Episodes

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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 (...

Today, Ali and Asif discuss the career of Mel Brooks and the recent documentary on his life and career “Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!” (1:25). The guys start off by discussing when they first started watching Mel Brooks and then go over how the documentary highlights some little known aspects of Brooks’ career. They discuss his origins in comedy, his work with Carl Reiner and the ups and downs of his career. They also discuss how influential Brooks was as a producer, including promoting the c...

Today, Asif and Ali discuss the documentary on Martin Short “Marty, Life is Short” (3:47). They discuss director Lawrence Kasden and what led him to make a documentary on his friend Martin Short. They discuss how the documentary not only goes over Martin Short’s career, but also discusses both grief and the “joy” of being friends with Martin Short. Then the guys discuss the concept of grief and why “prolonged grief” can be considered a medical diagnosis (21:58). Asif starts off with some defini...

Today, Ali and Asif discuss their favourite entertainment of 2026 to date (1:51). Listen as they discuss “Nivanna the Band, The Show, The Movie”, “It Was Just an Accident”, “Beef”, “Wonder Man”. “His and Hers”, “Margo’s Got Money Troubles”, as well as stand up specials by Wanda Sykes and Ramy Youssef. And as usual, Ali lists some of his must read books and Asif talks about new music from Noah Kahan and U2. Then, since Asif recently returned from China and Taiwan, on today’s episode, he gives Al...

Today, Asif and Ali discuss something that seems closer to science fiction than reality – using your brain waves to perform actions or communicate. They chat with guest Dr. Adam Kirton to discuss Brain Computer interface aka BCI. Dr. Kirton is Professor of Pediatrics and Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Calgary and an attending Pediatric Neurologist at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Dr. Kirton’s research focuses on applying neurotechnologies to generate new opportunities for life pa...

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode discusses sexual abuse. Most of you have heard about the blockbuster success of the movie “Michael”. So today Ali and Asif discuss their thoughts on the resurgent popularity of Michael Jackson. Then we will “remix” in our conversation from 2024 discussion Jackson, his complicated legacy and his use of propofol. They start off by talking about Jackson’s early life (19:38), the success of the Jackson 5 and the abuse he allegedly suffered at the hands of his father, ...

Today, Ali and Asif discuss ‘The Roast of Kevin Hart’ on Netflix (2:06). The guys go over host Shane Gillis and their thoughts on each of the roasters. They then discuss some of the controversies associated with the roast, including their thoughts on the sets of Tony Hinchcliffe, Pete Davidson and Katt Williams. Then the guys discuss peptides (38:45). Ali asks Asif about what exactly they are and why they have become so hyped as of late. Asif then discusses what they are used for and in particu...

Most of you have heard about the recent outbreak of hantavirus on a cruise ship, so today Asif and Ali revisit that topic (no entertainment topic for today). We will go over the facts of the outbreak and then splice in our conversation from last spring about all things hantavirus. Ali 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 ...

Asif and Ali, after a brief digression about Halifax and indie-band ‘The Lowest of the Low’, the guys discuss ‘SNL UK’ (4:25). They discuss how the show came about, the involvement of Lorne Michaels, and other failed SNL franchises in other countries. They then discuss the similarities and differences between the show and classic SNL. Finally they go over their thoughts on the cast and the show as a whole. Then Ali tells us the story about his recent sleep study (22:50). Asif then goes over sle...

Today Asif and Ali discuss the career of Riz Ahmed and his new Prime series ‘Bait’. They start off by discussing Ahmed’s rap career, his early roles, how he broke the colour barrier for South Asian actors, and their favourite Riz Ahmed movies. They then discuss his genre bending new series ‘Bait’. Then they discuss psychosis (a theme in ‘Bait’). Ali asks Asif about what it is, how commonly it is seen, and what the symptoms are. Asif then describes how psychosis is different from schizophrenia a...

Today, Asif and Ali discuss the hit TV show ‘The Pitt’. They discuss how it was initially developed as an ‘ER’ follow-up and how it evolved into its final form as a real-time show, with each season taking place over a single ER shift. They then go over the filmmaking style and the phenomenal cast. Finally they discuss their overall thoughts on the show and whether it is an accurate portrayal of the medical world. Then Ali asks Asif about a major theme of ‘The Pitt’ – PTSD in health care. Asif t...

Today, Ali and Asif (after a digression about Ali’s recent trip to Mexico) in Celebration of National Canadian Film on April 15, the guys list their favourite films by Canadian directors (no medical topic today). Listen to hear where they rank movies by Atom Egoyan, Denys Arcand, Denis Villeneuve, Jean-Marc Valle, Kevin Tierney, Celine Song, James Cameron and Ivan Reitman. The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and websit...

Today, Ali and Asif discuss the revival of ‘Scrubs’ (do not call it a reboot). The guys discuss their thoughts on the old version of Scrubs, the non-stop comedy, their favourite moments, the amazing finale and the much-maligned season 9 (2:04). The guys then discuss the recent revival and how Zach Braff and Donald Faison’s podcast helped to influence the trajectory of the new season. Then they discuss the recent social media trend of “Looksmaxxing” (26:21). They discuss what it is, how it is th...

Today Ali and Asif discuss the career of Timothee Chalamet (2:22). Asif starts off by quizzing Ali about Chalamet’s early life. Then they go over their favourite Timothee Chalamet performances. Finally they discuss the recent controversial remarks that Chalamet made regarding ballet and opera. Then Ali asks Asif about the dangers of raw milk (32:43). Asif starts off by discussing pasteurization and the history of food preservation. Then Ali goes over the various talking points of raw milk advoc...

Today Asif and Ali discuss the nomination of Dr. Casey Means for the position of U.S. Surgeon General (no entertainment topic). They discuss her early background (including why Ali thinks he is a nepo baby) and how she went to Stanford medical school and left partway through residency. They then go over the (very few) positive aspects of her nomination. However, they spend most of the rest of the podcast discussing why she is a terrible choice for surgeon general, including her inability to prac...

The guys were on hiatus when two prominent entertainers passed away – Rob Reiner and Catherine O’Hara – so today Ali and Asif discuss their careers. They guys start of by discussing Rob Reiner (3:43), his early career and when they both first heard of him. They discuss ‘All in the Family’, This is Spinal Tap’, and Rob Reiner’s unprecedented run of movies beginning with ‘Stand By Me’ to ‘A Few Good Men’. Finally they discuss Reiner’s life outside of entertainment, including his political activis...

The boys are back! After a brief discussion about their hiatus, the guys discuss the recent situation that occurred at the BAFTA awards regarding John Davidson and Tourette Syndrome (2:24). The guys go over exactly what happened at the BAFTA’s and what occurred prior to Davidson yelling a racial slur at actors Micheal B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo. Ali then asks Asif about Tourette syndrome, how common obscenities are in this disorder and how the movements and noises are involuntary (9:44). They th...

For the next few weeks, the guys will be re-airing some of their favourite episodes from our archives. Today, Ali and Asif discuss the career of comedian Anthony Jeselnik and his special ‘Bones and All’ (1:54). They discuss his early life, when they first saw him (Ali actually met him person!) and an insightful interview with Jeselnik in ‘Cracked Magazine’. They discuss Jeselnik’s success as well as his admiration for Norm MacDonald. The guys then discuss (31:31) psychopathy and antisocial per...

For the next few weeks, the guys will be re-airing some of their favourite episodes from our archives. This week, Asif is in France on his sabbatical. To commemorate this, the guys give each other a quiz on France. Ali starts off by quizzing Asif about French culture and cuisine. They discuss croissants, Bouillabaisse, Versailles, and French greetings. Then Asif quizzes Ali about medicine in France including the advent of teaching in hospitals, pasteurization, the guillotine (!), as well as a l...