Cancer and Comedy

Dr. Brad Miller
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 2025

  1. From Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader to Cancer Thriver: The Journey of Tammy Barber

    2D AGO

    From Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader to Cancer Thriver: The Journey of Tammy Barber

    In this episode, Dr. Brad Miller and Tami Barber discuss her inspiring journey from a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader to a cancer survivor and podcast host. Tami shares her experiences with ovarian cancer, from her initial diagnosis to her emotional highs and lows during treatment. Despite the challenges, Tami remained resilient and optimistic, finding strength in her support group, the "Bionic Babes," and her podcast, Cancer, the Emotional Mountain. She also discusses her transition from cheerleading to a life focused on helping others navigate their cancer journey. Tami uses humor, her personal growth, and a unique perspective to connect with fellow cancer survivors, emphasizing the importance of community and sharing her story. Tami's advice to listeners is simple but powerful: "Say yes to opportunities," even when they push you out of your comfort zone, as it can lead to growth and unexpected blessings. Her positive attitude and determination continue to inspire many on their cancer journey. Tami Barber’s Links: ● Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cancer-the-emotional-mountain/id1681151075 ● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Cancer-The-Emotional-Mountain/100076137765181/?sk=about ● Podcast: https://www.facebook.com/sideline.legends Brad Miller’s Links: Website: https://cancerandcomedy.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP2JvmMDeBzbj3mziVGJUw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertbradleymiller/

    54 min
  2. Transformation and Tenacity: How Jen Hardy Embraced Life's Sweet and Salty Aspects to Become Fabulous

    FEB 22

    Transformation and Tenacity: How Jen Hardy Embraced Life's Sweet and Salty Aspects to Become Fabulous

    In this episode, Dr. Brad Miller and Jen Hardy explore the power of laughter, resilience, and living life boldly despite health challenges. Jen shares her incredible journey, from a series of misdiagnoses in 2013 to being told she had only a year to live. Despite facing muscular dystrophy and myasthenia gravis, she defied the odds by focusing on hope, humor, and changing her mindset. Her move to a coastal island, away from stress, brought her back to life—physically and emotionally. She now walks without the aid of a cane or walker and continues to thrive. Dr. Brad Miller and Jen discuss the importance of embracing humor as a healing tool. Jen emphasizes the need to focus on the positives, set daily goals, and share struggles authentically. Her transformation led her to become an inspirational figure, creating a media empire with podcasts, books, and YouTube content. Jen also talks about the therapeutic effect of comedy, drawing from her own experiences, such as using humor to cope with her diagnosis. Jen’s advice? Dream big and take small steps toward achieving those dreams. She encourages everyone, even in their toughest moments, to focus on the lesson life is teaching them. Humor, joy, and resilience are key to surviving and thriving, no matter the circumstances. Jen Hardy’s Links: Website: https://jenhardy.net/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejenhardy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejenhardy/ Brad Miller’s Links: Website: https://cancerandcomedy.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP2JvmMDeBzbj3mziVGJUw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertbradleymiller/

    52 min
  3. Building Bonds and Breaking Tension with Comedy During Cancer (this episode is Deb and I co hosted a conversation

    FEB 14

    Building Bonds and Breaking Tension with Comedy During Cancer (this episode is Deb and I co hosted a conversation

    In this episode, Deb Krier and Dr. Brad Miller discuss the therapeutic power of humor in dealing with cancer. Dr. Brad Miller shares insights from a professional comedian about how humor works by breaking tension, offering unexpected responses, and helping people process difficult emotions. Deb shares how comedy provides a safe way to discuss a taboo topic and can act as an icebreaker to open up deeper discussions. Dr. Brad Miller highlighted the physiological benefits of laughter, including the release of dopamine, endorphins, serotonin and reduced cortisol levels. He explained how laughter activates neural networks and improves mood, allowing people to build emotional resilience when facing difficult situations. He shares stories of cancer patients using humor, like one who wore a Superman shirt to chemo and another who named their tumor “Seymour” to help reframe their battle with the disease. They also discuss how humor fosters emotional resilience, making it easier to navigate the stress and fear that come with cancer. Deb stresses the importance of acknowledging challenging emotions but also making a conscious effort to replace negative thoughts with positive ones. It's a must-listen for anyone seeking to better understand the transformative power of laughter, especially in the face of life's greatest challenges. Website: https://cancerandcomedy.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP2JvmMDeBzbj3mziVGJUw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertbradleymiller/

    28 min
  4. The Power of Showing Up: Perspectives on Cancer with Tim Sohn

    FEB 6

    The Power of Showing Up: Perspectives on Cancer with Tim Sohn

    Cancer changes everything, but it also has a way of revealing life’s most important truths. In this heartfelt episode of the Cancer and Comedy podcast, Dr. Brad Miller sits down with Tim Sohn—two-time bestselling author and the host and creator of the Showing Up: Perspectives on Cancer podcast. Tim opens up about his 18-year journey with chronic myeloid leukemia, a diagnosis that initially brought shock and fear but ultimately inspired a mission of connection, healing, and hope. Tim shares how he found strength in storytelling—first by hearing others’ experiences and then by sharing his own. He discusses how creating a live stream show and publishing books featuring cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers brought people together from all over the world to find comfort and community. Through humor, emotional support (like his trusty rubber chicken), and a red bucket hat with a goat symbolizing “Get Out And Thrive,” Tim brings light to even the darkest moments. He also reflects on the emotional weight of losing friends in the cancer community, the importance of self-care, and the lessons he’s learned about asking for help and living life intentionally. For Tim, showing up consistently—whether through weekly live streams, in-person events, or his nonprofit—has been the key to creating a safe space for others to sharetheir stories and find hope. Tim’s message is clear: community and connection are powerful tools for healing. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that reminds us to live fully, love deeply, and always show up for one another. 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 Tim Sohn Links: Website: https://perspectivesoncancer.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timsohn/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timothyjsohn/ Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Tim-Sohn/author/B0BW9TGC7Z/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@perspectivesoncancer

    53 min
  5. Stepping Up from Cancer to Leadership Coaching with Carl Sharperson

    JAN 15

    Stepping Up from Cancer to Leadership Coaching with Carl Sharperson

    Adversity has a way of disrupting life’s plans, but it also reveals what truly matters. In this inspiring episode, Dr. Brad Miller speaks with Carl Sharperson, Jr., Naval Academy graduate, military veteran, and author of Overcoming Adversity to Lead with Authenticity. Carl shares his deeply personal journey of battling stage four non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, financial hardship, and helping his wife through her own cancer diagnosis—all while discovering the power of faith, relationships, and resilience. Carl emphasizes the importance of focusing on what you can control: seeking community, practicing gratitude, and maintaining a positive mindset even in the face of overwhelming challenges. Through stories of support from lifelong friends, moments of faith-driven strength, and his commitment to serving others, Carl demonstrates how adversity can serve as a stepping stone to growth. He discusses how prayer, strategic planning, and surrounding himself with uplifting people helped him navigate life’s toughest trials. Adversity doesn’t define you—it refines you. Carl’s message encourages listeners to turn obstacles into opportunities, lean on their communities, and take actionable steps toward leadership and authenticity. Tune in for an uplifting and practical conversation about overcoming life’s greatest challenges and emerging stronger, wiser, and more connected.   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 Carl Sharperson, Jr. Links: Website: https://www.carlsharpersonjr.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlsharperson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carl.sharperson/ Sharp Leadership: Overcome Adversity to Lead with Authenticity on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sharp-Leadership-Overcome-Adversity-Authenticity-ebook/dp/B086TYYBKX Sharp Leadership: Parenting Principles for Rearing Young People on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sharp-Leadership-Parenting-Principles-Rearing-ebook/dp/B0C26KP9PX

    1 hr
  6. Practical Tips to Balance Cancer Life with Goal Setting and Joy

    JAN 9

    Practical Tips to Balance Cancer Life with Goal Setting and Joy

    A cancer diagnosis can upend life’s plans, but it can also reshape how we approach goals and priorities. In this heartfelt episode of the Cancer and Comedy podcast, Deb Krier and Dr. Brad Miller to discuss how cancer challenges traditional goal-setting and offers a new perspective on living with intention. Deb shares her struggle to set long-term business goals in her mastermind group, as the uncertainty of her health made looking 10-20 years ahead feel impossible. Similarly, Dr. Miller reflects on how his own cancer diagnosis disrupted his retirement plans, forcing him to reexamine what truly mattered. Both Deb and Dr. Miller emphasize that cancer doesn’t simply “go away,” even after treatment. It lingers, casting a shadow over one’s sense of security. However, they encourage reframing goals from rigid milestones into guiding intentions—focusing on attitude, purpose, and daily joy rather than distant outcomes. This might mean reconnecting with passions, finding small ways to help others, or simply embracing gratitude in the moment. Practical strategies from their conversation include journaling, creating a gratitude jar, and making choices rooted in personal values instead of fear. They remind listeners that while cancer can alter dreams, it doesn’t erase the ability to live with meaning. The takeaway? Cancer may bring challenges, but it also creates opportunities to live authentically. Deb and Dr. Brad inspire listeners to face the new year with hope, balance, and humor—turning the “grim” realities of cancer into moments of grace and even a grin. Tune in for an uplifting discussion about resilience and purpose.   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

    34 min

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 2025

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