#29 Surviving Melanoma: Dave Aizer on Resilience, Family, and Finding Meaning in the Small Stuff

Welcome to Curveball, where we dive deep into life's unexpected challenges and discover how to build resilience through real-life stories. In this episode, host Scott Reich sits down with Dave Aizer—television host, public speaking coach, writer, TEDx speaker, and survivor of stage three melanoma. Beyond his on-screen career, Dave Aizer shares the raw and transformative journey that cancer threw his way.

We hear about the anxiety and vulnerability that came with his diagnosis, the physical impacts and mental hurdles—including battling Fry’s Syndrome—and how moments of crisis shaped his perspective on parenthood, purpose, and the power of not sweating the small stuff. Through humor, honesty, and practical advice, this episode explores how to embrace life's curveballs, build strength from adversity, and appreciate the everyday moments that make life truly meaningful.

Listeners Will Learn: 

• “Survivor” doesn’t mean moving on—it means adapting. Dave Aizer talks about anxiety, recovery, and choosing to live fully, even when the past lingers.
• When vulnerability feels impossible, remember: sharing your scars connects you to others. Dave Aizer found power in opening up, not hiding away.
• A cancer diagnosis brought Dave Aizer face-to-face with his deepest fears, but humor helped him reclaim joy. 
• The hardest part of illness? Waiting for answers. Scott Reich and Dave Aizer explore the “in-between”—and the importance of self-compassion.
• Dave Aizer didn’t just survive cancer—he learned to not sweat the small stuff and value every ordinary moment. 
• Grief isn’t linear, and healing doesn’t follow a script. Therapy, community, and kindness can guide you when life knocks you flat.
• Physical scars reshape how we see ourselves. Dave Aizer found acceptance in sharing his story, reminding us that imperfection is still beautiful.
• Parenting after trauma means seeing every moment as precious. Scott Reich and Dave Aizer reflect on legacy, gratitude, and living for today.
• Mindset matters. Positive thinking, reframing anxiety, and asking for help aren’t just clichés—they’re lifelines for real growth.
• Resilience isn’t about being fearless—it’s about showing up, even when you’d rather hide. Every challenge makes you more human, more connected, and a little bit braver.

Key Moments:

(05:29) Mole, Biopsy, Cancer Diagnosis

(08:22) Melanoma Misunderstood: A Personal Story

(11:38) Surgery Saved Career and Life

(15:22) Melanoma Recovery and Anxiety

(18:06) Melanoma Awareness and Prevention Strategies

(21:57) Trauma's Transformative Perspective

(23:18) Perspective on Life's Fragility

(28:16) The Power of Asking Help

(31:59) Embracing Imperfection and Resilience

(35:02) Mind-Body Balance for Health

(37:25) Managing Stress Effectively

(40:27) Positive Prep for Public Speaking

(43:14) Actionable Support for Cancer Journeys