Finding Light in the Shadows: Rock Bands and Resilience Through Cancer with Author John W. Pattison
About this episode
Dr. Brad Miller interviews John W. Pattison about his life with stage IV Hodgkin lymphoma and the role of music and storytelling in his journey.
On this episode of the Cancer and Comedy Podcast, Dr. Brad Miller sits down with author, retired senior cancer nurse, and lifelong “rock-and-roll kid” John W. Pattison to explore what it means to live a rich, meaningful life over 51 years of stage IV Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple relapses, and deep emotional and spiritual struggle. Diagnosed at 18 with a rare, advanced Hodgkin lymphoma in northeast England—and told more than once he wouldn’t survive—John has gone on to become a senior cancer nurse specialist, award‑winning memoirist, children’s author, and honorary member of the Lakota Sioux Nation. In this conversation, he shares how cancer has undeniably shaped him, but never defined him. This episode walks through John’s remarkable story, including: A lifetime of cancer and relapse – Diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma as a teenager, told his chances were slim, and has lived for decades with the physical and psychological impact. Music as medicine – Found escape and strength in the space‑rock band Hawkwind, eventually joining their road crew and performing “Ten Seconds of Forever,” his spoken‑word piece about hearing “you have cancer.” Storytelling and children’s books –…
People in this episode
Host: Dr. Brad Miller
Guest: John W. Pattison
Topics covered
- cancer resilience
- music therapy
- storytelling
- children's literature
- spiritual inspiration
- personal narrative
Keywords
- Hodgkin lymphoma
- cancer
- resilience
- music
- storytelling
- children's books
- Lakota Sioux
- emotional healing
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Hawkwind, Lakota Sioux Nation
Places: northeast England, Wounded Knee, Pine Ridge Reservation
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