The Male Room with Dr. Jesse Mills
Dr. Jesse Mills, director of The Men's Clinic at UCLA, hosts this health podcast focused on men's health. Each episode aims to separate fact from hype, covering hormones, health headlines, trends, and what actually works. With a candid and humorous approach, Dr. Mills provides practical advice for men to take charge of their health. The show blends data-driven medicine with real-world experience from the exam and operating rooms.
Episodes
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month (Part 2): Diagnosing Without the Panic
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 &ld
Balls Hurt for No Reason? Here’s What It Might Mean — And What to Do
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 f
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month (Part 1): Screening Without the Scare Tactics
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 pa
Protecting Your Balls: A Guide to Genital Trauma
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
Maxxing Your Health: The Surprising Truth Behind Fibermaxxing and Other Internet Trends
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 seem
Should You Be Taking Creatine? The Truth Behind the Hype
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 nee
The Enlarged Prostate Playbook (Part 2): Surgical Options Explained
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, ejaculatio
The Enlarged Prostate Playbook: Your Procedure Options Explained (Part 1)
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 s
"Is This Normal or Something Serious?" The Everyday Health Signs Men Shouldn’t Dismiss
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
How Often Should You Pee and Other Urination Explanations
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, diab
Hard Data: Can Your Erections Predict a Heart Attack?
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
Finding Hope and Humor After a Peyronie’s Diagnosis: One Patient's Story
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 s
Your Penis Has Changed: Finding a New Normal After Peyronie’s Disease
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 w
Peyronie’s Disease Surgery: What Patients Should Know
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, whic
When the Penis Changes: The Basics of Peyronie’s Disease
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 themselv
How Fatherhood Changes the Male Brain
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 con
How Long Should Sex Last? Understanding Ejaculatory Disorders
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 hon
The Hard Truth About Penis Size: What Most Men Get Wrong
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 dra
When Medical Care Becomes Trauma: One Man’s Story of Shame, Healing, and Vulnerability
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-accepta
American Men and the Crisis of Connection with Jordan Ritter Conn
Dr. Mills sits down with journalist and author Jordan Ritter Conn to explore the emotional lives, hidden struggles, and evolving identities of modern American men. Drawing from his deeply reported new book American Men, Conn shares the stories of four vastly different men — from a closeted fighter and a haunted Army veteran to a trans man navigating life in the Rust Belt — and exa
Assistant HHS Secretary Admiral Brian Christine on the Crisis in Men’s Health
In this episode of The Male Room, Dr. Mills sits down with Admiral Dr. Brian Christine — Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services — for a sweeping conversation about the state of men’s health in America. From testosterone therapy and erectile dysfunction to depression, chronic disease, diet, and the alarming ways men avoid the healthcare
What to Do When Bad Things Happen to Good Penises
In this episode, Dr. Mills details the Five Ps of the Pen-ocalypse — a mix of real medical emergencies and under-discussed conditions that can derail even the healthiest sex life. From the urgent dangers of priapism and penile fracture to the lesser-known but equally important issues like phimosis, paraphimosis, and Peyronie’s disease, he breaks down what each one is, how it happens, a
Playlists with Purpose: How to Use Music to Hack Your Mood and Change Your Life
Dr. Mills sits down with internationally acclaimed DJ, licensed therapist, and host of the iHeart podcast Music Is Therapy, DJ Hesta Prynn, to explore the surprising science behind music, mindset, and emotional health. From learning vinyl from Questlove to developing her “music connection therapy,” she breaks down how the right song can literally rewire your brain—and change
Dr. Daniel Levitin Explains How Music Can Help Heal the Brain
Dr. Mills sits down with cognitive neuroscientist, musician, and bestselling author Daniel Levitin for a wide-ranging conversation on the brain, music, and what it really means to age well. From the science of dopamine and why music can literally rewire the brain to the difference between lifespan and “healthspan,” Dr. Levitin breaks down complex ideas with the same clarity that made '
Make America Hairy Again: The Truth About Post-Finasteride Syndrome
Every guy wants to keep his hair—but not at the expense of everything else. Dr. Mills unpacks finasteride, its benefits, and the rare but real side effects that have fueled online panic around post-finasteride syndrome. Along the way: hormone deep-dives, myth-busting, and why “one-size-fits-all” medicine doesn’t work. It’s the truth about hair loss drugs—without
Bridging the Gap: Inside The Fight for Healthcare Equity
Dr. Mills sits down with longtime collaborator Dr. Stanley Frencher Jr. for a wide-ranging conversation on healthcare disparities, entrepreneurship, and building systems that actually reach underserved communities. From his upbringing in a family of physicians to leading innovative care models in South Los Angeles, Frencher shares how his work with HubMD is bridging gaps through technology, partne
Undoing the Snip: Inside Vasectomy Reversal Surgery
In Part 2 of our vasectomy series, Dr. Jesse Mills and Dr. Jay Sandlow dive into what happens when “permanent” birth control isn’t so permanent—breaking down the science, success factors, and surprising complexities of vasectomy reversals. From the difference between surgical techniques to the real-world variables that impact fertility—including partner age, prior his
Let’s Talk About the Snip: The Truth About Vasectomies
March is vasectomy season (really) and to honor the occasion, Dr. Mills is joined by leading urologist Dr. Jay Sandlow—one of the architects behind modern vasectomy guidelines—for a candid, myth-busting conversation about one of the most common (and misunderstood) procedures in men’s health. Together, they break down who should consider a vasectomy, what actually happens during t
What to Expect After Prostate Surgery: Reclaiming Sex, Confidence, and Control
Dr. Mills walks listeners through what life after prostate cancer surgery can really look like, with a candid focus on sexual recovery, continence, and quality of life. He explains how “prehab” — including medication, pelvic floor exercises, nutrition, and follow-up care — can help men improve their odds of regaining function after treatment. Along the way, Dr. Mills and Jo
Rage Against the Machine’s Tim Commerford on His Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Recovery
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Tim Commerford joins The Male Room to speak candidly about his prostate cancer journey — from the shock of diagnosis and the emotional aftermath of surgery to the hard-won strength he’s built on the other side. The Rage Against the Machine bassist opens up about masculinity, recovery, fitness, sexuality, and why men need to take their health seriously and ad
Prostate Cancer (Part 3): Surgery, Radiation, and the Reality of Side Effects
In the third and final installment of our prostate-cancer trilogy with UCLA urologic oncologist Dr. Wayne Brisbane, Dr. Mills walks a 55-year-old patient through the modern treatment menu—active surveillance, focal therapy, surgery, and radiation—and why “having prostate cancer” doesn’t always mean “operate immediately.” Dr. Brisbane breaks down how doctor
Prostate Cancer (Part 2): Diagnosing Without the Panic
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 &ld
Prostate Cancer (Part 1): Screening Without the Scare Tactics
In the first episode of our three-part Prostate Cancer series, Dr. Jesse Mills and Jordan Runtagh sit down with UCLA urologic oncologist and surgeon-scientist Dr. Wayne Brisbane to tackle 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
Before IVF, Before Panic: The Truth Behind Low Sperm Count
Dr. Mills is joined by reproductive urologist Dr. Jim Smith, a longtime colleague and leading expert in male fertility and men’s health. Together, they break down what a semen analysis actually measures, why quality and timing matter, and why men shouldn’t wait a year into the fertility journey to get checked. Dr. Smith also explains sperm cryopreservation — who should consider b
Inside Modern Hormone Therapy: Safety, Symptoms, and Smarter Telehealth
Dr. Mills sits down with hormone therapy physician and entrepreneur Dr. Peter Fotinos to unpack the difference between “hormone replacement” and true hormone optimization. They dig into how studies like the Women’s Health Initiative shaped decades of fear, and why symptoms and lived experience sometimes matter more than a single lab cutoff. The conversation also tackles common pi
Catching Cancer Early: What’s Actually Possible Now?
Dr. Jesse Mills sits down with gastroenterologist-turned-biotech leader Dr. Josh Ofman, president of GRAIL, the company behind a groundbreaking blood test designed to detect dozens of cancers early by analyzing DNA shed by tumors. They break down how multi-cancer early detection works, who should consider testing (even before age 50), and how the technology fits into the larger—and often con
Gut Check: The Hidden Dangers of Acid Reflux — and How You Can Fight It
Dr. Mills is joined by celebrity nutritionist and gut-health expert Dr. Daryl Gioffre to break down what’s really driving America’s acid reflux epidemic—and why the root cause is often too little stomach acid, not too much. After revealing the deeply personal story that pushed him into this work following his father’s battle with esophageal cancer, Dr. Gioffre shares practi
Shame Management: The Hidden Driver of Men’s Rage
Dr. Steve Poulter is back for Part 2 of our conversation, and this time we go straight to what he calls the hidden engine behind so much male anxiety, isolation, and anger: shame. Dr. Mills and Dr. Poulter break down how shame takes root early, why men often externalize it in ways that damage relationships, and why “anger management” is often really “shame management.” Plus
New Year, New Man: Redefining Masculinity with Dr. Steve Poulter
As the New Year begins, it’s the perfect time to take stock — not just of your physical health, but your mental one, too. Dr. Mills kicks off the year by welcoming renowned therapist Dr. Steve Poulter. Together, they explore modern masculinity, shame, isolation, and what it really means for men to be emotionally resilient. Drawing on decades of clinical experience — and a remarka
The Science of Sleep: Why You’re Waking Up at 3 A.M. (and What Actually Helps)
Dr. Mills sits down with board-certified sleep medicine physician and UCLA faculty member Dr. Sam Kashani to break down what’s really happening when you can’t stay asleep. They demystify REM vs. deep sleep, explain why sleep trackers can sometimes make insomnia worse, and outline the real red flags for sleep apnea—plus how home sleep tests are changing the game. Along the way, th
AI, Chatbots, and the New Age of Men’s Health: The Future of the Exam Room
Urologist and informatics leader Dr. Denise Asafu-Adjei joins Dr. Mills to break down how AI is quietly transforming men’s health, from AI-powered scribes that free doctors to actually look patients in the eye to chatbots that could triage symptoms and streamline access to care. They dig into the big questions patients (and physicians) are asking right now: privacy, accuracy, and whether tec
The Hidden Costs of High-Dose Testosterone: The Line Between Therapy and Enhancement
Can testosterone really turn you into a superhero — or is there a hidden cost? Dr. Jesse Mills is joined by Dr. Jasper Bash to talk all things super-physiologic testosterone, from jacked gym dreams to shrinking testicles, heart risks, and hormone crashes. Together they separate internet myths from medical reality and explain what actually happens when testosterone levels go off the charts.&n
Sperm Health 101: THC, Toxins, and the Path to Better Fertility
This week, Dr. Jesse Mills is joined by Dr. Jasper Bash — men’s health expert, researcher, and occasional a cappella tenor — for a candid look at how to build healthier sperm. They unpack the latest findings on marijuana, alcohol, and other environmental exposures, including what’s myth, what’s real, and what’s actually reversible. Dr. Bash also shares practical
Why Sex Feels Hard (Or Not): Ejaculation Dysfunction, Mismatched Libidos & Myths That Hold Men Back
Dr. Jesse Mills and Jordan are joined by sex therapist Natalie Finegood Goldberg for a no-shame, deeply practical crash course in the issues men are most afraid to talk about: premature and delayed ejaculation, mismatched desire, and the confusing role porn can play in modern sex lives. A licensed marriage and family therapist and clinical director of Creating Change LA, Goldberg explains why
The Truth About Low Testosterone (Part 2): Real Treatments, Fake Fixes
In part two of The Male Room’s deep dive on low testosterone, Dr. Jesse Mills and Jordan shift from diagnosis to what everyone really wants to know: treatment. Dr. Mills walks through the major options — gels, pills, injections, and long-acting pellets — breaking down how they work, who they’re best for, and how to choose a provider who’s not just pushing the product
The Truth About Low Testosterone (Part 1): The Symptoms You Missed and the History You Won’t Believe
In the second episode of The Male Room, Dr. Jesse Mills and Jordan dive into one of the most misunderstood corners of men’s health: low testosterone. Dr. Mills explains what low T actually is — who gets it, why it’s wildly under-diagnosed, and how symptoms like fatigue, low libido, and mood changes often go overlooked. He also breaks down the science behind the diagnosis, the lif
How Often Should Guys Go to the Doctor?
In the debut episode of The Male Room, Jordan the Producer makes a confession that stops Dr. Mills in his tracks: he hasn’t had a full physical in nearly a decade. What starts as a sheepish admission quickly turns into a bigger conversation about modern men and medical avoidance — why so many guys skip routine checkups and how often you really need to see a doctor. Dr. Mills break
Introducing: The Male Room with Dr. Jesse Mills
Dr. Jesse Mills, Director of The Men’s Clinic at UCLA, brings his real-world medical expertise to The Male Room — the podcast where data-driven science meets common sense. He cuts through the noise to separate fact from hype and helps men live longer, stronger, and happier lives. The doctor is IN, starting November 18th! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informatio
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