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

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

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

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

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

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