Today, we talk with Steve, the poet who didn’t know it. Steve is one of our listeners who volunteered to be one of our guests. He found the podcast a very helpful resource for his recovery. From prostate cancer. Like some of you who listen to the podcast, Steve was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer at 56 years old. He also had a family history, given that his father and brother had the same diagnosis. Post-op, Steve lacked information. So, he turned to Google and looked for support groups. There, h...
Mar 08, 2023•59 min•Ep. 126
Today, we speak with Ross. Ross will talk about his prostate cancer journey and a marathon he will be joining in London, at 64 years old! Ross was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in 2020. This was two years after a routine check-up in 2018 showed elevated PSA readings. At first, Ross procrastinated taking action as everything he read about prostate cancer was all gloom and doom. After a lesson on the possibility of cancer spreading by his wife and meeting with Dr Jo and Melissa, Ross learned that...
Feb 28, 2023•35 min•Ep. 125
Todd, our guest for today is all the way from the USA, thanks to the wonder of Zoom. He is a patient of Melissa’s and was very kind enough to share with us a glimpse of his experience from diagnosis to recovery. Get ready for a full dose of honesty and vulnerability. Todd’s father had prostate cancer and as such his brothers and him have always been checked regularly. Once he got the diagnosis, he made sure to explore all the available options - radiation, cyberknife, and many more. The decision...
Feb 21, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 124
Today, you will be meeting Paul. A 71-year-old gentleman and a penile injection user for more than 4 years! A very satisfied one at that. 😉 At 51, Paul started to do routine blood tests to monitor his sugar and PSA levels. Fourteen years after, at 65 years old and a few fingers up the bum, Paul was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. A year after his surgery, his sexual function did not improve. As a man, he thought “I’ll give it time” thinking it will sort out by itself. But it never did! So, he w...
Feb 15, 2023•20 min•Ep. 123
For today's episode, we talk with Australian Hall of Famer (2007), five-time Hawthorn Premiership Player & 1986 Brownlow Medalist, Berto ‘Dipper’ DiPierdomenico! He has recently opened up about his own unexpected men’s health crisis in 2022 – an episode of urinary retention -, which caused pain ‘far worse than any previous football injury’ ’over his 240 game career. This included the punctured lung and multiple broken ribs suffered in the 1989 AFL Grand final vs Geelong - a game many report ...
Feb 07, 2023•29 min•Ep. 122
In 2022 Melissa and Kendall, together with Dr Rob Newton, had the chance to present during one of PCFA’s Shine A Light episodes. Today, you will be able to listen to those very informative presentations and a few Qs and As. You will first hear from Melissa. Followed by Kendall. And then by Dr. Rob Newton – who we also interviewed here in the podcast ( Episode 104: Exercise is Medicine with Dr Rob Newton ). Melissa’s talk revolved around sexual health before, during, and most especially after pro...
Jan 31, 2023•2 hr•Ep. 121
Though a bit late, we’re sharing this Movember episode with you - a reminder that every day should be a health day. For this episode, we talk with Presley. Presley was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer a year ago. Prior to his surgery, his doctor suggested that he meet with Dr Jo. So three months before his surgery, he was able to start his pelvic floor exercises. Fast forward to today, Presley is feeling ok. But this has not always been the case for him. Prior to diagnosis, Presley suffered from d...
Jan 25, 2023•42 min•Ep. 120
Today, we speak with Peter Pan. Peter was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer at the age of 56, thanks to his GP noticing a slight increase in his PSA. Given his family history of Prostate Cancer, they did further investigations immediately. The news was devastating and a bit shattering. However, Peter got himself ready for treatment and surgery. This part is what he found the most frustrating - deciding the next steps. Peter considers himself lucky throughout the process. Post-op, his continence was...
Jan 17, 2023•50 min•Ep. 119
Today, we speak with Louise, the owner and founder of Farm Life Fitness. Louise is more than just a health and wellness professional because she’s also a farmer. She lives and breathes the agricultural lifestyle. Her lived experience means she understands the challenges to health and wellness that farming and living rurally can present. Melissa had the pleasure of meeting Louise at a speaking event in December 2022 and was so impressed with her story she invited her to speak on The Penis Project...
Jan 11, 2023•44 min•Ep. 118
For today’s episode, we talk with Jonn, the founder and owner of Body Curious. Following an accident, Jonn was left with 15% whole body permanent impairment. However, through a combination of rehabilitation and yoga, he was able to restore his body function. This inspired him to create Body Curious in 2014, a men's only yoga studio committed to improving health outcomes for men. He is a qualified Yoga, Thai Yoga Massage teacher & Practitioner, and a Sexological Bodywork Practitioner. Early o...
Jan 06, 2023•57 min•Ep. 117
For this episode, we will listen to Melissa’s talk at the Masterclass for Urologists last June. We all know that talking about sexual health can be a bit awkward. But it's important to remember that patients are sexual beings too! GP's play a vital role in ensuring their patients' sexual health and wellbeing, and part of that is being able to talk about sexual function openly and comfortably. On June 11th 2022, Melissa was invited to be a guest speaker for a Perth Urology Clinic’s Masterclass an...
Dec 28, 2022•32 min•Ep. 116
A lot of exciting things coming this 2023 for Men’s health - in and out of Australia! Join Dr Jo and Melissa talk about the highlights of this year and what to look forward to for 2023. Exciting times are ahead so buckle up, Penis Project listeners! ---------- Websites: https://melissahadleybarrett.com Men’s health only https://rshealth.com.au/ All genders http://www.menshealthphysiotherapy.com.au/ http://prost.com.au/ Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/p/Melissa-Hadley-Barrett-100085237672685/ ht...
Dec 21, 2022•33 min•Ep. 115
Melissa has often mentioned that your heart health is related to your hard health. So today, we will dig deeper into this statement with Kendall and her mentor, Dr. Nilufeur McKay. Hello Dr Nilufeur starts with the advice that you always hear - prevention is better than cure. For anything that is heart-related, the most important thing is to prevent plaque build-up. By preventing build-up, you also prevent sudden heart attacks. Very interestingly also, even for both Kendall and Melissa, is the f...
Dec 13, 2022•19 min•Ep. 114
Following on from last week’s episode of The Penis Project Podcast with Anthony & Carla (Episode 112), we are THRILLED to welcome them back into the studio for a review of Antony’s post-op recovery & rehabilitation progress from a robotic prostatectomy on Nov 8th 2022!! Our Viva Las Vegas couple does not hold back as they share the thrills & spills - of their surgical experience, from the moment Anthony awoke to their first leaky days and nights, sexual recovery, and his progression ...
Dec 07, 2022•46 min•Ep. 113
What happens when you’re a healthy young man unexpectedly diagnosed with Prostate Cancer & have an avalanche of fear about the unknown side effects of life-saving surgery? What happens too, when you have a brand new girlfriend flying in from Las Vegas to start a new life in Australia in the very same week? GET BUSY with PREPPING it is EXACTLY WHAT! In today’s episode, we are excited to introduce you to Anthony and, his new partner, Carla who have together explored the SWIFT change to their r...
Dec 01, 2022•46 min•Ep. 112
Today, we speak with beautiful boy Pino. Before hitting the play button, we'd like you to prepare a timer (your phone perhaps) because Dr. Jo will be giving a pelvic exercise test on the spot! At the start of the episode, Dr Jo will share a little bit of the history and evolution of prostatectomy. Then, since Dr Jo hadn't met Primo for 4 years, she will get him to perform a practical experiment to see how real muscle memory is. Yes. Pino will do his pelvic exercises whilst being interviewed here...
Nov 24, 2022•46 min•Ep. 111
For this episode, we talk with Elizabeth Eastwood. Lizzie specialises in oncology, lymphoedema, palliative care and rehabilitation. She is the Clinical Lead oncology and lymphoedema physiotherapist at Ramsay Health Plus, the outpatient allied health department at Hollywood. Lizzie also has completed further studies in advanced lymphoedema therapy, PINC & STEEL cancer rehab and Persistent Pain. She is the new WA chair of the cancer, palliative care and lymphoedema committee of the Australian ...
Nov 09, 2022•43 min•Ep. 110
Today, we talk with Geoffrey, a real Geoffrey. #IYKYK Often, we hear the negative side of having prostate cancer but today, we will focus on the good. Thanks to Geoff and his journey. Geoff was 65 when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. It all started when in the freeway, he had the uncontrollable urge to go to the loo. After this episode and a few tests, he received his diagnosis. At first, he didn't understand the results being shown to him. His words were, 'what I'm seeing was unintelligi...
Nov 01, 2022•55 min•Ep. 109
For today's episode, we talk with Pyro Pepper, a 56-year-old man who was just recently diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. Pyro's journey started when he went to have his wrists checked. Being 56, his doctor suggested that he also go through routine blood tests to check everything. He said yes. Thereafter, a phone call informed him that his PSA level was elevated, and a biopsy confirmed a prostate cancer diagnosis, on Christmas eve. After confirmation, Pyro's mental health went spiraling (albeit not...
Oct 25, 2022•54 min•Ep. 108
For our episode today, we speak to Dr. Ahmed Kazmi. Dr. Ahmed is a UK-trained GP and dermatologist. He currently calls Australia his home. He also occasionally moonlights as a comedian so you may have seen him at the Fringe Festival or on youtube. Today's episode is jam-packed with useful information about the various skin conditions that can occur in the nether regions. Dr Ahmed will discuss the most common issues he usually sees in his clinic related to penis problems and some not-so-common on...
Oct 18, 2022•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 107
Join us for a very unique episode today because we will be talking about Hypnotherapy. You might have an idea what this is? or maybe not. There is a lot more to this than what we see on television. Our guest, Clinical Hypnotherapist Geordie, will explain all. Warning, this episode might hypnotise you from the get-go. ;) Geordie has a very melodic calm voice… Geordie will not only bust tons of myths surrounding Hypnotherapy, but he will also explain what happens when one is hypnotized and what th...
Oct 11, 2022•45 min•Ep. 106
Episode 105 is all about a revolutionary product made for those penises who want to last longer! Well, that sounds epic so if you want to know more, listen here. For this episode, we talk with Dr David Reiner, the brain behind the premature ejaculation spray or what most call, the ‘Delay Spray’. So how does the spray work? Dr. David will spill all the proteins… err beans! Some questions were raised by us giggly ladies throughout the discussion. Questions like - will the vagina be numb? Will it c...
Oct 04, 2022•36 min•Ep. 105
As you've seen in the title, today's episode will be all about exercise! We have invited Professor Robert Newton to give us all the information about why exercise is medicine and how it can help with fighting cancer. Kendall (NP from Restorative Sexual Health Clinic) will be joining me as my co-presenter for this episode. So... if you've been putting off adding exercise as part of your treatment plan, Dr Newton's detailed explanation will encourage you to take that leap. As will be explained in ...
Sep 27, 2022•48 min•Ep. 104
Today, we speak with Palmer who, in the middle of the episode, transformed into Bruce Banner (the green hulk). You'll get to know how this happened when you click the play button below. Anyway, Palmer err Bruce will talk about his prostate cancer journey which happened to be quite recent, just the 23rd of May this year! We wanted to share Palmer's story with all of you this 3rd week of the Prostate Cancer (PC) awareness month to let you know that it's not always gloom and doom when one gets a PC...
Sep 20, 2022•51 min•Ep. 103
For the 2nd week of Prostate Cancer month, we have invited Dr Andrew Tan from Perth Urology Clinic to be our guest. Dr. Andrew will discuss the difference between Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) (enlargement) and Prostate Cancer. This is something many people get confused about. Something that we hear often is a man saying they were shocked to find out they had prostate cancer because they had no symptoms and likewise men present concern that they may have Prostate Cancer because the urination...
Sep 13, 2022•45 min•Ep. 102
For today's episode, we speak with world-renowned women’s advocate - Kath Mazzella. Kath will give us a sneak peek into the topic of a gynaecological health issue that is rarely spoken about. At 42, Kath was a busy working mother and she left her health to her doctors. However, one day she noticed a lump on her vulva that hadn’t been there before, and on her mother’s advice, she sought out medical help. This unusual lump led to her being diagnosed with vulval cancer. Following this diagnosis, sh...
Sep 06, 2022•40 min•Ep. 101
It's our 100th episode! Wow, we never thought that we'd hit 100. This is all thanks to you, our dear listeners, and the people who have supported us along the way. From our clients and experts accepting our invitation to volunteers reaching out to us to share their stories and experiences, it is all because of your desire to make people more informed about men's health that The Penis Project is still a going concern! BIG, BIG THANK YOU! When we started this podcast, our goal was to break down ba...
Aug 30, 2022•35 min•Ep. 100
Today, we will talk with Judith Thompson (physiotherapist) and Kate Ternahan (Pain specialist NP) about men, women, and pelvic pain. Our guests will help us understand how complex the concept of pain is, why you should not be embarrassed about it, and why it should not be disregarded. Why? Because as Judith says, pain is always real . We consider pain as very subjective as some folks might brush it off while others take it seriously. But how does pain work and why is it that sometimes it becomes...
Aug 24, 2022•53 min•Ep. 99
For this episode, we talk with Pedro. Pedro was 52 years old when he was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in 2021. Apart from taking his PSA tests since his late 40s (due to his family history), this early detection is also thanks to his great GP who encouraged him to see a specialist when his PSA results started to fluctuate. Pedro, however, had a unique predicament. He had a history of extensive bowel surgery which was important to consider when choosing the next course of action (surgery). Will...
Aug 16, 2022•33 min•Ep. 98
“You can’t live your life being ill.” ~ Rob For this episode, we talk with Rob all the way from the UK. Rob reached out to us asking for an episode on lymphedema so here it is. Rob did not have any symptoms of Prostate Cancer. Yet still, he chose to have himself tested. Most people with prostate cancer do not have any symptoms so it is very important to get tested. At 57 and after the New Year of 2019, Rob got conclusive and underwent a Radical Prostatectomy. Following his surgery his continence...
Aug 09, 2022•42 min•Ep. 97
