212: Never Mind My Bollocks: Talking Vasectomy, Masculinity & Myths

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 Together, they’re breaking the silence around vasectomy — a topic often buried in myths, awkwardness, and outdated notions of masculinity.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: admin@rshealth.com.au

Websites:

https://rshealth.com.au/ All genders

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https://melissahadleybarrett.com

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TEDX:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjHj1YTmLoA