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The Penis Project Podcast: Breaking Taboos in Men’s Sexual Health

The Penis Project Podcast: Breaking Taboos in Men’s Sexual Health

By: Sexologist Melissa Hadley Barrett
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 With over 219,000 streams and nearly 200 episodes, The Penis Project Podcast—hosted by Australian Nurse Practitioner and Sexologist Melissa Hadley Barrett —offers groundbreaking conversations about men’s sexual health. Launched in 2020 by Melissa and physiotherapist Jo Milios, the podcast combines expert knowledge, scientific insights, and interviews with her patients and their partners to address sensitive topics men often struggle to discuss, including erectile dysfunction, prostate and bladder cancer recovery, Peyronie’s disease, premature ejaculation and intimacy in relationships. Melissa, who refers to herself as the ”Unexpected Sexologist,” brings decades of clinical experience and compassion to every episode, highlighting that sexual wellbeing involves both physical and emotional health. Join this global community in breaking down stigma, finding support, and accessing practical solutions to common yet overlooked men’s health issues. Available on all major podcast platforms, with new episodes every fortnight—start listening today.Copyright 2020 All rights reserved. Hygiene & Healthy Living Physical Illness & Disease
Episodes
  • 199: Problem Foreskin Explained: It could be Phimosis- listen here for evidenced based nonsurgical solutions

    199: Problem Foreskin Explained: It could be Phimosis- listen here for evidenced based nonsurgical solutions
    Jul 16 2025
    In this episode, Melissa is joined by Dr. Eric Chung, to dive deep into a topic that many men feel too embarrassed to ask about: tight/painful/unretractable foreskin- phimosis. Whether you've never been able to retract your foreskin or it's become tight and uncomfortable later in life, you're not alone—and you're not without options. This issue affects 2-6% of men worldwide. This episode explores the two main types of phimosis, how to recognise it, what causes it, and what treatments are available beyond circumcision, including the innovative Novoglan device. They also bust myths around hygiene, sensitivity, and when tight foreskin becomes a medical emergency. This is a must-listen for anyone experiencing foreskin issues, for clinicians wanting better tools for patient care, and for partners who want to understand more about this issue. In This Episode, We Cover: What phimosis is—and why it only affects uncircumcised men The difference between congenital phimosis and BXO (balanitis xerotica obliterans) Common causes: scarring, trauma, infection, and stretching injuries What is Novoglan and how does it work to gently treat phimosis? Why circumcision isn’t the only answer? Risks of ignoring phimosis—urinary issues, infections, and paraphimosis How tight foreskin can cause sexual dysfunction and distress The role of steroids and soap-free hygiene in treatment Empowering men to make informed choices about their bodies Key Takeaways: You’re not alone. Phimosis is common but often hidden behind shame. Not all tight foreskins need to be cut. Devices like Novoglan offer non-surgical options. BXO is a progressive condition. Early management can preserve both function and comfort. Paraphimosis is a medical emergency. Know the signs and don’t delay seeking help. Sexual function is more than physical. The psychological impacts of phimosis are real and valid. Gentle hygiene is key. Avoid soaps—use warm water and a cotton cloth to keep things clean and healthy. Expert Insight from Melissa Hadley Barrett: “As a nurse practitioner and sexologist, I see firsthand how foreskin issues like phimosis affect not just a man’s body, but his confidence, relationships, and sexual wellbeing. The good news is—we can help. There’s more to treatment than just circumcision, and men deserve options, dignity, and evidence-based care. That’s what we’re all about at Restorative Health Clinic.” 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.au The Penis Project podcast Episode 107- Penis Skin Conditions with Dermatologist Dr Ahmed Check out our Youtube for more information on phimosis 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. Listener Offer: Available in Australia and worldwide – shop vis www.rshealth.com Use code TPP10 for 10% off Global Access: Australia: Ships via Restorative Health Clinic 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@melissahadleybarrett.com Website: www.rshealth.com.au Websites: https://rshealth.com.au/ All genders https://makehardeasy.com.au https://melissahadleybarrett.com http://prost.com.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissahadleybarrett/ https://www.instagram.com/restorativehealth.clinic/ TikTok: @melissahadleybarrett YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@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
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    16 mins
  • 198: The Recovering Man: Life After Prostate Cancer with Mish Middelmann

    198: The Recovering Man: Life After Prostate Cancer with Mish Middelmann
    Jul 1 2025
    In this episode of The Penis Project Podcast, Nurse Practitioner and Sexologist Melissa Hadley Barrett chats with Mish Middelmann — a prostate cancer survivor, men’s leadership coach, and founder of The Recovering Man. Mish is also the author of a book about sex beyond erections, called Beyond Erections - reclaiming sexual pleasure and intimacy with erectile differences. Diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2019, Mish shares his raw and insightful journey of treatment, recovery, and rebuilding life as a man post-cancer. From Johannesburg to Canada, his story spans continents and emotions — and ultimately, his experience led him to create a space for other men navigating the often-silent challenges of prostate cancer recovery. Mish now supports men and their partners through personalised coaching, offering emotional guidance, tools for self-reinvention, and a path toward rediscovering identity and intimacy. He also speaks about the recent release of his book — including why the original title sparked controversy and was later renamed. In This Episode, We Cover: Mish’s prostate cancer diagnosis and the decisions he faced The physical and psychological recovery process after treatment How prostate cancer affects male identity, sexuality, and relationships The importance of support networks for both men and their partners His work as a men’s health coach and the creation of The Recovering Man The evolving conversation around masculinity, vulnerability, and healing Insights from his newly released book on finding sexual pleasure without relying on hard erections. Key Takeaways: Life after prostate cancer is about more than just surviving — it’s about reclaiming who you are. Mish encourages men to explore healing not only of the body but also of self-image, connection, and purpose. Resources & Links: Book a confidential consult, in clinic or on telehealth, 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.au Visit The Recovering Man: https://www.recoveringman.net/ – Coaching, articles, and resources for men navigating life after prostate cancer. Book by Mish Middelmann: Beyond Erections available as paperback or eBook. Details at www.beyonderections.com/book. Learn more about men’s sexual health services: www.rshealth.com.au Listen & Subscribe If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to follow, subscribe to the podcast and help us reach more men by rating and reviewing the show. Because penile health matters — and it’s time we talked about it. Connect With Us We love hearing from real people navigating penile health—just like Mish. If you’d like to share your journey or ask a question, get in touch. Email: admin@melissahadleybarrett.com Website: www.rshealth.com.au Websites: https://rshealth.com.au/ All genders https://makehardeasy.com.au https://melissahadleybarrett.com 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/ TEDX https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjHj1YTmLoA
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • 197: Body Mapping, Breath & Balance: The Art of Psychosomatic Therapy with Frida

    197: Body Mapping, Breath & Balance: The Art of Psychosomatic Therapy with Frida
    Jun 17 2025
    In this special episode, Melissa connects with longtime friend and renowned psychosomatic therapist Frida, founder of Body Nature Therapies in Byron Bay. Frida shares her personal and professional journey—from a background in fine arts to pioneering her Body Mapping Method, a therapeutic process that bridges the body-mind connection. Frida explains what psychosomatic therapy really is (hint: it’s simpler than you think!), and how disconnection between body and mind often lies at the root of illness, fatigue, and sexual dysfunction. With wisdom grounded in yoga, Ayurveda, remedial bodywork, and Eastern and Western healing philosophies, she shares how aligning your physical form can profoundly impact your mental and emotional wellbeing. From postural alignment to pelvic floor balance and the power of the breath, this conversation uncovers the life-changing benefits of reconnecting to your body—especially for men dealing with erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, or post-cancer recovery. In This Episode, We Cover: What is psychosomatic therapy—and how can it help? Frida’s journey from artist to bodyworker to therapist The Body Mapping Method: what it is, how it works, and why it’s so powerful How posture and muscle tone affect sexual function, stress, and overall health Real-life client transformations through simple body realignment and breathwork Why balance (front/back, top/bottom) in the body is essential—especially for men The link between gym routines, hypertonic pelvic floors, and erectile dysfunction Why breath is the unsung hero of healing and optimal sexual health Key Takeaways: Your body tells a story. Posture and breath reflect your stress, habits, and mindset. Balance matters. Overtraining visible muscles while neglecting the rest (like glutes and pelvic floor) can contribute to erectile dysfunction and pain. Small tweaks, big impact. Conscious breathing, posture correction, and gentle movement can lead to major improvements in wellbeing and sexual health. The body remembers. Emotional trauma can live in our tissues; releasing it through bodywork can be incredibly healing. Self-agency is powerful. When you understand your body, you reclaim the power to heal. Expert Insights: “You are not a sum of disconnected parts—you are one beautiful, functional whole.” — Melissa Hadley Barrett “The breath connects everything. Your nervous system depends on the frequency and depth of the breath.” — Frida About Frida & Body Nature Therapies: Frida is a psychosomatic therapist, yoga teacher, remedial massage practitioner, and artist. She founded Body Nature Therapies in 2004 and developed the unique Body Mapping Method, a process that uses illustrated posture analysis to help people visually reconnect with their bodies. With decades of experience and a deep passion for self-empowerment and natural healing, Frida helps clients access lasting change—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Learn more: Instagram - @body_nature_therapies Available for online consultations https://bodynature.org/ 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 https://bodynature.org/ 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: If you’d like to share your journey, special skills or ask a question, get in touch. Email: admin@melissahadleybarrett.com Website: www.rshealth.com.au Websites: https://rshealth.com.au/ All genders https://makehardeasy.com.au https://melissahadleybarrett.com 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/ TEDX https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjHj1YTmLoA
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    52 mins

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