In this episode of Cancer and Comedy, host Dr. Brad Miller is joined by Nancie Steinberg, a healthcare communication specialist and patient advocate, to discuss her personal journey through breast cancer and leukemia. Nancie shares how her battle with breast cancer, just after losing her mother to metastatic breast cancer, shaped her work in public relations for the healthcare industry. Despite facing significant challenges, including undergoing a mastectomy and chemotherapy, Nancie continued to work and manage family life, showing her strength and resilience.

Nancie’s story takes a turn as she reveals her experience with leukemia, diagnosed through a routine exam years after her breast cancer journey. She discusses how she initially kept this diagnosis private, particularly from her father, to protect him from further distress. However, as time passed, Nancie became increasingly involved in patient advocacy, speaking out at conferences and sharing her story to support others facing similar health struggles.

The conversation highlights the therapeutic power of humor as Nancie recounts using laughter to cope with her conditions, from making light-hearted jokes with her oncologist to finding solace in comedy shows at home. Dr. Miller and Nancie discuss how humor can provide relief and a sense of normalcy in the face of life-altering illnesses.

Nancie emphasizes the importance of being proactive about one’s health and making informed decisions, including advocating for oneself in medical settings. Her advice to others is simple but powerful: "You're in charge." She encourages people to take control of their health decisions and seek support when needed, underscoring the power of a positive mindset and humor in navigating life's most brutal battles.

Nancie’s Links:

● LinkedIn: Nancie Steinberg LinkedIn

Brad Miller’s Links:

Website: https://cancerandcomedy.com/

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

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

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/

In this episode of Cancer and Comedy, hosts Dr. Brad Miller and Deb Krier are joined by Dr. Kelly McLean, a specialist in breast and melanoma cancers, to discuss life beyond cancer treatment. Dr. McLean and her husband, Tom Tressler, co-founded Move Beyond Surviving, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping cancer survivors navigate life's emotional and physical aspects after treatment.

Dr. McLean explains how surviving cancer isn’t just about medical recovery but also about adjusting to a new way of life. She shares her inspiration for Move Beyond Surviving, encouraging participants to explore physical and emotional healing through adventure therapy. By taking cancer survivors on outdoor expeditions like backpacking, rock climbing, and white-water rafting, the organization helps them rediscover strength and resilience. The program allows participants to challenge themselves physically, face their fears, and connect with others who share similar experiences.

Deb Krier, a stage four breast cancer survivor herself, highlights the emotional journey that survivors go through, even after being declared "cancer-free." Dr. McLean reflects on how getting outside, disconnecting from technology, and engaging in physical activities like hiking and rock climbing provide peace and allow cancer survivors to process their emotions and feel empowered once again.

Throughout the episode, Dr. McLean emphasizes the importance of community support and encourages listeners to take one day at a time in their recovery journey. She also discusses the need for Move Beyond Surviving to expand its outreach to more survivors in different areas and invites people to join their events.

This episode reminds us that while cancer may change a person’s life, it doesn’t have to define it. With the right support system and mindset, cancer survivors can thrive and regain their sense of self through physical activity, community, and adventure.

Dr. Kelly McLean’s Links:

● Website: movebeyondsurviving.org

Brad Miller’s Links:

Website: https://cancerandcomedy.com/

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

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