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