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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.
Episodes
Wednesday Sep 14, 2022
Wednesday Sep 14, 2022
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 pattern has changed.
To help me with this interrogation (as Dr Andrew calls it ;)) Nurse Practitioner Kendall from Restorative Sexual Health Clinic will join me. Kendall has many years experience working as a urology nurse so is equipped to ask the tricky questions.
Topics of discussion will include:
- What are the differences between BPH and Prostate Cancer
- Treatments and medications
- Primary functions of Prostate Glands
- How lifestyle changes affect diagnosis
- Diets and environment
- Retrograde Ejaculation
- And a lot more
We even talked about Bananas and the Prostate! If you're one of those who keeps Googling 'bananas and prostate', this week's episode might give you a better answer.
Dr. Andrew also reiterates the importance of getting checked as early as possible, why having no symptoms is not reassuring, and that any food that's good for the heart is also good for your prostate.
Have a great time listening to our week's info-packed episode. And if you have the time, make sure to jot down some notes and leave a review so we can help more people just like you.
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Websites:
https://melissahadleybarrett.com Men’s health only
https://rshealth.com.au/ All genders
http://www.menshealthphysiotherapy.com.au/
Facebook:
https://m.facebook.com/p/Melissa-Hadley-Barrett-100085237672685/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085146627814
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/melissahadleybarrett/
https://www.instagram.com/restorativehealth.clinic/
TikTok: @melissahadleybarrett
YouTube: Melissa Hadley Barrett
Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-hadley-barrett/
Music
David Mercy
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1HbvnltKu4XbWTmk0kpVB9?si=D1xP5dDVQK-zzNU3rViRWg
Producer
Thomas Evans: The SOTA Process
https://www.instagram.com/thesotaprocess/
https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jf2IYXRlgfsiqNARsY8fi
Wednesday Sep 07, 2022
Wednesday Sep 07, 2022
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, she discovered that support surrounding women's gynae health topics was scarce. Now 27 years after, she still finds it the same - support is scarce and discussions around it are still not that popular and it is her mission to change this.
So, we hope that with today's episode and through this podcast, we get to give this topic the attention it needs.
Kath walks us through her experience, her journey and life mission to find answers, and her advocacy - VivaLaVulva!
If you would like to help spread awareness, we'd be so happy if you would wear your red knickers (like Superman does!) on the outside of your pants on the 10th of September, that's this Saturday! Then when someone asks you why tell them…..
We'll be waiting for your pictures in the email. 😉 Send them to info@thepenisproject.org or reply back to this email.
To reach out to Kath, please send her a message at kath.mazzella@bigpond.com.
Red knickers, here we go!
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Red Knickers Day
Where: Vietname War Memorial Pavilion Kings Park (near Zamia cafe)
When: 10 September, 2022
Time: 1:30 - 3:30 PM
What: BYO Picnic and drinks
Register: https://fb.me/e/1r85Y7Nle
Contact: kath.mazzella@bigpond.com
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Websites:
https://melissahadleybarrett.com Men’s health only
https://rshealth.com.au/ All genders
http://www.menshealthphysiotherapy.com.au/
Facebook:
https://m.facebook.com/p/Melissa-Hadley-Barrett-100085237672685/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085146627814
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/melissahadleybarrett/
https://www.instagram.com/restorativehealth.clinic/
TikTok: @melissahadleybarrett
YouTube: Melissa Hadley Barrett
Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-hadley-barrett/
Music
David Mercy
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1HbvnltKu4XbWTmk0kpVB9?si=D1xP5dDVQK-zzNU3rViRWg
Producer
Thomas Evans: The SOTA Process
Wednesday Aug 31, 2022
Wednesday Aug 31, 2022
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 barriers and have open conversations about taboo topics in men's health... and we're quite happy to say that we believe we have achieved that.
For this episode, we have a very special guest Vikki Nikki from the UK. We will talk about inspiration, self-belief, long covid, and why it's important to go with what makes your heart sing.
We will also share with you some amazing statistics like which countries listen and the top 10 most listened to episodes, and our personal favorites!
Oh, it's also quite heart-fluttering to be called Gurus (by Nikki Vikki - physio from the UK).
Well, it has been an orgasmic ride with you all and we are excited about the next 100 episodes.
Don’t forget to send us any topics you would like us to cover and we will endeavor to do so. Also please share our podcast with your mates and leave a comment and rating wherever you listen as this gets us noticed by more people and enables us to help even more men and their partners.
Send us your list of topics here >>
To celebrate, please enjoy a 10% discount when you shop at rshealth.com.au and use the code PENIS100. Discount can only be used until 5th September.
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Websites:
https://melissahadleybarrett.com Men’s health only
https://rshealth.com.au/ All genders
http://www.menshealthphysiotherapy.com.au/
Facebook:
https://m.facebook.com/p/Melissa-Hadley-Barrett-100085237672685/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085146627814
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/melissahadleybarrett/
https://www.instagram.com/restorativehealth.clinic/
TikTok: @melissahadleybarrett
YouTube: Melissa Hadley Barrett
Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-hadley-barrett/
Music
David Mercy
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1HbvnltKu4XbWTmk0kpVB9?si=D1xP5dDVQK-zzNU3rViRWg
Producer
Thomas Evans: The SOTA Process
Thursday Aug 25, 2022
Thursday Aug 25, 2022
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 somewhat an illusion, like a phantom?
Our guests explain this and the ways of dealing with pain.
So...
If or someone you know has experienced pelvic pain or anywhere else….
Or if you have been complaining about some pain that your family or healthcare professional says is not a problem despite you insisting that it is real…
Or if you don't understand why you have pain in the past or now...
Or you just want to understand the 'science' of pain and what Judith and their team do to address it...
This episode is perfect for you.
In the end, we hope this will guide you in your next steps forward.
We also encourage you to fill out the survey attached to assist with the research into pain so they can help others in the future.
Please fill out the survey if you are:
- Men or women (we really need men as there are only 17 men registered so far and lots of women)!!
- Over the age of 18
- Have had persistent pelvic pain for 6 months or longer
- Not pregnant or have given birth in the last 6 months
- Have not had surgery on any of the pelvic organs, bones, or muscles in the last 6 months
Please be quick because the survey closes mid-September, and the more data collected, the better. Thank you!
SURVEY LINK: https://bit.ly/3s8vXKu
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And if you find this episode helpful, please share it with your folks or networks. One way for us to aid those suffering in silence is to share information that could help them.
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Websites:
https://melissahadleybarrett.com Men’s health only
https://rshealth.com.au/ All genders
http://www.menshealthphysiotherapy.com.au/
Facebook:
https://m.facebook.com/p/Melissa-Hadley-Barrett-100085237672685/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085146627814
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/melissahadleybarrett/
https://www.instagram.com/restorativehealth.clinic/
TikTok: @melissahadleybarrett
YouTube: Melissa Hadley Barrett
Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-hadley-barrett/
Music
David Mercy
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1HbvnltKu4XbWTmk0kpVB9?si=D1xP5dDVQK-zzNU3rViRWg
Producer
Thomas Evans: The SOTA Process
https://www.instagram.com/thesotaprocess/
https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jf2IYXRlgfsiqNARsY8fi
Wednesday Aug 17, 2022
Wednesday Aug 17, 2022
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 robotic prostatectomy work? How about the Cyberknife or even the Nanoknife?
After tons of research, interviews, and complete dedication of his healthcare team, Pedro was confident enough to opt for an open prostatectomy - an operation that is not often considered now for patients with Prostate Cancer. This was considered the best approach with his history.
His operation took 3 to 4 hours, and he was out of the hospital after 4-5 days.
What were the worries of Pedro during the operation? What made him confident about this choice? Did he have infections post-surgery? How are his continence and sexual function today?
All of these questions and more will be answered by Pedro.
A few key takeaways that Pedro would like to share with everyone listening are to NOT be afraid to go to your medical team with a list of questions. And another is (which we also always reiterate) to GET TO IT early, take your tests - since early detection opens more available solutions for you.
Our big takeaway is not one treatment is best for everyone, your case is unique and needs to be considered as such.
To listen to Pedro and his journey of open prostatectomy and after, click the button below.
Resources:
Episode on stomas - https://thepenisproject.org/94-steve-and-his-drive-to-change-lives-for-patients-with-stomas/
Buy your Vacurect Pump - https://rshealth.com.au/product/vacurect-penis-pump/
And if you find this episode helpful, please share it with your folks or networks. One way for us to aid those suffering in silence is to share information that could help them.
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Websites:
https://melissahadleybarrett.com Men’s health only
https://rshealth.com.au/ All genders
http://www.menshealthphysiotherapy.com.au/
Facebook:
https://m.facebook.com/p/Melissa-Hadley-Barrett-100085237672685/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085146627814
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/melissahadleybarrett/
https://www.instagram.com/restorativehealth.clinic/
TikTok: @melissahadleybarrett
YouTube: Melissa Hadley Barrett
Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-hadley-barrett/
Music
David Mercy
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1HbvnltKu4XbWTmk0kpVB9?si=D1xP5dDVQK-zzNU3rViRWg
Producer
Thomas Evans: The SOTA Process
https://www.instagram.com/thesotaprocess/
https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jf2IYXRlgfsiqNARsY8fi
Wednesday Aug 10, 2022
Wednesday Aug 10, 2022
“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 was ok but erectile function was nil. To help with this, he used penis pills, but this didn’t work for him. Then he opted to use the pump. It was ok until things got weird.
Rob noticed that his groin wasn’t feeling right. It felt spongy.
He didn’t know what it was. And because of the pandemic, his only recourse then was consultations through phone calls. It didn’t help… eventually he experienced severe pain in his groin that radiated to his shoulders. It only took 30 seconds of video conference for the doctor to tell him to go to the emergency department immediately.
What he experienced was septic arthritis, which made him stay in the hospital for 12 days… and be on permanent antibiotics.
How do all these things relate to his diagnosis, surgery, and Lymphedema? Rob will explain to you in detail!
According to Rob, the possibility of lymphedema after surgery was not discussed during his pre-op phase. So, he is here with us today to share his experience, the steps he took to find answers, and how he is overcoming it - hoping to help even just one person.
We thank Rob for reaching out to us and we know this episode will help other men recognize the signs and get help.
Hit the button below to start listening.
And if you find this episode helpful, please share it with your folks or networks. One way for us to aid those suffering in silence is to share information that could help them.
----------
Websites:
https://melissahadleybarrett.com Men’s health only
https://rshealth.com.au/ All genders
http://www.menshealthphysiotherapy.com.au/
Facebook:
https://m.facebook.com/p/Melissa-Hadley-Barrett-100085237672685/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085146627814
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/melissahadleybarrett/
https://www.instagram.com/restorativehealth.clinic/
TikTok: @melissahadleybarrett
YouTube: Melissa Hadley Barrett
Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-hadley-barrett/
Music
David Mercy
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1HbvnltKu4XbWTmk0kpVB9?si=D1xP5dDVQK-zzNU3rViRWg
Producer
Thomas Evans: The SOTA Process
https://www.instagram.com/thesotaprocess/
https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jf2IYXRlgfsiqNARsY8fi
Wednesday Aug 03, 2022
Wednesday Aug 03, 2022
“There isn’t a whole lot of discussion about penile rehabilitation.” ~ David
Today, we talk with David, a listener from New York, he contacted us to share his story.
David was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer and has undergone robotic radical prostatectomy. All the numbers after the surgery were good, even his continence.
What was difficult for David was what he was experiencing mentally in relation to his sexual function. Pre-surgery, sexual function effects were brought up. He even shared his intention of having sexual function as top priority over continence. However, that was shrugged off.
Now, David is honest about his struggles to understand what is happening, especially with his penile function. In his words, “the psychological effect of not being able to perform is weighing on his head”.
He has tried multiple ways to address this issue - from undergoing acupuncture, to taking medicines and to using injections. David refuses to give up.
One great thing that David shares is how his orgasms have changed! Orgasms for him now are much longer and stronger - it’s almost incredible, and enjoyable.
Also, if you would like to read his blog, check it here >>
This episode with David is raw and we appreciate his honesty. We wish him the best in his journey and thank him for expressing what we believe many men feel.
Have a listen through the button below.
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If you feel The Penis Project is valuable to you then, please review and subscribe as this will ensure more people get to hear what we have to say.
----------
Websites:
https://melissahadleybarrett.com Men’s health only
https://rshealth.com.au/ All genders
http://www.menshealthphysiotherapy.com.au/
Facebook:
https://m.facebook.com/p/Melissa-Hadley-Barrett-100085237672685/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085146627814
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/melissahadleybarrett/
https://www.instagram.com/restorativehealth.clinic/
TikTok: @melissahadleybarrett
YouTube: Melissa Hadley Barrett
Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-hadley-barrett/
Music
David Mercy
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1HbvnltKu4XbWTmk0kpVB9?si=D1xP5dDVQK-zzNU3rViRWg
Producer
Thomas Evans: The SOTA Process
Wednesday Jul 27, 2022
Wednesday Jul 27, 2022
Laughter is the best medicine, they say. And today, our guest might just explain why that can be true.
Meet Bianca Spears, THE laughter coach. Bianca works to help people relieve stress, and tension, and rest their minds through using laughter. She says laughter is a path to neuro pathways.
In today’s episode, you will learn about the power of laughing, the science behind why it is great medicine, and experience the exercise yourself.
The main takeaway is this: When you’re having fun and laughing, you become more open to new things (Melissa provides a perfect example!).
If you’re feeling a bit down today, know that by simply smiling and laughing, you activate the positive chemicals in your body - your DOSE which stands for:
- Dopamine which helps with motivation
- Oxytocin, the bonding chemical, laugh chemical, is activated when hugging, kissing, etc
- Serotonin which helps stabilize mood
- Endorphins which are called the ‘happy hormones’ but are not technically a hormone
But how does laughter help with your sexual function? Bianca will explain. Part of the discussion will also include what happens to your pelvic floor when laughing.
Be ready because this episode may just convince you that you need to add laughing in your daily routine.
If after listening to the episode, you would like to attend a laughter exercise, fill out this form>> or send an email to support@rshealth.com.au
If we get enough interest we will run an online session.
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If you feel The Penis Project is valuable to you then, please review and subscribe as this will ensure more people get to hear what we have to say.
----------
Websites:
https://melissahadleybarrett.com Men’s health only
https://rshealth.com.au/ All genders
http://www.menshealthphysiotherapy.com.au/
Facebook:
https://m.facebook.com/p/Melissa-Hadley-Barrett-100085237672685/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085146627814
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/melissahadleybarrett/
https://www.instagram.com/restorativehealth.clinic/
TikTok: @melissahadleybarrett
YouTube: Melissa Hadley Barrett
Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-hadley-barrett/
Music
David Mercy
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1HbvnltKu4XbWTmk0kpVB9?si=D1xP5dDVQK-zzNU3rViRWg
Producer
Thomas Evans: The SOTA Process
Wednesday Jul 20, 2022
Wednesday Jul 20, 2022
“It’s ok to say I want back what was me before. It’s ok to say I want the quality of life back.” ~ Steve
Today, we talk with Steve. Steve is an experienced physiotherapist who lived with a temporary ileostomy for 7 months post resection, after surgery due to Bowel Cancer.
He decided to choose quality of life over quantity when he opted to stop his 2nd chemotherapy midway, focusing on improved choices of lifestyle - fitness, food, good relationships, etc.
However, this experience was also an eye opener for Steve. From bouts of erectile dysfunction, Peyronies, and to the challenges of having a stoma on his abdomen.
All this led to his discovery and invention - an invention geared towards lessening the challenges of patients with a stoma.
Listen here to this inspiring story from Steve.
And remember, from Steve’s message, U-can!
For the link to U-Can’s website, please don’t forget to check the show notes.
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If you feel The Penis Project is valuable to you then, please review and subscribe as this will ensure more people get to hear what we have to say.
----------
Websites:
https://melissahadleybarrett.com Men’s health only
https://rshealth.com.au/ All genders
http://www.menshealthphysiotherapy.com.au/
Facebook:
https://m.facebook.com/p/Melissa-Hadley-Barrett-100085237672685/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085146627814
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/melissahadleybarrett/
https://www.instagram.com/restorativehealth.clinic/
TikTok: @melissahadleybarrett
YouTube: Melissa Hadley Barrett
Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-hadley-barrett/
Music
David Mercy
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1HbvnltKu4XbWTmk0kpVB9?si=D1xP5dDVQK-zzNU3rViRWg
Producer
Thomas Evans: The SOTA Process
Wednesday Jul 13, 2022
Wednesday Jul 13, 2022
We live everyday, we only die once.” ~ Brad Millsteed
Did you know that the research says that blokes (when conversing with other blokes) prefer to talk side by side rather than face to face?
Well, our guest for today Brad from the #6Bs agrees.
Perhaps, you’ve already heard about #6Bs. But if not, this is your chance.
#6Bs is a group of normal blokes trying to encourage men to connect with each other.
Which brings us to what the B’s mean - you can probably guess the first two, Blokes and Bonfires. What about the other 4? It’s Barbeque, Beers, Bonding, and… Bull****.
How did #6Bs start? With a bonfire, of course! And, through another bird’s help, Twitter.
Listen to Brad as he shares how the #6Bs was formed, what it aims to achieve, why it’s important to also focus on yourself, how reaching out to others is crucial, and why they don’t add marshmallows to their bonfires.
Brad also gives us a very insightful thought about using medicines for mental health, which Melissa totally agrees with.
To put it in perspective, if you put all the good fertilizer in your crop, why not put it in your brain if it helps with it?
It’s another great episode to listen to. Enjoy! We hope, whether blokes or babes, you are encouraged to reach out or be more aware of the friends we have around.
If you or know someone going through the black dog, please feel free to reach out to us or to Brad and his team, to Mark from Man Walk. You can also reach out to Owen from the Regional Men’s Health Initiative.
To see what the #6Bs is all about, visit their website below:
https://www.6bs.com.au/index.php
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If you feel The Penis Project is valuable to you then, please review and subscribe as this will ensure more people get to hear what we have to say.
----------
Websites:
https://melissahadleybarrett.com Men’s health only
https://rshealth.com.au/ All genders
http://www.menshealthphysiotherapy.com.au/
Facebook:
https://m.facebook.com/p/Melissa-Hadley-Barrett-100085237672685/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085146627814
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/melissahadleybarrett/
https://www.instagram.com/restorativehealth.clinic/
TikTok: @melissahadleybarrett
YouTube: Melissa Hadley Barrett
Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-hadley-barrett/
Music
David Mercy
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1HbvnltKu4XbWTmk0kpVB9?si=D1xP5dDVQK-zzNU3rViRWg
Producer
Thomas Evans: The SOTA Process