FOF #375 - Cracking the Nut - 08.25.06


Performance artist Brian Lobel was a virgin when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. The cancer had spread into his abdomen and into his lungs. Although you may think he was a gonner, everyone told him "you'll survive this."
And survive he did. Brian kept a journal of his experience with cancer and in college his teacher Holly Hughes suggested he turn his writing into a one man show.
According to Brian's website:
"BALL is a solo performance about the perception of illness, struggle and survivorship in society today. Far from the world of yellow bracelets and pink ribbons, BALL is the story of a young man and his quirky and unique struggle against cancer and, more importantly, the Lance Armstrong-dominated cancer narrative. This is not your mother's illness drama - BALL sees all of the disgusting parts of cancer not as things which should be changed into things beautiful or inspirational. Instead, the sperm bank, the catheters, and the hair loss take center stage in all their glory, in a manner which is irreverent, honest, and, ultimately, healing."
Got that? Good.
Listen to today's show as we talk to the sweet and jubilant Brian Lobel about cancer, the healthcare industry, Lance Armstrong, those annoying yellow bracelets, and how to cope when a loved one comes down with a life-threatening illness.
"Ball" shows at the Bailiwick theater in Chicago until August 26th. Mention the Feast of Fools podcast and they will give you the ROYAL treatment: $25 ticket for $10. We treat you right folks!
We begin today's show with a quick and easy testicular cancer exam your can perform on yourself while you listen to the show.
The podcast that knows how to have a good time, you could say, we're having a ball- the Feast of Fools.
Featured Music:
Don Juan Dracula - Young Debutantes II: Amazon | CD Baby| Site
Baby Teeth - The Baby Teeth Album: iTunes | Amazon
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Comments
Brian didn't have sex until he was 20 I wonder why! HA, I started laughing when he was talking about his "good looks". Now I don't think I am that good looking but Brian takes my hard ons away. Unlike Marc.
Now I always play around with my balls because testicular caners is some scarry shit. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't squeeze my balls to save them from the cancer.
Feast of Fools you have had some really amazing gay celebs on the show but what the hell was this? Marc asking about ejaculations ew! You know I am going to have to make a promotional feast of fools sign writen in my own semen. But I would need to save up for a day or two to get it thick enough to write with, but I don't think that is going to happen, I can't not touch it for 6-8 hours let alone a day. Brian says masturbating three times a week is a lot, since I started college I have been doing it about three times a day.
Well I just had to say, I loved the show, Fausto saved it. Marc, you may be getting fat but if you keep going to the gym you can loose it all, and in the gym take pictures of you in the shower, even if their is a guy with a half hard erection and a stump leg, take lots of pictures.
Love you
Said by: Jonathan at August 25, 2006 04:33 AM
People come and go so strangely around here...
Said by: Michael H at August 25, 2006 05:40 AM
Brian has the sexiest laugh. and, consequently, the funniest, most charming, important work on cancer and sexuality around.
Said by: Erin at August 25, 2006 10:14 AM
I'm giving myself an exam right now, but I'm always checking for breast, testicular and prostate cancer when I'm listening to the FOF.
Said by: Daryl at August 25, 2006 10:46 AM
Did you see the cover of POZ magazine?
http://www.poz.com/archive/2006_Sep_1666.shtml
Said by: Marc at August 25, 2006 12:54 PM
Jonathan, what kind of crack you been smokin' hon, take a break from the pipe babe. LOL!
I think Brian is a real cutie. I've met a lot of guys with classic good looks who have the personality of a wet mop, but you can tell that Brian has a good heart and is such a genuine person. So when I take a look at his pic I see an adorable young man with a great smile.
Thank you for having this show. You guys did a great job. So many guys forget to check for testicular cancer and if you don't check you could end up in a lot of trouble. I found a lump when I was younger and waited and waited because I was too ashamed to tell anyone. It turned out to not be cancerous, but looking back I should have had it checked right away. People are taught to be ashamed of their bodies and to not talk about anything regarding sex or sexual organs in public, but when it comes to something this serious, no matter what age you are, tell your parents, or go to a doctor. It's so important. And there are several things a lump could possibly be other than cancer, but you won't know unless you get to a doctor. So don't panic, just get it checked.
As far as the biohazzard tattoos go, I know so many people who are poz and I don't think it's a matter of defining yourself by your disease, I think it's more the fact that when you are poz, every time you meet someone who might be a potential date you have to go through the whole song and dance of when to tell them and how are they going to react. If you are dating someone for a month or two and then you tell them they can freak out on you for not telling them sooner, or just dump you because they don't want to deal with it. And if you tell them on the first date it can still seem like an awkward and out of place thing to begin a conversation with. It has to get really tiresome after a while. Neg people often treat poz people like the plague when it comes to dating, so how many times can you have that opening conversation and then watch the person get uncomfortalbe and walk away? Some people can bear this situation as one more symptom of the disease, but for some it's just easier to put it right out in the open. A biohazzard tattoo simply says "I'm poz, and if you can't deal with that then don't bother starting something you can't finish".
Said by: pup don at August 25, 2006 01:10 PM
I did see that POZ cover, Marc... Blue hair is in... and another hottie at that. ;-)
I haven't listened to the show yet. I'm leaving for Michigan tonight and will put it on for the trip. But it never ceases to amaze me how people can be so cruel. Brian may not be "Classically Handsome" but when I saw that picture, I immediately saw someone who is a lot of fun and loves to laugh. It just emanates from his face. So I'm sure I'll enjoy the show.
Said by: RcktMan at August 25, 2006 04:56 PM
Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder. I'm sure Brian has no problem getting laid at all. Go see his show- it's only $10 !
Said by: Marc at August 25, 2006 05:59 PM
Ok I just want to say that I thought it was really cool that someone else besides me was a late bloomer. Like, Brian, I was a virgin until 20...in fact, I didn't even have my first kiss until I was 20. And not due to lack of interest. I was just really shy. So that made me feel like I wasn't a total freakshow. I just thought I'd share this with you.
Fausto, Sunday is my 27th birthday! Will ya give me a shout out? :)
Said by: Alejandro at August 25, 2006 06:24 PM
You Gays Just Keep raising the Bar. I had the Ball Cancer and was under the knife in less than 24 hours I was Scared but drunk.If it wasn't for some forgotten named Ball loving Guy i could have gone a lot longer not knowing. it's Not something Ive ever heard spoken in this right-on manner. I've all most never have really talked much about it,(traditional Mexican Family thingie) so hearing it on the show only widened my heart for the FOF. Did you see the picts, it's not much different looking just having one ball,you think? lots of kisses to all those FOF that make the world go round. F,M,C,A,R,V,S,J. and a big kiss to the bytch Cancer...
Said by: Noe at August 25, 2006 07:41 PM
Just checked the boys and we're doing ok! :) Great show. I don't know what that person was talking about above in the comments, Brian is cute as heck. Look at those eyes! The curls! Sheesh. And this is the 1st FOF that made me rub my nuts...THAT's something. Atta boy.
Said by: Aaron C at August 25, 2006 08:12 PM
This show produced an interesting dichotomy. On the one hand, a disease like cancer is serious and no laughing matter. On the other hand, laughter is the best medicine and a positive attitude goes far to keep one healthy.
As far as looks, Brian looks cute and he obviously has a great sense of drama and humor. I would love hanging out with him, but just friends, since I'm already attached.
Said by: David at August 25, 2006 08:35 PM
Brian is a dreamboat. In every way imaginable. Love you Lobel. Kissses. JL
Said by: Jim from Ann Arbor at August 26, 2006 12:05 AM
i had the opportunity to meet this sexy angel, by pure accident i stopped by cheeta for a smoothie and there he was and for the 5 minutes that i spent with him i can honestly say that Brian Lobel is one of my heros, his smile radiates the joy he has in living, i feel blessed to have met him your beautiful baby and i for one am so glad you made it
Said by: Ms.Ronnie at August 26, 2006 03:15 PM
FOF is all About the freespeak,Pride freedom..., but to use yours to break someone down is SO far removed from the point of FOF UNITY. We are all Beautiful people ALL OF US!!!!!!! Think before you Speak, Kindness goes a long way.Live your life to help the world ,Not hurt it.its Karma baby... Peace and Kindness
Said by: Noe at August 26, 2006 03:58 PM
Ronnie beat me to the punch yesterday by posting while I was still at work... I was so excited to get to see her and yes, she is as fabulous in person as she sounds on Feast of Fools. Mwah. Mwah. Mwah. I look forward to seeing her around Chicago. What a day!
Said by: Brian at August 27, 2006 06:35 AM
i can't go touching my balls right now cos i'm at work... or can i?
good show, yet again... informative and funny at the same time! brian should go into colleges/offices/schools... take over the world! hehe... spread the word on testicular cancer.
or something...
Said by: Jau at August 27, 2006 09:04 PM
Brian's interview on FOF was fabulous, and I coincidentally saw him crossing the street on Saturday. Cute, talented, and with a great sense of humor. Best of luck to you in your show, with your writing and in life. Inspirational, as well. Cheers, Brian.
Said by: Cesar at August 28, 2006 12:58 PM
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