PODCAST

This podcast has survivors, caregivers, family members, and medical professionals who have dealt with testicular cancer, and young adults with cancer. Listen to episodes for free here or through your favorite podcast app. For transcripts (free), go to your chosen episode on Buzzsprout and click Transcript.

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Season 4, Episode 3:

Running, Running, Running, to Raise Awareness about Testicular Cancer

Join Andy Hood, an avid runner who used his testicular cancer diagnosis as a positive, next step as a runner. While he has never competed in or run a marathon, he has been running for years at the same 26-mile distance on trails around his home in North Devon in the United Kingdom. He is the father of three boys, and at age 48, he learned he had testicular cancer. After an orchiectomy and chemotherapy, he came back, he says, as “Andy 2.0,” ready to run on the beautiful trails he knows and at the same time, raise awareness about testicular cancer. Listen to Andy, known as runningwestwardho on Instagram and his positive approach to testicular cancer.

Season 4, Episode 2:

10 Years After – Life as a Testicular Cancer Survivor

Host Joyce Lofstrom talks with Alex Tothill-Brown, a 10-year testicular cancer survivor. He shares his story of finding a lump on his testicle during his college years and then navigating the Canadian healthcare system for outstanding care. His journey covers the different treatments for metastasis to his lungs and brain, as doctors gave him a 30% chance of survival.

Season 4, Episode 1:

How and When to Use Humor to Talk about Testicular Cancer

Hear from Michael J. Rovito, Ph.D., and his research on the use of humor in discussions about testicular cancer. Dr. Rovito is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health Sciences at the University of Central Florida. He is a certified health education specialist in testicular cancer. Dr. Rovito talks with host Joyce Lofstrom about his research paper, Humor-Based Messaging in Testicular Cancer Awareness Campaigns: A Comparative Critical Review, published in the November/December 2023 edition of the American Journal of Men’s Health. This discussion gets to how people discuss men’s health, in general, and testicular cancer, specifically. Sometimes, humor works, but basically, it comes down to communication style. The context and the audience matter when talking with humor – or not – about testicular cancer.

Season 3, Episode 12:

Testicular Cancer Taught Me to Embrace What Life Might Offer

Chris Ho survived testicular cancer twice, losing both testicles to the disease. He shares the path he navigated to learn gratitude, become a certified coach, enjoy fatherhood with his wife and his two sons, and be open to what life might offer. In this episode, he details his journey that began in 2013 with his first diagnosis of testicular cancer. At the same time, he learned his wife was pregnant with their first son. His father shared that he had Stage 4 lung cancer in 2016 and then passed in 2018 after meeting his first grandson. Chris received his second diagnosis in 2020 with surgery to remove his second testicle. Learn how Chris navigated his life after testicular cancer, including insights on his career, and his family with a second son born via IVF treatment in 2021. He tells listeners about his job with FranklinCovey in Canada and then the start of his business Conscious Studio.

Season 3, Episode 11:

An F-16 Fighter Pilot Shares His Testicular Cancer Journey

At 18, Chuck Boynton knew he wanted to fly, so after graduating high school, he enlisted in the Air Force Reserves as an aircraft mechanic, and he attended the University of South Florida Reserve Officers Training Corps. He was enrolled in a 55-week, three-phase training program as a First Lieutenant when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer in July 2018. Now, Captain Chuck Boynton, an F-16 pilot at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, will share his testicular cancer journey with us. And tell us how he returned to the cockpit, where he is known by his callsign Atlas, the Greek mythology figure tasked with carrying the sky on his shoulders.

Season 3, Episode 10:

Catch Up with Don’t Give Up on Testicular Cancer

The Don’t Give Up on Testicular Cancer podcast continues with an update from podcast host Joyce Lofstrom. This brief episode assures listeners interviews will continue with testicular cancer survivors, caregivers, researchers, and others touched by cancer. Hear about upcoming podcasts and be ready to listen to learn more about testicular cancer from the Max Mallory Foundation.

Season 3, Episode 9:

A Musician’s Perspective on Surviving Testicular Cancer

Stephen Heaviside is a musician, writer, and TC survivor. He volunteered for Stupid Cancer, Elephants and Tea, Cactus Cancer Society, and now he’s program coordinator with Cactus Cancer Society. Here’s his journey, his passion for YA cancer awareness, and how music helps heal.

Season 3, Episode 8:

Youth Hockey Coach Keeps Skating and Establishes Local Testicular Cancer Support Group

At age 35, on December 25, 2019, Matt Cross learned he had Stage 2B testicular cancer. This youth hockey coach, who had moved from Canada, found few men to talk to about it in his new home of Raleigh, NC. So he founded the Raleigh Testicular Cancer Foundation, a support and educational nonprofit to help men navigate their cancer journey and raise awareness about the disease. Now he’s helped get the word about about YA cancer and self-exams, and has a thriving area foundation.

Season 3, Episode 7:

Survived Testicular Cancer, then Climbed Mount Kilimanjaro

Doug MacArthur was 20 years old when he was a junior in college and found a lump on his testicle. He waited a few months before heading to the student health clinic, where the doctor suspected cancer. He told Doug to go home, confirm the cancer diagnosis, and set up a treatment plan. Doug left his college dorm in central California and headed home to follow his testicular cancer treatment plan. Now, four years later, this structural engineer has just returned from climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

Season 3, Episode 6:

Testicular Cancer: Talking About Loss, Music and Life from a Stepbrother’s Perspective

Will Thompson talks about losing his stepbrother Max Mallory to testicular cancer, the drug-related death of a close friend, and then dealing with life after these losses. An accomplished musician and sound professional, Will talks about the role of music in his life and happiness.

Season 3, Episode 5:

It’s Just Part of Living – A High School Teacher Reflects on His Testicular Cancer Journey

Daniel Makarewicz was diagnosed with testicular cancer on August 11, 2010, at the age of 24. At the time, he was a sports reporter at the Dispatch and the Rock Island Argus in Moline, Illinois. His urologist recommended emergency surgery to remove his left testicle, which was eventually classified as Stage 1. Following chemo and surveillance, he was deemed a survivor on June 11, 2020, his last checkup with oncologists. Daniel shares many stories of his life before, during, and after his testicular cancer diagnosis, including that of a mysterious donor who left envelopes for him at his parents’ house with brief but meaningful messages and cash over a two-year period.

Season 3, Episode 4:

From Spain – Singer, Performer & Testicular Cancer Survivor Shares His Perspective

A singer and performer from Spain, Alberto Sogorb shares his perspective on surviving testicular cancer diagnosed five years ago in 2018. He found a lump on his left testicle and visited two physicians before he received the correct diagnosis. He explains his treatment of surgery and surveillance, including an interruption to his career due to one employer’s restrictions. But Alberto continued singing and has become a recognized performer in Spain, his home country, and Europe. Learn more about Alberto Sogorb’s testicular cancer journey and how he effectively navigated it through the Spanish healthcare system.

Season 3, Episode 3:

Life, Faith and Surviving Testicular Cancer, part 2

Join Matt Ode in part 2 of Life, Faith and Surviving Testicular Cancer, where he shares more about the path to healing from his testicular cancer treatment. In this segment, Matt talks about treatment, the power of his family’s support and prayer, and his strengthened connection with his girlfriend Lauren, who Matt married in the summer of 2022. At age 24, Matt had to learn to walk again and rebuild his physical strength. He talks candidly about his faith and its pivotal and ongoing role in his life then and now.

Season 3, Episode 2:

Life, Faith and Surviving Testicular Cancer, part 1

Matt was a personal trainer in excellent shape and enjoying life until he received his cancer diagnosis. His treatment began with chemotherapy, and then, surgery to remove an 11-centimeter tumor in his small intestine followed by multiple complications. Faith played, and continues to play, a vital and primary role in Matt’s story. He endured two comas – one that happened on its own, and later, an induced coma after cardiac arrest. His wife Lauren, traveled this journey with him, and listeners will learn more about her support. And now, after years of hard work and internal discovery, Matt gives back to those with cancer in many ways. His Facebook group has more than 6,000 followers. This is Part 1 of Matt Ode’s story. Learn more about this vibrant, enthusiastic, and energetic young man, helping people transform their minds, body and spirit as a testicular cancer survivor.

Season 3, Episode 1:

What Happens When the Chemo Stops Working – A Testicular Cancer Survivor Explains

In 2019 at age 39, Chris Smith, a father of three boys, learned he had advanced testicular cancer. He started treatment, and then, with only three sessions left, his blood markers increased. The chemo had stopped working. Chris moved ahead with advanced treatment, including high-dose chemo and a stem cell transplant. It worked. In 2023, he continues to give back to other cancer patients near Asheville, North Carolina. He visits the hospital where he had treatment twice a month and delivers warm blankets and snacks to cancer patients. As a successful real estate entrepreneur, Chris owns Modern Mountain Real Estate and hosts an annual golf tournament that his coworkers started during his treatment. All proceeds go to cancer patients.

Season 2, Episode 19, Special Movember 2022 episode:

Two Brothers and Their Dad Survive Testicular Cancer

Jordan Stine and Max Mallory never met each other, but have an odd connection: a scholarship and TC!

Jordan found a lump on his testicle two weeks after his wedding. He knew about testicular cancer because his dad and his younger brother survived the disease. Jordan followed the advice of his sibling, who told him to get through the day and what was right in front of him. He did, and he banked sperm as well. Now, eight years after his diagnosis and the father of three children, Jordan tells his story of cancer treatment, IVF, the grant he and his wife received to help cover IVF expenses, and life with a young family. After his testicular cancer journey, he looks forward to T-ball practice and living life “where his feet are that day.”

In 2016, Max Mallory’s family set up the Max Mallory Scholarship for majors in Media Arts and Game Development (MAGD) at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, originally working with the wonderful Katie Kuznacik there. When she was promoted, Jordan Stine became Director of Philanthropy at UWW. A UWW alum, he’d starred on the UW baseball team from 2006-2010. The Max Mallory Foundation now provides an annual, two-year scholarship for a junior in the MAGD program and a cash prize for the annual MAGD Expo. It was only after Jordan began handling the scholarship that we discovered this serendipitous connection–we all want to provide awareness of testicular cancer!

Season 2, Episode 18:

It Started in Biology Class – A Dad Shares His Testicular Cancer Story

Something in his first semester, freshman college biology class, triggered Matt Froestad to visit the local hospital emergency department and ask about the lump on his testicle. His intuition paid off because he had testicular cancer- Stage 1A diagnosed in 2009. He returned to the hospital in 2011, his senior year, to learn cancer had returned in his other testicle – again Stage 1A. But Matt banked sperm before his surgery for this second go-round with cancer. Listen to Matt’s story of cancer, sperm banking, IVF with his wife, and the birth of his daughter.

Season 2, Episode 17:

The Healing Power of Motorcycle Track Racing for Testicular Cancer

Matt Finch grew up in a family that rode and raced motorcycles. He continues this tradition that helped him heal from his testicular cancer diagnosis and treatment at age 29. He had two children, aged 7 and 5 when he learned about his cancer. Four years later, he’s added another child to his family and spends his time as a police officer in Woodbridge, Suffolk, in the UK, with his children and partner Lucy, and on his bike to help raise awareness about this disease.

Season 2, Episode 16:

A Testicular Cancer Survivor Goes from Baseball to Culinary School

Caleb Kerbs played second base for a Division 1 baseball team at the University of Maine. His testicular cancer diagnosis happened during his junior year of college in 2018. He was lucky since his cancer was at Stage 1. Now, four years later, he tells his story of survival, meditation with Buddhist monks in Thailand, and culinary school.

Season 2, Episode 15:

Navigating Cancer and Stem Cell Transplants

With a master’s degree in social work, Christina Merrill saw how managing a transplant diagnosis upended the lives of patients and their caregivers. She founded the Bone Marrow & Cancer Foundation (BMCF) in 1992 to help patients and their caregivers facing bone marrow and other transplants. In 2018, she expanded all services to cancer patients and their caregivers. Christina talks about the BMCF financial and community services available to cancer patients, including testicular cancer patients.

Season 2, Episode 14:

What Are You Reading about Testicular Cancer – Trends and Topics

In 2022, 10,000 men will be diagnosed with testicular cancer. Podcast host Joyce Lofstrom discusses testicular cancer headlines from news alerts and her experiences talking with cancer survivors. She covers the topics of harmful forever chemicals – PFAS as one – linked to testicular cancer, life after completing the cancer journey, healthcare insurance coverage, and finding and receiving the needed care during and after cancer.

Season 2, Episode 13:

Forget the Fear, Bring It Up and Talk about Testicular Cancer, Men’s Health

Bryan Stacy faced a testicular cancer and sexually transmitted infection diagnosis on the same day. A man in his early 30s, Bryan found his life soon changed with surgery, chemo and recovery for three months at his parents’ house. The testicular cancer experience led him to look at his life and what he wanted out of it. He left his job in Washington, D.C., moved to New York City, and founded two successful businesses as a creator of tech to help people feel safe and help men feel comfortable talking about their general health and sexual health. With those two businesses behind him, Bryan Stacy now has another business in development.

Season 2, Episode 12:

Byron Lane Lives Life with Humor, Honesty & Hope

Byron Lane is an author, playwright, screenwriter, and testicular cancer survivor diagnosed in 2015 and 2020. His award-winning web series LAST WILL & TESTICLE, released in 2016, provides a humorous and introspective look at Byron’s testicular cancer experience. Lane shares his perspective as a cancer survivor and advocate in this podcast. In April 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he learned cancer had returned, a diagnosis received two months before the release of his debut novel, A STAR IS BORED, described by the New York Times as “wildly funny.” The book is about an uptight celebrity assistant struggling to manage his eccentric movie star boss, inspired in part by Lane’s time as assistant to beloved actress Carrie Fisher. With the upcoming book release, Lane says he had something to look forward to during his days of chemo and treatment. Lane is a two-time regional Emmy Award winner from his time as a television news journalist. As a playwright and scriptwriter, he authored the acclaimed play TILDA SWINTON ANSWERS AN AD ON CRAIGSLIST and the feature film HERPES BOY starring Academy Award winner Octavia Spencer. Lane lives with his husband, bestselling author Steven Rowley, in Palm Springs.

Season 2, Episode 11:

Back in the Air after Testicular Cancer – A Pilot’s Story

Richard Kentish is a UK training captain and examiner with Ryanair and a professional “with a demonstrated history of working in the airlines/aviation industry,” per his LinkedIn profile. He learned he had testicular cancer during the Covid-19 pandemic and managed his health with support from his wife and two young daughters. Now back in the air, Richard shares his emotional story of surviving testicular cancer, returning to a job he loves, and telling his story to as many people or organizations who will listen.

Season 2, Episode 10:

The Path Forward for this University Swimmer

Alex Obendorf learned he had advanced testicular cancer in 2020 during his senior year of college at the University of West Virginia. He left school and the final year of his swimming scholarship to return home for treatment. Alex had a 10-pound tumor wrapped around his aorta and other organs, a situation that required an 8- to 10-hour surgery. To show their support, his university swim team, coach, and team psychologist showed up at Alex’s door during his cancer journey. More than two years later, Alex shares his story of survival, mindfulness, and plans for the next phase of his life to give back to others facing similar healthcare challenges.

Season 2, Episode 9:

On the Other Side of Testicular Cancer

Byron Geldard learned he had testicular cancer at age 18. He survived and went on to a career with Young Lives Versus Cancer, a charity in England where Byron is the Fundraising Engagement Manager. He’s also a stand-up comedian who uses comedy to talk about cancer and survival. Find out how Byron moved on from his testicular cancer diagnosis to help children and other young people who have cancer.

Season 2, Episode 8:

Twice a Survivor, This Man’s Mission In Life: Stop Cancer

Todd Koza survived testicular cancer twice – once in high school and again some years later. He’s been cancer free for nine years. Now, he spends his free time raising awareness about all cancers, but especially testicular cancer, to help as many people as he can.

Season 2, Episode 7:

Biking Across the World and Giving Back as a Testicular Cancer Survivor

Connor O’Leary was 19 and a professional cyclist when diagnosed with testicular cancer. After treatment, he and his dad David, a cancer survivor, qualified for Amazing Race 22. This competitive biking event took this duo across the world in 2014, and they won the competition. Connor joined the Testicular Cancer Foundation as Chief Mission Officer in 2015, where he helps other survivors and their families have the resources and community so crucial during this health journey.

Season 2, Episode 6:

A New Book and a Testicular Cancer Diagnosis – A Survivor’s Cancer Saga

It happened at the same time. Andy Storch released his book Own Your Career, Own Your Life and learned he had Stage 2 testicular cancer. Instead of promoting his new book, this testicular cancer survivor spent the next few months managing chemotherapy, adjusting his diet, and adding alternative treatments to his care regimen. Hear the story of this husband, father, and business owner who is on a mission to get the absolute most out of life and inspire others to do the same.

Season 2, Episode 5:

How to Keep a Sense of Purpose, Navigate Testicular Cancer and Start a Business

Nathan Kaufer joins us between his first and second cycles of high-dose chemo and stem cell replacement treatment. An entrepreneur, he founded CatchItEarly to “deliver cancer awareness and information along with creative gear styled for a dream-chasing generation.” Nathan is a psychology student in his final quarter at the University of California–Davis. He shares his testicular cancer journey to help other young men who face a cancer diagnosis.

Season 2, Episode 4:

Run, Run, Run – Top Canadian Marathon Athlete Shares His Testicular Cancer Story

Running, teaching, running, testicular cancer…teaching….thyroid cancer… Jonathan Bradnam finished first among Canadian men in the 2021 New York City Marathon on Nov. 7, 2021. A teacher from Welland, Ontario, Canada, Jonathan survived two cancers, continued running during his journey, and began a running group for his students. His athletic ability and healthy living are part of his testicular cancer story.

Season 2, Episode 3:

Taking Care of Life with Non-Traditional Yoga and Optimism – A Testicular Cancer Survivor’s Story

Tim Kenny decided to take care of life after testicular cancer with a positive outlook and nontraditional yoga. Learn more about this home inspector and yoga instructor who talks about his approach to life in Chichester, England, UK. His optimism provides insights valuable to everyone touched by cancer, and listeners will learn more about why he likes and teaches nontraditional yoga.

Season 2, Episode 2:

Be Vocal – From Testicular Cancer to Volleyball Championships to Giving Back

Owen McAndrews is a testicular cancer survivor, athlete, and experienced fundraiser for cancer. Diagnosed in high school with testicular cancer and during volleyball championships, Owen continued playing volleyball then and during college, where his team won championships in 2014 and 2015. Giving back became part of his life as an active participant in Movember and the American Cancer Society. Owen is a Solutions Engineer for Sprout Social in Seattle

Season 2, Episode 1: A Family Comes Together to Support Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer

Learn from a sibling’s perspective, that of Nick Giallourakis, about the cancer diagnosis of his brother Steven at age 15. The family came together and established the Steven G. Cancer Foundation to raise money for cancer research. Nick now serves as Executive Director of Elephants and Tea, a media company designed to build awareness of and help adolescents and young adults with cancer. Now, 16 years later, Steven has survived four cancer diagnoses … and the family continues to work together to help teens and young adults with cancer.

Episode 27: Michael Acosta: What Every Man Born with One Testicle MUST Know

One of our most gripping episodes ever. Michael Acosta was born with an undescended testicle. Even with the removal of that testicle as a baby, Michael had a higher risk for testicular cancer. He shares his story of cancer diagnosis at age 17 and now, more than 11 years later, his dedication to raising awareness about the disease.

Episode 26: Genetics and Testicular Cancer – Insights from a Public Health Researcher

Geneticist and cancer epidemiologist Charleen Adams, Ph.D., shares her insights on the genetics of testicular cancer and cancer, in general. She began her career as a chaplain in Manhattan, NY, a position that led her to study disease prevention through genetics. She is now a bioinformatics Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Lemos Lab at the Harvard School of Public Health.

Episode 25: What Happens on My Cancer Anniversary?

Our host Joyce was 25, only 3 years older than Max Mallory, when she was first diagnosed with cancer. What should any cancer survivor do on a cancer anniversary? she asks in this episode. It was 43 years ago when Joyce was diagnosed and she says, “I always honor that day, in my mind and with something special, be it something as simple and delicious as a hot fudge sundae or lunch with a friend.” This 13-min. episode packs a punch–you’ll want to listen to this heartfelt story.

Episode 24: A Testicular Cancer Survival Story with a Dog, Quality Care and Giving Back

Brett Hoffland is a weekend TV anchor and reporter in the Twin Cities. He shares his testicular cancer survival story from the day his dog jumped on him to the end of chemo. Listen to his journey with insights valuable to all men, including the role of his dog Scoobie in finding his cancer early in the process.

Episode 23: Traveling the Testicular Cancer Journey as a Caregiver

Kristen Gautier is an elementary process coordinator and psychological examiner in special education and coaches junior varsity basketball. She traveled the testicular journey as a caregiver for her husband, Nate. She shares her story of caregiving and the importance of taking care of herself during the journey and now, with their first child soon to arrive.

Episode 22: It’s Been 5 Years Since My Son Died from Testicular Cancer

On the five-year anniversary of the passing of Max Mallory, who died from testicular cancer at age 22, his mother, host Joyce Lofstrom, talks about testicular cancer awareness five years ago versus today, what it’s like to lose a child, and how one can survive by transforming their grief into service to others. This isn’t a sad episode, despite the topic: you’ll find some great advice for anyone who wants to succeed; the startling and sudden turn cancer can take; and many other captivating details.

Episode 21: Testicular Cancer – A Story of Survival, Support and an Ice Cream Company

The correct diagnosis for Shane Kenny’s testicular cancer took almost five years. Once confirmed, he had surgery and began chemotherapy with support from his partner and fellow bartender, Sarah Pleitez. As the coronavirus shutdown began, Shane and Sarah introduced their new company…Big Shane’s Ice Cream. Sarah develops the recipes and Shane approves the flavors, all designed with favorite profiles of Irish foods. See what it takes to navigate and survive testicular cancer and begin a business at the same time.

Episode 20: What to Know about Testicular Cancer and Men’s Wellness

Michael J. Rovito, Ph.D., focuses on testicular cancer research after his own cancer scare as a teenager. He discusses men’s wellness, testicular cancer, and testicular self-examination, emphasizing men’s quality of life, especially after surviving testicular cancer. He is an assistant professor at the University of Central Florida.

Episode 19: From Beach Volleyball to Testicular Cancer – A Survivor’s Story

Grant O’Gorman represents Canada as a beach volleyball player; he’s been playing the sport for more than a decade. He is also a testicular cancer survivor who benefited from the worldwide break in 2020 sporting events due to the coronavirus. Listen to Grant’s story and his efforts to raise awareness

Episode 18: Listening to the Patient – A Researcher’s Point of View

Deborah Bekele is a medical anthropology doctoral candidate studying testicular and prostate cancer. Her Ph.D. focuses on men’s health promotion and advocacy. Listen to her insights on testicular cancer gained from her patient interviews on the podcast Don’t Give Up on Testicular Cancer from the Max Mallory Foundation.

Episode 17: The Power of Positive in a Testicular Cancer Journey

Anthony Mastrogiulio found his “cancer family” when diagnosed with testicular cancer. He used the power of positive throughout his journey of surgeries, chemotherapy, and testicular cancer advocacy. Discover who belongs to this important group, why they matter, and how Anthony helps others find support in their testicular cancer journey.

Transcript (Go to Transcript Tab)

Episode 16: From a Mom – When Will Sons and Husbands Talk about Their Balls?

Karen McWhirt lost her son Ian at age 20 to testicular cancer. At Ian’s request, she wrote a book so that other young men could avoid this cancer, check their balls, and talk about their health. Now, mothers, wives, partners, and so many people wonder when this conversation will begin.

Episode 15: Young Adults Discuss Losing a Friend to Testicular Cancer

It’s something young adults don’t often face: losing one of their own in his 20s. Two close friends of Max Mallory, Freja Hagemann and Erik Brundidge, share their memories of Max during college and after his testicular cancer diagnosis in this episode.