Russ Hedge is Dr. Brad Miller’s guest on this episode of “Cancer and Comedy.” Russ is an inspirational speaker, author of Befuddled: Live the Life You Choose, and the host of “Marketing with Russ.” He’s also a cancer survivor whose journey through stage 4 melanoma reshaped his faith, perspective, and mission in life. In this episode, Russ shares how a small wart on his foot turned into a life-altering diagnosis that spread to his lungs and brain. He opens up about the physical toll of surg...

Nature has always been a place of peace, but what if it could also be part of a real treatment plan? In this episode of the Cancer and Comedy podcast, Dr. Brad Miller and Deb Krier share how time among the trees—whether in the mighty redwoods of California or a shady sycamore in the backyard—can play a surprising role in healing for people impacted by cancer. Research shows that “forest bathing,” the practice of fully immersing yourself in the sights, sounds, and even scents of the woods, can l...

In this episode of the "Cancer and Comedy" podcast, Dr. Brad Miller and Deb Krier talk about the bright side of diagnosis based on material from comedian Hank Green, where he talks about cancer, laughter, and leadership. Dr. Brad Miller and Deb Krier discuss how Hank chose to approach his diagnosis by seeking the bright side and using his experiences as material for comedy. They highlight his openness in sharing his journey through YouTube channels and performances, noting the balance he maint...

When life gets heavy, sometimes what you need most is a red rubber nose. In this episode of the Cancer and Comedy podcast, Dr. Brad Miller sits down with Allen Klein, author, speaker, and self-proclaimed “Jollytologist®” to talk about how humor isn’t just a momentary relief—it’s a life-saving mindset. Allen lost his wife to a rare liver disease, and what got them through the darkest days wasn’t denial or distraction—it was laughter. From using a shriveling houseplant leaf to “censor” a Playgi...

When cancer struck, most people expected Eyal Eltawil to fall apart. Instead, he picked up a microphone. In this episode of the Cancer and Comedy podcast, Dr. Brad Miller and Deb Krier share the story of Eyal, an Israeli stand-up comedian who turned his stage IV cancer diagnosis into a full-on comedy special—and then a TED Talk. His motto? “When cancer strikes, comedy heals.” Rather than hide from the fear, Eyal gave it a name—literally. He called his cancer “Simon,” giving his illness a person...

FOMO—the fear of missing out—is something we all feel. But when you’re living with cancer, that fear can hit a whole new level. In this episode of the Cancer and Comedy podcast, Dr. Brad Miller and co-host Deb Krier talk about how to shift from that anxious, often exhausting mindset to something more peaceful and powerful: JOMO, the joy of missing out. When cancer limits what you can do—travel plans canceled, events skipped, energy zapped—it’s easy to feel like life is happening without you. Dr...

Fear and loathing are natural responses to a cancer diagnosis—but what if they aren’t the final word? In this episode of the Cancer and Comedy podcast, Dr. Brad Miller and co-host Deb Krier tackle the emotional rollercoaster that begins with those two gut-punch words: “It’s cancer.” Instead of staying stuck in panic, dread, and overwhelm, they explore how humor, faith, and even a little sass can help shift the story. Using a lighthearted lens, they walk through the “F-words” of cancer—not that ...

Play isn’t just for kids—and it might be more powerful than we think. In this episode of the Cancer and Comedy podcast, Dr. Brad Miller and Deb Krier explore the surprising ways toys and play can help cancer-impacted people cope with stress, anxiety, and the emotional weight of treatment. They share personal stories—like the comfort of a stuffed animal during hospital stays or the joy of getting a goofy rubber chicken from a grandchild—that highlight how simple objects can hold deep emotional m...

A cancer diagnosis doesn’t just affect the body—it can shake your career, identity, and entire sense of control. In this episode of the Cancer and Comedy podcast, Dr. Brad Miller and Deb Krier explore why cancer coaching is gaining traction as a meaningful support tool, especially for professionals who are used to being in charge. They unpack what cancer coaching really is: a focused, one-on-one resource to help patients, survivors, and caregivers navigate the emotional, practical, and physic...

In this episode of Cancer and Comedy, Dr. Brad Miller sits down with Robin Phoenix Johnson, a retired Army lieutenant colonel turned stand-up comedian and certified humor professional. Robin shares her powerful journey from military leadership to therapeutic humor, driven by personal experiences with caregiving and loss. Together, they explore the science and soul behind therapeutic humor—how laughter can provide mental, emotional, and even physical relief during times of adversity. Robin dis...

In this episode, Deb Krier and Dr. Brad Miller discuss the language used to describe cancer experiences, emphasizing the importance of personal terminology. Deb identifies as a warrior and survivor, while Brad prefers "coping" and "impacted." They critique terms like "patient" and "battle," noting individual preferences and the need for respectful language. Deb shares her use of "Arty" for humor, and Brad mentions others' creative approaches, highlighting the significance of language in shaping ...

In this episode of Cancer and Comedy, hosts Dr. Brad Miller and Deb Krier discuss the therapeutic power of humor in coping with cancer and adversity. They explore how laughter and humor can enhance mental and physical well-being, particularly during challenging times such as cancer treatments. Dr. Miller shares insights from his involvement with the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor and his participation in the Humor Academy, a three-year program that certifies humor professionals. ...

In this episode of Cancer and Comedy , host Dr. Brad Miller is joined by Nancie Steinberg, a healthcare communication specialist and patient advocate, to discuss her personal journey through breast cancer and leukemia. Nancie shares how her battle with breast cancer, just after losing her mother to metastatic breast cancer, shaped her work in public relations for the healthcare industry. Despite facing significant challenges, including undergoing a mastectomy and chemotherapy, Nancie continued...

In this episode of Cancer and Comedy, host Dr. Brad Miller is joined by Merv Neal, Australia's leading laughter expert, to explore the healing power of laughter. Merv shares his unique journey from a successful business career to becoming a laughter therapist after a life-threatening health crisis. Following years of stress and overwork, Merv found himself facing a severe medical emergency, but instead of succumbing to the situation, he found solace and healing in laughter. This unexpected remed...

In this episode of Cancer and Comedy , hosts Dr. Brad Miller and Deb Krier are joined by Dr. Kelly McLean, a specialist in breast and melanoma cancers, to discuss life beyond cancer treatment. Dr. McLean and her husband, Tom Tressler, co-founded Move Beyond Surviving , a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping cancer survivors navigate life's emotional and physical aspects after treatment. Dr. McLean explains how surviving cancer isn’t just about medical recovery but also about adjustin...

Katy Bee, our distinguished guest, embarked on a transformative journey across the nation with the express purpose of advocating joy in the lives of individuals grappling with adversity, including those impacted by cancer. In this enlightening discourse, we delve into the profound science and spirituality of laughter, as well as practical methodologies for cultivating joy through quotidian acts of kindness and appreciation. Katie articulates her experiences as a joy advocate, detailing her encou...

Dr. Brad Miller, in his compelling appearance on the LaughBox Podcast, elucidates the transformative power of humor in the face of adversity, particularly within the realm of cancer. He articulates how humor serves as a vital coping mechanism, allowing individuals affected by cancer to navigate their daunting circumstances with a sense of levity and resilience. Through his personal narrative, Dr. Miller highlights the profound dichotomy between despair and laughter, demonstrating that the integr...

In this episode, we engage in a profound dialogue with Jim Bob Williams, the first therapeutic humorist to appear on Jeopardy. We delve into the intricacies of navigating a prostate cancer diagnosis through a dual lens of engineering and comedic strategy, emphasizing the importance of balancing humor with candid vulnerability. Jim Bob elucidates how he employs what he terms "strategic humor" to forge connections with others facing similar adversities, thereby transforming his personal challenges...

In this episode of Cancer and Comedy, hosts Dr. Brad Miller and Deb Krier welcome Christina Vidovich, an expert in mindfulness and meditation, to discuss how individuals, especially women, can manage anxiety and stress through mindful practices. Christina shares her journey from working in developmental psychology and autism studies to becoming a business owner and discovering the healing power of meditation. After experiencing personal loss and challenges, she created a series of "one-minute ca...

Laughter is often seen as a temporary escape, but what if it could be part of a real treatment plan? In this episode of the Cancer and Comedy podcast, Dr. Brad Miller is joined by Frank Chindamo, who shares the inspiration behind his LaughMD app, a groundbreaking approach to using humor as a therapeutic tool. After losing his father and stepfather to cancer, Frank saw firsthand how hospital environments, often cold and soul-crushing, contribute to emotional and physical pain. His mission? To tra...

In this episode of Cancer and Comedy, Dr. Brad Miller welcomes Dale Atkinson, a former compliance consultant from the UK, to share his journey with esophageal adenocarcinoma and its impact on his life. Diagnosed after his wife’s successful lung surgery, Dale was given a terminal prognosis of just 11.5 months. Despite this, he chose to fight back, embracing alternative therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, mistletoe therapy, and high-dose vitamin C. Dr. Miller and Dale discuss the power o...

In this episode of Cancer and Comedy, Dr. Brad Miller and Deb Krier welcome Lynn “Elikqitie” Smargis to discuss overcoming chronic pain and PTSD while building a career in writing and publishing. Lynn shares her deeply personal journey of surviving childhood abuse, living with PTSD, and using writing as a tool for healing. She introduces her “box metaphor,” explaining how her mind stored traumatic memories and how she gradually worked through them. Dr. Miller and Deb engage in a robust discussi...

In this episode, Dr. Brad Miller and Deb Krier dive into the sensitive topic of boundaries when sharing personal information, especially in the context of cancer. Dr. Miller reflects on his experiences with individuals who either over-shared or kept their struggles private, stressing the importance of balancing openness and discretion. He shares two personal stories, one about Phyllis, who kept her cancer diagnosis private, and another about Harry, who was more open with his condition. Through t...

In this episode, Dr. Brad Miller and Deb Krier discuss the unique intersection of cancer and comedy. Dr. Miller shares his journey from his prostate cancer diagnosis to using humor as a coping mechanism. He talks about his experiences, from incontinence to impotence, and how humor allowed him to handle difficult situations. Drawing inspiration from comedians, he even took a comedy workshop at Podfest, which led him to perform a stand-up routine about his cancer journey. The laughter, he says, is...