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The Penis Project Podcast: Breaking Taboos in Mens Sexual HealthAuthor: Sexologist Melissa Hadley Barrett
With over 219,000 streams and nearly 200 episodes, The Penis Project Podcasthosted by Australian Nurse Practitioner and Sexologist Melissa Hadley Barrett offers groundbreaking conversations about mens 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, Peyronies 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 mens health issues. Available on all major podcast platforms, with new episodes every fortnightstart listening today. Language: en Genres: Health & Fitness, Medicine, Sexuality Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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214: When Prostate Cancer Affects the Partner: Rachel’s Story of Intimacy, Grief & Connection
Episode 215
Tuesday, 10 February, 2026
In this an honest and emotional episode of The Penis Project Podcast, Melissa and Kate shift the spotlight to a voice that is far too often missing in prostate cancer conversations — the partner. Rachel bravely shares her lived experience of navigating intimacy, grief, love, patience, and reconnection after her partner underwent prostate cancer surgery. What unfolds is not a clinical education session, but a raw, validating conversation about what happens to relationships when erections, continence, desire, and confidence change overnight. Together, they explore how prostate cancer is not just a medical diagnosis, it is a life changing event. One that impacts communication, identity, sexuality, and emotional safety on both sides. This episode is essential listening for partners, couples, and clinicians who want to better understand the unseen emotional labour carried by those standing beside the man with the diagnosis. In This Episode, We Discuss: Why prostate cancer is a couple’s condition, not just a men’s health issue The silent grief partners experience Why erectile dysfunction, incontinence, and medicalised sex can affect intimacy Feeling out of sync: when one partner is focused on survival and the other on connection The loss of spontaneity, desire signals, and sexual confidence The emotional complexity of “being supportive” Why saying “I don’t mind if we never have sex again” can feel like rejection The impact of ED on a partner’s sense of desirability and femininity Navigating injections, pumps, implants Shifting from performance and penetration to connection and shared pleasure Practical strategies that may help Key Takeaways Desire doesn’t disappear after prostate cancer — it changes shape. Partners grieve too, and their pain deserves space and validation. Intimacy is about connection, not outcomes. Support for partners is a glaring gap — and one that must be addressed. Support for Partners If you are a partner navigating life after prostate cancer and would like to connect with others in a similar situation, you can email: admin@rshealth.com.au (Your details can be passed on confidentially — partner anonymity respected.) Resources & Links: Book an in clinic or telehealth consult with our sexual health practitioners at Restorative Health Clinic For more information check out our websites www.rshealth.com.au , www.makehardeasy.com.au and www.melissahadleybarrett.com Book: Come Together – Emily Nagoski 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
