Today, Ali and Asif discuss the life and career of the legendary comedian George Carlin and the recent HBO documentary on his life ‘American Dream’ (0:56). They discuss the importance of George Carlin, his background and his early influences. They also discuss how George Carlin re-invented himself several times in his career and his “7 words you can’t say on television” bit. They then give their thoughts on the documentary ‘American Dream’. Given Carlin’s history of marijuana use (and as a follow up to our conversation with Eman Husseini who touted the M and M look-alike edibles) Ali asks about how often kids inadvertently ingest cannabis and whether this has increased with legalization (28:32). Asif then discusses the common features of cannabis overdose in children. They then discuss the “look-alike” packaging of edibles as brand name candy and how ‘Big Candy’ is fighting back against this. Finally, Asif discusses what can be done to help prevent these overdoses. 

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:

• George Carlin, Comic Who Chafed at Society and Its Constraints, Dies at 71: https://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/24/arts/24carlin.html

• What Judd Apatow Learned From George Carlin and Why His Comedy Remains so Relevant Today: https://variety.com/2022/tv/features/judd-apatow-george-carlins-american-dream-1235271427/

• More Young Kids Are Getting Sick From Cannabis Edibles: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/14/well/family/marijuana-edibles-children.html

• Unintentional Pediatric Exposures to Marijuana in Colorado, 2009-2016: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/article-abstract/2534480

• Edible Cannabis Exposures Among Children: 2017–2019: https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/147/4/e2020019893/180775/Edible-Cannabis-Exposures-Among-Children-2017-2019

• Unintentional Pediatric Cannabis Exposures After Legalization of Recreational Cannabis in Canada: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2787715

• Accidental Acute Cannabis Intoxication Presenting as Seizure in Pediatrics Patients: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7266508

• The truth behind the ‘first marijuana overdose death’ headlines: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2017/11/17/the-truth-behind-the-first-marijuana-overdose-death/

• Pediatric Death Due to Myocarditis After Exposure to Cannabis: https://escholarship.org/uc/item/1n10w5pc#main
• Big Candy Is Angry: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/22/style/edibles-marijuana.html

On this episode, the guys discuss the classic Canadian comedy crew, the Kids in the Hall (1:19). They discuss the origins of the group and how Lorne Michaels gave them their big break with their show on HBO and CBC. Ali then discusses his interactions with each member of the troupe (he has met them all!). They discuss the success of the ‘Kids in the Hall’ show as well as some of their less successful ventures (‘Brain Candy’, ‘When Death Comes to Town’). They discuss the legacy of the group as well as their new series on Amazon Prime. Then Ali asks Asif about the newsmaking disease monkeypox (42:57). Asif discusses the virus, how you get it and the symptoms. He also compares it to smallpox and discusses how waning immunity to smallpox may be causing these outbreaks. They then discuss whether it is sexually transmitted or not. They then discuss treatment and ‘ring vaccination’ to prevent outbreaks. 

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

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Show Notes:

• 40 at 40: Looking back at our Kids in the Hall oral history cover: https://nowtoronto.com/culture/comedy/40-at-40-looking-back-at-our-kids-in-the-hall-oral-history-cover

• Dave Foley doesn't really get why everyone loves The Kids In The Halls' "Doomsday DJ" sketch: https://www.avclub.com/dave-foley-the-kids-in-the-hall-doomsday-dj-1848986294

• So, Have You Heard About Monkeypox? https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2022/05/monkeypox-outbreak-covid-pandemic/629920/

• How Worried Should You Be About Monkeypox? https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/01/opinion/monkeypox-covid-vaccine.html

• Expert: Monkeypox likely spread by sex at 2 raves in Europe: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/expert-monkeypox-likely-spread-by-sex-at-2-raves-in-europe/2022/05/23/fdef8d88-da79-11ec-bc35-a91d0a94923b_story.html

• Quebec health ministry confirms 52 cases of monkeypox: https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/quebec-health-ministry-confirms-52-cases-of-monkeypox-1.5928440

On this episode, the guys discuss the new television show  Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (1:17). They start off by discussing their memories of watching Star Trek: The Original Series and list their favourite episodes. Then Asif let’s the cat out of the bag and announces that Ali has an upcoming role in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Ali talks about how he got the role and his experience on set. Then they discuss the premise of the show and give their thoughts on it (hint: they liked it). Then Ali asks Asif about the disease dopa-responsive and the CTV national news piece that Asif was featured on regarding the disorder (35:20). He starts off by defining the term “dystonia” and gives more common examples of dystonia (cervical dystonia, writer’s cramp). He then discusses how dopa-responsive dystonia can mimic cerebral palsy. Asif then goes over the genetic cause of the disease and the treatment – giving levadopa. 

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 Best Episodes Of Star Trek: The Original Series: https://www.looper.com/300780/the-best-episodes-of-star-trek-the-original-series/
• ‘Strange New Worlds’ Finds the Old-School ‘Star Trek’ Sweet Spot: https://www.theringer.com/tv/2022/5/6/23059306/star-trek-strange-new-worlds-premiere-review

• Rare condition sometimes mistaken for cerebral palsy: https://www.ctvnews.ca/rare-condition-sometimes-mistaken-for-cerebral-palsy-1.554322

• GTP Cyclohydrolase 1-Deficient Dopa-Responsive Dystonia: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1508/

(Our apologies about the quality of the sound on Asif’s track). Today, Ai and Asif discuss the history of comic book superhero Batman (0:55). They reminisce about the Batman TV show from the 1960’s and then speak about Tim Burton’s reimagining of the character in 1989 and the influence of Frank Miller’s ‘The Dark Knight Returns”. They discuss the casting of Michael Keaton and the follow up movie ‘Batman Returns’. They then discuss the diminishing returns of the Schumacher movies (although they did like Val Kilmer).  They then discuss the Christopher Nolan movies and the pinnacle of Batman movies ‘The Dark Knight’, featuring the award winning performance by Heath Ledger.  Then then discuss Ben Affleck and his portrayal of the character and Asif talks about the ‘Arkham’ video games series. The guys then give their thoughts on the new movie ‘The Batman’ (spoilers after 29:30). Then Ali asks Asif about the mysterious new disease anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis (38:20). Asif talks about the cause, the symptoms, how it often affects young women, and how it can be mistaken for psychiatric disease. Asif then discusses how he diagnosed the first Canadian patient with the disease almost 15 years with the help of Dr. Josep Dalmau. He then discusses the very unusual tumors (ovarian teratomas) that can be associated with the disorder. They then discuss the case of Susannah Calahan whose experience with the disease is documented in the book and movie Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness. 

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

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Show Notes:

• Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. The disorder, the diagnosis and the immunobiology: https://www.antinmdafoundation.org/

• Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis in Japan: Long-term outcome without tumor removal: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2586938/

• The Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis Foundation: https://www.antinmdafoundation.org/

• Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness-  https://www.simonandschuster.ca/books/Brain-on-Fire/Susannah-Cahalan/9781982109486

Today Ali and Asif discuss the celebrated and award winning movie, Jane Campion’s ‘The Power of the Dog’ (1:12). They discuss the amazing cinematography and the performances by Benedict Cumberbatch, Jesse Plemons, Kirsten Dunst and Kodi Smit-McPhee.  At 16:32, spoilers for the movie and Asif’s opinions on the movie follow. In brief, Asif liked ¾ of the movie and ¾ of the actors and had problems with the rest. Then Ali asks Asif about Anthrax, how you get it, who is at risk and the symptoms (21:50). Asif then goes over the 4 different types of Anthrax (cutaneous, inhalational, gastrointestinal and intravenous) and how they present clinically. Asif then goes over the treatment with antibiotics and antitoxin. Then in a bonus section, Ali asks Asif about the 2001 Anthrax attacks in the USA (29:50). Asif goes over the targets and how the Anthrax was sent. Asif then goes over the FBI investigation and the prime suspect Bruce E Ivins. Asif then goes all ‘Serial’ and discusses the evidence for and against the case for Ivins being the prime suspect in the case. 

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:

• Jane Campion Talks About ‘The Power of the Dog’ and the Myth of the Sensitive Cowboy: https://www.indiewire.com/2021/09/western-power-of-the-dog-jane-campion-male-psyche-1234662474/

• Benedict Cumberbatch Smoked So Much Filming ‘Power of the Dog’ He Got Nicotine Poisoning 3 Times: https://www.indiewire.com/2021/11/benedict-cumberbatch-nicotine-poisining-power-of-the-dog-set-1234678662/

• Elisabeth Moss: Fred Armisen Is Best At Impersonating A 'Normal Person': https://www.huffpost.com/entry/elizabeth-moss-fred-armisen_n_1332911

• Amerithrax or Anthrax Investigation: https://www.fbi.gov/history/famous-cases/amerithrax-or-anthrax-investigation

• The Anthrax Investigation: https://www.npr.org/2011/02/15/93170200/timeline-how-the-anthrax-terror-unfolded

• The Anthrax Files: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/anthrax-files/
• Death in the Air: Revisiting the 2001 Anthrax Mailings and the Amerithrax Investigation: https://warontherocks.com/2019/01/death-in-the-air-revisiting-the-2001-anthrax-mailings-and-the-amerithrax-investigation/

Today on a special episode the guys interview superstar comedian Maz Jobrani. Maz discusses his early life, how he became interested in performing, and how he went to university originally to study political science. He then discusses being ‘political’ in comedy and how being Persian influences his comedy. The guys then discuss Maz’s ‘Tai Chi’ approach to hecklers and compare him to Canadian New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh. The guys then ask Maz about the genesis of his podcast ‘Back to School with Maz Jobrani’. Finally, Ali asks Maz about his advice for aspiring comedians and they discuss Maz’s upcoming shows May 20 and 21st in Ottawa and Toronto. 

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:

• Maz Jobrani - How to Handle a Drunk Trump Heckler: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXiGT8SPdFs

• Jagmeet Singh praised for 'calm and positive' reaction to anti-Muslim heckler: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/jagmeet-singh-stands-against-hate-1.4284473

• Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! https://www.npr.org/programs/wait-wait-dont-tell-me/
• Back To School with Maz Jobrani: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/back-to-school-with-maz-jobrani/id1459194552

Today on a special episode the guys interview the El-Salomons – Jess Salomon and Eman El-Husseini. They discuss how they developed their joint comedy act (via a New Yorker style comic) and whether they prefer performing solo or together. Asif then asks Eman and Jess about performing with Patton Oswalt. Then they get into how the  pair became involved with the BBC World Service and ‘Comedians Vs the News’. They discuss some of their favourite guests and headlines from the show. Then everyone discusses some news stories from the first part of 2022, including the Freedom Convoy in Asif’s home town of Ottawa, perceptions of Justin Trudeau and the controversy about “Trump Avenue” in Ottawa. They also discuss how there was so much comedian outrage about the Will Smith/Chris Rock incident but so little about Louis CK winning a Grammy. 

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 El Salomons: http://www.theelsalomons.com/
• Comedians vs the News: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w13xtvb4

• How the 'Battle of Billings Bridge' attracted hundreds of volunteers, trapped convoy for hours: https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/battle-of-billings-bridge-attracts-hundreds-of-volunteers-traps-convoy-for-hours

• Ottawa residents remain pro-Trump Avenue: https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/ottawa-residents-remain-pro-trump-avenue-1.5312628

The guys start off the episode by discussing the career of Gilbert Gottfried and the recent documentary ‘Gilbert’ (00:51).  They discuss how he often kept his private life out of the public eye, prior to the documentary. They discuss some things they did not know about him including his relationship with his wife and kids and his reputation amongst comedians as being frugal. They also chat about his roles in ‘Beverly Hills Cop 2’ and as Iago in ‘Aladdin’, as well as the duck from Aflac. They chat about how he was considered the ‘comic’s comic’ and how that reputation got him into hot water with jokes shortly after 9/11 (and  how he followed it up with ‘The Aristocrats’ joke). The guys then mention how he was fired from being the Aflac duck after tweets joking about the Japanese tsunami. Then, Ali asks Asif about the disease Gilbert suffered from, myotonic dystrophy (21:16). Asif outlines first what myotonia is, and then describes the two types of myotonic dystrophy, Type 1 and the kind Gilbert suffered from, Type 2. Asif then takes an aside to discuss ventricular tachycardia, which is a known complication of myotonic dystrophy. He then describes the genetics of myotonic dystrophy and how we think the gene changes cause symptoms. 

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:

• ‘Gilbert’ trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03Uy88M3ymw

• Comedian Gilbert Gottfried died of rare, often overlooked disease: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/comedian-gilbert-gottfried-died-rare-often-overlooked-disease-rcna24129

• Myotonia on EMG:
• The myotonic dystrophies: molecular, clinical, and therapeutic challenges: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1474442212702041?casa_token=gwoUb9Y9J3kAAAAA:fmanUIZXvjc9-nB3ZN-rqfRlvkbZQvtQS0lnO7qAqpj9iiOWiI0z53-JazyjCGW0baS3ofFgDdcJ

It's Doctor Vs Comedian Vs Dave Merheje (also a comedian)! On a special episode the guys interview actor and comedian Dave Merheje, star of the critically acclaimed Hulu series ‘Ramy’. They discuss Dave growing up in Windsor, Ontario and the influence of different cities on his comedy. Then they discuss how Dave developed his unique stand-up style of riffing and crowd work. Dave then discusses winning the Juno Award in 2019 for best comedy album for ‘Good Friend Bad Grammar’.  They then discuss Dave starring in ‘Mr D’ and eventually getting the role of Ahmed in ‘Ramy’. They then discuss Dave’s upcoming comedy tour this spring, ‘Comedy Night in Canada hosted by Rick Mercer’. 

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:

• Windsor-born Dave Merheje wins comedy album of the year at JUNOS: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/windsor-born-dave-merheje-wins-comedy-album-of-the-year-at-junos-1.5059820

• Bella Hadid Joins ‘Ramy’ Season 3 in Recurring Role, Her First on a Scripted Series : https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/bella-hadid-ramy-season-3-1235220219/

Given his recent aphasia diagnosis, the guys reflect on the career of actor Bruce Willis (1:19). The guys talk about his career highlights including ‘Moonlighting’, ‘Die Hard’, ‘12 Monkeys’ and ‘The 6th Sense’. Then Ali asks Asif about aphasia (10:59). Asif reviews the main different types (Broca’s, Wernicke’s, conduction and global), the areas of the brain involved and how it is diagnosed. He talks about how strokes are the most common cause of aphasia, but also discusses the different types of ‘Primary Progressive Aphasia’, and postulates how Bruce Willis may have one of these.  Ali then discusses some of the concerns which have arisen recently about Bruce Willis’ behaviour on set and how this may have been related to aphasia (26:54). Finally, Ali and Asif seriously question how Willis’ handlers and managers continued to have him perform in movies, given the concerns raised. 

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:

• National Aphasia Association: https://www.aphasia.org/

• Primary progressive aphasia: a clinical approach:

• Bruce Willis is not alone: Other celebrities diagnosed with aphasia: https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2022-03-30/bruce-willis-aphasia-emilia-clarke-sharon-stone

• Concerns about Bruce Willis’ declining cognitive state swirled around sets in recent years: https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2022-03-30/bruce-willis-aphasia-memory-loss-cognitive-disorder

• Bruce Willis’ Directors Were Concerned With His Memory and Safety on Set Prior to Retirement: https://variety.com/2022/film/news/bruce-willis-aphasia-memory-directors-movies-1235219830/

• Kevin Smith apologizes to Bruce Willis for 10 years of Cop Out complaints: https://www.avclub.com/kevin-smith-apologizes-bruce-willis-cop-out-complaints-1848733647

• ‘Greedy and lazy’… all-too-Expendable Bruce Willis feels the wrath of Sylvester Stallone as he's replaced by Harrison Ford in Expendables 3: https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/greedy-and-lazy-alltooexpendable-bruce-willis-feels-the-wrath-of-sylvester-stallone-as-he-s-replaced-by-harrison-ford-in-expendables-3-8749641.html