Today, Asif and Ali discuss the phenomenal Netflix series ‘Adolescence’ (1:28). They discuss the creation of the film and how star and co-creator Stephen Graham came up with the concept for the show to address misogyny and knife violence in the UK.  The guys discuss incel culture, the book ‘The Game’ and Andrew Tate and how adolescence tackles these concepts. They then discuss the direction of the series, with each episode being filmed in one take. Then then discuss the tremendous acting in the series, including newcomer Owen Cooper. 

Then they discuss the effects of social media on teenagers (24:14). They start off by discussing Australia’s new ban on social media for children until 16 as well as Vivek Murthy’s Surgeon General Report from a few years ago on teens and social media. Asif discusses some potential benefits of social media for teens before discussing the potential harms. He then discusses the evidence that is out there regarding whether social media is harmful to teens. Finally the guys go over some practical tips for parents regarding social media and their children. 

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:

• The Rage of ‘Adolescence’: Inside the Single-Shot Sensation Blowing Up the Manosphere: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/adolescence-interview-stephen-graham-owen-cooper-netflix-1236182905/

• ‘We’ve Got to Start Talking About This’: Stephen Graham on Making ‘Adolescence’: https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-features/adolescence-stephen-graham-interview-1235299218/

• How Stephen Graham Carried the Weight of Adolescence: https://www.vulture.com/article/adolescence-stephen-graham-eddie-finale-ending-scene-interview.html

• ‘The younger me would have sat up and nodded’: Adolescence writer Jack Thorne on the insidious appeal of incel culture: https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/mar/18/adolescence-writer-jack-thorne-incel-culture-netflix

• The Game at 10: Reflections From a Recovering Pickup Artist: https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2015/10/neil-strauss-the-game/409789/

• How Social Media Affects Your Teen’s Mental Health: A Parent’s Guide: https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/social-media-teen-mental-health-a-parents-guide

• Tween and teen health: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/teens-and-social-media-use/art-20474437

• Social media brings benefits and risks to teens. Psychology can help identify a path forward: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2023/09/protecting-teens-on-social-media

• Everyone Says Social Media Is Bad for Teens. Proving It Is Another Thing: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/17/upshot/social-media-teen-mental-health.html

• The great rewiring: is social media really behind an epidemic of teenage mental illness? https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-00902-2

Today Asif and Ali interview podcaster Kate Downey about period pain and her new podcast “Cramped”. The guys chat with Kate about why she wanted to start a podcast about period pain (dysmenorrhea) and her personal journey with what she calls ‘death cramps”. Kate then elaborates on why period pain is often treated differently than other types of pain and the relation between period pain and endometriosis. They then discuss how stigma and bias are intertwined with the lack of awareness of period pain. Finally Kate discusses new scientific breakthroughs in our understanding of period pain. 

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:

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Show Notes:

• https://www.katehelendowney.com/

Today, after a brief discussion of shows Ali and Asif have been watching lately – including ‘One Day’ and ‘Adolescence’ (as well as shows they bailed on… ‘Breaking Bad’ and ‘The White Lotus’) – they discuss ‘Apple Cider Vinegar’ and Belle Gibson (7:43). They go over Belle Gibson’s rise from Instagram “Wellness Warrior” to being exposed as faking having brain cancer. They then discuss the Netflix TV show based on Belle Gibson’s story ‘Apple Cider Vinegar’. They discuss how the show weaves in Belle’s story with the fictionalized character of Milla who is closely based on Jessica Ainscough, a prominent Australian influencer who billed herself as Wellness Warrior who did in fact have cancer. They then give their thoughts on the show including Kaityn Dever’s amazing performance. 

Then, based on the recent outbreaks in North America, Ali asks Asif about Measles (26:48). Asif talks about what it is and how it is one of the most contagious infectious diseases. Asif then talks about who is at risk of contracting measles including the unvaccinated, children under age 1 year and the immunocompromised. Asif goes over the symptoms and the potential fatal complications. He then goes over how it is treated. Then Ali asks Asif about the reasons for declining vaccination rates. 

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:

• Unmasking Belle Gibson: The real story of the infamous wellness scammer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fahOX8VBXCc

• The Cancer Scams That Foreshadowed MAHA: https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/the-cancer-scams-that-foreshadowed-maha

• The Search for Instagram’s Worse Con Artist: https://www.netflix.com/ca/title/81987249

• The rise and fall of the wellness warriors: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(18)30207-9/abstract

• A play-by-play of how measles outbreaks can spiral out of control: https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/measles-second-opinion-march-2025-1.7476500

• Ask an expert: Why are we seeing measles outbreaks across Canada and who should get vaccinated? https://www.dal.ca/news/2025/03/27/measles-outbreak-expert.html

• Measles: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448068/

• Measles vaccines: Canadian Immunization Guide: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-immunization-guide-part-4-active-vaccines/page-12-measles-vaccine.html

Today Asif and Ali discuss  the new critically acclaimed Disney Plus /Hulu series “Deli Boys” (1:15). They discuss creator Abdullah Saeed’ background and how he came to develop the series. They discuss what they love about the show including the superb cast including Saagar Shaikh. Asif Ali, and Poorna Jagannathan. 

Then, based on some recent news articles, Ali asks Asif about the dangers of Ayurvedic medicine (27:24). They discuss this practice of this form of medicine, its history and basic principles. Asif then discusses some of the limited evidence for this practice in the Western medical literature. He then goes over how some Ayurvedic medicine preparations include lead, mercury and arsenic and how this can lead to heavy metal toxicity in several case reports. 

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:

• Deli Boys is a funny, timely ride for our distracted era:  https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/03/06/arts/deli-boys-review/

• Deli Boys: one of the most bingeable shows about the Muslim diaspora imaginable: https://hyphenonline.com/2025/03/06/deli-boys-hulu-disney-plus-muslim-pakistani-comedy/

• Deli Boys Creator Abdullah Saeed on Telling a Brand-New, Brilliantly Original Kind of Crime Story: https://www.vogue.com/article/abdullah-saeed-deli-boys-interview

• Deli Boys’ Poorna Jagannathan: Never Has She Ever Played a Villain Like This: https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/story/deli-boys-poorna-jagannathan?srsltid=AfmBOoqXkbqsrS2K2BrhmALAkBM6VMtekLHdczOooEDKBuM1FU-VwlBL

• ‘Deli Boys’ aims to flip the script on the stories of guys behind the counter: https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2025-03-06/deli-boys-asif-ali-saagar-shaikh-abdullah-saeed

• ‘This Show Really Faced an Uphill Battle’: https://www.vulture.com/article/deli-boys-abdullah-saeed-interview.html

• Jenni Konner on the Five-Year Journey to ‘Deli Boys’ and Its ‘Magical’ End Result: https://www.indiewire.com/features/interviews/jenni-konner-deli-boys-1235101742/

• Ayurvedic Medicine: In Depth: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/ayurvedic-medicine-in-depth

• Ayurveda: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/ayurveda

• Ayurvedic medicine tainted with heavy metals in B.C., linked to lead poisoning case: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/ayurvedic-medicine-heavy-metals-1.7486308

• Lead toxicity from Ayurvedic medicines: https://www.cmaj.ca/content/195/30/E1010

• Pink ladies: mercury poisoning in twin girls: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC140434/

Today, Ali and Asif discuss the career of the late Gene Hackman (2:04).  They discuss his early life, getting into acting and his friendship with Dustin Hoffman and Robert Duvall. They  also discuss Hackman’s other interests including architecture and writing. Asif and Ali then discuss their favourite Gene Hackman roles including in the movies ‘Superman’, ‘Hoosiers’, ‘Crimson Tide’, ‘Unforgiven’, ‘The Royal Tenenbaums’ and ‘The Birdcage’. 

Then, Asif and ALi discuss the details of the untimely deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife and caregiver, Betsy Arakawa (27:54). Because Ms. Arakawa died of hantavirus infection, Ali then 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 discusses the two serious forms of the disease –  hantavirus pulmonary syndrome and hantavirus renal syndrome. He then goes over the treatment and the prevention of the disease. Finally the guys discuss the importance of recognizing caregiver burnout. 

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:

• Gene Hackman: 20 Essential Movies: https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-lists/gene-hackman-best-movies-1234794159/eureka-1983-1235271637/

• Our favorite Gene Hackman performances: https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/movies/2025/02/27/gene-hackman-best-movies-performances-roles/

• A Haunting Coda: The 7 Days Gene Hackman’s Wife Could No Longer Care for Him: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/08/us/gene-hackman-betsy-arakawa.html

• Gene Hackman's Dog Cause of Death Still Under Investigation as Cops Confirm Pet Was 'Crated' Due to Surgical Procedure: https://people.com/gene-hackman-dog-cause-of-death-under-investigation-11687674

• Hantavirus in humans: a review of clinical aspects and management: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(23)00128-7/abstract

• What Is Hantavirus, the Rare Disease That Killed Betsy Arakawa? https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/07/health/what-is-hantavirus-gene-hackman-wife.html

• Hantavirus: What it is, how it spreads, how often it's fatal: https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/what-is-hantavirus-explained-gene-hackman-betsy-arakawa-1.7479265

• Emma Heming Willis speaks up for caregivers after Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman’s deaths: https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/11/entertainment/emma-heming-willis-gene-hackman-betsy-arakawa-caregivers/index.html

Today, after Asif admits that he saw “Home Alone” for the first time in December 2024, the guys discuss the prolific career of the composer John Williams and the recent documentary on his life “Music by John Williams” (5:33). They discuss his early life and his unusual connection to Newfoundland. They discuss his origins as a jazz pianist, his early career scoring films and his tremendous success after he began collaborating with Steven Spielberg. After discussing William’s family life, Asif does an audio quiz for Ali and the listeners about some of Williams’ famous scores. 

Only 4 movies by Steven Spielberg have not been scored by John Williams, and for at least a few of these he was supposedly unable to because of having pacemaker surgery. As such, in the second half, Ali asks Asif about pacemakers (30:54). Asif discusses what they are, as well as the indications. He then goes over the different types of pacing and pacemakers. Asif then discusses how pacemakers are inserted and what you need to avoid if you have one implanted. Finally, Ali asks Asif to clarify the differences between a defibrillator and a pacemaker. 

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 Force Is Still Strong with John Williams: https://www.newyorker.com/culture/persons-of-interest/the-force-is-still-strong-with-john-williams

• 4 Surprising Things We Learned From the John Williams Documentary: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/01/movies/john-williams-documentary.html

• ‘Music by John Williams’ Review: Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and More Celebrate the Iconic Composer in a Winning Disney+ Doc: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/music-by-john-williams-review-disney-plus-documentary-1236042750/

• Pacemaker: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/prevention--treatment-of-arrhythmia/pacemaker
• Pacemakers: https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/pacemaker-implant

• Indications and Recommendations for Pacemaker Therapy: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2005/0415/p1563.html

Today, to celebrate 200 episodes, Ali and Asif interview misinformation expert Timothy Caulfield about his new book, ‘The Certainty Illusion: What You Don’t Know and Why It Matters ’. They start off by discussing Tim’s background and how he became involved in the battle against misinformation and how he deals with internet trolls. Ali then asks Tim about certain topics he addresses in his new book including gluten, fresh vs frozen sushi and organic foods. Asif then asks Tim about some topics from his book regarding the Covid-19 pandemic including “white hat bias” and MD hucksters and the raw milk movement. They then touch on the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement and the implications of the appointment of RFK Jr in the Trump administration in the US. Finally they discuss pop culture and the misinformation campaigns against Blake Lively and Amber Heard. 

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 Certainty Illusion: What You Don't Know and Why It Matters: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/713451/the-certainty-illusion-by-timothy-caulfield/9780735245884

• Who Trolled Amber? https://www.tortoisemedia.com/listen/who-trolled-amber

• What to know about the Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni drama: Legal complaint, PR accusations and more: https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/blake-lively-justin-baldoni-it-ends-us-lawsuit-what-know-rcna185274

After a brief discussion about plane crashes and measles outbreaks, Asif and Ali preview the upcoming 97th annual Academy Awards. taking place on March 2, 2025 (no medical topic this episode). After discussing the amazing score for ‘Conclave’, the guys go over their Oscar picks in the following categories: Original and Adapted Screenplay, Best Director, Best Supporting Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Actress, Best Actor and Best Picture. In the course of their conversation they also go into detail on the controversies regarding the film ‘Emilia Perez’. 

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:

• 'Emilia Pérez' is winning awards. Why is it causing controversy, too? https://www.today.com/popculture/movies/emilia-perez-controversy-explained-rcna186937

• Journalist Who Uncovered Karla Sofía Gascón’s Racist Tweets Explains Why She Looked for Them: ‘I’m Not a Studio Plant’: https://variety.com/2025/film/awards/journalist-sarah-hagi-discovered-karla-sofia-gascon-tweets-1236293396/

Today Asif and Ali discuss the Oscar nominated movie “The Substance” (1:44) (mild spoilers follow). They discuss the overall genre of body horror and the classic Canadian filmmaker David Cronenberg and how the end of the substance is similar to the end of ‘The Fly’. They then chat about how ‘The Substance’ was developed by acclaimed director Coralie Fargeat. They discuss the cast –  including an award winning turn by Demi Moore – and the superb make up and special effects. They also briefly discuss some alleged conflict on the set. The guys then sum up their thoughts on the movie. 

Then Ali asks Asif about botulinum toxin (Botox) (23:05) . Asif discusses first what botulism is and how humans can be infected with it, especially in infants. He then discusses the toxin specifically, and chats about what it is, how it works and its use in cosmetic procedures as well as medical procedures. Asif then discusses the risks of the procedure and the costs. 

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:

• Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley recall 'brutal,' bloody shoot for grotesque horror film The Substance: 'Can't f---ing move': https://ew.com/demi-moore-the-substance-brutal-shoot-prosthetics-blood-preview-8713538

• The Brains Behind ‘The Substance:’ How Coralie Fargeat Stayed True to Her Gutsy Vision: ‘Everyone Wanted Me to Make It Less Violent, Less Excessive’: https://variety.com/2025/film/global/the-substance-coralie-fargeat-oscars-1236289808/

• If You Thought Demi Moore’s Transformation Was Crazy in ‘The Substance,’ Wait Til You Hear How They Did It: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/demi-moore-the-substance-crazy-scenes-1236062561/

• Inside Elisabeth’s Transformation Into ‘Gollum’ and ‘Monstro’ in ‘The Substance’: https://www.indiewire.com/features/craft/the-substance-prosthetic-designer-gollum-monstro-interview-1235051839/

• Demi Moore filmed 45 ‘very difficult' takes of ‘heart-wrenching’ scene in The Substance: ‘Got to a point where I… https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/hollywood/demi-moore-filmed-45-very-difficult-takes-of-heart-wrenching-scene-in-the-substance-got-to-a-point-where-i-101725428808345-amp.html

• Botulinum Toxin: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557387/

• Botox: Cosmetic and medical uses: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/158647#medical-uses

• Botulinum Toxin Injection for Facial Wrinkles: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2014/0801/p168.html

After a truly inane discussion about ‘back slashes’ vs ‘forward slashes’, the guys discuss the career of the late Christopher Reeve and the recent documentary on his life ‘Superman / Man’ (2:41). They discuss Reeve’s early career, his studies at Julliard and his iconic role as Superman. They then discuss his tragic horseback riding accident and how he was left with significant spinal cord injuries. They then talk about his advocacy work in the latter part of his life and his death in 2004. They then give their thoughts on the documentary itself. 

Then Ali asks Asif in more detail about spinal cord injuries (30:19). Asif starts of with defining spinal cord injuries and how common they are. He then talks about the causes, symptoms and the immediate treatment.  Ali then asks Asif about the prognosis and long term treatment. Finally, Asif discusses promising new experimental treatments for spinal cord injury. 

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:

• Dynamite Magazine: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamite_(magazine)

• ‘Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story’ Review: A Superbly Made and Supremely Moving Portrait of the Actor’s Fall and Rise: https://variety.com/2024/film/reviews/super-man-the-christopher-reeve-story-review-1235881449/

• Christopher Reeve's son recalls the Superman actor's powerful Oscars appearance following accident: https://ew.com/christopher-reeve-son-recalls-superman-actor-powerful-oscars-speech-after-accident-8547131

• A Superman, on- and off-screen: how Christopher Reeves defied Chile’s junta:https://chiletoday.cl/a-superman-on-and-off-screen-how-christopher-reeves-defied-pinochet/

• Man and Superman: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1126178/

• Spinal Cord Injuries: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK560721/

• Management of Acute Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: A Review of the Literature: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/surgery/articles/10.3389/fsurg.2021.698736/full

• Brain Implants Allow Paralyzed Man to Walk Using His Thoughts: https://web.archive.org/web/20230726205430/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/24/science/paralysis-brain-implants-ai.html