In this episode of The Penis Project Podcast, Nurse Practitioner and Sexologist Melissa Hadley Barrett chats with Mish Middelmann — a prostate cancer survivor, men’s leadership coach, and founder of The Recovering Man. Mish is also the author of a book about sex beyond erections, called Beyond Erections - reclaiming sexual pleasure and intimacy with erectile differences.
Diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2019, Mish shares his raw and insightful journey of treatment, recovery, and rebuilding life as a man post-cancer. From Johannesburg to Canada, his story spans continents and emotions — and ultimately, his experience led him to create a space for other men navigating the often-silent challenges of prostate cancer recovery.
Mish now supports men and their partners through personalised coaching, offering emotional guidance, tools for self-reinvention, and a path toward rediscovering identity and intimacy. He also speaks about the recent release of his book — including why the original title sparked controversy and was later renamed.
In This Episode, We Cover:
- Mish’s prostate cancer diagnosis and the decisions he faced
- The physical and psychological recovery process after treatment
- How prostate cancer affects male identity, sexuality, and relationships
- The importance of support networks for both men and their partners
- His work as a men’s health coach and the creation of The Recovering Man
- The evolving conversation around masculinity, vulnerability, and healing
- Insights from his newly released book on finding sexual pleasure without relying on hard erections.
Key Takeaways:
Life after prostate cancer is about more than just surviving — it’s about reclaiming who you are. Mish encourages men to explore healing not only of the body but also of self-image, connection, and purpose.
Resources & Links:
- Book a confidential consult, in clinic or on telehealth, with our sexual health nurse practitioners at Restorative Health Clinic
- For more information check out our websites www.rshealth.com.au , www.makehardeasy.com.au and www.melissahadleybarrett.com.au
- Visit The Recovering Man: https://www.recoveringman.net/ – Coaching, articles, and resources for men navigating life after prostate cancer.
- Book by Mish Middelmann: Beyond Erections available as paperback or eBook. Details at www.beyonderections.com/book.
- Learn more about men’s sexual health services: www.rshealth.com.au
Listen & Subscribe
- If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to follow, subscribe to the podcast and help us reach more men by rating and reviewing the show. Because penile health matters — and it’s time we talked about it.
Connect With Us
We love hearing from real people navigating penile health—just like Mish. If you’d like to share your journey or ask a question, get in touch. Email: admin@melissahadleybarrett.com Website: www.rshealth.com.au
Websites:
https://rshealth.com.au/ All genders
https://melissahadleybarrett.com
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