Facing cancer is undeniably challenging, but humor can provide a powerful lifeline. In this episode of the Cancer and Comedy podcast, host Dr. Brad Miller is joined by certified humor professional Jim-Bob Williams, who shares his deeply personal journey through prostate cancer. With wit and wisdom, Jim-Bob reveals how laughter became his steadfast companion during some of the darkest moments of his life.

Prostate cancer, though typical, often carries a stigma that leaves many men feeling isolated. Jim-Bob’s story shines a light on how humor helped him navigate the physical and emotional toll of his diagnosis while strengthening his relationships with those around him. Together, Dr. Miller and Jim-Bob explore how finding moments of levity can transform the way we cope with life’s toughest challenges.

Listeners are invited to consider important questions: How can we use humor to heal ourselves and connect with others? What role does the community play in overcoming adversity? Jim-Bob’s insights offer ways to approach life’s hardships with resilience and vulnerability, using laughter as a tool for empowerment.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Miller emphasizes the unique role of humor in maintaining emotional well-being during a cancer journey. Jim-Bob’s experiences remind us that everyone’s path is unique, but the need for connection and lightness is universal.

This episode is a powerful testament to the human spirit, showing how humor can create hope and healing even in life’s most challenging times. Tune in for an inspiring conversation full of heart, resilience, and, of course, 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

Jim-Bob Williams Links:

Email: jimbobchp@gmail.com

AATH Website: https://www.aath.org/

laughbox.aath.org

Prostate Cancer Health Union Website: https://prostatecancer.net/

The holiday season can feel especially challenging for those facing cancer. In this episode of Cancer and Comedy, co-hosts Deb Krier and Dr. Brad Miller discuss the unique emotional toll cancer can take during the holidays, often creating a "double whammy" of holiday blues and the harsh realities of illness.

With candid warmth, Deb and Dr. Miller explore how a cancer diagnosis during the festive season can bring up feelings of loss, anxiety about the future, and the complexity of celebrating traditions when life has changed. However, they also offer a refreshing perspective on how to cope with these emotions. The discussion emphasizes the power of community and connection, stressing that even as traditions shift, it's essential to stay engaged with loved ones. The pair highlights the importance of embracing the present moment while also honoring the cherished memories of past holidays.

Throughout the conversation, Deb and Dr. Miller offer practical tips on how to manage holiday stress, such as creating new traditions, fostering meaningful connections, and, most importantly, using humor as a tool for resilience. They share stories of people coming together to support cancer patients during the holidays, reminding listeners that acts of kindness can be transformative.

The episode is a powerful reminder that while cancer brings challenges, it's possible to face them with humor, hope, and the unwavering support of a community. Tune in to learn how to find light even in the darkest times and turn the holiday season into a time of connection and healing.

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

Cancer can bring overwhelming stress, but what if you could face it with humor and hope? In this latest episode of Cancer and Comedy, co-hosts Deb Krier and Dr. Brad Miller discuss how to transform stress into an ally. They explore how shifting perspectives—especially when facing tough news like a cancer diagnosis—can change the course of your journey.

Dr. Miller emphasizes the importance of building a supportive community to help carry the weight of stress. He shares a touching story about a group of people coming together to decorate a cancer patient’s home for Christmas, showing how acts of kindness can reduce stress and foster connection. Deb adds that humor plays a key role in lightening the load and helping people cope with life’s challenges.

The conversation highlights that stress isn’t just something to manage—it can signal when to reach out for help or offer support to others. Together, Deb and Dr. Miller offer practical tips for managing stress daily, including gratitude journaling, watching comedies, and connecting with others.

By focusing on building joy, laughter, and community, the hosts remind listeners that even during the toughest times, it’s possible to find moments of peace and growth. As they always say, laughter truly is the best medicine. Tune in to the Cancer and Comedy community and discover how to face life’s hardest moments with resilience, humor, and heart.

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

Facing a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but what if you could approach it with gratitude and even a bit of humor? In a special Thanksgiving-themed episode of Cancer and Comedy, co-hosts Deb Krier and Dr. Brad Miller explore the profound power of community, personal growth, and thankfulness. They remind listeners that no matter how tough life gets, it’s possible to find joy and meaning.

Deb and Dr. Miller share their lists of gratitude, revealing how cancer has reshaped their perspectives. From the medical teams that have saved their lives to the unexpected friendships born from shared struggles, they express deep appreciation for the support systems that uplift them. Deb reflects on the positivity she's chosen to cultivate, even when others question it, saying, “Focusing on the positive is also the truth—for me.” Dr. Miller emphasizes how a shift in perspective can transform bitterness into hope, sharing his mantra to live “better, not bitter.”

In addition to heartfelt moments, the episode is peppered with humor—including “dad jokes” to lighten the mood—and practical advice, like finding ways to pay gratitude forward. The hosts encourage listeners to build their own communities and celebrate small wins, even during life’s darkest chapters.

The key takeaway? Gratitude and humor can be powerful tools to face adversity. What can you be thankful for today, even in the midst of challenges? As Dr. Miller reminds us, “A cheerful heart is good medicine.” Join the Cancer and Comedy community and discover how to turn the grim into a grin.

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

Facing a tough challenge like cancer can feel heavy, but what if you could shift your mindset to find hope and humor, even in the hardest moments? In this episode of Cancer and Comedy, co-hosts Deb Krier and Dr. Brad Miller talk about the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, no matter what life throws at you. They discuss how gratitude can help us stay hopeful, even when the road ahead seems dark.

Deb shares a personal experience where she was rejected from a podcast for being "too positive," and how, at first, this rejection hurt. But after reflecting on it, she realized the host's negativity probably came from their own struggles. This leads to an important question: how do we stay positive when others bring us down? Dr. Miller emphasizes responding with understanding and love, rather than getting defensive. He also talks about the Stockdale Paradox—a powerful idea that suggests we must face tough realities head-on while still choosing to hold on to hope.

Throughout the episode, they discuss practical ways to stay positive: redefining what success means, building strong relationships, and practicing self-care. They encourage listeners to take intentional steps to reconnect with others and foster a mindset of gratitude.

The big takeaway here is clear: no matter how tough life gets, we have the power to change our perspective and make even the hardest moments a little easier to handle. What areas of your life could use a shift in focus? With gratitude and the right support, the possibilities for positivity are endless.

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, Dr. Brad Miller is the guest on the LaughBox Podcast hosted by Jim Bob Williams and Katy Bee. Dr. Brad Miller shares his journey of incorporating humor into his life and work, including his 43 years as a pastor.

He talks about his diagnosis of aggressive prostate cancer shortly after retiring in 2022 and his initial coping mechanism of laughter to manage the emotional distress. He admitted to experiencing moments of denial and depression but emphasized the importance of not staying stuck in those states.

Dr. Brad Miller outlines his transformative approach using his ACTS plan (Action, Connect, Think, Serve) to navigate through the difficult phases of cancer treatment.

He discussed how he combined his love for humor with his cancer journey by creating the Cancer and Comedy podcast alongside co-host Deb Krier, a breast cancer survivor. Their podcast has reached over 57 episodes and features a mix of interviews with medical professionals, comedians, and cancer survivors who share their stories and strategies for finding light during challenging times.

Their mission is to "turn the grim of cancer into grins." They also explore broader metaphors, viewing cancer as representative of life's adversities and leveraging humor to tackle these challenges.

Dr. Miller emphasized the role of humor in building interpersonal connections and combating loneliness. He often uses joke cards and uplifting remarks, such as calling everyone "young man" or "young woman," to brighten people's days. He also highlighted the importance of caregivers and family members, often overlooked in the cancer journey, and his mission to address their needs as well.

Dr. Brad Miller highlights the importance of community, citing personal anecdotes and emphasizing a cheerful heart as good medicine. He encourages listeners to use therapeutic humor to lift spirits.

Website: https://www.aath.org/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_fgCLFis6GfV6XLivNDSJA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/healthyhumor/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/134293/

Episode 136 - Brad Miller - Cancer and Comedy Podcast | LaughBox

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:

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