Doctor Vs Comedian

Doctor Vs Comedian

Is Laughter the best medicine? We attempt to answer this and other pressing questions in Doctor Vs Comedian. Dr Asif Doja is a pediatric neurologist and Ali Hassan is a stand up comedian and actor (CBC‘s Laugh Out Loud, Designated Survivor, Goon) who are each fascinated by what the other one does. ...

Doctor Vs Comedian

Recent Episodes

292
Oct. 15, 2026

Best of DvsC: Larry David, ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ and Cringe Comedy / Andropause

For this week, the guys will be re-airing one of their favourite episodes from our archives. The guys start off this episode with Asif reviewing Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Then Asif asks Ali about his thoughts on Larry David, ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ and cringe comedy. Ali talks about the influence of Ricky Gervais (The Office) and Sacha Baron Cohen (Da Ali G Show) on cringe comedy. After an aside about the new Willow TV show, the guys talk about Larry David and why he is shocked
291
Oct. 8, 2026

Top 21st century TV Shows and Runner’s Diarrhea

Today, Ali and Asif discuss the New York Times list of the top 100 shows of the 21st century and then they each give their individual top 10 lists (2:14). Listen to hear where ‘Breaking Bad’, ‘The Wire’, ‘Arrested Development’, ‘Succession’ and others land on their lists! Then, based on the recent Hyrox diarrhea incident involving Joanna Wietrzyk, the guys discuss runner’s diarrhea (39:33)– a common manifestation of exercise-associated gastrointestinal symptoms (Ex-GIS), characterized by urgenc
290
Oct. 1, 2026

Post partum depression and psychosis

The case of Lindsay Clancy recently ended in mistrial, so today Asif and Ali discuss post partrum depression and psychosis. The guys start off by discussing discuss postpartum depression/perinatal depression (3:58), a common and treatable medical condition that can affect parents during pregnancy or after childbirth. They explore how postpartum depression differs from the “baby blues,” how to recognize symptoms beyond simply feeling tired or overwhelmed, and why depression may begin during pregn
289
Sept. 24, 2026

Discussing Tourette Syndrome and ‘I Swear’ with Dr. Tamara Pringsheim

Today Asif and Ali combine the medicine and entertainment subjects when they discuss “I Swear” – the BAFTA award winning movie about Tourette Syndrome (1:52). They chat about the background of the movie and how it is based on activist John Davidson, who has a severe version of Tourette Syndrome. They review how the film was developed, including discussion about director Kirk Jones and star Robert Aramayo. Then they give their thoughts on the film and single out Aramayo’s performance, which was a
278
Sept. 17, 2026

‘The Mental Illness Happy Hour” with comedian Paul Gilmartin

NOTE: This episode contains explicit language and discussions of sexual abuse and self-harm Today, Ali and Asif are joined by comedian and longtime podcast host Paul Gilmartin, former co-host of TBS’s Dinner and a Movie, stand-up comedian, and creator and host of The Mental Illness Happy Hour podcast. Paul talks about his journey into comedy and why so many comedians seem to have a complicated relationship with pain, vulnerability, and humor. We explore how The Mental Illness Happy Hour began, w
277
Sept. 7, 2026

The Legacy of Dolly Parton (plus Caregiver Burnout)

Today Asif and Ali explore the remarkable life and legacy of Dolly Parton (1:55)—from her humble beginnings in rural Tennessee and extraordinary career as a singer, songwriter, actress, and entertainer to her enduring impact far beyond music. They discuss some of her most iconic songs, including “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You,” as well as the business savvy that helped make her one of the most successful artists of all time. But Dolly’s greatest legacy may be her philanthropy: f