I had to work out in my mind 'What does manhood & masculinity look like?' with Chris Ho, Testicular Cancer Survivor & Leadership Coach

It was 2013 and Chris Ho was in his early-30s living a normal young professional life. It was an exciting time! And then….he was hit with testicular cancer. A profound story that includes some loss - including that of both of his testicles. It turns out, Chris gained far more and it's been life changing.Chris and Carolyn share parallels in their lives - and beyond being disrupted by The Big C while building out their lives in their young adulthood. From how this life event changed their inner wirings, a comfort with the topic of mortality, being a child of Vietnamese refugees who fled from their war-torn motherland with parents who survived what most of our worst nightmares are made of, and how cultural differences, influences and evolving generational values play a role in how they move through life today. You’ll get to learn about the moments leading up to Chris’ testicular diagnosis and surgeries, how being faced with what's often regarded as a 'gendered' cancer changed his relationship with masculinity, how this carries through in raising two boys, and how all of this might have contributed to some generational healing. We also address your submitted questions!We're happy to introduce you to Chris through this candid conversation! Go ahead and hit that play button. (00:43)-Welcome to this convo & an intro to Chris.(04:10)-The beginning. "I had no health issues. Life was good"(05:00)-"I felt a little lump"(07:50)-"I actually didn't tell my fiance"(09:40)-"I didn't want to worry my parents"(10:30)-"If you keep this in there, you're going to die"(13:40)-Cancer shows up again. This time, in another way.(14:15)-Chris sees dad cry for the first time - ever.(17:00)-"We don't talk about death enough"(18:30)-Chris' wife has some big news to share. (20:20)-"It still gets me...all the time". Chris' sees dad cry for the second time.(21:10)-What's shared in final days. The courage it takes. (27:57)-Generational & cultural differences about manhood.(30:18)-Chris and his wife want to try for another kid but....(32:25)-Mental Health as the biggest struggle. Without testicles what does manhood even look like?(36:10)-What we could do a better job with when it comes to Testicular Cancer. (42:15)-Fatherhood through their boyhood.(46:20)-Immigrant Parents vs. First Generation.(49:10)-How much do Chris' kids know about cancer and death? (52:05)-Question from Lillian. (59:10)-Question from Niraj. (1:05:35)-Question from Christoff. (1:09:50)-Question from Alexander.(1:15:40)-What about caregivers?--Learn more about Chris Ho ⁠here⁠. We're thrilled to know that he is offering guidance to future leaders - or those who might want to level up their leadership skills - through his conscious leadership practice.What did you resonate with? We'd love to know! Leave us a comment or give us a rating! Share this with someone in your life who might also appreciate this episode. Subscribe to CANDIDLY WITH CAROLYN on Apple, Spotify, everywhere podcasts are found. Have a question for a future episode? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow @candidlythepod ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.candidlythepod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠__The views and opinions expressed do not represent the opinions of any podcast partners - but rather solely of the podcast author, or individuals participating in the podcast at the very moment of recording. We are all human and are constantly learning and evolving.  What is shared in these conversations is for consideration only. This podcast must not be in place of official professional research, medical advice, mental health advice, mental health counselling or therapy, or as imparting any health care recommendations at all. While those on the podcast might have lived and professional experiences with cancer, it is important to seek support from health professionals who can take the time to assess and analyze your specific circumstance.