About this episode

Melissa Hadley Barrett discusses vasectomy and masculinity with Kurt Brookes and James McConnell, breaking down myths and misconceptions with humour and honesty.

Let’s talk bollocks — literally. In this candid and funny episode of The Penis Project Podcast, Melissa chats with Kurt Brookes and James McConnell, co-hosts of the bold new podcast Never Mind My Bollocks, produced by Made in Manchester. Together, they’re breaking the silence around vasectomy — a topic often buried in myths, awkwardness, and outdated notions of masculinity. Kurt, a comedy creator, and James, an NHS scientist and geneticist, bring their lived experience and friendship to the mic. What started as a casual post-comedy-night confession (“You’ve had one too?!”) became a mission to normalise the conversation about vasectomy — with honesty, humour, and zero shame. From misconceptions about “losing your manhood” to the truth about recovery, ejaculation, and “blue balls,” this episode goes where most won’t — cutting through the misinformation with science, storytelling, and a laugh or two. In This Episode, We Cover: How Never Mind My Bollocks began and why the world needs to talk about vasectomy Myths that persist: masculinity, testosterone, and “dry orgasms” What really happens before, during, and after the snip Why vasectomy doesn’t make you “less of a man” Lived…

People in this episode

Host: Melissa Hadley Barrett

Guests: Kurt Brookes, James McConnell

Topics covered

• vasectomy
• masculinity
• myths
• men's sexual health
• humour
• recovery

Keywords

• vasectomy
• masculinity
• myths
• ejaculation
• recovery
• blue balls
• dry orgasms
• chronic pain

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Made in Manchester

Books & works: Never Mind My Bollocks

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• 217: The Partner Perspective After Prostate Cancer: Carlotta Thomas on Love, Communication and Intimacy · March 24, 2026 · 49 min
• 216: Penile Fillers, HoleTox & The Art of Male Aesthetics with Injector Chris (Lushful Aesthetics) · March 10, 2026 · 1h 12m
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