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! 

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

Have a question for Dr. Mills? Send us an email at: themaleroompod@gmail.com

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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-mongering

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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.

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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 surprising 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 literally rewire your brain—and change how you show up in the world. The conversation moves from rage-fueled pump-up anthems to deeply personal playlists, touching on everything from chronic pain to creative fulfillment. It’s a wide-ranging, high-energy look at how music can be more than entertainment—it can be medicine.

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In this episode of The Male Room, 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, the trio unpack why men are dying younger, seeking help less often, and what can finally be done about it. Admiral Christine opens up not only about national health policy and the push for an Office of Men’s Health, but also his own experiences with aging, testosterone, vulnerability, and the importance of men supporting other men. It’s a candid, surprisingly emotional conversation about masculinity, medicine, and what it truly means to make America healthy again.

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In this episode, 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 the lesser-known but equally important issues like phimosis, paraphimosis, and Peyronie’s disease, he breaks down what each one is, how it happens, and when it’s time to seek help. Along the way, Jordan plays the queasy but curious stand-in for every listener, asking the questions most people are too afraid to voice. It’s candid, surprisingly funny, and ultimately a judgment-free guide to what can go wrong — and why you shouldn’t ignore it if it does.

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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 deeply reported new 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. The conversation dives into why men so often struggle to open up, the emotional scripts many inherit from childhood, and what happens when men begin to dispense with those scripts. Along the way, they reflect on friendship, fatherhood, therapy, emotional honesty, and whether today’s American men are truly “all right” — or simply trying their best to become so.

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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 deeply 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

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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 recent guest Jordan Ritter Conn's new book American Men, the pair explore the surprising 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 actually considered average. The conversation separates myth from reality on everything from enlargement pills and traction devices to fillers and surgery, while also examining the emotional toll of penis shame and its connection to confidence, relationships, and erectile dysfunction. Most importantly, Dr. Mills offers a reassuring message for listeners: you're probably okay — and if you're not, there are legitimate medical and psychological resources available to help.

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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.

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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 new 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.

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