207: Finding Neville and Raising the Flag – David & Denise’s Journey Through Prostate Cancer

207: Finding Neville and Raising the Flag – David & Denise’s Journey Through Prostate Cancer

Author: Sexologist Melissa Hadley Barrett November 5, 2025 Duration: 58:52
In this heartfelt and humorous episode of The Penis Project Podcast, Melissa Hadley Barrett is joined by husband-and-wife duo David and Denise Price — a couple who’ve faced prostate cancer together with courage, curiosity, and a lot of laughter.  David, a professional speaking coach and keynote presenter, and Denise, a writer and storyteller, open up about how prostate cancer changed (and strengthened) their relationship — from navigating continence and erectile recovery to rediscovering pleasure, communication, and connection in new ways.  They share how pelvic floor exercises became a “couples’ activity,” why David calls his penis “Neville,” and how humour, love, and teamwork helped them through the challenges of treatment and recovery.  This episode is equal parts informative, real, and uplifting — a reminder that intimacy isn’t just about sex, and that open communication can transform even the toughest times into opportunities for growth and connection.  Episode Highlights  The importance of humour and resilience in prostate cancer recovery  “Erection parties” and finding levity in hard (and not-so-hard) times  David’s flagpole story — and what it taught him about raising more than flags  How exercise and pelvic floor rehab changed his life  Rediscovering intimacy through outercourse, toys, and open communication  Denise’s journey from sexual repression to pleasure and confidence  The emotional impact of “dry orgasms” and how couples can adapt together  Why men should talk openly about prostate health — and get tested    Key Takeaways:   Communication is everything — before, during, and after prostate cancer treatment.  Pelvic floor exercises are for life (and for both partners!).  Intimacy after surgery is possible — it just might look a little different.  Pleasure and connection go far beyond penetration.  Being informed, asking questions, and involving your partner make the journey smoother for everyone.  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   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 

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…