The Male Room with Dr. Jesse Mills

On Part 2 of our prostate cancer series, Dr. Mills welcomes back UCLA urologic oncologist Dr. Wayne Brisbane to walk listeners through what happens after a PSA bump — touching on how doctors use prostate MRI, biomarkers, and shared decision-making to determine who really needs a biopsy. Dr. Brisbane demystifies the MRI experience (yes, the loud, tight tube), explains what those 1–5 “PIRADS” scores actually mean, and breaks down modern biopsy options—including why the transperineal approach can lower infection risk. Then it’s on decoding Gleason scores, grade groups, and “risk stratification”— and explaining why, for many men, this is a highly treatable, often curable disease when caught early. (Originally aired February 24, 2026) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does stress literally break your balls? Dr. Jesse Mills is joined by urologist and men’s health specialist Dr. Susan MacDonald to break down the many causes of testicular and scrotal pain, from infections and pelvic floor dysfunction to chronic nerve pain. They explain why imaging doesn’t always reveal the source, how constipation and stress can contribute to symptoms, and why pelvic floor physical therapy may be an important part of treatment. Plus, Dr. McDonald explains spermatic cord denervation, a surgical option that can offer relief for some men living with chronic testicular pain. More information about the Pelvic Health and Rehabilitation Center can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/@PelvicHealth See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re two best friends having unfiltered conversations about the modern sh*t we all go through, with a rotating cast of top therapists to help us unpack it all. We’re not experts, just very curious, slightly unhinged, and can label our feelings (most of the time). Come hang with us as we have the uncomfortable conversations about dating, love, sex, mental health, loneliness, friendships, grief and everything else that only Alex Cooper talks about. Listen to Free Therapy on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With September being prostate awareness month, we're resharing our lengthy discussion with UCLA urologic oncologist and surgeon-scientist Dr. Wayne Brisbane. In our first installment, Dr. Mills tackles the most confusing—and most important—starting point: screening. What does an “elevated PSA” actually mean, why is it controversial, and how do you avoid unnecessary panic (or unnecessary procedures) while still catching cancer early? Using a real-world “55-year-old patient journey,” they break down PSA as a prostate “thermometer,” when to repeat a test, what role MRI plays today, and how newer tools like urine biomarkers and micro-ultrasound are reshaping early detection—before the series moves on to diagnosis and treatment. (Originally aired February 17, 2026) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's episode is a ball buster — literally. Dr. Mills tackles the subject no man wants to think about: genital trauma. Using the story of a pro baseball player who finished an at-bat with a ruptured testicle as a jumping-off point, he explains what can happen when the penis or testicles suffer a serious injury, how doctors repair the damage, and why timing matters. From testicular rupture and protective cups to penile reconstruction and even transplants, Jesse walks through some of the most extreme cases urologists encounter — and the warning signs that mean it’s time to get to the ER. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellness trends are everywhere—but which ones actually live up to the hype? Dr. Jesse Mills puts some of the internet’s buzziest supplements and health hacks under the microscope, breaking down the evidence behind colostrum, fibermaxxing, berberine, magnesium, probiotics and more. He explains where the science looks promising, where the claims get ahead of the data, and why even a seemingly harmless supplement may not be right for everyone. Plus, Dr. Mills and Jordan the Producer explore raw milk, fecal transplants, the gut microbiome and the complicated science behind metabolism and weight. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Mills takes a closer look at creatine—what it does, who may benefit from it, and whether it lives up to the hype. He breaks down the evidence on muscle growth, athletic performance, kidney health, and emerging research into possible cognitive benefits. Dr. Mills also explains when creatine may be most useful, how much of a difference it can realistically make, and why you don’t need to spend extra on elaborate formulations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Kymora B. Scotland returns for part two of a deep dive into enlarged prostates, this time focusing on what happens when the “big boys” require more than an office-based procedure. From robotic Aquablation and GreenLight vaporization to HoLEP and simple prostatectomy, she breaks down how urologists tackle larger glands—and the tradeoffs involving bleeding, recovery, ejaculation, and incontinence. We also explore what happens when prostate obstruction becomes dangerous enough to threaten kidney function, and whether there’s anything younger men can do to reduce their odds of developing BPH down the road. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When medications aren’t enough to tame an enlarged prostate, what comes next? In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Dr. Mills is joined by fellow UCLA urologist Dr. Kymora Scotland to break down the growing menu of procedures for BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia), from the longtime standard TURP to minimally invasive options like UroLift, iTind, Optilume and Rezūm. They explain how prostate size, recovery time, ejaculation, fertility and potential side effects can determine which treatment makes the most sense. Plus, Dr. Scotland explains why, for most men, choosing a procedure is less about finding the single “best” option and more about finding the right one for their priorities. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When is a strange symptom just part of getting older—and when is it a warning sign you should never ignore? Dr. Mills breaks down the red flags that warrant medical attention, including unexplained bleeding, persistent chest pain, sudden severe headaches, new lumps, shortness of breath, and a cough that won’t go away. He also explains why some frightening symptoms may be less dangerous than they appear, while seemingly minor changes can signal something serious. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Mills breaks down the surprisingly complex process behind a seemingly simple bodily function, from the signals in your brain to the muscles of the bladder and prostate. He explains what urgency, nighttime bathroom trips, a weak stream and incomplete emptying may reveal about your health—and when they warrant a visit to the doctor. He also explores how caffeine, alcohol, medications, diabetes and heart problems can affect urinary habits, along with the risks of routinely holding it in. Plus, why does the urge suddenly strike when you reach your front door? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could the quality of your erections reveal more about your overall health than you realize? Dr. Mills speaks with emergency physician and FirmTech founder Dr. Elliot Justin about a wearable erection ring designed to measure nocturnal erections, sexual performance and potential early signs of cardiovascular disease. They explore why erectile difficulties are not always solved by taking a pill, how objective data could transform men’s sexual healthcare and whether FirmTech rings (and others) may help men maintain stronger, longer-lasting erections. Plus, Dr. Justin addresses privacy concerns surrounding intimate health data and previews the next generation of sexual-health wearables. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Writer and Peyronie’s disease advocate Don Cummings joins Dr. Mills to share the deeply personal—and often surprisingly funny—story behind his memoir, Bent But Not Broken . Don recounts the fear, guilt and depression he experienced after developing Peyronie’s at age 48, as well as the long treatment journey that ultimately restored his sexual function. He also explains how support from his husband, family, friends and fellow patients helped him cope with the condition’s emotional toll. Together, they offer an honest and hopeful reminder that Peyronie’s disease does not have to mean the end of intimacy, identity or a fulfilling sex life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Mills is joined by University of Washington urologist Dr. Marah Hehemann to explain how Xiaflex injections can treat the curvature caused by Peyronie’s disease. They discuss who makes a good candidate, what the six-month treatment process involves, and the realistic benefits, risks and side effects patients should expect. The conversation also explores penile traction, surgical options when injections are not enough, and the significant emotional toll Peyronie’s can take. Most importantly, they offer reassurance that effective treatments and support are available. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Mills dives deep into the surgical side of Peyronie's disease with Professor Matt Ziegelman from the Mayo Clinic, one of the most renowned Peyronie's surgeons in the country. Building on previous episodes covering the disease's natural history and treatments, this conversation explores the intricate surgical options — including the highly complex plaque excision and graft procedure, which requires essentially disassembling and reassembling the penis to correct the condition. Whether you're a patient weighing your options or just curious about some of the most delicate surgery in all of medicine, this is a must-listen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the first installment of our multi-part series on Peyronie's disease, Dr. Mills explains what causes the condition, how it can change the shape, length and function of the penis, and why it may be far more common than most men realize. He also traces its unusual medical history, separates Peyronie's from congenital curvature and dispels the damaging idea that patients somehow caused it themselves. From medications and traction devices to injections and surgery, Dr. Mills previews the range of treatments that will be explored throughout the series. Most importantly, he addresses the condition’s profound psychological impact and offers reassurance that effective options are available—and that no one should suffer in silence. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clinical psychologist and USC professor Dr. Darby Saxbe joins The Male Room to unpack the science behind fatherhood, from the ways caregiving reshapes the brain to how testosterone, sleep loss, stress and postpartum mood changes can affect new dads. Drawing from her new book Dad Brain , Saxbe explains why great fathers are made through practice, presence and repetition and not just biology. The conversation also explores dad bods, men’s mental health, changing gender roles, sitcom father stereotypes and why modern fatherhood is far more flexible, complicated and rewarding than old clichés suggest. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when a man finishes too quickly — or struggles to finish at all? Dr. Jesse Mills explains why issues like premature ejaculation and delayed orgasm are more common than many men realize, and walks through the treatments that may help. He and Jordan also discuss unrealistic expectations shaped by porn, the internet phenomenon known as “death grip syndrome,” and why honest communication with a partner is often the best place to start. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Mills and Jordan tackle one of the most common — and least openly discussed — insecurities among men: penis size. Inspired in part by a story from recent guest Jordan Ritter Conn's new book American Men , the pair explore the surprising history of cultural attitudes toward penis size, how pornography and unrealistic expectations shape men's self-image, and why most men dramatically overestimate what is actually considered average. The conversation separates myth from reality on everything from enlargement pills and traction devices to fillers and surgery, while also examining the emotional toll of penis shame and its connection to confidence, relationships, and erectile dysfunction. Most importantly, Dr. Mills offers a reassuring message for listeners: you're probably okay — and if you're not, there are legitimate medical and psychological resources available to help. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Mills speaks with writer Brad Snyder about the lasting emotional impact of childhood medical trauma, body shame, and the complicated relationship many men have with vulnerability. Drawing from a deeply personal HuffPost essay about his experience with an undescended testicle and humiliating pediatric exams, Snyder opens up about fear, secrecy, masculinity, and the long road toward self-acceptance. The conversation explores how shame shapes men’s health decisions, why so many men avoid doctors altogether, and the healing power of finally speaking openly about experiences once kept hidden See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.