Ep. 271: Surviving Cancer Sucks — But So Does Pretending You're Back to Normal | Edward Miskie

What happens after the cancer is gone? For actor, filmmaker, author, and cancer survivor Edward Miskie, the answer is: the hardest part. In this raw, deeply honest, and at times hilarious conversation, Edward joins Zach to talk about being diagnosed with lymphoma at 24 while performing in Hairspray in Reno, Nevada — a tumor the size of a grapefruit growing under his arm, costumes being let out to fit around it — and what came after surviving the unsurvivable. Edward pulls zero punches. He talks about drinking his way through chemo, swimming in the ocean during radiation and getting a parasite, and the moment he thought his life was actually over. But the conversation goes even deeper into what he calls surviving cancer sucks — that devastating, disorienting realization that "back to normal" is a lie. That the person you were before cancer is gone. That while you were in treatment fighting to stay alive, the rest of the world just... kept going. Edward also shares the story behind his acclaimed documentary short Back to Normal, which has won Best Story at the Toronto and Los Angeles Documentary Short Film Festival, and why he made it — to finally have the conversation no one was having about life after cancer. He talks about the Remission Film Festival he founded in New York City (the only film festival of its kind, focused on creators impacted by cancer), his book Cancer, Musical Theater, and Other Chronic Illnesses, and what he tells anyone who's still pretending they're fine: stop it and swing for the fences. This is one of those conversations where Zach forgot he was even recording a podcast. Episode Notes: 🎬 About Edward Miskie: Edward Miskie is a New York-based actor, filmmaker, author, and cancer survivor. Diagnosed with lymphoma in 2011 while performing in regional theater, he went on to build a second life defined by radical honesty, creative audacity, and a refusal to pretend everything is fine. 📽️ Back to Normal — Edward's documentary short film, currently on the film festival circuit. Watch for upcoming screenings and future distribution. Keep up with Edward on social media for details. 🎟️ Remission Film Festival — The only film festival focused on creators impacted by cancer. Held annually in New York City, with live streaming available. This past April featured 14 films, 35 submissions from across the globe, and raised money for Blood Cancer United. remissionfilmfestival.com (confirm URL with Edward) 📚 Cancer, Musical Theater, and Other Chronic Illnesses — Edward's book about diagnosis, survivorship, and coming out the other side — set against the backdrop of musical theater. Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Learn more about Edward https://www.edwardmiskie.com/ https://www.instagram.com/edwardmiskie Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.