{"podcast":{"title":"The Penis Project Podcast: Breaking Taboos in Men’s Sexual Health","slug":"the-penis-project-podcast-breaking-taboos-in-men-s-sexual-health-3323686","podcast_index_feed_id":3323686,"rss_url":"https://feed.podbean.com/thepenisproject/feed.xml","website_url":"https://thepenisproject.podbean.com","image_url":"https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/9606022/NOV_24_v1_fn3p3x.jpg","author":"Sexologist Melissa Hadley Barrett","episode_count":223,"summary":"With over 219,000 streams and nearly 200 episodes, The Penis Project Podcast—hosted by Australian Nurse Practitioner and Sexologist Melissa Hadley Barrett —offers groundbreaking conversations about men’s sexual health. Launched in 2020 by Melissa and physiotherapist Jo Milios, the podcast combines expert knowledge, scientific insights, and interviews with her patients and their partners to address sensitive topics men often struggle to discuss, including erectile dysfunction, prostate and bladder cancer recovery, Peyronie’s disease, premature ejaculation and intimacy in relationships. Melissa, who refers to herself as the ”Unexpected Sexologist,” brings decades of clinical experience and compassion to every episode, highlighting that sexual wellbeing involves both physical and emotional health. Join this global community in breaking down stigma, finding support, and accessing practical solutions to common yet overlooked men’s health issues. Available on all major podcast platforms, with new episodes every fortnight—start listening today.","last_synced_at":"2026-07-01T10:21:38.552010+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-penis-project-podcast-breaking-taboos-in-men-s-sexual-health-3323686"},"episode":{"title":"204: 5 year anniversary episode: Kirk’s Story: Early PSA Testing, Surgery at 59, and Getting Back to Life (Fast!)","slug":"204-5-year-anniversary-episode-kirk-s-story-early-psa-testing-surgery-at-59-and-getting-back-to-life-fast","published_at":"2025-09-23T22:00:00+00:00","page_url":"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","show_page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-penis-project-podcast-breaking-taboos-in-men-s-sexual-health-3323686","url":"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_url":"https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/75c2hq7jcb29mibp/204_DONE_v189kpw.mp3","summary":"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…","meta_description":"In this Episode which marks the 5th anniversary of the Penis Project Podcast, Kate and Melissa, practitioners from Restorative Health Clinic talk to Kirk…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":1754,"processing_state":"not_requested","actions":[{"name":"request_transcript","method":"POST","url":"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","description":"Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode."},{"name":"read_markdown","method":"GET","url":"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","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}