Today, after Asif admits that he saw “Home Alone” for the first time in December 2024, the guys discuss the prolific career of the composer John Williams and the recent documentary on his life “Music by John Williams” (5:33). They discuss his early life and his unusual connection to Newfoundland. They discuss his origins as a jazz pianist, his early career scoring films and his tremendous success after he began collaborating with Steven Spielberg. After discussing William’s family life, Asif does an audio quiz for Ali and the listeners about some of Williams’ famous scores. 

 

Only 4 movies by Steven Spielberg have not been scored by John Williams, and for at least a few of these he was supposedly unable to because of having pacemaker surgery. As such, in the second half, Ali asks Asif about pacemakers (30:54). Asif discusses what they are, as well as the indications. He then goes over the different types of pacing and pacemakers. Asif then discusses how pacemakers are inserted and what you need to avoid if you have one implanted. Finally, Ali asks Asif to clarify the differences between a defibrillator and a pacemaker. 

 

The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.

 

Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay

 

Contact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.com

 

Follow us on Social media:

Twitter: @doctorvcomedian

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Show Notes:

• The Force Is Still Strong with John Williams: https://www.newyorker.com/culture/persons-of-interest/the-force-is-still-strong-with-john-williams

• 4 Surprising Things We Learned From the John Williams Documentary: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/01/movies/john-williams-documentary.html

• ‘Music by John Williams’ Review: Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and More Celebrate the Iconic Composer in a Winning Disney+ Doc: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/music-by-john-williams-review-disney-plus-documentary-1236042750/

• Pacemaker: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/prevention--treatment-of-arrhythmia/pacemaker
• Pacemakers: https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/pacemaker-implant

• Indications and Recommendations for Pacemaker Therapy: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2005/0415/p1563.html

Today, to celebrate 200 episodes, Ali and Asif interview misinformation expert Timothy Caulfield about his new book, ‘The Certainty Illusion: What You Don’t Know and Why It Matters ’. They start off by discussing Tim’s background and how he became involved in the battle against misinformation and how he deals with internet trolls. Ali then asks Tim about certain topics he addresses in his new book including gluten, fresh vs frozen sushi and organic foods. Asif then asks Tim about some topics from his book regarding the Covid-19 pandemic including “white hat bias” and MD hucksters and the raw milk movement. They then touch on the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement and the implications of the appointment of RFK Jr in the Trump administration in the US. Finally they discuss pop culture and the misinformation campaigns against Blake Lively and Amber Heard. 

The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.

 

Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay

 

Contact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.com

 

Follow us on Social media:

Twitter: @doctorvcomedian/

Instagram: doctorvcomedian

 

Show Notes:

• The Certainty Illusion: What You Don't Know and Why It Matters: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/713451/the-certainty-illusion-by-timothy-caulfield/9780735245884

• Who Trolled Amber? https://www.tortoisemedia.com/listen/who-trolled-amber

• What to know about the Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni drama: Legal complaint, PR accusations and more: https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/blake-lively-justin-baldoni-it-ends-us-lawsuit-what-know-rcna185274

After a brief discussion about plane crashes and measles outbreaks, Asif and Ali preview the upcoming 97th annual Academy Awards. taking place on March 2, 2025 (no medical topic this episode). After discussing the amazing score for ‘Conclave’, the guys go over their Oscar picks in the following categories: Original and Adapted Screenplay, Best Director, Best Supporting Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Actress, Best Actor and Best Picture. In the course of their conversation they also go into detail on the controversies regarding the film ‘Emilia Perez’. 

The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions. 

 

Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay

 

Contact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.com

 

Follow us on Social media:

Twitter: @doctorvcomedian

Instagram:  doctorvcomedian

 

Show Notes:

• 'Emilia Pérez' is winning awards. Why is it causing controversy, too? https://www.today.com/popculture/movies/emilia-perez-controversy-explained-rcna186937

• Journalist Who Uncovered Karla Sofía Gascón’s Racist Tweets Explains Why She Looked for Them: ‘I’m Not a Studio Plant’: https://variety.com/2025/film/awards/journalist-sarah-hagi-discovered-karla-sofia-gascon-tweets-1236293396/

Today Asif and Ali discuss the Oscar nominated movie “The Substance” (1:44) (mild spoilers follow). They discuss the overall genre of body horror and the classic Canadian filmmaker David Cronenberg and how the end of the substance is similar to the end of ‘The Fly’. They then chat about how ‘The Substance’ was developed by acclaimed director Coralie Fargeat. They discuss the cast –  including an award winning turn by Demi Moore – and the superb make up and special effects. They also briefly discuss some alleged conflict on the set. The guys then sum up their thoughts on the movie. 

 

Then Ali asks Asif about botulinum toxin (Botox) (23:05) . Asif discusses first what botulism is and how humans can be infected with it, especially in infants. He then discusses the toxin specifically, and chats about what it is, how it works and its use in cosmetic procedures as well as medical procedures. Asif then discusses the risks of the procedure and the costs. 

 

The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.

 

Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay

 

Contact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.com

 

Follow us on Social media:

Twitter: @doctorvcomedian

Instagram: doctorvcomedian

 

Show Notes:

• Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley recall 'brutal,' bloody shoot for grotesque horror film The Substance: 'Can't f---ing move': https://ew.com/demi-moore-the-substance-brutal-shoot-prosthetics-blood-preview-8713538

• The Brains Behind ‘The Substance:’ How Coralie Fargeat Stayed True to Her Gutsy Vision: ‘Everyone Wanted Me to Make It Less Violent, Less Excessive’: https://variety.com/2025/film/global/the-substance-coralie-fargeat-oscars-1236289808/

• If You Thought Demi Moore’s Transformation Was Crazy in ‘The Substance,’ Wait Til You Hear How They Did It: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/demi-moore-the-substance-crazy-scenes-1236062561/

• Inside Elisabeth’s Transformation Into ‘Gollum’ and ‘Monstro’ in ‘The Substance’: https://www.indiewire.com/features/craft/the-substance-prosthetic-designer-gollum-monstro-interview-1235051839/

• Demi Moore filmed 45 ‘very difficult' takes of ‘heart-wrenching’ scene in The Substance: ‘Got to a point where I… https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/hollywood/demi-moore-filmed-45-very-difficult-takes-of-heart-wrenching-scene-in-the-substance-got-to-a-point-where-i-101725428808345-amp.html

• Botulinum Toxin: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557387/

• Botox: Cosmetic and medical uses: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/158647#medical-uses

• Botulinum Toxin Injection for Facial Wrinkles: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2014/0801/p168.html

After a truly inane discussion about ‘back slashes’ vs ‘forward slashes’, the guys discuss the career of the late Christopher Reeve and the recent documentary on his life ‘Superman / Man’ (2:41). They discuss Reeve’s early career, his studies at Julliard and his iconic role as Superman. They then discuss his tragic horseback riding accident and how he was left with significant spinal cord injuries. They then talk about his advocacy work in the latter part of his life and his death in 2004. They then give their thoughts on the documentary itself. 

 

Then Ali asks Asif in more detail about spinal cord injuries (30:19). Asif starts of with defining spinal cord injuries and how common they are. He then talks about the causes, symptoms and the immediate treatment.  Ali then asks Asif about the prognosis and long term treatment. Finally, Asif discusses promising new experimental treatments for spinal cord injury. 

The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.

 

Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay

 

Contact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.com

 

Follow us on Social media:

Twitter: @doctorvcomedian

Instagram: doctorvcomedian

 

Show Notes:

• Dynamite Magazine: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamite_(magazine)

• ‘Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story’ Review: A Superbly Made and Supremely Moving Portrait of the Actor’s Fall and Rise: https://variety.com/2024/film/reviews/super-man-the-christopher-reeve-story-review-1235881449/

• Christopher Reeve's son recalls the Superman actor's powerful Oscars appearance following accident: https://ew.com/christopher-reeve-son-recalls-superman-actor-powerful-oscars-speech-after-accident-8547131

• A Superman, on- and off-screen: how Christopher Reeves defied Chile’s junta:https://chiletoday.cl/a-superman-on-and-off-screen-how-christopher-reeves-defied-pinochet/

• Man and Superman: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1126178/

• Spinal Cord Injuries: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK560721/

• Management of Acute Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: A Review of the Literature: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/surgery/articles/10.3389/fsurg.2021.698736/full

• Brain Implants Allow Paralyzed Man to Walk Using His Thoughts: https://web.archive.org/web/20230726205430/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/24/science/paralysis-brain-implants-ai.html

Today, Ali and Asif discuss the career of comedian Anthony Jeselnik and his special ‘Bones and All’ (1:54). They discuss his early life, when they first saw him (Ali actually met him person!) and an insightful interview with Jeselnik in ‘Cracked Magazine’. They discuss Jeselnik’s success as well as his admiration for Norm MacDonald. 

 

The guys then discuss (31:31) psychopathy and antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) (NB Jeselnik does a dark character on stage, but does not have psychopathy or ASPD). Asif starts off with ASPD and discusses what it is and about how conduct disorder in childhood is related. Asif talks about how common it is and the prevalence in the prison population. Asif goes over the diagnostic criteria as well as the treatment and prognosis. Asif then briefly discusses how psychopathy is slightly different and also discusses the concept of ‘corporate psychopaths’. 

 

The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.

 

Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay

 

Contact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.com

 

Follow us on Social media:

Twitter: @doctorvcomedian

Instagram: doctorvcomedian

 

Show Notes:

• Anthony Jeselnik Is Evolving. But He’s Not Losing His Edge: https://www.cracked.com/article_44517_anthony-jeselnik-is-evolving-but-hes-not-losing-his-edge.html

• Anthony Jeselnik Attacks Modern Comedians: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/3W-VCMzXhM8?feature=share

• Antisocial Personality Disorder: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546673/

• What is the difference between sociopathy and psychopathy? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/psychopath-vs-sociopath#psychopathy

• Psychopathic, Sociopathic, or Antisocial Personality? https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/tyrannical-minds/201907/psychopathic-sociopathic-or-antisocial-personality

Groundbreaking director David Lynch passed away recently, so today Asif and Ali review his career (4:17). They review his classic movies and television shows including Eraserhead, The Elephant Man, Dune, Blue Velvet, Twin Peaks, Wild at Heart, Lost Highway, Mulholland Drive, and Twin Peaks: the Return. They discuss his legacy as well as the tributes that poured in after his death. They discuss his battle with emphysema and in the second half, Ali asks Asif about this disease (39:37). Asif talks about what emphysema is, how common it is and the main symptoms. He then discusses how it is diagnosed and the utility of pulmonary function tests. He then goes over the treatment and prognosis. 

 

The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.

 

Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay

 

Contact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.com

 

Follow us on Social media:

Twitter: @doctorvcomedian

Instagram: doctorvcomedian

 

Show Notes:

• Why a unionized warehouse in Quebec posed a threat to Amazon: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/unionized-amazon-warehouse-quebec-concern-1.7441043

• Amazon Unleashed Flood of Water on Striking Workers, Say Teamsters: https://inthesetimes.com/article/amazon-flooded-striking-workers-say-teamsters

• Union: https://www.unionthefilm.com/

• David Lynch, Auteur Drawn to the Dark and the Dreamlike, Dies at 78: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/david-lynch-blue-velvet-mulholland-drive-1236110711/

• David Lynch, Visionary Director of ‘Twin Peaks’ and ‘Blue Velvet,’ Dies at 78: https://variety.com/2025/film/news/david-lynch-dead-director-blue-velvet-twin-peaks-1236276106/

• How David Lynch Became and Icon of Cinema: https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-front-row/how-david-lynch-became-an-icon-of-cinema

• Mulholland Drive: https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/mulholland-drive-2001

• The world's 40 best directors: https://www.theguardian.com/film/features/page/0,11456,1082823,00.html

• Kyle MacLachlan: How David Lynch Invented Me:https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/19/opinion/kyle-maclachlan-david-lynch.html

• Steven Spielberg Honors David Lynch as Hollywood Mourns a Film Icon: ‘The World Is Going to Miss Such an Original and Unique Voice’: https://web.archive.org/web/20250116221206/https://variety.com/2025/film/news/david-lynch-remembered-steven-spielberg-1236276104/

• The Fabelmans 2022 Final Scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4BAY9ERJow

• David Lynch Started Smoking at Age 8 — Now He Needs Oxygen to Walk: 'It's a Big Price to Pay': https://people.com/david-lynch-smoking-at-age-8-now-he-needs-oxygen-copd-exclusive-8743594

• Emphysema: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482217/

FEV1 and COPD: How to Interpret Your Results: https://www.healthline.com/health/fev1-copd

Today, in anticipation of its second season, Asif and Ali discuss the hit Apple TV+ show ‘Severance’ (1:49). They discuss the development of the show, creator Dan Erickson and producer/director Ben Stiller. After several tangents the guys go over the cast, including Adam Scott, the plot and the production design of the show. They give their overall thoughts on season 1 and then Asif discusses the first episode of season 2. 

 

Then Ali asks Asif about memory (34:35). Asif talks about how memory is organized, the different types of memory and why forgetting is often due to a lack of attention. He then discusses different types of amnesia. After discussing why we make so many errors with our memory, Asif then discusses what we can do to improve our memory. 

The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.

 

Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay

 

Contact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.com

 

Follow us on Social media:

Twitter: @doctorvcomedian

Instagram: doctorvcomedian

 

Show Notes:

• Ben Stiller on ‘Severance,’ Selling Out and Being Jewish Today: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/11/magazine/ben-stiller-interview.html

• The Hollywood Slog That Led Adam Scott to “Severance”: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2024/12/30/adam-scott-profile

• Adam Scott on the ‘innies’ and ‘outies’ of Severance Season 2: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/television/article-adam-scott-on-the-innies-and-outies-of-severance-season-2/

• How Memory Works and 6 Tips to Improve It: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-memory-works-and-6-tips-to-improve-it/

• Comic explainer: how memory works: https://theconversation.com/comic-explainer-how-memory-works-64485

• Learning and memory: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4248571/

• The Neuroscience of Memory: Implications for the Courtroom: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4183265/

• Preventing Alzheimer's Disease: What Do We Know? https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/preventing-alzheimers-disease-what-do-we-know

• Alzheimer's prevention: Does it exist? https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/expert-answers/alzheimers-prevention/faq-20058140

• Memory: https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/memory

Today Asif and Ali catchup on news from the first few weeks of January. They start off by discussing Nikki Glaser and her Golden Globes performance (2:38). They discuss a recent New York Times article about her process and how she practiced her set in front of comedy club crowds over 90 times. They also discuss Conan O’Brien’s thoughts on Nikki Glaser’s work ethic. 

 

Then Asif asks Ali about Ali being the host of Canada’s New Year’s Eve Celebration on the CBC with Ian Hanomansing, Adrienne Arsenault and Jann Arden (19:38). Ali talks about the huge viewership for the broadcast, the stresses of live TV and hosting for hours at a time. 

 

Finally Ali asks Asif about the recent Norovirus outbreaks (35:00). Asit talks about what it is, how contagious it is and how it is (easily) transmitted. He then goes over the symptoms, treatment and when to go to the ER. 

The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.

 

Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay

 

Contact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.com

 

Follow us on Social media:

Twitter: @doctorvcomedian

Instagram: doctorvcomedian

 

Show Notes:

• Nikki Glaser Wants to Kill as Host of the Globes. Is She Overthinking It?: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/03/arts/television/nikki-glaser-golden-globes-host.html

• Comic Nikki Glaser On Roasts & Hurt Feelings: https://www.npr.org/2025/01/03/1222640157/nikki-glaser-roast

• Nikki Glaser Tells the Jokes She Didn’t Use at the Golden Globes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i33-r26oFuY

• Nikki Glaser on the Changes to Her Golden Globes Jokes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUgYWf8yfeA

• Conan Thinks Nikki Glaser Did The Greatest Roast Of All Time |

•  Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyI5wvRCfF8

• CBC resurrects plans for live New Year’s Eve broadcast specials: https://www.agassizharrisonobserver.com/national-news/cbc-resurrects-plans-for-live-new-years-eve-broadcast-specials-7705391

• Norovirus cases are on the rise. Here's what you need to know about this nasty bug: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/whitecoat/norovirus-cases-are-on-the-rise-here-s-what-you-need-to-know-about-this-nasty-bug-1.7427355

• University of Guelph sees positive norovirus test as 190 report feeling ill: https://globalnews.ca/news/10954192/university-of-guelph-norovirus/

• https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/food-poisoning/norovirus/health-professionals.html

• Norovirus: For health professionals: https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/certain-taylor-shellfish-canada-ulc-brand-oysters-recalled-due-norovirus-0

• Norovirus: https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/index.html; https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/prevention/index.html

Happy New Year!! Today the guys discuss the career of actor and comedian Jamie Foxx (1:10). The guys discuss his early life and start in stand up comedy. They then discuss his breakout in ‘In Living Color’ and subsequent movie roles including in ‘Any Given Sunday’, ‘Collateral’, ‘Ali’ and ‘Ray’ and his TV show ‘The Jamie Foxx Show’. They then discuss his recent health issues which are discussed in his new special ‘...What Had Happened Was’. They guys recap the special, Jamie’s brain bleed and stroke and his rehab. They discuss the emotional aspects of the special, the comedy, the music and the frequent mentions of religion. 

 

In the subsequent section, Ali asks Asif about brain bleeds (32:23). Asif goes over what they are and how these are essential hemorrhagic strokes. He talks about how common they are and the most frequent underlying causes. He then discusses the common symptoms and how they are diagnosed. Asif then goes over the treatment as well as possible surgical options. Asif then talks about the poor prognosis of brain bleeds and how prevention is the key. 

 

The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.

 

Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay

 

Contact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.com

 

Follow us on Social media:

Twitter: @doctorvcomedian

Instagram: doctorvcomedian

 

Show Notes:

• LL Cool J and Jamie Foxx hated each other during ‘Any Given Sunday’: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/why-ll-cool-j-and-jamie-foxx-hated-each-other-during-any-given-sunday/

• JAMIE FOXX DESTROYS Comedian | I'm Your Conscience: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDBMWmurIUk

• Jamie Foxx Reveals He Had ‘Brain Bleed That Led to a Stroke’ in Emotional Netflix Special: ‘I Don’t Remember 20 Days: https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/jamie-foxx-netflix-special-brain-bleed-stroke-1236244285

• Cerebral Hemorrhage: Pathophysiology, Treatment, and Future Directions: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.121.319949#sec-4

• Hemorrhagic Stroke: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559173/