It Takes Balls

Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation
  • 0.0 (0)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • EVERY TWO WEEKS

It Takes Balls is a podcast by and for testicular cancer survivors, patients, and their loved ones. Listen as survivors and medical providers give insight into facing and treating a testicular cancer diagnosis in hopes of removing the stigma around men’s urological health. Everyone’s journey is unique and equally important. Early detection of testicular cancer saves lives!

  1. Dr. Justin Dubin - Debunking Misinformation in Men's Health and Testicular Cancer

    15/12/2025

    Dr. Justin Dubin - Debunking Misinformation in Men's Health and Testicular Cancer

    In this episode of It Takes Balls, urologist and men’s health expert Dr. Justin Dubin joins the show to dismantle some of the most common myths and misunderstandings surrounding testicular cancer, testosterone, and talks about the explosion of misinformation online. Dr. Dubin breaks down topics like pregnancy tests for testicular cancer, marijuana use and cancer risk, vaping, prosthetics, and why early detection still remains the best predictor of simpler treatment and better outcomes. His clear explanations offer the kind of guidance young men desperately need but often don’t receive from social media or general online searches. Dr. Dubin also dives deep into the stigma around men’s health - especially when it comes to testicles and hormone concerns. He talks openly about why men suffer in silence, how misinformation spreads faster than facts, and what men should actually do when they find a lump, feel pain, or notice changes in their libido or energy. From covering “testosterone boosters” to encouraging men to advocate for their own care, Dr. Dubin brings a practical, compassionate, and no-nonsense approach to topics that are often overlooked or misunderstood. Whether you're navigating a testicular cancer diagnosis, questioning your testosterone levels, or simply trying to make sense of what you see on TikTok and YouTube, this conversation equips you with science-backed information and reminds you why talking about men’s health openly can literally save lives. Have a question for a future expert guest? Submit here: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-question-submission Want to be a guest? Apply here: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation: ⁠https://www.testescancer.org https://www.twitter.com/testescancer⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/testescancer https://www.facebook.com/tca.org Follow Dr. Dubin: https://x.com/justindubinmd https://www.instagram.com/justindubinmd https://www.themanuppod.com Follow Steven Crocker: https://www.twitter.com/stevencrocker https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2 Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

    1h 7m
  2. At First Matt's Doctor Thought He Had a Rare Sarcoma... It Was Testicular Cancer

    08/12/2025

    At First Matt's Doctor Thought He Had a Rare Sarcoma... It Was Testicular Cancer

    In this powerful episode of It Takes Balls, Australian guest Matt P shares his extraordinary path to a testicular cancer diagnosis that initially appeared to be a rare and life-threatening sarcoma. What began as persistent back pain, rising blood pressure, and unexplained fatigue spiraled into the discovery of a football-sized tumor wrapped around major organs, including his kidney and psoas muscle. Matt opens up about the terrifying weeks when doctors believed he faced a 40–50% survival rate, until a biopsy revealed something astonishing: the massive abdominal tumor was actually metastatic embryonal carcinoma, a highly aggressive but highly chemo-responsive form of testicular cancer. Matt walks listeners through the intense whirlwind that followed—from emergency oncology appointments to an accelerated BEP chemotherapy trial, dramatic tumor shrinkage, and a complex, multi-surgeon retroperitoneal lymph node dissection that ultimately saved his leg, his kidney, and his life. He candidly discusses the physical toll of chemo, the mental strain of uncertainty, and the resilience required to fight through complications, painful procedures, and the long road to recovery. His story highlights the importance of early detection, knowing the lesser-known symptoms such as back pain from metastatic spread, and advocating for yourself when something feels off. Today, Matt uses his experience to educate other men through TikTok, openly discussing testicular cancer symptoms, chemotherapy side effects, fertility preservation, and life after treatment. His message is clear: listen to your body, don’t delay seeking help, and never underestimate the power of community support. Join The Ball Room: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/theballroom Want to be a guest? Apply here: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation: ⁠https://www.testescancer.org ⁠⁠ https://www.x.com/testescancer⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/testescancer https://www.facebook.com/tca.org Follow Steven Crocker: https://www.twitter.com/stevencrocker https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2 Connect with Matt:https://www.tiktok.com/@one.tough.nut.matt Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

    40 min
  3. The Life-Changing Call Matt Guilloty Received While Driving 55 Miles Per Hour

    01/12/2025

    The Life-Changing Call Matt Guilloty Received While Driving 55 Miles Per Hour

    In this episode of It Takes Balls, Matt Guilloty shares his intense journey through stage IIIB non-seminomatous testicular cancer. What he believed was a hydrocele kept growing until his testicle reached “the size of an avocado,” eventually leading to a shocking diagnosis delivered while he was driving on the highway. Matt describes the moment he learned his AFP tumor markers were 3,389, his cancer had spread to lymph nodes and lungs, and he needed BEP chemotherapy. Matt opens up about the physical and mental toll of four rounds of chemo - nausea, hiccups, fear before each cycle - and how he juggled treatment with grad school. He reflects on finding support through nurses, fellow survivors, and online communities, and how skateboarding helped him stay grounded. Matt also revisits his major post-chemo RPLND surgery and his long recovery back to mobility and strength. Now nearly three years into surveillance, Matt shares what the experience taught him about early detection, trusting his oncology team, and staying positive through fear. Join The Ball Room: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/theballroom Want to be a guest? Apply here: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation: ⁠https://www.testescancer.org https://www.x.com/testescancer ⁠https://www.instagram.com/testescancer https://www.facebook.com/tca.org Follow Steven Crocker: https://www.twitter.com/stevencrocker https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2 Connect with Matt: https://www.instagram.com/gatt.muilloty/ Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

    33 min
  4. Jon Reiner: Kidnapped, Malaria, and 2x Testicular Cancer

    15/11/2025

    Jon Reiner: Kidnapped, Malaria, and 2x Testicular Cancer

    In this powerful episode of It Takes Balls, testicular cancer survivor Jon Reiner shares his rare experience battling the disease twice, 15 years apart. Jon explains how he first noticed symptoms, what his testicle felt like, and he walks through ultrasound, tumor markers, orchiectomy surgery, radiation therapy, and the shock of recurrence after more than a decade. Jon also explores life after losing both testicles — including testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), injections vs topical gel, hormone swings, mood changes, sex drive considerations, and insurance frustrations. He shares how he protected his daughters emotionally, how anxiety and scanxiety impact families, and the importance of community support. Jon talks about empathy, masculinity, vulnerability, and advice for newly diagnosed testicular cancer patients: take symptoms seriously, fight early, and let people help you. Join The Ball Room: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/theballroom Want to be a guest? Apply here: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation: ⁠https://www.testescancer.org https://www.x.com/testescancer ⁠https://www.instagram.com/testescancer https://www.facebook.com/tca.org Follow Steven Crocker: https://www.twitter.com/stevencrocker https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2 Connect with Jon https://www.thejonreiner.com https://www.instagram.com/thejonreiner Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

    44 min
  5. From a Squat PR to TC - Peyton Dickinson's Testicular Cancer Story

    08/11/2025

    From a Squat PR to TC - Peyton Dickinson's Testicular Cancer Story

    Freshly into adulthood, Peyton Dickinson was balancing school and setting new PRs when a sudden swelling in his testicle turned out to be testicular cancer. What followed was an unexpected journey through diagnosis, surgery, and chemotherapy. In this episode of It Takes Balls, Peyton shares his raw and honest story — from early symptoms to learning the importance of self-exams and early detection. He opens up about what it was like losing his hair, managing treatment fatigue, and finding motivation in the support of family, teammates, and faith. Peyton’s story sheds light on the physical and mental toll of testicular cancer in young men, while offering hope and perspective to anyone facing it today. Join The Ball Room:https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/theballroom Want to be a guest? Apply here: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation: ⁠https://www.testescancer.org https://www.x.com/testescancer ⁠https://www.instagram.com/testescancer https://www.facebook.com/tca.org Follow Steven Crocker: https://www.twitter.com/stevencrocker https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2 Connect with Peyton: www.youtube.com/ ⁨@PeytonDLifts⁩ https://www.instagram.com/peytond_lifts/ Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

    37 min
  6. It Takes Balls 100th Episode Live from Testicular Cancer Conference 2025

    01/11/2025

    It Takes Balls 100th Episode Live from Testicular Cancer Conference 2025

    Celebrate 100 episodes of It Takes Balls, the podcast dedicated to raising awareness and sharing real stories from men affected by testicular cancer. Recorded live at the 10th Annual Testicular Cancer Conference in Boston, this milestone episode features survivors, past guests, and medical experts reflecting on the impact of the show and the progress made in testicular cancer education, treatment, and survivorship. Hear inspiring updates from past guests like Brian Vesall, Nickalaus Goodman, Zak Dahlheimer, and Cristian Alvizo, along with insights from Dr. Rich Matulewicz on survivorship and quality of life. This episode captures what It Takes Balls is all about — connection, awareness, and hope for every man facing this disease. Join The Ball Room: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/theballroom Want to be a guest? Apply here: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation: ⁠https://www.testescancer.org https://www.x.com/testescancer ⁠https://www.instagram.com/testescancer https://www.facebook.com/tca.org Follow Steven Crocker: https://www.twitter.com/stevencrocker https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2 Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

    35 min
  7. Mike Oshinski Had Stage 3C Testicular Cancer... Over 40 Years Ago

    15/10/2025

    Mike Oshinski Had Stage 3C Testicular Cancer... Over 40 Years Ago

    At just 15 years old, Mike Oshinski was diagnosed with advanced testicular cancer — at a time when awareness was almost nonexistent. In this powerful episode of It Takes Balls, Mike shares his journey from a small-town high school athlete to surviving stage 3C metastatic testicular cancer with the help of Dr. Lawrence Einhorn’s groundbreaking cisplatin-based chemotherapy. He describes months of grueling treatment, multiple surgeries including a partial liver resection and RPLND, and the emotional toll of fighting for survival as a teenager. Mike also reflects on the legacy of that battle from the long-term side effects and emotional healing to the incredible full-circle moment when his own son faced a testicular cancer diagnosis decades later. This episode is a must-listen for anyone affected by testicular cancer, offering insight, hope, and perspective from one of the early success stories of modern testicular cancer treatment. Join The Ball Room: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/theballroom Want to be a guest? Apply here: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation: ⁠https://www.testescancer.org ⁠ https://www.x.com/testescancer ⁠https://www.instagram.com/testescancer https://www.facebook.com/tca.org Follow Steven Crocker: https://www.twitter.com/stevencrocker https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2 Connect with Mike: Michael.oshinski@outlook.com Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

    36 min
  8. What Happens When the Doctor Gets Cancer? Steve Coates’ Journey

    08/10/2025

    What Happens When the Doctor Gets Cancer? Steve Coates’ Journey

    When Australian doctor Steve Coates suddenly developed severe abdominal pain during a hospital shift, he never imagined he’d become the patient himself. Diagnosed with testicular cancer that had already spread to his retroperitoneal lymph nodes, Steve’s experience as both physician and patient offers a rare, deeply human perspective on the realities of testicular cancer diagnosis, chemotherapy, and recovery. In this episode of It Takes Balls, Steve shares how his unique vantage point reshaped the way he practices medicine, from understanding the emotional toll of cancer treatment to recognizing the long-term anxiety that follows remission. He also discusses the challenges of balancing fatherhood, mental health, and vulnerability while going through orchiectomy, BEP chemotherapy, and the ups and downs of follow-up scans and tumor markers. Join The Ball Room:https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/theballroom Want to be a guest? Apply here: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation: https://www.testescancer.org https://www.x.com/testescancer⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/testescancer https://www.facebook.com/tca.org Follow Steven Crocker: https://www.twitter.com/stevencrocker https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2 Connect with Steve: https://www.instagram.com/bris_steve Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

    33 min
See All (107)

Trailer

About

It Takes Balls is a podcast by and for testicular cancer survivors, patients, and their loved ones. Listen as survivors and medical providers give insight into facing and treating a testicular cancer diagnosis in hopes of removing the stigma around men’s urological health. Everyone’s journey is unique and equally important. Early detection of testicular cancer saves lives!

Information

  • Creator
    Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    107
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation
  • Show Website
    It Takes Balls

You Might Also Like