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

272
Aug. 7, 2026

HPV, Vaccines and Head and Neck Cancer (w/ Dr. Megan Harrison)

Only medical topics today! Today at the beginning of the episode, Ali asks Asif about the rising rates of head and neck cancer (1:42). Asif explains why smoking-related cancers of the mouth and voice box are declining while HPV-related cancers of the throat—particularly those affecting the tonsils and base of the tongue—are rising, often in younger adults who have never smoked. He discusses what human papillomavirus (HPV) is, why most infections never lead to cancer, and how persistent infection
271
July 30, 2026

“Why Hulk Hogan Matters” with author David Shoemaker

Hulk Hogan died one year ago this month, so today, Ali and Asif discuss Hulk Hogan’s legacy with “Why Hulk Hogan Matters” author David Shoemaker. They start off by discussing David’s early memories of Hulk Hogan and then segue into the complicated feelings we all have towards the legendary wrestler. They discuss “unreliable narrators” in wrestling and how Hulk Hogan was a prime example of this. They then go over the use of steroids by Hulk Hogan, how “the lie” is an accepted part of wrestling. A
270
July 23, 2026

“I wish I could forget I had explosive diarrhea” (Cyclospora and Transient Global Amnesia)

Today, Asif and Ali cover TWO medical topics. First, Ali asks Asif about the parasite Cyclospora which is causing outbreaks of explosive diarrhea in large parts of the US (4:13). He explains how the parasite spreads through contaminated food and water—most commonly fresh produce rather than person-to-person contact—why it has become an increasing concern with the globalization of the food supply, and why simply washing fruits and vegetables cannot completely eliminate the risk. He then reviews w
269
July 16, 2026

Best Movies and Albums of 1996

Today, Asif and Ali discuss their favorite movies from 1996 (2:15) and then they debate the best albums from that same year (28:05) (no medical topic today). Listen to hear what made their list, what didn’t and what overlap, if they had. 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
268
July 9, 2026

Even Mark Twain Would Think Bill Maher Sucks (plus Cell Phones and Cancer)

Recently, Bill Maher received the Mark Twain Prize for American humor. So today, Asif and Ali give their thoughts on Maher (spoiler: they don’t like him) (1:40). They discuss their admiration for “Politically Incorrect” and the fallout for that show from Bill’s comments about 9/11. Then then go over his increasingly problematic views on libertarianism, the “Me Too Movement”, vaccines and Islam. Finally they discuss criticism of Mahr from Larry David, Ben Affleck, Bill Burr and Wanda Sykes. Then
267
July 2, 2026

Top 5 Spielberg films, plus “Alien Medical Conditions”

This month, Steven Spielberg’s 35th feature film, “Disclosure Day” hit theatres. In honour of this Ali and Asif discuss their top 5 Spielberg films (after some inane banter about gift giving). (5:00) Listen to hear what the guys think about “Schindler’s List”, “Jaws”, “E.T.”, “Raiders of the Lost Ark”, “Munich” and "Jurassic Park”. Then, since Disclosure Day is about aliens, in our medical section, the guys discuss two alien-like phenomena in medicine – alien hand syndrome and sleep paralysis (