In this moving episode of the (Prostate Cancer - Patient Empowerment Program) PC-PEP Podcast, we meet Uli—a German man living in Canada who shares his experience navigating prostate cancer as a gay man. From the confusion and fear of diagnosis to the courage it took to face surgery, intimacy challenges, and cultural silence around men’s health, Uli opens up with remarkable honesty and grace.

He takes us through his healing journey—from isolation to connection, from vulnerability to empowerment. With heartfelt reflections on masculinity, relationships, and reclaiming joy, Uli offers a powerful message of hope to others walking a similar path. His story is a testament to the strength found in self-acceptance, community, and showing up for life—exactly as we are.

Key Messages of Inspiration and Empowerment for Men Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer:

1. You’re not alone—even if it feels like it.
Uli speaks about how isolating his diagnosis felt at first, especially as a gay man. But finding spaces like PC-PEP reminded him that connection is possible and healing is collective.

2. Healing starts with honesty—with yourself and others.
Uli’s turning point came when he began talking openly about his fears around sexuality, intimacy, and vulnerability. His message: don’t hide.
3. Speak. Others will meet you there.
It’s okay to grieve the losses—and still find joy.
Uli shares openly about the changes to his body, identity, and sense of masculinity. He also describes how new joy emerged from that grieving process, including deeper emotional intimacy and self-acceptance.

4. Showing up is powerful.
Uli didn't always feel brave—but he kept showing up. For his appointments, for his health, for this podcast. That’s courage. That’s power.

5. Your story matters—and might be the light someone else needs.
Uli’s participation is a gift to other men who might be quietly struggling. His willingness to share reminds us that every voice in the community counts.

🎧 Listen to the episode on Buzzsprout:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2420283/

📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BGMTD3HpEcQ

🌐 Learn more about PC-PEP:
https://www.pcpep.org

For all forms of cancer go to CancerPEP.com.

Together, we are not just facing prostate cancer—we are transforming how we live beyond it.

EMPOWER YOURSELF!

In this powerful and uplifting episode of the PC-PEP Podcast, we sit down with Nick Aiken, a board member of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand (PCFNZ) and a passionate advocate for men’s health from Napier, Aotearoa New Zealand.

Nick shares his journey through a prostate cancer diagnosis in his early fifties, just months after leaving a secure career to start his own practice. Facing emotional shock, uncertainty, and the realities of hormone therapy (ADT), Nick discovered not only what it means to advocate for your own care—but how community, information, and daily connection can transform survivorship.

We first met Nick at the 2024 PCFNZ Conference in Christchurch, thanks to the visionary leadership of CEO Peter Dickens and the growing collaboration between PCFNZ and PC-PEP. That meeting sparked an enduring connection—and this conversation is a testament to what’s possible when men around the world stand up for each other’s healing.

Nick reflects on:

1. The gaps in early detection in New Zealand—and what needs to change.
2. How the PC-PEP program offered the emotional support, structure, and information the medical system couldn’t.
🗣️ “You can’t let your diagnosis determine the rest of your life.”
🛠️ “I had to learn to be my own agent… not just sit back and let it happen.”
3. Why intimacy, adaptability, and agency are core to living well post-diagnosis.
4. The importance of normalizing conversations around prostate cancer—especially the tough stuff.

With humour, honesty, and insight, Nick reminds us that healing isn’t just about surviving—it’s about reclaiming life, one choice at a time. His voice is one of clarity, warmth, and deep compassion—and his insights will resonate with anyone navigating cancer, advocacy, or transformation.

🎧 Listen to the episode on Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2420283/

📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_9pxlAHzY_4

🌐 Learn more about PC-PEP: https://www.pcpep.org/ or pcpep.org/nz

For all forms of cancer go to CancerPEP.com (available in New Zealand though the Southern Cancer Society of New Zealand).

Together, we are not just facing prostate cancer—we are transforming how we live beyond it.

EMPOWER YOURSELF!

Welcome to the Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP) Podcast! 🎙️ Episode 7.

I’m so glad you’ve joined us for this powerful episode on healing, connection, and what it means to truly evolve through a cancer journey. I’m your host, Dr. Gabriela Ilie, a scientist devoted to developing evidence-based, whole-person care programs for cancer survivorship. In future episodes, I’ll be joined by my co-host, Dr. Rob Rutledge, a radiation oncologist and co-founder of PC-PEP. Together, we’ve built a program grounded in science, compassion, and the lived experience of thousands of men who’ve walked this path.

In this heartfelt conversation, I sit down with Kimble Meagher—a retired engineer, marathon runner, and prostate cancer survivor from rural Nova Scotia—who shares the deeply personal story of his diagnosis, robotic surgery, recurrence, and treatment. But Kimble’s story is about more than medical events. It’s a journey of transformation.

From early fear and emotional isolation to rediscovering joy, intimacy, and purpose, Kimble opens up about the profound shifts that occurred through his participation in PC-PEP:
✔️ Morning rituals with his wife Darlene
✔️ Peer-to-peer support calls and mentorship
✔️ A renewed connection to food, friendship, and faith
✔️ And perhaps most powerfully—the moment Darlene looked at him and said:
“Kimble, you’ve evolved.”

This episode is for anyone looking for hope, reflection, and the quiet power of showing up—for yourself and for others.

🎧 Listen to the episode on Buzzsprout:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2420283/

📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sJIulvdYRvY

🌐 Learn more about PC-PEP: https://www.pcpep.org/

Together, we are not just facing prostate cancer—we are transforming how we live beyond it.

EMPOWER YOURSELF!