Episodes

In today’s episode, after a bit of listener mail about Ali’s love of Shonda Rimes (1:00), the guys discuss the issue of actors faking accents on movies and TV shows (2:09). Ali discusses Rizwan Manji from Schitt’s Creek and Aziz Ansari. Ali even discusses how he originally auditioned for the role of Ray Bhutani on Schitt’s Creek and his own experience with using an accent in roles. We also discuss the case of Paul Sun-Hyung Lee on Kim’s Convenience. They then discuss “The Problem with Apu”, the ...

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 a...

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 a...

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, usi...

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. ...

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 mi...

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...

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...

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...

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 d...