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

Avsnitt(207)

135.Losing Weight After Prostate Cancer Diagnosis; Star Trek Paul

135.Losing Weight After Prostate Cancer Diagnosis; Star Trek Paul

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 was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer last April 2022.   After bum checks, MRI, and a biopsy - his results were in and you guessed it he had prostate cancer.  Paul is not aware of any family history relating to prostate cancer so this was a shock to him. But it also became a wake-up call and a step towards his weight loss journey and better health in general.   Together with Kendall, he was able to lose 9 kilograms 2 months and lost 6 centimeters (about 2.36 in) around his waist.  Much like many others, Paul also learned how bad alcohol is when it comes to continence. So instead of having beer every day, he drinks it only on ‘cheat days’. He has also realised the affect alcohol consumption has on his weight loss.   He has been sleeping better, doing tons of walks, and eating healthy to aid weight loss.   Prior to diagnosis, Paul was taking testosterone injections which had to be discontinued before the surgery. After a good prognosis and getting to his doctor, he started using a daily gel - which was easier than the testosterone injections.   Paul acknowledges that he has been well looked after by his medical team and that this podcast was like a ‘school he was going to’ with Melissa and Dr Jo as his classmates.   Do you also feel the same as Paul, that this podcast is like a school you go to? Of course, with Dr Jo and Melissa being your chatty & giggly schoolmates. 😉    Enjoy listening!  ---------- 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

10 Maj 202336min

134. Joe’s Prostate CancerJourney

134. Joe’s Prostate CancerJourney

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 restrictions, Joe ultimately chose to have his operation prior. And that he did. Successfully. Despite the operation, he was able to walk his daughter to the altar. From Joe’s perspective, he knows that his Prostate Cancer journey is different from all the others, which is the case for everyone. And his message is this; Don’t be afraid. Take it on. Everything will be fine in the end. To listen to Joe’s story, click the button below. ;) ---------- 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

2 Maj 202332min

133. Melissa’s Talk on Sexual Dysfunction

133. Melissa’s Talk on Sexual Dysfunction

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 of the series of Melissa’s Talks. So stay tuned for regular programming next week!   To fully enjoy the presentation, feel free to watch the video here. https://youtu.be/OzBXdeWVW68   Full shownotes:  https://thepenisproject.org/133-melissas-talk-on-sexual-dysfunction/ ---------- 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/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rshealth_perth/   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

25 Apr 202355min

132. Melissa’s Radio Interview

132. Melissa’s Radio Interview

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 and sharing information so we can continue bridging the gap in men’s health care. Enjoy listening! ---------- 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

19 Apr 202321min

131. Melissa in NZ

131. Melissa in NZ

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 doing for Men’s health and how they close, bridge, or fill the gap in Men’s Health. Most especially, how The Penis Project podcast came to be. Have fun listening! And if you’re interested to have Melissa or Dr Jo in an event, please feel free to reach out and we’ll be honored to be your guests. ---------- 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

12 Apr 202329min

130. Lonely Nights, A Poem Reading Episode

130. Lonely Nights, A Poem Reading Episode

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 it for you, we are up for it! ;)     Have a great Easter week to those celebrating.   ---------- 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

5 Apr 20235min

129. The Universe of Deliciousness, With Author Julia Hollenbery

129. The Universe of Deliciousness, With Author Julia Hollenbery

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 Innate Joy of Being. This book is a step-by-step guide to creating a happier, more sensual, and conscious life for you.   What you’ll be listening today will be quite extraordinary - by extra we mean a voice so sultry that when you hear it, we’re sure you’ll stop whatever it is you’re doing and just… listen.   It’s an episode about pleasure, body, sex, touch, sizes, life, and sensuality.   From Julia’s words and the episode’s takeaway - tremendous beauty and pleasure is possible.   How? That’s what exactly the episode will be about.   Click the play button below to start listening to Julia, Dr Jo, and Melissa in this sultry-licious episode. A first of its kind. ;)   ---------- 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

29 Mars 20231h 9min

128. Pills, Pumps, P Injections Easily Explained, Steve’s Journey Know how these 3 works

128. Pills, Pumps, P Injections Easily Explained, Steve’s Journey Know how these 3 works

For today’s episode, we’ll hear back from Steve - the poet who didn’t know it.   Our previous episode with Steve was about his poems, now, we brought him back to hear about what he did to his penis post-op.   Did he use pills? Pumps? Or penile injections?   Well, he used all three! All powered by his guts and his desire to recover.   You see, Steve, isn’t a patient of Melissa nor Dr Jo’s but through his hard work, belief, and courage to do it - he used all of those three - pills, pumps, and p injections. He first used the pills, then the pumps (still using it!) and the p injections. Steve asked Melissa whether it’s ok to use pumps even if his function is 95% back. Yes, is what Melissa answered! Why? Listen to Melissa as she explains it. Melissa will reiterate how important these three things are in your recovery or rehab. So, if you’ve been wondering how these three things work together - Melissa has the answers! What can the pills do to the penis? Why do you need to keep using the pump to exercise it? Why use injections??   If you want brief, easy to understand answers - listen to the podcast now through the button below. And we suggest that you bookmark this episode - to remind you that these things are all based on science, not movies. ;)  Enjoy listening!  ---------- 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 Mars 202314min

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