Dr. Brad Miller and Deb Creer explore how laughter can help people cope with cancer and other adversity. Drawing on a CNN article by Don Riddell, they discuss how humor can ease stress, lift spirits, and bring people closer—even amid difficult medical experiences.
Brad shares a story from his granddaughter Collette’s sixth birthday, where she gave him a makeover complete with hair accessories, makeup, and plenty of sprinkles. The family laughter gave him a joyful distraction before surgery and reminded him how meaningful small, playful moments can be. Deb shares her own stories of joking with surgeons about her incisions, and how humor helped make uncomfortable experiences easier to face.

Together, Brad and Deb reflect on laughter as a way to reconnect with others, shift perspective, and make room for joy without denying the seriousness of illness. They also discuss laughter yoga and “laugh baths,” the role of humor in care settings, and Deb’s mother’s decision to limit her exposure to negative news—and how that changed her disposition.

Brad and Deb explore:

How hope and humor can help people face cancer and other adversity
Brad’s “sprinkly grandpa” makeover and finding joy with family before surgery
Deb’s humorous moments with surgeons and the realities of living with scars
The idea that laughter can reduce stress and support emotional well-being
Laughter yoga, “laugh baths,” and making laughter part of everyday life
Michael Goldberg’s use of comedy after a brain cancer diagnosis, as described in the article
How humor can ease tension and help people connect across differences
Deb’s mother’s experience limiting negative news and noticing a change in her mood
Why a cheerful disposition can make difficult moments more bearable
Balancing humor with serious medical care and conversations with healthcare providers

This episode offers:

A warm, candid conversation about finding humor during cancer and recovery
Personal stories that make difficult or uncomfortable experiences easier to talk about
Encouragement to seek out joyful moments and supportive connections
A reminder that laughter can be part of coping, alongside medical care
Inspiration to approach life with hope, even when circumstances are hard

Cancer and adversity can bring fear, stress, and uncertainty, but they don’t have to define every moment. Brad and Deb share how laughter—whether it comes from a family memory, a joke with a care-team member, or simply choosing to notice something funny—can help people feel more connected, uplifted, and present in their lives.