Check One Two - the lowdown on testicular cancer

Chris Russell: The Testicular Cancer Battle That Left Him Unable to Eat

In this powerful episode of Check One Two, we sit down with Chris Russell, a Scottish dad whose life was turned upside down by a devastating cancer diagnosis that left him unable to eat and fighting through intense treatment.
Chris opens up about the moment he knew something wasn’t right, the physical and emotional toll of his diagnosis, and how it’s impacted his family and day-to-day life. But this isn’t just a story about struggle — it’s about resilience, determination, and refusing to be defined by cancer.
We also talk about why sharing real stories matters, the importance of early detection, and the conversations that could ultimately save lives.
A raw, honest, and inspiring listen.

Andrew Beverly: The Reality of Testicular Cancer

Andrew Beverly joins Check One Two to share his powerful and honest journey through testicular cancer.
From the moment he first noticed something wasn’t right, to diagnosis, surgery, and recovery, Andrew opens up about the physical and emotional realities of facing cancer head on. He talks candidly about the fear, the waiting, the conversations no one is prepared for, and the people who helped him through it all.
This episode explores early signs, the importance of getting checked, and how resilience, humour, and strong support networks can make all the difference. Andrew also reflects on returning to rugby, rebuilding confidence, and why speaking up could save lives.
A raw, real, and inspiring conversation about courage, awareness, and not taking life for granted.

Sean George Maxwell: The Symptom He Almost Ignored (Student Nurse Story)

Sean opens up about his own experience, sharing what it’s like navigating something so personal while also training in a profession where he’s expected to care for others. It’s an honest, down-to-earth chat about awareness, early detection, and the reality of hearing the words no one expects.
We talk about the gaps in knowledge, even within healthcare, and why conversations around testicular cancer still aren’t happening enough – especially among young men.
This episode is all about breaking that silence. No jargon. No awkwardness. Just real talk, a few laughs, and the kind of conversation that might actually make someone check themselves.
Because knowing your body isn’t weird – it’s important.

Paul McCaffery: Cahonas Saved My LIFE

Todd Whiteford of The Good Coffee Cartel — and a x2 testicular cancer survivor — takes over hosting duties to interview Paul McCaffery, the usual host of the podcast and Community Engagement Officer at Cahonas Scotland.
 
In an honest and open conversation, Todd and Paul talk about lived experience, stigma, and why real, straight-talking conversations matter when it comes to testicular cancer. From community work to personal journeys, this episode digs into what it’s really like to be on both sides of the mic — and on both sides of the conversation.
 
It’s a powerful role reversal filled with empathy, humour, and insight, showing how shared experiences and open dialogue can help break down barriers and get people talking about the things that still don’t get spoken about enough.

Feeling This Christmas Special

In this episode of the Check One Two Podcast, Paul sits down with Scottish comedy trio Weegie Hink Ae That? for a funny, honest, and unexpectedly powerful conversation about comedy, testicular cancer awareness, and their brand-new Christmas single “Feeling This Christmas.”
 
Recorded at the world-famous Podcast Studio Glasgow, this episode blends laugh-out-loud moments with important discussions around men’s health, checking yourself, and why humour is one of the best tools we have for breaking down stigma.
 
The lads talk about their creative process, the inspiration behind the single, and why they chose to use their platform to support Cahonas Scotland and raise awareness for testicular cancer. If you’re a fan of Scottish comedy, festive chaos, or conversations that mix heart with humour, this episode is right up your street.

David Ross – The Story He Didn’t Think Was Interesting

In this powerful episode of The Check One Two Podcast, we sit down with David Ross — a husband, dad, ScotRail worker, and testicular cancer survivor who swears his story “isn’t that interesting.” But trust us… it’s exactly the kind of story that matters.
David takes us through the moment everything changed: discovering a lump during lockdown, the whirlwind diagnosis, and a brutally fast journey from ultrasound to surgery. He speaks openly about the guilt he carried, the fear of burdening his family, and the emotional weight of breaking the news to his wife and parents.
We dive deep into his gruelling cycles of chemotherapy — compounded by his type 1 diabetes — and the long-lasting physical and mental impact it left behind, including neuropathy, anxiety, and the heartbreaking struggle to reconnect with his young daughters during recovery.
But this is also a story of faith, resilience, and quiet strength. David shares how prayer, routine, and the support of his family carried him through his darkest moments, and how surviving testicular cancer reshaped his perspective on fatherhood, gratitude, and what really matters in life.
Raw. Honest. Grounded. This is one man’s journey through diagnosis, treatment, fear, love, faith — and the long road back.

Louise Ballantyne: Cancer Doesn’t End When Treatment Does – The Power of Exercise & Mindset

Louise Ballantyne thought she hated exercise; until cancer changed everything.
In this heartfelt episode, exercise & rehabilitation specialist and cancer advocate Louise Ballantyne sits down with Paul in the world-famous Podcast Studio Glasgow.
Triggered by her dad’s terminal liver/bile duct cancer diagnosis in 2019, Louise turned grief into purpose. She reveals how simple movement helped her father feel alive during his toughest chemo days, and why she now specialises in cancer rehabilitation and prehab.
We talk:
Why the gym can feel terrifying after diagnosis (and what to do instead)
Starting small: the power of a 5–10 minute walk when you feel broken
The missing link between physical and mental health in cancer care
Why men (especially our generation) still put off getting lumps checked
Toxic positivity, comparison traps, and social media’s double-edged sword
Breathwork, mindfulness, and practical tools to calm cancer-related anxiety
How exercise affects testosterone, fatigue, recurrence risk, and long-term recovery
Why holistic care still feels like a postcode lottery, and what’s changing
Whether you’re at the start of a cancer journey, in the middle of treatment, in surveillance, or supporting someone you love; Louise’s message is clear: start where you are, move in any way you can, and never underestimate the strength you rebuild, one small step at a time.
“Movement isn’t just exercise. It’s reclaiming your identity.”
Instagram & website: @lou_livingomni | livingomni.com

John Brines: The Truth You Don’t Hear About Testicular Cancer

In this episode of Check One Two, Paul sits down with John Brines, a testicular cancer survivor who tells it exactly how it is.
John opens up about the fear that comes with diagnosis, the complications he faced after surgery, and the toll it took on his confidence, relationships, and mental health.
 
This isn’t the polished version of recovery you read in leaflets — it’s the real, raw story of what happens after cancer. From body image to self-worth and everything in between, John’s honesty shines a light on the parts of survivorship we don’t talk about enough.
 
Recorded at the world-famous Podcast Studio Glasgow, this episode is for anyone who’s ever faced life after a diagnosis — or stood by someone who has.

Ross Murray: In One Nutshell

Ross Murray—creative director at VXO Touring—joins us to talk about life before, during, and after testicular cancer. With a sharp wit and no-nonsense honesty, Ross shares the moment he noticed something was wrong, why he put off seeing a doctor for months, and what it was like navigating surgery, chemo, and recovery.
 
We cover the emotional toll of diagnosis, sperm banking, prosthetics, peer support, fertility, body image, and why speaking up can genuinely save lives. Ross also opens up about his decision to keep his diagnosis private at first and how that changed his friendships and future outlook.
 
This episode is full of laughs, reflections, and raw truths that every guy—and everyone who cares about one—needs to hear.

The Naked Neds: More Than a Play, it's a LIFE saver

This episode of Check One Two is all about testicular cancer, early detection, and the importance of speaking up.
 
Host Paul, a testicular cancer survivor, sits down with playwright Ingram Noble and actor Lewis Gillon to discuss The Naked Neds — a powerful new play that tackles male mental health, testicular cancer awareness, and the devastating cost of silence.
 
Drawing from his own experience with testicular cancer, Paul connects personally with the play’s themes of fear, shame, and survival. Ingram shares how a real-life testicular cancer scare within his circle of friends inspired him to write The Naked Neds, and how the story shows young men grappling with loss, masculinity, and the struggle to talk about their health.
 
The conversation dives deep into the realities of testicular cancer — from spotting early warning signs, to the fear of facing a diagnosis, to the urgent need for better education and awareness among young men. They discuss why normalising testicular self-checks and making health conversations part of everyday life could be the key to saving lives.
 
The episode also highlights the role of charities like Cahonas Scotland, who are on the frontlines promoting testicular cancer education and encouraging men to check themselves regularly.
 
If you have been affected by testicular cancer, know someone who has, or simply want to understand why awareness is so critical, this conversation is essential listening.
 
Testicular cancer is treatable — but only if caught early. Talking about it, learning about it, and acting early can make all the difference.