The Male Room with Dr. Jesse Mills

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 'This Is Your Brain on Music' a modern classic. He also shares insights from his latest book, 'I Heard There Was a Secret Chord,' including powerful stories about music’s role in healing and recovery. It’s a deep, funny, and unexpectedly moving look at how curiosity, creativity, and a great song might just be the keys to a longer, better life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 the fear-mongeringSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, partnerships, and patient-centered design. The discussion explores how fragmented systems fail vulnerable populations—and what it takes to rebuild them with access, equity, and sustainability in mind. At its core, it’s a powerful look at how one doctor is scaling compassion from individual patients to entire communities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 history, and timing—they walk through what couples need to know when considering their options. Along the way, the conversation veers into jaw-dropping patient stories, common myths, and the emotional, ethical, and human realities behind these deeply personal decisions. It’s an honest, fascinating look at modern fertility medicine—and the second chances it can offer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 the procedure, and why it remains far safer and more effective than many alternatives—while still being surprisingly underutilized. Along the way, they tackle the biggest fears and misconceptions, from sex drive and testosterone to rare complications and recovery, giving listeners a clear, honest roadmap for making an informed decision.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Jordan discuss the emotional vulnerability that comes with prostate cancer recovery, breaking down the fears, myths, and real-world concerns men and their partners often face. It’s an honest, practical, and compassionate conversation about surviving cancer without giving up on intimacy, confidence, or hope.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 advocate for themselves. Alongside Dr. Jesse Mills and Producer Jordan, Commerford reflects on turning fear into purpose, and how sharing his story can help save lives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 doctors risk-stratify tumors (including what Gleason scores really mean), why PSA “ups and downs” can trigger anxiety, and how newer tools (from genomic tests to MRI-guided radiation) help personalize decisions. They also get real about side effects and recovery, from muscle-sparing prostatectomy techniques that can speed urinary control to the “sunburn in the bladder” sensations some men feel after radiation. The takeaway: treat the cancer the way it’s asking to be treated—and don’t be afraid to slow down, get second opinions, and choose the option that best matches your life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 “PIRADS” scores actually mean, and breaks down modern biopsy options—including why the transperineal approach can lower infection risk. Then it’s on decoding Gleason scores, grade groups, and “risk stratification”— and explaining why, for many men, this is a highly treatable, often curable disease when caught early.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 procedures) while still catching cancer early? Using a real-world “55-year-old patient journey,” they break down PSA as a prostate “thermometer,” when to repeat a test, what role MRI plays today, and how newer tools like urine biomarkers and micro-ultrasound are reshaping early detection—before the series moves on to diagnosis and treatment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.