What is really inside America’s favorite breakfast cereals—and how much of what we believe about them has been shaped by marketing?

In this episode of Health In Harlem, Dr. Maurice Selby speaks with renowned nutrition and food-policy expert Dr. Marion Nestle and former cereal-industry nutrition executive Dr. Lisa Sutherland, authors of Sugar Coated: Unboxing the Hidden Forces Shaping America’s Favorite Breakfast Food. Together, they unpack the history and business of breakfast cereal, including the industry’s use of health claims, package design, fortification, mascots, and advertising—especially marketing directed toward children.

The conversation also gives consumers practical tools for navigating the cereal aisle. Listeners will learn how to look beyond front-of-package claims, read ingredient lists and Nutrition Facts labels, and compare cereals based on whole grains, fiber, added sugar, sodium, and serving size. More broadly, the episode explores what the cereal box can teach us about food politics, nutrition policy, corporate influence, and the challenges families face when trying to make informed food choices.

Learn more

• Sugar Coated — University of California Press

• Marion Nestle’s Food Politics website and newsletter

• Breakfast cereal consumer guide — University of Florida IFAS Extension

• How to understand the Nutrition Facts label — U.S. Food and Drug Administration

• Dietary Guidelines for Americans

• Health In Harlem on Instagram

• WHCR 90.3 FM—The Voice of Harlem

• Health In Harlem Podcast on Podbean

• Health In Harlem Podcast on Apple Podcasts

• Health In Harlem Podcast on Spotify

In recognition of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Maurice Selby speaks with prostate cancer survivor and men’s health advocate Lamont Mitchell about his journey from an unexpected elevated PSA result to diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Mitchell shares how educating himself, seeking additional medical opinions, and actively participating in treatment decisions helped him navigate prostate cancer and protect his quality of life.

The conversation also explores prostate cancer screening, the importance of knowing your health numbers, and the disproportionate burden of the disease among Black men. Mitchell discusses his experience receiving an individualized treatment plan that included hormone therapy, brachytherapy, and five-session proton therapy at the New York Proton Center—and how his diagnosis inspired him to encourage other men to become informed, proactive partners in their healthcare.

Learn more and stay connected

• Health In Harlem

• The Health In Harlem Podcast

• WHCR 90.3 FM—The Voice of Harlem

• CDC: Prostate Cancer Information and Educational Resources

• American Cancer Society: Prostate Cancer

• Prostate Cancer Foundation: Awareness Month Resources

• New York Proton Center

• New York Proton Center: Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer

• Lamont Mitchell’s Prostate Cancer Story

This program is intended for educational purposes and does not replace individualized guidance, screening recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional.

Hair loss is common, but its causes—and the treatments that actually work—are often misunderstood. In recognition of Hair Loss Awareness Month, Dr. Maurice Selby speaks with Dr. Kristen Lo Sicco, a board-certified dermatologist and academic physician who contributes to SiriusXM’s Doctor Radio. They discuss common forms of alopecia, warning signs that warrant medical evaluation, potentially damaging hair-care practices, and evidence-based approaches to diagnosis and treatment. The conversation also explores the emotional and social impact of hair loss and why early evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional can make an important difference.

• American Academy of Dermatology Hair Loss Resource Center
• American Academy of Dermatology: Hair and Scalp Care
• SiriusXM Doctor Radio
• Health In Harlem on WHCR 90.3 FM
• WHCR 90.3 FM—The Voice of Harlem
• The Health In Harlem Podcast

This program is intended for education and should not replace individualized evaluation or treatment by a qualified healthcare professional.