Planning in Pencil: A Cancer Patient's Guide to the New Year

Planning in Pencil: A Cancer Patient's Guide to the New Year

Author: Dr. Brad Miller January 7, 2026 Duration: 33:00

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/


There's a particular kind of alchemy that happens when serious things meet sincere laughter, and that's the space where you'll find Cancer and Comedy: Helping Cancer Impacted People to Cope with Hope and Humor. Hosted by Dr. Brad Miller, this podcast emerged from a deeply personal place. Fresh into retirement after 43 years as a pastor, Brad received a prostate cancer diagnosis during the Christmas season of 2022. His instinctive reaction-to laugh as a way to keep from crying-sparked a mission. Each episode is built on the belief that those touched by cancer are not done living, and that facing the grim with a grin is a powerful form of resilience. You'll hear conversations that blend candid stories from the cancer journey with a genuine, often surprising, sense of humor. It’s not about dismissing the difficulty, but about discovering pockets of light and levity within it. Brad brings his unique perspective as both a longtime spiritual guide and a current patient, creating dialogues that are as educational about mental and physical wellness as they are uplifting. This isn't a lecture; it's a companionable audio experience for anyone seeking to fortify their spirit with hope and an honest, sometimes healing, laugh. Tune in for a podcast that redefines strength, proving that coping can be a creative, and even comedic, act of self-improvement.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Cancer and Comedy: Helping Cancer Impacted People to Cope with Hope and Humor
Podcast Episodes
Living Fully: Bucket Lists for Cancer Fighters and Thrivers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:17
Have you ever thought about your bucket list? What are the things you want to accomplish or experience before you "kick the bucket"?A cancer diagnosis can be a wake-up call, forcing us to confront our mortality and reeva…
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Are you struggling with the emotional and physical toll of cancer? Do you feel trapped in sterile hospital rooms, longing for a breath of fresh air? The healing power of nature may be the missing piece in your recovery j…
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Duration: 28:34
Have you ever struggled to find the right words when a friend or family member is diagnosed with cancer? Do you worry about saying the wrong thing or unintentionally causing more distress? Many people feel paralyzed by t…
What Not to Say to A Person with Cancer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:14
In this episode, Dr. Brad Miller and Deb Krier discuss the inappropriate things people often say to cancer patients. They share personal experiences and provide insights on approaching conversations with empathy and sens…
How Laughter and Humor Help Heal Cancer Patients and Their Families [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:40
Are you struggling with a difficult life situation, such as a health crisis, the loss of a loved one, or just feeling weighed down by the struggles of daily life? It's easy to get bogged down in negativity and lose your…
Jim Gaffigan on Comedy and Cancer: Turning Grim into Grins [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:38
Deb Krier is the Co-Host of the Cancer and Comedy Podcast, where they aim to heal cancer impacted people through hope and humor. In this episode, Deb and Dr. Brad focuses on how professional comedians like Jim Gaffigan a…