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Welcome to The Penis Project Podcast. Connecting men through science, stories, solutions but most of all support. Founded by Melissa Hadley Barrett & Dr Jo Milios (PHD), this podcast is dedicated to stories from men who have bravely recognised the importance of sharing their experiences, breaking down stigmas, and having no-filter chats about sexual health, cancer treatment and recovery, relationships and everything in between. This is your online men’s health support group where I answer questions you’ve always had but are too embarrassed to ask. https://melissahadleybarrett.com/podcast/
Episodes

Wednesday Oct 11, 2023
150: Making Every Day Count: Malcolm’s Road to Recovery
Wednesday Oct 11, 2023
Wednesday Oct 11, 2023
In this episode of The Penis Project Podcast, I have a chat with Malcolm, a 60 year old scientist who was diagnosed with prostate cancer two years ago. Malcolm candidly shares his post prostatectomy experience, elevated Gleason scores and the need for ongoing radiation therapy post-surgery.
He also reflects on his lifelong role as being the one standing strong when everyone else falls down, and the significant adjustment it was to allow himself the rest and care he truly needed.
While his journey hasn’t been all sunshine and sometimes plunged him into low moments, he reflects on the necessity of surrendering the constant need for total control. Instead, he learned to trust his medical team and take action where he could.
Malcolm shared some wisdom that resonated with me during our chat. He said something that I think many can take to heart if faced with the challenges of cancer and fears for the future: "Don't let cancer make your decisions for you".
- Summary (Outline Only)
The topics discussed in today's podcast include:
- Exercise as medicine
- Starting antidepressants
- Preparing for radiation
- A shift in mindset
- Turning off the scientist brain
- Drug trials and hormone treatment
- The impact on family and friends
- The importance of a good support network
- Revaluating life after a cancer diagnosis
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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/

Wednesday Sep 27, 2023
Wednesday Sep 27, 2023
In the latest episode of The Penis Project Podcast, I chat with Trevor, who bravely shares his personal journey battling prostate cancer. Trevor has a special way of explaining his journey. He sees it like a game of "whack-a-mole," where life keeps popping up and surprising him with challenges.
Trevor begins by recounting his diagnosis, which came about during his weight loss journey through bariatric surgery.
What makes Trevor's story unique is that he was advised against prostate removal and pursued an alternative treatment path instead. We'll get into the nitty-gritty of those treatments and dive into how he's been feeling emotionally and physically. It'll give you a real sense of the strength and determination he's shown while dealing with his diagnosis.
- Summary (Outline Only)
The topics discussed in today's podcast include:
- Diagnosis post bariatric surgery
- Dealing with advanced cancer that spread
- Radiation
- Loss of libido & hot flushes
- GAP4 Health Programs and Exercise
- Mental Health
- Weight gain after a significant weight loss journey
- Positive Side Effects
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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/

Wednesday Sep 13, 2023
148: Prostate Cancer - The Silver Lining/Fit, Fabulous Before 50
Wednesday Sep 13, 2023
Wednesday Sep 13, 2023
On this episode of The Penis Project I chat with Brook, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the young age of 47. Having experienced zero symptoms, Brook’s decision to get tested was prompted by his brother's own diagnosis just a year prior, at the age of 44.
Following his surgery, Brook experienced a remarkable recovery (I’m talking the return of erections while his catheter was still inserted!).
However, he also emphasizes the vital lesson he gained about the importance of allowing your body to recuperate and embracing a slower pace for healing. Brook's journey is a testament to the importance of early detection and proactive health choices.
- Summary (Outline Only)
The topics discussed in today's podcast include:
- The challenges with getting tested
- Brook’s Pre-Op Game Plan
- Lifestyle Changes
- Post-surgery experiences
- The fast recovery and return of erections
- Catheter Pain
- Leakage and Incontinence
- Dealing with Climacturia
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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/

Wednesday Aug 30, 2023
147. Reece’s Accident at Work, at 17
Wednesday Aug 30, 2023
Wednesday Aug 30, 2023
Injury and Penile Health
What would you do if, at 17, you had an accident that affected your sexual function?
Today, Reece will answer that question and share with us his story.
At 17 years old, Reece had a work accident that changed his life and sexual function forever. That was 12 years ago, and Reece is now 29.
Listen as he shares what happened that time at work, to his recovery that required him to use a catheter and a stoma for almost 6 months, to navigating the dating scene now that he is 29, his FIFO work, and how that accident made him the person who he is today.
- Summary (Outline only)
The topics discussed in today’s podcast include:
- Forklift accident
- Reece’s hospital journey: catheter use, stoma
- Fertility discussion
- Remedies he uses for penile health
- Spinal injury and penile health
- Recovery
- What dating looks like for a 29 year-old guy
- And more
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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/

Wednesday Aug 16, 2023
146. Your Partner’s Solution to Painful Sex
Wednesday Aug 16, 2023
Wednesday Aug 16, 2023
Hear it from Sarah and her THERMIVa experience
If your partner is experiencing painful sex even while using a lubricant, THERMIva might be the answer.
Our guest today, Sarah, was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 36. Part of her treatment required her to be put into menopause early… that means hot flushes that come on hard and fast, loss of hair, and being dry down there.
So, four months into her treatment, Sarah started to notice pain while having sex. So painful that not even a long shower can relieve it.
A chance encounter with Kendall introduced her to THERMIVA. With this treatment, Sarah says that from 8/10 pain during sex, it’s now ZERO.
This treatment is not just for breast cancer survivors it is for all women with this issue. A non-hormonal option to treat vaginal atrophy, dryness and discomfort.
Summary (Outline only)
Some of the topics that were discussed in the episode are:
- Getting diagnosed with cancer at 36
- Why was Sarah put into menopause as part of her treatment
- Painful sex during treatment and why
- THERMIVa treatment; the procedure from start to finish
- What a person would feel while undergoing THERMIVa
- Effects of THERMIVa on Sarah’s sex life
Resources
Book you or your partner’s THERMIVa session today. Contact admin@rshealth.com.au
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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/

Tuesday Aug 08, 2023
145. Ryan’s story with HIV; The good, the beautiful, the lemonade
Tuesday Aug 08, 2023
Tuesday Aug 08, 2023
How far has science progressed with treating HIV? Quite far and Ryan will share all the details.
Today’s episode will give you a peak into Ryan’s life - from his HIV diagnosis, to breaking the news to his family, to recovering from work discrimination, and to conquering life. Cliché as it may sound but Ryan did make lemonades from lemons.
As you listen to this episode, we hope it gives you a glimpse of what HIV is now, how it’s being treated, the daily experiences of HIV patients and why there shouldn’t be fear and discrimination but instead love and acceptance.
Summary Outline
Today’s episode discusses about:
- Ryan’s HIV diagnosis
- Sharing HIV news to family and opening about being gay
- What you can do when diagnosed with HIV
- Discrimination in the workplace for people with HIV
- Bouncing back up from this
- Foot fetishes
- Current treatment for patients now
- How it’s like with dating and life
- Treatment options available for heterosexual men with or without HIV
- Who are bug chasers
- Condom use for protection
- And a lot more
Here is Ryan's message for a new HIV diagnosee:
BREATHE!!! This is not the end of your life but the beginning. Think on the bright side it’s all “POSITIVE” from here on!!!!
- Touch base with your local HIV organisation. They will have counselling services and/or a Peer Navigation programme or be able to point you to one. In Perth there is POWA(Positive Organisation WA).
- Find an HIV+ Peer and get peer support or even a group of peers. In perth we have a monthly brunch for People with HIV.
- Even if you don’t think you need counselling engage with one, its surprising how even when you think you have things sorted how the discrimination affects you.
- Engage with your specialist/Dr around your treatment options you don’t have accept the first one they suggest. It’s your own body you decide what goes in it and there are multiple HIV treatment regimens available now with different side effects what is best for me is not necessarily the best for you.
Enjoy listening!
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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

Saturday Jul 22, 2023
144. Going Beyond the Dad Bod; Meet Liam
Saturday Jul 22, 2023
Saturday Jul 22, 2023
Today, we speak with Liam Sorrell, the founder/director of Grit and Gratitude, and also the chair of Australian Dad’s Network.
Both of these organisations have one goal in common, mental health and community.
Grit and Gratitude seeks to provide mental health services for individuals. Whilst the Australian Dad’s Network is for dads of Australia, to help them be the best man, dad, and husband they can be.
To know how Liam got into this role, from a supposed diving gig, to becoming a father, and to finally becoming a support advocate for individuals - make sure to have a listen!
Links to Liam’s website is below:
https://www.gritandgratitude.com.au/
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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

Friday Jul 14, 2023
143. Bone Cancer at Age 34 - Recovery, Effects, and 4cms less
Friday Jul 14, 2023
Friday Jul 14, 2023
Jason was diagnosed with bone cancer in November last year, at the age of 34.
First thought to be caused by baby hernia, the massive pain in Jason’s groin was actually due to a large lump over his pelvic bone that was protruding inwards. After a visit to a radiologist who referred him to a doctor and a series of MRI scans and biopsies, Jason received news he never expected.
Much the same with everyone receiving news like this, Jason didn’t understand one bit. So, he mustered up his courage and talked to his doctor. He then met with the team who will handle his operation, Dr Charlie Gardener. With this first meeting, Jason felt safe. Here he learned about the procedure to be done, which is THE first here in Australia, and the dreadful possibility of losing limb.
We can say that the 10-hr operation was a success, but the recovery was difficult. Albeit difficult, Jason says what happened changed him for the better.
From his diagnosis to his account of how extensive his surgery was - imagine amputation and hip repair, to regaining strength through biking, to losing 4 cms (of you know what) and gaining it back, make sure to buckle up with a few tissues on hand. Jason will take us on an amazing ride that’s a first here in the P*nis Project podcast.
As for Jason’s sexual health, it’s a work in progress. Or say, a comeback in progress.
To see the details mentioned in the episode like pictures and links, please make sure to read the show notes.
Start listening through the button below.
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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

Monday Jul 03, 2023
Monday Jul 03, 2023
So, any regular listener of The Penis Project will know I am always ‘banging’ on about how important nocturnal erections are to penile health. Until now, trying to ascertain whether a man is having this all-important exercise was a guessing game but there is an invention that enables you to objectively test this at home. The bonus is it doubles as a cock ring!
This ring is quite amazing , not only does it connect to your phone and give you information about nocturnal erections it can also be worn during sex for extra titillation for your partner and it is made of a very special product that means it still lets the atrial blood flow in whilst wearing it, this means no more blue tinge to the shaft and it is safe to wear all night (most cock rings can only be left on for 30 min).
As a bonus, it provides light pressure to the urethra which apparently improves orgasm sensation…
Elliott, the inventor, doesn’t know if it will prevent arousal leakage and climacturia so if you have this problem, please email us as we would like to do some research into this subject.
The other amazing thing about this clever little device is if you think a medication you are taking is affecting your erectile function you can now test it by measuring rigidity pre and post the medication over time.
Needless to say, I am very excited about this product and will definitely be getting Roger the Resident Penis to try this out! We will keep you posted.
Check out links below for more info. This will soon be available in our clinic and online store.
https://myfirmtech.com/pages/our-story
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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 Jun 21, 2023
141. Mike the Determinator and Samantha the Bewitcher
Wednesday Jun 21, 2023
Wednesday Jun 21, 2023
Meet Mike and Samantha, they contacted The Penis Project as they were keen to share their story, which is one of love, connection and romance.
Samantha and Mike had been married for 45 years. And through it all, have enjoyed a very healthy and active sex life. This halted when they both got diagnosed with cancer - endometrial for Samantha and prostate for Mike.
Mike was very open with his doctor about the importance of his sexual function after treatment. His doctor understood his predicament and offered nerve-sparing surgery.
Like most men, Mike had problems with incontinence after surgery which affected his sexual function amongst other things, and this caused him to feel depressed. Thankfully, with help from his healthcare team, Samantha and himself, he was able to overcome it.
Now, less than a year post-op, Mike advocates the use of pumps, injections, and exploring things to make your sex life better. Samantha also shares the importance of finding all the information available to aid recovery. Be your own advocate is her motto.
The same with all the others who we had in the podcast - Mike and Samantha encourage anyone to have yourself checked. Just get checked.
And lastly, Mike and Samantha's advice to others is this: 'To just refuse to grow up'. When they go out on dates, they always sit on same side of the dinner booth.... they're always holding hands when out... always have an arm around each other at the theater...etc., and people ask from time to time why they're so happy together after 46 years of being together.... and her comment to those folks are that "we have refused to grow up"! And they make it a point after love making sessions to look at each other and ask cheerfully "what's wrong with us at 65 & 70 yrs old"? And their answer is always the same to others as well as themselves...."we just refuse to grow up"!!
Thank you, Samantha and Mike, for sharing your story with us!
----------
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