Cancer and Comedy: Helping Cancer Impacted People to Cope with Hope and Humor

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: [email protected]

LinkedIn: Mallori DeSalle

Facebook: Mallori DeSalle

On this episode of the Cancer and Comedy Podcast, Dr. Brad Miller sits down with Savio P. Clemente—TEDx speaker, board-certified wellness coach, journalist, and two-time cancer survivor whose journey includes a decade of remission, a relapse, and a life-saving stem cell transplant.

Savio shares how going from a sudden stage 3 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis to a “medical rebirth” reshaped his view of resilience, purpose, and what it means to live in rhythm with life—not just bounce back from it.

Drawing on his personal story and his work interviewing hundreds of cancer survivors and healthcare leaders, Savio and Brad explore how to navigate both the crisis and the long, quiet stretch that follows.

In this candid, thought-provoking, and ultimately uplifting conversation, they dive into:

The shock of the first diagnosis

• Choosing treatment when nothing feels clear
• A decade of remission—and then relapse
• Stem cell transplant and “medical rebirth”
• Silence, stillness, and “spiritual exile”
• Reframing poison as elixir
• Metacognition and adaptive resilience
• The ALOHA Reboot: a 7-minute inner reset
• Forgiveness and the inner life of survivors
• Humor, levity, and knowing your audience
• Helping healthcare leaders after the crisis

This episode isn’t about pretending cancer is “fine.”

It’s an invitation to:

• See resilience as rhythm, not just rebound
• Make friends with silence and stillness
• Rewrite your identity beyond “patient” or “survivor”
• Walk forward without clinging to guarantees or outcomes

If you—or someone you love—has faced cancer, relapse, or any life-shaking disruption, this conversation will encourage you to:

• Regulate with the rhythm of life instead of fighting it,
• Reframe the crisis as a doorway to deeper inner work, and
• Remember that you can choose how you see yourself, even when you can’t choose what’s happening to you.

Together, we can keep turning “grim” moments into the grin of a life lived with resolve, rhythm, and renewal.

On this episode of the Cancer and Comedy Podcast, Dr. Brad Miller sits down with Buddy Clay—husband, dad of three girls, mental health CEO, and author of Built in the Fire—to unpack what it really looks like to live, lead, and love in the middle of a stage 4 melanoma diagnosis.

Buddy shares how a “harmless” mole on his back turned into a life-altering cancer journey, why he walked away from a traditional treatment plan, and how faith, radical lifestyle changes, and honest conversations have reshaped everything—from his kitchen pantry to how he runs a 50-person mental health and substance use treatment organization.

In this raw, hopeful, and surprisingly light conversation, Brad and Buddy explore:

• How a casual nudge from friends led to a life-saving melanoma diagnosis
• The shock of going from “healthy athlete” to stage 4 cancer—and the fear of not seeing his daughters grow up
• Why he chose a holistic path (Gerson-style protocol, raw vegan diet, detox, whole-house changes) after surgery
• The tension of faith as an anchor and faith as a wrestling match: “God, why me?” vs. “God is still sovereign”
• What his biopsy revealed—and why he needed proof his lifestyle changes were actually doing something
• The meaning behind “Built in the Fire” and why we don’t rise to the occasion, we fall to our foundation
• Leading a mental health and substance use facility while battling cancer—and what happened when he finally got honest with his staff
• How his diagnosis made him a more empathetic leader, especially with clients facing addiction, anxiety, and depression
• A powerful story of a client with cancer who dropped his “chip on the shoulder” after Buddy shared his own struggle
• Why vulnerability from the “CEO” can transform an organization’s culture
• Finding humor in the weirdest places (including drinking coffee… from the other end)
• Practical first steps Buddy recommends for anyone who just heard, “You have cancer”—including why you should slow down, breathe, get second opinions, and take things one day at a time

This episode isn’t a polished “success story”—it’s a real-time look at a man living in the fire, building a stronger foundation for his faith, family, and work while nothing is guaranteed.

If you or someone you love is facing cancer, leadership stress, or just the weight of life’s uncertainties, this conversation will help you:

• See that nobody is immune to fear, anxiety, or mental health struggles
• Trade pretending for honest vulnerability
• Start building (or rebuilding) the foundation you’ll fall back on when life heats up

Together, we keep working to turn the grim of cancer into the grin of a fulfilled life—even when the fire is still burning.

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of Cancer and Comedy, Dr. Brad Miller and Deb Krier explore what it means to "live a full life and finish strong," weaving together the threads of hope, humor, faith, and community. Dr. Brad Miller opens up about the recent loss of his dear friend Joe Bottorf, a man who embodied positivity, purpose, and connection until his final days. Through powerful storytelling and thoughtful reflection, the episode offers listeners practical lessons and emotional wisdom drawn from Joe’s life and legacy—lessons that resonate deeply for anyone impacted by cancer or facing adversity.

The episode starts on a light note with a few classic "bad dad jokes," a nod to the show’s signature blend of laughter amidst life’s difficulties. Deb Krier and Dr. Brad Miller then shift to a moving recounting of Joe's passion for community, his involvement in ministry and music, and the courage he displayed through the challenges of illness and loss.

A focal point of the episode is Joe’s determination to attend and contribute to an Easter service despite his declining health. Supported physically by his daughter and his church community, Joe delivers a poignant benediction, emphasizing faith over fear and modeling how to be a contributor rather than simply a recipient, even at life’s end.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Brad Miller and Deb Krier reflect on the universal themes revealed by Joe’s story: the importance of having meaningful, achievable goals; the value of community and human connection; the impact of intentional end-of-life planning; and the enduring power of gratitude and contribution.

Listeners are invited to join the "Cancer and Comedy" community, participate in ongoing conversations, and reconsider what it means to finish strong—whatever their journey or prognosis.

Key Takeaways

1. Vision Beyond Circumstances

Joe’s story illustrates how valuable it is to set your sights beyond immediate difficulties, such as illness or adversity. Despite being homebound and in hospice, Joe established meaningful and attainable goals—like participating in an Easter service. Dr. Brad Miller and Deb Krier stress that having a vision that transcends your current situation can galvanize both energy and purpose, helping you live more fully even in hard times 14:17.

2. Show Up and Be Present—Even When It’s Hard

The episode underscores the significance of showing up, physically or virtually, and being present for yourself and others, regardless of how challenging life becomes. Joe’s preparation for and presence at the Easter service, where he delivered a benediction, was not just symbolic but deeply impactful for his community. "There’s something profound about your presence that is important there—you still matter," Dr. Brad Miller observes 17:00.

3. Speak Your Truth and Plan Intentionally

Both speakers highlight the importance of intentional communication and planning. Whether it’s expressing love and gratitude, clarifying funeral wishes, or sharing words of wisdom, doing so while you are able is a precious gift to those left behind. Joe meticulously planned his own funeral and used his remaining time to connect with family and friends, ensuring his wishes were known and his relationships strengthened 19:02.

4. Stay Connected—Community and Relationships as Medicine

Isolation can be one of the biggest challenges for those going through cancer or other hardships. Joe maintained ties with his faith community through virtual services and regular outreach, and he made space for visits from cherished friends and family. Connection provided comfort, meaning, and even opportunities for continued contribution. Deb Krier notes, "He lived until that very last day... he made sure what he did was to serve others." 22:19.

5. Let Others Hold You Up—It’s Okay to Ask for (and Accept) Help

A powerful image from the episode is Joe being physically supported by his daughter and pastor during his final benediction. In the words of Dr. Brad Miller, "We are weak, but we are strong together... You don’t have to do all this stuff alone. We can be lifted up by others." 26:30. Accepting help fosters connection and dignity for both giver and receiver.

Final Thoughts

• This episode of Cancer and Comedy captures the essence of living and dying well: setting meaningful goals, planning with intention, strengthening connections, and embracing both the giving and receiving of support. Dr. Brad Miller and Deb Krier remind us that it’s never too late to make a difference in others’ lives—or to let others make a difference in ours. Finishing strong isn’t just about enduring to the end; it’s about contributing love, laughter, and meaning wherever your journey leads.

Follow & subscribe to Cancer and Comedy:

https://cancerandcomedy.com/follow

Get your free resource on coping with cancer through hope and humor:

https://cancerandcomedy.com/free

In this episode of Cancer and Comedy, host Dr. Brad Miller is joined by Merv Neal, Australia's leading laughter expert, to explore the healing power of laughter. Merv shares his unique journey from a successful business career to becoming a laughter therapist after a life-threatening health crisis. Following years of stress and overwork, Merv found himself facing a severe medical emergency, but instead of succumbing to the situation, he found solace and healing in laughter. This unexpected remedy led him to discover laughter's powerful physical, mental, and emotional benefits.

Merv discusses his work with laughter therapy, which involves using laughter as an exercise, not just for humor, but as a therapeutic tool to enhance health. He explains how laughter yoga, combined with breathing exercises, helps individuals boost their mood, increase energy, and improve physical health. Merv emphasizes that laughter doesn’t have to be spontaneous; even simulated laughter can benefit healing.

Dr. Brad Miller shares his own experience with cancer and how laughter became his response to a challenging diagnosis. The conversation underscores the role of laughter in shifting negative emotions and promoting positive well-being, especially in the face of illness.

Merv also highlights his research, which led to the development of a formula that quantifies the therapeutic effects of laughter. He’s worked with various organizations and health professionals to prove that laughter is a temporary escape and a long-term strategy for improving physical and mental health.

This episode reminds us that laughter can be vital to the healing process, whether recovering from illness, dealing withstress, or simply looking to improve your emotional health. Merv Neal’s work inspires individuals to laugh more, embrace joy, and explore the positive impacts of laughter on life.

Merv Neal’s Links:

Website: mervneal.com

Brad Miller’s Links:

Website: https://cancerandcomedy.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP2JvmMDeBzbj3mziVGJUw

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

On this episode of the Cancer and Comedy Podcast, Dr. Brad Miller sits down with Dr. Eugene Manley—cancer scientist, nonprofit founder, Black health equity advocate, and STEM mentor—to talk about what really happens at the intersection of cancer, racism, AI, and everyday people just trying to survive the system.

From growing up as a kid in Detroit with severe asthma and a dad who smoked, to earning a PhD in lung cancer and building a nonprofit to serve communities that medicine has historically ignored, Eugene shares a story that is at once painfully honest, outrage-inducing, hopeful, and surprisingly funny.

In this candid, clear‑eyed, and often laugh‑through‑the‑pain conversation, Brad and Eugene dive into:

• Growing up sick in a smoky household and how early hospital experiences led him toward science
• Watching his mom battle both cancer and a broken system as a low‑income, Black woman on Medicaid
• Why he built SCHEQ to boost STEM pathways, degree navigation, and health literacy for diverse communities
• Creating the Lung Cancer Health Equity Summit so Black and Hispanic patients aren’t “the only one in the room”
• AI in cancer—promise and pitfalls, especially when algorithms are trained on non‑diverse data
• How to navigate a new cancer diagnosis, including key questions patients should ask but often don’t
• Translating complex science into 5th–8th grade language through vetted infographics and patient input
• Facing medical racism firsthand and teaching people to read their charts, get proxies, and advocate for themselves
• Sustaining joy and inspiring the next generation, from karaoke and community care to mentoring future Black and Brown scientists

This episode isn’t a polished TED Talk about “fixing healthcare.” It’s a real‑world roadmap for:

• See clearly how race, income, and education shape who gets cancer care—and who doesn’t.
• Learn the key questions to ask so you’re not steamrolled by jargon, paperwork, and broken systems.
• Understand how AI, advocacy, and plain human persistence can team up to close deadly gaps in care.
• Find language for injustices you’ve felt but couldn’t quite explain—and concrete steps to push back.
• Walk away with practical strategies, plus hope and humor, for changing healthcare from the inside out.

Together, we can keep turning the harsh realities of cancer and inequity into the grin of communities that are informed, empowered, and no longer alone in the fight.

On this episode of the Cancer and Comedy Podcast, Dr. Brad Miller and Deb Krier open up about a topic that almost never makes it into the exam room—but lives in the bedroom, the bathroom, and the mirror:

What happens to sex, intimacy, and feeling “like a man” or “like a woman” after cancer?

Speaking from their own stories—Brad as a prostate cancer survivor and Deb as a breast cancer survivor—they have a candid, funny, and deeply compassionate conversation about living in a changed body, navigating desire, and redefining closeness when spontaneity, sensation, and confidence all get shaken.

In this honest, tender, and laugh‑out‑loud real conversation, Brad and Deb share:

• Walking through prostate cancer and its impact on masculinity, erections, continence, and self-worth
• Choosing a double mastectomy with no reconstruction—and what everyday life is like living “flat”
• Grieving the loss of sensation, spontaneity, and the familiar body you once knew
• Navigating pumps, injections, and implants as real—but far from glamorous—options for intimacy
• Managing prosthetics and “knitted knockers” and the awkward logistics of putting boobs on (and taking them off)
• Shifting roles from patient and caregiver back to partners and lovers
• Facing unspoken fears about identity, attractiveness, and whether sex is really “over”
• Reclaiming closeness through cuddling, hand-holding, and non-sexual touch
• Starting honest conversations with doctors about sex, even when they avoid the topic
• Deciding when and how to talk about scars in the world of dating and new relationships
• Finding moments of humor in the most uncomfortable situations—because sometimes if you don’t laugh, you cry

This episode isn’t a how‑to manual for “perfect sex after cancer.” It’s a real-world guide to:

• Talking about the hard stuff instead of pretending it’s fine
• Redefining intimacy when your body has been cut, stitched, and rearranged
• Giving yourself and your partner grace, patience, and permission to laugh

If cancer has changed your body, your sex life, or the way you see yourself in the mirror, this conversation will help you:

• Feel less alone in the awkward and the unspoken,
• Start the conversations you’ve been avoiding—with your partner and your doctors, and
• Find hope, humor, and new ways to be close in a “new normal” you didn’t choose.

Together, we can keep turning the grim realities of cancer into the grin of a life still full of love, touch, and connection.

Kevin Gazzara is Dr. Brad Miller’s guest on this episode of “The Beyond Adversity Podcast.”

Kevin is the co-founder of Magna Leadership Solutions and a certified Positive Intelligence (PQ) mental fitness coach.

He brings over 30 years of corporate experience, including 18 years at Intel, where he worked in leadership development and organizational performance. Today, Kevin helps leaders build resilience, improve emotional intelligence, and overcome limiting mindsets through his coaching and consulting work.

In this episode, Kevin shares how his life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, something that runs in his family. Rather than seeing it as a setback, he approached it as an opportunity to apply the same mental fitness principles he teaches others.

He explains how mindset plays a critical role in navigating adversity. Kevin introduces the concept of “saboteurs” vs. the “sage brain,” showing how negative thought patterns can limit performance and how awareness can help you shift toward more productive thinking.

Kevin also talks about the importance of emotional intelligence not just understanding logic, but managing emotions first before making decisions. He emphasizes simple practices like breathing exercises and mindfulness to regain focus during stressful moments.

As a leadership coach, Kevin highlights how servant leadership creates long-term impact. He shares how giving value without expecting immediate returns builds stronger relationships and better outcomes in both business and life.

He also shares a real client story, where applying these principles improved leadership behavior, communication, and even personal relationships proving that mental fitness affects every area of life.

Kevin is also the co-author of books including “The Leader of Oz” and “Ready, Set, Get Hired,” where he combines practical leadership strategies with storytelling to make complex ideas easy to apply.

Kevin Gazzara’s story is a practical and insightful example of how mindset, emotional intelligence, and resilience can help you navigate adversity from career challenges to serious health diagnoses and come out stronger on the other side.

This episode of The Beyond Adversity Podcast is a must-listen for leaders, professionals, and anyone facing difficult situations who wants to build mental strength, improve decision-making, and grow through life’s challenges.

“The Beyond Adversity Podcast with Dr. Brad Miller is published weekly with the mission of helping people ‘Grow Through What They Go Through’ as they navigate adversity and discover a life of peace, purpose, and prosperity.”

Website: https://magnaleadership.com

Email: [email protected]

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

Bill is an entrepreneur, executive coach, and business strategist who has led companies through financial crises, built leadership frameworks, and now helps others navigate adversity with resilience, discipline, and faith. He is also the author of Restored by the Storm, where he shares his journey of overcoming life-threatening illness and business challenges.

In this episode, Bill shares how he grew up working in his family’s construction business, eventually taking on major responsibilities in land development and large-scale projects. He explains how navigating the Great Recession forced him to make high-stakes decisions under pressure, shaping his mindset around leadership, risk, and long-term thinking.

Bill opens up about one of the most defining moments of his life his diagnosis with multiple myeloma. This experience tested every area of his life, from his health to his role as a leader. Rather than stepping back, he leaned into a mindset he calls “quitting is not an option,” using faith, discipline, and perspective to keep moving forward.

Throughout the conversation, Bill and Dr. Brad discuss how adversity reshapes leadership. Bill explains that real leadership is not just about strategy, but about people understanding them, supporting them, and leading with empathy. He highlights how difficult seasons forced him to shift from task-driven leadership to people-centered leadership.

Bill also shares how gratitude and attitude became critical tools during his recovery and ongoing journey. He explains that while you cannot always control circumstances, you can control how you respond. That shift in perspective helped him stay grounded and focused, even during uncertainty.

As an author of Restored by the Storm, Bill talks about why he chose to document his story. His goal is to help others who are facing adversity whether in business, health, or life by giving them a clear example of resilience in action. Today, he uses speaking, coaching, and mentorship to guide leaders through their own challenges.

Bill Derrick’s story is practical, direct, and grounded in real experience. It shows how adversity can refine your mindset, strengthen your leadership, and deepen your purpose when you choose to face it head-on.

Episode 124 of The Beyond Adversity Podcast is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone working through challenges who wants clear, actionable insight on how to move forward.

Website: https://billderrick.com

Book: https://share.google/lIjDPKTdIDK8K60qv

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

Cara Lockwood is the guest on Episode 103 of “Cancer and Comedy,” hosted by Dr. Brad Miller with co-host Deb Krier.

Cara Lockwood is a bestselling romance novelist whose work has been adapted into Lifetime movies. She helps people navigate the cancer journey by blending humor, joy, and practical insights to reclaim strength and perspective. Her approach empowers patients not only to endure treatment but to live fully and intentionally despite life’s unexpected challenges.

In this episode, Cara shares how her stage II breast cancer diagnosis became the ultimate plot twist in her life. During a routine mammogram in 2023, she discovered she had cancer, and her world shifted from releasing her latest rom-com to facing a double mastectomy, reconstruction surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Today, Cara is in remission and uses her experience to help others navigate the emotional and practical challenges of cancer.

Cara explains how she reframed her diagnosis as a chapter, not her whole story, and emphasizes the power of humor, community, and pep talks—both giving and receiving—to regain control and build resilience. She highlights the importance of asking for specific support from friends and family and taking intentional actions to lift others.

Her book, There’s No Good Book for This, provides an irreverent and heartfelt guide for cancer patients and their families. It combines humor, real-life stories, and practical advice to help readers regain confidence and perspective during a difficult time. Cara donates half of her book proceeds to breast cancer research and provides free books to patients through the Twisted Pink Carrot Boxes, demonstrating how giving back can be part of the healing process.

Episode 103 of Cancer and Comedy is a must-listen for anyone facing cancer or personal crisis who seeks inspiration, practical guidance, and a reminder that even in adversity, laughter and connection are powerful allies.

Website: karatheauthor.com

Book: There’s No Good Book for This

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

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

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