Podcast – Movember Initiative

Welcome to the “Prostate Cancer – Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP) Podcast,” 🎙️ Episode Number 1. We’re excited to launch our very first episode. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer, are currently undergoing treatment, or are navigating life post-diagnosis, this podcast is for you. I’m one of your hosts, a Scientist whose work is about creating evidence based interventions with the engagement of patients, to help cancer patients lead better quality lives. Co-hosting with me in next episodes is our program’s co-founder, Dr. Rob Rutledge, a prostate cancer oncologist from Nova Scotia, Canada. Together, Rob and I developed PC-PEP and other cancer types empowerment programs through listening to patients, incorporating their feedback into the strategies we adopted by diving deep into research to create a program designed to empower people (and their partners) with practical, evidence-based strategies that helps them reclaim their life after a prostate cancer diagnosis. We want people to feel confident, informed, and in control because we believe you should not let a prostate cancer diagnosis ruin your life and spoil your precious moments with the people you love. So we are excited to introduce this podcast to you.

Extending from Canada to the far reaches of the globe, including our New Zealand site led by Peter Dickens from the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand, PC-PEP reaches out to men and their partners with insights, with wit, a touch of humor, and practical guidance to enhance your prostate cancer journey. In this inaugural episode, we introduce John Moody from South New Zealand, who shares his heartfelt journey with his wife through his diagnosis and their choice of active surveillance—a path that suits them well. This episode is full of inspiration, practical advice, and firsthand accounts of how the PC-PEP can truly transform lives. John participated in our comprehensive six-month PC-PEP program, which empowered him to prioritize his happiness and well-being, resulting in a stable decrease in his PSA levels even after completing the program. For John, opting for active surveillance and focusing on self-care has enabled him to live fully, unburdened by constant PSA check-ups. It’s a truly uplifting story that reminds us of the power of making informed, empowering choices even in challenging times.

Each episode will dive into real stories that showcase how individuals reclaim their power and zest for life. Our program goes beyond symptom management; it’s about fostering real, transformative change. These podcasts talk about the various eight essential areas of the program: pelvic floor physiotherapy, intimacy and sexuality, nutrition with simple, budget-friendly plant-based recipes that Rob and I present weekly from our kitchen social support, aerobic and strength training, attitudinal healing, scientific updates, and stress management using a heart-rate variability and cohearance tool. These elements collectively contribute significantly to enhancing both mental and physical health. Join us as we explore these compelling narratives and discover how you, too, can be part of this transformative journey. Together, we’re not just tackling prostate cancer; we’re changing how it’s addressed globally. For those interested in joining the PC-PEP program, it is available for free to anyone worldwide who speaks English. Learn more by visiting us at PCPEP.org. For those who prefer not to participate in a research trial, you can access our cancer empowerment program outside of research at CancerPEP.com.

Listen to the audio version of the podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2420283/ Available on Buzzsprout and most major podcast platforms, including Apple, Google, Podcast Addict, iHeartRadio, Podcast Index, Player FM, and Spotify and more. Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CGR2MC2AXuM Welcome, everyone!

Welcome to the Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP) Podcast, Episode nr. 2! 🎙️ I’m thrilled to welcome you to this episode, where we explore the inspiring journeys of individuals navigating life after a prostate cancer diagnosis. I’m your host, a Scientist dedicated to creating evidence-based programs that empower cancer patients to take control of their health and improve their quality of life. Co-hosting with me in future episodes will be Dr. Rob Rutledge, a prostate cancer oncologist from Nova Scotia, Canada, and my co-founder of PC-PEP. Together, we’ve built programs rooted in patient feedback and rigorous research to deliver practical, life-changing tools that help people thrive—no matter the challenges they face. Today, we’re honored to feature the story of David Buckland, whose prostate cancer diagnosis came as a complete surprise—no symptoms, no family history. Despite this unexpected journey, David chose to focus on what he could control, seeking information, prioritizing self-care, and finding strength in the supportive communities around him. Through ADT, external beam radiation, and brachytherapy, David not only completed his treatment but also finished his PhD, all while fostering meaningful connections with his sister, his mentors, and the men he met in PC-PEP.

David’s journey exemplifies the power of choosing to live fully and let your spirit shine, no matter the circumstances. In this episode, we’ll discuss how he embraced being present, living his purpose, and staying grounded for himself and those who love him. We’ll also explore how PC-PEP helped David transform his approach to life—offering consistency, camaraderie, and a sense of purpose that continues to resonate years after his treatment. Patient engagement is a cornerstone of PC-PEP. David and I will dive into how patient feedback has continuously shaped the program, ensuring it adapts to evolving needs and challenges. This is why PC-PEP becomes, as David puts it, a kind of “Hotel California”—you come in, and you never want to leave. It’s a place where laughter, lightheartedness, and heartfelt connection meet practical guidance to help men and their families navigate cancer care and beyond. David also shares the importance of learning how to talk about cancer in a way that doesn’t dominate your life but allows for normality, thriving, and deep, meaningful connections. Whether with friends, family, or strangers, it’s about finding balance, reclaiming life, and not letting cancer define you. In each episode, we explore stories like David’s—real, transformative journeys that highlight PC-PEP’s eight essential pillars: pelvic floor physiotherapy, intimacy and sexuality, nutrition, aerobic and strength training, attitudinal healing, stress management with heart-rate variability tools, social support, and scientific updates. Together, these elements empower patients to live their best lives.

If you’re interested in joining the PC-PEP program, it’s available for free to anyone worldwide who speaks English. Visit PCPEP.org for more details. For those not interested in a research trial, explore CancerPEP.com, where our team tailors programs for any cancer diagnosis. Thank you for joining us, and let’s dive into David’s inspiring story. Together, we’re not just tackling prostate cancer—we’re redefining how we live with it. Listen to the audio version of the podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2420283/ Available on Buzzsprout and most major podcast platforms, including Apple, Google, Podcast Addict, iHeartRadio, Podcast Index, Player FM, and Spotify and more. Welcome, everyone!

Welcome to the Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP) Podcast! 🎙️ Episode number 3. I’m so glad you’ve joined us for this episode, where we dive into the deeply personal and inspiring journeys of individuals navigating life after a prostate cancer diagnosis. I’m your host, Gabriela Ilie, a Scientist committed to developing evidence-based programs that empower cancer patients to take control of their health and reclaim their quality of life. Co-hosting with me in future episodes will be Dr. Rob Rutledge, a prostate cancer oncologist from Nova Scotia, Canada, and my co-founder of PC-PEP. Together, we’ve created programs that go beyond treatment—programs rooted in patient feedback and designed to provide practical tools for truly thriving after a diagnosis.

Today’s guest, Joseph Lyndon, a graduate of our PC-PEP program. Originally from UK, Joe moved to Ontario, Canada, to start a new chapter with his wife. Shortly after he arrived in Canada, it was her suggestion to visit the doctor that led to his prostate cancer diagnosis—a diagnosis that came with no symptoms, no family history, and no warning signs. Despite living a healthy lifestyle—plant-based since age 14, physically fit, and rarely needing medical care—his diagnosis brought challenges he never anticipated and he had to face the reality of the higher risks of prostate cancer among Black men. In this episode, Joe shares how he found meaning and resilience through the highs and lows of his prostate cancer journey, from becoming a grandfather soon after surgery (radical prostatectomy) to navigating the emotional complexities of relationships impacted by his diagnosis. We’ll talk about the role of prayer in supporting mental health, reflections on masculinity, and how his former work with Black men and mental health shaped his own perspective on health and healing. Joe’s story is a testament to the importance of community, connection, and programs like PC-PEP, which empower men to take charge of their health and address the emotional, relational, and physical dimensions of prostate cancer care.

In each episode, we explore stories like Joe’s—real, transformative journeys that highlight PC-PEP’s eight essential pillars: pelvic floor physiotherapy, intimacy and sexuality, nutrition, aerobic and strength training, attitudinal healing, stress management with heart-rate variability tools, social support, and scientific updates. Together, these elements empower patients to live their best lives. If you’re interested in joining PC-PEP, our program is freely available worldwide for anyone who speaks English or French. Visit PCPEP.org for more details. For those not in a research trial, explore CancerPEP.com, where we offer tailored programs for all cancer types. Listen to the audio version of the podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2420283/ Available on Buzzsprout and most major podcast platforms, including Apple, Google, Podcast Addict, iHeartRadio, Podcast Index, Player FM, and Spotify and more. Watch the video version of this podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/399kmKcTfrU Thank you for tuning in. Let’s dive into Joe’s remarkable story—one that reminds us of the power of resilience, vulnerability, and the human spirit. Together, we’re not just navigating prostate cancer; we’re redefining how we live with it! Welcome everyone! EMPOWER YOURSELF!

Welcome to the Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP) Podcast! 🎙️ Episode 4.

I’m so glad you’ve joined us for this important conversation about early detection, resilience, and reclaiming life after a prostate cancer diagnosis. I’m your host, Dr. Gabriela Ilie, a Scientist committed to developing evidence-based programs that empower cancer patients to take control of their health and well-being. In future episodes, I’ll be joined by my co-host, Dr. Rob Rutledge, a prostate cancer oncologist from Nova Scotia and co-founder of PC-PEP. Together, we’ve built programs rooted in patient experience and designed to offer practical, daily tools for thriving after a diagnosis.

Today’s guest is Kyle, a graduate of our PC-PEP program. Diagnosed with prostate cancer in his late 40s — much earlier than most expect — Kyle’s story is a powerful reminder of why early screening matters, especially for those with a family history of prostate cancer. Kyle shares his journey from living a healthy, active life to facing the emotional and physical realities of diagnosis, active surveillance, surgery, and radiation treatment. He speaks openly about the challenges of navigating major decisions, the importance of community support, and the critical steps he took to heal and regain his strength through programs like PC-PEP. This episode offers vital insights into early detection, the patient experience, and the empowering role of proactive health management. It highlights how programs like PC-PEP — a six-month, daily, home-based health promotion program developed in Nova Scotia and now available worldwide — can support men to regain agency over their lives, one day at a time. If you are approaching your 40s or have a family history of prostate cancer, Kyle’s story will remind you that a simple blood test — a PSA test — at your annual check-up could make all the difference. Early detection saves lives. To learn more about PC-PEP, visit pcpep.org, or explore CancerPEP.com for programs tailored to all cancer types. You can also watch our documentary Empower to see the real stories behind the science and spirit of our work.

Listen to the audio version of the podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2420283/ available on Buzzsprout and most major podcast platforms, including Apple, Google, Podcast Addict, iHeartRadio, Podcast Index, Player FM, Spotify, and more. Watch the video version on YouTube:https://youtu.be/Fu70qQFzfrM Thank you for being here. Let’s dive into Kyle’s inspiring story — a story that reminds us of the life-saving power of awareness, action, and community. Together, we’re not just facing prostate cancer — we’re transforming how we live beyond it. EMPOWER YOURSELF!

Welcome to the Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP) Podcast! 🎙️ Episode 5.

Too often in healthcare, the patient’s voice gets lost in clinical charts, lab results, and treatment protocols. But stories — real, raw, human stories — are where healing begins and where systems evolve.

In our latest episode, I speak with Matthew, a graduate of the Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP), who shares his deeply personal experience of being diagnosed with prostate cancer as a gay man.
His story reminds us why it’s critical that cancer care — and survivorship programs like PC-PEP — are designed to include and reflect the diverse identities, needs, and lived realities of all men.

Matthew talks candidly about: • The emotional experience of receiving a diagnosis out of the blue
• The impact of navigating cancer care as a gay man
• The gaps in inclusive, affirming support
• And how PC-PEP helped him reclaim a sense of strength, purpose, and belonging

This episode is a powerful reminder that healing is personal, and that representation and visibility matter.
PC-PEP was created to meet men where they are — in all their complexity — with compassion, science, and practical tools for daily recovery.

📣 Let’s continue building spaces in healthcare where every voice is heard.
Let’s make survivorship inclusive, empowering, and human.

🎧 Listen: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2420283/
🎥 Watch: https://youtu.be/J6hrtK-YNsg
🌐 Learn more: www.pcpep.org

EMPOWER YOURSELF!

Welcome to Episode 6 of the Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP) Podcast.

In this powerful episode, I speak with David Ashcroft, a gay man living on an island near Chester, Nova Scotia, who shares his deeply personal journey through prostate cancer — from shock and isolation to connection, knowledge, and empowerment.

When David was diagnosed, he was living in a remote area with no access to support and little information about what lay ahead. Facing fear, depression, and uncertainty, it was a chance encounter with a PC-PEP poster that changed everything.

David takes us through:

• The emotional toll of diagnosis and the long, isolating wait for treatment
• The decision to undergo surgery, his initial impulse to “get the cancer out,” and how — in hindsight — more information could have supported a less panicked, more informed choice
• The unique challenges faced by gay men navigating prostate cancer, including the impact of treatment on intimacy and identity
• The power of community, knowledge, and patient leadership in shaping a healing journey

David helped inspire the creation of a dedicated PC-PEP support group for gay men, a space where no topic is off-limits and where healing happens through openness, honesty, and care.

This episode is a call to action to ensure that all men — regardless of sexual orientation, geography, or background — have access to programs that see them, support them, and empower them.

🔹 Listen to the episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2420283/
🔹 Watch the video version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHrAvbgsx4E
🔹 Learn more: www.pcpep.org

Please listen, share, and help us spread the word: No one should face prostate cancer alone.

Together, we are not just facing prostate cancer — we’re transforming how we live beyond it.

Welcome to the Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP) Podcast! 🎙️ Episode 7.

In this heartfelt conversation, I sit down with Kimble Meagher—a retired engineer, marathon runner, and prostate cancer survivor from rural Nova Scotia—who shares the deeply personal story of his diagnosis, robotic surgery, recurrence, and treatment. But Kimble’s story is about more than medical events. It’s a journey of transformation. From early fear and emotional isolation to rediscovering joy, intimacy, and purpose,

Kimble opens up about the profound shifts that occurred through his participation in PC-PEP:

✔️ Morning rituals with his wife Darlene

✔️ Peer-to-peer support calls and mentorship

✔️ A renewed connection to food, friendship, and faith

✔️ And perhaps most powerfully—the moment Darlene looked at him and said: “Kimble, you’ve evolved.”

Key Messages of Inspiration and Empowerment for Men Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer:

1. You are not alone. Kimble’s story reminds us that even in rural or isolated settings, deep connection is possible through shared experience and community. Programs like PC-PEP bridge the gap between clinical care and emotional healing.

2. You can be transformed—not just treated. Healing is not just about procedures and pills—it’s also about meaning-making. PC-PEP helped Kimble reframe his experience, strengthen relationships, and find purpose after diagnosis.

3. Love and ritual are powerful medicine. Small, daily acts—like morning moments with a partner—can foster resilience and connection, especially when fear or uncertainty loom large.

4. Mentorship matters. Giving back by mentoring others isn’t just helpful—it’s healing. It turns pain into purpose and isolation into leadership.

5. Wholeness is possible—even after recurrence. Kimble’s courage to keep showing up, even after recurrence, speaks to the enduring strength we all have within us.

6. You can evolve. As Darlene beautifully recognized, transformation is real. With support, courage, and care, you can emerge not just surviving—but growing.

This episode is for anyone looking for hope, reflection, and the quiet power of showing up—for yourself and for others.

🎧 Listen to the episode on Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2420283/ Available on podcast platforms, including Apple, Google, Podcast Addict, iHeartRadio, Podcast Index, Player FM, Spotify, and more.

📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sJIulvdYRvY

🌐 Learn more about PC-PEP: https://www.pcpep.org/

Together, we are not just facing prostate cancer—we are transforming how we live beyond it.

Welcome to Episode 8 of the Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP) Podcast.

In this powerful and uplifting episode of the PC-PEP Podcast, we sit down with Nick Aiken, a board member of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand (PCFNZ) and a passionate advocate for men’s health from Napier, Aotearoa New Zealand.

Nick shares his journey through a prostate cancer diagnosis in his early fifties, just months after leaving a secure career to start his own practice. Facing emotional shock, uncertainty, and the realities of hormone therapy (ADT), Nick discovered not only what it means to advocate for your own care—but how community, information, and daily connection can transform survivorship.

We first met Nick at the 2024 PCFNZ Conference in Christchurch, thanks to the visionary leadership of CEO Peter Dickens and the growing collaboration between PCFNZ and PC-PEP. That meeting sparked an enduring connection—and this conversation is a testament to what’s possible when men around the world stand up for each other’s healing.

Nick reflects on: 1. The gaps in early detection in New Zealand—and what needs to change. 2. How the PC-PEP program offered the emotional support, structure, and information the medical system couldn’t. 🗣️ “You can’t let your diagnosis determine the rest of your life.” 🛠️ “I had to learn to be my own agent… not just sit back and let it happen.” 3. Why intimacy, adaptability, and agency are core to living well post-diagnosis. 4. The importance of normalizing conversations around prostate cancer—especially the tough stuff.

With humour, honesty, and insight, Nick reminds us that healing isn’t just about surviving—it’s about reclaiming life, one choice at a time. His voice is one of clarity, warmth, and deep compassion—and his insights will resonate with anyone navigating cancer, advocacy, or transformation. 🎧 Listen to the episode on Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2420283/ Available on podcast platforms, including Apple, Google, Podcast Addict, iHeartRadio, Podcast Index, Player FM, Spotify, and more. 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/h2Uv5WINEUs 🌐 Learn more about PC-PEP: https://www.pcpep.org/ or pcpep.org/nz For all forms of cancer go to CancerPEP.com (available in New Zealand though the Southern Cancer Society of New Zealand).

Together, we are not just facing prostate cancer — we’re transforming how we live beyond it.

Welcome to the Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP) Podcast! 🎙️ Episode 9.

In this powerful episode of the PC-PEP Podcast, we hear from Uli, a German-born man living in Canada, who bravely recounts his journey through prostate cancer as a gay man. From the shock of diagnosis to undergoing brachytherapy, hormone therapy, and external beam radiation, Uli candidly reflects on the emotional and physical toll—and the layers of silence surrounding men’s health and intimacy.

Uli’s story unfolds as one of profound transformation—from isolation to deep connection, from fear to empowerment. Through open conversations about masculinity, sexuality, vulnerability, and joy, he reminds us that healing is not linear, but deeply human. His story is a testament to the strength found in self-acceptance, community, and showing up for life—exactly as we are. Key

Messages of Inspiration and Empowerment for Men Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer:

1. You’re not alone—even if it feels like it. Uli speaks about how isolating his diagnosis felt at first, especially as a gay man. But finding spaces like PC-PEP reminded him that connection is possible and healing is collective.

2. Healing starts with honesty—with yourself and others. Uli’s turning point came when he began talking openly about his fears around sexuality, intimacy, and vulnerability. His message: don’t hide.

3. Speak. Others will meet you there. It’s okay to grieve the losses—and still find joy. Uli shares openly about the changes to his body, identity, and sense of masculinity. He also describes how new joy emerged from that grieving process, including deeper emotional intimacy and self-acceptance.

4. Showing up is powerful. Uli didn’t always feel brave—but he kept showing up. For his appointments, for his health, for this podcast. That’s courage. That’s power.

5. Your story matters—and might be the light someone else needs. Uli’s participation is a gift to other men who might be quietly struggling. His willingness to share reminds us that every voice in the community counts.

🎧 Listen to the episode on Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2420283/

📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XL0bBkR5puQ Available on podcast platforms, including Apple, Google, Podcast Addict, iHeartRadio, Podcast Index, Player FM, Spotify, and more.

🌐 Learn more about PC-PEP: https://www.pcpep.org For all forms of cancer go to CancerPEP.com.

Together, we are not just facing prostate cancer—we are transforming how we live beyond it.

EMPOWER YOURSELF!

Welcome to Episode 10 of our Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program – Ep. 10.

This is a deeply moving conversation with David Johnston—a retired environment, health and safety professional, corporate director, passionate volunteer, and prostate cancer survivor—whose story brings us face-to-face with what it truly means to live through cancer, not just as a patient, but as a partner, a caregiver, and a quietly powerful advocate for change. Diagnosed during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, David’s journey included robotic prostatectomy, radiation therapy, and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). But the real heart of his story isn’t just in the medical milestones—it’s in the way he held space for his wife’s own cancer treatment while recovering from his own. It’s in the beard he grew to reclaim his sense of self. It’s in the gratitude practice that helped him stay grounded. And it’s in the moment when one man’s mentorship helped him remember: he didn’t have to face it alone.

This episode is not just about side effects and survival—it’s about resilience in the face of role reversal, grace under pressure, and the quiet, steady power of showing up for yourself and others, even when life doesn’t go to plan. Key insights from David’s story: When the patient becomes the caregiver. While undergoing treatment, David supported his wife through her own cancer diagnosis, recovery, and hormone therapy—navigating dual roles of vulnerability and leadership. “We took turns—first my surgery and radiation, then hers. There wasn’t space to fall apart.” Listening to your gut—and acting fast. David pushed for immediate surgery when diagnosed, even declining hormone therapy at first. He later underwent 33 days of radiation and a full course of ADT. “I didn’t want to waste time. I just wanted it out of me.” The unexpected toll of hormone therapy.

With candid honesty, David shares how hormone therapy reshaped his energy, body, and sense of self—and how he fought to stay grounded. “I grew a beard to remember who I was.” Gratitude as a way through the darkness. Early in his diagnosis, David began each day by writing down ten things he was grateful for—without repeats. Over time, this became a natural way of seeing the world. “It’s amazing how many things I once took for granted that I’m now so much more appreciative of.” The power of one conversation. A single connection with another man who had walked a similar path made all the difference. “Having someone to talk to—who’d been there—changed everything.” Living your values—even in treatment. David stayed involved as a patient partner at UHN and the University of Toronto throughout his treatment, lending his voice to improve health education and systems from the inside.

What This Episode Offers:

-A rare glimpse into the emotional complexity of being a caregiver and a patient at once

-Honest talk about hormone therapy, masculinity, and identity

-Insights into patient advocacy and navigating the healthcare system as an insider

-A message of perseverance, gratitude, purpose, and quiet transformation

This episode is for any man navigating prostate cancer—or anyone caring for someone who is. It’s also for healthcare professionals and policymakers who want to hear the lived truth behind the charts.

🎧 Listen to the episode on Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2420283/

📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RIK_k_TTi94

🌐 Learn more about PC-PEP: https://www.pcpep.org/ Together, we are not just facing prostate cancer—we are transforming how we live beyond it.

EMPOWER YOURSELF!

Welcome to another episode of the Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP) podcast, proudly funded by Movember through a Health Equity grant awarded to Drs. Gabriela Ilie and Rob Rutledge and delivered in partnership with PC-PEP™ at Dalhousie University. In this episode, Gabriela speaks with Richard from Ottawa, a warm and thoughtful stage 4 prostate cancer survivor who calls PC-PEP “the missing chapter” and “the missing leg of the chair” in his cancer journey. Richard was diagnosed during COVID after months of crippling lower back pain, a trip to the ER, and an MRI revealing widespread metastatic disease. Given a prognosis of only a few years, he immediately became his own advocate—pushing for faster appointments, joining a clinical trial that included immunotherapy, and saying yes to anything that might help him live well for as long as possible. But the most powerful parts of this conversation go well beyond treatment. What Richard Shares in This Episode 1. The shock of a stage 4 diagnosis, delivered alone With his wife listening by phone from home, Richard heard the words “lesions too numerous to count” in his lungs, bones, and prostate. The hospital was quiet and half-empty due to COVID. He was told he likely had 2–4 years to live. He has already outlived that estimate. 2. The profound fatigue of treatment— and choosing adaptation, not resistance Radiation and systemic therapy left him exhausted for months. Instead of fighting his body, he allowed himself to rest and recover: “If this is my life right now, I’ll sleep. I’ll rest. I’ll work with it.” 3. The steadying power of faith and gratitude Richard describes a deeply personal moment—feeling a hand on his shoulder and hearing the words “Everything’s going to be all right.” This, combined with a daily gratitude practice, shifted how he related to fear, illness, and uncertainty. 4. Community, friendship, and rediscovering joy Weekly buddy calls, dragon boat races, and the global PC-PEP family gave Richard a sense of purpose, camaraderie, and even playfulness: “I felt like a teenager again—feet in the sand, under the tent with friends.” 5. PC-PEP as the missing chapter After attending Gabriela and Rob’s talk in Ottawa in 2022, Richard signed up before the presentation even ended. PC-PEP gave him structure, strength, and connection through: Daily exercise and Kegels Breathing and meditation practices Nutrition and cooking guidance Relationship and social tools Meaning-making and spiritual reflection Monthly video conferences offering updated science and real community Key Takeaways for Cancer Survivors • Be your own advocate. “No one is more interested in your health than you.” Ask questions, request second opinions, call the hospital, understand your meds, and bring concerns to your medical team. • Adaptation is strength. Fighting fatigue often backfires. Allowing your body to rest can be life-giving. • Spirituality, gratitude, and inner grounding matter. Whatever you believe—faith, nature, connection—use it. • Community saves lives. Buddies, support groups, and programs like PC-PEP provide emotional stability and practical tools that healthcare systems do not have time to offer. • Pay attention to your heart. For men on ADT, cardiovascular disease can be a bigger risk than the cancer itself. Bring guideline-based material to your family doctor. • Be good to yourself. Find joy, move your body, nourish your relationships, and let yourself rest. Who This Episode Helps Men living with prostate cancer at any stage Partners and family members Support group leaders Clinicians and policymakers wanting patient-centred insight Richard’s story is a compelling reminder that cancer may change your life dramatically, but it does not have to take away your agency, your community, or your sense of meaning. Support, structure, and connection can help you feel grounded—even in the midst of fear and uncertainty. 🎧 Listen on Buzzsprout (or any Podcast platform including Spotify, Apple Podcast, etc): https://www.buzzsprout.com/2420283/ YouTube version of this podcast can be found at the following link: https://youtu.be/AUcysgZ2lDE EMPOWER YOURSELF!

In this deeply honest episode of the PC-PEP Podcast, Gabriela sits down with Wayne, a 63-year-old prostate cancer survivor who identifies as a gay man, to explore what it really means to receive “the big C” diagnosis in a world that is still profoundly heteronormative. Wayne walks us through his journey from a routine PSA check to a rapid PSA rise, biopsy, Gleason 7 diagnosis, and robotic prostatectomy—describing not only the medical events, but the psychological “dark night of the soul” that followed. Wayne shares how he accidentally discovered PC-PEP in a tiny line at the bottom of an email—three months before surgery—and how the program became a true game changer: daily messages, pelvic floor exercises, strength training, monitoring, and, crucially, a gay men’s group where nothing is off the table. He speaks candidly about incontinence, doing Kegels three times a day, ongoing erectile dysfunction, and his decision to move forward with a penile implant—not as a luxury, but as a way to reclaim his sexuality and quality of life.

Together, Wayne and Gabriela explore why aftercare and empowerment are not “extras,” but essential parts of cancer treatment. They talk about the legacy of HIV/AIDS activism (“Silence Equals Death”), the power of speaking openly in gay men’s communities, and how evidence from PC-PEP shows that self-efficacy and patient activation can transform mental health—above and beyond urinary or sexual function alone. Wayne’s message is clear: men with prostate cancer need more than surgery and scans. They need tools, community, and a roadmap handed to them at diagnosis, not discovered by accident.

Key Messages of Inspiration and Empowerment for Men Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer

1. A cancer diagnosis is a psychological earthquake—aftercare is not optional. Wayne describes the weeks after hearing “you have cancer” as a terrifying free fall. He reminds us that leaving men alone with Google and fear is dangerous—and that structured support like PC-PEP can be the “hand on the shoulder” after the consultation ends.

2. Silence equals death: talking openly can save your sanity and your life. Drawing on the history of gay men’s health and HIV activism, Wayne explains how speaking honestly about bodies, sex, fear, and identity is a survival skill. For gay, bi, and men who have sex with men, open conversation is not oversharing—it’s medicine.

3. Empowerment and self-efficacy change your mental health more than function alone. Wayne’s story echoes PC-PEP research showing that feeling informed, active, and in control explains much of the improvement in distress—not just better continence or erections. Small, consistent actions—like Kegels, exercise, and daily program tools—build a sense of “I’ve got this.”

4. You still deserve pleasure, intimacy, and a sex life after prostate cancer. Wayne speaks movingly about grieving the loss of ejaculation, the shock of post-surgery erectile dysfunction, and his choice to pursue a penile implant. His message: you are not dead, not broken, and not selfish for wanting an active sex life at any age. Seeking solutions is an act of self-respect, not vanity.

5. Healthcare must hand you a roadmap at diagnosis—ask for it. Wayne is clear: the urologist’s office is “where the rubber hits the road.” Men should leave with a simple sheet listing programs and trusted resources—PC-PEP, national foundations, high-quality podcasts and websites—so they don’t fall down the doom-scrolling rabbit hole alone. If you weren’t given one, ask.

6. Your story matters—and may be exactly what another man needs to hear. Wayne spent months wanting to keep his diagnosis private, then reframed that instinct as a missed opportunity to help others. His willingness to speak openly—about gay identity, grief, fear, implants, and hope—is a powerful reminder that every survivor’s voice can light the way for someone still in the dark.

🎧 Listen to the episode on Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2420283/

📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0b-ivr9INas Available on podcast platforms, including Apple, Google, Podcast Addict, iHeartRadio, Podcast Index, Player FM, Spotify, and more.

🌐 Learn more about PC-PEP: https://www.pcpep.org

For all forms of cancer, go to CancerPEP.com. Together, we are not just facing prostate cancer—we are redefining what it means to live, love, and be fully human after it.

EMPOWER YOURSELF! This initiative is proudly funded by Movember through a Health Equity grant awarded to Drs. Gabriela Ilie and Rob Rutledge and delivered in partnership with the Prostate Cancer – Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP™) at Dalhousie University.