Doctor Vs Comedian

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=1000548774358
• Dave 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-experience
• Netflix's Mo season two: A case of diminishing returns: https://www.middleeasteye.net/discover/netflix-mo-season-two-case-diminishing-returns
• Use 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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Pixabay

Contact us at [email protected]

Show 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-240512
• Saudi 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.html
• Countries with the lowest Human Rights Index scores as of 2023: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1255578/lowest-human-rights-scores-by-country/?srsltid=AfmBOorNaotUiQBjlDbCNbi9yDi13pfWAagBMLRXDO0eDb0XddJ8d3-Y
• Saudi Arabia: the laws on what women can – and can't – do: https://theweek.com/60339/things-women-cant-do-in-saudi-arabia
• World Report 2024: Saudi Arabia: https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2024/country-chapters/saudi-arabia
• Dave 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.html
• Bill 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/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After debriefing about the return of Jimmy Kimmel (1:15), in the second emergency podcast in as many weeks, Asif and Ali discuss President Trump’s recent press conference linking autism to Tylenol use. 

Ali starts off by asking Asif about autism (8:27). Asif discusses what it is, how common it is, and the theories about why the prevalence of autism has been increasing over the past 2 decades. He then goes over the genetic causes of autism and the common questions he asks if he sees a patient who he suspects may have autism. Finally they discuss current treatments for autism.

The guys then go over what exactly Trump said in his press conference about Tylenol and autism (33:33), followed by Asif describing the studies which refute and support these claims. They also talk about the dangers of pregnant women not taking medications to treat fevers as well of the dangers of ibuprofen use in pregnancy. Finally, Ali asks Asif about the controversial link between autism and vaccines and disgraced physician Andrew Wakefield.  

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 [email protected]

Show Notes:

• Autism Canada: https://www.autismcanada.org/diagnosis
• Trump links autism to acetaminophen use during pregnancy, despite decades of evidence it’s safe: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/09/22/health/trump-autism-announcement-cause-tylenol
• Acetaminophen in Pregnancy and Attention-Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39637384/
• Evaluation of the evidence on acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental disorders using the Navigation Guide methodology: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40804730/
• Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy and Children’s Risk of Autism, ADHD, and Intellectual Disability: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2817406
• Maternal Acetaminophen Use and Offspring's Neurodevelopmental Outcome: A Nationwide Birth Cohort Study: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ppe.70071
• ACOG Affirms Safety and Benefits of Acetaminophen during Pregnancy: https://www.acog.org/news/news-releases/2025/09/acog-affirms-safety-benefits-acetaminophen-pregnancy
• MotherToBaby | Fact Sheets: Ibuprofen: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582759/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Asif and Ali discuss the suspension of ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ by ABC and Disney. The guys start off by discussing the career of Jimmy Kimmel, including his start in radio, ‘Win Ben Stein’s Money’ and ‘The Man Show’ (3:18). They then discuss the success and early years of ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’. 

The guys then take an aside and discuss how Asif became a fan of Kimmel’s due to his advocacy for universal healthcare (15:09). They discuss how Kimmel’s son was diagnosed with congenital heart disease, namely Tetralogy of Fallot. Asif describes what this disease is, the main symptoms and how common it is. He then goes over how most children need surgery within the first year of life, but if they receive this surgery, they can survive until adulthood. They then discuss how Kimmel was influential in advocating against a bill whose aim was to repeal aspects of the Affordable Care Act. 

Finally the guys discuss what exactly Jimmy Kimmel said in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assasination (24:47), FCC Brendan Carr’s reaction to it, and how this led to ABC affiliates refusing to air Kimmel’s show and eventually ABC suspending the show. Ali and Asif then talk about the fallout from this decision and the reaction from comedians and the entertainment world. 

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. 

Jimmy Kimmel Reveals Newborn Son’s Open-Heart Surgery in Emotional Monologue:https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/jimmy-kimmel-reveals-newborn-sons-open-heart-surgery-emotional-monologue-999346/

Tetralogy of Fallot: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513288/

Jimmy Kimmel Did Not Say Exactly What You Think He Said: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/jimmy-kimmel-charlie-kirk-comments-interpretation-1236375214/

How Jimmy Kimmel’s Suspension Went Down: Sponsor Panic, a Defiant Host and a Painful Call: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/how-jimmy-kimmel-benched-by-disney-dana-walden-1236374959/

What to Know About Jimmy Kimmel’s Show Being Suspended: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/20/business/jimmy-kimmel-show-abc-kirk-fcc.html

FCC commissioner: ‘We don’t have the authority’ to retaliate against broadcasters: https://thehill.com/homenews/media/5511868-fcc-commissioner-anna-gomez-broadcasters-retaliation/

Jimmy Kimmel was pulled off air. Anyone could be next, says comedian: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/jimmy-kimmel-was-pulled-off-air-anyone-could-be-next-says-comedian-1.7638732

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, after a brief mini-episode about Melissa Ethridge, Indigo Girls and vocal tremor (1:30), Ali and Asif discuss the new ‘Naked Gun’ movie (9:24). They start off by discussing the Zucker, Abrams, Zucker movies and go into a deep dive on ‘Airplane!’. Then then go over the past ‘Naked Gun’ movies and give their thoughts on the reboot, as well as stars Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson. 

Then since some of the stars of ‘Naked Gun’ are getting up their years, in the second half, Ali asks Asif about sarcopenia aka the loss of muscle mass as you age (28:07). Asif discusses how common it is, and why we should be worried about sarcopenia as we get older. Ali then asks Asif about how it is diagnosed and Asif discusses how some simple tests in the doctor’s office can help in establishing the diagnosis. Finally Asif talks about the mainstays of treatment, namely resistance training and adequate protein intake. 

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 [email protected]

• Melissa Ethridge & Joss Stone Janis Joplin Tribute 2005 Grammys: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuJ-qXbjtm4&list=RDxuJ-qXbjtm4&start_radio=1
• Surely you can’t be serious: An oral history of Airplane! https://www.avclub.com/surely-you-can-t-be-serious-an-oral-history-of-airplan-1798279218
• Liam Neeson’s Update On Seth MacFarlane’s The Naked Gun Reboot Has Us Very Excited: https://web.archive.org/web/20210624184011/https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2569464/liam-neeson-update-seth-macfarlane-the-naked-gun-reboot-excited-the-ice-road
• Preserve your muscle mass: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/preserve-your-muscle-mass
• Sarcopenia: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560813/
• Treating Sarcopenia Requires a Muscular Approach: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/998404#vp_3
• Unseen Cost of Weight Loss and Aging: Tackling Sarcopenia: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/unseen-cost-weight-loss-and-aging-tackling-sarcopenia-2024a1000inn
• The Protein Boom: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/27/briefing/the-protein-boom.html

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on a special episode, Ali and Asif interview comedians Rob Baker and Jan Caruana about all things Improv. They start off by asking Jan and Rob about how they  originally got involved with improv and if there is a type of person who is drawn to Improv. They discuss what makes good improv and differentiate between short and long form Improv. They then go over “dramatic” Improv, the relationship between sketch comedy and Improv and “Whose Line is it Anyway”. Ali then asks Rob and Jan about the key role of the audience in Improv. Finally, they ask Rob and Jan about their favourite medical topics (and then they go into a digression about the other Rob Baker from the band The Tragically Hip)!

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 [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Ali and Asif talk about  comedian Nate Bargatze (3:03). The guys start off by discussing when they first heard of Bargatze as well as his early life. They then go over his work ethic and the fact that Nate is a “clean comic”. Ali and Asif then discuss Nate auditioning for The Daily Show, his failed ABC pilot, and a potential movie career. They then go over his amazing comedy style and his hilarious George Washington SNL sketch. 

Nate Bargatze struggled with alcohol abuse  so in the second half, they discuss alcohol withdrawal (30:25). Asif starts off by discussing how common it is and who is at risk for alcohol withdrawal. Asif goes over the criteria for alcohol use disorder and what is going on in the brain during withdrawal. Ali then asks Asif about the different types of severity of alcohol withdrawal. Asif then talks about the short term treatment of withdrawal and medications that can be used to promote abstinence. 

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 [email protected]

Follow us on Social media:

Twitter: @doctorvcomedian

Instagram:  doctorvcomedian

Show Notes: 

Comedian Nate Bargatze on Breaking Arena Records, Going Viral From ‘SNL’ & Staying Non-Political: ‘You Don’t Need Me to Add to That’ https://www.billboard.com/culture/events/comedian-nate-bargatze-on-breaking-arena-records-saturday-night-live-and-staying-non-political-1235742263/

The Nicest Man in Stand-Up: https://web.archive.org/web/20210917104340/https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2021/10/nate-bargatze-nicest-stand-up/619812/

Nate Bargatze Conquered Comedy. Hollywood is Next: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/nate-bargatze-interview-stand-up-comedy-acting-1236085644/

Alcohol Use: Managing alcohol withdrawal: https://www.camh.ca/en/professionals/treating-conditions-and-disorders/alcohol-use/alcohol-use---treatment/treatment---managing-alcohol-withdrawal

Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441882/

Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome: Outpatient Management: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2021/0900/p253.html

Delirium Tremens (DTs) Clinical Presentation: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/166032-clinical

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Ali and Asif discuss the new Marvel movie, Fantastic Four: First Steps (3:18). They discuss their background with the Fantastic Four as well as the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a whole. They both give their thoughts on the cast as well as the overall movie. 

Then since on ‘out of hospital’ birth occurs in Fantastic Four: First Steps, in the second half, Ali asks Asif about home births (28:40). Asif starts out by discussing how often home births occur in various countries. Ali then asks Asif about the reasons in the scientific literature regarding why people choose a home birth. Then they discuss the scientific evidence for safety for both the mother and the baby with regards to home births and who home births are recommended for. Finally, Asif discusses his personal experience as a pediatric neurologist with regards to home births. 

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 [email protected]

• 
  
• Women’s reasons and perceptions around planning a homebirth with a registered midwife in Western Australia: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1871519218306073
• Out-of-Hospital Birth: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2021/0601/p672.html
• Outcomes of planned home birth with registered midwife versus planned hospital birth with midwife or physician: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19720688/
• Outcomes associated with planned place of birth among women with low-risk pregnancies: https://www.cmaj.ca/content/188/5/e80
• Planned Home Birt: https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2017/04/planned-home-birth
• Providing Care for Infants Born at Home: https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/145/5/e20200626/36807/Providing-Care-for-Infants-Born-at-Home?autologincheck=redirected

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

• ‘South Park’ creators reach $1.5-billion streaming deal with Paramount” https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2025-07-21/south-park-creators-reach-breakthrough-in-paramount-deal-talks
• ‘South Park’ premiere skewers Trump and Paramount in fiery return”: https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/24/entertainment/south-park-premiere-trump-paramount
• Increasing Incidence of Pickleball Injuries Presenting to US Emergency Departments: A 10-year Epidemiologic Analysis of Mechanisms and Trends: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11758564/
• 
  
• Pickleball injuries are on this rise. Here are 10 tips to avoid them while playing: https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/pickleball-injuries-are-on-this-rise-here-are-tips-to-avoid-them-while-playing/2024/08

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Asif and Ali discuss late night host Stephen Colbert (1:12). The guys start off by going over when they first heard about Colbert as well as his early life and career. They go over his success on the ‘Daily Show’ and later the ‘Colbert Report’ (and his White House Correspondents dinner speech). After some more trivia, Asif and Ali discuss the recent cancellation of ‘The Late Show’ with Stephen Colbert. 

Then Ali asks Asif about a type of vertigo - called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) - which Stephen Colbert suffers from (29:09). Asif talks about what vertigo is, the different causes and how BPPV is a specific type of vertigo. He discusses how common it is as well as the common symptoms. He then goes over 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 [email protected]

Show Notes:

• Pope Francis Hosts Chris Rock, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Fallon in Comic Conclave: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/pope-francis-hosts-comedians-chris-rock-jimmy-fallon-1235922800/
• Colbert on grief: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YB46h1koicQ
• WTF Stephen Colbert: https://www.wtfpod.com/podcast/episode-1030-stephen-colbert
• What the Cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s “Late Show” Means: https://www.newyorker.com/culture/on-television/what-the-cancellation-of-stephen-colberts-late-show-means
• There’s a bigger story behind Colbert’s cancellation: https://www.vox.com/culture/420351/late-show-with-stephen-colbert-cancellation-political-comedy-trump
• Samantha Bee on the Real Reason Colbert Got Cancelled | Breaking Bread with Tom Papa: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=599456826560054 
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470308/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.