141. Mike the Determinator and Samantha the Bewitcher

141. Mike the Determinator and Samantha the Bewitcher

Author: Sexologist Melissa Hadley Barrett June 20, 2023 Duration: 50:40
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/ http://prost.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 BarrettLinkedin: 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

For anyone who’s ever felt alone or confused about a sexual health issue, The Penis Project Podcast: Breaking Taboos in Men’s Sexual Health provides a rare and essential space for honest dialogue. Hosted by Australian Nurse Practitioner and Sexologist Melissa Hadley Barrett, this podcast emerged in 2020 from a collaboration with physiotherapist Jo Milios, born from a shared frustration with the silence and stigma surrounding men's bodies. The show has since grown into a substantial resource, with nearly 200 episodes and over 219,000 streams, reflecting its vital role. What you’ll hear here isn’t just theoretical; Melissa blends her clinical expertise with direct, anonymized conversations from her practice, often including the perspectives of patients and their partners. This approach transforms each episode into a nuanced exploration of real-life concerns-from erectile function and pelvic pain to intimacy and communication-topics that are routinely avoided yet universally impactful. The discussions are grounded in science but delivered with a relatable, compassionate tone that makes complex information accessible. Tuning into this podcast means joining a community where awkward questions are welcomed, evidence replaces myth, and personal stories illuminate the path to better health. It’s a practical guide for men and those who care about them, dismantling embarrassment one conversation at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Penis Project Podcast: Breaking Taboos in Men’s Sexual Health
Podcast Episodes
168: A Touchy Subject [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:00
In this episode I speak to the amazing founder of “A Touchy Subject”, Victoria Cullen. https://www.atouchysubject.com/ A Touchy Subject is a great resource for men and their partners about sexual recovery when diagnosed…
167: Porn Star Liam [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:23
Is it possible to break your penis? Yes it is. Today we discuss this tricky penis problem with Liam. This issue is always a problem but even more so when your penis is your livelihood. Listen here to find out how he brok…
166: Running for life - A prostate cancer story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:43
In this episode of the "Penis Project Podcast," I chat with Jason Phillips to discuss his journey following his prostate surgery. Jason wants to give back, get on with life as he knows it and most importantly raise aware…
165: Pete and his Dynamo Penis / Penile Implants [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:09
In this episode of the "Penis Project Podcast," I chat with Jenny and Peter to discuss Peter's journey with penile implants following his prostate surgery. They cover various topics related to the decision-making process…
164: Canada calling - for help! A prostate journey. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:31
Today we speak to George all the way from Canada. George came to Australia and fixed his continence and got his old fella to remember what he was supposed to do. This man had a very complicated and drawn-out post op reco…
163: Is that a gun in your pocket…Frisk search gone wrong [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:46
If you are a regular listener to The Penis Project then you will probably remember Rod Popcorn from episode 53. If you haven’t listened back that far, then I recommend you go back as this is a funny, honest account of a…
162: Online Dating - A first-hand account from an expert. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:30
Happy Valentine’s Day! Since today is the day of love and friendship, I thought it would be a good time to discuss online dating. Today we are talking to Lee, and this is a fun and informative discussion. Lee has been on…
160: Swinging, a first-hand account. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:20
This week, Melissa and Kate speak to a couple who met at a swinger’s group. Yes, you heard correctly, swingers. This is a lifestyle choice that many of our listeners may not know anything about. I think I am open minded…