In this unfiltered episode of HS Brotherhood, hosts Parish and Joey dive into some of the biggest misconceptions, myths, and home remedies circulating in the HS community — especially those that impact men. From the false belief that HS is caused by weight, to the widespread (and damaging) idea that HS only affects women, the guys break down what the science actually says and share real-life experiences of living with HS as men.

They also tackle home remedies head-on — the helpful, the questionable, and the downright wild. From hot compresses and meditation to onions, Vicks, garlic cloves, celery juice, and crushed ibuprofen “pastes,” nothing is off-limits. With honesty and humor, they discuss where these ideas come from, what can actually support healing, and why so many people in pain are drawn to “miracle cures.”

This episode also includes a conversation about snake oil salesmen — those who prey on the HS community’s vulnerability and desperation by selling fake cures and unproven treatments. Parish and Joey explain how to spot red flags, protect your wallet, and make informed decisions about your health.

Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been living with HS for years, this conversation offers clarity, validation, and a reminder that men with HS deserve representation, compassion, and real information.

For trustworthy HS education, resources, and support, visit hsconnect.org.

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided by HS Connect (“we,” “us,” or “our”) on this website HSConnect.org] (the “Website”) is for general informational purposes only. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, is presented as an educational resource and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions or taking any action based on the information you find on this Website. Do not disregard, avoid, or delay obtaining medical or health-related advice from your healthcare provider because of something you have read on this Website.

This Website does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on this website. Reliance on any information provided on the Website, its content creators, or others appearing on the website is solely at your own risk.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the nearest emergency department, or call emergency services immediately. We are not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from your use of or reliance on any information or content on this Website.

By using this Website, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer in full.

This podcast was made possible by Moonlake.

In Season 2, Episode 6 of HS Brotherhood, hosts Parish and Joey get real about what it means to be an HS warrior both in and out of the workforce. This honest, vulnerable, and deeply relatable conversation explores the challenges men face when trying to balance chronic illness, work responsibilities, financial pressures, and personal identity.

Joey shares what it’s like to continue working full-time while managing unpredictable HS flares, the mental load of staying focused in a public safety role, and how supportive coworkers and accommodations have helped him keep going. Parish opens up about the emotional and financial reality of having to leave the workforce due to HS—and what it took to rebuild his confidence, rediscover purpose, and transition into advocacy.

Together, they unpack:
– The pressure men face to “push through” even when their bodies are struggling
– Embarrassing moments, stigma, and the fear of being misunderstood at work
– How to communicate with supervisors and advocate for accommodations
– The mental health toll of lost income, isolation, and identity changes
– The hope found in community, purpose, and reclaiming your story

This episode is for every man who has ever felt torn between showing up for others and taking care of himself, and for anyone who wants to better understand the reality of HS in everyday life.

🔗 Listen, share, and find community resources at: hsconnect.org

This podcast was made possible by Moonlake.

Parish and Joey join Brindley and Cyd for a deep, unfiltered conversation about what it means to be a man living with Hidradenitis Suppurativa. This crossover episode pulls back the curtain on the experiences most men carry silently—including the pressures of dating, showing up in relationships, managing health setbacks, and redefining what strength really looks like.

Inside this conversation, they dive into:
• The truth about dating with HS and deciding when to disclose
• Intimacy struggles men rarely admit—including fear, shame, and ED
• Losing independence and learning to accept help
• Challenging the idea that “providing = masculinity”
• Why the HS Brotherhood group matters—and how it’s creating a safe space for men to finally talk openly

If you’ve ever felt isolated or like no one understands what you’re carrying, this episode is a reminder: you’re not alone, and your story matters.

Learn more about HS Brotherhood and community resources at hsconnect.org.

This podcast was made possible by Moonlake.

Joey and Parish take listeners back to where it all started — the origins of The HS Brotherhood. From a simple idea sparked during an HS advocacy project to a thriving community of men supporting one another through honesty, humor, and healing, the brothers reflect on how this space came to life.

They share the real story behind the vision — from Joey’s early dream of reaching men through barbershop talks to the creation of a safe, judgment-free community where men with Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) can speak openly about pain, resilience, and growth.

This episode dives deep into:

• The birth of The Brotherhood and the passion behind its mission
• How advocacy and mentorship transformed both hosts’ lives
• Breaking the stigma around men’s health and vulnerability
• What it means to lead with heart, honesty, and brotherhood

It’s more than a conversation — it’s a look at how two advocates turned shared pain into purpose, creating a movement that’s helping men find strength in connection.

🎧 Listen now, and join The Brotherhood at hsconnect.org

This podcast was made possible by Moonlake.

In this powerful episode of the HS Brotherhood, hosts Joey and Parish sit down with Barry from Ireland — a man whose decades-long journey with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) reveals the pain, misdiagnoses, and perseverance it takes to find answers.

Barry shares how he went nearly 20 years without a proper diagnosis, enduring countless surgeries and stigma, before discovering not only his condition but his purpose as an advocate. Together, they discuss resilience, the evolution of treatment, and how speaking out can inspire others still living in silence.

For more resources, visit hsconnect.org

✨ Thank you to Moonlake for sponsoring this season of the HS Brotherhood.

This podcast was made possible by Moonlake.

In Season 2, Episode 2 of The Brotherhood Podcast, hosts Parrish and Joey step into the kitchen with special guest Cristina, a nutritionist, chef, cookbook author, and HS warrior who brings her full story — and a full meal — to the table.

This episode blends cooking, conversation, and real-world education as Cristina teaches the guys how to make a creamy, dairy-free, HS-friendly creamy crab chicken served over garlic cauliflower mash. Along the way, she breaks down the science of anti-inflammatory eating, digestive health, trigger foods, and how nutrition can be used as a powerful tool in managing HS flares.

Cristina opens up about her own HS journey, diagnosed at just 13, navigating years of flares, postpartum challenges, and failed medications before discovering the role nutrition could play in healing. She shares how she went from struggling teen to professional chef, to now being in eight years of remission — all by understanding her body and building a personalized, sustainable nutrition lifestyle.

The episode covers:

• How to cook flavorful, anti-inflammatory meals without restriction

• The truth about blood sugar regulation, metabolic issues, and HS

• Intermittent fasting — how it affects men vs. women

• Understanding digestion, hunger cues, and how stress impacts flares

• Why food can make you tired, bloated, foggy… or energized

• How to build a realistic, non-stressful nutritional plan

• Healthy dessert ideas (yes, even a chocolate mug cake!)

Cristina also shares practical strategies for:

• Finding trigger foods

• Balancing carbs with protein, fiber, and healthy fats

• Supporting wound healing with nutrients like vitamin C, collagen, and zinc

• Making nutrition a tool, not a punishment

This episode is uplifting, educational, hilarious, and packed with actionable insight for HS warriors, caregivers, and anyone trying to understand how food and inflammation shape daily life.

For more Hidradenitis Suppurativa resources visit: hsconnect.org

This podcast was made possible by Moonlake.

Welcome to Season 2, Episode 1 of HS Brotherhood! Your hosts Joey Torre and Parish Armstead are back and kicking off this season with a powerful conversation you won’t want to miss. This week, they’re joined by Stacey Haines, Patient Outreach and Social Media Manager at Rare Patient Voice — a company dedicated to empowering patients and caregivers from rare disease communities to make their voices heard.

In this episode:

• Stacey opens up about her personal journey — from caregiver to patient-advocate — and how that experience shaped her work at Rare Patient Voice.
  
  
• She shares how Rare Patient Voice connects patients and caregivers with research opportunities (including paid surveys and interviews), helping bridge the gap between lived experience and medical development.

This episode brings fresh perspective on giving voice to underserved communities. With Stacey’s lived perspective and Rare Patient Voice’s mission to uplift patient opinion in research, you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of both the human side of rare disease and the strategic implications for ethical engagement.

Connect & engage
Check out Rare Patient Voice (https://rarepatientvoice.com) to learn more about how patients and caregivers can contribute to research and influence change.

Stay tuned for the rest of Season 2 of HS Brotherhood - subscribe so you get all the latest episodes.

This podcast was made possible by Moonlake.

🎙️ HS Brotherhood Podcast | Episode 7: Mario Otero’s Journey with Clinical Trials

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Mario Otero (follow him on TikTok @motero8111 or Instagram @bama_mario) as he shares his courageous journey participating in clinical trials for Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS).

In this powerful episode, Mario opens up about the challenges, breakthroughs, and hope he found while contributing to advancements in HS treatment.

As an advocate and warrior, Mario’s story sheds light on the importance of clinical trials in shaping the future of HS care. From navigating uncertainties to finding empowerment through advocacy, his experience is a testament to resilience and community strength.

Tune in to hear how Mario is paving the way for others in the HS Brotherhood and beyond. Your journey matters, and so does your voice. 💪

🔗 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform.

For clinical trial resources, visit hsconnect.org/clinical-trials/

✨ Follow Mario for more of his story: TikTok | Instagram

This podcast was made possible by Moonlake.