickahominy Tribe, a vital part of Virginia's heritage, faces unique healthcare challenges that require focused attention and culturally sensitive approaches. In this enlightening episode of Community Conversations, Clovia and Dr. Robert Winn are joined by Dr. Kathy Tossas, Chief Stephen Adkins, and Susann Brown to explore the healthcare needs of this special catchment area. Chief Adkins and Susann Brown share their insights on the cultural significance of the Chickahominy Tribe and the initiatives being undertaken to ensure their healthcare needs are met. Tune in to learn about the intersection of healthcare and heritage, and the collaborative efforts to...

Faith leaders play a crucial role in shaping and supporting communities. In this inspiring episode of Community Conversations, Clovia and Dr. Robert Winn welcome Rudene Mercer Haynes and Rev. Rachel Pierce, the founders of the Facts and Faith Fridays podcast. They share the story behind the creation of this impactful program and discuss its importance in reaching and educating the community on critical health issues through the trusted voices of faith leaders. Tune in to learn how Facts and Faith Fridays is making a difference and how you can get involved in this meaningful initiative.

This interview...

In this episode of Cancer Conversations: One Team, One Fight, we delve into the world of clinical trials and their crucial role in developing new cancer treatments. Join Dr. Robert Winn, Community Clovia, and Dr. Andrew Poklepovic as they discuss the importance of clinical trials, dispel common myths, and provide a clear picture of what participating in a clinical trial looks like for cancer patients today.

This interview originally aired in September 2023.

Massey Website: https://masseycancercenter.org

Facebook: /vcumasseycancercenter

Instagram: @vcumassey

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center is one of...

Cancer prevention and treatment can be profoundly influenced by the choices we make every day. In this enlightening episode of Community Conversations, Clovia and Dr. Robert Winn are joined by Dr. David Turner to explore the impact of modifiable risk factors on cancer risk and treatment. They delve into how lifestyle changes, such as diet, exercise, and stress management, can not only reduce the likelihood of developing cancer but also enhance the effectiveness of treatments for those already diagnosed. Tune in to learn practical tips and evidence-based strategies for making positive changes that support overall health and well-being.

A unique Real Cancer Talk: Facts & Faith Fridays as Dr. Robert Winn and community leaders are joined by Erica Phillips, MD, MS; OreOluwa Comfort Aluko and students from the VCU Massey Cancer Center's Summer Healthcare Experience (SHE) in Oncology program to give insight into different walks in the field of oncology. Dr. Phillips discusses her journey to becoming a primary care physician or the “gatekeeper” to seeing an oncologist, then OreOluwa Comfort Aluko talks about her path as a medical student pursuing oncology and finally hearing from some of the students in the SHE program.

This interview orig...

A double feature on this edition of Real Cancer Talk: Facts & Faith Fridays, as Dr. Robert Winn and Dr. Arnethea Sutton was joined by Elaine Perry, M.D., Health Director of the Virginia Department of Health, to learn more about human metapneumovirus and the developments around treating the virus. Then Jessica Young Brown, Ph.D., LCP, Facts & Faith Friday's new resident therapist, joins to share about how our rest can be restorative.

This interview originally aired in June 2023.

Facts and Faith Fridays Website: https://www.masseycancercenter.org/facts-and-faith-fridays/

Massey Website: https://masseycancercenter.org<...

On this edition of Real Cancer Talk: Facts & Faith Fridays, Dr. Robert Winn and community leaders welcomed Dr. Joseph Mikhael, Chief Medical Officer for the International Myeloma Foundation to discuss efforts being made to educate the community about multiple myeloma. Dr. Mikhael also touches on the disparities in multiple myeloma and why the disease is impacting communities of color in particular. Later artists Sir James Thornhill and Hamilton Glass, who were behind the new design for the Massey on the Move mobile health units, share how the local community inspired them.

This interview originally aired in April 2023.<...

Dr. Robert Winn is joined by Dr. Selwyn Vickers, president and CEO of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, for a special edition of Real Cancer Talk in a series for Black History Month with The Cancer History Project podcast. Dr. Vickers overviews his early career, how to tackle health disparities, and his plans for expanding access to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

This interview originally aired in February 2023.

Massey Website: https://masseycancercenter.org

Facebook: /vcumasseycancercenter

Instagram: @vcumassey

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center is one of only 71 National Cancer Institute-designated...

Dr. Robert Winn welcomes Dr. Richard Silvera, associate program director, Infectious Diseases Fellowship at Mount Sinai Hospital, for a special edition of Real Cancer Talk in a series for Black History Month with The Cancer History Project podcast. Dr. Silvera, one of the first recipients of the Robert A. Winn Excellence in Clinical Trials Award Program grant, discusses his work of building trust with communities in the Bronx dealing with a heavy burden of anal cancer.

This interview originally aired in February 2023.

Massey Website: https://masseycancercenter.org

Facebook: /vcumasseycancercenter

Instagram: @vcumassey<...

On this “fireside chat” edition of Facts & Faith Fridays, Dr. Robert Winn and community leaders are joined by Special Advisor for Special Projects for the White House, Francis Collins, M.D, Ph.D. to talk about the current state of science and community outreach and engagement. Dr. Collins first discusses the intersection of facts and faith in the scientific communities and the importance of effective communication in fighting misinformation. Then Dr. Winn asks Dr. Collins about different aspects of the Cancer Moonshot initiative aimed at accelerating progress in cancer prevention and treatment.

This interview originally aired in Janu...

Dr. Robert Winn and Dr. John Stewart welcomes Dr. Harold Freeman, Founding director of NCI Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities, for a special edition of Real Cancer Talk in a series for Black History Month with The Cancer History Project podcast. Dr. Freeman tells the story of how he got into surgery in Harlem during the 1960s with the goal to “cut cancer out of Harlem,” but discovered patients were seeking treatment too late due to a number of disparities. Dr. Freeman explains later how this path led him to becoming the “founding father” of patient navigation, an advance...

Clinical trials are not experimental. They are an extension of the standard of care and personalized for the individual.

Dr. Robert Winn, Director of VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Community Clovia welcomed cancer survivor and Massey Cancer Champion Mary Simmons to share her journey. Simmons speaks passionately about how clinical trials at Massey saved her life after a diagnosis of acute lymphoma leukemia gave her only two weeks to live. Dr. Winn, Community Clo and Simmons then talk about her advocacy for clinical trials as an extension of standard care and dispel the myth that clinical...