Dr. Oliffe explains that his interest in men’s health came from years working in emergency care, where he saw men deny serious symptoms even when they were clearly in distress. His grandfather’s death from prostate cancer also shaped his work. That personal and clinical experience led him to study how masculinity affects health behavior, illness management, and quality of life for men and their families.

A key theme is that men do not all respond to health concerns the same way. Some ignore symptoms or self-monitor. Others act when pain or function becomes a problem. Prostate cancer is complicated because men often have no symptoms, which can make screening feel less urgent. Dr. Oliffe says support groups can help because they level the playing field. They give men, partners, and families a place to talk honestly about diagnosis, treatment decisions, side effects, recurrence, and fear.

The conversation also focuses heavily on mental health. Dr. Oliffe says depression in men may not always look like sadness. It can show up as irritability, anger, substance use, work obsession, risk taking, or over-involvement in sports. He points to substance use, relationship breakdown, and depression as major predictors of suicide risk. That means clinicians need to ask better questions, including questions about relationships and stress.

Dr. Oliffe argues that messaging to men should be strength-based. Instead of repeating that men do not go to the doctor, health campaigns should explain the benefit of early action. He points to small, realistic changes as a useful approach. Men may respond better when health seeking is framed as staying strong for work, family, relationships, and themselves.

The prostate cancer portion centers on uncertainty. PSA screening can create anxiety, especially when messages about screening are inconsistent. Dr. Oliffe says primary care providers play a critical role in helping men understand the benefits and limits of PSA testing. Newer blood tests, MRI, and less invasive tools may reduce unnecessary biopsies and help men feel more comfortable entering the screening process.

The episode closes with a strong point: prostate cancer care should include mental health from the beginning. Men on active surveillance or going through treatment often carry the weight of diagnosis for years. Dr. Oliffe says care should account for partners, families, and the emotional toll of the disease, not just the medical pathway.

(00:00) Intro
(02:39) Running and self-managing mental health
(05:14) How men process fear and vulnerability
(07:21) Family and support after a prostate cancer diagnosis
(10:38) What health care misses about men’s distress
(13:03) Reframing mental health support as strength
(15:35) Life transitions as openings for better health
(18:04) Messaging that reaches men
(22:02) Mental health support in prostate cancer care
(27:00) Peer support and the ALEC model
(29:11) Fear before diagnosis and PSA screening
(31:24) Better messaging around PSA testing
(33:51) Newer tests and reducing anxiety
(37:35) Fear of knowing and early action
(41:14) Rethinking prostate cancer care

The On Call for Men's Health Podcast is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/

Dr. Hafron says the goal is not just to find prostate cancer. It is to find the prostate cancers that matter. Some men need treatment. Others can be safely monitored. That is why shared decision-making is so important. Patients need a clear plan. They also need to understand what each step means, what it does not mean, and what information would change the next decision.

A major theme is fear. Some men are anxious and want every test available. Others avoid screening because they fear biopsy, treatment side effects, or simply hearing the word cancer. Dr. Hafron says the best approach is to slow the process down and take it one step at a time. Screening starts with a blood test. An elevated PSA does not mean cancer. It means more evaluation may be needed.

The conversation also covers the growing role of blood-based biomarkers like IsoPSA. These tests can help identify men who are more likely to have clinically significant prostate cancer. They may also reduce unnecessary biopsies and help communities where high-quality prostate MRI is harder to access. Dr. Hafron is careful about the term “liquid biopsy,” because these tests do not diagnose cancer or replace tissue biopsy. They help decide who may need one.

Dr. Lutz and Dr. Hafron also talk about community screening, primary care, and the need to meet men where they are. That may mean workplaces, churches, barbershops, sporting events, or mobile health programs. Prostate cancer screening can also open the door to broader men’s health care, including blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular risk.

Looking ahead, Dr. Hafron is encouraged by artificial intelligence, PSMA PET imaging, better biomarkers, advanced therapies, and research that brings clinical trials closer to patients. He believes the future depends on collaboration, better communication, and systems that help physicians provide consistent, high-quality care.

(00:00) Intro
(02:01) Why Dr. Jason Hafron Focused on Prostate Cancer
(03:23) How the PSA Conversation Has Changed
(06:34) Shared Decision-Making in Prostate Cancer Care
(08:31) The Role of Family in Treatment Decisions
(10:17) Managing Anxious and Avoidant Patients
(13:35) New Tools Between Elevated PSA and Biopsy
(15:51) Fear, Blood Tests, and the Limits of “Liquid Biopsy”
(17:45) Rethinking the Digital Rectal Exam
(19:28) Clinical Pathways and Quality of Care
(20:28) Helping Patients Navigate Online Information
(21:46) Blood-Based Tests and MRI Access
(23:43) Community-Based Screening and Men’s Health
(25:29) Primary Care’s Role in Early Detection
(27:32) What Urologists Need Before Referral
(33:47) AI, PSMA PET, and the Future of Detection
(38:32) What Gives Hope for Prostate Cancer Care
(41:42) New Therapies Beyond Hormone Treatment
(45:56) Balancing Work, Family, and Wellness
(47:22) Legacy, Systems, and Better Urology

The On Call for Men's Health Podcast is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/

The conversation starts with service and community. Dr. Rogers talks about his time in Japan, first as a student and later as a missionary, and how that shaped his ability to listen, serve, and stay with difficult work. He connects that same mindset to men’s health outreach in Detroit. Screening events in churches, mobile health efforts, and programs like Stand Up for Men’s Health help bring care to men who may not otherwise seek it out.

A major theme is that PSA screening is not the problem by itself. A PSA test is information. The real issue is how physicians use that information. Years ago, an elevated PSA often led straight to a random biopsy. Today, doctors have better tools, including PSA velocity, PSA density, age specific PSA, blood and urine biomarkers, MRI, micro ultrasound, targeted biopsy, and transperineal biopsy. These tools can help reduce unnecessary biopsies while improving the chance of finding clinically significant cancer.

Dr. Rogers also explains how prostate cancer care has become more individualized. Some cancers can be watched through active surveillance, but that approach can create anxiety for patients. He says peace of mind is also part of quality of life. Some men are comfortable monitoring the disease. Others may need more support or a different path.

The episode also covers the need to shorten the timeline from abnormal PSA to answers. Dr. Rogers compares the current prostate cancer pathway to breast cancer care, where abnormal imaging often leads to a quicker diagnosis. He believes prostate care can improve through better logistics, better testing, and more consistent standards.

The second half of the conversation turns personal. Dr. Rogers shares his own health wake up call after collapsing during a 5K, which led him back to fitness, biking, and marathon running. He also talks about mentorship, faith, innovation, family, music, and legacy. His goal is to be remembered as a physician who was open minded, innovative, committed to patients, and invested in the next generation.

(00:00) Intro
(02:00) A personal connection to kidney and prostate cancer
(03:54) Patient gratitude and the gift of time
(05:01) How Japan and missionary work shaped his career
(09:26) Democratizing PSA screening and access
(11:49) The controversy around population based screening
(14:26) How biopsy decisions have changed
(16:11) Micro ultrasound and prostate MRI
(21:09) Using better tools in the PSA grey area
(23:40) Helping men after a prostate cancer diagnosis
(25:43) Active surveillance and peace of mind
(30:45) Standardizing prostate cancer care
(34:24) Dr. Rogers’ personal health wake up call
(37:43) Qualifying for the Boston Marathon
(40:54) Mentoring residents through fishing
(41:54) Innovation, discovery, and Dr. Patrick Walsh
(45:42) Paying mentorship forward
(47:07) Faith, medicine, and service
(49:55) Legacy, ownership, and patient care
 

The On Call for Men's Health Podcast is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/

We discuss Andre’s academic and professional journey, including his PhD in health services policy and management and his early work examining health disparities and outcomes based on access and insurance coverage. That foundation leads naturally into advocacy, which becomes deeply personal when Andre shares the story of his father’s death from advanced prostate cancer. His father was diagnosed at stage four with a high Gleason score, having never fully understood PSA testing or PSA velocity. That experience crystallizes why we believe education and early detection can save lives.  

Throughout the conversation, we emphasize that prostate cancer awareness starts with open dialogue. We explore how men often avoid conversations about screening, PSA testing, and digital rectal exams, especially in African American and Hispanic communities. We stress that outdated fears and misinformation continue to keep men from care, even though modern diagnostic tools now offer less invasive and more accurate options. We agree that missed opportunities for education remain one of the biggest barriers to early detection.  

We spend significant time discussing the role of women as key drivers of men’s health. We note that wives, daughters, sisters, and partners often motivate men to get screened and seek care. From churches and barbershops to community events and beauty salons, we believe engaging women is one of the most effective strategies for improving prostate cancer awareness and outcomes. 

We conclude by reflecting on advocacy, legacy, and service. We agree that saving even one life matters, and that advocacy is fueled by personal connections, gratitude from patients, and a commitment to serve others. Ultimately, we share a belief that prostate cancer advocacy is about education, compassion, and meeting men where they are—so fewer families have to face preventable loss.  

The On Call for Men's Health Podcast is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/

We talk through how routine military screening, starting at age 40, likely saved Craig’s life. Even with no family history and no symptoms, his PSA levels were still closely monitored. When his PSA unexpectedly tripled, his flight surgeon referred him to a urologist. Despite being well below standard thresholds, Craig pushed for a biopsy. It came back positive, and he immediately opted for a full prostatectomy. His cancer was caught early, fully contained, and successfully removed. He’s now been disease-free since 2011.

Craig reflects on the challenge of facing cancer at a young age, especially as a single father of two, including a son with special needs. He shares how the discipline and mental toughness from his military career helped him power through the diagnosis and treatment. He expresses zero regret about undergoing surgery, emphasizing the peace of mind it gave him.

We also discuss broader issues—like how military aviators may be at increased risk for certain cancers. Craig believes exposure to radar, UV radiation, and extreme physical stressors likely played a role. He references emerging studies linking fighter pilots to higher rates of not just prostate cancer, but also brain injuries and melanoma. We agree that current prostate cancer screening guidelines fail to recognize these unique risk factors, often excluding high-risk men due to age or occupational exposure.

Throughout, Craig shares how he has made men’s health advocacy a part of his everyday life. He regularly engages friends, fellow veterans, and even strangers in conversations about PSA testing and prostate cancer. He pushes back against the male reluctance to seek help—what we call the “cockpit mentality”—and urges men to take control of their health the way they take care of their cars.

We close by discussing Craig’s current lifestyle: staying active, flying recreational planes, and still chasing the thrill—safely. His story is one of discipline, awareness, survivorship, and purpose. And his message is clear: early detection saves lives, and the guidelines need to catch up.

Michigan Men’s Health Foundation — https://www.michiganmenshealthfoundation.org

National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) — https://www.nccn.org

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) — https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org

The On Call for Men's Health Podcast is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/

Dr. Chait explains how he and his co-founder Boris Zaslavsky created Cleveland Diagnostics through a unique scientific and clinical collaboration. Their work led to the development of IsoPSA, a next-generation liquid biopsy test that significantly improves the accuracy of prostate cancer screening compared to the traditional PSA test. While PSA testing has been vital since the 1980s, it lacks specificity, often leading to unnecessary and painful biopsies. IsoPSA changes that by identifying whether the PSA comes from normal or cancerous cells, giving physicians better guidance for decision-making.

We reflect on the flaws in current screening guidelines, particularly the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force’s recommendations that limit PSA screening based on age, rather than overall health or family history. Both of us agree that this age cap contributes to preventable cases of advanced prostate cancer. The ability to stratify risk early—and cost-effectively—is essential for improving outcomes and reducing the financial and emotional burdens of over-treatment.

A major focus of our conversation is democratizing access to early detection. We discuss integrating IsoPSA into mobile men’s health clinics, allowing men in underserved areas to receive accurate results in real time from a single blood draw. IsoPSA’s affordability and compatibility with existing lab equipment make it ideal for broad implementation.

We also touch on the importance of public engagement and awareness campaigns like Cleveland Diagnostics' “PSA on PSA,” which aims to spread knowledge and encourage early testing. Yet, we recognize that stigma around men’s health persists. We call for more public figures and survivors to share their stories, helping to normalize conversations about prostate and testicular cancer.

We conclude with reflections on legacy, innovation, and the evolving role of AI in diagnostics. While AI has promise, we emphasize the importance of keeping diagnostics simple, interpretable, and actionable for real-world clinical settings.

The On Call for Men's Health Podcast is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/

We begin by understanding Alex’s role in news production, where he walks us through the intensity of live directing, managing chaos in real time, and what it takes to make a newscast flow seamlessly. Alex’s pride in his alma mater, Cass Tech, is palpable. He shares how it was a formative institution that shaped his sense of identity and excellence, and how its alumni have quietly but powerfully impacted the world.

We then shift to more emotional terrain as Alex recalls his friendship with former Fox 2 General Manager Jeff Murray, whose tragic suicide in 2011 left a permanent mark. Alex also opens up about being the director behind monumental events like the funerals of Coleman Young, Rosa Parks, and Aretha Franklin, moments that defined Detroit history and his own career.

Health becomes a central theme as Alex reflects on his own struggles, including obesity, hypertension, kidney disease, and seizures. His turning point came through bariatric surgery, a step he resisted for years but ultimately embraced. He credits his wife Rosalyn, a breast cancer “conqueror,” and his son for giving him strength and purpose. Their support—and his desire to be present for life’s future moments, like dancing at his granddaughter’s wedding—propelled him toward lasting change.

Alex discusses the psychological and emotional impact of weight loss, the changes in news media over the decades, and how legacy media is adapting to the digital era. He also shares his pride in producing The Hunt, a reality-style news segment on unemployment, which earned him an Emmy and reaffirmed his creative vision.

We close with Alex’s reflections on fatherhood, legacy, and resilience. His mantra, “I can’t want this more than you,” serves as a call to personal responsibility and action. He’s now living as “Alex 2.0,” intent on advocating for men’s health, encouraging others to take ownership of their wellness, and setting an example for his family and community.

Links: Michigan Men's Health Foundation: https://www.michiganmenshealthfoundation.org

The Pink Fund: https://www.pinkfund.org

Cass Technical High School: https://www.detroitk12.org/casstech

The On Call for Men's Health Podcast is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/

Frank shares how Blue Earth's radiopharmaceuticals have revolutionized prostate cancer diagnostics by offering more precise imaging than traditional CT or MRI scans. This improved precision enables doctors like Dr. Lutz to better assess the stage of the disease, facilitating more informed decisions about treatment options, and advancing the shared decision-making process between patients and healthcare providers.

Throughout the episode, Frank reflects on his personal connection to prostate cancer. His grandfather and uncle both battled the disease in different eras, with his uncle benefitting from advances in PSA testing and therapeutic options. His brother, diagnosed more recently, exemplifies the benefits of modern prostate cancer management, including active surveillance and PSMA PET scanning. Frank stresses the importance of regular screening and advocacy, encouraging men to get PSA tests as part of their routine healthcare.

The conversation also highlights how prostate cancer diagnostics have evolved from crude blood tests in the 1970s to today's highly sensitive imaging and genetic tests. Dr. Lutz emphasizes the growing role of liquid biopsies and multiparametric MRIs, which, along with advanced PET scans, allow for more accurate staging and treatment planning. The episode calls for men to be proactive about their health, get screened regularly, and take advantage of advancements in prostate cancer detection and treatment.

You'll also hear about Frank's experience as an Olympic swimmer as well!

More:
Michigan Men's Health Foundation: https://www.miumenshealthfoundation.org/

Blue Earth Diagnostics: https://www.blueearthdiagnostics.com/

The On Call for Men's Health Podcast is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/

As a Black female, Landi got involved with this topic when her filmmaking partner, Chris Edwards, learned of his father's prostate cancer diagnosis.   Then, within 6 months of working on the film, Landi's own father was diagnosed with the same disease.

Armed with what she learned making the movie, Landi took an active role in her father's treatment and care.   And when the movie came out, she found a number of females actively engaged with it - those helping to care for a spouse or other family member.

In researching her film, Landi heard every excuse in the book for why men, particularly Black men, don't get screened for prostate cancer.  She set out to attack those excuses, one by one, leaning on clergy and other community leaders to get the message out.  She also featured a number of prostate cancer patients, all but one of whom survived.

Another focus of today's guest is sharing family history.  For many, they don't know what their relatives died from.  And knowing this history can lead to more advanced and preventative screening.

We also touch on an important subject in underserved communities - disparities in treatment.  While Landi's father was undergoing active surveillance for his prostate cancer, his team found pancreatic cancer.  They gave him a death sentence.  It was a sentence that Dad accepted, but his daughter would not.   She advocated for him, found him the best treatment, and he's still here.  It's also important for Black men to participate in clinical trials, despite some very ugly history in that area.  This is a prioirty for Landi as a member of the ZERO Prostate Cancer Health Equity Task Force.

More information:

ZERO Prostate Cancer Health Equity Task Force Website: https://zerocancer.org/our-mission-impact/zero-team/health-equity-task-force

The Silent Killer documentary on Tubi: https://tubitv.com/movies/100003487/the-silent-killer-prostate-cancer-in-the-african-american-community

MIU Men's Health Foundation Website:https://www.miumenshealthfoundation.org/

The On Call for Men's Health Podcast is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/

This isn't the first time that our guest has been front and center for a major new development in urology.  He worked with his mentor, Dr. Jack Lapides, to make intermittent self-catheterization the new norm for patients  at home.   We spend some time talking about the special relationship between the two men.

At nearly 80 and still very active, Dr. Diokno talks about the role of natural supplements in his life, and how it's helped him with gout and severe cervical arthritis.  There may also be implications here for natural ways to boost testosterone in the body.

Ananias suggests men have their testosterone checked around age 30 as a baseline, then to have it checked routinely in order to stay ahead of risk factors for BPH and prostate cancer. 

MIU Men's Health Foundation Website:https://www.miumenshealthfoundation.org/

The On Call for Men's Health Podcast is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/

She tells stories of covering many different aspects of health, what got her into the field, and the phenomenon of men often putting off their own health care.  

Dr. Lites tells the story of her own personal health scare.  She was doing a story on heart screenings. And the results of her own screening, despite having no symptoms or issues, would forever change her life.   It's a story that underscores the importance of staying on top of your health, even if nothing appears to be wrong.

Resources:

MIU Men's Health Foundation Website:https://www.miumenshealthfoundation.org/

The On Call for Men's Health Podcast is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/

Ken talks about his experience from diagnosis to treatment to survivorship, and how his experience as a collegiate baseball player at the University of Michigan informed his perspective.   He needed "teammates," from his wife to fellow survivors and more.  This came in the form of education, emotional support, and more.  Gone are the old days of "rub some dirt on it and move on."

Being your own best advocate with your health care provider is vitally important.  It was Ken's request to have his PSA levels checked that led to his diagnosis, and the chance to catch the cancer in time.

Dr. Lutz and Ken spend the end of the conversation swapping stories that any sports fan would enjoy - from Gordie Howe to Bo Schembechler and more.

Resources:

MIU Men's Health Foundation Website:https://www.miumenshealthfoundation.org/

The On Call for Men's Health Podcast is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/

We open the show with the big question.  Is "breaking the seal" an urban legend, or is it true?  Your friends often warn you against making that first trip to the men's room in the bar.  What's the science behind beer and urination?

What about kidney stones?  Dr. Lutz tells us about the connection between beer drinking and passing those awful kidney stones, and he jokes about a near sure-fire way to pass a stone that, frankly, sounds like a lot of fun.

While Dr. Lutz's expertise is in urology, Gary's is in beer.  And we spend a fair amount of time in today's episode talking about all things beer.   We cover the importance of water in brewing beer,  home brewing, and even so-called "rehydrating beers."

Gary tells us what his absolute favorite beer is, what it pairs well with, and why.  We also get into other ways to pair beer with food that you might not know about.  For example, there are beers that pair well with dessert!

Beyond, urology and beer, Gary and Dr. Lutz discuss overall men's health.  Both are self-described exercise "freaks," and we cover the importance of taking care of your body, especially as you get older.  And yes, that CAN include drinking beer.  We also talk about community events through the MIU Men's Health Foundation, including both men's shared passion for taking care of our military veterans and first responders.

Resources:

Admiral McRaven's 2014 University of Texas Commencement Speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxBQLFLei70p

MIU Men's Health Foundation Website:https://www.miumenshealthfoundation.org/

The On Call for Men's Health Podcast is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/

Dr. Rovito had a testicular cancer scare at the age of 16, a time in a male's life when he may not be comfortable discussing such things. He talks us through that today. Now, as a certified health education specialist, armed with a PhD in Public Health, he's trying to shape the conversation.

In this wide-ranging discussion, Dr. Lutz and Dr. Rovito talk about the need to change our "health care" system to a more preventative "well care" system. How do we get there?  Why do men not talk about their health, and why are we statistically less likely to go see a doctor?  Why did the  US Preventative Services Task Force give, frankly, bad advice about testicular self exams, or TSE's?

Today's episode, however, reaches far beyond the genitals.  Doctors Lutz and Rovito have a very honest conversation about struggling with their weight, even discussing the psychological trauma of gynecomastia, more commonly referred to as "man boobs."   Dr. Rovito has struggled with his mental health, body issues, and even suicidal thoughts.  These are all topics we feel men need to be discussing more.

Finally, Dr. Rovito credits his wife, Kathy.  She's been his partner in life and in the Male Wellness Collective.  This serves as a reminder that men's health is a topic not just for guys, but also for the women who love them.

Dr. Michael Rovito is a testicular cancer researcher, and he teaches at the University of Central Florida.

Resources:

MIU Men's Health Foundation Website:https://www.miumenshealthfoundation.org/

Male Wellness Collective Website: https://malewellnesscollective.com/

The On Call for Men's Health Podcast is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/

We're going to talk about all of it on the On-call For Men's Health Podcast. I'm Dr. Michael Lutz, urologist and founder of the MIU Men's Health foundation. On each episode, I'll be joined by a special guest to talk about the most common issues men are facing today. We'll hear from my colleagues in the medical field, cancer survivors, and regular guys. Together, we'll navigate tough but important conversations that are critical to you and the men you care about.

We are On-call For Men's Health.

More: https://www.miumenshealthfoundation.org/

The On Call for Men's Health Podcast is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/