Doctor Vs Comedian

Today, at the beginning of the episode, Asif and Ali discuss the recent passing of Irish singer Glen Hansard. Then based on recent “Popular Information” articles, Asif and Ali discuss Scientology, their war on psychiatry and SSRI’s and the connection to RFK Jr. The  guys start by discussing L. Ron Hubbard, the pulp and science-fiction writer who developed Dianetics in 1950, introducing concepts such as the “reactive mind,” “engrams,” and “auditing.” They then explore how Dianetics evolved into Scientology, including the E-meter, the concepts of “Clear” and “Operating Thetan,” and the more esoteric teachings surrounding the intergalactic warlord Xenu and “body thetans” (as seen on South Park).  Then they examine why Scientology developed such a profound opposition to psychiatry and psychiatric medications—and how that campaign continues today through organizations such as the Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR). They also do a deep dive into the controversy surrounding Tom Cruise, Brooke Shields and Matt Lauer on the “Today Show”. They then turn to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his repeated criticism of SSRIs, including his controversial comparison of antidepressant discontinuation to “withdrawal” and his suggestions that SSRIs may contribute to violence and school shootings. Asif separates legitimate concerns—such as antidepressant side effects, discontinuation symptoms, appropriate prescribing, and the need for careful monitoring—from claims that go beyond the available evidence. They also examine the striking overlap between Kennedy's rhetoric and longstanding Scientology talking points, Scientology's public support for some of Kennedy's initiatives, and Kennedy's disclosed financial relationship with the law firm Wisner Baum, which has pursued litigation involving psychiatric medications. 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 PixabayContact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.comFollow us on Social media:Twitter: @doctorvcomedianRFK Jr., Scientology, and the war on antidepressants: https://popular.info/p/rfk-jr-scientology-and-the-war-onGoing Clear: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Going_Clear_(film)Scientology: https://www.history.com/articles/history-of-scientologyWhat Scientologist Actually Believe: https://www.southparkstudios.com/video-clips/54abfk/south-park-what-scientologist-actually-believeScientology and Psychiatry: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientology_and_psychiatryTom Cruise's Heated Interview With Matt Lauer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFgF1JPNR5ENo, Antidepressants Do Not Cause Mass Shootings: https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2026/01/mass-shootings-antidepressants-rfk-conspiracy-theory/Kennedy’s Push to Curb Antidepressants Has Shaken Psychiatry: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/24/science/rfk-jr-antidepressants-ssri-psychiatry.html

Only medical topics today! Today at the beginning of the episode, Ali asks Asif about the rising rates of head and neck cancer (1:42). Asif explains why smoking-related cancers of the mouth and voice box are declining while HPV-related cancers of the throat—particularly those affecting the tonsils and base of the tongue—are rising, often in younger adults who have never smoked. He discusses what human papillomavirus (HPV) is, why most infections never lead to cancer, and how persistent infections can result in cancer decades later. He also reviews the warning signs that should never be ignored, including persistent mouth sores, neck lumps, difficulty swallowing, and one-sided ear pain, as well as how these cancers are diagnosed and treated by multidisciplinary teams. Finally, he explains why HPV-positive cancers generally have a better prognosis than traditional tobacco-related cancers.Then the guys  speak with adolescent medicine specialist Dr. Megan Harrison about one of the most effective cancer prevention tools available: the HPV vaccine (20:45). Dr. Harrison explains the virus's well-established link to cervical cancer and why vaccination is recommended during the teenage years, long before most people are exposed to HPV. We tackle common questions from parents, including whether vaccination influences sexual behaviour, whether it's ever too late to catch up on missed doses, and whether the vaccine still helps after someone has already been exposed to HPV. We also review the extensive evidence supporting the vaccine's safety and effectiveness, and explore how social media shapes vaccine hesitancy. Finally, Dr. Harrison offers practical advice on involving teenagers in decisions about their own health and vaccination.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 PixabayContact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.comFollow us on Social media:Twitter: @doctorvcomedianRising Incidence of Head and Neck Cancer Drives Treatment Advances: https://www.facs.org/for-medical-professionals/news-publications/news-and-articles/bulletin/2025/october-2025-volume-110-issue-9/rising-incidence-of-head-and-neck-cancer-drives-treatment-advances/Head and Neck Cancer: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41396597/Head and Neck Cancer: https://www.nejm.org/doi/abs/10.1056/NEJMra1715715Moshe Kasher's Tonsil Cancer Diagnosis: https://www.ourcancerstories.com/cancer-news/entertainment-news/moshe-kasher-cancerHuman papillomavirus vaccine for children and adolescents: https://cps.ca/en/documents/position/HPV

Hulk Hogan died one year ago this month, so today, Ali and Asif discuss Hulk Hogan’s legacy with “Why Hulk Hogan Matters” author David Shoemaker. They start off by discussing David’s early memories of Hulk Hogan and then segue into the complicated feelings we all have towards the legendary wrestler. They discuss “unreliable narrators” in wrestling and how Hulk Hogan was a prime example of this. They then go over the use of steroids by Hulk Hogan, how “the lie” is an accepted part of wrestling. After a digression about the similarities between comedians and wrestlers, they go over the controversies Hogan encountered towards the end of his career. Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from PixabayContact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.comFollow us on Social media:Twitter: @doctorvcomedianShow Notes:Dead Wrestler Of The Week: Chris Benoit: https://deadspin.com/dead-wrestler-of-the-week-chris-benoit-1468485429/“Why Hulk Hogan Matters” https://www.harpercollins.com/products/why-hulk-hogan-matters-david-shoemaker?variant=44749875937314

Today, Asif and Ali cover TWO medical topics. First, Ali asks Asif about the  parasite Cyclospora which is causing outbreaks of explosive diarrhea in large parts of the US (4:13). He explains how the parasite spreads through contaminated food and water—most commonly fresh produce rather than person-to-person contact—why it has become an increasing concern with the globalization of the food supply, and why simply washing fruits and vegetables cannot completely eliminate the risk. He then reviews who is most vulnerable to severe illness, how the infection is diagnosed and treated, and examines notable outbreaks linked to foods such as basil and raspberries, as well as the ongoing record-setting outbreak affecting multiple U.S. states. Finally, they discuss practical prevention strategies. EXTRA at 17:13 the guys provide an update on the outbreak, including the links to lettuce served at Taco Bell and supplied by Taylor Farms. Then since veteran journalist Katie Couric publicly described her recent episode of transient global amnesia (TGA) (20:56), Ali asks Asif about the science behind one of neurology's most dramatic—but usually benign—memory disorders. He discusses what TGA is, why people suddenly lose the ability to form new memories while remaining awake and aware of who they are, and why they repeatedly ask the same questions during an episode. He then reviews the typical symptoms, who is most commonly affected, possible triggers such as physical exertion and emotional stress, the proposed role of the hippocampus and migraine, and how TGA is diagnosed. Asif then explains how physicians distinguish TGA from stroke and other neurological emergencies, why brain imaging is often performed, the expected recovery, and the risk of recurrence. 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 PixabayContact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.comFollow us on Social media:Twitter: @doctorvcomedianShow Notes:Cyclospora Cayetanensis—Major Outbreaks from Ready to Eat Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7699734/As cyclospora illnesses in U.S. surge to new record, Michigan officials eye lettuce as possible cause: https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/cyclospora-illness-diarrhea-us-michigan-lettuce-9.7270134Katie Couric Throwbacks: https://people.com/tv/katie-couric-throwbacks/https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/28/entertainment/katie-couric-morning-show-trnd Katie Couric, 69, Says ‘Several Hours’ Will ‘Always Be Missing’ After Amnesia Episode: https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/katie-couric-amnesia-scare/Transient Global Amnesia: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK442001/Taylor Farms lettuce remains the focus of cyclosporiasis investigation, despite false positive test:   ://www.cnn.com/2026/07/20/health/taylor-farms-lettuce-cyclospora-investigationU.S. health authorities say lettuce served at Taco Bell locations is source of diarrhea-causing outbreak: https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/us-cdc-cyclosporiasis-outbreak-9.7273740

Recently, Bill Maher received the Mark Twain Prize for American humor. So today, Asif and Ali  give their thoughts on Maher (spoiler: they don’t like him) (1:40). They discuss their admiration for “Politically Incorrect” and the fallout for that show from Bill’s comments about 9/11. Then then go over his increasingly problematic views on libertarianism, the “Me Too Movement”, vaccines and Islam. Finally they discuss criticism of Mahr from Larry David, Ben Affleck, Bill Burr and Wanda Sykes. Then  Ali asks Asif about the evidence about whether cell phones or Bluetooth devices cause cancer (25:15). Asif reviews the science behind radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, explains why they differ from cancer-causing ionizing radiation such as X-rays, and discusses why early concerns arose. He then goes over how the highest-quality evidence has found no convincing association between cell phone or Bluetooth use and brain tumors or other cancers. He then discusses why some earlier studies suggested an increased risk, how recall bias can influence results, what the "possibly carcinogenic" classification from the International Agency for Research on Cancer actually means, and why experts continue to monitor long-term exposures while concluding that the current evidence is reassuring.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 PixabayContact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.comFollow us on Social media:Twitter: @doctorvcomedianShow Notes:Bill Maher: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_MaherLarry David: My Dinner With Adolf: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/21/opinion/larry-david-hitler-dinner.htmlA history of the Bill Maher's 'not bigoted' remarks on Islam: https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2014/oct/06/bill-maher-islam-ben-affleckJason Biggs, Bill Maher slammed for controversial tweets: https://globalnews.ca/news/1459574/jason-biggs-bill-maher-slammed-for-controversial-tweets/: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGrdzQevp4I7 Minutes of Bill Burr taking a dump on Bill Maher | Club random podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGrdzQevp4IBill Maher Says Christians Being ‘Systematically Killed’ In Nigeria: https://www.newsweek.com/bill-maher-christians-nigeria-10797095Wanda Sykes Claims Bill Maher Confronted Her About Golden Globes Joke, Calling It “Stupid”: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/bill-maher-confronted-wanda-sykes-golden-globes-joke-1236621435/Radiofrequency Radiation and Cancer: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/article-abstract/2786776?utm_source=openevidence&utm_medium=referralThe effect of exposure to radiofrequency fields on cancer risk in the general and working population: A systematic review of human observational studies - Part I: Most researched outcomes: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39241333/Is It Bad to Use a Laptop Right on Your Lap? https://time.com/article/2026/05/20/is-it-bad-to-use-laptop-right-on-your-lap/

This month, Steven Spielberg’s 35th feature film, “Disclosure Day” hit theatres. In honour of this Ali and Asif discuss their top 5 Spielberg films (after some inane banter about gift giving). (5:00) Listen to hear what the guys think about “Schindler’s List”, “Jaws”, “E.T.”, “Raiders of the Lost Ark”, “Munich” and "Jurassic Park”. Then, since Disclosure Day is about aliens, in our medical section, the guys discuss two alien-like phenomena in medicine – alien hand syndrome and sleep paralysis (29:14), the latter of which has been implicated in so-called “alien abductions”.  Asif starts by explaining the neurobiology of Alien Hand Syndrome, including how disruption of brain networks involved in voluntary movement can cause a limb to perform seemingly purposeful actions outside of conscious control. He also reviews the major causes, clinical features, diagnosis, and current treatment approaches. Then they discuss sleep paralysis, discussing how REM sleep physiology can produce temporary paralysis, vivid hallucinations, and a perceived presence. They then go into detail  and explore the evidence that sleep paralysis provides a neurological explanation for many reported alien abduction experiences and examine how cultural beliefs influence the interpretation of these events. As a bonus, Asif gives his spoiler filled thoughts on “Disclosure Day” (45:12)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 PixabayContact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.comFollow us on Social media:Twitter: @doctorvcomedianInstagram:  doctorvcomedianMunich: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munich_(2005_film)Death of a Hit Man: https://slate.com/culture/2005/12/steven-spielberg-s-munich.htmlSpielberg’s Munich courts controversy: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2006/1/1/spielbergs-munich-courts-controversyThe Best Movie About Israel and Gaza Now Came Out 18 Years Ago: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/23/opinion/israel-gaza-munich.htmlWho Really Directed Poltergeist? https://slate.com/culture/2026/06/poltergeist-steven-spielberg-horror-movie-tobe-hooper-director.htmlAlien hand syndrome: Pathophysiology, semiology and differential diagnosis with psychiatric disorders (Review): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10963944/Sleep Paralysis in Brazilian Folklore and Other Cultures: A Brief Review: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27656151/Hypnagogic and hypnopompic hallucinations during sleep paralysis: neurological and cultural construction of the night-mare: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10487786/

Today, Ali and Asif discuss the career of Mel Brooks and the recent documentary on his life and career “Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!” (1:25). The guys start off by discussing when they first started watching Mel Brooks and then go over how the documentary highlights some little known aspects of Brooks’ career.  They discuss his origins in comedy, his work with Carl Reiner and the ups and downs of his career. They also discuss how influential Brooks was as a producer, including promoting the careers of David Lynch and David Cronenberg. Then the guys shift to the other end of the age spectrum and discuss teenage brains (29:01). They start off by discussing the misconception that teenagers as impulsive "risk machines; Asif corrects this assumption and discusses how neuroscience has helped us uncover what exactly is going on in the brains of teens. He discusses the brain changes that occur during adolescence and the concepts of myelination and pruning and the key brain areas involved – the prefrontal cortex and the limbic system. Asif expands upon risk taking and peer pressure in the teenage years and why youth may be more at risk for mental illness than adults.  Finally the guys discuss “warning signs” in teens and what parents and doctors can do to help guide teens through adolescence. 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 PixabayContact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.comFollow us on Social media:Twitter: @doctorvcomedianInstagram:  doctorvcomedianShow Notes: Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio on Making a Doc About Their Hero, Mel Brooks: https://www.thewrap.com/industry-news/awards/judd-apatow-michael-bonfiglio-mel-brooks-doc-interview/Judd Apatow on Mel Brooks, Interviewing Rob Reiner and What It’ll Take to Revive Studio Comedies: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/judd-apatow-interview-mel-brooks-99-year-old-man-hbo-1236482327/5 Takeaways From the HBO Documentary ‘Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!’ https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/23/arts/television/mel-brooks-the-99-year-old-man-documentary-hbo.htmlThe Amazing Teen Brain: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-amazing-teen-brain/What neuroscience tells us about the teenage brain: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/07/feature-neuroscience-teen-brainTeens aren’t just risk machines – there’s a method to their madness:https://theconversation.com/teens-arent-just-risk-machines-theres-a-method-to-their-madness-89439

Today, Asif and Ali discuss the documentary on Martin Short “Marty, Life is Short” (3:47). They discuss director Lawrence Kasden and what led him to make a documentary on his friend Martin Short. They discuss how the documentary not only goes over Martin Short’s career, but also discusses both grief and the “joy” of being friends with Martin Short. Then the guys discuss the concept of grief and why “prolonged grief” can be considered a medical diagnosis (21:58). Asif starts off with some definitions as well as how to differentiate typical grief from prolonged grief. He goes over the criteria for prolonged grief as well as how it is treated. Finally, Ali asks Asif if you can “die of a broken heart”? 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 PixabayContact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.comFollow us on Social media:Twitter: @doctorvcomedianInstagram:  doctorvcomedianWhy We Keep Putting Up With Martin Short: https://slate.com/culture/2023/09/martin-short-only-murders-in-the-building-season-3-snl.htmlTracy Morgan Slammed for Insulting Teachers Making Minimum Wagehttps://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/celebrity/articles/tracy-morgan-slammed-insulting-teachers-015956645.html‘Marty, Life Is Short’ Director Lawrence Kasdan On His Buddy Martin Short’s Major Talent And Secret Skill: “The Key Word Is Resilience”: https://deadline.com/2026/06/marty-life-is-short-interview-director-lawrence-kasdan-1236950618/Lawrence Kasdan’s Relationship with One of His Best Friends Yielded One of His Best Movies: https://www.indiewire.com/features/interviews/lawrence-kasdan-marty-life-is-short-1235195044/Martin Short and the Secret to Finding Joy While Surviving Tragedy: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/15/movies/martin-short-marty-life-is-short.htmlProlonged Grief Disorder: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMcp2308707Prolonged grief disorder: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40254022/WandaVision Episode Eight's Quote About Grief Has Become the Show's Defining Moment: https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/a35713623/wandavision-episode-8-grief-quote-explained/Can You Really Die from a Broken Heart? Understanding Broken Heart Syndrome: https://www.ouhealth.com/blog/2025/february/can-you-really-die-from-a-broken-heart-understan/