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

Deb Krier joins Dr. Brad Miller on this episode of The Cancer and Comedy Podcast.

Deb, the co-host of the show, leads a heartfelt and grounding conversation about navigating loneliness during the cancer journey — especially for those who are going through treatment without a built-in support system or close circle of caregivers.

In this episode, Dr. Brad and Deb reflect on how deeply loneliness can affect cancer patients, even those who do have supportive family or friends. They share stories from listeners, including one powerful comment from a stranger online: “I have never felt so alone in my life.” Deb and Dr. Brad discuss why asking for help feels so difficult, the pressure to “be strong,” and how admitting you need support is often one of the bravest things you can do.

The two explore the practical and emotional steps cancer-impacted individuals can take to create or rebuild a support network when they feel like they are facing cancer alone. They talk about reaching out to neighbors, reconnecting with coworkers, asking church communities for help, and using hospital chaplains and social workers as resources. Deb shares how humor helped her open the door for support — including a memorable Facebook post asking for someone to walk with her daily, “leash provided,” which led to both genuine help and moments of connection.

Dr. Brad opens up about the challenges men often face in asking for help and shares a touching story of a respected judge who used his final weeks to reconnect with over 100 people. They also discuss how online communities, virtual support groups, and simple daily interactions (like chatting with a barista) can provide meaningful micro-connections that ease feelings of isolation.

Deb emphasizes the importance of humor, gratitude, and small wins during difficult moments — whether it’s watching a favorite sitcom, writing down moments of joy, or celebrating a milestone like going two hours without nausea. Both hosts encourage listeners to take personal responsibility for how they live their days, seek professional help when needed, and permit themselves to lean on others.

Dr. Brad ties these insights back to the show's mission — helping those impacted by cancer “cope with hope and humor.” Together, he and Deb remind listeners that even in seasons of loneliness, there are pathways toward connection, healing, and light.

The Cancer and Comedy Podcast with Dr. Brad Miller inspires cancer-impacted individuals to find strength, community, and hope amid life’s most complex challenges.

Listen and join the “Lifter Upper” community at cancerandcomedy.com/follow.

Debbie Miller joins Dr. Brad Noah on this episode of The Cancer and Comedy Podcast.

Debbie, the wife of Dr. Brad, fills in for co-host Deb Kreh to share a heartfelt and humorous conversation about coping with cancer through laughter, faith, and deep connection.

In this episode, Dr. Brad and Debbie reflect on their shared journey after Brad’s cancer diagnosis and how humor became a way to heal and stay connected. Debbie also opens up about losing her father to stomach cancer at a young age and how that experience shaped her response to Brad’s illness.

The couple discuss the powerful role of community, faith, and shared laughter in facing adversity. They explore lessons learned from watching comedians Steve Martin and Martin Short live in concert and from their show Only Murders in the Building. Both find inspiration in how the two entertainers use humor and friendship to navigate aging, loss, and reinvention.

Debbie shares that humor has been a vital part of keeping hope alive, even during painful seasons, and encourages listeners to be deliberate about surrounding themselves with joy, love, and supportive people.

Dr. Brad ties these lessons to the show’s mission—to help those impacted by cancer “cope with hope and humor.” Together, they remind listeners that laughter is not denial but a form of healing, and that strong relationships built on love, respect, and shared laughter can lift anyone through adversity.

The Cancer and Comedy Podcast with Dr. Brad Noah inspires cancer-impacted individuals to find strength, connection, and lightness amid life’s challenges.

Listen and join the “Lifter Upper” community at cancerandcomedy.com/follow.

Dr. Brad Miller hosts Episode 105 of the Cancer and Comedy Podcast, a show dedicated to helping people impacted by adversity heal through hope and humor. Their mission is to guide listeners in “turning the grim into a grin,” showing how laughter, attitude, and community can transform even the most challenging moments in life.

In this episode, Dr. Brad welcomes humorist and keynote speaker Joel Zeph, author of Make the Right Choice: Lead, Elevate, Unleash. Joel shares how losing his job shortly after moving to Dallas became the catalyst for his journey into comedy and speaking. He explains how picking up the harmonica and embracing a new path taught him to choose his attitude rather than be defined by his circumstances.

They explore how comedy and improv teach us resilience, connection, and the power of choosing how we respond to change. Joel emphasizes the “Ta Da” moments—small celebrations that fuel passion, elevate energy, and build momentum in both corporate life and personal recovery. Dr. Brad ties these ideas to the podcast’s theme of healing through community, hope, and humor.

Listeners will hear how embracing play, laughter, and intentional celebration helps shift perspective, strengthen bonds, and restore energy. From standing by someone’s side in crisis to actively choosing to “stay in the game,” this episode celebrates courage, connection, and joy.

Episode 105 of the Cancer and Comedy Podcast is a must‑listen for anyone navigating recovery, loss, or change. It’s a powerful reminder that healing isn’t about erasing pain—but about choosing hope, finding laughter, and moving forward together.

Join the Cancer and Comedy community and discover how to cope with hope and humor at cancerandcomedy.com/follow

Book mentioned: Make the Right Choice: Lead, Elevate, Unleash by Joel Zeph.