It Takes Balls

Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation

It Takes Balls is a podcast for testicular cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and families. Through conversations with survivors, oncologists, urologists, and medical experts, we discuss testicular cancer symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, chemotherapy, fertility, mental health, survivorship, and recovery. Our mission is to raise awareness, support men’s health, reduce stigma, and help people feel less alone during and after a testicular cancer journey. Early detection and self-exams save lives.

  1. 6d ago

    Legally Blind Athlete Fights for His Testicular Cancer Care

    Attend the 2026 Testicular Cancer Conference: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/tcc-indianapolis-2026 When David Smith woke in the middle of the night with searing lower-back pain, he was two weeks out from the Beep Baseball World Series and in the best shape of his life. A legally blind wellness coach, nurse, and competitive adaptive-sports athlete, David assumed it was a kidney stone. Instead, an ER scan revealed a large mass near his kidney — and with no primary tumor found on ultrasound, doctors diagnosed him with testicular cancer at 41. In this episode of It Takes Balls, David shares one of the most powerful stories of self-advocacy the podcast has featured. Determined not to miss the World Series, he delayed treatment two weeks, then began BEP chemotherapy that quickly went sideways: a wiped-out immune system, terrifying bone pain from shots no one warned him about, and a blood clot in his lung. When bleomycin proved too dangerous, David — drawing on his own nursing knowledge and relentless research — pushed his oncology team to change his regimen himself. David doesn't hold back about the gaps in his care, from "factory"-like bedside manner to Googling his way to a nearby cancer center and an experienced surgeon he'd never been told about. His post-chemo RPLND removed 21 lymph nodes (all negative) but left him navigating a brutal recovery that nearly broke him. But this episode is really about what comes after. David opens up honestly about survivorship — the fear of recurrence, the identity crisis of remission, faith, and the ongoing work of figuring out who he really is. His message to anyone facing a diagnosis: advocate for yourself, do your research without letting it consume you, and hang tight — because far more people survive cancer than don't. Provide your feedback on the podcast: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/itbsurvey Join The Ball Room: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/theballroom Want to be a guest? Apply here: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions Connect with David: https://www.instagram.com/dcsmith1006 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.instagram.com/stevencrocker https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2 Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

    Legally Blind Athlete Fights for His Testicular Cancer Care

  2. Aug 1

    From Testicular Cancer to Living with a Brain Tumor for Life

    Attend the 2026 Testicular Cancer Conference: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/tcc-indianapolis-2026 In this episode of It Takes Balls, Taylor Woods shares one of the most extraordinary journeys ever featured on the podcast. What began with sitting on his enlarged testicle and doctors believing he was dealing with a bacterial infection ultimately became a diagnosis of advanced testicular cancer that had already spread throughout his body. After living with symptoms for more than a year, Taylor learned he had a 17-centimeter testicular tumor, cancer in his lymph nodes, multiple nodules in his lungs, and a tumor pressing against his brain. Taylor walks through undergoing an orchiectomy (testicle removal surgery), four rounds of BEP chemotherapy, TIP chemotherapy, multiple rounds of radiation, and several brain surgeries after developing brain metastases. He shares the terrifying experience of seizures, kidney failure that delayed surgery, a stem cell transplant at Fred Hutch, and living with a titanium plate. Despite enduring more treatment than most typical testicular cancer survivors, Taylor continues fighting with remarkable optimism while managing an active brain tumor and ongoing surveillance. The conversation also explores life after cancer, including adapting to permanent disability, returning to school to study graphic design after seizures changed the course of his career, and finding purpose through creativity. Throughout the episode, Taylor repeatedly comes back to one message: self-advocacy matters. Looking back, he wishes he had sought a second opinion sooner after being told his symptoms were caused by an infection, and he hopes others will trust their instincts when something doesn't feel right. Although Taylor refers to himself as a "warrior" rather than simply a survivor, his story is ultimately one of resilience, hope, and perseverance. Whether you're navigating a testicular cancer diagnosis, facing recurrence, supporting a loved one, or learning about brain metastases, chemotherapy, stem cell transplant, and survivorship, this episode is a powerful reminder that every day is worth fighting for. Provide your feedback on the podcast: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/itbsurvey Join The Ball Room: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/theballroom Want to be a guest? Apply here: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions Connect with Taylor: https://www.instagram.com/tay_bayw/ https://www.instagram.com/sunshinedesign_graphics/ https://www.facebook.com/taylor.woods.985442 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.instagram.com/stevencrocker https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2 Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

    From Testicular Cancer to Living with a Brain Tumor for Life

  3. Jul 15

    Dr. Axel Heidenreich - Comparing Treatment in the US & Europe

    In this episode of It Takes Balls, internationally renowned urologic oncologist Dr. Axel Heidenreich joins the podcast for a fascinating conversation comparing testicular cancer treatment in Europe (focused on Germany) and the United States. Although both approaches produce exceptional cure rates, patients are often surprised to learn just how differently experts on opposite sides of the Atlantic make treatment decisions. Dr. Heidenreich explains where the European Association of Urology (EAU), American Urological Association (AUA), and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines align and where they take very different paths. From surveillance and chemotherapy to RPLND imaging, and follow-up care, he shares why there isn't always one "right" answer and how physicians balance curing cancer with preserving quality of life. The conversation also dives into one of the most debated topics in testicular cancer today: the future of surveillance. Dr. Heidenreich discusses emerging blood tests that could reshape how recurrence is detected and monitored, offering his perspective. Rather than accepting the latest technology at face value, he explains why some innovations may hold more promise than others and what that could mean for the future of testicular cancer care. Whether you're newly diagnosed, currently on surveillance, or simply interested in how leading experts think differently around the world, this episode offers an eye-opening look at the evolution of testicular cancer treatment and the questions that could shape the next generation of patient care. Provide your feedback on the podcast: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/itbsurvey 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 Dr. Heidenreich: axel.heidenreich@uk-koeln.de Follow Steven Crocker: https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2 Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

    Dr. Axel Heidenreich - Comparing Treatment in the US & Europe

  4. Jul 8

    Nate's RPLND: 23 Lymph Nodes Removed

    Attend the 2026 Testicular Cancer Conference: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/tcc-indianapolis-2026 In this episode of It Takes Balls, Nate Edwards shares how finding a lump the day after his 34th birthday led to a testicular cancer diagnosis in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although two people in Nate's life had previously been diagnosed with testicular cancer, including one of his best friends and a former robotics student, he still wasn't convinced it could happen to him. In fact, his primary care doctor initially doubted it was cancer before an ultrasound revealed otherwise. After undergoing an orchiectomy, Nate learned he had 100% embryonal carcinoma, the same aggressive type of testicular cancer that affected Lance Armstrong. As a new father, he suddenly found himself navigating sperm banking, treatment decisions, and the uncertainty that comes with a cancer diagnosis. One of the most fascinating parts of Nate's story is his treatment journey. Faced with choosing between chemotherapy and RPLND (retroperitoneal lymph node dissection), he sought multiple opinions before ultimately choosing surgery during the height of COVID. Doctors removed 23 lymph nodes during a nine-hour operation, and remarkably, every single one came back negative for cancer. The conversation also dives deep into fertility after testicular cancer. Nate openly discusses sperm banking, retrograde ejaculation after RPLND, low semen volume, multiple miscarriages, and the emotional roller coaster he and his wife experienced while trying to grow their family. Despite numerous setbacks and fertility concerns, the couple eventually welcomed a second child, a milestone that makes this story especially meaningful. Today, Nate is an active members of the online testicular cancer community, helping newly diagnosed patients navigate treatment decisions, fertility concerns, and survivorship. His story is a powerful reminder that testicular cancer can happen at any age, that self-exams matter, and that a strong support system can make all the difference. Provide your feedback on the podcast: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/itbsurvey Join The Ball Room: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/theballroom Want to be a guest? Apply here: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions Connect with Nate: https://www.instagram.com/edwardsnate https://www.reddit.com/user/RelevantFeed495/ https://www.facebook.com/nate.edwards.7315 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.instagram.com/stevencrocker https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2 Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

    Nate's RPLND: 23 Lymph Nodes Removed

  5. Jul 1

    Burnt Out Primary or Extragonadal Germ Cell Tumor?

    In this episode of It Takes Balls, Tony Florio shares one of the most unusual testicular cancer stories featured on the podcast. An attorney, husband, and father of two young kids, Tony was on paternity leave when he developed a persistent ache in his lower abdomen. There was no lump, no testicular pain, and no obvious signs of testicular cancer, just a nagging discomfort that refused to go away. After a CT scan revealed a large abdominal mass, doctors initially suspected a sarcoma or paraganglioma, two diagnoses with far different prognoses than testicular cancer. Even after a scrotal ultrasound came back normal, Tony continued searching for answers. Using AI tools to better understand his medical reports and advocating for additional testing, he pushed for tumor markers that ultimately helped point his medical team in a different direction. Tony underwent major surgery to remove a retroperitoneal mass, entering the operating room knowing he could potentially lose part of his colon or even a kidney. Fortunately, the surgery was successful, and pathology revealed what nobody initially expected: a germ cell tumor consisting primarily of teratoma, embryonal carcinoma, and yolk sac tumor components. Even more unusual, doctors never found a tumor in either testicle, leaving questions about whether his cancer represented a burned-out testicular cancer or a rare extragonadal germ cell tumor. The episode also explores the emotional side of facing cancer while raising two young children. Tony reflects on the fear of not being there for his family, the support he received from his wife, friends, and neighbors, and the faith that helped carry him through the most uncertain moments. He also discusses postoperative complications, including a painful pneumothorax that landed him back in the hospital, as well as the surprising recommendation from his tumor board. This conversation is a powerful reminder that testicular cancer symptoms don't always start in the testicle, that self-advocacy matters, and that sometimes the most important part of the journey is simply getting the right diagnosis. Whether you're navigating a recent diagnosis, interested in rare presentations of germ cell tumors, or looking for hope during surveillance, Tony's story offers insight, perspective, and encouragement. Provide your feedback on the podcast: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/itbsurvey 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.instagram.com/stevencrocker https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2 Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

    Burnt Out Primary or Extragonadal Germ Cell Tumor?

  6. Jun 15

    Jack Didn't Think His Symptoms Were Serious at First

    In this episode of It Takes Balls, recent law-grad Jack shares how a symptom many men might dismiss led to a life-changing testicular cancer diagnosis. Ironically, Jack describes himself as a lifelong "hypochondriac," someone who routinely worried about his health. Yet when this symptom first appeared, even he wasn't convinced it was anything serious. Living alone in New York City while attending law school, Jack eventually trusted his instincts and went to the emergency room, where an ultrasound revealed a suspicious mass. What followed was a whirlwind of sleepless nights, frantic Google searches, and rapidly learning about orchiectomies, surveillance, sperm banking, and treatment possibilities. Determined to find the best care available, he connected with the team at Memorial Sloan Kettering and underwent surgery under the care of Dr. Rich Matulewicz. Jack opens up about navigating cancer largely on his own, with family hundreds of miles away in Wisconsin (visiting after surgery) and friends helping him through recovery in New York. He shares the emotional moment when the reality of being a cancer survivor finally hit him—days after surgery, alone in a friend's apartment, when weeks of fear, uncertainty, and stress came pouring out all at once. The conversation also explores survivorship, scanxiety, and what it's like to return to normal life while still living with uncertainty. As someone who loves data and analysis, Jack explains how understanding recurrence statistics helps him cope with follow-up scans, even as enlarged lymph nodes required additional monitoring after surgery. More than anything, Jack's story is a reminder that testicular cancer symptoms don't always include a lump. Sometimes the warning signs are subtle. His message to listeners is simple: trust your body, advocate for yourself, and get checked when something feels off. Early detection saves lives. Provide your feedback on the podcast: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/itbsurvey 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.instagram.com/stevencrocker https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2 Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

    Jack Didn't Think His Symptoms Were Serious at First

  7. Jun 8

    Tony Opted for Robotic RPLND After New TC Blood Tests Spiked

    In this episode of It Takes Balls, testicular cancer survivor Tony Salas shares how his cancer journey led him into one of the newest and most rapidly evolving areas of cancer surveillance: MicroRNA-371 testing and Signatera ctDNA monitoring. Tony opens up about the symptoms and diagnosis that changed his life, including the whirlwind of appointments, surgery, and learning how quickly testicular cancer treatment decisions have to be made. But what makes his story especially unique is what came after treatment—navigating surveillance while trying to avoid chemotherapy and gain greater confidence in whether his cancer was truly gone. Throughout the episode, Tony discusses using MicroRNA 371, an emerging blood test showing major promise in detecting active germ cell tumors, along with Signatera, a personalized circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) test designed to monitor for residual disease and recurrence. He shares what it was like balancing traditional surveillance methods like CT scans and tumor markers with these newer technologies, and how the uncertainty of recurrence can weigh heavily on survivors mentally and emotionally. The conversation also explores the emotional side of survivorship, including scannxiety, the fear of recurrence, and the challenge of moving forward after treatment while still feeling tied to constant monitoring. Tony speaks candidly about the importance of self-advocacy, staying informed about evolving cancer research, and finding ways to regain a sense of control during survivorship. This episode is not only a powerful survivor story, but also an insightful look at the future of testicular cancer surveillance and personalized cancer monitoring. Whether you’re navigating a diagnosis, currently in surveillance, or interested in the latest advances in testicular cancer treatment and recurrence detection, Tony’s experience offers both hope and perspective. Provide your feedback on the podcast: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/itbsurvey Join The Ball Room: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/theballroom Want to be a guest? Apply here: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions Connect with Tony: https://www.instagram.com/tone_loc17/ https://www.facebook.com/coachtony05 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.instagram.com/stevencrocker https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2 Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

    Tony Opted for Robotic RPLND After New TC Blood Tests Spiked

  8. Jun 1

    Renee Calhoun, LMFT - Talking to Partners & Kids About Your Cancer

    In this episode of It Takes Balls, licensed marriage and family therapist Renee Calhoun joins the podcast to discuss one of the most overlooked aspects of a testicular cancer diagnosis: the emotional and relational impact it can have on patients, partners, children, and families. Drawing from her professional experience as an LMFT, Renee explains how cancer affects far more than physical health. The conversation explores the fear, uncertainty, anxiety, and identity shifts that often follow a diagnosis, especially for men who may feel pressure to stay strong or avoid emotional vulnerability. She also shares practical insight into how couples can communicate more effectively during treatment and recovery, even when both partners are struggling in different ways. Renee also offers guidance for parents trying to explain cancer to children, emphasizing the importance of honest, age-appropriate conversations and emotional openness within the family. Throughout the discussion, Renee highlights why mental health support should be viewed as an important part of the cancer journey not just for patients, but for caregivers and loved ones as well. Her perspective brings a compassionate and practical voice to conversations that many families struggle to navigate alone. Provide your feedback on the podcast: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/itbsurvey 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 Connect with Renee https://www.reneecalhounlmft.com Follow Steven Crocker: https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2 Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

    Renee Calhoun, LMFT - Talking to Partners & Kids About Your Cancer
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Trailer

5
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

It Takes Balls is a podcast for testicular cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and families. Through conversations with survivors, oncologists, urologists, and medical experts, we discuss testicular cancer symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, chemotherapy, fertility, mental health, survivorship, and recovery. Our mission is to raise awareness, support men’s health, reduce stigma, and help people feel less alone during and after a testicular cancer journey. Early detection and self-exams save lives.

Information

  • Creator
    Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    129
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation
  • Show Website
    It Takes Balls

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