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 one, although it has its place—but words like faith, fight, focus, and fun. Faith doesn’t always have to mean religion; it can be belief in yourself, your care team, or even the people praying for you from afar. Fight isn’t about aggression—it’s about staying in the game, mentally and emotionally, even when you need to rest. And focus? It’s about choosing what matters most—like dogs, grandkids, naps, and joy—and letting the rest go.

They also talk about embracing freedom: freedom from toxic people, outdated expectations, or pants with buttons. And yes, there’s room for fabulousness too—because sparkle and sass can be a kind of medicine all their own.

At its core, this episode is a reminder that cancer might interrupt your life, but it doesn’t have to define it. Tune in to hear how a mix of grit, grace, and the occasional bad dad joke can help you rewrite the story—one fabulous, funny day at a time.

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

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 meaning. These aren’t just nostalgia trips. There’s science behind it: play, laughter, and tactile interaction with toys can lower stress hormones, boost mood, and even help with pain management. Whether it’s a stuffed animal, a deck of cards, or a lava lamp, these “silly” items become tools for resilience.

But it’s not just about the items—it’s about the act of playing. From puzzles and Legos to swing sets and fidget toys, engaging in play creates space for distraction, connection, and joy. It helps people get out of their own heads, even for a few minutes. That mental break can make a world of difference.

They also touch on how toys can act as emotional stand-ins—offering comfort, sparking memories, or expressing feelings we can’t always put into words. The message is clear: play isn’t frivolous—it’s a form of healing. Tune in to hear why sometimes the best medicine comes in the form of a marble run, a snow globe, or a very bad dad joke.

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

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 physical challenges that come with a diagnosis. While doctors handle treatment, coaches help people manage the chaos it brings to the rest of their lives—from relationships to routine to running a business. For executives and entrepreneurs in particular, this can mean confronting fears of losing clients, appearing weak, or admitting they need help at all.

The conversation dives into how coaching offers strategies for business continuity, time management, delegation, and communication—tools that are vital for leaders trying to balance healing with high-level responsibility. They also discuss the LIVE framework: Lead with intention, Invest in yourself, Voice your needs, and Elevate your mindset. It’s a roadmap for maintaining dignity, direction, and perspective when everything feels uncertain.

And of course, this wouldn’t be Cancer and Comedy without a dose of humor. The episode comes with a reminder that even in dark times, a well-timed laugh (or a bad dad joke) can be a surprisingly powerful coping tool.

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

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 discusses her roots in military culture, where humor often served as a necessary coping tool amid chaos and combat, and how that shaped her current work helping others—especially veterans—reframe their pain through comedy.

Robin introduces the H.E.A.L.A.R.I.O.U.S. process, a humor-for-health initiative she developed to apply cognitive behavioral therapy techniques through laughter and joke writing. From working with veterans dealing with PTSD to caregivers and healthcare professionals facing burnout, she demonstrates how humor can disrupt negative thought patterns, build empathy, and create connection.

She also delves into the academic and clinical aspects of her work, sharing how she has collaborated with institutions such as Stanford’s Hoover Institution and the United States Military Academy at West Point to deepen research into the effects of laughter on the brain and emotional resilience.

In the episode, Robin explains the difference between humor used as a weapon and humor as a healing agent, encourages business leaders to embrace humor as a leadership and creative tool, and offers personal stories—including one where laughter helped a veteran who had attempted suicide—to highlight the power of humor to heal.

They conclude with a reflection on Desmond Tutu’s quote about upstream prevention, emphasizing the role of humor not just in responding to pain, but also in preventing it. Robin also shares how the name "Phoenix" symbolizes her post-military rebirth into a purpose-driven life of joy, service, and storytelling.

Robin Phoenix Johnson’s Links:

Website: https://robinphoenixjohnson.com/

H.E.A.L.A.R.I.O.U.S. Initiative: https://healarius.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinphoenixjohnson/

Humor Camp Info: [Hosted at the National Comedy Center, October 9–11 in Jamestown, NY]

Brad Miller’s Links:

Website: https://cancerandcomedy.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP2JvmMDeBzbj3mziVGJUw

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertbradleymiller/

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 perceptions and experiences, advocating for terms that resonate with the individual's journey and comfort level. The conversation underscores the importance of authenticity and sensitivity in discussing cancer.

Personal perspectives on cancer language, Dr. Brad Miller shares his struggle with identifying as a patient, survivor, or battler. He introduces the term "cope" as a way to describe his experience with cancer. At the same time, Deb Krier recounts a story where she corrected a medical staff member for referring to her as a "thyroid cancer patient" in which they discuss the importance of being seen and heard as individuals, not just as patients.

The impact of cancer language on individuals as they discuss the varying perspectives on cancer language, such as "warrior" being a triggering word for some, suggests using terms like "journey" or "dealing with health issues" to avoid labeling. At the same time, Dr. Brad shares a personal anecdote about the word "cancer" being associated with his zodiac sign. They both agree on the importance of using language that resonates with the individual's experience.

As we explore alternative cancer language. They discuss the use of terms like "living with cancer" and "going through the cancer process." Dr. Brad Miller shares examples of personal language used by others, such as "firing my partner" (cancer) and "turning grim into a grin.". In contrast, Deb shares her experience of calling her cancer "Arty" and creating a cartoon character to humorously represent it. Dr. Brad emphasizes the need for personal language that helps individuals cope with their cancer journey.

Dr. Brad and Deb agree on the importance of respecting individual preferences in cancer language, highlighting the need for language that helps people live life to the fullest, regardless of their cancer experience. Deb reiterates the importance of using terms that are comfortable and supportive for the individual, as Dr. Brad concludes by emphasizing the role of hope and humor in the Cancer and Comedy community.

Brad Miller’s Links:

Website: https://cancerandcomedy.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP2JvmMDeBzbj3mziVGJUw

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertbradleymiller/

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. Together, Deb and they dive into the scientific studies supporting the benefits of humor therapy, including reducing stress, enhancing creativity, and improving brain power.

Throughout the conversation, they discuss various ways to incorporate humor into daily life, from practicing laughter to keeping a journal of humor. Dr. Miller also introduces the concept of "humor G" – the energy generated from joy and optimism that nourishes a healthy balance between the mind and body.

They also explore how humor can be prescribed for health and well-being, highlighting its potential as a stress reliever and productivity enhancer. The hosts share examples of how humor can break the ice in tense situations and offer emotional support, particularly in settings where stress and anxiety are high.

Brad Miller’s Links:

Website: https://cancerandcomedy.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP2JvmMDeBzbj3mziVGJUw

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertbradleymiller/

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 to work and manage family life, showing her strength and resilience.

Nancie’s story takes a turn as she reveals her experience with leukemia, diagnosed through a routine exam years after her breast cancer journey. She discusses how she initially kept this diagnosis private, particularly from her father, to protect him from further distress. However, as time passed, Nancie became increasingly involved in patient advocacy, speaking out at conferences and sharing her story to support others facing similar health struggles.

The conversation highlights the therapeutic power of humor as Nancie recounts using laughter to cope with her conditions, from making light-hearted jokes with her oncologist to finding solace in comedy shows at home. Dr. Miller and Nancie discuss how humor can provide relief and a sense of normalcy in the face of life-altering illnesses.

Nancie emphasizes the importance of being proactive about one’s health and making informed decisions, including advocating for oneself in medical settings. Her advice to others is simple but powerful: "You're in charge." She encourages people to take control of their health decisions and seek support when needed, underscoring the power of a positive mindset and humor in navigating life's most brutal battles.

Nancie’s Links:

● LinkedIn: Nancie Steinberg LinkedIn

Brad Miller’s Links:

Website: https://cancerandcomedy.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP2JvmMDeBzbj3mziVGJUw

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertbradleymiller/

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 remedy led him to discover laughter's powerful physical, mental, and emotional benefits.

Merv discusses his work with laughter therapy, which involves using laughter as an exercise, not just for humor, but as a therapeutic tool to enhance health. He explains how laughter yoga, combined with breathing exercises, helps individuals boost their mood, increase energy, and improve physical health. Merv emphasizes that laughter doesn’t have to be spontaneous; even simulated laughter can benefit healing.

Dr. Brad Miller shares his own experience with cancer and how laughter became his response to a challenging diagnosis. The conversation underscores the role of laughter in shifting negative emotions and promoting positive well-being, especially in the face of illness.

Merv also highlights his research, which led to the development of a formula that quantifies the therapeutic effects of laughter. He’s worked with various organizations and health professionals to prove that laughter is a temporary escape and a long-term strategy for improving physical and mental health.

This episode reminds us that laughter can be vital to the healing process, whether recovering from illness, dealing withstress, or simply looking to improve your emotional health. Merv Neal’s work inspires individuals to laugh more, embrace joy, and explore the positive impacts of laughter on life.

Merv Neal’s Links:

Website: mervneal.com

Brad Miller’s Links:

Website: https://cancerandcomedy.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP2JvmMDeBzbj3mziVGJUw

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertbradleymiller/