Today, Ali and Asif discuss the career of mixed-martial artist Georges St. Pierre. They discuss his early life in Saint-Isidore Quebec and how he was a victim of bullying as a child which later led him to martial arts. They then go over some trivia about Georges St. Pierre, including his wrestling training, his love of Jean Claude Van Damme and his role as a villain in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. They also talk about his history with OCD, anxiety and depression. They discuss GSP’s MMA career and the “greasing controversy” in his match with B.J. Penn. They then discuss his overall legacy in MMA as well as his charity, the GSP Foundation. 

Georges St. Pierre retired due to ulcerative colitis (UC) and in the second half of the episode, the guys discuss this disorder. Asif explains how it is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and how it differs from Chron’s disease. He talks about the causes, how common it is, as well as the common symptoms. Asif then explains how it is diagnosed and how it is treated. Specifically he discusses the role of probiotics and intermittent fasting (which Georges St. Pierre uses). 

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

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Show Notes:

• The Mind of GSP: https://tv.apple.com/ca/movie/the-mind-of-gsp/umc.cmc.q7ffputlhw5uqu7t9pehh6ec
• Hunter Collins: Van Damme: https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-e&q=hunter+collins+van+damme#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:9af849a6,vid:yfctQ0IXiys,st:0

• Georges St-Pierre opens up on health condition that led to retirement: 'I thought maybe I had cancer': https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2024/03/george-st-pierre-heath-condition-led-to-retirement-cancer-ulcerative-colitis

• Ulcerative Colitis: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/183084-overview#a4

• Can Intermittent Fasting Help with Inflammatory Bowel Disease? https://www.ibdcentrebc.ca/2021/07/intermittent-fasting-on-ibd/

• A review of the role of intermittent fasting in the management of inflammatory bowel disease: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10240551/

At the beginning of today’s episode the guys talk about their Oscar picks from last month and what they got right and wrong. They also talk about the claims of plagiarism regarding the screenplay for “The Holdovers”.  Then, Asif asks Ali about the Just for Laughs festival (4:40). Ali starts off by talking about the history of the festival and his personal relation to it from growing up in Montreal. He talks about its significance to comedians in general and his career in particular. He then talks about the recent financial troubles of Just for Laughs, including the fact that this year’s festival has been canceled. Then Ali asks Asif about the phenomenon of medical tourism (25:24). Asif talks about what it is, how often people go abroad for medical treatment as well as the reasons why medical tourism has been increasing of late. He then goes over some of the risks of medical tourism including a recent report of patients who developed a fatal fungal infection after traveling to Mexico for cosmetic surgery.

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:

• Alexander Payne’s ‘The Holdovers’ Accused of Plagiarism by ‘Luca’ Writer (EXCLUSIVE): https://variety.com/2024/film/news/the-holdovers-accused-plagiarism-luca-writer-1235935605/

• Just for Laughs: A timeline: https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/just-for-laughs-a-timeline

• 2024 Just for Laughs comedy festival cancelled, company seeks creditor protection: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/juste-pour-rire-2024-festival-1.7134047

• Just for Laughs Gags: https://www.hahaha.com/en/videos-categories/gags

• Gilbert Rozon faces new allegations of sexual assault: https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/gilbert-rozon-faces-new-allegations-of-sexual-assault-1.6109707

• Despite the pandemic and inflation, the medical tourism industry is booming. Here's why: https://www.cnbc.com/video/2023/07/03/despite-the-pandemic-and-inflation-medical-tourism-is-booming.html

• Leaving Canada for Medical Care, 2017: https://www.fraserinstitute.org/sites/default/files/leaving-canada-for-medical-care-2017.pdf

• What Do We Know About Medical Tourism? A Review of the Literature With Discussion of Its Implications for the UK National Health Service as an Example of a Public Health Care System: https://academic.oup.com/jtm/article/21/6/410/1843042

• Neurovascular Complications of Iatrogenic Fusarium solani Meningitis: https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2308192

• They came to clinics in Mexico for cosmetic surgery and got a deadly fungal meningitis: https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2024/02/22/1232959262/medical-tourism-cosmetic-surgery-fungal-meningitis-clinics-mexico

WARNING: Explicit Language in this episode

Today, Ali and Asif interview comedian and writer Dan St. Germain, coinciding with the release of his new YouTube special “Dance Fatty Dance”. Dan talks about starting off in stand up and using social media in comedy as well as his hatred of Zoom comedy. Ali asks Dan about the Just of Laughs festival and its recent financial issues.  Dan then talks about the development of his comedic cartoon with Dan Soder and ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin. Asif and Dan then engage in some wrestling talk and discuss the recent resurgence in pro wrestling, the return of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Wrestlemania and the similarities between wrestling and comedy. Al and Asif then transition to talking to Dan about some medical issues that he brings up in his special. Ali starts off by asking Dan about his history with alcohol and how the comedy lifestyle may perpetuate addiction issues. The talk about Dan doing the roast of Ric Flair, the reception to his jokes, and how Dan relapsed that night. Dan mentions in his stand up that Dan’s dad had encephalitis, so Asif goes into a bit of detail about this disease. They wrap up by discussing cerebral palsy which relates to one of his jokes from his special. 

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:

• Dan St. Germain: Dance Fatty Dance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWafzY7HERs&t=3s

Today, Ali and Asif discuss the new hit Netflix series ‘3 Body Problem’ (1:19). They start off with a minor debate on how to pronounce the name of ‘Liu Cixin’, the writer of the book upon which the show is based. The guys then discuss how the show was created by David Benioff and Dan Weiss, the creators of ‘Game of Thrones’, after a few other failed ventures. They discuss how China is a major setting in the book and series as well as the series opening scene depicting the ‘Cultural Revolution’ in China in the 1960’s. Then both Ali and Asif give their thoughts on the show. 

Then the guys discuss Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (24:44). Asif starts out by discussing the differences between alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Asif discusses how NAFLD occurs in 1 in 3 people (!) and 10% of children. He then discusses how NAFLD is linked to Type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, heart disease and high cholesterol/triglycerides. Ali then asks Asif about how it is diagnosed, including blood tests and ultrasounds. They then discuss the cornerstones of management, especially lifestyle modification. 

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:

• ‘Game of Thrones’ Creators’ Wild Road to Their Biggest Gamble Yet: Netflix’s ‘3 Body Problem’: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/3-body-problem-benioff-weiss-netflix-thrones-interview-1235783117/

• ‘Game of Thrones’ Creators Look Skyward for Their New Series: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/20/arts/television/3-body-problem-game-of-thrones-benioff-weiss.html

• Netflix’s ‘3 Body Problem’ Draws Fire in China, Praise From U.S. Conservatives: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/3-body-problem-opening-scene-netflix-china-us-conservatives-1235858922/

• Fatty Liver: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment: https://www.webmd.com/hepatitis/fatty-liver-disease

• From Guideline Recommendations to Clinical Practice: Diagnosis and Management of NAFLD/MASLD in Adults

• From Guideline Recommendations to Clinical Practice: Diagnosis and Management of NAFLD/MASLD in Adults: https://reference.medscape.com/viewarticle/986433

• Eating ultra-processed foods puts your liver at risk, new study warns: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20231025/Eating-ultra-processed-foods-puts-your-liver-at-risk-new-study-warns.aspx#:~:text=Increased%20UPF%20consumption%20was%20linked,hepatic%20malignancies%20(HR%201.0).

Since March has been endometriosis awareness month, on today’s episode, Asif and Ali welcome gynecologist Dr. Sony Singh to discuss this common and often debilitating disease. Dr. Singh explains what it is and how it affects at at least 10% of women. He discusses how it is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed how this delay in diagnosis can have long term impacts. He then discusses some tests that can be used in the diagnosis, while acknowledging that in the past endometriosis has easily been missed on ultrasounds and MRI’s. He talks about how it can be treated and the severe complications he has seen in some women. Finally, Dr. Singh discusses the importance of social media in the advocacy of this disease and celebrities that have been affected by it. 

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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Today, Ali and Asif discuss the controversial topic of whether you can separate the art from the artist (3:05). They discuss various opinion articles on this subject and the 'cancelling’ of historical figures such as Oscar Wilde and various politicians. They discuss how different types of art may allow this separation to be made easier or harder. They compare authors to actors/directors to stand up comedians and singers. They also discuss how weak versus strong apologies can change someone’s viewpoint on an artist. The guys conclude by discussing the case of Michael Jackson and the sexual abuse allegations against him. Because Jackson suffered from vitiligo, in the second half the guys discuss this skin disease (38:36). Asif talks about the presumed cause as well as how it is diagnosed. Ali then asks Asif about the psychological toll the disease can take as well as the treatment and 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:

• It’s Okay to Like Good Art by Bad People: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2023/05/separate-art-from-artist-cancel-culture-monsters-book/673497/

• Can You Love the Art and Hate the Monster https://www.newyorker.com/books/under-review/can-you-love-the-art-and-hate-the-artist

• This New Book Asks: Can You Separate the Art From the Artist? https://www.anothermag.com/design-living/14867/monsters-a-fans-dilemma-claire-dederer-cancel-culturehttps://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/03/opinion/music-pop-culture-justice.html

• Can We Separate Art from the Artist? Should We? https://observer.com/2023/01/can-we-separate-art-from-the-artist-should-we/

• What do we do when the art we love was created by a monster? https://www.vox.com/culture/2018/10/11/17933686/me-too-separating-artist-art-johnny-depp-woody-allen-michael-jackson-louis-ck

• What Do We Do with the Art of Monstrous Men? https://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2017/11/20/art-monstrous-men/

• Rihanna: I have forgiven Chris Brown, I truly love him: https://uk.news.yahoo.com/rihanna-chris-brown-112742317.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAHQ_aSIGLrcQ0yotID_BwInwuH3Ebaz4Y2W_eqc6tfSey2PpDBXElC2YbC0tfdGCchWPoKs90wjV2aRkrvzLQKftF-gs-YXUQJmnuV0dTuQRUWG9g6EWkLmj5z-IjL-1QDDz4qrVz7rxLOXIR8C1jCG08XJ5Vhq8rsxUPT2yp4xj

• Jian Ghomeshi found not guilty on choking and all sex assault charges: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/jian-ghomeshi-sexual-assault-trial-ruling-1.3505446

• Rob Ford on drug use: 'You name it, I pretty well covered it': https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/rob-ford-on-drug-use-you-name-it-i-pretty-well-covered-it-1.2693774

• Why are celebrities accused of sexual harassment so bad at apologies? https://www.salon.com/2018/01/06/why-are-celebrities-accused-of-sexual-harassment-so-bad-at-apologies/

• I Made the Pizza Cinnamon Rolls from Mario Batali’s Sexual Misconduct Apology Letter https://www.everywhereist.com/2018/01/i-made-the-pizza-cinnamon-rolls-from-mario-batalis-sexual-misconduct-apology-letter/ 

• Aziz Ansari Is Guilty. Of Not Being a Mind Reader https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/15/opinion/aziz-ansari-babe-sexual-harassment.html

• Shane Gillis was fired from ‘SNL’ for racist and homophobic jokes. Now he’s going to host: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/shane-gillis-saturday-night-live-fired-now-hosting-rcna137161

• Winnie Harlow: Her Emotional Story With Vitiligo: https://www.healthinsight.ca/advocacy/winnie-harlow-her-emotional-story-with-vitiligo/

• Bullies made Winnie Harlow suicidal but now Lewis Hamilton’s stunning girlfriend loves the skin she’s in: https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/1752326/bullies-made-winnie-harlow-suicidal-but-now-lewis-hamiltons-stunning-girlfriend-loves-the-skin-shes-in/

• Vitiligo: A Narrative Review: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9586189/

• Vitiligo: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559149/

• Beyond skin white spots: Vitiligo and associated comorbidities: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9995999/

• Vitiligo, from Pathogenesis to Therapeutic Advances: State of the Art: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/5/4910

• Understanding the symptoms of vitiligo: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/245081#treatment

After some listener mail, the guys discuss the career of Dave Chapelle (2:21). They start off by discussing his early life and his notable family history. They discuss his early failures, his success and his first special “Killing Them Softly”.  They then talk about the groundbreaking ‘Chapelle’s Show’ and how Dave abruptly left the show at season 3. Finally they discuss their thoughts on Chappelle’s most recent Netflix stand up special ‘The Dreamer’ and the controversy surrounding some his jokes about the trans community. 

Then, in the second half, the guys talk about the medical complications of cannabis (25:03). Asif goes over the common effects of acute cannabis intoxication. He then discusses how despite what many think, you can become addicted to cannabis. Asif then reviews how cannabis may impair  brain development and how it is related to psychosis. He also discusses whether cannabis can be considered a gateway drug. Asif then goes over some of the more severe side effects including cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome and reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome. Ali then asks Asif about any updates regarding seizures and cannabis and also discusses the cultural role of cannabis in some societies. 

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:

• Dave Chappelle - Inside The Actors Studio: https://vimeo.com/495346128

• Dave Speaks: https://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1061512,00.html

• What Does Neal Brennan Think White People Need To Know About Black People: https://www.buzzfeed.com/samgf/neal-brennan-would-like-to-be-black-americas-ambassador-to-w

• Adverse Health Effects of Marijuana Use: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4827335/

• Emergent Medical Illnesses Related to Cannabis Use: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6690288/

• Review of systemic and syndromic complications of cannabis use: A review: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9750691/

• 'Ganja is not a drug': Bob Marley's granddaughter on Rasta spirituality: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/tapestry/connecting-with-your-roots-for-better-and-for-worse-1.4576663/ganja-is-not-a-drug-bob-marley-s-granddaughter-on-rasta-spirituality-1.4576668

Ali and Asif are back! In their return episode, the guys preview the 97th Annual Academy Awards Preview, taking place on March 10, 2024 (no medical topic this episode). The guys start off by discussing how Robbie Robertson from ’The Band’ was nominated posthumously for writing the music for ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’. And they also mention how John Williams, at age 92, received his 54th academy award nomination for ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’. The guys then 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. 

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:

• Robbie Robertson earns posthumous first Oscar nomination for Killers of the Flower Moon: https://ew.com/oscars-2024-robbie-robertson-earns-posthumous-first-nomination-8548082

• Legendary Composer John Williams Continues to Break His Own Oscars Record with 54th Nomination: https://people.com/oscars-2024-john-williams-breaks-his-own-record-with-54th-nomination-8548828

• J.J. Abrams apologizes for overusing lens flare: 'I know it's too much': https://www.theverge.com/2013/9/30/4788758/j-j-abrams-apologizes-for-his-overusing-lens-flare

• How Killers Of The Flower Moon Connects To The Tulsa Massacre Highlighted In Watchmen: https://www.slashfilm.com/1423292/killers-of-the-flower-moon-tulsa-race-massacre-connection-watchmen/
• Ryan Gosling Doesn’t Want to Watch His Dancing Videos - The Graham Norton Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9fUqiav_SA

For the next few weeks, the guys will be re-airing some of their favourite episodes from our archives. 

 Today Ali and Asif discuss the legendary soundtrack from the movie ‘Singles’ which was released 30 years ago. The guys start off by discussing the movie ‘Singles’, Cameron Crowe and how the movie potentially influenced the creation of ‘Friends’. The guys then go through each song on the album and give their thoughts on each track. They highlight how the album gained exposure for some ‘up and coming’ bands at the time, including Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains and The Smashing Pumpkins.  Then Ali asks Asif about borderline personality disorder (BPD). Asif starts off by talking about personality disorders and then explains the criteria for diagnosing someone with BPD. He then talks about risk factors for developing it as well as the neurobiology of BPD. He then concludes by discussing the treatment and prognosis of the disorder. 

The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions. 

Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay

Contact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.com

Follow us on Social media:

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Show Notes:

• Cameron Crowe on the ‘Singles’ Soundtrack, Chris Cornell: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/cameron-crowe-on-the-singles-soundtrack-chris-cornell-194903/

• Personality Disorders: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/personality-disorders/why-is-it-controversial/
• BPD family: https://www.bpdfamily.com/

• Borderline personality disorder: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0140673610614225?casa_token=_4MqATEboTMAAAAA:kFe4KpWO3I6GkTvJ17HxA0G_Ryhe3cRuh2ZKyOvePaT_A2Eu6mgAdpV4omjh7z0AhIlGYNldAg#box1

• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/dialectical-behaviour-therapy

For the next few weeks, the guys will be re-airing some of their favourite episodes from our archives. 

Today on a very special episode, the guys we will be interview the trailblazing Canadian Music Icon Bif Naked. They start off by discussing Bif’s somewhat surprising connection to South Asia. Then then chat about Bif’s book from 2016 “I Bificius” and the challenges of opening yourself up in a memoir. Asif then asks Bif about her long standing fascination with medicine. Bif describes her lifelong interest in the field of medicine. Bif and the guys touch on her diagnosis of breast cancer and how that has informed her volunteer work as a death doula. Bif discusses her philanthropy, activism and how she thinks social media is actually a good thing (!). Then, in recognition of October being breast cancer awareness month, Bif highlights how important “the pink ribbon” movement is for those suffering from breast cancer and how vital it is to support charities that fund research into breast cancer. Finally, the guys discuss Bif’s new single “Rollerdome” and her upcoming album Champion, as well as the fact that she is the focus of the upcoming documentary by Jennifer Abbott entitled “Bif Naked: One of a Kind”. . 

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:

• Toronto Tabla’s new single with Bif Naked: https://www.rootsmusic.ca/2022/03/19/check-out-toronto-tablas-new-single-with-bif-naked-album-release-tonight/

• I Bificus https://www.harpercollins.ca/9781443419734/i-bificus/
• The Magnitude of All Things: https://www.themagnitudeofallthings.com/