Doctor Vs Comedian

Snack Labs
Snack Labs
  • 4.8 (133)
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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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 14 hrs ago

    The Legacy of Dolly Parton (plus Caregiver Burnout)

    Today Asif and Ali explore the remarkable life and legacy of Dolly Parton (1:55)—from her humble beginnings in rural Tennessee and extraordinary career as a singer, songwriter, actress, and entertainer to her enduring impact far beyond music. They discuss some of her most iconic songs, including “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You,” as well as the business savvy that helped make her one of the most successful artists of all time. But Dolly’s greatest legacy may be her philanthropy: from the Dollywood Foundation and Imagination Library, which has provided millions of books to children around the world, to her support for education, children’s hospitals, and early COVID-19 vaccine research.  Then, since Dolly was caring for her husband in his final years (and may have neglected her own health), in the second half, they discuss caregiver burnout (26:44): what it is, who is most vulnerable, the warning signs that are easy to miss, and why guilt, resentment, and the loss of one’s identity can make things worse. Asif discusses why caregivers of people with dementia may be particularly vulnerable, why simply telling someone to “practice self-care” often misses the bigger problem, and how respite care, social support, counseling, and redistribution of caregiving responsibilities can make a meaningful difference. He also discusses when burnout becomes a patient-safety issue, and how family members can provide specific, practical help. Most importantly, they examine the misconception that burnout means you don't love the person you're caring for—and why protecting the caregiver is ultimately part of protecting the patient. 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 Show Notes: Dolly Parton, Country Singer Who Crossed All Party Lines, Dies at 80: https://newrepublic.com/post/214733/dolly-parton-crossed-party-linesDolly Parton, Country Music Legend, Dies at 80: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/25/arts/music/dolly-parton-dead.htmlDolly Parton Brought Music and Books to the World: https://www.npr.org/2026/08/25/nx-s1-5944449/dolly-parton-brought-music-and-books-to-the-worldHow Dolly Parton’s Literacy Work Affected Indigenous Communities in Australia: https://www.npr.org/2026/09/01/nx-s1-5950407/how-dolly-partons-literacy-work-affected-indigenous-communities-in-australiaDolly Parton Spoke About ‘Hard Times with My Health’ 4 Days Before Her Death (Exclusive): https://people.com/dolly-parton-spoke-about-health-hard-times-four-days-before-death-exclusive-12065830 (People.com)Dolly Parton’s Husband Carl Dean Died First, But His Cause of Death Was Never Released: https://www.mensjournal.com/news/dolly-parton-husband-carl-dean-died-first-cause-of-death-how-he-died (mensjournal.com) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. 4d ago

    Ariana Grande, Jenna Ortega, Eating Disorders and the Media

    In this episode, Asif and Ali examine the intense public scrutiny surrounding Ariana Grande and Jenna Ortega and what our fascination with celebrities’ bodies reveals about the culture we have created. They discuss why an eating disorder cannot be diagnosed from a photograph, Grande’s public comments about body scrutiny, Ortega’s reflections on her experiences as a child actor, and the ways celebrity culture, social media, appearance comparison and unrealistic beauty standards can affect body image and disordered eating. They also talk about Chadwick Boseman and how certain groups made assumptions about him when he lost weight due to colon cancer.  The guys then review also explore the responsibilities of journalists, podcasters, social-media platforms and audiences when covering these sensitive issues—including the dangers of speculation, triggering imagery, “thinspiration” and armchair diagnoses.  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 Show Notes: Ariana Grande - Petal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afSgBNwmZrQ&list=RDafSgBNwmZrQ&start_radio=1Jenna Ortega Thought “Wednesday” Would End Her Career | How I Got Here | Esquire: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDN_oms-lvg&t=36sThe New Yorker — Ariana Grande and the Disappointment of Diagnosis: https://www.newyorker.com/culture/critics-notebook/ariana-grande-and-the-disappointment-of-diagnosisVariety — Ariana Grande Eating Disorder Speculation Is Harmful: https://variety.com/2026/music/news/ariana-grande-eating-disorder-speculation-harmful-1236827071/The Guardian — Ariana Grande Body Debate and Eating Disorders: https://www.theguardian.com/music/ng-interactive/2026/aug/08/ariana-grande-body-debate-eating-disordersCNN — Ariana Grande, Weight and Body Concerns: https://www.cnn.com/2026/08/03/entertainment/ariana-grande-weight-body-cecThe Express Tribune — Jenna Ortega Becomes Latest Celebrity to Prompt Health Concerns With Gaunt Appearance: https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623442/jenna-ortega-becomes-latest-celebrity-to-prompt-health-concerns-with-gaunt-appearanceCelebrity influence on body image and eating disorders: A review: PubMed PMID 33499697 (PubMed)The association between social comparison in social media, body image concerns and eating disorder symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis: PubMed PMID 39721448 (PubMed)National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): nationaleatingdisorders.orgNational Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC): nedic.ca Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. Aug 28

    Why South Asians Are at Greater Risk of Heart Disease w/ Dr. Mubin Syed

    Today, Asif and Ali sit down with Dr. Mubin Syed, an interventional radiologist and neuroradiologist with more than 30 years of clinical experience, board-certified in vascular medicine and obesity medicine, health historian, medtech entrepreneur, and inventor with 28 patents. Dr. Syed shares his personal journey of suffering a heart attack and how this led him into a deep dive of trying to understand why South Asians are at a much higher risk of cardiovascular disease.  He explores the “thin-fat” phenotype and why South Asians can develop metabolic disease at lower BMIs, as well as the evolutionary and historical forces that may have shaped these vulnerabilities (using examples such as sickle cell anemia). Drawing on his book Healing From Our History: How Colonial-Era Famines Led To A Modern South Asian Health Crisis, Dr. Syed discusses colonial-era famines in India, intergenerational health, epigenetics, and how studies from other parts of the world (China, Okinawa, etc.)  can teach us about the powerful interaction between genetics, environment, and diet—and, ultimately, what these insights mean for improving health outcomes for South Asians today. 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 Show Notes: Healing from Our History: https://www.desidocmd.com/new-book Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. Aug 21

    All About Vaccines with ‘The Vaccine Bible’ Author Dr. Michael Myers Jr.

    Today, Asif and Ali discuss all things vaccines with the author of ‘The Vaccine Bible’ Dr. Michael T. Myers Jr (1:23). A pediatrician and physician leader with more than 35 years of experience in primary care, medical group practice, public health, and health care consulting, Dr. Myers recently retired as Chief of Primary Care, Pediatrics, and Practice Transformation for Summit Health New Jersey. The guys chat with him about what led him to become a vaccine advocate and why he felt this was the right—and perhaps most challenging—time to write a comprehensive guide to vaccines. Dr. Myers describes The Vaccine Bible as a practical resource to help families understand vaccine-preventable diseases and the vaccines that protect against them. He discusses how vaccines work, how to reassure parents about vaccine safety and what pediatricians and hospitals are seeing as vaccine-preventable illnesses return. They also discuss Donald Trump and RFK Jr and the recent executive order in the USA calling for fewer childhood vaccinations. Then then ask Dr. Myers about the ongoing measles outbreaks in North America and some of the most common concerns he hears from vaccine-hesitant parents, including pharmaceutical industry influence and questions about the safety of mRNA vaccines.  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 The Vaccine Bible—Amaz onThe Vaccine Bible—Bookshop.orgThe Vaccine Bible—AudiobookDr. Myers' WebsiteTrump signs executive order calling for fewer childhood vaccinations: https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/trump-order-childhood-vaccine-shots-spacing-9.7302161Trump’s goal to split MMR vaccine could take a decade, experts say: https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/trumps-goal-split-mmr-vaccine-could-take-decade-experts-say-2026-08-12/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. Aug 14

    RFK Jr., SSRIs and Scientology: Where Does the Evidence End and the Anti-Psychiatry Narrative Begin?

    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 Pixabay Contact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.com Follow us on Social media: Twitter: @doctorvcomedian RFK 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. Aug 7

    HPV, Vaccines and Head and Neck Cancer (w/ Dr. Megan Harrison)

    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 Pixabay Contact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.com Follow us on Social media: Twitter: @doctorvcomedian Rising 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. Jul 31

    “Why Hulk Hogan Matters” with author David Shoemaker

    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 Pixabay Contact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.com Follow us on Social media: Twitter: @doctorvcomedian Show 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. Jul 23

    “I wish I could forget I had explosive diarrhea” (Cyclospora and Transient Global Amnesia)

    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 Pixabay Contact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.com Follow us on Social media: Twitter: @doctorvcomedian Show 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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4.8
out of 5
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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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Channel
    Snack Labs
  • Creator
    Doctor Vs Comedian
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    279
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Doctor Vs Comedian

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