Today on a special episode, the guys discuss the case of Mike Ward, who was accused of breaching the limits of free speech when he mocked a disabled singer named Jeremy Gabriel (“Petit Jeremy")...a case that went all the way up to the Supreme Court of Canada. They are joined by their special guest comedian and lawyer Jess Salomon (The Tonight Show, Comedians vs The News). After briefly chatting about Jess’ experiences with the Omicron variant, Jess and Ali disclose that they do know Mike Ward personally from the comedy world. Then they go over the facts of the case and summarize Mike’s joke. Asif then takes a short detour to discuss Treacher Collins Syndrome, the disease which Jeremy was afflicted with. Jess then summarizes the facts of the case and the Supreme Court Decision which was a 5-4 decision in favour of Mike Ward.  Jess and Ali discuss the limits of free speech and comedy and how things boil down to “what is the crux of the joke?”.

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:

• Mike Ward’s joke:
• Mike Ward on Joe Rogan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8reKTTTJZlE
• Comedian who mocked disabled child singer did not breach limits of free speech: Supreme Court: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/mike-ward-scc-j%C3%A9r%C3%A9my-gabriel-1.6229032
• Comedian and Lawyer Explains Why the Quebec Human Rights Tribunal’s Finding Against Mike Ward Should Offend You: https://theinterrobang.com/comedian-lawyer-explains-canadian-human-rights-tribunals-finding-mike-ward-offend/

To start the episode, Ali talks about his new CBC show out now “Run the Burbs” and Ali’s appearance on “Family Feud Canada”. Betty White would have been 100 years old on Jan 17, 2022, so to commemorate this, the guys go over her life and career (7:36). They discuss her roles in “The Mary Tyler Moore Show”, “The Golden Girls” and her devotion to civil rights and animal charities. Then Ali asks Asif about Electronic Medical Records (EMR’s) by using Atul Gawande’s 2018 New Yorker article on the topic as a jumping off point (24:46). Asif goes over the good and bad of EMR’s and possible ways forward to make them useful to patients and physicians. 

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:

• Betty White on “The Golden Girls” -  “The Great Herring War”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80q1x-EN9qM
• Live With it - Betty White defied racist demands with her 1954 variety show: https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2021/12/31/betty-white-arthur-duncan-racism/
• Betty White Dies: The Golden Girls and Mary Tyler Moore Show Star Was 99: https://people.com/tv/betty-white-the-golden-girls-and-hot-in-cleveland-star-dead-at-99/
• Betty White, a Television Golden Girl From the Start, Is Dead at 99: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/31/arts/television/betty-white-dead.html
• How to support animal lover Betty White's favorite cause: https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/02/us/betty-white-animal-charities-iyw/index.html
• Why Doctors Hate Their Computers: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2018/11/12/why-doctors-hate-their-computers
• Electronic Medical Records, Burnout, And “Man’s 4th Best Hospital”: https://www.forbes.com/sites/judystone/2019/11/12/electronic-medical-records-burnout-and-mans-4th-best-hospital/?sh=53501f171099
• It’s Time for a New Kind of Electronic Health Record: https://hbr.org/2020/06/its-time-for-a-new-kind-of-electronic-health-record
• The effectiveness of EMR implementation regarding reducing documentation errors and waiting time for patients in outpatient clinics: a systematic review: https://f1000research.com/articles/10-514

Today, Ali and Asif discuss the career of the great Kal Penn (1:46). They discuss his early career all the way up to the release of his memoir, ‘You Can’t Be Serious”. They discuss his famous roles in ‘American Desi’, ‘Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle’, ‘Van Wilder’, ‘The Namesake’, ‘House’ and ‘Designated Survivor’.  They discuss Kal coming out as gay as well as his recent engagement. Then Ali asks Asif about Physician Burnout (33:01). Asif starts out by defining physician burnout and discusses the increase in physician burnout over time, which has been worsened with the Covid-19 pandemic. Asif then discusses how electronic medical records contribute to physician burnout. He then talks about the effects burnout has on health care delivery, patients and the physician workforce.

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:

• You Can’t be Serious: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/You-Cant-Be-Serious/Kal-Penn/9781982171384

• ‘Maybe I Do Have a Story to Tell’: Kal Penn on His Memoir: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/01/books/kal-penn-you-cant-be-serious-memoir-interview.html

• Kal Penn on his unlikely stardom: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kal-penn-on-his-unlikely-stardom/

• Kal Penn’s Memoir Is Exactly What We All Need Right Now: https://www.shondaland.com/inspire/books/a38127141/kal-penn-memoir/

• Kal Penn Reveals He's Engaged to Fiancé Josh and Details Their First Date in New Book: https://people.com/books/kal-penn-engagement-to-fiance-josh-first-date-new-book-you-cant-be-serious/

• Burnout isn’t due to resiliency deficit. It’s still a system issue: https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/physician-health/burnout-isn-t-due-resiliency-deficit-it-s-still-system-issue

• Physician burnout: contributors, consequences and solutions: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/joim.12752

• Physician Burnout, Interrupted: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp2003149

As a year-end treat, the guys go over their favourite entertainment from 2021… and decide to omit the big 2021 medical topic, since people are likely tired of talking about the Covid-19 pandemic. Ali starts off by talking about his favourite books he read last year (1:44). Then Asif discusses new music he got into in 2021. The guys then compare notes on their favourite movies of 2021 and disagree intensely about Wes Anderson and ‘The French Dispatch’. Then the guys discuss their thoughts on  best TV shows they saw in 2021.

NB: The pod will be taking next week 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

Show Notes:  

• Asif’s fave music from 2021 playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4K3Z1XgNFU&list=PLh7rgup-OZBcIjrILdZ7in5hFZ_2uv1uJ
• Canada Reads: https://www.cbc.ca/books/canadareads

Today, Ali and Asif each list their top albums from one of the greatest years for music, 1991 (2:01). The guys go over their top albums, their honourable mentions and their lowlights of that year. Then, Ali asks Asif why the music from our youth connects so much with us (47:59). Asif discusses the research by Daniel Levitin on music and the brain and discusses why the songs from when we are young are “burned into our brains”. Asif then goes over the sociological reasons why we remember certain life events (we wouldn’t otherwise think about) when we hear a particular song.

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:

• Ali’s 1991 Top Album Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPJ2rcYQC88&list=PLh7rgup-OZBfxVyZVEg9YLAquqI538k36
• Asif’s 1991 Top Album Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qM0zINtulhM&list=PLh7rgup-OZBdHLoGtlLM-4nmV1BUcFMdp
• Was 1991 one of the greatest years in rock? Alan Cross votes ‘yes’: https://globalnews.ca/news/8195404/rock-music-greatest-year-1991/
• 1991: The Most Important Year in Pop-Music History: https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2015/05/1991-the-most-important-year-in-music/392642/
• Daniel Levitin – This Is Your Brain on Music: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/298964/this-is-your-brain-on-music-by-daniel-j-levitin/

• This Is Your Brain on Music: https://www.salon.com/2006/09/05/levitin/
• Musical nostalgia: The psychology and neuroscience for song preference and the reminiscence bump: https://slate.com/technology/2014/08/musical-nostalgia-the-psychology-and-neuroscience-for-song-preference-and-the-reminiscence-bump.html
•  Why we're obsessed with music from our youth: https://theconversation.com/why-were-obsessed-with-music-from-our-youth-154864
• Why our teenage music listening has a life-long impact: https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/bring-the-noise/music-from-our-teens/zvfphbk
• Q & A With Psychological Scientist Daniel Levitin (Part 2): https://www.psychologicalscience.org/uncategorized/q-a-with-daniel-levitin-part-2.html
• Anatomically distinct dopamine release during anticipation and experience of peak emotion to music: https://www.nature.com/articles/nn.2726#citeas

In response to a listener's question, the guys attempt to answer the questions: “What does it mean to be funny?” and “What does it mean to be healthy?”. After a brief digression about humour in rats, Ali discusses how ‘funny’ laughter and active listening are intricately linked (2:21). He outlines the 4 major concepts that people find amusement in: 1) the misfortunes of others; 2) expressions of otherwise forbidden emotions; 3) juxtaposition of incompatible concepts; 4) realizing that certain expectations have been violated. He discusses how something is more funny if geographical or emotional remoteness lends a bit of distance. He also discusses the old adage of ‘humour is tragedy plus time’, as well as the concept of timing, ‘too soon’ and how comedy is tension and release. Then, Asif discusses how “healthiness” to him means optimizing your health and reducing your risk of disease (30:13). He then describes the two easiest ways to stay healthy: eat in moderation and exercise regularly. Asif then discusses the importance of mental and emotional health and learning to ‘live’ with stress. He also discusses not ignoring signals with regards to your emotional and mental well being. 

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:

• What’s So Funny? The Science of Why We Laugh: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/whats-so-funny-the-science-of-why-we-laugh/

• Science deconstructs humor: What makes some things funny?: https://theconversation.com/science-deconstructs-humor-what-makes-some-things-funny-64414

• Colin and Brad -  Mousetrap Game: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAZcJ2gCpEo

The guys start off this episode with Asif reviewing Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2:40). Then Asif asks Ali about his thoughts on Larry David, ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ and cringe comedy (12:16). Ali talks about the influence of Ricky Gervais (The Office) and Sacha Baron Cohen (Da Ali G Show) on cringe comedy. After an aside about the new Willow TV show, the guys talk about Larry David and why he is shocked that ‘Curb’ makes people cringe. They guys then talk about their favourite moments and characters from the show. Then Ali asks Asif about ‘male menopause’ (39:34) and they discuss why the preferred terms are Andropause or Male Hypogonadism. Asif goes over the symptoms and how one can be tested for it. Asif then goes over the options for treatment for diagnosed individuals, as well as some of the side effects of treatment. 

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:

• How Larry David Makes You Cringe: https://medium.com/wisecrack/how-larry-david-makes-you-cringe-f6c1a1fa9ae4

• Watch the Evolution of Cringe Comedy in 9 Clips: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/29/arts/television/larry-david-curb-your-enthusiasm-cringe-comedy.html

• Larry David Is ‘Shocked’ That ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ Makes People Cringe: https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2020/01/larry-david-shocked-curb-your-enthusiasm-makes-people-cringe

• Every Episode of ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm,’ Ranked: https://www.theringer.com/tv/2020/3/23/21188827/curb-your-enthusiasm-episode-rankings-updated

• Sharing the Enthusiasm: https://www.theringer.com/tv/2021/11/19/22789464/curb-your-enthusiasm-cameos-oral-history

• Male menopause: Myth or reality? https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/mens-health/in-depth/male-menopause/art-20048056

• Male hypogonadism: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/male-hypogonadism/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354886

• Is testosterone therapy safe? Take a breath before you take the plunge: https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/is-testosterone-therapy-safe-take-a-breath-before-you-take-the-plunge

• Testosterone Therapy for Hypogonadism Guideline Resources: https://www.endocrine.org/clinical-practice-guidelines/testosterone-therapy#2

• Testosterone Treatments: Why, When, and How? https://www.aafp.org/afp/2006/0501/p1591.html

The guys start off the episode with Asif discussing the problems faced by men after trying on their suits after 18 months of the Covid-19 pandemic (1:18). The guys then compare two albums released in the fall of 1991, Soundgarden’s ‘Badmotorfinger’ and U2’s ‘Achtung Baby’ (3:15). They start off by discussing ‘Badmotorfinger’ and the amazing productivity of Chris Cornell in the fall 1991 and the overall innovation of the album. The guys then discuss U2’s ‘Achtung Baby’; they discuss the tensions the band had when recording the album and how the documentary ‘From the Sky Down’ details the trials and tribulations of making this album. They discuss how the band writing the song “One”  was the breakthrough that saved the album and the band itself. The guys then give their preferences about which album they prefer. Asif then discusses OCD, a topic suggested by a listener (28:51). Asif goes over the symptoms and how common it is. He then goes over the difference between OCD and Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD).  He then discusses whether OCD is genetic and the recommended treatment for OCD. At the end of the episode, listen to hear about  a podcast we are currently "Obsessed" with...

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:

• Tomorrow Begat Tomorrow: An Oral History of Soundgarden’s Badmotorfinger: https://www.spin.com/2021/10/soundgarden-badmotorfinger-oral-history-30th-anniversary/

• 30 Years Ago: Soundgarden Break Through With ‘Badmotorfinger’: https://loudwire.com/soundgarden-badmotorfinger-anniversary/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral

• The Past Brought Into the Light: Breaking Down a U2 Breakthrough, Chord by Chord: https://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/29/arts/television/from-the-sky-down-a-documentary-about-u2-review.html

• U2’s ‘Achtung Baby’ at 30: Looking Back at the Pioneering Rock Giants’ Greatest Album and Backstory: https://www.rockcellarmagazine.com/u2-achtung-baby-30th-anniversary-look-back-history-listen/

• I’m Not Brave at All: https://www.theplayerstribune.com/articles/corey-hirsch-nhl-hockey-mental-health

• Personality disorders: review and clinical application in daily practice: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22150659/

• Suicide ideation and attempts in obsessive-compulsive disorder: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31046037/

• Canadian clinical practice guidelines for the management of anxiety, posttraumatic stress and obsessive-compulsive disorders: https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-244X-14-S1-S1

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder and body dysmorphic disorder: treatment: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg31

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Diagnosis and Management: https://www.aafp.org/afp/2015/1115/p896.html

• Obsessed: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/obsessed/id1559480972

The guys start off the episodes by discussing Ali’s recent attendance at a Toronto Maple Leafs game and his ‘Sophie’s Choice’ of needing to choose whether to cheer for Toronto or the Boston Bruins (1:40). Asif then discusses his thoughts on the recent movie by Denis Villeneuve ‘Dune”. Then Asif asks Ali about Kumail Nanjiani and his thoughts on his body transformation and the reasons Kumail has given about his reasons for getting into shape (9:42). They then talk about Kumail posting pics of his new bod on Instagram and the response (good and bad) to it. The guys go out of their way to emphasize that they do not feel that Kumail has done HGH or steroids. Then Asif goes over exactly what HGH and steroids are as well as the side effects of taking them (33:17). He then discusses how they are allegedly used by actors in Hollywood as well as in Bollywood. 

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:

• Clueless Gamer: "Shadow Of War" With Kumail Nanjiani | CONAN on TBS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txvKrTplOVs

• Kumail Nanjiani’s Feelings: The man in the Marvel suit confronts his body: https://www.vulture.com/article/kumail-nanjiani-eternals-profile.html?utm_source=tw&utm_medium=s1&utm_campaign=vulture

• Kumail Nanjiani Can Do Anything: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a31195173/kumail-nanjiani-buff-interview/

• Tom and Lorenzo - Who Watches the Swole Men?On who gets to be an unhealthy hero and who doesn't:
• Steroids - Centre for addiction and mental health: https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/steroids

• Systematic review: the safety and efficacy of growth hormone in the healthy elderly: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17227934/

• Systematic review: the effects of growth hormone on athletic performance: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18347346/

• Hollywood and Steroids: When A-List Actors Go the A-Rod Route: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/hollywood-steroid-use-a-list-609091/

• The open secret to looking like a superhero: https://www.vox.com/the-goods/22760163/steroids-hgh-hollywood-actors-peds-performance-enhancing-drugs

• Hollywood’s Vial Bodies: https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2012/03/human-grown-hormone-hollywood-201203

• https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/instagram-fitness-influencers-scams
• Akshay Kumar: After 32 years of working out, I still don’t have more than 6 packshttps://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/akshay-kumar-after-32-years-of-working-out-i-still-dont-have-more-than-6-packs/articleshow/45258259.cms

Today, the guys switch things around by discussing the medical topic first -- Tics and Tourette Syndrome (1:02). Asif discusses what the symptoms of Tourette Syndrome are, how you diagnose it and what causes it. He also talks about other commonly associated conditions and why you often do NOT need to treat tics. Then Ali and Asif discuss Tourette Syndrome on tv shows, movies and especially social media (20:50). Asif discusses how he was asked to be on the TV show “Employable Me” as a medical expert on Tourette Syndrome and his reasons for declining the offer.  Asif discusses the finding of an increase in psychogenic tics over the Covid-19 pandemic and it’s possible relation to TikTok influencers. And as a bonus, at the end of the episode, Ali announces his casting in the new CBC sitcom “Run the Burbs”. 

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:

• Employable Me: https://www.tvo.org/programs/employable-me
• Asif’s Youtube Video On Tics and Tourette: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rL4HrZDLJN0

• TikTok Teens and K-Pop Stans Say They Sank Trump Rally: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/21/style/tiktok-trump-rally-tulsa.html

• The Superstars of Tourette’s TikTok: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/07/disability-influencers-tourette-tiktok/619468/

• COVID-19 related increase in childhood tics and tic-like attacks: https://adc.bmj.com/content/106/5/420

• Gen Z Is Developing Unexplained Tics After Going Online, And Doctors Are Concerned: https://www.vice.com/en/article/xgx3en/gen-z-is-developing-unexplained-tics-after-going-online-and-doctors-are-concerned

• Rapid Onset Functional Tic‐Like Behaviors in Young Females During the COVID‐19 Pandemic:
• Tics and TikTok: Functional Tics Spread Through Social Media: https://movementdisorders.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/mdc3.13267

• TikTok Tics: A Pandemic Within a Pandemic: https://movementdisorders.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/mdc3.13316

• What Happened to the Girls in Le Roy: https://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/11/magazine/teenage-girls-twitching-le-roy.html