Legendary broadcaster, interviewer, and comedian Ron Bennington invites some of the funniest people alive into the treatment room while he undergoes chemotherapy for Stage IV colon cancer.
Together, they talk about cancer, comedy, friendship, fear, mortality—and everything that makes life worth talking about.
How Portcast Began
When Ron Bennington learned he had advanced Stage IV colon cancer, he made a decision. Instead of keeping it quiet, he opened a door to learned he had advanced Stage IV colon cancer, he made a decision. Instead of keeping it quiet, he opened a door to conversations.
On March 31, just days after learning his diagnosis, Ron and his daughter/co-host Gail Bennington, told listeners of The Bennington Show on SiriusXM what was happening. They spoke honestly about the diagnosis, the uncertainty, the fear, the responsibilities—and immediately knew how to make it a shared experience, that could also be funny.
When Ron started chemotherapy, he knew he needed to bring that same idea to the treatment room. Instead of just having visitors keep him company, he turned on the mics, and brought his comedy friends in to talk.
Portcast is about cancer, but it isn't really about cancer.
It's about what happens when life throws you a curveball.
It's about finding reasons to laugh in dark times.
It's about the people who sit beside you.
It's about friendship, fear, vulnerability, love and allowing people to show up for you.
And sometimes its just about being funny.
Why Portcast
Serious illness changes more than the life of the person who is sick. It changes life for families, friends, caregivers and entire communities.
Portcast doesn’t offer answers or tell anyone how they’re supposed to handle it. It simply makes room for conversations we avoid—and proves there can still be laughter, connection, curiosity and joy in the middle of something frightening.
And if it convinces even one person to get screened for colon cancer, that's a bonus.
About Ron Bennington
Ron Bennington is a legendary broadcaster, comedian and interviewer.
He currently co-hosts Bennington, a live daily radio show on SiriusXM, alongside his daughter, Gail Bennington. Before Bennington, Ron co-hosted the iconic Ron & Fez Show, which began in Florida, before moving to New York City and eventually Satellite Radio. Ron started his radio career as one half of another legendary radio duo with The Ron and Ron Show out of Tampa.
Ron has also spent decades interviewing the most celebrated comedy creators of our time through his acclaimed series, Unmasked, as well as actors, musicians, filmmakers, athletes and cultural figures through Ron Bennington Interviews.
He's also a headlining stand up comedian, who, prior to his diagnosis, regularly performed at the best clubs in New York City and in clubs and theaters around the country.
That history, and the friendships that came along with it, are at the heart of Portcast.