204: 5 year anniversary episode: Kirk’s Story: Early PSA Testing, Surgery at 59, and Getting Back to Life (Fast!)

204: 5 year anniversary episode: Kirk’s Story: Early PSA Testing, Surgery at 59, and Getting Back to Life (Fast!)

In this Episode which marks the 5th anniversary of the Penis Project Podcast, Kate and Melissa, practitioners from Restorative Health Clinic talk to Kirk (59), who shares his very recent journey with prostate cancer — from vigilant PSA screening due to a strong family history, through biopsy and robotic prostatectomy(Gleason 9), to an unusually swift return of continence and erections (yes, really… at 5 weeks!). We chat about why a good GP relationship matters, common myths (no, PSA screening is not a finger-up-the-bum), and practical rehab steps that set you up for the best outcome. We also touch on the challenges recent Medicare telehealth changes pose for rural men and why community conversations save lives.

Key Takeaways:

  • PSA screening saves lives: It’s a blood test. Many men still believe screening means a rectal exam — that misconception stops blokes from testing.
  • Early and regular checks matter, especially with family history. Kirk and his GP were “on it,” which likely changed his trajectory.
  • Rehab starts before surgery: Pre-op pelvic floor coaching and early, structured penile rehab support faster continence and sexual recovery.
  • Expectations matter: Being clear about how important sex is to you helps the team tailor a plan (medications, devices, or injections) so intimacy continues post-treatment.
  • Modern prostate cancer care is not what it was 20 years ago — minimally invasive surgery, targeted radiation, and better side-effect profiles.

Episode Highlights

  • Family history matters: Kirk, a 59-year-old anaesthetist, always knew prostate cancer was a “when, not if.” Vigilant PSA screening caught it early.
  • PSA test = blood test: Many men still mistakenly think screening means a rectal exam — this myth stops blokes from testing.
  • Gleason upgrade: Biopsy showed 7, but post-surgery pathology was 9 — reinforcing why early surgery was lifesaving.
  • GPs are gold: A trusted GP relationship ensures timely checks and continuity of care.
  • Rehab starts before surgery: Pelvic floor exercises and penile rehab education gave Kirk the best start.
  • Fast recovery: At 5 weeks post-op, Kirk is dry, pad-free, and already regaining erectile function with support strategies.
  • Community conversations: Kirk shared his diagnosis with ice-hockey teammates — most had no idea PSA was just a blood test.
  • Rural barriers: Medicare telehealth changes risk limiting access for country men as of November 1st 2025 — highlighting the importance of policy that supports remote care.
  • Positive outlook: Kirk’s story proves recovery can be quicker than many expect, and modern treatments offer far better outcomes than in the past.
  • Take-home message: Don’t wait for symptoms — get your PSA blood test done and talk to your mates about it.

Shareable quotes

  • “Good news — PSA screening is a blood test. That’s it.”
  • “Pre-hab matters: start pelvic floor and penile rehab before surgery.”
  • “Sex after prostate cancer is absolutely possible — the toolkit is bigger and better than ever.”
  • “Men will talk footy all day — let’s talk our health the same way.”

Resources & Links:

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

Jaksot(206)

118. Farm Life Fitness with Louise, Specialised Fitness Programs for Farmers

118. Farm Life Fitness with Louise, Specialised Fitness Programs for Farmers

Today, we speak with Louise, the owner and founder of Farm Life Fitness. Louise is more than just a health and wellness professional because she’s also a farmer. She lives and breathes the agricultural lifestyle. Her lived experience means she understands the challenges to health and wellness that farming and living rurally can present. Melissa had the pleasure of meeting Louise at a speaking event in December 2022 and was so impressed with her story she invited her to speak on The Penis Project.   The aim of Farm Life Fitness is to create a space for anyone living in rural areas who wants to connect with others and improve their health. This model was inspired by the experience of Louise and her husband which she shares in this episode.   Combining her experience as a sports physiologist and the observations she had made in her workplace where she noticed that despite therapy, clients were not always achieving their desired results, so Farm Life Fitness was born. Programs are designed to help people who are living remotely to have access to programs that improve not just their physical health but most importantly, their mental wellbeing.   Louise’s initiatives and programs highlight the need of folks in rural locations. If you live in a rural or remote location this one is for you, but if you live in a metro area, this will make you think and help you understand the lifestyle of the people who grow our food.   Enjoy listening!   For more info about Louise’s programs, visit her website at https://farmlifefitness.com.au/.   ---------- 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 Barrett Linkedin: 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

11 Tammi 202344min

117. Why Exploring Yourself Makes Sense - With Body Curious owner, Jonn

117. Why Exploring Yourself Makes Sense - With Body Curious owner, Jonn

For today’s episode, we talk with Jonn, the founder and owner of Body Curious.     Following an accident, Jonn was left with 15% whole body permanent impairment. However, through a combination of rehabilitation and yoga, he was able to restore his body function. This inspired him to create Body Curious in 2014, a men's only yoga studio committed to improving health outcomes for men. He is a qualified Yoga, Thai Yoga Massage teacher & Practitioner, and a Sexological Bodywork Practitioner.    Early on, Jonn realised that his studio was attracting more men than women. So, with this information, he decided to focus on men.     This opportunity to cater to only men brought about the first of his now many Naked Yoga sessions. His 1st class of Naked Yoga was attended by 20 naked men.     In case you’re wondering, yes, naked – meaning complete, pure natural bodies showing.     Jonn also talked about his sexological work, how it works, why it’s different from the others, and what it can and can’t do.     Interestingly, the discussion also touched upon personal pleasure, why it’s important to understand how to explore yourself and how to teach children about this quite taboo but important topic.     How early should a child use a cellular phone? What happens if they get exposed to porn? When is the best time to discuss sex and pleasure with them? Why is it important to let children know that they should not be ashamed of pleasure? And so many more compelling topics that we know you’ll surely relate to.     Listen to the exchanges between Jonn, Melissa, and Dr Jo through the button below. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments as well!   ---------- 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 Barrett Linkedin: 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

6 Tammi 202357min

116. Melissa at the PUC Masterclass; What patients want to know about sex and how to raise the subject?

116. Melissa at the PUC Masterclass; What patients want to know about sex and how to raise the subject?

For this episode, we will listen to Melissa’s talk at the Masterclass for Urologists last June.     We all know that talking about sexual health can be a bit awkward. But it's important to remember that patients are sexual beings too! GP's play a vital role in ensuring their patients' sexual health and wellbeing, and part of that is being able to talk about sexual function openly and comfortably.     On June 11th 2022, Melissa was invited to be a guest speaker for a Perth Urology Clinic’s Masterclass and her topic was “Why patients are embarrassed to ask their GP about sex”.     We sent out a survey asking our audience various questions on the subject which received an overwhelming response, with over a quarter taking the time to fill it out (we really appreciate this)!     To know the results and how Melissa nailed her presentation, have a listen!     You can also view the results here:   https://rshealth.com.au/rshc-survey-sexual-function-discussion-with-your-gps/    And Melissa’s video:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkQiZGyH8Nw  ---------- 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 Barrett Linkedin: 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

28 Joulu 202232min

115. Merry Christmas, Everyone! See what’s in store for 2023

115. Merry Christmas, Everyone! See what’s in store for 2023

A lot of exciting things coming this 2023 for Men’s health - in and out of Australia! Join Dr Jo and Melissa talk about the highlights of this year and what to look forward to for 2023. Exciting times are ahead so buckle up, Penis Project listeners! ---------- 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 Barrett Linkedin: 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

21 Joulu 202233min

114. Why is your heart health connected with your penis? With Dr Nilufeur McKay

114. Why is your heart health connected with your penis? With Dr Nilufeur McKay

Melissa has often mentioned that your heart health is related to your hard health. So today, we will dig deeper into this statement with Kendall and her mentor, Dr. Nilufeur McKay. Hello Dr Nilufeur starts with the advice that you always hear - prevention is better than cure. For anything that is heart-related, the most important thing is to prevent plaque build-up. By preventing build-up, you also prevent sudden heart attacks. Very interestingly also, even for both Kendall and Melissa, is the fact that a heart attack presents very differently for men and women. Dr. Nilufeur will define what these are. Moreover, she also shares how risk factors, women’s menopause, and other diseases affect the development of heart disease and vice versa. She further discusses the correlation between erectile dysfunction, heart attack, and the effect of medication (e.g., nitrates). If there is anything we want you to take away from this episode, it is this: make sure to talk to your GP/NP about the medications you are taking. Why? Because the medicine you are taking can impact the performance of your tool down there. In conclusion, Dr. Nilufeur reiterates that your health is in your hands. Know your body well and seek help when there’s something amiss. Remember, you have to take care of your health for your future. This is an interesting, super digestible episode so make sure to have a listen!   Dr. Nilufeur has over 20 years' nursing experience and is a Cardiology Nurse Practitioner. She started her career at Royal Perth Hospital, coronary care unit taking care of transplant and acute cardiac patients. She then spent 7 years at the Mayo Clinic as an NP on the Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant service while completing her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at Johns Hopkins University.   She then took a position at the University of California, San Diego as an Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant NP before moving back home to Australia in 2020. She still works clinically and is the course coordinator for the Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) course at Edith Cowan University. ---------- 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 Barrett Linkedin: 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

13 Joulu 202218min

113. Viva Las Vegas & Prostate Cancer POST- OP RECOVERY & REHAB!

113. Viva Las Vegas & Prostate Cancer POST- OP RECOVERY & REHAB!

Following on from last week’s episode of The Penis Project Podcast with Anthony & Carla (Episode 112), we are THRILLED to welcome them back into the studio for a review of Antony’s post-op recovery &  rehabilitation progress from a robotic prostatectomy on Nov 8th 2022!! Our Viva Las Vegas couple does not hold back as they share the thrills & spills - of their surgical experience, from the moment Anthony awoke to their first leaky days and nights, sexual recovery, and his  progression to sit-ups to train the pelvic floor! To – recap - What happens when you’re a healthy young man unexpectedly diagnosed with Prostate Cancer & have an avalanche of fear about the unknown side effects of life-saving surgery? What happens too, when you have brand new girlfriend flying in from Las Vegas to start a new life in Australia in the very same week?....... GET BUSY with REHAB-ing with it is EXACTLY WHAT! You will be inspired, delighted and impressed with what this dynamic duo managed to achieve in the BEFORE, to help the AFTER!!! An awesome story of love, hope and teamwork in difficult circumstances… So join in the conversation. Listen, learn and laugh with Anthony & Carla- the next generation of RECOVERY & REHABILITATION in Prostate Cancer. And their emerging love story… Stay tuned too, for Carla’s offer to answer questions for couples from her hometown of LAS Vegas – a new element to be called ‘’Carla’s Q&A”… coming soon…. Until then!! VIVA Las Vegas ---------- 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 Barrett Linkedin: 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

7 Joulu 202246min

112. Viva Las Vegas & Prostate Cancer PREP!!!

112. Viva Las Vegas & Prostate Cancer PREP!!!

What happens when you’re a healthy young man unexpectedly diagnosed with Prostate Cancer & have an avalanche of fear about the unknown side effects of life-saving surgery? What happens too, when you have a brand new girlfriend flying in from Las Vegas to start a new life in Australia in the very same week? GET BUSY with PREPPING it is EXACTLY WHAT! In today’s episode, we are excited to introduce you to Anthony and, his new partner, Carla who have together explored the SWIFT change to their relationship! With 2 months to prepare for his radical prostatectomy, Anthony began walking, talking, and shredding!! At his first physiotherapy meeting with Dr. Jo, Anthony was quick to share his desire to be a fully functioning man, especially given the recency of his new romance. As you will learn, not only did Anthony lose 10kg in weight and a 33-gram prostate, but he also gained a whole new perspective on men’s health!! Even better for The Penis Project Podcasters… is that Anthony & Carla have also been filming every step along the way. So join in the conversation. Listen, learn and laugh with Anthony & Carla - the next generation of PREPARATION in Prostate Cancer. And their emerging love story… VIVA Las Vegas.  ---------- 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 Barrett Linkedin: 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

1 Joulu 202246min

111. Primo Pino Hits the Spot Everytime!

111. Primo Pino Hits the Spot Everytime!

Today, we speak with beautiful boy Pino.  Before hitting the play button, we'd like you to prepare a timer (your phone perhaps) because Dr. Jo will be giving a pelvic exercise test on the spot!   At the start of the episode, Dr Jo will share a little bit of the history and evolution of prostatectomy.  Then, since Dr Jo hadn't met Primo for 4 years, she will get him to perform a practical experiment to see how real muscle memory is.   Yes. Pino will do his pelvic exercises whilst being interviewed here in the Penis Project podcast. As the listener, you can of course do the practical test yourself! Just follow Dr. Jo's instructions.   Thank you, Pino, for your participation. ;) Once we've completed Dr. Jo's practical test, we listen to Pino's story.   Pino, after surgery, enjoys semi-erections. But he would like to make things better.   So he met with Melissa.   Pino knows that there can be orgasms without erections but he also knew that in this case, his wife was missing out.    To resolve the issue, Melissa suggested penile injections. And the rest is history.   Pino has been hitting the right spot every time! For 18 months, he had no misfire. He and his wife have been enjoying the benefits of the injection since then.   Primo Pino video coming soon. ;)  ---------- 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 Barrett Linkedin: 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

24 Marras 202245min

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