Jon Holmes Says the C-Word

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In 2023, Jon Holmes was diagnosed with cancer - which came as a bit of a surprise because quite frankly he was far too busy for all of that nonsense. After a very odd, intense, unexpected, ridiculous year, Jon realised that men don't tend to talk openly about the preposterous indignity of dealing with cancer. So he decided he would, with other men who've been through it. So here - inevitably - comes his new chatty podcast. Across the series Jon will be joined by the comedians Stephen Fry, Mark Steel, Richard Herring, Matt Forde, and Eric Idle, actors Colin McFarlane and Ben Richards, rock star and The Alarm frontman Mike Peters, and journalists Jeremy Langmead, Nick Owen, and Jeremy Bowen. Jon and his guests will demystify all things cancer in raw, honest, difficult, often absurd and - yes - funny detail, from fingers up the bum to blood tests via biopsies, surgery, catheters, stomas, feeding tubes, penis pumps (no, really) and incontinence pads. Jon wants to stop the stigma and embarrassment associated with these issues (and by "issues", we mean "body parts and what happens to them"), to raise awareness and encourage listeners to 'get checked' as Jon aims to remove the fear from the whole diagnosis and treatment process in an accessible, honest and entertaining way. Throughout the series, we will also be encouraging listeners to get involved and share their own experiences, whether it's something they have been through themselves or are supporting someone with cancer. Jon Holmes Says The C-Word aims to humanise what is often a completely de-humanising process, because, honestly, the cancer road is paved with often hilarious unexpected moments - and Jon maintains that retaining a sense of humour is all important. As Jon says: "If there had been a podcast like this when I was diagnosed - one full of other people's stories, advice and light moments to illuminate the darkness of the whole sorry process I'd have lapped it up. But there wasn't, so I spoke to Radio 4, and now there is." In Jon Holmes Says The C-Word, Jon will be wearing his heart - and, quite frankly, all of his body parts - on his sleeve.

BBC Radio 4


    • Sep 3, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 28m AVG DURATION
    • 11 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Jon Holmes Says the C-Word

    Bonus Episode 2: Listeners' Stories

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2024 39:04


    In this second bonus episode of Jon Holmes Says The C-Word, Jon and series producer Laura Grimshaw share more listeners' stories that have been sent in to thecword@bbc.co.uk.In 2023, Jon Holmes was diagnosed with cancer – which came as a bit of a surprise because, quite frankly, he was far too busy for all of that nonsense. After a very odd, intense, unexpected, ridiculous year, Jon realised that men don't tend to talk openly about the preposterous indignity of dealing with cancer. So he decided he would, with other men who are going through it, or who've been through it.Here – inevitably – comes his new chatty podcast.Across the series, Jon will be joined by the comedians Stephen Fry, Mark Steel, Richard Herring, Matt Forde and Eric Idle, actors Colin McFarlane and Ben Richards, rock star and The Alarm frontman Mike Peters, and journalists Jeremy Langmead, Nick Owen and Jeremy Bowen. Jon and his guests will demystify all things cancer in raw, honest, difficult, often absurd and – yes – funny detail, from fingers up the bum to blood tests via biopsies, surgery, catheters, stomas, feeding tubes, penis pumps (no, really) and incontinence pads.Jon wants to stop the stigma and embarrassment associated with these issues (and by "issues", we mean "body parts and what happens to them"), to raise awareness and encourage listeners to ‘get checked' as he aims to remove the fear from the whole diagnosis and treatment process in an accessible, honest and entertaining way.Throughout the series, Jon will also be encouraging listeners to get involved and share their own experiences, whether it's something they have been through themselves or are supporting someone with cancer.Jon Holmes Says The C-Word aims to humanise what is often a completely de-humanising process, because, honestly, the cancer road is paved with frequently hilarious unexpected moments - and Jon maintains that retaining a sense of humour is all important.As Jon says: “If there had been a podcast like this when I was diagnosed - one full of other people's stories, advice and light moments to illuminate the darkness of the whole sorry process - I'd have lapped it up. But there wasn't, so I spoke to Radio 4, and now there is.”In Jon Holmes Says The C-Word Jon will be wearing his heart - and, quite frankly, all of his body parts - on his sleeve.Written and presented by Jon Holmes Produced by Laura Grimshaw Commissioning Editor for the BBC: Rhian Roberts An unusual production for BBC Radio 4

    8. Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2024 28:05


    In episode eight, Jon and his guests discuss love, hope, strength and the future – ongoing treatments, ongoing research, and the joy of being told you're cancer free.In 2023, Jon Holmes was diagnosed with cancer – which came as a bit of a surprise because, quite frankly, he was far too busy for all of that nonsense. After a very odd, intense, unexpected, ridiculous year, Jon realised that men don't tend to talk openly about the preposterous indignity of dealing with cancer. So he decided he would, with other men who are going through it, or who've been through it.Here – inevitably – comes his new chatty podcast.Across the series, Jon will be joined by the comedians Stephen Fry, Mark Steel, Richard Herring, Matt Forde and Eric Idle, actors Colin McFarlane and Ben Richards, rock star and The Alarm frontman Mike Peters, and journalists Jeremy Langmead, Nick Owen and Jeremy Bowen. Jon and his guests will demystify all things cancer in raw, honest, difficult, often absurd and – yes – funny detail, from fingers up the bum to blood tests via biopsies, surgery, catheters, stomas, feeding tubes, penis pumps (no, really) and incontinence pads.Jon wants to stop the stigma and embarrassment associated with these issues (and by "issues", we mean "body parts and what happens to them"), to raise awareness and encourage listeners to ‘get checked' as he aims to remove the fear from the whole diagnosis and treatment process in an accessible, honest and entertaining way.Throughout the series, Jon will also be encouraging listeners to get involved and share their own experiences, whether it's something they have been through themselves or are supporting someone with cancer.Jon Holmes Says The C-Word aims to humanise what is often a completely de-humanising process, because, honestly, the cancer road is paved with frequently hilarious unexpected moments - and Jon maintains that retaining a sense of humour is all important.As Jon says: “If there had been a podcast like this when I was diagnosed - one full of other people's stories, advice and light moments to illuminate the darkness of the whole sorry process - I'd have lapped it up. But there wasn't, so I spoke to Radio 4, and now there is.”In Jon Holmes Says The C-Word Jon will be wearing his heart - and, quite frankly, all of his body parts - on his sleeve.Written and presented by Jon Holmes Produced by Laura Grimshaw Commissioning Editor for the BBC - Rhian Roberts An unusual production for BBC Radio 4If you, or someone you know, have been affected by cancer, you can find information and support at bbc.co.uk/actionline

    7. Pumps, Bags and Jabs

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2024 28:36


    In episode seven, Jon and his guests discuss side-effects, physio and recovery – including catheters, incontinence, stomas and pelvic floors, and self-administered injections and erections, and penis pumps (no, really).In 2023, Jon Holmes was diagnosed with cancer – which came as a bit of a surprise because, quite frankly, he was far too busy for all of that nonsense. After a very odd, intense, unexpected, ridiculous year, Jon realised that men don't tend to talk openly about the preposterous indignity of dealing with cancer. So he decided he would, with other men who are going through it, or who've been through it.Here – inevitably – comes his new chatty podcast.Across the series, Jon will be joined by the comedians Stephen Fry, Mark Steel, Richard Herring, Matt Forde and Eric Idle, actors Colin McFarlane and Ben Richards, rock star and The Alarm frontman Mike Peters, and journalists Jeremy Langmead, Nick Owen and Jeremy Bowen. Jon and his guests will demystify all things cancer in raw, honest, difficult, often absurd and – yes – funny detail, from fingers up the bum to blood tests via biopsies, surgery, catheters, stomas, feeding tubes, penis pumps (no, really) and incontinence pads.Jon wants to stop the stigma and embarrassment associated with these issues (and by "issues", we mean "body parts and what happens to them"), to raise awareness and encourage listeners to ‘get checked' as he aims to remove the fear from the whole diagnosis and treatment process in an accessible, honest and entertaining way.Throughout the series, Jon will also be encouraging listeners to get involved and share their own experiences, whether it's something they have been through themselves or are supporting someone with cancer.Jon Holmes Says The C-Word aims to humanise what is often a completely de-humanising process, because, honestly, the cancer road is paved with frequently hilarious unexpected moments - and Jon maintains that retaining a sense of humour is all important.As Jon says: “If there had been a podcast like this when I was diagnosed - one full of other people's stories, advice and light moments to illuminate the darkness of the whole sorry process - I'd have lapped it up. But there wasn't, so I spoke to Radio 4, and now there is.”In Jon Holmes Says The C-Word Jon will be wearing his heart - and, quite frankly, all of his body parts - on his sleeve.Written and presented by Jon Holmes Produced by Laura Grimshaw Commissioning Editor for the BBC - Rhian Roberts An unusual production for BBC Radio 4

    6. Feeling Like Crap

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2024 28:37


    In episode six, Jon and his guests discuss follow up scans and treatment including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone therapy and quite how crap they can make you feel.In 2023, Jon Holmes was diagnosed with cancer – which came as a bit of a surprise because, quite frankly, he was far too busy for all of that nonsense. After a very odd, intense, unexpected, ridiculous year, Jon realised that men don't tend to talk openly about the preposterous indignity of dealing with cancer. So he decided he would, with other men who are going through it, or who've been through it.Here – inevitably – comes his new chatty podcast.Across the series, Jon will be joined by the comedians Stephen Fry, Mark Steel, Richard Herring, Matt Forde and Eric Idle, actors Colin McFarlane and Ben Richards, rock star and The Alarm frontman Mike Peters, and journalists Jeremy Langmead, Nick Owen and Jeremy Bowen. Jon and his guests will demystify all things cancer in raw, honest, difficult, often absurd and – yes – funny detail, from fingers up the bum to blood tests via biopsies, surgery, catheters, stomas, feeding tubes, penis pumps (no, really) and incontinence pads. Jon wants to stop the stigma and embarrassment associated with these issues (and by "issues", we mean "body parts and what happens to them"), to raise awareness and encourage listeners to ‘get checked' as he aims to remove the fear from the whole diagnosis and treatment process in an accessible, honest and entertaining way.Throughout the series, Jon will also be encouraging listeners to get involved and share their own experiences, whether it's something they have been through themselves or are supporting someone with cancer.Jon Holmes Says The C-Word aims to humanise what is often a completely de-humanising process, because, honestly, the cancer road is paved with frequently hilarious unexpected moments - and Jon maintains that retaining a sense of humour is all important.As Jon says: “If there had been a podcast like this when I was diagnosed - one full of other people's stories, advice and light moments to illuminate the darkness of the whole sorry process - I'd have lapped it up. But there wasn't, so I spoke to Radio 4, and now there is.”In Jon Holmes Says The C-Word Jon will be wearing his heart - and, quite frankly, all of his body parts - on his sleeve.Written and presented by Jon Holmes Produced by Laura Grimshaw Commissioning Editor for the BBC - Rhian Roberts An unusual production for BBC Radio 4

    5. What Do My Insides Look Like?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2024 28:10


    Jon and his guests discuss The Big Op – having the cancer cut out and your insides rearranged.In 2023, Jon Holmes was diagnosed with cancer – which came as a bit of a surprise because, quite frankly, he was far too busy for all of that nonsense. After a very odd, intense, unexpected, ridiculous year, Jon realised that men don't tend to talk openly about the preposterous indignity of dealing with cancer. So he decided he would, with other men who are going through it, or who've been through it.Here – inevitably – comes his new chatty podcast.Across the series, Jon will be joined by the comedians Stephen Fry, Mark Steel, Richard Herring, Matt Forde and Eric Idle, actors Colin McFarlane and Ben Richards, rock star and The Alarm frontman Mike Peters, and journalists Jeremy Langmead, Nick Owen and Jeremy Bowen. Jon and his guests will demystify all things cancer in raw, honest, difficult, often absurd and – yes – funny detail, from fingers up the bum to blood tests via biopsies, surgery, catheters, stomas, feeding tubes, penis pumps (no, really) and incontinence pads. Jon wants to stop the stigma and embarrassment associated with these issues (and by "issues", we mean "body parts and what happens to them"), to raise awareness and encourage listeners to ‘get checked' as he aims to remove the fear from the whole diagnosis and treatment process in an accessible, honest and entertaining way.Throughout the series, Jon will also be encouraging listeners to get involved and share their own experiences, whether it's something they have been through themselves or are supporting someone with cancer.Jon Holmes Says The C-Word aims to humanise what is often a completely de-humanising process, because, honestly, the cancer road is paved with frequently hilarious unexpected moments - and Jon maintains that retaining a sense of humour is all important.As Jon says: “If there had been a podcast like this when I was diagnosed - one full of other people's stories, advice and light moments to illuminate the darkness of the whole sorry process - I'd have lapped it up. But there wasn't, so I spoke to Radio 4, and now there is.”In Jon Holmes Says The C-Word Jon will be wearing his heart - and, quite frankly, all of his body parts - on his sleeve.Written and presented by Jon Holmes Produced by Laura Grimshaw Commissioning Editor for the BBC - Rhian Roberts An unusual production for BBC Radio 4

    Bonus Episode 1: Listeners' Stories

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2024 39:50


    In this first bonus episode of Jon Holmes Says The C-Word, Jon and series producer Laura share listeners' stories that have been sent in to thecword@bbc.co.uk.In 2023, Jon Holmes was diagnosed with cancer – which came as a bit of a surprise because, quite frankly, he was far too busy for all of that nonsense. After a very odd, intense, unexpected, ridiculous year, Jon realised that men don't tend to talk openly about the preposterous indignity of dealing with cancer. So he decided he would, with other men who are going through it, or who've been through it.Here – inevitably – comes his new chatty podcast.Across the series, Jon will be joined by the comedians Stephen Fry, Mark Steel, Richard Herring, Matt Forde and Eric Idle, actors Colin McFarlane and Ben Richards, rock star and The Alarm frontman Mike Peters, and journalists Jeremy Langmead, Nick Owen and Jeremy Bowen. Jon and his guests will demystify all things cancer in raw, honest, difficult, often absurd and – yes – funny detail, from fingers up the bum to blood tests via biopsies, surgery, catheters, stomas, feeding tubes, penis pumps (no, really) and incontinence pads.Jon wants to stop the stigma and embarrassment associated with these issues (and by "issues", we mean "body parts and what happens to them"), to raise awareness and encourage listeners to ‘get checked' as he aims to remove the fear from the whole diagnosis and treatment process in an accessible, honest and entertaining way.Throughout the series, Jon will also be encouraging listeners to get involved and share their own experiences, whether it's something they have been through themselves or are supporting someone with cancer.Jon Holmes Says The C-Word aims to humanise what is often a completely de-humanising process, because, honestly, the cancer road is paved with frequently hilarious unexpected moments - and Jon maintains that retaining a sense of humour is all important.As Jon says: “If there had been a podcast like this when I was diagnosed - one full of other people's stories, advice and light moments to illuminate the darkness of the whole sorry process - I'd have lapped it up. But there wasn't, so I spoke to Radio 4, and now there is.”In Jon Holmes Says The C-Word Jon will be wearing his heart - and, quite frankly, all of his body parts - on his sleeve.Written and presented by Jon Holmes Produced by Laura Grimshaw Commissioning Editor for the BBC: Rhian Roberts An unusual production for BBC Radio 4

    4. Am I Now ‘That Cancer Guy'?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2024 28:54


    In episode four, Jon and his guests discuss Going Public, telling family and friends, and perusing and ordering from the menu of treatment options.In 2023, Jon Holmes was diagnosed with cancer – which came as a bit of a surprise because, quite frankly, he was far too busy for all of that nonsense. After a very odd, intense, unexpected, ridiculous year, Jon realised that men don't tend to talk openly about the preposterous indignity of dealing with cancer. So he decided he would, with other men who are going through it, or who've been through it.Here – inevitably – comes his new chatty podcast.Across the series, Jon will be joined by the comedians Stephen Fry, Mark Steel, Richard Herring, Matt Forde and Eric Idle, actors Colin McFarlane and Ben Richards, rock star and The Alarm frontman Mike Peters, and journalists Jeremy Langmead, Nick Owen and Jeremy Bowen. Jon and his guests will demystify all things cancer in raw, honest, difficult, often absurd and – yes – funny detail, from fingers up the bum to blood tests via biopsies, surgery, catheters, stomas, feeding tubes, penis pumps (no, really) and incontinence pads.Jon wants to stop the stigma and embarrassment associated with these issues (and by "issues", we mean "body parts and what happens to them"), to raise awareness and encourage listeners to ‘get checked' as he aims to remove the fear from the whole diagnosis and treatment process in an accessible, honest and entertaining way.Throughout the series, Jon will also be encouraging listeners to get involved and share their own experiences, whether it's something they have been through themselves or are supporting someone with cancer.Jon Holmes Says The C-Word aims to humanise what is often a completely de-humanising process, because, honestly, the cancer road is paved with frequently hilarious unexpected moments - and Jon maintains that retaining a sense of humour is all important.As Jon says: “If there had been a podcast like this when I was diagnosed - one full of other people's stories, advice and light moments to illuminate the darkness of the whole sorry process - I'd have lapped it up. But there wasn't, so I spoke to Radio 4, and now there is.”In Jon Holmes Says The C-Word Jon will be wearing his heart - and, quite frankly, all of his body parts - on his sleeve.Written and presented by Jon Holmes Produced by Laura Grimshaw Commissioning Editor for the BBC - Rhian Roberts An unusual production for BBC Radio 4

    3. Diagnosis: Cancer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2024 28:11


    In episode three, Jon and his guests discuss scans, biopsies and the awkward moment you're told that you have cancer.In 2023, Jon Holmes was diagnosed with cancer – which came as a bit of a surprise because, quite frankly, he was far too busy for all of that nonsense. After a very odd, intense, unexpected, ridiculous year, Jon realised that men don't tend to talk openly about the preposterous indignity of dealing with cancer. So he decided he would, with other men who are going through it, or who've been through it.Here – inevitably – comes his new chatty podcast.Across the series, Jon will be joined by the comedians Stephen Fry, Mark Steel, Richard Herring, Matt Forde and Eric Idle, actors Colin McFarlane and Ben Richards, rock star and The Alarm frontman Mike Peters, and journalists Jeremy Langmead, Nick Owen and Jeremy Bowen. Jon and his guests will demystify all things cancer in raw, honest, difficult, often absurd and – yes – funny detail, from fingers up the bum to blood tests via biopsies, surgery, catheters, stomas, feeding tubes, penis pumps (no, really) and incontinence pads. Jon wants to stop the stigma and embarrassment associated with these issues (and by "issues", we mean "body parts and what happens to them"), to raise awareness and encourage listeners to ‘get checked' as he aims to remove the fear from the whole diagnosis and treatment process in an accessible, honest and entertaining way.Throughout the series, Jon will also be encouraging listeners to get involved and share their own experiences, whether it's something they have been through themselves or are supporting someone with cancer.Jon Holmes Says The C-Word aims to humanise what is often a completely de-humanising process, because, honestly, the cancer road is paved with frequently hilarious unexpected moments - and Jon maintains that retaining a sense of humour is all important.As Jon says: “If there had been a podcast like this when I was diagnosed - one full of other people's stories, advice and light moments to illuminate the darkness of the whole sorry process - I'd have lapped it up. But there wasn't, so I spoke to Radio 4, and now there is.”In Jon Holmes Says The C-Word Jon will be wearing his heart - and, quite frankly, all of his body parts - on his sleeve.Written and presented by Jon Holmes Produced by Laura Grimshaw Commissioning Editor for the BBC - Rhian Roberts An unusual production for BBC Radio 4

    2. Life, Death and Admin

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2024 28:16


    In episode two, Jon and his guests discuss being placed on the cancer conveyor belt – a hospital rollercoaster of appointments, results, worrying, and waiting… lots of waiting. In 2023, Jon Holmes was diagnosed with cancer – which came as a bit of a surprise because, quite frankly, he was far too busy for all of that nonsense. After a very odd, intense, unexpected, ridiculous year, Jon realised that men don't tend to talk openly about the preposterous indignity of dealing with cancer. So he decided he would, with other men who are going through it, or who've been through it.Here – inevitably – comes his new chatty podcast.Across the series, Jon will be joined by the comedians Stephen Fry, Mark Steel, Richard Herring, Matt Forde and Eric Idle, actors Colin McFarlane and Ben Richards, rock star and The Alarm frontman Mike Peters, and journalists Jeremy Langmead, Nick Owen and Jeremy Bowen. Jon and his guests will demystify all things cancer in raw, honest, difficult, often absurd and – yes – funny detail, from fingers up the bum to blood tests via biopsies, surgery, catheters, stomas, feeding tubes, penis pumps (no, really) and incontinence pads. Jon wants to stop the stigma and embarrassment associated with these issues (and by "issues", we mean "body parts and what happens to them"), to raise awareness and encourage listeners to ‘get checked' as he aims to remove the fear from the whole diagnosis and treatment process in an accessible, honest and entertaining way.Throughout the series, Jon will also be encouraging listeners to get involved and share their own experiences, whether it's something they have been through themselves or are supporting someone with cancer.Jon Holmes Says The C-Word aims to humanise what is often a completely de-humanising process, because, honestly, the cancer road is paved with frequently hilarious unexpected moments - and Jon maintains that retaining a sense of humour is all important.As Jon says: “If there had been a podcast like this when I was diagnosed - one full of other people's stories, advice and light moments to illuminate the darkness of the whole sorry process - I'd have lapped it up. But there wasn't, so I spoke to Radio 4, and now there is.”In Jon Holmes Says The C-Word Jon will be wearing his heart - and, quite frankly, all of his body parts - on his sleeve.Written and presented by Jon Holmes Produced by Laura Grimshaw Commissioning Editor for the BBC - Rhian Roberts An unusual production for BBC Radio 4

    1. You Might Feel a Bit of a Prick

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2024 28:23


    In episode one, Jon and his guests discuss What Made You Go To The Doctors In The First Place? as they talk symptoms, tests, the importance of catching it early, and a finger up the bum.In 2023, Jon Holmes was diagnosed with cancer – which came as a bit of a surprise because, quite frankly, he was far too busy for all of that nonsense. After a very odd, intense, unexpected, ridiculous year, Jon realised that men don't tend to talk openly about the preposterous indignity of dealing with cancer. So he decided he would, with other men who are going through it, or who've been through it.Here – inevitably – comes his new chatty podcast.Across the series, Jon will be joined by the comedians Stephen Fry, Mark Steel, Richard Herring, Matt Forde and Eric Idle, actors Colin McFarlane and Ben Richards, rock star and The Alarm frontman Mike Peters, and journalists Jeremy Langmead, Nick Owen and Jeremy Bowen. Jon and his guests will demystify all things cancer in raw, honest, difficult, often absurd and – yes – funny detail, from fingers up the bum to blood tests via biopsies, surgery, catheters, stomas, feeding tubes, penis pumps (no, really) and incontinence pads. Jon wants to stop the stigma and embarrassment associated with these issues (and by "issues", we mean "body parts and what happens to them"), to raise awareness and encourage listeners to ‘get checked' as he aims to remove the fear from the whole diagnosis and treatment process in an accessible, honest and entertaining way.Throughout the series, Jon will also be encouraging listeners to get involved and share their own experiences, whether it's something they have been through themselves or are supporting someone with cancer.Jon Holmes Says The C-Word aims to humanise what is often a completely de-humanising process, because, honestly, the cancer road is paved with frequently hilarious unexpected moments - and Jon maintains that retaining a sense of humour is all important.As Jon says: “If there had been a podcast like this when I was diagnosed - one full of other people's stories, advice and light moments to illuminate the darkness of the whole sorry process - I'd have lapped it up. But there wasn't, so I spoke to Radio 4, and now there is.”In Jon Holmes Says The C-Word Jon will be wearing his heart - and, quite frankly, all of his body parts - on his sleeve.Written and presented by Jon Holmes Produced by Laura Grimshaw Commissioning Editor for the BBC: Rhian Roberts An unusual production for BBC Radio 4

    Introducing Jon Holmes Says The C-Word

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2024 6:45


    In 2023, Jon Holmes was diagnosed with cancer - which came as a bit of a surprise because quite frankly he was far too busy for all of that nonsense. After a very odd, intense, unexpected, ridiculous year, Jon realised that men don't tend to talk openly about the preposterous indignity of dealing with cancer. So he decided he would, with other men who've been through it. So here - inevitably - comes his new chatty podcast. Across the series Jon will be joined by the comedians Stephen Fry, Mark Steel, Richard Herring, Matt Forde, and Eric Idle, actors Colin McFarlane and Ben Richards, rock star and The Alarm frontman Mike Peters, and journalists Jeremy Langmead, Nick Owen, and Jeremy Bowen. Jon and his guests will demystify all things cancer in raw, honest, difficult, often absurd and - yes - funny detail, from fingers up the bum to blood tests via biopsies, surgery, catheters, stomas, feeding tubes, penis pumps (no, really) and incontinence pads. Jon wants to stop the stigma and embarrassment associated with these issues (and by "issues", we mean "body parts and what happens to them"), to raise awareness and encourage listeners to 'get checked' as he aims to remove the fear from the whole diagnosis and treatment process in an accessible, honest and entertaining way. Throughout the series, we will also be encouraging listeners to get involved and share their own experiences, whether it's something they have been through themselves or are supporting someone with cancer. Jon Holmes Says The C-Word aims to humanise what is often a completely de-humanising process, because, honestly, the cancer road is paved with often hilarious unexpected moments - and Jon maintains that retaining a sense of humour is all important. As Jon says: "If there had been a podcast like this when I was diagnosed - one full of other people's stories, advice and light moments to illuminate the darkness of the whole sorry process I'd have lapped it up. But there wasn't, so I spoke to Radio 4, and now there is." In Jon Holmes Says The C-Word, Jon will be wearing his heart - and, quite frankly, all of his body parts - on his sleeve.An unusual production for BBC Radio 4

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