Can I Have My Ball Back? cover art

Can I Have My Ball Back?

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About this listen

This exclusive recording includes 4 audio extras that are unique to the audiobook, including interviews with Richard's wife Catie and oncologist Dr Sharma.

If we are cowardly, we are told to grow some

If we're brave, we're said to have huge ones

If it's cold, they are liable to fall off - even if you're a brass monkey

If we're in trouble, someone will threaten to break them

If we have to work hard, we might very well bust them

If we're in somebody's thrall, then they've got us by them

About fifteen years ago, Richard Herring first took part in a campaign to encourage men to have a little (non-sexual) feel of their balls every now and again. But it was embarrassing and weird, and if there was something wrong, he didn't want to know about it.

Anyway, that kind of stuff only happens to other people, doesn't it?

At the start of 2021 Richard Herring was diagnosed with testicular cancer. For a man whose output includes a stand-up tour titled Talking Cock and who regularly interrogates our attitudes towards masculinity, it was a diagnosis that came with additional layers of complexity.

Telling Rich's personal story alongside an exploration of what defines masculinity and 'maleness' in society, Can I Have My Ball Back? is not your typical cancer memoir. Whether they're nuts, bollocks, gonads or family jewels; from the phrase 'grow some balls' to infamous WWII songs about Hitler; Rich unpicks the tangle of emotions around his own testing times.

©2022 Richard Herring (P)2022 Hachette Audio UK Funny Heartfelt Inspiring Witty Thought-Provoking Comedy

Critic reviews

'A bollockbuster!' ADAM BUXTON
All stars
Most relevant
Radius 5 Sphere.

I've listened to and watched Richard Herring for an embarrassingly large percent of my life, Given that I'm now pushing 60 this is a timeframe in which a lot has happened. But one of the most reliable things that has occured in this time frame is that either watching him on TV, very very occasionaly managing to make it to gigs, perusing his daily column (ooh noo, missus please) , listening to him online since around the time when he invented podcasts, Richard K. Herring has always managed to bring about a smile and/or a laugh on a regular basis.

So I was saddened to learn that he was suffering from testicular cancer, saddened and terrifired because even the best looking puppets scare me shitless and the companions to this bringer of that sad news where not the best looking puppets.

So, spolier alert, Richard Herring did not die. Unless you are reading this in 2070, in which case Richard Herring did die, as did I, woooo. But he did write a book detailing the discovery of ill health in and seperation from something which is on average 18 cm3 or 0.08% of us, on average,

A book that will bring you comfort and smiles and might possibly occasionaly, like some unibollocked Lord Reith, educate you about all things testicular,

Well worth a listen.

V = 4 3 π r 3 = 4 3 · π · 5 3 ≈ 523.59878

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I loved the whole thing and I don’t even have any balls. I feel this book could really help people who are going through a really hard time. I just found it bloody funny. ( also maybe it could help me understand a family member if they have to go through this.)

Very Funny, informative And interesting

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It’s interesting to hear our podcast pal Richard in an honest and moving (but still silly) re-telling of his experience of testicular rebellion. I feel like I know him more as a man now and not just as a comedian. Thanks for letting us in Richard.

The audiobook extras make this an extra special listen.

A Vulnerable Herring

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a very finny and interesting memoir that actually gave me the push I needed to seek medical advice for a potential love spud problem, so thanks for that, Dicky.

despite the serious subject this is very funny and Richard reads it in his usual bumbling way that makes it much more fun than the physical book.


get it, and always check your junk jugglers

A Right Ball Up

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A really enjoyable listen. Richard talks of his experience of being diagnosed with and treated for testicular cancer. Funny throughout, despite the serious topic.

Who knew a book about cancer could be funny?

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