Mr 80 Percent - podcast cover

Mr 80 Percent

The Boston Globebostonglobe.com
Host Mark Shanahan shares a deeply personal, sometimes harrowing, often funny, always true story about prostate cancer, a disease that affects him and millions of other men. With bracing candor and an eye for the absurd, Mark confronts cultural attitudes about masculinity, controversies surrounding screening and treatment, and his own biggest fear: that his diagnosis would wreck the healthy sex life he enjoyed with his wife. Part memoir, part journalistic investigation, Mr. 80 Percent is a heartfelt, hilarious, and helpful resource for men (and their families) touched by this disease.
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Episodes

Episode 6: That Old Feeling

When Mark comes out the other side, he’s decidedly not the man he used to be. But he has dodged the two outcomes he feared most: death and life without sex. Post-treatment, Mark reaches an uneasy peace with his status as a cancer survivor -- relieved, but dreading the prospect of the cancer’s return. For more, visit bostonglobe.com/prostate . Email us at prostate@globe.com . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Oct 15, 202030 min

Episode 5: The Manopause

Mark confronts a disturbing reality: His surgery didn't get all the cancer. Which means he must undergo hormone therapy and radiation, a course of treatment that produces hot flashes, temper tantrums, and wild mood swings. The bonds of family and friends are severely tested, and it's their turn to testify. For more, visit bostonglobe.com/prostate . Email us at prostate@globe.com . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Oct 08, 202036 min

Episode 4: Our Prostates, Ourselves

This episode explores the complex realities of prostate cancer, focusing on the elevated risks for Black men and the profound impact of treatment side effects. It features Tom Farrington, who became an activist after his diagnosis, and Bill Tinney, who became an evangelist for penile implants after experiencing impotence. The episode highlights the importance of education, community outreach, and overcoming stigma surrounding men's health issues.

Oct 01, 202032 min

Episode 3: Hands of God

Mark makes his fateful decision: He will have his prostate removed. So he hunts for the best surgeon he can find. The trail begins with Dr. Patrick Walsh, a guru in the field of urology who revolutionized prostate cancer treatment by preserving men's sexual function. For more, visit bostonglobe.com/prostate . Email us at prostate@globe.com . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Sep 23, 202028 min

Episode 2: Chasing Hutch

As Mark begins to contemplate life as a cancer patient, he's got two major worries: dying, and wrecking the sexual renaissance he's enjoying with his wife, Michelle. And not necessarily in that order. What will treatment mean for his marriage, and for his identity as a man? For more, visit bostonglobe.com/prostate . Email us at prostate@globe.com . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Sep 23, 202026 min

Episode 1: Twelve Uneasy Pieces

One day, Mark thinks he's Peter Pan. The next, he's diagnosed with prostate cancer and forced to confront his mortality. At 48. With a wife and two young kids. As Mark considers his treatment options, he pauses to wonder: If prostate cancer is so prevalent, why don't men talk about it? For more, visit bostonglobe.com/prostate . Email us at prostate@globe.com . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Sep 23, 202023 min

Introducing Mr. 80 Percent

Introducing Mr. 80 Percent, a six-part narrative miniseries from The Boston Globe. Coming September 24. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 08, 20203 min
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