The Stupid Cancer Show
The Stupid Cancer Show (2007–2018) was the original voice of young adult cancer. Hosted by Matthew Zachary, it ran 400+ raw, unfiltered episodes tackling cancer, politics, mental health, and survivorship with zero sugarcoating. It built a movement, ended isolation, and gave Gen X and Millennial patients a mic—and a megaphone. Miss it? Start here: stupidcancer.org
Recent Episodes
#406: PREGNANT WITH CANCER
One of the things that make young adult cancer so unique is that you can be diagnosed while pregnant, which is something that doesn't happen when you're 8 or 80. Joining us to discuss the trials and tribulations of facing a cancer diagnosis and treatment while pregnant are Amanda Albritton and Cass…
#405: BE YOUR BEST ADVOCATE
Ariella Chivil is a self-described “patient turned oncology geek.” Ariella joins us to talk about being a champion for patient advocacy, and her work with leading organizations such as the Cancer Research Institute to share her immunotherapy success story. Survivor Spotlight on young adult cancer s…
#404: CANCER & HR
Navigating your HR department can be tricky even when you don't have cancer. Young adult survivor of Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Jennifer Benz (CEO at Benz Communications) joins us to talk about communicating with Human Resources, understanding your benefits and rights – and making HR work for you. See P…
#403: WHAT DO I TELL MY KIDS?
Mommy has cancer. Daddy has cancer. How do you talk to your kids? Sharing information about what's going on with your health on an age- appropriate level with your young children is incredibly important and can be overwhelmingly challenging. Jackie Woods (LMSW) joins us to discuss how to start conv…
#402: BRAVE NEW WEED
Joe Dolce, former editor-in-chief of Details and Star magazines, traveled the world to the new frontier of cannabis, shedding light on everything you didn’t know about weed (and didn’t even think to ask) for his new book "Brave New Weed". Joe joins us to discuss his book and get real about the cann…
#401: FROM CANCER PROFESSIONAL TO CANCER PATIENT
Despite Marloe Esch's professional experience as an oncology nurse, navigating her own breast cancer diagnosis at 29 was mystifying and lonely. Marloe joins us to discuss the transition from nurse to patient, getting treated by co-workers, and how she is continually looking for ways to support surv…
About the Host
Founder & Host
Dubbed "The People's Voice in Healthcare" by People Magazine, Matthew Zachary turned a brain cancer diagnosis at 21 into a global movement for patient empowerment. He beat the odds and became a powerhouse advocate for patient rights, giving a voice to millions overlooked by traditional healthcare.
As the founder of Stupid Cancer, he launched the young adult cancer movement, pioneering a new era of patient advocacy. In 2007, he created The Stupid Cancer Show—the first-ever healthcare talk radio show before podcasts were even a thing—building a global community for cancer survivors.
His groundbreaking podcast Out of Patients and the award-winning documentary The Cancer Mavericks cemented him as the "Podfather of Healthcare" and one of the most trusted, irreverent voices in the industry.
Now, as Principal of Matthew Zachary Worldwide, he leads a media, consulting, and think tank agency disrupting healthcare marketing with bold, empathy-driven storytelling. His work spans digital health, life sciences, entertainment, and nonprofit advocacy—challenging the system, amplifying patient voices, and driving real change.
With millions of downloads, hundreds of keynotes, and a sharp GenX edge that blends wit with wisdom, Matthew empowers patients to reclaim their stories while helping organizations embrace authentic, lived-experience storytelling.
Matthew is also... still standing.