In this episode of “Cancer and Comedy”, Dr. Brad Miller talks with mental health advocate, performer, and podcast host Kevin Crispin (Behind Beautiful Things) about living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, and the “things that eat you alive” on the inside. Anchored in a Bob Dylan lyric— “Behind every beautiful thing, there’s some kind of pain”—Kevin shares how he’s learned to acknowledge both the hurt and the hope, and how we can choose what to focus on.

Kevin opens about childhood racing thoughts, irrational fears, and feeling “other,” and how therapy, performing, and his one-man show “Invisible Now” helped him put words (and even humor) to what was happening in his mind. He and Dr. Brad explore the power of storytelling to lift shame, reduce isolation, and build empathy—especially for people facing cancer, depression, or any adversity that quietly consumes them.

If you’ve ever struggled with your own thoughts, or loved someone who has, this conversation offers compassion, perspective, and a reminder that telling the truth—sometimes with a little laughter—can be a powerful step toward healing.

“Cancer and Comedy” with Dr. Brad Miller helps people confront life’s hardest realities with hope and humor. Learn more and join the community at cancerandcomedy.com/follow.

Website: https://www.kevincrispin.com/the-actor

Podcast Website: https://www.sadtimespodcast.com/

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

Dr. Brad Miller welcomed humorist Alan Klein to the Cancer and Comedy podcast, focusing their conversation on the transformative power of humor in difficult times. Klein shared stories from his career and personal life, including influences from his parents and his experience working on children’s television. The discussion highlighted how small acts of humor, such as handing out dad-joke cards or wearing a red clown nose, can serve as icebreakers and foster positive interactions, even with strangers. Dr. Miller and Klein emphasized that humor is not just a reaction but an intentional attitude that shapes relationships and provides perspective during adversity. By recalling specific incidents, both underscored the role of playfulness in breaking down barriers in daily life.

The conversation shifted to coping with illness and loss, as Alan Klein recounted his wife’s battle with a rare liver disease and the laughter they found together despite her illness. He stressed that humor can serve as a tool for resilience and healing, helping individuals rise above pain and create lasting connections. Dr. Miller related this message to his own cancer journey, describing how humor—often in the form of props given by grandchildren—helped him endure and recover. Klein offered practical advice to listeners, recommending that people keep visual reminders, such as props or photographs, to lighten their mood and shift their outlook in challenging times. Together, they agreed that leveraging humor is an essential strategy for navigating life’s difficulties, loss, and grief.

As we delved into the broader impact of therapeutic humor, we previewed Klein’s upcoming film “The Jollytologist” and provided resources for further exploration. Klein outlined his “five stages after loss”—losing, learning, letting go, living again, and laughing again—as a roadmap for moving forward. The hosts discussed the importance of timing and sensitivity when using humor in serious situations, acknowledging that not every moment is right for laughter, but humor often emerges even beside grief. They encouraged their audience—especially those touched by cancer and hardship—to seek moments of levity and connection. The episode closed with Klein urging listeners to “keep it light,” recommending simple props like a red nose as daily reminders of hope, laughter, and the resilience humor offers.

Alan Klein's official website: http://www.allenklein.com

The Jolly film documentary preview: http://www.thejollyfilm.com

Cancer and Comedy podcast show notes (for episode resources): http://www.cancerandcomedy.com