Cancer and Comedy

Dr. Brad Miller
  • 5.0 (2)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Cancer and Comedy

The Cancer and Comedy Podcast is for Cancer Impacted People Who are Not Done Living and Are Passionate About Facing the Grim with a Grin. My name is Dr. Brad Miller and The Cancer and Comedy Podcast became my Passion Project At Christmas time 2022 when I was diagnosed with prostate cancer just after retiring from a 43 year career as a pastor. My response was to laugh to keep from crying. I decided after a Christmas visit with my pre-school granddaughters that God wasn't done with me yet and I was going to fully live my life in such a way as to see those granddaughters grow up. I decided to combine my experience as a pastor with my Doctoral Degree in Transformational Leadership with my love of comedy to create the Cancer and Comedy Podcast as place for Cancer Impacted People to Cope with Hope and Humor. I like to say the Cancer and Comedy Podcast is a Place to Turn the Grim into a Grin. Along with my co-host Deb Krier from TryingNotToDie.Live, who is a cancer warrior in her own right, we are dedicated to produce a weekly podcast which brings education, inspiration and entertainment to our audience with practical stories, interviews, funny stories and bad jokes which are designed to help cancer impacted people cope with hope. We will also have faith-based segments in the episodes. Moreover, we love to feature uplifting stories of how people kicked cancer in the butt and won at life. So if you are a cancer impacted person please join me right here on the Cancer and Comedy Podcast where we are all set to lift you up. Dr. Brad Miller, January 2024

  1. From Street Performer to Joy Advocate: How to Put Joy First with Katy Bee

    6 DAYS AGO

    From Street Performer to Joy Advocate: How to Put Joy First with Katy Bee

    In this episode of the Cancer and Comedy podcast, host Dr. Brad Miller has an engaging conversation with Katy Bee (real name Kate McGlynn), a professional clown, performer, and founder of Joy First Foundation, whose mission is to spread joy and connection through humor and heartfelt interaction. The episode delves into how Katy Bee’s unique approach to joy and humor can transform lives and provide hope, especially in challenging circumstances. Dr. Miller begins by introducing Katy Bee’s journey as a “professional noticer,” someone attuned to the joys and struggles of those around her. Katy shares her inspiration behind founding the Joy First Foundation, a non-profit born from the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine war. The foundation began to offer support to those in crisis through laughter, yoga, improv, and meditation. She recounts the pivotal moment when the phrase “joy first” came to her during meditation, setting the tone for her mission. One of the episode's highlights is Katy’s “Tour of Joy,” where she traveled the U.S. in a tiny runaway trailer, spreading joy through gratitude and connection. From surprising essential workers with thank-you cards to hosting an “unbirthday” party for a quadriplegic young man, Katy’s stories illustrate the power of small, meaningful acts to uplift spirits. Her philosophy is simple yet profound: joy is reciprocal, and acknowledging others can spark a ripple effect of positivity. Dr. Miller and Katy discuss practical strategies for fostering joy, like giving heartfelt compliments to strangers, using humor to break down barriers, and practicing gratitude. Katy’s story about connecting with a Walmart employee struggling with personal challenges is a touching reminder of how genuine kindness can create transformative moments. The conversation also explores the more profound impact of joy on our mental and physical health. Katy shares insights from her work with caregivers, hospital staff, and schools, emphasizing humor's importance as a coping and connection tool. She also touches on the science of laughter, citing research showing its ability to reduce stress hormones like cortisol and boost serotonin and dopamine levels. Katy concludes the episode by encouraging listeners to savor moments of joy and embrace small acts of kindness. She offers a standing ovation to anyone struggling, reminding them that their presence on this earth matters deeply. Listeners are invited to connect with Katy Bee through her organization, Joy First Foundation, at joyfirst.org katybeellc.com  and explore her work on YouTube and social media for more inspiration and strategies to integrate joy into daily life. Website: https://cancerandcomedy.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP2JvmMDeBzbj3mziVGJUw Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1eWJCkSrGcmh2QX4flQiWW LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertbradleymiller/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertbradleymiller/ Facebook: a href="https://www.facebook.com/cancerandcomedy" rel="noopener

    1h 5m
  2. Laugh Before You Leap: Strategies for Appropriate Humor in Serious Situations

    NOV 3

    Laugh Before You Leap: Strategies for Appropriate Humor in Serious Situations

    Healing with Humor: Transforming Grim into Grins In this episode of Cancer and Comedy, co-hosts Deb Krier and Dr. Brad Miller discuss the importance of humor in coping with cancer and other adversities. They explore what to do and what not to do before attempting to laugh, the challenges that inhibit humor, and the appropriate context for humor. They share personal anecdotes and research on how humor can serve as a transformative force, making life’s difficulties more manageable. Join their community at cancerandcomedy.com and enjoy another segment featuring Dr. Brad's Bad Joke of the Day. 00:00 Welcome to Cancer and Comedy 00:26 Introducing Dr. Brad Miller 01:00 Building a Community of Hope and Humor 01:12 Dad Jokes Time! 02:26 Understanding Laughter Inhibitors 04:17 The Role of Humor in Serious Situations 07:18 Humor as a Coping Mechanism 13:09 Reflecting on Humor and Trauma 15:11 Transforming the Grim into a Grin 16:21 Join the Cancer and Comedy Community Website: https://cancerandcomedy.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP2JvmMDeBzbj3mziVGJUw Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1eWJCkSrGcmh2QX4flQiWW LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertbradleymiller/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertbradleymiller/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cancerandcomedy

    29 min

  3. OCT 25

    Laugh at Yourself First: It Changes Everything!

    In this episode of the Cancer and Comedy podcast, co-hosts Deb Krier and Dr. Brad Miller explore how humor and hope can be transformative tools for coping with the challenges of cancer. They start the conversation with a light-hearted take on the power of laughter, discussing how "he or she who laughs first" can change everything by breaking the tension and reframing difficult situations. Dr. Miller shares how he uses jokes, even poking fun at his post-surgery scars, to bond with his granddaughters and lighten the mood for himself and others. The idea is simple: laugh at yourself first, and you create space for others to relax and connect. Drawing from Alan Klein’s book The Healing Power of Humor, they discuss how humor can help us take control of our narrative, especially when life feels overwhelming. For Deb, embracing laughter helped her cope with losing her hair during chemotherapy. Her story of letting a dog groomer friend shave her head and joking about it with her doctors exemplifies how humor can help diffuse awkward moments and make a challenging situation more bearable. The episode emphasizes the importance of not letting the gravity of a cancer diagnosis define your experience. Instead, through humor and community, you can shift your perspective. Dr. Miller encourages listeners to visualize positive outcomes and share their stories, reminding everyone that humor is not about making light of a difficult situation but lightening the emotional load. Listeners are encouraged to join the Cancer and Comedy community at cancerandcomedy.com, where they can connect with others, share their own experiences, and discover more strategies for using humor and positivity to navigate the challenges of cancer. Website: https://cancerandcomedy.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP2JvmMDeBzbj3mziVGJUw Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1eWJCkSrGcmh2QX4flQiWW LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertbradleymiller/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertbradleymiller/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cancerandcomedy

    29 min

  4. OCT 18

    Three Powerful Exercises for Cultivating a Hopeful Attitude Against Cancer

    Facing cancer can feel overwhelming, but what if we could shift the focus from grim to grin? In this episode of Cancer and Comedy, co-hosts Deb Krier and Dr. Brad Miller dive into how humor and hope can be powerful tools for coping with a cancer diagnosis. They emphasize the importance of mindset, encouraging listeners to avoid getting stuck in negativity and instead adopt strategies that promote positivity and resilience. Drawing from the book The Healing Power of Humor by Alan Klein, the hosts explore practical techniques like treasure mapping, affirmations, and visualization. These tools not only foster a positive outlook but also help people impacted by cancer find moments of joy and hope. Deb shares her own personal journey of defying expectations, while Dr. Miller reflects on how visualizing the future of his granddaughters motivates him to stay strong. The episode goes beyond individual mindset shifts, highlighting the importance of community support. Deb and Dr. Miller encourage listeners to connect with the Cancer and Comedy community, offering a space where people can share their experiences and discover what strategies work best for them—whether it’s setting tangible goals, practicing daily affirmations, or visualizing cherished life moments. In the face of adversity, what tools can you use to shift your perspective and find joy? With the right attitude, humor, and support, you can turn the grim into a grin and navigate the journey with a little more lightness and laughter. Website: https://cancerandcomedy.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP2JvmMDeBzbj3mziVGJUw Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1eWJCkSrGcmh2QX4flQiWW LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertbradleymiller/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertbradleymiller/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cancerandcomedy

    32 min
  5. Three Ways to Transform From Cancer and Chemo to Cancer Care Comedy: The Inspirational Story of Marla Hartson

    OCT 10

    Three Ways to Transform From Cancer and Chemo to Cancer Care Comedy: The Inspirational Story of Marla Hartson

    In this episode, Marla shared her personal journey with triple-negative breast cancer, which required aggressive treatment, including the harsh "Red Devil" chemotherapy. Despite the physical and emotional challenges, Marla intentionally focused on three key coping mechanisms: praise, gratitude, and laughter. Marla explains how she learned to praise God in a deeper way during her cancer treatment, finding verses in the Psalms that resonated with her feelings. She was also incredibly intentional about expressing gratitude, writing numerous thank-you notes to the many people who supported her. Marla viewed laughter as a "side effect medication" and made a concerted effort to watch funny movies and have jokes on hand to lift her spirits during difficult times. This proactive approach to incorporating praise, gratitude, and humor helped Marla maintain a positive outlook throughout her cancer journey. Marla has developed a career as a cancer care comedian, using her story and comedy to encourage and support others facing similar challenges. She shares practical tips, like bringing a joke to doctor's appointments to lighten the mood. Marla also created a line of "cancer cards" to provide tangible expressions of joy and hope. Marla emphasizes the importance of being an encourager to others, especially in the face of adversity, and the transformative power of choosing praise, gratitude, and laughter. Website: https://joyincancer.wordpress.com/ Facebook: JoyInCancer Book: Praise PhD: Praising God in the Middle of Your Valley (Joy in Cancer)

    53 min
  6. Joy in Cancer, Caregiving and Marriage with Cindy Arledge

    OCT 3

    Joy in Cancer, Caregiving and Marriage with Cindy Arledge

    Cindy is a best-selling author of a number of books regarding the areas of Family Planning. In this episode, Cindy shared the experience of her husband, Gerald, having a stage 4 cancer diagnosis and his treatment journey. Despite being told the cancer was incurable, Gerald maintained a positive attitude and decided he would live for 20 more years. She talks about the emotional impact and the coping strategies they employed. Cindy and Gerald used visualization, positive affirmations, alternative treatments, and a proactive mindset to cope with the diagnosis. This included Gerald directing his chemotherapy and singing a song about every cell in his body being happy. Cindy mentions that she makes an effort to find things that make her smile every day and talks about a community call she put out inviting people to send positive cards to her husband, Gerald. In order to create a better reality, she emphasizes the significance of choosing positive language and thinking. Cindy explained her background as an avid learner and self-improver, starting her journey at an early age. She shares her own experience of becoming a patient after caring for Gerald, highlighting the need for caregivers to take care of themselves. Cindy has become passionate about supporting caregivers, who she sees as "invisible heroes." She has written a book called the "Family Emergency Handbook" to provide practical guidance. Cindy encourages everyone dealing with serious health issues to seek out reliable resources and support rather than relying solely on the Internet. She emphasizes the importance of giving oneself grace. https://www.cindyarledge.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAOnLmCAV3FlmZO0fb7ZgRA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindyarledge/

    52 min
  7. The Importance of Caregivers: The Unsung Heroes of Cancer Care

    SEP 27

    The Importance of Caregivers: The Unsung Heroes of Cancer Care

    In this episode of “Cancer and Comedy,” Dr. Brad Miller and co-host Deb Krier tackle a critical yet often overlooked topic: the intersection of humor and mental health. Navigating mental health struggles can be incredibly challenging, but what if humor could help us address these serious issues and spark meaningful conversations? Humor has the power to lighten the emotional load, making it easier to openly discuss mental health. It helps break down barriers and reduces stigma, encouraging people to share their experiences more freely. By incorporating humor into these conversations, we can create a more supportive and understanding environment for everyone facing mental health challenges. Join Dr. Brad and Deb as they explore how humor can be a transformative tool for mental health discussions, offering both relief and hope. Whether you’re dealing with mental health concerns or supporting someone who is, this episode will offer insights on how humor and vulnerability can inspire healing and understanding. Website: https://cancerandcomedy.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP2JvmMDeBzbj3mziVGJUw Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1eWJCkSrGcmh2QX4flQiWW LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertbradleymiller/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertbradleymiller/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cancerandcomedy

    35 min
  8. The Healing Power of Laughter: Unveiling the Connection Between Laughter and Physical Pain

    SEP 20

    The Healing Power of Laughter: Unveiling the Connection Between Laughter and Physical Pain

    Deb Creer joins Dr. Brad Miller on this episode of Cancer and Comedy, a podcast dedicated to turning life’s hardest battles into moments of joy. Deb is a longtime advocate for humor as a healing tool, helping cancer patients and their families find light even in the darkest of times. Through her work on this show, Deb has become a champion for blending laughter and hope to ease the pain of cancer, both physically and emotionally. In this episode, Deb and Dr. Brad explore the theme: From Pain to Laughter: The Surprising Connection Between Humor and Physical Healing. Together, they share personal stories, including Brad's recent experience with a softball mishap that left him sore but laughing, and reflect on the power of laughter to alleviate pain. Drawing from research and personal insights, they discuss how humor serves not only as a distraction from suffering but also as a genuine force for healing. Deb's passion for using humor as a form of support for cancer survivors shines through, and the episode is packed with heartwarming, humorous moments that are sure to inspire listeners who may be facing their own battles with illness or hardship. This episode of Cancer and Comedy is a must-listen for anyone seeking a lighter, more hopeful approach to dealing with life’s challenges. Cancer and Comedy with Dr. Brad Miller is a weekly podcast aimed at helping people “cope with hope” through the healing powers of humor and community. Be sure to tune in and follow us at cancerandcomedy.com/follow. Website: https://cancerandcomedy.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP2JvmMDeBzbj3mziVGJUw Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1eWJCkSrGcmh2QX4flQiWW LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertbradleymiller/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertbradleymiller/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cancerandcomedy

    27 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Cancer and Comedy Podcast is for Cancer Impacted People Who are Not Done Living and Are Passionate About Facing the Grim with a Grin. My name is Dr. Brad Miller and The Cancer and Comedy Podcast became my Passion Project At Christmas time 2022 when I was diagnosed with prostate cancer just after retiring from a 43 year career as a pastor. My response was to laugh to keep from crying. I decided after a Christmas visit with my pre-school granddaughters that God wasn't done with me yet and I was going to fully live my life in such a way as to see those granddaughters grow up. I decided to combine my experience as a pastor with my Doctoral Degree in Transformational Leadership with my love of comedy to create the Cancer and Comedy Podcast as place for Cancer Impacted People to Cope with Hope and Humor. I like to say the Cancer and Comedy Podcast is a Place to Turn the Grim into a Grin. Along with my co-host Deb Krier from TryingNotToDie.Live, who is a cancer warrior in her own right, we are dedicated to produce a weekly podcast which brings education, inspiration and entertainment to our audience with practical stories, interviews, funny stories and bad jokes which are designed to help cancer impacted people cope with hope. We will also have faith-based segments in the episodes. Moreover, we love to feature uplifting stories of how people kicked cancer in the butt and won at life. So if you are a cancer impacted person please join me right here on the Cancer and Comedy Podcast where we are all set to lift you up. Dr. Brad Miller, January 2024

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Brad Miller
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2024
  • Episodes
    62
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 Dr. Brad Miller
  • Show Website
    Cancer and Comedy

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