In this episode of It Takes Balls, Colin Safley — an opera singer and suit salesman — shares his experience navigating testicular cancer while facing a decision that could impact both his health and his livelihood. When treatment options included BEP chemotherapy, Colin was forced to weigh survival against the potential risk to his lungs, ultimately choosing a path that prioritized protecting his ability to sing. His story sheds light on how cancer treatment decisions can extend far beyond medicine, especially for patients whose careers depend on their bodies in highly specific ways.

Colin also opens up about the emotional side of diagnosis, including what he describes as “coming out of the cancer closet” — deciding who to tell, when to tell them, and how much to share. The episode explores the vulnerability of living publicly with cancer while trying to maintain independence, humor, and control. During treatment, Colin found comfort in unexpected ways, from bringing plushies to chemo to reclaiming his identity through creativity and play.

That sense of humor carried through even the hardest moments, including hair loss, which he turned into a statement by dressing as several bald characters for Halloween. Through laughter, honesty, and self-expression, Colin reframes survivorship not as a linear recovery but as an evolving process. His story highlights key themes in testicular cancer awareness, survivorship, and men’s health — reminding listeners that there’s no single right way to face cancer, only the way that preserves who you are.

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

Connect with Colin:

https://www.instagram.com/colinsingsopera/

https://www.facebook.com/colinsafleymusic

Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

In this episode of It Takes Balls, Mohammad shares his rarely heard and emotionally complex journey through a testicular tumor diagnosis that ultimately turned out to be benign, but not without life-altering consequences. After noticing a slow-growing lump in his testicle over several years, Mohammad sought medical advice and was told removal was urgent, with little discussion of alternative options such as watchful waiting or partial orchiectomy. Living in Iran, where conversations around men’s health and testicular issues remain highly stigmatized, Mohammad faced his diagnosis largely without community support, limited patient education, and few culturally accessible resources.

Mohammad opens up about the devastating realization that his tumor may not have required full removal and the lasting impact that decision has had on his self-image, sexuality, fertility concerns, and mental health. He speaks candidly about regret, masculinity, dating after surgery, and the emotional toll of losing a testicle when cancer wasn't the final diagnosis. His story sheds light on a rarely discussed reality: that even when tumors are benign, the physical and psychological consequences of surgery can be profound.

This episode highlights the urgent need for patient advocacy and global access to testicular cancer education, especially in regions where language barriers, cultural taboos, and lack of survivor communities leave men feeling isolated. Mohammad’s courage in sharing his experience is a powerful reminder that every patient deserves to understand that they are not alone, no matter where they live.

For cultural reasons, Mohammad has elected to obscure his picture and video.

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

Connect with Mohammad:

ma.sadeghi95@yahoo.com

Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

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