Today Ali and Asif discuss the career of the man, the myth, the legend, ‘The Boss’ Bruce Springsteen (2:03). They start off by discussing his early life growing up in New Jersey, his working class background, and how he feels somewhat like a ‘fraud’. Then they talk about his nickname ‘The Boss’ and how people call out “Bruuuuce” in his concerts. The guys then discuss famous covers of his songs and other trivia about Springsteen (Ali also tells a story about meeting Jake Clemons, from the E Street Band). They then each go over their favorite ‘hidden gems’ from Bruce Springsteen’s catalog.  

Then Ali asks Asif about peptic ulcer disease (34:35), since Springsteen had to cancel several dates on his current tour because of complications of this disorder. Asif talks about what it is, how common it is and the main things that contribute to it, namely non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and infection with the bacteria Helicobacter Pylori. Asif then talks about the presenting symptoms and how your doctor would test for it. He then goes over the treatment for peptic ulcer disease. 

The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of a ny 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:

• Springsteen on Broadway: https://www.netflix.com/ca/title/80232329

• Springsteen on Broadway review – joy and glory as the Boss unveils his flaws https: //www.theguardian.com/music/2017/oct/13/bruce-springsteen-review-walter-kerr-theatre-broadway-new-york

• Bruce Springsteen's 3 Kids: Everything to Know: https://people.com/parents/all-about-bruce-springsteen-kids/

• How ‘Blinded by the Light’ Brought Bruce Springsteen’s Music to the Screen for a Song : https://variety.com/2019/film/news/blinded-by-the-light-movie-bruce-springsteen-music-director-gurinder-chadha-interview-1203304893/

• Peptic Ulcer Disease: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534792/

• Peptic Ulcer Perforated: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538326/

• Peptic Ulcer Disease: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/181753-overview

Today Ali and Asif discuss the life and career of singer and actress Selena Gomez (0:54). They start off by discussing her start with children’s shows and movies, including her involvement with the Disney Channel. They talk about her philanthropy and their favourite songs of Selena’s. Ali and Asif then discuss Selena’s recent TV successes including ‘Selena + Chef’ and ‘Only Murders in the Building’. Then then discuss the documentary on Selena’s life from last year’s ‘Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me’, on Apple TV+. The guys then talk about Selena’s health struggles with both bipolar disease and lupus. Then then do a deep dive into lupus (30:49) and discuss what it is, how it got its name and what causes it. Asif talks about how lupus is “the great mimicker” how how it can cause virtually any symptom in medicine. He then discusses how it is diagnosed and treated. 

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:

• Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me review: a fascinating and frustrating pop doc: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2022/nov/03/selena-gomez-my-mind-me-review-a-fascinating-and-frustrating-pop-doc

• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535405/

• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Diagnosis and Treatment: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2023/0400/systemic-lupus-erythematosus.html

• An Overview of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Pathogenesis, Classification, and Management: https://www.cureus.com/articles/114743-an-overview-of-systemic-lupus-erythematosus-sle-pathogenesis-classification-and-management#!/

Last month, Paul Reubens, aka Pee Wee Herman passed away; for today's episode the guys review his life and career (1:10). They discuss his early background and his involvement with the Groundlings Comedy troupe. They then discuss the creation of the Pee Wee Herman character and Phil Hartman’s involvement with its development. They talk about how the character went on to a hit stage show in Los Angeles. They then talk about his cult hit movie “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure” and the involvement of director Tim Burton and composer Danny Elfman. The guys then discuss creation and success of “Pee Wee’s Playhouse”. They conclude by discussing his legacy as well as his unfortunate arrest in 1991 for indecent exposure. 

Then Ali asks Asif about hernias (30:08) (and Ali also asks if he himself has a hernia). Asif defines the term hernia and discusses the different types, especially inguinal hernias which are the most common type in middle ages men (like Ali). They discuss the common symptoms as well as complications of hernias such as incarcerated or strangulated hernias. 

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:

• Collider interview with Paul Reubens: https://collider.com/paul-reubens-pee-wees-big-holiday-gotham-interview/

• Tim Burton Pays Tribute To Paul Reubens Who “Helped Me At The Beginning Of My Career”; “I’ll Never Forget”: https://deadline.com/2023/07/tim-burton-tribute-paul-reubens-pee-wees-big-adventure-1235451666/

• Comedy - Special - Carl Reiner Hosts Young Comedian - Pee Wee Herman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YRJEN5OsP4

• The Pee-Wee Herman Show - Live at the Roxy Theater 1981: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbhZZnIRPOI

• Bone of Contention - Spirit of the West: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVNmyi7eDi8

• Abdominal Hernias: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/189563-overview

• Inguinal Hernia: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513332/

• Inguinal Hernias: Diagnosis and Management: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2020/1015/p487.html

Asif and Ali are back! After their brief hiatus over August, they return with a new episode. They start off by recapping what they did this past summer. Then, they each discuss their favorite entertainment from the summer of 2023 (4:33) (MILD SPOILERS AHEAD). Asif heaps praise on movies such as Oppenheimer, The Flash, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. He also discusses TV from this past summer including The Bear, What We Do in the Shadows, Harley Quinn, Fubar and Severance. Then Ali talks about what he caught up on over the summer including Succession, Never Have I Ever, The Sex Lives of College Girls, and The Marvelous Ms Maisel. He also praises the new novel ‘A History of Burning’.  

In the second half of the show, Ali asks Asif about melatonin (25:11). Asif talks about the hormone, how it was discovered, and the main uses (for which there is scientific evidence). He then talks about the increased use of melatonin over time as well as children being inadvertently exposed to melatonin. He then discusses how many melatonin products contain too little or too much melatonin or contain other substances such as cannabidiol or serotonin. Then Asif briefly discusses other methods to improve sleep without melatonin. 

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:

• A Timeline of Ezra Miller's Recent Controversies: https://people.com/movies/ezra-miller-controversy-timeline/

• Melatonin: Pharmacology, Functions and Therapeutic Benefits: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5405617/

• Is Melatonin the “Next Vitamin D”?: A Review of Emerging Science, Clinical Uses, Safety, and Dietary Supplements

https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/19/3934

• Evidence for the efficacy of melatonin in the treatment of primary adult sleep disorders: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1087079216300545

• Melatonin for the prevention and treatment of jet lag: https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD001520/abstract

• Using melatonin for sleep is on the rise, study says, despite potential health harms: https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/using-melatonin-for-sleep-is-on-the-rise-study-says-despite-potential-health-harms-1.6428139

• Potentially dangerous doses of melatonin and CBD found in gummies sold for sleep: https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/25/health/melatonin-gummies-wellness/index.html

• Quantity of Melatonin and CBD in Melatonin Gummies Sold in the US: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2804077?guestAccessKey=b7ac1490-fafb-4eaf-b260-70504ef15062&utm_source=For_The_Media&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=ftm_links&utm_content=tfl&utm_term=042523

• Trends in Use of Melatonin Supplements Among US Adults, 1999-2018: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2788539

To start the episode, Ali and Asif discuss the controversy surrounding country singer Miranda Lambert chastising concertgoers for taking selfies (0:48). Then, after a brief digression on Dana Carvey’s Joe Biden impression, Asif asks Ali about the surprise hit TV show ‘Jury Duty’ (10:32). They discuss the background of the show and how it is a combination of ‘The Office’ and ‘The Joe Schmo Show’. They then discuss how the show did not make much of a splash when it first debuted, but then gained buzz via TikTok. Ali and Asif then discuss the show’s reception and  their thoughts on the show. They then discuss the Emmy nominations the show has received, including James Marsden for best supporting actor…for playing himself. Then the guys RE-discuss artificial sweeteners because of a new press-release issued by the WHO on the possible carcinogenic effects of aspartame (37:45). Asif explains how it was a joint press release, highlighting findings about   aspartame are released today by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). Overall, Asif explains how the IARC found “limited evidence” for carcinogenicity in humans aand classified aspartame as possibly carcinogenic to humans. He then explains that JECFA reaffirmed the acceptable daily intake of 40 mg/kg body weight (ie an adult weighing 70kg would need to consume more than 9–14 cans per day to exceed the acceptable daily intake). Asif clarifies how  the agencies’ statements are "complementary" in that the two groups work differently, and have a different aim: while IARC flags a potential hazard based on even limited evidence, JECFA assesses the real-life risk.

A reminder that the pod will be taking a month off in August. Look for new episodes coming your way on Sept 8, 2023!

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:

• • Miranda Lambert has a point: https://www.avclub.com/miranda-lambert-scolds-fans-at-show-backlash-1850651000

  • How Jury Duty Orchestrated the Trial of a Lifetime: https://www.vulture.com/article/jury-duty-interview.html

  • How 'Jury Duty' completely faked a trial in real courtroom with a narcissistic James Marsden: https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2023/04/08/jury-duty-feevee-series-fakes-civil-trial-james-marsden/11610571002/

• Their Show Flew Under the Radar. TikTok Blew It Up: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/08/arts/television/jury-duty-freevee.html

• How Jury Duty became the surprise comedy breakout of the year: https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2023/jul/17/show-jury-duty-amazon-freevee-tiktok

• What is aspartame and what do the new WHO rulings mean? https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/what-is-aspartame-what-do-new-who-rulings-cancer-consumption-mean-2023-07-13/

• Opinion: What the WHO aspartame findings mean for your diet: https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/21/opinions/aspartame-sweetener-diet-world-health-organization-branca/index.html

• Does Aspartame Cause Cancer or Is It Safe to Consume? The Latest Evidence About the Artificial Sweetener: https://time.com/6294701/aspartame-cancer-sweetener-studies/

• Ninety-sixth meeting - Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA): https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/ninety-sixth-meeting-joint-fao-who-expert-committee-on-food-additives-(jecfa)

• IARC Monographs Hazard Classification: https://www.iarc.who.int/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/IARC_MONO_classification_2023_updated.png

• Carcinogenicity of aspartame, methyleugenol, and isoeugenol: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(23)00341-8/fulltext

• Summary of findings of the evaluation of aspartame at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Monographs Programme’s 134th Meeting, and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) 96th meeting: https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/summary-of-findings-of-the-evaluation-of-aspartame-at-the-international-agency-for-research-on-cancer-(iarc)-monographs-programme-s-134th-meeting--and-the-joint-fao-who-expert-committee-on-food-additives-(jecfa)-96th-meeting

Today, Asif and Ali briefly continue their conversation from the last episode about ‘pitching’  and in doing so discuss Jason Sudeikis, ‘Ted Lasso’ and what makes someone successful in comedy (0:37). Ali then describes people who have pitched unsuccessfully to him. Then, Ali asks Asif about erectile dysfunction (7:27). Asif defines the terms, and discusses its many causes and how it is often an indicator of other health issues…a so-called canary in a coalmine. Asif discusses both the psychological and medical factors which can cause erectile dysfunction. 

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:

• ‘Ted Lasso’s’ Christmas episode wasn’t part of the plan. Here’s how they pulled it off: https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2021-08-13/ted-lasso-christmas-episode-apple-tv

• Erectile Dysfunction: A Urologic 'Canary in a Coal Mine': https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/934320

• Erectile Dysfunction: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2016/1115/p820.html

• Erectile Dysfunction: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/444220-overview

Today, Asif asks Ali about how one “pitches TV shows and movies”. Ali describes his experiences pitching and the most important advice he has for prospective pitchers – 

‘Know who you’re pitching to’ and ‘Know your own product’. Ali then describes how you write a pitch,  what a ‘logline' is, and how shorter pitches are preferred. Ali then discusses how to present to a room and how to ‘play to your strengths’. He then discusses how you deal with studio ‘notes’, how he deals with ‘fakeness’ in entertainment and what the next steps are if your pitch is successful. Finally, Asif asks Ali about how far some of his projects got after a successful pitch. 

After this, the guys were supposed to talk about erectile dysfunction. But, since they ran long on the first section, they decided to split the episode into two parts… tune in for erectile dysfunction next week! 

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:

• Character Questionnaire: 50 Things You Need to Know About Your Characters: https://thescriptlab.com/screenwriting/character/creating-characters/23-character-questionnaire/

• 105 Famous Loglines: BRILLIANT Examples for Screenwriters: https://industrialscripts.com/famous-logline-examples/

• Ernest Hemingway and the six-word short story: https://dangerousminds.net/comments/ernest_hemingway_and_the_six-word_short_story

• Nathan Fielder Is Out of His Mind (and Inside Yours): https://www.vulture.com/article/nathan-fielder-rehearsal-profile.html

At the beginning of the episode, Asif gives a story about how the podcast has been spreading by word of mouth… and sometimes how he is mistaken for a comedian. Then, Asif asks Ali to discuss his 5 reasons to go into comedy (4:31) – then Ali gives his top 5 reasons to NOT go into comedy. Then they flip things around and Ali asks Asif about his reasons to pursue and not pursue a career in Medicine (30:28).

DO go into COMEDY because it is :

• Creative
• Low Stakes
• Interesting schedule 
• Minimal management 
• It can be an avenue into more creative worlds

DON'T go into COMEDY because:

• Minimal management
• Interesting schedule can become “interesting” in quotes
• Eat a lot of crap
• Low stakes
• Comedy owes you nothing

DO go into MEDICINE because:

• You love the study of medicine
• Job security
• Actually making a difference
• Interacting with patients
• Constant learning

DON’T go into MEDICINE because:

• Structural limitations / Dwindling resources
• Work-life balance
• Debt
• Administrative Demands
• Malpractice Lawsuits /Complaints 

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

Today Ali and Asif discuss the issue of “stage names” in Hollywood (1:03). They start by discussing how the topic came up on the podcast ‘Smartless’, when Keanu Reeves discussed how he was encouraged to change his name when he was breaking into the acting industry. Then Asif asks Ali if Ali ever thought about change his name. The guys then discuss entertainers going by their middle name (ie William Bradley Pitt) as well as those that have completely made up names (ie the Weeknd, Englebert Humperdink). They then discuss entertainers who change their names – some for selfish reasons and some to avoid racism in Hollywood associated with their birth names. They also discuss performers who did not change their name, despite pressure from Hollywood. Then Ali asks Asif about dyslexia (which Keanu Reeves suffers from) (32:17). Asif discusses the definition of developmental dyslexia as well as how it is more than “reversing letters”. Asif explains how it is really a problem with ‘decoding’ and how it affects up to 7% of the population. He then discusses how it is diagnosed, diseases it is associated with, and what we think causes it. Finally, Asif discusses the treatment for dyslexia. 

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: 

• Keanu Reeves- Smartless: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXQvATbfiMY

• I had to change my Arabic name to make it as an actor. Now, I'm reclaiming it: https://www.cbc.ca/arts/i-had-to-change-my-arabic-name-to-make-it-as-an-actor-now-i-m-reclaiming-it-1.6074250  

• Here's Why Adam Wiles Named Himself Calvin Harris: https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/news/a45441/calvin-harris-name-why/

• Jamie Foxx Changed His Name From Eric Bishop Just to Get Up at an Open Mic: https://www.vulture.com/2014/12/jamie-foxx-changed-his-name-from-eric-bishop-to-get-up-at-an-open-mic.html

• Minorities Who 'Whiten' Job Resumes Get More Interviews: https://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/minorities-who-whiten-job-resumes-get-more-interviews

• Chloe Bennet was right to call out Hollywood racism but wrong to change her name: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/sep/01/chloe-bennet-right-hollywood-racism-wrong-change-name-whitewash

• Celebrities whose names sound fake but are actually real: https://www.simplemost.com/celebrities-who-use-real-names/

• 14 Celebs Who Refused To Shorten, Change, Or Anglicize Their Names For Hollywood: https://www.buzzfeed.com/kristenharris1/celebs-refused-change-names

• Developmental Dyslexia: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0140673612601986?casa_token=-qrfj3GJwJEAAAAA:-H5LtOGP-cDqz_3Fjx13qFWSi8tKwtZFu3etPUQGXDufBMSPnnDUAjUZRncpxo1O24RVAYV28t8

• Reading disorders and dyslexia: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5293161/

 Today Asif and Ali discuss the hit TV show ’The Bear’, which recently returned for its second season (2:46). Then, since ‘The Bear’ takes place in a restaurant, in the second half, they discuss food poisoning. They start off by discussing the background of the show and how it is based on a real restaurant in Chicago. Asif then asks Ali about how well the show represents real-life restaurant kitchens. The guys then take a brief digression on the history of Italian Beef sandwiches in Chicago. The guys then give their thoughts on the show, including the amazing episode 7. Then the guys discuss food poisoning (30:42). Asif defines the terms and talks about how common it is. He then discusses the major foods that can give you food poisoning as well as the main virus, bacteria and parasites that cause it. They then discuss how some food poisoning can take days or even weeks to develop. Asif then talks about the treatment as well as steps that can be taken to prevent food poisoning. 

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: 

• A Conversation with the Guy Who Created The Bear: https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/a40681092/the-bear-creator-christopher-storer-interview/

• The Woman Behind ‘The Bear,’ Summer’s Hottest TV Show: https://www.thedailybeast.com/obsessed/the-woman-behind-the-bear-summers-hottest-tv-show

• 'The Bear's Culinary Producer Says Her Work Was 'Super Healing' After Real-Life Family Trauma: https://people.com/food/the-bears-culinary-producer-says-her-work-was-super-healing-after-real-life-family-trauma/

• How Chicago came to love the Italian beef sandwich: https://www.npr.org/2022/07/16/1111868465/chicago-italian-beef-the-bear

• Food poisoning-caused gastroenteritis: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/154555

• Food Poisoning Symptoms: https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/symptoms.html