It Takes Balls is a podcast for testicular cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and families. Through conversations with survivors, oncologists, urologists, and medical experts, we discuss testicular cancer symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, chemotherapy, fertility, mental health, survivorship, and recovery. Our mission is to raise awareness, support men’s health, reduce stigma, and help people feel less alone during and after a testicular cancer journey. Early detection and self-exams save lives.
It Takes Balls
Claim This Podcastby Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation
5.0(42 reviews)
129 episodes
Updated Daily
Accepts GuestsHas SponsorsLocation 🇺🇸
51
Podcast Authority
BetaFairBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
Quality72
Social0
YouTube0
Engagement77
Podcast Overview
It Takes Balls is a podcast for testicular cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and families. Through conversations with survivors, oncologists, urologists, and medical experts, we discuss testicular cancer symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, chemotherapy, fertility, mental health, survivorship, and recovery. Our mission is to raise awareness, support men’s health, reduce stigma, and help people feel less alone during and after a testicular cancer journey. Early detection and self-exams save lives.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
10/13/2021
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51
Podcast Authority
BetaFairBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
Quality72
Social0
YouTube0
Engagement77
7
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excellent
Episode Length
40 minutes
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Every 15 days
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Recent Episodes
August 8, 2026
Legally Blind Athlete Fights for His Testicular Cancer Care
<p>Attend the 2026 Testicular Cancer Conference: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/tcc-indianapolis-2026</p><p>When David Smith woke in the middle of the night with searing lower-back pain, he was two weeks out from the Beep Baseball World Series and in the best shape of his life. A legally blind wellness coach, nurse, and competitive adaptive-sports athlete, David assumed it was a kidney stone. Instead, an ER scan revealed a large mass near his kidney — and with no primary tumor found on ultrasound, doctors diagnosed him with testicular cancer at 41.</p><p>In this episode of It Takes Balls, David shares one of the most powerful stories of self-advocacy the podcast has featured. Determined not to miss the World Series, he delayed treatment two weeks, then began BEP chemotherapy that quickly went sideways: a wiped-out immune system, terrifying bone pain from shots no one warned him about, and a blood clot in his lung. When bleomycin proved too dangerous, David — drawing on his own nursing knowledge and relentless research — pushed his oncology team to change his regimen himself.</p><p>David doesn't hold back about the gaps in his care, from "factory"-like bedside manner to Googling his way to a nearby cancer center and an experienced surgeon he'd never been told about. His post-chemo RPLND removed 21 lymph nodes (all negative) but left him navigating a brutal recovery that nearly broke him.</p><p>But this episode is really about what comes after. David opens up honestly about survivorship — the fear of recurrence, the identity crisis of remission, faith, and the ongoing work of figuring out who he really is. His message to anyone facing a diagnosis: advocate for yourself, do your research without letting it consume you, and hang tight — because far more people survive cancer than don't.</p><p>Provide your feedback on the podcast:</p><p>https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/itbsurvey</p><p>Join The Ball Room:</p><p>https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/theballroom</p><p>Want to be a guest? Apply here:</p><p>https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions</p><p>Connect with David:</p><p>https://www.instagram.com/dcsmith1006</p><p>Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation:</p><p>https://www.testescancer.org</p><p>https://www.x.com/testescancer</p><p>https://www.instagram.com/testescancer</p><p>https://www.facebook.com/tca.org</p><p>Follow Steven Crocker:</p><p>https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker</p><p>https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2</p><p>Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com</p>
August 1, 2026
From Testicular Cancer to Living with a Brain Tumor for Life
<p>Attend the 2026 Testicular Cancer Conference: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/tcc-indianapolis-2026</p><p>In this episode of It Takes Balls, Taylor Woods shares one of the most extraordinary journeys ever featured on the podcast. What began with sitting on his enlarged testicle and doctors believing he was dealing with a bacterial infection ultimately became a diagnosis of advanced testicular cancer that had already spread throughout his body. After living with symptoms for more than a year, Taylor learned he had a 17-centimeter testicular tumor, cancer in his lymph nodes, multiple nodules in his lungs, and a tumor pressing against his brain.</p><p>Taylor walks through undergoing an orchiectomy (testicle removal surgery), four rounds of BEP chemotherapy, TIP chemotherapy, multiple rounds of radiation, and several brain surgeries after developing brain metastases. He shares the terrifying experience of seizures, kidney failure that delayed surgery, a stem cell transplant at Fred Hutch, and living with a titanium plate. Despite enduring more treatment than most typical testicular cancer survivors, Taylor continues fighting with remarkable optimism while managing an active brain tumor and ongoing surveillance.</p><p>The conversation also explores life after cancer, including adapting to permanent disability, returning to school to study graphic design after seizures changed the course of his career, and finding purpose through creativity. Throughout the episode, Taylor repeatedly comes back to one message: self-advocacy matters. Looking back, he wishes he had sought a second opinion sooner after being told his symptoms were caused by an infection, and he hopes others will trust their instincts when something doesn't feel right.</p><p>Although Taylor refers to himself as a "warrior" rather than simply a survivor, his story is ultimately one of resilience, hope, and perseverance. Whether you're navigating a testicular cancer diagnosis, facing recurrence, supporting a loved one, or learning about brain metastases, chemotherapy, stem cell transplant, and survivorship, this episode is a powerful reminder that every day is worth fighting for.</p><p>Provide your feedback on the podcast:</p><p>https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/itbsurvey</p><p>Join The Ball Room:</p><p>https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/theballroom</p><p>Want to be a guest? Apply here:</p><p>https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions</p><p>Connect with Taylor:</p><p>https://www.instagram.com/tay_bayw/</p><p>https://www.instagram.com/sunshinedesign_graphics/</p><p>https://www.facebook.com/taylor.woods.985442</p><p>Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation:</p><p>https://www.testescancer.org</p><p>https://www.x.com/testescancer</p><p>https://www.instagram.com/testescancer</p><p>https://www.facebook.com/tca.org</p><p>Follow Steven Crocker:</p><p>https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker</p><p>https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2</p><p>Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com</p>
July 15, 2026
Dr. Axel Heidenreich - Comparing Treatment in the US & Europe
<p>In this episode of It Takes Balls, internationally renowned urologic oncologist Dr. Axel Heidenreich joins the podcast for a fascinating conversation comparing testicular cancer treatment in Europe (focused on Germany) and the United States. Although both approaches produce exceptional cure rates, patients are often surprised to learn just how differently experts on opposite sides of the Atlantic make treatment decisions.</p><p>Dr. Heidenreich explains where the European Association of Urology (EAU), American Urological Association (AUA), and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines align and where they take very different paths. From surveillance and chemotherapy to RPLND imaging, and follow-up care, he shares why there isn't always one "right" answer and how physicians balance curing cancer with preserving quality of life.</p><p>The conversation also dives into one of the most debated topics in testicular cancer today: the future of surveillance. Dr. Heidenreich discusses emerging blood tests that could reshape how recurrence is detected and monitored, offering his perspective. Rather than accepting the latest technology at face value, he explains why some innovations may hold more promise than others and what that could mean for the future of testicular cancer care.</p><p>Whether you're newly diagnosed, currently on surveillance, or simply interested in how leading experts think differently around the world, this episode offers an eye-opening look at the evolution of testicular cancer treatment and the questions that could shape the next generation of patient care.</p><p>Provide your feedback on the podcast:</p><p>https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/itbsurvey</p><p>Have a question for a future expert guest? Submit here:</p><p>https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-question-submission</p><p>Want to be a guest? Apply here:</p><p>https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions</p><p>Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation:</p><p>https://www.testescancer.org</p><p>https://www.twitter.com/testescancer</p><p>https://www.instagram.com/testescancer</p><p>https://www.facebook.com/tca.org</p><p>Dr. Heidenreich:</p><p>axel.heidenreich@uk-koeln.de</p><p>Follow Steven Crocker:</p><p>https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker</p><p>https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2</p><p>Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com</p>
129 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is It Takes Balls?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
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This podcast is available on 8 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
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No, this podcast does not typically feature guests.
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