Michael Che Gets an SNL Cue Card Surprise

About this episode

Saturday Night Live’s Michael Che pulls up a chair with Ron Bennington for a conversation about comedy, cancer, caregivers, and finding reasons to laugh when life gets serious. Che talks about the influence of Patrice O’Neal, growing up broke and funny, why laughter helps us process pain, and the strange healing power of getting onstage. Ron opens up about the unexpected fellowship he’s found since his diagnosis—and why having comedians visit him during treatment has become such an important part of PORTCAST. Then Ron has a surprise for Che: SNL’s legendary Wally the Cue Card Guy shows up in the chemo room, cue cards in hand. Portcast is recorded during Ron Bennington's chemotherapy treatment, filmed in an active chemotherapy suite. Some abrupt cuts and unusual visual changes are sometimes necessary to protect the privacy of patients, and staff, and to facilitate Ron’s medical care. SiriusXM host Ron Bennington was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer in March 2026. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.