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 Mar 21, 2025
Friday Mar 21, 2025
Today, Ali and Asif discuss the career of the late Gene Hackman (2:04). They discuss his early life, getting into acting and his friendship with Dustin Hoffman and Robert Duvall. They also discuss Hackman’s other interests including architecture and writing. Asif and Ali then discuss their favourite Gene Hackman roles including in the movies ‘Superman’, ‘Hoosiers’, ‘Crimson Tide’, ‘Unforgiven’, ‘The Royal Tenenbaums’ and ‘The Birdcage’.
Then, Asif and ALi discuss the details of the untimely deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife and caregiver, Betsy Arakawa (27:54). Because Ms. Arakawa died of hantavirus infection, Ali then asks Asif about this rare infection and how it is transmitted by exposure to rodent droppings. Asif discusses how people contract it, how common it is and where in North American you can be exposed to it. He then discusses the two serious forms of the disease – hantavirus pulmonary syndrome and hantavirus renal syndrome. He then goes over the treatment and the prevention of the disease. Finally the guys discuss the importance of recognizing caregiver burnout.
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:
-
Gene Hackman: 20 Essential Movies: https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-lists/gene-hackman-best-movies-1234794159/eureka-1983-1235271637/
-
Our favorite Gene Hackman performances: https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/movies/2025/02/27/gene-hackman-best-movies-performances-roles/
-
A Haunting Coda: The 7 Days Gene Hackman’s Wife Could No Longer Care for Him: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/08/us/gene-hackman-betsy-arakawa.html
- Gene Hackman's Dog Cause of Death Still Under Investigation as Cops Confirm Pet Was 'Crated' Due to Surgical Procedure: https://people.com/gene-hackman-dog-cause-of-death-under-investigation-11687674
-
Hantavirus in humans: a review of clinical aspects and management: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(23)00128-7/abstract
-
What Is Hantavirus, the Rare Disease That Killed Betsy Arakawa? https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/07/health/what-is-hantavirus-gene-hackman-wife.html
-
Hantavirus: What it is, how it spreads, how often it's fatal: https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/what-is-hantavirus-explained-gene-hackman-betsy-arakawa-1.7479265
-
Emma Heming Willis speaks up for caregivers after Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman’s deaths: https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/11/entertainment/emma-heming-willis-gene-hackman-betsy-arakawa-caregivers/index.html
No comments yet. Be the first to say something!