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Laugh before death

Laugh before death

Written by: Heidi Keeling and Mand Black
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About this listen

 Imagine being told "you have incurable cancer". How do people 'keep going' despite being told they are dying? This podcast is about cancer, it is about the will to live well despite a life limiting illness, and it is about dying. We (Mand & Heidi) both have stage four incurable cancer. We want to create a space for talking about living and dying. We want to talk about everyday 'cancer life' and we want to give 'cancer muggles' ideas for how to be the best allies to people with the disease. We think we are funny and we are told we can be inappropriate. What's not to like?!Heidi Keeling and Mand Black Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Life's too short for exercise, right?

    Life's too short for exercise, right?
    Jan 2 2026

    There's never a bad time to improve on your (healthy) habits but once you're given a terminal diagnosis it can be tempting just enjoy yourself. Life's too short for exercise, right?!


    In this episode, Mand and Heidi speak with Mel Brown (Level 4 'cancer & exercise' personal trainer) about the challenges, avoidance tactics, and benefits of functional exercise while being in active cancer treatment.


    Needless to say, although life might be short(er), living it to the best our abilities does require a certain level of fitness. No 'short cuts' to a good life and a good death, sadly.

    Disclaimer: This podcast is about life and death, with regular swearing and humour. The content is about our experience; we do not speak for everybody in the community. We do not give medical advice so if in doubt, check it out!


    Presenters: Heidi Keeling & Mand Black

    Editing: Mark Keeling

    Music: Mark Keeling


    Contact us on: laughbeforedeath@gmail.com
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    32 mins
  • Hope takes on different forms

    Hope takes on different forms
    Oct 30 2025

    This episode is about the role of storytelling as a way of making sense of illness, and generating hope for ourselves and others. Hope does not cure cancer but it makes cancer life more manageable.


    Heidi and Mand are in conversation with Kevin Donaghy (driving force behind Stories Of Cancer And Hope). We talk about hope and hopelessness, community spirit, and living a good life alongside terminal illness.


    Disclaimer: This podcast is about life and death, with regular swearing and humour. The content is about our experience; we do not speak for everybody in the community. We do not give medical advice so if in doubt, check it out!

    Presenters: Heidi Keeling & Mand Black

    Editing: Mark Keeling

    Music: Mark Keeling


    Contact us on: laughbeforedeath@gmail.com
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    16 mins
  • A word (or two) on retirement

    A word (or two) on retirement
    Aug 26 2025

    Once upon a time we were professionals and really good at our jobs... then we had to retire because of cancer.


    This episode focuses on early retirement due to ill health, the financial implications of metastatic cancer, and reflections on leaving the workforce before the typical retirement age.


    Link to the Marie Curie petition mentioned in the podcast: Marie Curie Campaigns


    Disclaimer: This podcast is about life and death, with regular swearing and humour. The content is about our experience; we do not speak for everybody in the community. We do not give medical advice so if in doubt, check it out!


    Presenters: Heidi Keeling & Mand Black

    Editing: Mark Keeling

    Music: Mark Keeling and Darren Scothern


    Contact us on: laughbeforedeath@gmail.com
    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
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