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. In each episode, Asif picks a topic for Ali from comedy and entertainment and questions Ali about it. Then Ali picks a topic from medicine and health and grills Asif on that subject. We talk about serious subjects in an unserious way. If you want to hear about comedy, entertainment, health and wellness and don‘t want to have to choose between being entertaining AND informed, then this show is for you.
Episodes
Friday Apr 30, 2021
Episode 8: Chadwick Boseman / Colon Cancer
Friday Apr 30, 2021
Friday Apr 30, 2021
In this episode the guys reflect on the life of the late Chadwick Boseman. They first start by debriefing about this week’s Oscars telecast, Asif’s less than impressive predictions and the snub of Chadwick in the Best Actor category (00:50). Ali discusses Chadwick’s early life and his career from All My Children to 42 to Get on Up to Black Panther (10:33). Then they discuss his last two performances in Da 5 Bloods and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and his lasting legacy. Because of Chadwick’s death at an early age from colon cancer, Asif then discusses the risk factors and signs of colon cancer (22:49). He then discusses screening for colon cancer and what one can do to help prevent it.
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:
- Six Ways to Lower Your Risk for Colorectal Cancer https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/six-ways-to-lower-your-risk-for-colon-cancer.html
- Aspirin Use to Prevent Cardiovascular Disease and Colorectal Cancer: Preventive Medication: https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/aspirin-to-prevent-cardiovascular-disease-and-cancer:
- American Cancer Society Guideline for Colorectal Cancer Screening: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/acs-recommendations.html
- Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health care: https://canadiantaskforce.ca/guidelines/published-guidelines/colorectal-cancer/
- Association of adherence to lifestyle recommendations and risk of colorectal cancer: a prospective Danish cohort study: https://www.bmj.com/content/341/bmj.c5504
- High-fructose corn syrup enhances intestinal tumor growth in mice: https://science.sciencemag.org/content/363/6433/1345
Friday Apr 23, 2021
Episode 7: Special Episode - Oscars Preview
Friday Apr 23, 2021
Friday Apr 23, 2021
Today, Ali and Asif discuss the upcoming 93rd annual Academy Awards. Ali quizzes Asif on who he thinks should win and will win in all the major categories including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best supporting Actress, best Original Screenplay and Best Adapted Screenplay. They talk about problems with “Mank”, the genius of Sacha Baron Cohen, and the frontrunner status of “Nomadland”. Asif also gives his opinion on the 1 prediction he feels is an absolute “lock”. They also give an honorable mention to the sound of “Sound of Metal”.
The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. 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
Friday Apr 16, 2021
Episode 6:The United States of Al/Dr. Oz
Friday Apr 16, 2021
Friday Apr 16, 2021
In this episode, the guys discuss the new CBS sitcom, the United States of Al (1:03). They discuss the development of the show and how it is based on the charitable organization “No One Left Behind”. Ali talks about the development of the show, the criticism it received even before an episode was released, and the defense of the show by producer Reza Aslan. After a digression about Kumail Nanjiani playing video games, they segue into a discussion of actors being able to play different races, using the example of legendary character actor Cliff Curtis. Then, the guys discuss Dr. Mehmet Oz, his background and why his show has generated so much controversy (21:14). Asif discusses his influence on medicine and the so-called “Oz effect”. He then discusses the recent contentious decision by Jeopardy! producers to have Dr. Oz guest host the show, following the death of Alex Trebek.
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:
- No One left behind: https://nooneleft.org/
- United States of Al: a comedy that brings home the deadly dilemma faced by Afghan interpreters https://www.militarytimes.com/opinion/commentary/2021/04/03/united-states-of-al-a-comedy-that-brings-home-the-deadly-dilemma-faced-by-afghan-interpreters/
- Chuck Lorre's New CBS Sitcom Slammed for Handling of Afghan Character: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/chuck-lorres-new-cbs-sitcom-slammed-for-handling-of-afghan-character
- United States of Al Producers Defend Afghan Character in Sitcom: https://people.com/tv/united-states-of-al-producers-defend-handling-afghan-character/
- The Operator, in the New Yorker https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2013/02/04/the-operator:
- Televised medical talk shows—what they recommend and the evidence to support their recommendations: a prospective observational study:
- Dr. Oz’s Miraculous Medical Advice: http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/medical_examiner/2013/01/can_you_trust_dr_oz_his_medical_advice_often_conflicts_with_the_best_science.single.html
- A Letter from Concerned Former Contestants to Mike Richards, Executive Producer of Jeopardy! https://medium.com/@j.contestants.letter/a-letter-from-concerned-former-contestants-to-mike-richards-executive-producer-of-jeopardy-f2f8e2e53930
- Dr. Oz is offering Trump advice for handling the coronavirus. Here are 8 times he's made false or baseless medical claims: https://www.businessinsider.com/dr-oz-false-misleading-baseless-medical-claims-coronavirus-2020-4Oz has pushed hydroxychloroquine to fight the coronavirus, even though its effects are still unproven.
Sunday Apr 11, 2021
Episode 5: Origin Story
Sunday Apr 11, 2021
Sunday Apr 11, 2021
In this special episode of Doctor Vs Comedian, the guys discuss their “origin stories''. First, Ali discusses growing up in New Brunswick and Montreal, Quebec, going to McGill University, and then trying to figure out what to do with his life after that. He discusses his journey from working at a consumer-electronic chain store to doing his MBA to getting an IT degree. Finally Ali explains how his love of cooking led to desire to try and get a cooking show, which in turn led to stand up comedy. Next, Asif outlines what led him to pursue medicine as a career (11:22). He talks about the other careers that could have been, including occupational therapy (but not teacher’s college!). He talks about why he decided to become super specialized as a pediatric neurologist right out of medical school and the life experiences that led him to that choice. The guys then conclude by discussing how the podcast came to be!
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
Sunday Apr 11, 2021
Episode 4: Rebirth of Roast Comedy / Masks & Covid-19
Sunday Apr 11, 2021
Sunday Apr 11, 2021
In this episode, Ali discusses the rebirth of roasts as a form of comedy (3:15). He discusses the history of roast and their recent return, courtesy of the Comedy Central Roasts. We discuss who roasts have helped (Justin Bieber) and who they definitely did not (Ann Coulter). Next, Asif discusses mask use during the Covid-19 pandemic (18:11). He goes over the history of mask use during epidemics, particularly the work of Dr. Wu Lien-teh. Asif then reviews some of the myths behind masks and the mixed-messaging behind mask use at the beginning of the pandemic. He then discusses the evidence behind masks and some the new recommendations concerning masks and the new Covid-19 variants. FInally, Asif reviews some of the concerns regarding mask use in children.
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 Roast: A History: https://www.vulture.com/2011/06/the-roast-a-history.html
- The growing scientific evidence for masks to fight Covid-19, explained: https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/21299527/masks-coronavirus-covid-19-studies-research-evidence
- The best mask is the one that fits: https://www.vox.com/the-goods/22251362/mask-fit-coronavirus-best-cloth-n95
- Face mask mandates slowed the spread of COVID-19 in Canada: https://voxeu.org/article/face-mask-mandates-slowed-spread-covid-19-canada
- Covid-19: Are cloth masks still effective? And other questions answered, BMJ, 2021: https://www.bmj.com/content/372/bmj.n432
- Time to double or upgrade masks as coronavirus variants emerge, experts say: https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2021/01/27/double-mask-variants-guidance/
- Guidance for wearing masks: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-guidance.html
- Community Use Of Face Masks And COVID-19: Evidence From A Natural Experiment Of State Mandates In The US, Health Affairs, 2020: https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2020.00818
- Use of facemasks during the Covid-19 pandemic, The Lancet, 2020: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS2213-2600(20)30352-0/fulltext
- Facemaks: What the data say: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-02801-8
- An evidence review of face masks against COVID-19, PNAS, 2021: https://www.pnas.org/content/118/4/e2014564118
- Do masks impede children’s development? https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/14/well/family/Masks-child-development.html
Sunday Apr 11, 2021
Episode 3: Auditioning / The Ketogenic Diet
Sunday Apr 11, 2021
Sunday Apr 11, 2021
In today’s episode, Ali discusses the auditioning process for movies and television roles (0:57). He discusses how he went from stand-up comedy to acting and how he got an agent. He then discusses some memorable (and not so memorable) auditions. Next, Asif discusses the ketogenic diet (28:53). He talks about what makes up a ketogenic diet and its use in epilepsy. Asif then discusses its more controversial use in weight loss and diabetes.
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
- The Ketogenic Diet for Epilepsy, Johns Hopkins: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/neurology_neurosurgery/centers_clinics/epilepsy/diet-therapy.html
- Ketogenic Diet for Weight loss, Canadian Family Physician, 2018: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6371871/
- Review of current evidence and clinical recommendations on the effects of low-carbohydrate and very-low-carbohydrate (including ketogenic) diets for the management of body weight and other cardiometabolic risk factors: A scientific statement from the National Lipid Association Nutrition and Lifestyle Task Force, Journal of Clinical Lipidology, 2019: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1933287419302673
- Low-Carb and Ketogenic Diets in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, Nutrients, 2018: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6566854/
Sunday Apr 11, 2021
Episode 2: Joke Theft / Did they get it right?
Sunday Apr 11, 2021
Sunday Apr 11, 2021
In today’s episode, Ali discusses the issue of joke theft in Comedy (1:00). He discusses the definition of joke theft and why it can be a contentious issue amongst comedians. Ali then discusses famous accusations of joke theft including the cases of Conan O’Brien, Carlos Mencia & Joe Rogan, and Nick Thune. Then, Ali asks Asif about some famous medical movies and television shows and asks “did they get it right?” (22:30). They discuss movies such as Awakenings and Patch Adams and television shows such as Doogie Howser MD, Scrubs, House, E.R., Gray’s Anatomy and The Good Doctor.
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:
- Conan O’Brien on “Why I decided to settle a lawsuit over alleged joke stealing”: https://variety.com/2019/biz/news/conan-obrien-jokes-lawsuit-alex-kaseberg-settlement-1203210214/
- Joe Rogan confronting Carlos Mencia on joke stealing at the Comedy Store: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdugSUFbzws
- Joe Rogan discussing his ban from the Comedy Store and his longtime feud with Carlos Mencia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yds_qyUMNho
Sunday Apr 11, 2021
Episode 1: Comedy in the time of Covid / Cannabis use in Medicine
Sunday Apr 11, 2021
Sunday Apr 11, 2021
It’s the first episode! After the guys briefly introduce themselves (0:44), Ali discusses performing comedy during the Covid19 pandemic (4:59). He talks about performing comedy via Zoom, social distancing in comedy clubs, as well as new ventures such as performing at a Just for Laughs show at a drive-in. Then, Asif discusses cannabis and CBD use in medicine (25:10). He talks about its use in medicine and the case of Charlotte Figi and Charlotte’s Web, which was brought to mainstream attention by CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta. Asif then discusses the current role for CBD in epilepsy and the limited role in other medical conditions.
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
Thanks to the following people for their advice on the development of this podcast:
Megan Harrison
Madiha Fancy
Bradford Mackay
Robert Webster
Hasan Alam
Q Hussain
Edward Nevraumont
Rajiv Thavanathan
Hans Rosenberg
Marco Timpano
Show notes:
- Dr. Sanjay Gupta “Why I changed my mind on weed”: https://www.cnn.com/2013/08/08/health/gupta-changed-mind-marijuana
- Dr. Sanjay Gupta on the passing of Charlotte Figi: https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/08/health/sanjay-gupta-weed-charlotte-figi-tribute/index.html
Sunday Apr 11, 2021
Trailer - Doctor Vs Comedian
Sunday Apr 11, 2021
Sunday Apr 11, 2021
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. In each episode, Asif picks a topic for Ali from comedy and entertainment and questions Ali about it. Then Ali picks a topic from medicine and health and grills Asif on that subject.
We talk about serious subjects in an unserious way. If you want to hear about comedy, entertainment, health and wellness and don’t want to have to choose between being entertaining AND informed, then this show is for you.
Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay