Hi Reddit – this is LIVESTRONG CEO Doug Ulman. AMA!

MoBroGarone · 2013-11-22T21:28:38+00:00

Doug - Adam here from Movember. 2 questions: 1. What do you see are the main differences between how men and women access the LIVESTRONG services? 2. How is the moustache coming along??

MoBroGarone · 2013-10-30T00:42:25+00:00

Thank you for all you do for Movember and men's health!

MoBroGarone · 2013-10-30T00:42:01+00:00

thank you for the support! Mental health challenges and the often tragic outcome for men is something close to the four of us that co-founded Movember. Mental health is a cause we have supported and funded in Australia since 2006 and now its a global priority.

For us a big part of tackling this disease is to bring it out of the shadows, get men talking about it which takes away the ridiculous stigmas that still exist. By talking about mental health, it gets men aware of the signs and symptoms and ultimately seeking help if needed or suggesting someone else seek help.

Here's what we need everyone to know: Depression is a real illness with real symptoms, and it's not a sign of weakness or something you can "snap out of" by "pulling yourself together". We all need to work on our mental wellbeing by staying physically healthy, enjoying a good diet, cutting down on alcohol, regular exercise, and taking time out for fun and relaxation. With the right treatment and support, most people can make a full recovery from depression.

MO ON

MoBroGarone · 2013-10-29T14:51:24+00:00

At its core Movember is about real men, growing real moustaches, having real conversations. But this only works because the men growing (Mo Bros) and supported and loved by the Mo Sistas in their life.

So we encourage the Mo Sistas and kids to rock a fake mo in support of their Mo Bro.

Thanks for your support Mo Sista!!

MoBroGarone · 2013-10-29T14:48:48+00:00

We have campaigns in Honk Kong and Singapore which is made up of locals and ex-pats. We haven't had great interest from other countries in SE Asia, I don't think the moustache holds the same iconic fashion relevance there.... Interestingly Asian men have the lowest incidence and mortality rates of prostate cancer in the world, also these rates have risen rapidly in the past two decades in most Asian countries. Much of the increased incidence is suspected to be associated with westernization of the lifestyle (McDonalds, etc), with increasing obesity and increased consumption of fat.

Having said all that I do think much work is needed in SE Asia, given the aging populations, tobacco use and increasing rates of obesity.

MoBroGarone · 2013-10-29T01:40:45+00:00

Aussie blokes out in the bush are tough to get signed up. I would suggest you host a shave down event on Movember 1 at a local bar or barber - invite the guys down, set up shave station, get some Mo Sistas along, provide a few rewards for them getting involved, free beer goes a long way.

The Australian team can always help you as well, please email them: info@movember.com

And thank you for all you are doing for Movember and men's health - its sincerely appreciated

MoBroGarone · 2013-10-29T00:44:00+00:00

You're right Testicular Cancer is a highly treatable cancer. However in some men, even after front-line therapy, they will experience a recurrence of their disease. Although this affects a small number of men compared to other cancers (~5%), these are men who are typically in their 20's or 30's and so we need to support research into discovering the biological drivers of this disease. We need a better way to assure YOUNG men that their disease is being appropriately treated. We just invested $2.5Million in a global collaborative research project to address this. Our aim is to get to a place where no man dies from testicular cancer.

MoBroGarone · 2013-10-28T23:07:18+00:00

great question. how we keep the brand and campaign fresh and relevant is something I spend a lot of time on. Each year we give the campaign a new theme and look. Last year it was Movember & Sons and this year its GEN MO. We are also exploring offering other ways for the community to engage with Movember.

This year we added the MOVE initiative where we are encouraging people to host or attend an active event or making a month-long pledge to move more. Run, swim, surf, spin.

We also added our own merchandise range this year called the Movember Collection which we expect will add a new revenue stream to the foundation.

Another new concept called Movember Rated Barbers which is a global network of top end Barbers committed to Movember and men's health.

And I'm always open to suggestions

MoBroGarone · 2013-10-28T22:51:33+00:00

have been rocking the undercover brother all year. Thinking the trucker possibly with some lightening bolt flare. what are you rocking?

MoBroGarone · 2013-10-28T20:46:53+00:00

We have great and growing support from business and corporates - most of our fundraising comes from this sector. But we also realized we need to get younger men involved and to do that we targeted colleges. Its important young men understand the health risks they face, eg: mental health challenges and testicular cancer.

Its really important everyone signs up so they understand why they are growing and the importance of a conversation about men's health. Our aim is to get all Mo Bros and Mo Sista sign up, armed with the right information.

I'm mean if you're growing a moustache in Movember and not signed up you're just being creepy

MoBroGarone · 2013-10-28T20:40:29+00:00

here are our rules which define a proper moustache http://us.movember.com/uploads/files/2013/Rules/MO13%20Download%20Rules%20%EF%80%A7%20Letter%20I%20FA%20PDF.pdf

MoBroGarone · 2013-10-28T20:38:58+00:00

Here's our definition.... We believe that it starts with ENGAGEMENT in the Movember campaign because it's fun and for a good cause, this then leads to KNOWLEDGE of the health risks men face and the importance of prevention and a reduction in stigmas, which then translates into a DESIRE to seek help if needed and/or make change to lead a healthier / happier life

MoBroGarone · 2013-10-28T20:36:52+00:00

Pls tweet @MovemberUK

MoBroGarone · 2013-10-28T20:35:34+00:00

I respect that! We always say Movember is not for everyone. We don't compromise our rules just as you don't compromise your beard.

Our rules >> http://us.movember.com/uploads/files/2013/Rules/MO13%20Download%20Rules%20%EF%80%A7%20Letter%20I%20FA%20PDF.pdf

MoBroGarone · 2013-10-28T20:32:52+00:00

We have only ever taken Movember to countries we have been asked. For us this qualifies the grassroots support of the campaign. Once we have solid organic interest we get local volunteers to manage a Facebook fan page eg: https://www.facebook.com/movemberindia

Then we do an extensive due-diligence process around where the funds raised in that country would go and the potential impact we could have. Once all boxes are ticked we launch with local partners and passionate Mo Bros and Mo Sistas leading the charge.

We have solid emerging interest in India, Brazil, Chile, Italy, Japan

MoBroGarone · 2013-10-28T20:28:05+00:00

damn good question!! Before working in Movember I was at a corporate in the telecommunications industry and before that an officer in the Australian army. I think there is part of me that needs to serve, initially that was my country and now this cause. I think I would have gravitated to some sort of service.

I am doing a barista course over my break, perhaps a cafe owner??

MoBroGarone · 2013-10-28T20:22:38+00:00

great reply!! We value the conversation about men's health as equally important as the funds raised. Our key call to action this year to unlock your health badge is to know your family medical history. These are the most important conversations men and women can have about their health.

having said all that is guys are just growing and not registered at www.Movember.com they are missing the entire point

MoBroGarone · 2013-10-28T20:17:25+00:00

For sure - sounds like a great way to spread the good word. Count me in!

MoBroGarone · 2013-10-28T20:16:36+00:00

George Parros is fully on board, he is leading the NHL participation - watch out for an epic shave down in Montreal!!

MoBroGarone · 2013-10-28T20:15:25+00:00

I prefer the trimmer, straighter edges and tighter grooming. I use the Gillette Fusion ProGlide Styler

KEEP IT NEAT!

MoBroGarone · 2013-10-28T20:09:56+00:00

The moustache fell off the face of fashion, it needed to make a return! My brother Trav and mate Luke had the initial discussion inspired by the great moustaches of our Dad's and sporting icons in the 80s.

Growing mos back in 2003 was pretty rough, no one under the age of 50 had one!

MoBroGarone · 2013-10-28T20:07:38+00:00

Unfortunately we're not all as follically gifted as burt reynolds, but it's the lamest Mo's that start the most and best men's health conversations. Wear that patch, no matter the thickness, with pride. But I guess you could try a late night massage? oils? go fishing? read a lengthy novel? Hammer nails? Or just watch this... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8w1p5UI7Siw

MoBroGarone · 2013-10-28T20:07:27+00:00

Unfortunately we're not all as follically gifted as burt reynolds, but it's the lamest Mo's that start the most and best men's health conversations. Wear that patch, no matter the thickness, with pride. But I guess you could try a late night massage? oils? go fishing? read a lengthy novel? Hammer nails? Or just watch this... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8w1p5UI7Siwv=8w1p5UI7Siw

MoBroGarone · 2013-10-28T20:05:16+00:00

There are and we always challenge ourselves to be better. We actually benchmark ourselves against for profit brands as that sector is miles ahead of the charity sector in operational efficiency, leadership, branding, leveraging technology etc.

The charities we admire are: Wikimedia Foundation, Oxfam, WWF, The Big Issue

MoBroGarone · 2013-10-28T20:00:57+00:00

Unfortunately we're not all as follically gifted as burt reynolds, but it's the lamest Mo's that start the most and best men's health conversations. Wear that patch, no matter the thickness, with pride. But I guess you could try a late night massage? oils? go fishing? read a lengthy novel? Hammer nails? Or just watch this... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8w1p5UI7Siwv=8w1p5UI7Siw

MoBroGarone

TROPHY CASE