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
137. Rise of the Phoenix - Meet Phoenix [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:31
Today, we speak with Phoenix, a 54-year-old man, who underwent surgery for prostate cancer in July 2022. Over a period of three years, Phoenix monitored his PSA levels, until one test showed an elevated result and him ex…
136. Doing What Dad Said - Meet Rod [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:52
"I hoped I gave you guys the gift of life. Cause unfortunately it’s not gonna work my way. So, it’s up to you guys to get checked regularly and stay in tune". This was Rod’s message from his dad which he religiously heed…
135.Losing Weight After Prostate Cancer Diagnosis; Star Trek Paul [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:41
If you’re looking to lose weight and have been finding it difficult, this might just be the podcast for you. In just two months, our guest for today lost 9 kgs. ;) Meet Paul. We also have our guest host, Kendall. Paul wa…
134. Joe’s Prostate CancerJourney [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:52
For today’s episode, we have Joe. Joe was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer before his daughter’s wedding. A difficult decision had to be made whether to have his surgery before or after the event. But due to possible Covid…
133. Melissa’s Talk on Sexual Dysfunction [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:56
For this episode, get to hear Melissa as she presents her talk on sexual dysfunction, patient perceptions, and more to health practitioners - another step taken to help bridge the gap for Men’s Health. This is the last o…
132. Melissa’s Radio Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:15
For this episode, get to hear Melissa’s Plenty Valley FM radio interview - a station all the way from Melbourne. This just shows how The Penis Project is reaching men. So thank you to everyone who is spreading the word a…
131. Melissa in NZ [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:41
Last March, Melissa and Dr Jo were invited to speak at a conference in New Zealand. And… you’ll be able to listen to one of those talks, today! For this episode, you’ll get to know more about what Melissa and Dr Jo are d…
130. Lonely Nights, A Poem Reading Episode [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:40
It’s the Easter Week and we’d love for you to enjoy this poem as you take a break. ;) This poem is written by Steve Jones, entitled Lonely Nights. Enjoy! For anyone who would like to share their poems and want us to read…
129. The Universe of Deliciousness, With Author Julia Hollenbery [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:07
Get ready for a sultry, pleasurable episode with our guest Julia. For today’s episode, we speak with Julia. Julia is the author of the book entitled The Healing Power of Pleasure, Seven Medicines for Rediscovering the In…