
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 Jan 13, 2023
Episode 96: Nepo Kids / Type 2 diabetes
Friday Jan 13, 2023
Friday Jan 13, 2023
Today, Ali and Asif discuss the phenomenon of “Nepo Babies” in Hollywood (1:30). They talk about the origin of the term, which was coined by Meriem Derradji, a 25-year-old Canadian tech-support worker while commenting on Maude Apatow from ‘Euphoria’ being the daughter of Judd Apatow and Leslie Mann. Then the guys give the audience a quiz, asking if they can guess the famous father of the lead singer of the band ‘Inhaler’. Asif then asks Ali if he has encountered the “Nepo Baby” phenomenon over the course of his entertainment career. They then discuss various ‘Nepo Babies” in Hollywood as well as some quotes from them. Then the guys discuss Type 2 diabetes (37:06). They discuss the differences from Type 1 diabetes and how the incidence is increasing. They then discuss the causes and risk factors for Type 2 diabetes as well as how doctors test for it. Asif then goes over the complications as well as what people can do to help manage the disease.
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:
-
Inhaler - Cheer Up Baby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtnEwlMOFbg
-
How a Nepo Baby Is Born: https://www.vulture.com/article/what-is-a-nepotism-baby.html?utm_source=tw&utm_medium=s1&utm_camp
-
An All But Definitive Guide to the Hollywood Nepo-Verse: https://www.vulture.com/article/hollywood-nepotism-babies-list-taxonomy.html?utm_source=tw&utm_medium=s1&utm_campaign=nym
-
In defence of ‘nepo babies’ — we know, we know. But hear us out: https://www.thestar.com/life/opinion/2022/12/21/in-defence-of-nepo-babies-we-know-we-know-but-hear-us-out.html
-
Which Nepo Baby Said It? https://www.vulture.com/article/nepo-baby-quotes-quiz.html
-
Why Allison Williams has the best ‘nepo baby’ comeback: https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/hollywood-nepo-baby-stars-adopt-allison-williams-strategy-rcna64514
-
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/117853-overview

Friday Jan 06, 2023
Episode 95: Celine Dion / Stiff-Person Syndrome
Friday Jan 06, 2023
Friday Jan 06, 2023
The guys start off by welcoming everyone to 2023 and they also talk about their recent trip to Dubai. They then discuss the career of Celine Dion (4;16). Ali talks about how he heard about her in the 80’s while growing up in Quebec. They talk about her crossover success with her English albums and her mega hits “Beauty and the Beast” and “My Heart Will Go on”. They then go over some little known facts about her life and career. Then Ali asks Asif about Celine’s recent diagnosis of Stiff-Person Syndrome (26:53). Asif talks about the symptoms, cause and how it is diagnosed. He then goes over the treatment and prognosis for the disorder.
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:
-
Céline Dion Carpool Karaoke: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsUURLFnr9k
-
Celine Dion Reschedules Spring 2023 shows to 2024, and cancels eight Summer 2023 shows: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7_mb-zUG30
- Stiff-Person Syndrome: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/stiff-person-syndrome

Friday Dec 16, 2022
Episode 94: Favourite Entertainment from 2022
Friday Dec 16, 2022
Friday Dec 16, 2022
As a year-end treat, the guys go over their favourite entertainment from 2022… and decide to omit a medical topic. Ali and Asif start off by talking about their favourite books they read last year. Then they discuss what they listened to last year including music and podcasts. The guys then compare notes on their favourite tv shows and movies from this past year.
NB: The pod will be taking the next two weeks off. We will see all of you in the new year!
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

Friday Dec 09, 2022
Episode 93: Interview with Steve Way / Muscular Dystrophy
Friday Dec 09, 2022
Friday Dec 09, 2022
WARNING: Explicit Language in this episode
Today Asif and Ali are pleased to welcome comedian Steve Way, co-star of the hit Hulu show ‘Ramy’ (0:57). They talk about how Steve got into comedy, his influences, and some of the barriers he has faced being a comedian with a disability. Ali then asks Steve about his past employment as a substitute teacher and Steve talks about how much he enjoyed interacting with and teaching high school students. They then discuss how Steve got his role on ‘Ramy’ and Bella Hadid playing his fiance this season. Ali then asks Steve about his advocacy for patients with disabilities. They then talk to Steve about living with his rare form of muscular dystrophy, Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy, his interaction with health professionals and his diagnostic odyssey. Steve highlights how important it is for health professionals to discuss reproductive issues with patients who have disabilities.
Check out Steve’s 1 hour set at Caveat in NYC on Dec 29!
Then Ali and Asif do deep dive into muscular dystrophy (28:37), specifically the most common form, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Asif goes over the cause, symptoms, prognosis and treatment. Then Asif discusses the rare entity Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy. He then goes over some potential existing gene therapies for muscular dystrophy.
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:
- Steve Way personal website https://www.thesteveway.com/
- 32ND ANNUAL STEVE WAY BIRTHDAY BASH: https://www.caveat.nyc/events/steve-way-12-29-2022
- ‘Ramy’ Actor Steve Way Wonders Why Americans Haven't ‘Rioted’ Over This One Issue: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/ramy-steve-way-disability-health-care-2020_n_5d2e3533e4b0a873f6430f2a
- Muscular Dystrophy Canada: https://muscle.ca/
- Muscular Dystrophy Association: https://www.mda.org/
- Collagen VI-Related Dystrophies: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1503/
- Cure CMD: https://www.curecmd.org/

Friday Dec 02, 2022
Episode 92: Favourite Albums of 1992 / Circumcision
Friday Dec 02, 2022
Friday Dec 02, 2022
Today the guys start of with some (good/bad??) news about the podcast TikTok account. Then the guys discuss their favourite albums from 1992 (5:25). The guys each give their top 10 lists from the year. Then Ali asks Asif about the sometimes controversial topic of circumcision (45:13). Asif talks about the history of the practice and some of the criticisms of it. Then Asif talks about whether there is evidence for health benefits from circumcision and also talks about the risks of the procedure. He then concludes by stating that most pediatrics groups do not recommend routine circumcision for all newborn males in North America; however if parents are considering the procedure for their child, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits with their 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:
-
Asif’s 1992 Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLmQ2vxMbn0&list=PLh7rgup-OZBc2_md6XYzWaSLdduYL8Iya
- Ali’s 1992 Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYyRLTveFJQ&list=PLh7rgup-OZBfMDdKmlUWk2dPx-LveGnOf
-
Newborn male circumcision: https://cps.ca/en/documents/position/circumcision#table1
-
Circumcision Policy Statement: https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/130/3/585/30235/Circumcision-Policy-Statement?searchresult=1
-
Circumcision: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1015820-overview?icd=ssl_login_success_221127
-
Examining Penile Sensitivity in Neonatally Circumcised and Intact Men Using Quantitative Sensory Testing: https://read.qxmd.com/read/26724395/examining-penile-sensitivity-in-neonatally-circumcised-and-intact-men-using-quantitative-sensory-testing

Friday Nov 25, 2022
Episode 91: Jay Leno
Friday Nov 25, 2022
Friday Nov 25, 2022
Jay Leno is now at home recovering from serious burn injuries; on today’s episode, Asif and Ali discuss Jay’s career and accomplishments. However to start off, Ali asks Asif about how common burns are and the differences between first, second and third degree burns (1:20). Asif then goes over how to treat burns and the use of hyperbaric oxygen for burns. They then discuss Jay Leno’s career and his early life (and specifically mention that they will NOT be talking a lot about Conan or cars) (15:17). They discuss his early comedy career and how he became the heir apparent to Johnny Carson on “The Tonight Show”. They then discuss some infamous stories from Leno’s life. Finally Asif asks Ali about Jay Leno’s legacy in comedy.
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:
-
Jay Leno's Employee Gives Update On Jay Leno’s Burns: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9A4Zm2MY8U
-
Jay Leno Had Surgery for Second and Third-Degree Burns: The 'Burns to the Face Are More Concerning': https://people.com/health/jay-leno-had-surgery-for-second-and-third-degree-burns-burns-to-the-face-are-more-concerning/
-
Jay Leno Admits Hiding In NBC Executive’s Office Twice: https://www.accessonline.com/articles/jay-leno-admits-hiding-in-nbc-executives-office-twice-142799
-
Tenth European Consensus Conference on Hyperbaric Medicine: recommendations for accepted and non-accepted clinical indications and practice of hyperbaric oxygen treatment: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6147240/
-
Leno's testimony is no joke for Jackson's defence team: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2005/may/25/michaeljacksontrial.usa
-
Joe Rogan Experience #692 - Jay Leno: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvdM_u4NZQw
-
Jay Leno: Revenge of the Everyman: https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2008/12/jay-leno-revenge-of-the-everyman

Friday Nov 18, 2022
Friday Nov 18, 2022
On this special episode, Ali and Asif interview the hosts of ‘The Gritty Nurse Podcast’, Amie Archibald Varley and Sara Fung. They start off by asking Amie and Sara their origin stories, how they got into nursing and how they started their podcast. Amie and Sara then discuss the issues of hierarchy and bullying in the culture of nursing. They speak about the success of their podcast and their favorite episodes. They then discuss the current crisis in nursing in Canada and the rest of North America, violence towards health care professionals, and the issue of burnout in nursing.
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 Gritty Nurse Podcast: https://www.grittynurse.com/

Friday Nov 11, 2022
Episode 89: Twitter and Comedy / Twitter and Medicine
Friday Nov 11, 2022
Friday Nov 11, 2022
With Elon Musk now having purchased Twitter, the guys devote an episode to Twitter and Comedy and Twitter and Medicine. Asif starts off by asking Ali if there is any positive effects of Twitter on Comedy (0:58); then Asif challenges Ali with the opposite question, namely “has Twitter ruined comedy”? Ali uses the examples of comedians getting canceled (ie Kurt Metzger) and why comedians need to be extra careful on social media. They then discuss how while comedians have to be careful, non-comedians need to be even more careful on social media. Asif then ask Ali about comedians stealing jokes from people on Twitter. Then Ali asks Asif about Twitter and medicine (24:28). Asif starts out with highlighting the good of Twitter and medicine including the ease of access, facilitating collaborations, extending reach and cutting edge information. Asif then asks the question “Would Hippocrates be on twitter”? Ali asks Asif about the credibility of medicine and they discuss how tweets have no conflicts of interest. Asif then discusses how doctors may be tweeting when they should be seeing patients. They then delve into the larger issue of doctors being “unprofessional” on Twitter. Asif talks about the mini-experiment he did asking doctors about whether they get consent beforehand. He then brings up the “medbikini” backlash on Twitter with respect to a vascular surgery article on “professional” behaviour on social media.
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:
-
Elon Musk tweets 'Comedy is now legal on Twitter' after takeover, asserts 'bird is freed': https://www.firstpost.com/world/elon-musk-tweets-comedy-is-now-legal-on-twitter-after-takeover-asserts-bird-is-freed-11532591.html
-
Twitter courted comedians, then the opposition: https://www.polygon.com/2018/7/30/17621870/comedy-twitter-james-gunn-dan-harmon-jokes
-
Is Social Media Ruining Comedy? https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/social-media-ruining-comedy
-
Here’s the original ‘Zola’ Twitter thread that told the movie’s true story : https://nypost.com/2021/03/31/heres-the-zola-twitter-thread-that-told-the-movies-true-story/
-
Kurt Metzger controversy continues, but Inside Amy Schumer isn’t canceled: https://www.avclub.com/updated-kurt-metzger-controversy-continues-but-inside-1798251054
-
Daily Show's Trevor Noah under fire for Twitter jokes about Jews and women: https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2015/mar/31/trevor-noah-backlash-highlights-jokes-jews-women
-
Comedian Amber Ruffin Says 'Cancellations' in Comedy 'Aren't Sticking' Because People 'Move On: https://people.com/tv/amber-ruffin-says-cancellations-in-comedy-arent-sticking-because-people-move-on/
-
Seinfeld actor lets fly with racist tirade: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2006/nov/22/usa.danglaister
-
How One Stupid Tweet Blew Up Justine Sacco’s Life: https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/15/magazine/how-one-stupid-tweet-ruined-justine-saccos-life.html
-
Did #MeaslesTruth Create a New Form of Twitter Communication? https://www.symplur.com/blog/measlestruth-create-new-form-twitter-communication/
- Would Hippocrates be on Twitter? https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2020/213/11/hippocrates-would-be-twitter
-
Social Medicine: Twitter in Healthcare: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6025547/#B4-jcm-07-00121
-
Financial Conflicts of Interest Among Hematologist-Oncologists on Twitter: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2598091
-
Public Concern About Monitoring Twitter Users and Their Conversations to Recruit for Clinical Trials: Survey https://www.jvascsurg.org/article/S0741-5214(19)32587-X/fulltextStudyhttps://www.jmir.org/2019/10/e15455/
- Virtual colleagues, virtually colleagues—physicians’ use of Twitter: a population-based observational study: https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/3/7/e002988
-
A medical journal apologized after an article prompted health professionals to post images of themselves in bikinis: https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/25/cnn10/medbikini-backlash-and-apologies-trnd/index.html
-
RETRACTED: Prevalence of unprofessional social media content among young vascular surgeons
-
Use social media? Memorize these vital 12 words: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/use-social-media-memorize-these-vital-12-words

Friday Nov 04, 2022
Episode 88: Breast Cancer
Friday Nov 04, 2022
Friday Nov 04, 2022
This past month was breast cancer awareness month and in the last episode we did the entertainment part, with an interview with musician and Bif Naked (who is herself a breast cancer survivor). Today we will be doing a deep dive into breast cancer. Asif starts out by mentioning that a lot of the main points for the episode today were informed by a conversation with Dr. Tulin Cil, breast surgical oncologist from the University of Toronto. Ali starts off by asking how common breast cancer is and what the main symptoms are. They then discuss the age it occurs and what the risk factors are for developing it. Asif specifically discusses the genetic risk factors and how “dense” breasts can predispose you to breast cancer. Asif then talks about how it is diagnosed and treated, as well as the prognosis, which is much better for those diagnosed early. They then discuss some “hot button” topics in breast cancer, including lowering the age of screening to 40, as well as the issue of prophylactic mastectomy.
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:
-
Breast Cancer: https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/breast
-
400,000 fewer mammograms performed during pandemic, Ontario Medical Association says: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-400000-fewer-mammograms-performed-during-pandemic-ontario-medical/
-
David Jacobs: Not screening for breast cancer in women under 50 is costing lives: https://nationalpost.com/opinion/david-jacobs-not-screening-for-breast-cancer-in-women-under-50-is-costing-lives
-
The Impact of Organized Screening Programs on Breast Cancer Stage at Diagnosis for Canadian Women Aged 40–49 and 50–59: https://www.mdpi.com/1718-7729/29/8/444
-
Effect of mammographic screening from age 40 years on breast cancer mortality (UK Age trial): final results of a randomized, controlled trial: https://www.thelancet.com/article/S1470-2045(20)30398-3/fulltext
-
Alberta lowers age for women to be screened for breast cancer: https://globalnews.ca/news/9206883/alberta-breast-cancer-screening-age-lowered/
-
My Medical Choice, By Angelina Jolie: https://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/14/opinion/my-medical-choice.html
-
Preventive Surgery to Reduce Breast Cancer Risk: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/risk-and-prevention/preventive-surgery-to-reduce-breast-cancer-risk.html

Friday Oct 28, 2022
Episode 87: Interview with Bif Naked
Friday Oct 28, 2022
Friday Oct 28, 2022
Today on a very special episode, the guys interview the trailblazing Canadian Music Icon Bif Naked. They start off by discussing Bif’s somewhat surprising connection to South Asia. Then then chat about Bif’s book from 2016 “I Bificius” and the challenges of opening yourself up in a memoir. Asif then asks Bif about her long standing fascination with medicine. Bif describes her lifelong interest in the field of medicine. Bif and the guys touch on her diagnosis of breast cancer and how that has informed her volunteer work as a death doula. Bif discusses her philanthropy, activism and how she thinks social media is actually a good thing (!). Then, in recognition of October being breast cancer awareness month, Bif highlights how important “the pink ribbon” movement is for those suffering from breast cancer and how vital it is to support charities that fund research into breast cancer. Finally, the guys discuss Bif’s new single “Rollerdome” and her upcoming album Champion, as well as the fact that she is the focus of the upcoming documentary by Jennifer Abbott entitled “Bif Naked: One of a Kind”. .
Catch Bif at her upcoming show on November 4th at the Bronson Centre in Ottawa, Ontario!
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:
-
Toronto Tabla’s new single with Bif Naked: https://www.rootsmusic.ca/2022/03/19/check-out-toronto-tablas-new-single-with-bif-naked-album-release-tonight/
- I Bificus https://www.harpercollins.ca/9781443419734/i-bificus/
- The Magnitude of All Things: https://www.themagnitudeofallthings.com/