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

Deb Krier and Dr. Brad Miller ring in the New Year on this special episode of "Cancer and Comedy," where their mission is to heal cancer-impacted people through hope and humor—turning the grim into a grin.

Together, Deb and Dr. Brad explore “Planning in Pencil: A Cancer Patient’s Guide to the New Year,” offering uplifting advice for adapting to life’s unpredictability, especially for those coping with cancer or other adversities. The hosts share candid stories from their own lives—including Dr. Brad’s memorable tale of taking his mother to the movies—to illustrate the importance of flexibility and laughter in the face of chaos.

In this episode, Deb and Dr. Brad challenge the traditional notion of rigid New Year’s resolutions. Instead, they advocate for “planning in pencil” by setting achievable goals, celebrating small victories, and embracing life’s curveballs. Listeners are encouraged to let go of stress-inducing expectations (“anti-bucket lists”), focus on relationships and what fills them up, and prioritize rest and self-care—reminding us all that sometimes “enough is enough.”

Dr. Brad introduces the Stockdale Paradox, emphasizing the power of maintaining hope while facing harsh realities. The hosts discuss the vital role of humor and share personal anecdotes—like Deb’s grandmother’s wig “Sally”—that bring levity and connection to challenging times.

As a final word of encouragement, Deb highlights the power of resilience, steadiness, and curiosity. Dr. Brad offers his own “Cancer Coping Credo,” inspiring listeners to define themselves and their journeys on their own terms.

Episode “Planning in Pencil: A Cancer Patient’s Guide to the New Year” is a must-listen for anyone seeking practical wisdom, faith, humor, and inspiration to live fully—no matter what the future holds.

“Cancer and Comedy” with Deb Krier and Dr. Brad Miller is dedicated to helping people crush cancer with hope and humor. Join the community at cancerandcomedy.com/follow, and consider writing your own “cancer credo” to navigate your journey with intention and joy.

https://debkrier.com/ |

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiIEQgLJcy02yAHbipRQkXw

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debkrier/

Pastor, author, and Marriage Monday podcast host David Barringer joins Dr. Brad Miller for a meaningful episode of the Cancer and Comedy podcast, a show committed to helping people facing cancer and other life challenges cope with hope and humor.

David is the lead pastor of Kalamazoo First Assembly of God and the author of Speaking From the Shadows, where he shares his own battle with depression and the emotional complexities often hidden behind leadership and ministry. Known for his honesty, warmth, and humor, David brings a fresh perspective to how laughter can serve as both a healing tool and a spiritual lifeline.

In this episode, David and Dr. Brad explore how humor, vulnerability, and authentic relationships can illuminate even the darkest chapters of life. David recounts how his journey through depression inspired him to speak more openly, challenge outdated stigmas, and create safe spaces within his church for people struggling with fear, loneliness, and mental health. He describes humor as a “breath of life,” a gentle way to break tension, lower defenses, and help people feel seen and understood.

David also shares stories from his pastoral work, hospital visits, cancer diagnoses, counseling sessions, and sacred end-of-life moments where laughter provided a spark of hope amid overwhelming heaviness. He explains how relational equity, the trust built over time, allows him to bring levity into difficult conversations without minimizing the pain. From comforting families to supporting couples to walking alongside those grieving or afraid, he shows how humor can create connection, clarity, and emotional safety.

Dr. Brad reflects on the shared mission of bringing therapeutic humor to those dealing with cancer, depression, marriage struggles, and other life-changing adversities. Together, they discuss the science behind laughter, its ability to relieve isolation, and the importance of helping people see the life they still have ahead of them, even on the hardest days.

The episode highlights the heart of the Cancer and Comedy community, people supporting one another through honesty, shared stories, compassion, and humor. Both men express profound gratitude for listeners who continue to show up, engage, and remind them why this work matters.

This conversation is a powerful testament to the impact of faith, humor, authenticity, and human connection in times of darkness. It is essential listening for anyone seeking hope, resilience, and a reminder that even in life’s shadows, joy and meaning can still break through.

Cancer and Comedy with Dr. Brad Miller is released weekly, offering insights and inspiration for coping with adversity through hope, humor, and heartfelt connection.

Linked Mentions

David Barringer

Book: Speaking From the Shadows — https://speakingfromtheshadows.com

Cancer and Comedy

Follow the show — https://cancerandcomedy.com/follow

Mallori DeSalle is a licensed mental health counselor, certified humor professional, professor at Indiana University’s School of Public Health, and a trainer of motivational interviewing. She is also an Oreo connoisseur who has tasted more than 150 flavors from around the world — and a recent breast cancer patient who uses humor as her most powerful coping tool.

In this episode, Mallori shares how she faced the fears, uncertainty, and emotional strain of her cancer diagnosis with authenticity, honesty, and laughter. She talks openly about going from a routine mammogram to a callback, to a biopsy, and then to the life-changing news of ductal carcinoma. Even through surgery, reconstruction decisions, and difficult conversations with doctors, Mallori found ways to stay grounded through human connection and humor — including joking with nurses, bonding with strangers in hospital gowns, and even turning awkward family moments into healing laughter.

Mallori also dives into more profound adversity she was navigating during the same season, including the pain of a divorce and the challenge of being believed when dealing with something as simple — and stressful — as a flea infestation. Yet each experience reinforced her belief that humor is a lifeline, not a distraction.

But in Mallori’s case, you could say: “Cancer messed with the wrong girl.”

Because Mallori declares that humor is not just her coping mechanism — it is her strength, her identity, and her way of reclaiming control in moments that feel overwhelming.

Mallori speaks with Dr. Brad and Deb about how her story shaped her work as a therapist, speaker, educator, and advocate, and how both her book-in-progress and her creative work (including her hilarious Oreo taste-test videos) grew out of her mission to help people navigate the most complex parts of life with more connection and compassion.

Beyond her personal journey, Mallori shares wisdom from her counseling background about what humor does emotionally and neurologically, when it’s helpful, when it’s harmful, and how the right kind of laughter can soften fear, build trust, and transform the cancer experience.

All of this led Mallori to embrace a life centered on empathy, authenticity, and purposeful humor — a life where adversity becomes a teacher, connection becomes medicine, and laughter becomes holy ground.

Mallori DeSalle’s story is moving, vulnerable, and deeply human — a powerful testament of someone who confronted her diagnosis, her personal storms, and the people who doubted or dismissed her, and still emerged as a woman marked by courage, clarity, and joy.

This episode of The Cancer and Comedy Podcast is a must-listen for anyone coping with illness, supporting a loved one through treatment, or seeking an uplifting, hope-filled story of resilience shaped by humor and heart.

The Cancer and Comedy Podcast with Dr. Brad Miller and Deb Krier is published to inspire, encourage, and help people cope with hope, humor, and healing as they navigate life’s toughest challenges.

Connect with Mallori DeSalle:

Website: MalloriDeSalle.com

Email: MalloriDeSalle@gmail.com

LinkedIn: Mallori DeSalle

Facebook: Mallori DeSalle

Deb Krier joins Dr. Brad Miller on a special Thanksgiving-week episode of the Cancer and Comedy podcast, a show dedicated to helping cancer-impacted people cope with hope and humor.

Deb is the co-host of Cancer and Comedy and the creator of the Surviving Not Dying community, where she supports patients and caregivers with honest conversations, practical encouragement, and laughter during difficult seasons.

In this episode, Deb and Dr. Brad talk about what they call “the gratitude we didn’t ask for,” exploring the unexpected good that shows up in the middle of cancer, loss, and life-changing challenges. Deb reflects on how her cancer journey brought new people into her life, strengthened relationships, and even built a second family in the medical team who have cared for her over the last ten years. Dr. Brad shares how a routine doctor's visit led to early detection that saved his life, and how moments with his children and grandchildren now feel sharper, richer, and more meaningful.

They unpack the small joys that sustain them: the humor exchanged in infusion rooms, the comfort of a homemade cookie, family gatherings that anchor perspective, and the serendipity of hearing someone else’s story at precisely the right moment. Both hosts speak openly about how cancer reshaped their view of what matters, narrowed their focus to what is essential, and deepened their gratitude for community, faith, and simple human connection.

Deb also talks about humor as a survival tool. She shares how she intentionally brings laughter into medical settings, creating a sense of lightness for herself, her nurses, and other patients. Dr. Brad describes how his own love of comedy, pastoral work, and experience with cancer inspired him to bring therapeutic humor to a broader audience through this podcast and future books, courses, and speaking engagements.

The episode highlights the growing Cancer and Comedy community, a group they call their “lifter uppers,” who support one another through stories, jokes, reflections, and hope. Both hosts express gratitude for listeners who continue to share their journeys and remind them why this work matters.

This conversation is a grounded and thoughtful testament to the power of faith, humor, and perspective in the middle of adversity.

It is essential listening for anyone seeking strength, companionship, and a reminder that even in cancer, life still offers moments of grace worth noticing.

Cancer and Comedy with Dr. Brad Miller is released weekly, offering messages that help people cope with cancer through hope, humor, and connection.

Listen and follow:

Cancer and Comedy: https://cancerandcomedy.com/follow

Deb Krier joins Dr. Brad Miller on this episode of “Cancer and Comedy,” where the mission is to heal cancer-impacted people through hope and humor — turning the grim into a grin.

Deb is a longtime dog lover, national beagle show leader, and board member of the National Beagle Club of America. In this episode, Deb opens up about the profound role pets — especially dogs — play in helping people cope with cancer, grief, and difficult life experiences.

In this deeply personal conversation, Deb shares the emotional story of losing her beloved beagle, Carmen, after sudden seizures and the discovery of a brain tumor. She talks about the painful reality of losing multiple dogs to cancer, the grief that follows, and even the surprising ways her other dogs sensed the loss and mourned alongside her.

Deb and Dr. Brad explore the unique emotional bond pets bring — companionship, unconditional love, and comfort — especially during illness. They highlight how pets naturally lower stress hormones, increase oxytocin, and create grounding moments of joy that help cancer-impacted people “cope with hope.”

Deb also discusses her long history in the dog-show world, her national involvement with beagles, and the community of people who understand both the joy and heartbreak of loving pets. Beyond her personal story, she and Dr. Brad talk about therapy animals in hospitals, airports, and senior communities — and how pets often sense distress before humans do.

This episode is a heartfelt, uplifting, and compassionate reminder of how pets can help carry us through fear, grief, and adversity. It’s a powerful testament to the healing presence animals bring into our lives, especially for those impacted by cancer.

This episode of Cancer and Comedy is a must-listen for anyone navigating illness or loss who wants to rediscover moments of joy, connection, and comfort through the unconditional love of pets.

“Cancer and Comedy with Dr. Brad Miller is published weekly to help people cope with hope and humor as they navigate cancer and discover a life filled with meaning, purpose, and joy.”

Follow and join the Cancer & Comedy community:

cancerandcomedy.com/follow