
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 Nov 15, 2024
Episode 186: Hasan Minhaj’s “Off With His Head” / Deep Brain Stimulation
Friday Nov 15, 2024
Friday Nov 15, 2024
Today, the guys discuss Hasan Minhaj’s new comedy special “Off With His Head” (despite Asif’s hesitation) (2:18). The guys start off by recapping Hasan’s background and the controversy that swirled around him in 2023, associated with a New Yorker article which resulted in Minhaj losing the hosting role of “The Daily Show”. Then they give their thoughts on the good and bad aspects of his new special and his non-apology in the show.
Then, Ali asks Asif about his sabbatical where he is learning about deep brain stimulation (DBS) (35:30). Asif talks about what it is and how it is used in a variety of neurologic diseases in adults especially in Parkinson’s disease. He talks about the procedure including the risks. Finally, Ali asks Asif about what it is currently being used for in 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
Instagram: doctorvcomedian
Show Notes:
-
Hasan Minhaj’s “Emotional Truths”: https://www.newyorker.com/news/annals-of-communications/hasan-minhajs-emotional-truths
-
Hasan Minhaj confirms he lost The Daily Show hosting gig because of jokes scandal, recalls intense call with Jon Stewart: https://ew.com/hasan-minhaj-confirms-losing-the-daily-show-new-yorker-controversy-jon-stewart-call-8718856
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Hasan Minhaj’s Career Isn’t the Only Thing the New Yorker Controversy Derailed: https://slate.com/culture/2024/10/hasan-minhaj-off-with-his-head-netflix-special-new-yorker-controversy.html
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A New Special Finds Hasan Minhaj Relaxed, Confident, and Ready to Move Past the Backlash
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A New Special Finds Hasan Minhaj Relaxed, Confident, and Ready to Move Past the Backlash: https://time.com/7096089/hasan-minhaj-off-with-his-head-netflix/
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Hasan Minhaj Breaks Bad: https://www.vulture.com/article/hasan-minhaj-off-with-his-head-close-read.html
- Episode 1273 Hasan Minhaj: http://www.wtfpod.com/podcast/episode-1273-hasan-minhaj
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How Hasan Minhaj's 'insider-outsider' relationship with America fuels his Netflix comedy show: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/q/wednesday-aug-28-2019-hasan-minhaj-jennifer-podemski-and-more-1.5261297/how-hasan-minhaj-s-insider-outsider-relationship-with-america-fuels-his-netflix-comedy-show-1.5261347
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Deep brain stimulation: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/deep-brain-stimulation/about/pac-20384562
- Deep brain stimulation: https://www.michaeljfox.org/deep-brain-stimulation
- Deep brain stimulation: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557847/
- Deep brain stimulation: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21088-deep-brain-stimulation#risks-benefits

Thursday Nov 07, 2024
Episode 185: Interview with Sterling Scott (Canada’s Got Talent, Netflix is a Joke)
Thursday Nov 07, 2024
Thursday Nov 07, 2024
Today, Ali and Asif interview the sensational comedian Sterling Scott. Sterling made history as the first ever BIPOC comedian to win the prestigious San Francisco International Comedy Competition, one of only two Canadian comedians selected for the Netflix is a Joke Comedy Festival earlier this year, and was the first comedian to ever be given the Golden Buzzer as a finalist on the most recent season of Canada’s Got Talent. Scott has also made regular appearances on Just For Laughs, CBC’s Debaters and Crave’s Roast Battle Canada.
They chat with Sterling about growing up in Scarborough and developing his stand up comedy in Edmonton, Alberta. They then discuss his sojourns to the US for comedy and his decision to appear on Canada’s Got Talent. They discuss the details of auditioning, life while on the show, and the controversial handling of what happened when he was heckled during the show. They wrap up by discussing a TV show he has in development, how his looks are compared to John David Washington on social media and his upcoming tour dates:
Nov 10, 2024: The Great Theatre, Toronto
Nov 17, 2024: Hollywood Theatre, Vancouver
Nov 24, 2024: Le Studio TD, Montreal
Tickets available at Live Nation.com or ticketmaster.ca
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 Nov 01, 2024
Episode 184: Tony Hinchcliffe / Do Cell Phones Cause Cancer?
Friday Nov 01, 2024
Friday Nov 01, 2024
NB: This episode was recorded BEFORE Tony Hinchcliffe appeared at Donald Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally Stay tuned to the end of the episode for Ali’s and Asif’s takes on Tony Hinchcliffe’s jokes from the rally.
Today, the discuss Tony Hinchcliffe and his podcast ‘Kill Tony’ (5:43). They discuss Tony Hinchcliffe’s background, his start in comedy and the influence of Jeff Ross and Joe Rogan. Ali then describes the premise of ‘Kill Tony’ and the concept of one-minute sets.
Then Ali asks Asif about the evidence as to whether cell phones cause cancer (29:59). Asif talks about the type of radiation that cell phones emit and how in the past how in the past, the The International Agency for Research on Cancer, the WHO’s cancer agency, classified radio wave / cell phone exposure as a possible carcinogen to humans in 2011. He then talks about the most recent review from the WHO which found no connection between cellphone use and brain cancer. He also discusses the lack of evidence for Bluetooth and cell phones towers causing cancer. Finally, he discusses the “real” health danger from cell phones.
At 49:53 Ali and Asif discuss Tony Hinchcliffe’s appearance at Donald Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally.
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:
-
Comedian Peng Dang 'shocked' by Tony Hinchcliffe's racial slur: 'Asian people are still getting attacked': https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2021/05/13/comedian-tony-hinchcliffe-under-fire-racial-slur-peng-dang/5070632001/
-
Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe dropped by agents after calling Chinese comic Peng Dang racist slur on stage: https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/comedy/news/tony-hinchcliffe-peng-dang-wme-b1846845.html
-
Cell Phones and Cancer Risk: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/radiation/cell-phones-fact-sheet
-
Cellular (Cell) Phones: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/radiation-exposure/cellular-phones.html
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Do cellphones cause brain cancer? A WHO review of 63 studies finds no link: https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2024/09/03/cellphones-cancer-risk-radiation/
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No link between mobile phones and brain cancer, WHO-backed study says: https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/no-link-between-mobile-phones-brain-cancer-who-led-study-says-2024-09-03/
Bonus Notes:
-
The Rise of Techno-authoritarianism: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2024/03/facebook-meta-silicon-valley-politics/677168/
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Where J.D. Vance Gets His Weird, Terrifying Techno-Authoritarian Ideas: https://newrepublic.com/article/183971/jd-vance-weird-terrifying-techno-authoritarian-ideas

Friday Oct 25, 2024
Episode 183: 30 years of Pulp Fiction / Rabies
Friday Oct 25, 2024
Friday Oct 25, 2024
Today, the guys discuss the 30th anniversary of ‘Pulp Fiction’ (1:23). The guys chat about when they first saw it and their thoughts about their recent rewatch. They discuss the writing in the movie, its development and its stellar cast. They then chat about the classic soundtrack and the legacy of the film.
Then, after the recent death of a child in Ontario from rabies from a bat, Ali asks Asif about this disease (29:45). Asif discusses how common it is, what causes it and how it is transmitted. He then goes over the primary symptoms and how prompt treatment is vital to prevent loss of life. Finally they discuss what to do if someone is bitten by an animal and especially what to do if one encounters a bat.
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 Pulp Fiction Oral History: Uma Thurman, Quentin Tarantino, and John Travolta Retrace the Movie’s Making: https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2013/01/pulp-fiction-oral-history-quentin-tarantino
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The Inside Story of ‘Pulp Fiction’: 20 Creatives Break Down Making the ‘Tarantinoverse’ Look and Feel: https://variety.com/2024/film/features/pulp-fiction-inside-story-30th-anniversary-20-cast-crew-tarantinoverse-1236176951/
-
Pulp Fiction writer jailed for fatal crash: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2009/oct/01/pulp-fiction-writer-jailed
-
Brantford, Ont.-area child dies from rabies after contact with a bat, health official says: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/rabies-death-1.7341335
-
Rabies: https://www.nature.com/articles/nrdp201791
-
Rabies: the clinical features, management and prevention of the classic zoonosis: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4954532/

Friday Oct 18, 2024
Episode 182 Top Albums of 1994 / Hospital Parking
Friday Oct 18, 2024
Friday Oct 18, 2024
Today, Ali and Asif debate their top albums of 1994 (1:30) and spoiler… there is not a lot of overlap!
Then Ali, based on his personal experiences, asks Asif about hospital parking (38:38). Asif talks about the situation in Canada and how parking contributes a large amount to the financial bottom line of hospitals. He then contrasts it to the situation in the US and in the UK. He then discusses cancer patients specifically and how parking costs contribute to “financial toxicity” in these patients. Finally he discusses some particularly bad takes on why hospital parking is “good for patients”.
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:
-
Advocates want parking fees waived for hospital staff, but hospitals see little wiggle room: https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/advocates-want-parking-fees-waived-for-hospital-staff-but-hospitals-see-little-wiggle-room/article_911e3835-04fa-5ff6-92c0-5044ecd955bd.html
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Opinion: Sault Area Hospital's paid parking should be scrapped by board: https://www.saultstar.com/opinion/opinion-sault-area-hospitals-paid-parking-should-be-scrapped-by-board
-
'Mean spirited': Sask. criticized for making cancer patients pay hospital parking fees: https://regina.ctvnews.ca/mean-spirited-sask-criticized-for-making-cancer-patients-pay-hospital-parking-fees-1.6868887
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‘Kicking You When You’re Down’: Many Cancer Patients Pay Dearly for Parking: https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/kicking-you-when-youre-down-many-cancer-patients-pay-dearly-for-parking/
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Cancer patients endure an overlooked financial burden: hospital parking fees: https://www.statnews.com/2022/12/07/hospital-parking-fees/
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Hospital parking: health care’s controversial cost: https://healthydebate.ca/2014/08/topic/hospital-parking-fees/
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Why patients benefit from hospital parking: https://www.parking-mobility.org/2018/03/13/why-patients-benefit-from-paying-for-hospital-parking/
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Evaluation of parking-related financial toxicity associated with cancer treatments in Western Canada: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36494294/
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Parking-centred health care: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3255194/
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Why free hospital parking isn't as good as it sounds: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/02/free-hospital-parking-daily-mirror-jeremy-corbyn
-
Assessment of Parking Fees at National Cancer Institute–Designated Cancer Treatment Centers: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/article-abstract/2768017

Friday Oct 11, 2024
Episode 181: 6 Degrees of Kevin Bacon / Raynaud’s phenomenon
Friday Oct 11, 2024
Friday Oct 11, 2024
Today the guys discuss the career of actor Kevin Bacon (2:41). They discuss when they were first exposed to him and his early career. Then then discuss his breakout role in ‘Footloose’ and how afterwards he pivoted to become more of a character actor. After discussing his hit movies, then they chat about the party game ‘6 Degrees of Kevin Bacon’. They discuss the origin of the game, what a “Bacon Number” is and eventually determine how many degrees away Ali is from Kevin bacon!
Then they discuss Raynaud’s phenomenon (22:26), which Bacon’s daughter, Sosie, is reported to have. Asif talks about what it is and why it is called a “phenomenon”, how common it is and the main symptoms you can get. Aid then goes over the causes of Raynaud’s. Ali then asks Asif about how it is diagnosed and treated.
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:
-
A Second Wind Is Blowing For Kevin Bacon: https://www.nytimes.com/1994/09/25/movies/a-second-wind-is-blowing-for-kevin-bacon.html
-
60 Facts About Kevin Bacon For Kevin Bacon's 60th Birthday: https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/nation/kevin-bacon-trivia-things-you-didnt-know
-
The exact history of 'Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon': https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/the-exact-history-of-six-degrees-of-kevin-bacon/NCVVAU73UZ4TNCZAK726ENOBBQ/
-
Who is Kevin Bacon’s daughter with Kyra Sedgwick, Sosie Bacon? https://www.msn.com/en-xl/lifestyle/other/who-is-kevin-bacon-s-daughter-with-kyra-sedgwick-sosie-bacon-the-nepo-baby-is-dating-fellow-actor-scoot-mcnairy-and-is-set-to-star-alongside-liam-neeson-and-joe-keery-in-cold-storage/ar-AA1rBugE?ocid=BingNewsSerp
-
Raynaud’s phenomenon and related vasospastic disorders: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1358863X20983455
-
A Review of Raynaud’s Disease: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6139949/
-
Raynaud’s Phenomenon: Reviewing the Pathophysiology and Management Strategies: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8884459/
-
Raynaud Disease: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499833/

Friday Oct 04, 2024
Friday Oct 04, 2024
Today, the guys discuss the new documentary on the quintessential Canadian band, The Tragically Hip (3:45). They discuss how the docuseries was directed by the brother of Gord Downine (the late front man for the Tragically Hip), Mike Downie. They talk about the numerous talking heads in the doc, the story behind some songs and the lack of success of the Hip in the USA. They also talk about strife in the band in the 2000’s as well as Downie’s cancer diagnosis. Then the guys list their top 5 Tragically Hip songs (20:25).
Then, since Downie died of glioblastoma, the guys discuss this disorder (47:20). Asif describes how this is one of the most common brain cancers as well as risk factors for it. He then discusses the presenting symptoms as well as the treatment as well as the unfortunately poor prognosis
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:
-
Tragically Hip Doc Shows Why They Should’ve Been More Than Canada’s Favorite Band: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/tragically-hip-no-dress-rehearsal-documentary-1235106767/
-
‘The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal’: An intimate look at Canada’s band: https://globalnews.ca/news/10752379/the-tragically-hip-no-dress-rehearsal-gord-downie-canada-interview/
-
Gord Downie 'like a Terry Fox in the modern day,' says doctor: https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/gord-downie-like-a-terry-fox-in-the-modern-day-says-doctor-1.3640326
-
Glioblastoma (GBM): https://www.abta.org/tumor_types/glioblastoma-gbm/

Friday Sep 27, 2024
Episode 179: James Earl Jones / Stuttering
Friday Sep 27, 2024
Friday Sep 27, 2024
Today, after a brief quiz, Asif and Ali discuss the career of the late James Earl Jones. Ali goes over Jones’ accolades and the fact that he is one of the few people who have one an EGOT(Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony). They discuss his early life and how some major life events may have contributed to him developing a stutter. They discuss his early Broadway and theater career and then his movie career, particularly as the voice of Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in the Lion King. They then discuss his legacy and how his voice might live on even after his death.
Then Ali asks Asif about stuttering. Asif goes over the different types, how common it is, as well as the presumed causes, including whether it is linked to anxiety or not. He then talks about how it is diagnosed and how it is differentiated from normal developmental dysfluency. He then talks about how it is treated.
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:
-
James Earl Jones, Distinguished Actor and Voice of Darth Vader, Dies at 93: https://variety.com/2024/film/news/james-earl-jones-dead-darth-vader-lion-king-1236138656/
-
James Earl Jones’ Death Spurs Questions About His ‘Star Wars’ Future: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/james-earl-jones-death-voice-1236000596/
-
Stuttering (Stammering): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK603738/
-
Stuttering: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4907555/
- Jose Piranian: https://www.jozepiranian.com/
- How a big league star changed my son's life: https://www.mlb.com/news/george-springer-helped-writer-son-with-stutter

Friday Sep 20, 2024
Episode 178: ‘Chimp Crazy’ / Monkey Bites
Friday Sep 20, 2024
Friday Sep 20, 2024
Today the guys discuss the extremely popular HBO docuseries “Chimp Crazy (1:39). The guys discuss the background of the series and director Eric Good (Tiger King) developed the series. They then discuss how the series main subject, Tonia Haddix, got involved with keeping primates as pets in addition to discussing the involvement of actor Alan Cumming in the docuseries. Asif then asks Ali about an interview he did with journalist Sam Adams about the controversy behind the making of ‘Chimp Crazy’ and Eric Goode hiring a proxy director for the series.
Ali then asks Asif about monkey (primate) attacks and monkey bites (25:11). Asif goes over how the two main causes of primate attacks are primate ownership and over-habituation. With regards to pet ownership, Asif outlines a few major gruesome pet chimpanzee attacks in the US and in particular the attack by a chimp named Travis whose victim was featured on ‘Oprah’. Asif then discusses overhabituation which is caused often by monkeys’ desire for human food. He discusses the risks of monkey bites including the potentially fatal disease caused by the ‘B-virus’. Asif then concludes by discussing how to avoid monkey bites when on vacation in tropical areas.
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:
-
Is it ethical to watch the new docuseries Chimp Crazy? https://www.cbc.ca/arts/commotion/is-it-ethical-to-watch-the-new-docuseries-chimp-crazy-1.7301775
-
The Grotesquerie of Chimp Crazy: https://slate.com/culture/2024/08/chimp-crazy-documentary-tonia-haddix-tonka-tiger-king-hbo-max.html
-
She Faked Her Chimp’s Death. Then Things Went Apesh!t: https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/tonia-haddix-peta-tonka-fake-monkey-death-1388070/
-
‘Chimp Crazy’ Star Tonia Haddix Would Change (Almost) Nothing: https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-features/chimp-crazy-tonia-haddix-tonka-interview-1235093696/
-
Here’s what the Toronto IKEA monkey is up to, 10 years later: https://toronto.citynews.ca/2022/12/09/toronto-ikea-monkey-10-years-later-darwin/
-
Behind The Scenes: The Monkey From 'Speed Racer' Was A Jerk: https://www.cracked.com/article_32977_behind-the-scenes-the-monkey-from-speed-racer-was-a-jerk.html
-
The Double Dishonesty of Chimp Crazy: https://www.vulture.com/article/chimp-crazy-director-deception-tonia-haddix.html
-
The Will to Live: https://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/chimp-attack-victim-charla-nash-shows-her-face
-
A Primate Party Gone Horribly Awry: https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-mar-05-me-chimp5-story.html
- https://theconversation.com/why-monkeys-attack-people-a-primate-expert-explains-221547
- https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/5/hong-kongs-first-monkey-virus-case-what-do-we-know-about-the-b-virus
-
Monkeys blamed for hundreds of puppy deaths captured in India: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/21/monkeys-blamed-for-hundreds-of-puppy-deaths-captured-in-india

Friday Sep 13, 2024
Episode 177: Top 5 ‘Friends’ Episodes / Ketamine
Friday Sep 13, 2024
Friday Sep 13, 2024
Today, the guys discuss their top 5 episodes of the classic sitcom ‘Friends’. But they switch things up by doing the medical topic first by discussing Ketamine and its role in Matthew Perry’s death (3:53). Ali starts out by asking Asif about how exactly ketamine was involved in Matthew Perry’s drowning death. Asif then goes over the history of ketamine, how it works and how it is mainly used as anesthesia. Ali then asks him about how it has been increasingly used in depression and Asif goes over the scientific evidence for this (after a brief digression about electroconvulsive therapy). They then discuss the abuse potential of ketamine and the side effects. They then discuss a New York Times article from last discussing ketamine abuse, telemedicine and compounding pharmacies. They then wrap up the section by discussing the individuals arrested for providing the ketamine implicated in Matthew Perry’s death. Then in the second, more lighthearted half, the guys each list their top 5 ‘Friends’ episodes (31:43).
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:
- Ketamine: https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/ketamine
-
Matthew Perry’s Death Shines a Harsh Light on Ketamine Treatment: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/19/arts/television/matthew-perry-ketamine-treatment.html
-
Matthew Perry’s Assistant and Doctors Charged With Getting Him Ketamine: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/15/arts/television/matthew-perry-charges-ketamine.html
-
A Fraught New Frontier in Telehealth: Ketamine: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/20/us/ketamine-telemedicine.html
-
Ketamine and other glutamate receptor modulators for depression in adults with unipolar major depressive disorder: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8434915/
-
FDA alerts health care professionals of potential risks associated with compounded ketamine nasal spray: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/human-drug-compounding/fda-alerts-health-care-professionals-potential-risks-associated-compounded-ketamine-nasal-spray
-
The One With.... Every Friends episode ranked worst to best: https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/features/friends-episodes-ranked-best-worst-cast-b2469469.html
-
I Have Ranked The Top 50 "Friends" Episodes: https://www.buzzfeed.com/hopelasater/best-friends-episodes-ranked