Doctor Vs Comedian

Recently, actor Donald Glover announced that he had a stroke, so today Ali and Asif start off by discussing Glover’s career (1:16). They start off by discussing his early background and getting his break writing for ‘30 Rock’. They then talk about his breakthrough role on ‘Community’ and other acting roles such as Lando Carlissian in ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’. Ali then speaks about Donald Glover’s alternate career as rapper “Childish Gambino. Finally they discuss Glover’s critically acclaimed show ‘Atlanta’. Then Ali asks Asif about ischemic strokes (30:09) (and how they are different from brain bleeds). Asif talks about what strokes are as well as how common they are. He talks about the risk factors, causes as well what people need to be looking for regarding symptoms (using the acronym B.E.F.A.S.T.). Asif then goes over how strokes are diagnosed and treated. Finally Ali asks Asif about Glover stating he had a “hole in his heart” and how that might be related to his stroke. 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.comShow Notes:Childish Gambino Freestyles Over the 5 Fingers of Death on #SwayInTheMorning | Sway's Universe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aw2kaBQMocoEvery Episode of ‘Atlanta,’ Ranked: https://www.theringer.com/2022/11/11/tv/atlanta-fx-episodes-ranked-best-worst-seasonDonald Glover Reveals Stroke And “Hole In My Heart” Forced Him To Cancel 2024 Tour: https://deadline.com/2025/11/donald-glover-stroke-hole-heart-forced-cancel-tour-1236626789/Ischemic Stroke: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499997/B.E. F.A.S.T. to Spot a Stroke: https://www.universityhealth.com/blog/be-f-a-s-t-to-spot-a-strokePatent Foramen Ovale Management for Secondary Stroke Prevention: State-of-the-Art Appraisal of Current Evidence: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/STROKEAHA.123.040546

Apple TV released a docuseries about filmmaker Martin Scorsese entitled “Mr Scorsese" so today Asif and Ali this series and their top 5 favourite Scorsese films. They start off by discussing the superb docuseries by Rebecca Miller (2:40), and the interesting facts they learned from it, including his childhood and early movies. The guys then each list their top 5 Scorsese movies. Spike Lee has been quoted as saying “Thank God For Asthma” regarding how this disease made Scorsese stay indoors and watch  movies, so in the second half of the podcast, Ali asks Asif about this disease (35:10). Asif talks about what asthma is, how common it is and what causes/triggers it. Asif then talks about the symptoms, the different types as well as the treatment. The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions. Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from PixabayContact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.comShow Notes:Mr Scorsese review – five hours isn’t nearly long enough to do justice to history’s greatest film-maker: https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/oct/17/mr-scorsese-review-martin-netflix14 Memorable Quotes From ‘Mr. Scorsese’: https://thereveal.film/14-memorable-quotes-from-mr-scorsese/Asthma: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430901/Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: https://aafa.org/asthma/asthma-symptoms/Asthma Canada: https://asthma.ca/

Marc Maron’s podcast WTF recently ended its run, so today Asif and Ali discuss Maron and his influence on comedy and podcasting (6:18) (after a brief digression on a fundraiser Ali recently went to). They begin by discussing Maron’s early life and career. They discuss him getting involved in radio and all the acting roles he has done in the past 20 years. They then discuss Maron’s recent stand up special “Panicked”. Finally they discuss WTF, the importance of the show for comedy and podcasting in general and the most memorable episodes. In Marc Maron’s recent special he discusses SSRI’s (for his cats!)‚ so in the second half, they discuss these drugs (31:31). Asif talks about selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, how they work and what they are used for. He then goes over the common types of SSRI’s as well as their potential side effects. Asif then discusses how sometimes people can have a difficult time coming off SSRI’s. Finally Ali asks Asif about other things that can be used for depression such as natural products and exercise. 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.comShow Notes:Marc Maron’s Rawest Interview Yet. The Truth About Grief, Anger, and Connection: https://www.menshealth.com/entertainment/a65608892/marc-maron-wtf-podcast-legacy-interview/Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554406/Many People Taking Antidepressants Discover They Cannot Quit: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/07/health/antidepressants-withdrawal-prozac-cymbalta.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fhealth&action=click&contentCollection=health&region=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=6&pgtype=sectionfrontAdjunctive Nutraceuticals for Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27113121/Exercise as medicine for depressive symptoms? A systematic review and meta-analysis with meta-regressio: https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/57/16/1049?trk=article-ssr-frontend-pulse_x-social-details_comments-action_comment-textEffect of exercise for depression: systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials: https://www.bmj.com/content/384/bmj-2023-075847.abstractGreat Depresh’ Comedian Gary Gulman Has 5 Tips to Get Through Isolation: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/big-depresh-comedian-gary-gulman-coping-isolation-1285949/

Recently, Zohran Mamdani won a historic victory in New York City’s mayoral election. However he also had a rap career in the not too distant past. So today, Ali and Asif review 5 of Mamdani’s songs, done under the pseudonyms Young Cardamom and Mr. Cardamom (5:21). They discuss and grade the following songs: Wabula Naawe, PSV,  Kanda (Chap Chap), #1 Spice and Nani. Then since Mamdani’s mother (acclaimed film director Mira Nair) is a big proponent of yoga, in the second half Ali asks Asif about medical uses of yoga (24:10). They start off (after a brief digression on cultural appropriation) by talking about the different types of yoga examined in medical studies (Hatha, Iyengar, and Viniyoga). He then discusses their use in back pain, mental health, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, and hypertension.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.comShow Notes:How 'Queen of Katwe’s Song “#1 Spice” Came to Be: https://www.teenvogue.com/story/queen-of-katwe-young-cardamom-hab-1-spice?fbclid=IwY2xjawN9q_JleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFFY1djTkdRMEp6VnN3RVZQc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHjI-M6frTU08Og6f_IbTa8WKRe1tLETWYkYoLnNSHGyyWuAVFD61J4yFy9K2_aem_d7pdILBunWYUB_sJ-E7TUQYoung Cardamom & Mr. Cardamom Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5upeWPTzFgc&list=PLh7rgup-OZBcT25Vokzjq-10LlI1D6282U of O students' decision to cancel yoga class sparks Internet backlash: https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/u-of-o-students-decision-to-cancel-yoga-class-sparks-internet-backlashEvidence Map of Yoga for Depression, Anxiety, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26181774/Yoga for symptom management in oncology: A review of the evidence base and future directions for research:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30933317/Yoga in autoimmune disorders: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40631512/Ali’s Montreal restaurant recs: Danny Smiles - Le ViolonMassimo Piedemonte - Cabaret L’enferAntonin Mousseau-Rivard - Le MoussoJean-Sébastien Giguère - Restaurant h3, La Cabane du Coureur, Le Coureur des BoisJanice Tiefenbach - Gia, Elena Ryan Gray - Nora GreyEmma Cardarelli - Nora Gray, Elena, and Gia Renée Deschenes-O’Hagan & Elias Louie Deligianis - Bistro La FranquetteStephanie Labelle - Owner Pastry Chef, at Pâtisserie Rhubarbe

Today, the guys discuss John Candy and the recent documentary about his life, ‘I Like Me’ (3:31). The guys start off by discussing when they first saw John Candy on screen (spoiler: it was Splash). They discuss Candy’s early start on SCTV and then they go over his films and screen performances (Ali also berates Asif for not watching as many John Candy movies). They then discuss the documentary on his life ‘I Like Me’ and give their thoughts, as well as their responses to reviews on the movie. Then since Candy died in his 40’s from a heart attack (and his father died in his 30’s from a heart attack as well), in the second half the guys discuss myocardial infarctions (MI’s) (27:40). Asif talks about the definition as well as how common MI’s are.  He then goes over the modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for MI’s. Ali asks Asif about the symptoms of a heart attack as well as how it is diagnosed and treated. Finally, he goes over the prognosis as well as lifestyle changes that people should undertake after having an MI. 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.comShow Notes:Funny Business: https://torontolife.com/deep-dives/funny-business-ryan-reynolds-new-documentary-john-candy-i-like-me/ ‘John Candy: I Like Me’ and the Challenge of Making a Film About a Nice Guy: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/10/movies/john-candy-i-like-me-film-about-nice-guy.htmlMyocardial Infarction: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537076/Myocardial Infarction: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/155919-overview#a9Myocardial Infarction: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537076/Myocardial Infarction: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/155919-overview#a9

Recently, there was an article in New York Magazine on kids being terrified of food who suffer from a disorder called ARFID (avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder). So today on a special episode, Asif and Ali interview Adolescent Medicine expert Dr, Mark Norris about this disorder. Dr. Norris talks about what ARFID is and the symptoms patients can present with. He goes over why some children develop ARFID and the relationship with things like autism and anxiety. He then goes over how common it is and theorizes why it is being more recognized. Finally they discuss treatment for ARFID. 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.comShow Notes:Update on eating disorders: current perspectives on avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder in children and youth: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26855577/The Monster at the Dinner Table: https://www.thecut.com/article/what-is-arfid-eating-disorder-kids-diagnosis-rising.htmlWhen Your Kid’s Eating Disorder Is Mistaken for ‘Picky Eating’:https://www.thecut.com/article/arfid-childrens-eating-disorder-vs-picky-eating.html

Today Ali and Asif discuss the critically acclaimed Netflix show ‘Mo’. They start off by discussing the life of the star and creator of the show, Mo Amer and Ali’s connection to Amer. The guys then give their spoiler free opinions on the show (hint: they loved it). Spoilers for the show follow at , including their thoughts on both seasons, the incredible cast and how the show relates to current events in the middle east. Then the guys discuss abuse of Lean aka Purple Drank which  (mild spoiler) factors into the plot of ‘Mo’.  Asif describes how it is commonly a combination of codeine/promethezine, a soft drink and a hard candy.  The guys then go over the alternate names for it and how commonly it is abused in the USA. Asif talks about the origins of this drug of abuse and how it started in the blues and rap scene in Houston. They discuss how it gets you high and the dangers of using it, including addiction. 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. Show Notes: https://www.wtfpod.com/podcast/episode-1619-mo-amer: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/64-mo-amer-the-creative-savings-account/id1515419751?i=1000548774358Dave Chappelle Joins Mo Amer for Rare Interview on Political Comedy, Fiery ‘SNL’ Monologues and Crying Over Netflix’s ‘Mo’: ‘I’m Not Doing This S—‘ If the ‘Show Sucked’: https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/dave-chappelle-mo-amer-politics-comedy-snl-monologues-1236414683/    Statelessness, but make it funny: https://www.npr.org/transcripts/nx-s1-5500513‘I can’t handle all this emotion’: Mo Amer on using daring comedy to redefine the Palestinian experience: https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/jan/24/i-cant-handle-all-this-emotion-mo-amer-on-using-daring-comedy-to-redefine-the-palestinian-experienceNetflix's Mo season two: A case of diminishing returns: https://www.middleeasteye.net/discover/netflix-mo-season-two-case-diminishing-returnsUse of “Lean” among Electronic Dance Music Party Attendees: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6706295/Lean/Sizzurp Ingredients, Use, and Coping With Mental Health Symptoms: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10517614/What to know about lean: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-is-lean#effects

Ali and Asif have their 3rd “emergency” podcast in as many weeks, as they discuss the controversy surrounding the Riyadh Comedy Festival. They first discuss their own perspectives on Saudi Arabia as they have both been there (and Asif lived there). They then go over the human rights concerns that have been raised over the years regarding Saudi Arabia. Finally they debate and give their thoughts on comedians participating in the festival.  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.comShow Notes:More than money: The geopolitics behind Saudi Arabia’s sports strategy: https://theconversation.com/more-than-money-the-geopolitics-behind-saudi-arabias-sports-strategy-240512Saudi Crown Prince Is Held Responsible for Khashoggi Killing in U.S. Report:https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/26/us/politics/jamal-khashoggi-killing-cia-report.htmlCountries with the lowest Human Rights Index scores as of 2023: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1255578/lowest-human-rights-scores-by-country/?srsltid=AfmBOorNaotUiQBjlDbCNbi9yDi13pfWAagBMLRXDO0eDb0XddJ8d3-YSaudi Arabia: the laws on what women can – and can't – do: https://theweek.com/60339/things-women-cant-do-in-saudi-arabiaWorld Report 2024: Saudi Arabia: https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2024/country-chapters/saudi-arabiaDave Chappelle Criticizes Free Speech in America at Saudi Arabia Comedy Festival: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/dave-chappelle-free-speech-riyadh-saudi-comedy-festival-1236391872/Atsuko Okatsuka Details Comedian “Censorship Rules” at Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Comedy Festival: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/atsuko-okatsuka-riyadh-comedy-festival-censorship-rules-1236387458/At Saudi Comedy Fest, American Free Speech Becomes the Punchline: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/02/world/middleeast/saudi-comedy-festival-riyadh-free-speech.htmlBill Burr Defends Performing at Controversial Riyadh Comedy Festival: “They’re Just Like Us”: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/bill-burr-riyadh-comedy-festival-controversy-1236389190/