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

Let’s talk bollocks — literally. In this candid and funny episode of The Penis Project Podcast, Melissa chats with Kurt Brookes and James McConnell, co-hosts of the bold new podcast Never Mind My Bollocks, produced by Made in Manchester. Together, they’re breaking the silence around vasectomy — a topic often buried in myths, awkwardness, and outdated notions of masculinity. 

Kurt, a comedy creator, and James, an NHS scientist and geneticist, bring their lived experience and friendship to the mic. What started as a casual post-comedy-night confession (“You’ve had one too?!”) became a mission to normalise the conversation about vasectomy — with honesty, humour, and zero shame. 

From misconceptions about “losing your manhood” to the truth about recovery, ejaculation, and “blue balls,” this episode goes where most won’t — cutting through the misinformation with science, storytelling, and a laugh or two. 

In This Episode, We Cover: 

How Never Mind My Bollocks began and why the world needs to talk about vasectomy 

Myths that persist: masculinity, testosterone, and “dry orgasms” 

What really happens before, during, and after the snip 

Why vasectomy doesn’t make you “less of a man” 

Lived experience vs. medical expertise — and why both matter 

Common misconceptions around reversibility, chronic pain, and recovery 

How humour helps break taboo around men’s sexual health 

Kurt Brookes is Deputy Creative Director at Made in Manchester. James McConnell is a geneticist and allied health professional working within the NHS. Together, they created Never Mind My Bollocks to make vasectomy conversations real, relatable, and stigma-free — sharing stories from men and experts alike to help others make informed choices about their reproductive health. 

 

 Listen to Never Mind My Bollocks on all major podcast platforms. 

 

Key Takeaway: 
Talking about vasectomy shouldn’t be taboo. Kurt and James remind us that openness — not silence — is the real sign of strength. 

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: [email protected] 
 

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

In this special episode of The Penis Project Podcast, the tables are turned — and Melissa Hadley Barrett is the one being interviewed! 
Joining her is Sangeeth Sebastian, a journalist and sexuality writer from Kerala, India, and the founder of VVOX — a groundbreaking platform with a mission to make accurate, science-based sexual and mental health knowledge accessible to everyone and end sexual shame. 

With nearly two decades in journalism, Sangeeth brings empathy and investigative depth to the conversation as he and Melissa explore everything from erectile dysfunction and Peyronies disease to libido, body image, and the silence surrounding sexual pain. Together they unpack why shame remains one of the biggest barriers to intimacy, how open communication can transform relationships, and what it means to create a culture of curiosity over judgment. 

In This Episode, We Cover: 

Sangeeth’s journey from award-winning journalist in Kerala to sexuality educator and founder of VVOX 

Why he launched VVOX and how its helping people unlearn sexual shame 

Melissa’s insights into men’s sexual health — erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, Peyronie’s disease, and post-cancer recovery 

The social and cultural roots of shame around sex 

How misinformation affects both men’s and women’s confidence and pleasure 

The importance of empathy, language, and education in sexual healing 

What it takes to build a healthier, shame-free global conversation around sex 

Key Takeaways: 

Shame is cultural — but it can be unlearned through education and open dialogue. 

Science and compassion together heal more than medicine alone. 

Sexual health is human health: it affects confidence, connection, and quality of life. 

True intimacy grows from honesty, curiosity, and mutual respect. 

Access to accurate information is the foundation of sexual freedom. 

About Sangeeth Sebastian: 

Hailing from Kerala, India, Sangeeth Sebastian is the founder of VVOX (pronounced we-vox), a platform dedicated to ending sexual shame by making reliable, evidence-based education about sexuality and mental health available to everyone. 
With nearly 20 years of experience as a journalist, he has worked with major Indian media houses including The Hindu, Hindustan Times, and India Today Group. An award-winning sexuality writer and DAAD researcher, his work has been recognised internationally and featured in outlets such as BBC, The Guardian, AFP, Channel 4 UK, and The Daily Mail. 
Sangeeth also received the Likho Award for Excellence from the Humsafar Trust for fair and inclusive LGBTQ+ representation in media. 

Learn more about VVOX:  

https://www.youtube.com/@vvoxIndia 

www.vvox.in 

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: [email protected] 
 

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

In this special Christmas edition of The Penis Project Podcast, Melissa is joined by members of the Restorative Health Clinic team for a candid, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt look back at the year that was. 

From awkward inbox messages and clinic mishaps to deeply meaningful patient moments, the team reflects on what it’s really like working in men’s sexual health — a space where humour, vulnerability, trust, and life-changing conversations collide every day. 

This episode is part thank-you, part behind-the-scenes, and part reminder that sexual health work is serious — but laughter matters too. 

 Key Takeaways 

Men’s sexual health is about much more than erections — it’s about confidence, connection, and quality of life 

Trust takes time, but once it’s built, men open up in powerful ways 

Porn has skewed expectations — most penises are completely normal 

You don’t need to have a penis to understand men’s sexual health — listening matters more 

A good clinic culture blends professionalism, compassion… and humour 

 Clinic Updates & Announcements 

New clinic location: Icon Cancer Centre, Midland 

Expanded support for men post-radiation (prostate, bladder, colorectal cancer) 

Telehealth services now supporting rural, remote, interstate, and overseas patients 

Upcoming training & conferences: 

International Society of Sexual Medicine (Porto, Portugal) 

Advanced Botox training for penile health applications 

Christmas closure: 

19th December- 12th January 

 

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: [email protected] 
 

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

In this deeply insightful episode of The Penis Project Podcast, Melissa Hadley Barrett sits down with Jeremy Lipkowitz — a former Buddhist monk turned mindfulness teacher and men’s recovery coach — to explore how compulsive behaviours like porn addiction can quietly undermine men’s sexual health, relationships, and sense of self. 

Jeremy shares his personal journey from genetics research at Duke University to living as a monk, and how mindfulness, neuroscience, and self-compassion became the tools that helped him (and now others) break free from addiction. Together, Melissa and Jeremy unpack the neuroscience of porn use, its impact on intimacy and erectile function, and how men can rewire their brains to rediscover genuine connection and confidence. 

In This Episode, We Cover: 

Jeremy’s unique path from scientist to monk to men’s recovery coach 

How porn addiction develops — and why it’s often hard to recognise early 

The neuroscience of addiction: dopamine, neuroplasticity, and “amygdala hijack” 

How compulsive porn use impacts erectile function, libido, and intimacy 

The truth about porn, body image, and unrealistic sexual expectations 

The role of mindfulness and meditation in rewiring the brain and regaining control 

How to “urge surf” — using 90 seconds of awareness instead of autopilot 

The power of community and accountability in creating lasting change 

How mindfulness helps men face emotions rather than escape them 

Key Takeaways: 

Addiction isn’t about weakness — it’s about avoiding uncomfortable emotions. 

Porn rewires the brain to crave novelty, dulling connection and satisfaction in real life. 

Mindfulness builds awareness and self-control, allowing men to choose consciously rather than react automatically. 

Healing comes through connection, compassion, and understanding — not shame. 

You don’t have to be perfect to make progress; awareness is the first step to change. 

About Jeremy Lipkowitz: 

Jeremy is a certified mindfulness and emotional intelligence teacher, former Buddhist monk, and founder of Unhooked Academy — a global community helping men break free from compulsive behaviours and build discipline, purpose, and fulfilling relationships. He also hosts the Unhooked Podcast, where he interviews experts and shares practical tools for self-mastery and recovery. 

Learn more: www.UnhookedAcademy.com 
Follow Jeremy: @jeremylipkowitz 
Listen to his podcast: Search “Unhooked” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite podcast app. 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyLipkowitz 

 
 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: [email protected] 
 

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

In this deeply human episode of The Penis Project podcast, Melissa sits down with former NRL legend and now men's mentor Ryan Girdler, whose life after professional football has taken an unexpected and transformative turn. 

Ryan talks candidly about growing up in a blue-collar household in the 70s, the pressures of masculinity, and how being driven hard as a child shaped his identity. He reflects on his footy career, the unspoken expectations to “be tough,” and how those patterns carried over into life after retirement—leading him to overwork, burnout, and eventually, a total personal reset. 

Through meditation, breathwork, and support from his wife, Ryan found a new path. Today, he mentors men through profound emotional, physical, and spiritual work, helping them reconnect with themselves, develop healthier expressions of masculinity, and live with more balance, softness, and purpose. 

This conversation goes far beyond sport. Ryan opens up about parenting, vulnerability, inner dialogue, relationships, and why so many men feel lost in today’s world. He also explores his work with Reconnected Men, breathwork retreats, and his partnership with the enigmatic healer, Imrah, known to many as “the alchemist.” 

This Episode, We Cover: 

Ryan’s early life & sporting beginnings 

Growing up under pressure in a hardworking family and feeling driven to please others 

How internal and external expectations pushed him into rugby league 

The emotional impact of a “boys don’t cry” upbringing 

Masculinity, identity & the struggles men face today 

Why modern masculinity feels confusing—and why “toxic masculinity” breaks Ryan’s heart 

The lack of healthy male role models 

Balancing discipline with vulnerability 

Why many men feel they must fix everything rather than be present 

Life after professional sport 

Losing identity and purpose at 30 

Overworking to fill a void—“trying to beat yoga at yoga” 

How breathwork and meditation became lifesaving tools 

The profound influence of his wife in redirecting his path 

Breathwork, nervous system regulation & healing 

Ryan’s introduction to meditation through a big wave surfer 

Using pranayama as the “cheat code” to stillness 

How breathwork helped him “wield the mind” rather than be controlled by it 

Why he believes every man should experience nervous-system regulation 

Reconnected Men & the work he does now 

One-day and three-day men’s retreats in Queensland and Sydney 

Holotropic/transformational breathwork sessions 

Corporate breathwork and team integration sessions 

His mentoring program combining discipline, stillness, personal story, and emotional growth 

The story of Imrah – “the alchemist” 

How Ryan reconnected with Imrah after 25 years 

Imrah’s unusual upbringing in the Pilbara and his unique abilities 

Their partnership in retreats and breathwork events 

Why I have named Ryan  “the conduit”  

Parenting, relationships & emotional presence 

Raising daughters with boundaries, connection, and regulated technology use 

Letting go of control in relationships 

How softness, listening, and heart-led responses change family dynamics 

Ryan’s message to men 

"You don’t always have to be in control. And you don't have to do it on your own." 

Key Takeaways: 

Masculinity isn’t the problem—disconnection is. 

Men thrive when they learn discipline and vulnerability. 

Breathwork, meditation, and nervous system tools can fundamentally shift a man’s internal world. 

Healing begins with self-awareness, not fixing others. 

You can be strong and gentle at the same time—and your family will feel the difference. 

Sometimes your partner sees your path before you do. 

Life after high-performance sport requires finding new meaning, not new metrics to “win.” 

Connect with Ryan Girdler & Reconnected Men 

Reconnected Men (retreats & programs): https://www.reconnectedmen.com  

Instagram: @ryangirdler 

Transformational Breathwork & Retreats 

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 

https://breathworkforsurfers.com.au/ Mentioned in the podcast Ryan did this program with tom Carroll 

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: [email protected] 
 

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