The Penis Project Podcast: Breaking Taboos in Men’s Sexual Health

In this episode of The Penis Project Podcast, Melissa sits down with Don and Clare, a couple who have lived through the messy, emotional and often under discussed reality of prostate cancer recovery. 

Don was diagnosed just before his 65th birthday after his PSA rose from around 4 to over 9. A biopsy showed aggressive Gleason 9 prostate cancer, and within six weeks his prostate was removed. His PSA is now undetectable, which is the result everyone hopes for. But, as Don and Clare explain, being “cancer-free” did not mean life went back to normal.  

After surgery, Don experienced severe ongoing urinary incontinence. Despite doing all the pelvic floor exercises and following instructions, he was still incontinent 18 months later. Eventually, after further review, he was referred for an artificial urinary sphincter, which has made a huge difference to his quality of life.  

This episode is about more than leakage, pads, clips and surgery. It is about what happens when a man feels lost in the medical system. It is about the emotional toll of prostate cancer on both partners. It is about the importance of honesty, asking questions, changing teams if needed, and remembering that there is a person attached to the prostate. 

In This Episode, We Cover: 

The emotional impact of severe urinary leakage  

Why pelvic floor exercises do not fix every case of incontinence  

What can be done when continence doesn’t recover 

Clare’s perspective as a partner watching Don struggle  

How hormone therapy affected Don’s mood, personality and relationship  

The importance of being told the full picture, not just the “curative” plan  

Why some men need an artificial urinary sphincter  

The importance of second opinions and finding a team that sees the whole person  

Why prostate cancer recovery is a couple’s issue, not just a man’s issue 

 

Key Takeaway: An undetectable PSA is wonderful, but it is not the whole story; quality of life matters. 

 

Key message from Don and Clare:  

People need honest information. 

Don and Clare do not regret the cancer treatment. Don says the surgery likely saved his life. But they both wish they had been told earlier that his continence recovery was unlikely to happen without further intervention. Clare explains that people may not want bad news, but they do want the truth. 

That truth gives people options. It helps them plan. It helps them understand that they are not failing. And it can prevent months, or even years, of unnecessary suffering. 

 

Resources & Links: 

Book a telehealth consult with our sexual health nurse practitioners at Restorative Health Clinic 

For more information check out our websites www.rshealth.com.au , www.makehardeasy.com.au and www.melissahadleybarrett.com.au  

Listen & Subscribe 

If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! Your feedback helps us continue bringing important conversations to light. Search for The Penis Project Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite podcast app. 

Connect With Us 

 We love hearing from real people navigating penile health. If you’d like to share your journey or ask a question, get in touch.  

 

Email: admin@melissahadleybarrett.com 
 

Websites: 

https://rshealth.com.au/  All genders 

https://makehardeasy.com.au  

https://melissahadleybarrett.com  

http://prost.com.au/ 

 Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/melissahadleybarrett/ 

https://www.instagram.com/restorativehealth.clinic/ 

 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@melissahadleybarrett  

TikTok: @melissahadleybarrett 

 

Facebook: 

https://m.facebook.com/p/Melissa-Hadley-Barrett-100085237672685/ 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085146627814 

 

Linkedin: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-hadley-barrett/ 

 TEDX 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjHj1YTmLoA

In this episode of The Penis Project Podcast, Melissa speaks with Sophie Smith, a prostate cancer specialist nurse based in the UK, about what prostate cancer nursing looks like on the other side of the world. 

Sophie has been nursing for 23 years, with her entire career connected to urology and prostate cancer care. She now works with Prostate Cancer UK, providing information, support and guidance to men, partners and families navigating prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment decisions, side effects and life after treatment. 

Melissa and Sophie compare the UK and Australian systems, including the role of prostate cancer nurses, access to sexual rehabilitation, erectile dysfunction care, psychosexual support, pelvic floor education, penile implants, radiation therapy, hormone therapy and the sometimes-controversial topic of lymph node removal. 

This episode is a thoughtful and practical conversation about the parts of prostate cancer treatment that are not always discussed enough: erections, identity, relationships, grief, masculinity, intimacy and the importance of having someone safe to talk to. 

And yes, as always, we talk about penises. Because ignoring them has never helped anyone. 

Sophie’s biggest message to men going through prostate cancer treatment is to reach out and get support. Prostate cancer can feel lonely, especially when the changes affect sex, relationships and mental wellbeing. But you do not need to sit with those worries by yourself. 

Sometimes the hardest part is starting the conversation. Once one brave person says, “Actually, this has been difficult for me,” the floodgates often open. 

 

Resources & Links: 

Prostate Cancer UK has a range of services that can help see links below: 

https://prostatecanceruk.org/ 

support services page with all the support we offer: https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/get-support 

 

Sexual Support: https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/get-support/sexual-support 

Partners Support Group: https://tackleprostate.org/support-groups/national-prostate-cancer-partners-support-group/ 

Book an appointment with our sexual health nurse practitioners at Restorative Health Clinic 

For more information check out our websites www.rshealth.com.au , www.makehardeasy.com.au and www.melissahadleybarrett.com 

Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia https://www.pcfa.org.au/  

Need support? 

At Restorative Health Clinic and Make Hard Easy, we support men and their partners with: 

penile rehabilitation after prostate cancer treatment 

erectile dysfunction 

peyronie’s disease 

premature ejaculation 

intimacy and sexual recovery 

partner-inclusive support where appropriate 

practical, evidence-based strategies for getting confidence back 

We offer in clinic consultations in Australia and telehealth consultations Australia/ World-wide, making it easier for men to access experienced, compassionate support no matter where they live. 

Listen & Subscribe 

If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! Your feedback helps us continue bringing important conversations to light. Search for The Penis Project Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite podcast app. 

Connect With Us 

 We love hearing from real people, navigating penile health. If you’d like to share your journey or ask a question, get in touch. Email: admin@rshealth.com.au 
 

Websites: 

https://rshealth.com.au/  All genders 

https://makehardeasy.com.au  

https://melissahadleybarrett.com  

Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/melissahadleybarrett/ 

https://www.instagram.com/restorativehealth.clinic/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@melissahadleybarrett  

TikTok: @melissahadleybarrett 

Facebook: 

https://m.facebook.com/p/Melissa-Hadley-Barrett-100085237672685/ 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085146627814 

Linkedin: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-hadley-barrett/ 

 TEDX: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjHj1YTmLoA

Host: Melissa Hadley Barrett  
Guests: Rob and Linda 

Category: Penile Implants| Prostate Cancer | Buried Penis | Penile Rehabilitation | Erectile Dysfunction| Men’s Health | Peyronie’s Disease 

Episode Summary:  

On this episode of The Penis Project Podcast, Melissa Hadley Barrett speaks with Rob about his experience of prostate cancer, recovery after treatment, and the very real ups and downs of getting back to life after diagnosis. 

This is a practical, honest, and hopeful conversation that walks through what recovery can look like for a man after prostate cancer treatment. Rob shares his story with openness and humour, talking about everything from preparing for surgery and losing weight beforehand, through to dealing with a catheter, continence recovery, penile rehabilitation, Peyronie’s disease, and eventually having a penile implant.  

Melissa reflects on working with Rob across different stages of his recovery, including using tadalafil, a vacuum pump, injections, and later navigating a period of Peyronie’s disease. What comes through strongly in this episode is that recovery is rarely a straight line. Sometimes things improve steadily, sometimes there are unexpected detours, and sometimes the plan changes along the way. That does not mean things have failed it just means the journey is real and sometimes there is a bend in the road(pun intended).  

Rob also talks about the emotional side of surgery and treatment. He was not necessarily thinking the worst would happen, but there was still worry about consequences, loss, and what life might look like on the other side. Melissa also brings in Linda, Rob’s partner, which adds another important layer to the conversation, the support of a positive, involved partner can make a real difference during recovery.  

One of the really valuable parts of this episode is the reminder that there is no single “right” recovery story. Rob had early continence challenges, but improved quite quickly with pelvic floor exercises, walking, and staying engaged in his rehab. He later developed Peyronie’s disease, which Melissa discusses in the context of connective tissue tendencies and risk factors, and eventually went on to have a penile implant, which he describes as something he noticed was there but did not find especially troubling and has improved his quality of life.  

Rob shares that his PSA is now undetectable, and despite the wobbly recovery path, he and his partner are active, travelling, getting on with life, and doing well. That matters, because many men fear that prostate cancer treatment means life is permanently diminished. This episode is a good reminder that life can still be full, active, intimate, and meaningful after treatment.  

Thankfully, recovery is often less about one magical fix and more about stickability(Melissa’s favourite made up word), persistence, support, and finding the right next step. 

Who should listen: 

This episode is for: 

men preparing for or recovering from prostate cancer treatment 

men dealing with erection changes or continence issues after surgery 

men curious about penile rehabilitation or penile implants 

partners supporting someone through prostate cancer recovery 

health professionals wanting a real patient perspective on rehab and recovery 

 
Need support? 

At Restorative Health Clinic, we support men and their partners with: 

penile rehabilitation after prostate cancer treatment 

erectile dysfunction 

peyronie’s disease 

premature ejaculation 

intimacy and sexual recovery 

partner-inclusive support where appropriate 

practical, evidence-based strategies for getting confidence back 

We offer telehealth consultations Australia/ World-wide, making it easier for men to access experienced, compassionate support no matter where they live. 

Resources & Links: 

Book a telehealth consult with our sexual health nurse practitioners at Restorative Health Clinic 

For more information check out our websites www.rshealth.com.au , www.makehardeasy.com.au and www.melissahadleybarrett.com 

Listen & Subscribe 

If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! Your feedback helps us continue bringing important conversations to light. Search for The Penis Project Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite podcast app. 

Connect With Us 

We love hearing from real people, navigating penile health. If you’d like to share your journey or ask a question, get in touch. Email: admin@rshealth.com.au 
 

Websites: 

https://rshealth.com.au/  All genders 

https://makehardeasy.com.au  

https://melissahadleybarrett.com  

Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/melissahadleybarrett/ 

https://www.instagram.com/restorativehealth.clinic/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@melissahadleybarrett  

TikTok: @melissahadleybarrett 

Facebook: 

https://m.facebook.com/p/Melissa-Hadley-Barrett-100085237672685/ 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085146627814 

Linkedin: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-hadley-barrett/ 

 TEDX: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjHj1YTmLoA

What started as one man trying to make sense of prostate cancer became poetry, advocacy, and a way of helping other men feel less alone. 

In this episode of The Penis Project, Melissa is joined again by Steve Jones, known to many listeners as the poet who didn’t know it. Steve is now five years on from prostate cancer treatment and he reflects on PSA anxiety, recovery, poetry, weight loss, peer support, and finding purpose in the aftermath of a life-changing diagnosis. This is an honest, moving, and hopeful conversation for men, partners, and anyone navigating life after treatment. 

Steve shares his experience of being diagnosed during COVID, having a radical robotic prostatectomy, and then feeling like he was left to work out the rest on his own. He speaks honestly about PSA anxiety, the emotional toll of survivorship, and the reality that even years later, follow-up testing can still stir up fear. 

But this episode is not just about cancer. It is also about what can grow in the aftermath of a hard diagnosis. 

Steve talks about how prostate cancer unexpectedly opened the door to poetry, advocacy, deeper connection, better health, and a renewed sense of purpose. He also shares his work with A Touchy Subject, where he helps facilitate peer support chats for men navigating prostate cancer, sexual recovery, penile implants, incontinence surgery, and the many challenges no one talks about enough. 

Melissa and Steve also discuss the importance of early testing, why men need better access to holistic care after treatment, and how simple lifestyle changes like weight loss, movement, and resistance training can make a real difference to health, confidence, and recovery. 

This is a moving, funny, wise conversation about fear, resilience, and making something meaningful out of a difficult experience. 

 

About Steve 

Steve Jones is a prostate cancer survivor, writer, poet, advocate, and peer support facilitator. Since his diagnosis and treatment, he has become a strong voice for men navigating prostate cancer recovery, sharing his experience through poetry, media interviews, support groups, and community advocacy. 

Resources & Links: 

Book a telehealth consult with our sexual health nurse practitioners at Restorative Health Clinic 

For more information check out our websites www.rshealth.com.au , www.makehardeasy.com.au and www.melissahadleybarrett.com 

Steve Jones’ book Words Woke Me https://rshealth.com.au/shop/p/words-woke-me-prostate-cancer-poetry-book  

A Touchy Subject https://www.atouchysubject.com/  

Steve’s previous two appearances on The Penis Project: https://thepenisproject.podbean.com/e/126-steve-the-poet-who-didn-t-know-it/  https://thepenisproject.podbean.com/e/151-words-woke-me/   

True North on the Movember website https://truenorth.movember.com/  

Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia https://www.pcfa.org.au/  

Need support? 

At Restorative Health Clinic and Make Hard Easy, we support men and their partners with: 

penile rehabilitation after prostate cancer treatment 

erectile dysfunction 

peyronie’s disease 

premature ejaculation 

intimacy and sexual recovery 

partner-inclusive support where appropriate 

practical, evidence-based strategies for getting confidence back 

We offer telehealth consultations Australia/ World-wide, making it easier for men to access experienced, compassionate support no matter where they live. 

 

Listen & Subscribe 

If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! Your feedback helps us continue bringing important conversations to light. Search for The Penis Project Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite podcast app. 

Connect With Us 

 We love hearing from real people, navigating penile health. If you’d like to share your journey or ask a question, get in touch. Email: admin@rshealth.com.au 
 

Websites: 

https://rshealth.com.au/  All genders 

https://makehardeasy.com.au  

https://melissahadleybarrett.com  

Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/melissahadleybarrett/ 

https://www.instagram.com/restorativehealth.clinic/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@melissahadleybarrett  

TikTok: @melissahadleybarrett 

Facebook: 

https://m.facebook.com/p/Melissa-Hadley-Barrett-100085237672685/ 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085146627814 

Linkedin: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-hadley-barrett/ 

 TEDX: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjHj1YTmLoA

Host: Melissa Hadley Barrett  
Guest: Richard Connell  

Category: Men’s Sexual Health | Peyronie’s Disease | Penile Rehabilitation | Erectile Dysfunction  

Episode Summary:  

Peyronie’s disease can affect much more than the penis. It can impact confidence, intimacy, relationships, and emotional wellbeing. Many men suffer in silence or give up on treatment when it feels too hard, too uncomfortable, or too embarrassing to talk about. 

Episode Description: 

In this follow-up episode of The Penis Project Podcast, Melissa Hadley Barrett welcomes back Richard Connell, inventor of the Comfort Grip, to talk about what’s changed since his first appearance on the show (Episode 194). 

If you’ve ever struggled with the original RestoreX clamp (or any traction device) slipping, pinching, bruising, or simply being too awkward to use consistently, this episode is packed with practical insights. Melissa and Richard discuss why so many men give up on traction therapy too early, and how small design changes can make a huge difference to comfort, confidence, and long-term results.  

Richard explains how the Comfort Grip helps men who find the standard clamp too painful, too fiddly, or too difficult to reach in a flaccid state. The conversation also explores his newer innovation, the Comfort Bend, which is designed to make counter bending more comfortable by reducing pressure points and improving the way force is distributed during treatment.  

Melissa also shares what she’s seeing in clinic, including how these add-ons are helping men stay consistent with traction therapy, especially those with Peyronie’s disease, penile shortening, or difficulty tolerating the original setup. The episode finishes with a broader discussion about innovation in men’s health, the lag between clinical evidence and real-world problem-solving, and why practical, low-risk solutions matter so much in this space.  

In this episode we cover: 

Why some men find penile traction therapy difficult to tolerate 

Common problems with the standard RestoreX clamp, including slipping and discomfort 

How the Comfort Grip may help improve comfort and usability 

What the Comfort Bend is and why it may help with counter bending 

Why consistency matters in Peyronie’s disease treatment 

The challenges some uncircumcised men may experience with traction devices 

Why practical solutions in men’s health can make a real difference 

How better support and better design may help men stay engaged in treatment 

About  Richard Connell: 

Richard Connell is the inventor of the Comfort Grip, an accessory designed to improve comfort and usability for men using the RestoreX penile traction device. His work has focused on solving the real problems men report when trying to use traction therapy consistently, including pain, slipping, awkward setup, and difficulty with counterbending. 

 
Need support with Peyronie’s disease? 

At Restorative Health Clinic, we support men with: 

Peyronie’s disease 

erectile dysfunction 

Premature ejaculation 

Phimosis 

penile rehabilitation after prostate cancer treatment 

sexual recovery and confidence 

men’s health concerns affecting intimacy and wellbeing 

We offer telehealth consultations Australia/ World-wide, making it easier for men to access experienced, compassionate support no matter where they live. 

Resources & Links: 

Book a telehealth consult with our sexual health nurse practitioners at Restorative Health Clinic 

For more information check out our websites www.rshealth.com.au , www.makehardeasy.com.au and www.melissahadleybarrett.com 

Listen & Subscribe 

If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! Your feedback helps us continue bringing important conversations to light. Search for The Penis Project Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite podcast app. 

Connect With Us 

We love hearing from real people, navigating penile health. If you’d like to share your journey or ask a question, get in touch. Email: admin@rshealth.com.au 
 

Websites: 

https://rshealth.com.au/  All genders 

https://makehardeasy.com.au  

https://melissahadleybarrett.com  

Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/melissahadleybarrett/ 

https://www.instagram.com/restorativehealth.clinic/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@melissahadleybarrett  

TikTok: @melissahadleybarrett 

Facebook: 

https://m.facebook.com/p/Melissa-Hadley-Barrett-100085237672685/ 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085146627814 

Linkedin: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-hadley-barrett/ 

 TEDX: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjHj1YTmLoA