Season 5 of heCast begins with a powerful conversation about grief, resilience, men’s health, and the bold actions that can save lives.
When Toby Freeman’s brother Robin was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of testicular cancer at just 24 years old, he had already been ignoring warning signs for months. Tragically, the delayed diagnosis meant the cancer was discovered at a late stage, and Robin later passed away.
That loss became the driving force behind Toby’s mission.
In this episode, Toby joins Mike Chisholm to share how he transformed unimaginable grief into purpose by founding The Robin Cancer Trust. Through education, honest conversations, humour, and attention-grabbing charity challenges, Toby is helping young men recognize the signs of cancer, overcome embarrassment, and take action sooner.
From running marathons dressed as a giant testicle to hosting the Thrive Against Cancer podcast, Toby has developed an unapologetic approach to discussing subjects many men would rather avoid. He explains why humour can be one of the most effective tools for breaking stigma and creating conversations that might otherwise never happen.
Mike and Toby discuss the warning signs men should understand, why avoidance and embarrassment can have devastating consequences, and how friends, families, and communities can make it easier for men to speak openly about their health.
They also explore the emotional weight of grief, legacy, survivor’s guilt, gratitude, and the responsibility Toby feels to ensure his brother’s story continues to protect others.
This episode is more than a conversation about cancer. It is a reminder that vulnerability can be a form of strength, awareness can save lives, and even the most painful experiences can be transformed into meaningful action.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
• The warning signs of testicular cancer and why early detection matters
• How embarrassment and avoidance prevent men from seeking help
• Toby’s experience losing his brother Robin at just 24 years old
• Turning grief and tragedy into purpose
• Why humour can help break down stigma around men’s health
• Running 350 miles while dressed as a giant testicle
• Building The Robin Cancer Trust in his brother’s memory
• Creating peer-led conversations where men feel safe asking questions
• The emotional realities of grief, gratitude, resilience, and legacy
• How bold action and uncomfortable conversations can save lives
About Toby Freeman
Toby Freeman is a passionate cancer advocate, podcast host, and the Founder and CEO of The Robin Cancer Trust, which was created in memory of his brother Robin, who died from late-stage testicular cancer at just 24.
Toby has made it his mission to save lives by raising awareness, breaking stigma, and starting important conversations around men’s health. He is currently taking on the Big Ballsy Challenge, running 350 miles in a giant testicle costume to raise £240,000 for the charity.
The challenge includes the Brighton and London Marathons, a run across the country along Hadrian’s Wall, and a 100-kilometre ultramarathon completed in under 24 hours.
Toby is also the host of the Thrive Against Cancer podcast, where he shares raw and honest conversations with cancer patients, caregivers, clinicians, and advocates. Everything he does is driven by a belief that bold action can change lives and that pain can be transformed into purpose.
Connect with Toby Freeman:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobyfreeman/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tobytalksballs/
The Robin Cancer Trust: https://www.therobincancertrust.org/
Thrive Against Cancer: https://www.thriveagainstcancer.co.uk/
Big Ballsy Challenge: https://www.therobincancertrust.org/bigballsychallenge
Colchester Half Marathon: https://www.colchesterhalfmarathon.com/
Corporate Partnerships: https://www.therobincancertrust.org/corporate-partners
Download the HeChangedIt app via https://hechangedit.com.
