# 204: 5 year anniversary episode: Kirk’s Story: Early PSA Testing, Surgery at 59, and Getting Back to Life (Fast!)

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-penis-project-podcast-breaking-taboos-in-men-s-sexual-health-3323686/204-5-year-anniversary-episode-kirk-s-story-early-psa-testing-surgery-at-59-and-getting-back-to-life-fast
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-penis-project-podcast-breaking-taboos-in-men-s-sexual-health-3323686/204-5-year-anniversary-episode-kirk-s-story-early-psa-testing-surgery-at-59-and-getting-back-to-life-fast.md
Podcast: [The Penis Project Podcast: Breaking Taboos in Men’s Sexual Health](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-penis-project-podcast-breaking-taboos-in-men-s-sexual-health-3323686)
Published: 2025-09-23T22:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://thepenisproject.podbean.com/e/204-5-year-anniversary-episode-kirk-s-story-early-psa-testing-surgery-at-59-and-getting-back-to-life-fast/
Audio file: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/75c2hq7jcb29mibp/204_DONE_v189kpw.mp3
Processing state: not_requested
JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-penis-project-podcast-breaking-taboos-in-men-s-sexual-health-3323686/episodes/204-5-year-anniversary-episode-kirk-s-story-early-psa-testing-surgery-at-59-and-getting-back-to-life-fast
Duration seconds: 1754

## Resource

In this Episode which marks the 5th anniversary of the Penis Project Podcast, Kate and Melissa, practitioners from Restorative Health Clinic talk to Kirk (59), who shares his very recent journey with prostate cancer — from vigilant PSA screening due to a strong family history, through biopsy and robotic prostatectomy(Gleason 9), to an unusually swift return of continence and erections (yes, really… at 5 weeks!). We chat about why a good GP relationship matters, common myths (no, PSA screening is not a finger-up-the-bum), and practical rehab steps that set you up for the best outcome. We also touch on the challenges recent Medicare telehealth changes pose for rural men and why community conversations save lives. Key Takeaways: PSA screening saves lives: It’s a blood test. Many men still believe screening means a rectal exam — that misconception stops blokes from testing. Early and regular checks matter, especially with family history. Kirk and his GP were “on it,” which likely changed his trajectory. Rehab starts before surgery: Pre-op pelvic floor coaching and early, structured penile rehab support faster continence and sexual recovery. Expectations matter: Being clear about how important sex is to you helps the team tailor a plan (medications, devices, or injections) so intimacy continues post-treatment. Modern prostate cancer care is not what it was 20 years ago — minimally invasive surgery, targeted radiation, and better side-effect profiles. Episode Highlights Family history matters: Kirk, a 59-year-old anaesthetist, always knew prostate cancer was a “when, not if.” Vigilant PSA screening caught it early. PSA test = blood test: Many men still mistakenly think screening means a rectal exam — this myth stops blokes from testing. Gleason upgrade: Biopsy showed 7, but…

## Actions

- request_transcript: `POST https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-penis-project-podcast-breaking-taboos-in-men-s-sexual-health-3323686/episodes/204-5-year-anniversary-episode-kirk-s-story-early-psa-testing-surgery-at-59-and-getting-back-to-life-fast/transcription-requests` — Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode.
- read_markdown: `GET https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-penis-project-podcast-breaking-taboos-in-men-s-sexual-health-3323686/204-5-year-anniversary-episode-kirk-s-story-early-psa-testing-surgery-at-59-and-getting-back-to-life-fast.md` — Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource.

A page view does not enqueue transcription. Agents should invoke `request_transcript` explicitly when they need this episode processed.

## Transcript

Full transcripts are not published on public pages unless there is a clear rights basis.