When Cancer Strikes, Comedy Heals

When Cancer Strikes, Comedy Heals

Author: Dr. Brad Miller July 31, 2025 Duration: 22:22

When cancer struck, most people expected Eyal Eltawil to fall apart. Instead, he picked up a microphone. In this episode of the Cancer and Comedy podcast, Dr. Brad Miller and Deb Krier share the story of Eyal, an Israeli stand-up comedian who turned his stage IV cancer diagnosis into a full-on comedy special—and then a TED Talk. His motto? “When cancer strikes, comedy heals.” 

Rather than hide from the fear, Eyal gave it a name—literally. He called his cancer “Simon,” giving his illness a personality he could roast on stage. With just a 5% chance of survival, he chose to document everything, even the darkest moments with his oncologist, as a way to process and share the rollercoaster of living with cancer. His journey is raw, hilarious, and unexpectedly uplifting. 

Eyal’s approach wasn’t just about jokes—it was about perspective. He refused to let cancer define him. He wasn’t a “sick person,” but a person with a sickness. He believed in healing through humor, finding meaning in the madness, and showing that even in the worst circumstances, there’s room for joy. 

The episode dives into why laughter, vulnerability, and connection matter in the face of serious illness. It’s a powerful reminder that hope doesn’t have to be quiet—and sometimes, the best way to fight cancer is with a punchline. Tune in to hear how Eyal’s story proves that humor isn’t a distraction from healing—it can be the very heart of it. 

Website: https://cancerandcomedy.com/ 

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

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1eWJCkSrGcmh2QX4flQiWW 

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

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

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


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
Turning Pain Into Play: Laughter Yoga and Healing with Cathy Nesbitt [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:07
On this episode of Cancer and Comedy, Dr. Brad Miller talks with Cathy Nesbitt, a health and wellness advocate and laughter yoga teacher from CathysClub.com, about how intentional laughter, energy techniques, and even wo…
Man Up to Cancer: Tim McDonald on Breaking the Silence for Men. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:19
Tim McDonald is Dr. Brad Miller’s guest on an episode of “The Beyond Adversity Podcast.” Tim is a speaker, community builder, and advocate who uses his story to encourage others facing serious health challenges and perso…