The Male Room with Dr. Jesse Mills

Dr. Mills takes a closer look at creatine — what it does, who may benefit from it and whether it lives up to the hype. He breaks down the evidence on muscle growth, athletic performance, kidney health and emerging research into possible cognitive benefits. Dr. Mills also explains when creatine may be most useful, how much of a difference it can realistically make, and why you don’t need to spend extra on elaborate formulations.

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Dr. Kymora B. Scotland returns for part two of a deep dive into enlarged prostates, this time focusing on what happens when the “big boys” require more than an office-based procedure. From robotic Aquablation and GreenLight vaporization to HoLEP and simple prostatectomy, she breaks down how urologists tackle larger glands — and the tradeoffs involving bleeding, recovery, ejaculation and incontinence. We also explore what happens when prostate obstruction becomes dangerous enough to threaten kidney function, and whether there’s anything younger men can do to reduce their odds of developing BPH down the road. 

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When medications aren’t enough to tame an enlarged prostate, what comes next? In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Dr. Mills is joined by fellow UCLA urologist Dr. Kymora Scotland to break down the growing menu of procedures for BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia), from the longtime standard TURP to minimally invasive options like UroLift, iTind, Optilume and Rezūm. They explain how prostate size, recovery time, ejaculation, fertility and potential side effects can determine which treatment makes the most sense. Plus, Dr. Scotland explains why, for most men, choosing a procedure is less about finding the single “best” option and more about finding the right one for their priorities.

When is a strange symptom just part of getting older — and when is it a warning sign you should never ignore? Dr. Mills breaks down the red flags that warrant medical attention, including unexplained bleeding, persistent chest pain, sudden severe headaches, new lumps, shortness of breath and a cough that won’t go away. He also explains why some frightening symptoms may be less dangerous than they appear, while seemingly minor changes can signal something serious.

Dr. Mills breaks down the surprisingly complex process behind a seemingly simple bodily function, from the signals in your brain to the muscles of the bladder and prostate. He explains what urgency, nighttime bathroom trips, a weak stream and incomplete emptying may reveal about your health—and when they warrant a visit to the doctor. He also explores how caffeine, alcohol, medications, diabetes and heart problems can affect urinary habits, along with the risks of routinely holding it in. Plus, why does the urge suddenly strike when you reach your front door?

Could the quality of your erections reveal more about your overall health than you realize? Dr. Mills speaks with emergency physician and FirmTech founder Dr. Elliot Justin about a wearable erection ring designed to measure nocturnal erections, sexual performance and potential early signs of cardiovascular disease. They explore why erectile difficulties are not always solved by taking a pill, how objective data could transform men’s sexual healthcare and whether FirmTech rings (and others) may help men maintain stronger, longer-lasting erections. Plus, Dr. Justin addresses privacy concerns surrounding intimate health data and previews the next generation of sexual-health wearables.

Writer and Peyronie’s disease advocate Don Cummings joins Dr. Mills to share the deeply personal — and often surprisingly funny — story behind his memoir, Bent But Not Broken. Don recounts the fear, guilt and depression he experienced after developing Peyronie’s at age 48, as well as the long treatment journey that ultimately restored his sexual function. He also explains how support from his husband, family, friends and fellow patients helped him cope with the condition’s emotional toll. Together, they offer an honest and hopeful reminder that Peyronie’s disease does not have to mean the end of intimacy, identity or a fulfilling sex life.

Dr. Mills is joined by University of Washington urologist Dr. Marah Hehemann to explain how Xiaflex injections can treat the curvature caused by Peyronie’s disease. They discuss who makes a good candidate, what the six-month treatment process involves, and the realistic benefits, risks and side effects patients should expect. The conversation also explores penile traction, surgical options when injections are not enough, and the significant emotional toll Peyronie’s can take. Most importantly, they offer reassurance that effective treatments and support are available.

Dr. Mills dives deep into the surgical side of Peyronie's disease with Professor Matt Ziegelman from the Mayo Clinic, one of the most renowned Peyronie's surgeons in the country. Building on previous episodes covering the disease's natural history and treatments, this conversation explores the intricate surgical options, including the highly complex plaque excision and graft procedure, which requires essentially disassembling and reassembling the penis to correct the condition. Whether you're a patient weighing your options or just curious about some of the most delicate surgery in all of medicine, this is a must-listen.

In the first installment of a multi-part series on Peyronie's disease, Dr. Mills explains what causes the condition, how it can change the shape, length and function of the penis, and why it may be far more common than most men realize. He traces its unusual medical history, separates Peyronie's from congenital curvature and dispels the damaging idea that patients somehow caused it themselves. From medications and traction devices to injections and surgery, Dr. Mills previews the range of treatments explored throughout the series. He also addresses the condition’s psychological impact and offers reassurance that effective options are available.

Clinical psychologist and USC professor Dr. Darby Saxbe joins The Male Room to unpack the science behind fatherhood, from the ways caregiving reshapes the brain to how testosterone, sleep loss, stress and postpartum mood changes can affect new dads. Drawing from her book Dad Brain, Saxbe explains why great fathers are made through practice, presence and repetition and not just biology. The conversation also explores dad bods, men’s mental health, changing gender roles, sitcom father stereotypes and why modern fatherhood is far more flexible, complicated and rewarding than old clichés suggest.

What happens when a man finishes too quickly or struggles to finish at all? Dr. Jesse Mills explains why issues like premature ejaculation and delayed orgasm are more common than many men realize, and walks through the treatments that may help. He and Jordan also discuss unrealistic expectations shaped by porn, the internet phenomenon known as “death grip syndrome,” and why honest communication with a partner is often the best place to start.

Dr. Mills and Jordan tackle one of the most common and least openly discussed insecurities among men: penis size. Inspired in part by a story from Jordan Ritter Conn's book American Men, the pair explore the history of cultural attitudes toward penis size, how pornography and unrealistic expectations shape men's self-image, and why most men dramatically overestimate what is considered average. The conversation separates myth from reality on enlargement pills, traction devices, fillers and surgery, while examining the emotional toll of penis shame and its connection to confidence, relationships and erectile dysfunction.

Dr. Mills speaks with writer Brad Snyder about the lasting emotional impact of childhood medical trauma, body shame, and the complicated relationship many men have with vulnerability. Drawing from a personal HuffPost essay about his experience with an undescended testicle and humiliating pediatric exams, Snyder opens up about fear, secrecy, masculinity, and the long road toward self-acceptance. The conversation explores how shame shapes men’s health decisions, why so many men avoid doctors altogether, and the healing power of finally speaking openly about experiences once kept hidden.

Dr. Mills sits down with journalist and author Jordan Ritter Conn to explore the emotional lives, hidden struggles, and evolving identities of modern American men. Drawing from his book American Men, Conn shares the stories of four vastly different men, from a closeted fighter and a haunted Army veteran to a trans man navigating life in the Rust Belt, and examines how masculinity, loneliness, vulnerability, and the pursuit of power shape their lives.

Dr. Mills sits down with Admiral Dr. Brian Christine, Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, for a sweeping conversation about the state of men’s health in America. From testosterone therapy and erectile dysfunction to depression, chronic disease, diet, and the alarming ways men avoid the healthcare system, they unpack why men are dying younger, seeking help less often, and what can finally be done about it.

Dr. Mills details the Five Ps of the Pen-ocalypse, a mix of real medical emergencies and under-discussed conditions that can derail even the healthiest sex life. From the urgent dangers of priapism and penile fracture to phimosis, paraphimosis, and Peyronie’s disease, he explains what each condition is, how it happens, and when it is time to seek help. Jordan plays the queasy but curious stand-in for listeners, asking questions many people are too afraid to voice.

Dr. Mills sits down with internationally acclaimed DJ, licensed therapist, and host of the iHeart podcast Music Is Therapy, DJ Hesta Prynn, to explore the science behind music, mindset, and emotional health. From learning vinyl from Questlove to developing her “music connection therapy,” she breaks down how the right song can rewire your brain and change how you show up in the world. The conversation touches on rage-fueled pump-up anthems, personal playlists, chronic pain and creative fulfillment.

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 means to age well. From the science of dopamine and why music can rewire the brain to the difference between lifespan and healthspan, Dr. Levitin breaks down complex ideas with clarity. He also shares insights from his book I Heard There Was a Secret Chord, including stories about music’s role in healing and recovery.

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, he covers hormones, common myths, and why one-size-fits-all medicine does not work.

Dr. Mills sits down with longtime collaborator Dr. Stanley Frencher Jr. for a conversation on healthcare disparities, entrepreneurship, and building systems that 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.

In Part 2 of the vasectomy series, Dr. Jesse Mills and Dr. Jay Sandlow explore what happens when permanent birth control is not so permanent. They break down the science, success factors, and complexities of vasectomy reversals. From differences between surgical techniques to variables that affect fertility, including partner age, prior history and timing, they walk through what couples need to know when considering their options.

Dr. Mills is joined by urologist Dr. Jay Sandlow, one of the architects behind modern vasectomy guidelines, for a candid conversation about one of the most common and misunderstood procedures in men’s health. They explain who should consider a vasectomy, what happens during the procedure, and why it remains safer and more effective than many alternatives. They also address fears and misconceptions about sex drive, testosterone, complications and recovery.

Dr. Mills walks listeners through what life after prostate cancer surgery can look like, with a candid focus on sexual recovery, continence and quality of life. He explains how prehabilitation, including medication, pelvic floor exercises, nutrition and follow-up care, can help men improve their odds of regaining function after treatment. Dr. Mills and Jordan also discuss the emotional vulnerability that comes with prostate cancer recovery and the fears, myths and concerns men and their partners often face.

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 emotional aftermath of surgery to the strength he has built during recovery. 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.

In the third installment of the prostate cancer series with UCLA urologic oncologist Dr. Wayne Brisbane, Dr. Mills walks a 55-year-old patient through treatment options including active surveillance, focal therapy, surgery and radiation, and explains why a prostate cancer diagnosis does not always mean immediate surgery. Dr. Brisbane explains tumor risk stratification, Gleason scores, PSA changes, genomic tests and MRI-guided radiation. They also discuss side effects and recovery, including urinary control after surgery and bladder irritation after radiation.

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.

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.

Dr. Mills is joined by reproductive urologist Dr. Jim Smith, a longtime colleague and leading expert in male fertility and men’s health. Together, they break down what a semen analysis actually measures, why quality and timing matter, and why men shouldn’t wait a year into the fertility journey to get checked. Dr. Smith also explains sperm cryopreservation — who should consider banking, how long it lasts, and why access remains a major barrier. Plus, they'll bust the biggest myths about what “kills” sperm, explain why semen can be a window into overall health, and offer a surprisingly practical prescription for better fertility.

Dr. Mills sits down with hormone therapy physician and entrepreneur Dr. Peter Fotinos to unpack the difference between “hormone replacement” and true hormone optimization. They dig into how studies like the Women’s Health Initiative shaped decades of fear, and why symptoms and lived experience sometimes matter more than a single lab cutoff. The conversation also tackles common pitfalls of “testosterone mill” medicine (including routine aromatase inhibitors), plus what’s changing in women’s hormone care and why testosterone matters for women beyond libido. Finally, Dr. Fotinos shares how he’s scaling more responsible, check-in-driven telehealth — and what proactive medicine can look like for the everyday guy staring down metabolic syndrome.

Dr. Jesse Mills sits down with gastroenterologist-turned-biotech leader Dr. Josh Ofman, president of GRAIL, the company behind a groundbreaking blood test designed to detect dozens of cancers early by analyzing DNA shed by tumors. They break down how multi-cancer early detection works, who should consider testing (even before age 50), and how the technology fits into the larger — and often confusing — longevity conversation. The episode also tackles concerns about over-screening, false positives, and why waiting decades for perfect data may cost lives today.

Dr. Mills is joined by celebrity nutritionist and gut-health expert Dr. Daryl Gioffre to break down what’s really driving America’s acid reflux epidemic — and why the root cause is often too little stomach acid, not too much. After revealing the deeply personal story that pushed him into this work following his father’s battle with esophageal cancer, Dr. Gioffre shares practical strategies to support digestion and protect the esophagus — from the “three-hour rule” before bed to simple soothing tools like teas, honey, and magnesium. The conversation also gets into why sugar is so hard to quit, how ultra-processed foods (and “gluten-free” swaps) can backfire, and how to make realistic upgrades without white-knuckling your way through life — including how you might keep your coffee and calm your gut.

Dr. Steve Poulter is back for Part 2 of our conversation, and this time we go straight to what he calls the hidden engine behind so much male anxiety, isolation, and anger: shame. Dr. Mills and Dr. Poulter break down how shame takes root early, why men often externalize it in ways that damage relationships, and why “anger management” is often really “shame management.” Plus, Dr. Poulter shares practical ways to get out of the “invisible/disrespected” spiral and explains why naming shame — especially around trauma — can be the turning point that finally lets healing (and even marriages) move forward.

As the New Year begins, it’s the perfect time to take stock — not just of your physical health, but your mental one, too. Dr. Mills kicks off the year by welcoming renowned therapist Dr. Steve Poulter. Together, they explore modern masculinity, shame, isolation, and what it really means for men to be emotionally resilient. Drawing on decades of clinical experience — and a remarkable life path that included stints in law enforcement and the seminary — Dr. Poulter offers practical tools for growth, accountability, and connection.

Dr. Mills sits down with board-certified sleep medicine physician and UCLA faculty member Dr. Sam Kashani to break down what’s really happening when you can’t stay asleep. They demystify REM vs. deep sleep, explain why sleep trackers can sometimes make insomnia worse, and outline the real red flags for sleep apnea — plus how home sleep tests are changing the game. Along the way, they cut through the noise on supplements like melatonin and valerian, and make the case for CBT-I as the gold-standard, evidence-based treatment for insomnia.

Urologist and informatics leader Dr. Denise Asafu-Adjei joins Dr. Mills to break down how AI is quietly transforming men’s health, from AI-powered scribes that free doctors to actually look patients in the eye to chatbots that could triage symptoms and streamline access to care. They dig into the big questions patients (and physicians) are asking right now: privacy, accuracy, and whether technology will ease burnout or simply fill every last “free” minute on the schedule. Plus, Dr. Denise (@drdenise_official) shares where the field is heading next — including mind-blowing fertility advances like AI-assisted sperm identification — and what it’ll take (education, policy, and better data sharing) to make the future of medicine both smarter and more human.

Can testosterone really turn you into a superhero — or is there a hidden cost? Dr. Jesse Mills is joined by Dr. Jasper Bash to talk all things super-physiologic testosterone, from jacked gym dreams to shrinking testicles, heart risks, and hormone crashes. Together they separate internet myths from medical reality and explain what actually happens when testosterone levels go off the charts.

This week, Dr. Jesse Mills is joined by Dr. Jasper Bash — men’s health expert, researcher, and occasional a cappella tenor — for a candid look at how to build healthier sperm. They unpack the latest findings on marijuana, alcohol, and other environmental exposures, including what’s myth, what’s real, and what’s actually reversible. Dr. Bash also shares practical timelines, clinical tips, and the fitness and nutrition habits that keep him performing at his best.

Dr. Jesse Mills and Jordan are joined by sex therapist Natalie Finegood Goldberg for a no-shame, deeply practical crash course in the issues men are most afraid to talk about: premature and delayed ejaculation, mismatched desire, and the confusing role porn can play in modern sex lives. A licensed marriage and family therapist and clinical director of Creating Change LA, Goldberg explains why anxiety, tight pelvic floors, and fragile mind–body connection drive so many ejaculation problems — and how breathing work, pelvic floor therapy, “frontloading” conversations with partners, and even retraining how you masturbate can make a real difference. They dig into what happens when partners’ libidos don’t line up, why scheduled sex actually works, and how responsive desire is just as normal as spontaneous arousal. It’s an honest, compassionate guide to understanding your body, communicating better, and approaching sex as a skill — not a test you’re supposed to ace.

In part two of The Male Room’s deep dive on low testosterone, Dr. Jesse Mills and Jordan shift from diagnosis to what everyone really wants to know: treatment. Dr. Mills walks through the major options — gels, pills, injections, and long-acting pellets — breaking down how they work, who they’re best for, and how to choose a provider who’s not just pushing the product of choice. He explains when testosterone therapy truly makes sense, what happens if you over-treat, how and why it can act as male birth control, and the safest ways to come off therapy if you want to start a family or reboot your natural production. Along the way, he busts some of the biggest myths around “T boosters” and “roid rage,” and lays out the lifestyle levers — sleep, exercise, weight loss — that can raise levels naturally. It’s an empowering, no-BS guide designed to help guys ask smarter questions, avoid bad clinics, and use testosterone as one tool (and not a magic fix) in taking control of their health.

In the second episode of The Male Room, Dr. Jesse Mills and Jordan dive into one of the most misunderstood corners of men’s health: low testosterone. Dr. Mills explains what low T actually is — who gets it, why it’s wildly under-diagnosed, and how symptoms like fatigue, low libido, and mood changes often go overlooked. He also breaks down the science behind the diagnosis, the lifestyle factors that can drag levels down, and why testosterone has become a cultural lightning rod in the manosphere. It’s part medical lesson, part trivia night, and part myth-busting mission, setting the stage for next week’s deep dive into treatment options.

In the debut episode of The Male Room, Jordan the Producer makes a confession that stops Dr. Mills in his tracks: he hasn’t had a full physical in nearly a decade. What starts as a sheepish admission quickly turns into a bigger conversation about modern men and medical avoidance — why so many guys skip routine checkups and how often you really need to see a doctor. Dr. Mills breaks down the guidelines with his trademark mix of clarity and humor, debunking a few myths along the way and explaining why “I feel fine” isn’t a health plan. It’s a funny, relatable, occasionally humbling kickoff to the series — and the answer to “How often should men go to the doctor?” might genuinely surprise you.

Dr. Jesse Mills, Director of The Men’s Clinic at UCLA, brings his real-world medical expertise to The Male Room — the podcast where data-driven science meets common sense. He cuts through the noise to separate fact from hype and helps men live longer, stronger, and happier lives. The doctor is IN, starting November 18th!