Episode 186: Hasan Minhaj’s “Off With His Head” / Deep Brain Stimulation

NB: We will be off on Dec 27 and Jan 3 and will return with new episodes on Jan 10, 2025.    Today, Ali and Asif review their favourite entertainment from 2024. They discuss the best movies, TV shows, movies and books from the year. Listen to hear what they thought about ‘The Fall Guy’, ‘Ricky Stanicky’, ‘La Cochina’, ‘Past Lives’, ‘Inside Out 2’, ‘Deadpool and Wolverine’, ‘Love Lies Bleeding’, ‘Hacks’, ‘The Regime’, ‘Somebody Somewhere’, ‘The Penguin’,  ‘A Man on the Inside’, ‘X-Men ‘97’, ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ and ‘The Afterparty: Season 2’ . They also discuss comedy specials (Rachel Feinstein’s ‘Big Guy’ ), books such as ‘Downloaded’,‘The Other Valley’, ‘Blood Betrayal’, ‘The Long Road Home’ and  Bono’s ‘Surrender’.  Finally then discuss Pearl Jam’s ‘Dark Matter’.     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: 'Comedy Is Very Difficult': 'Deadpool' Ryan Reynolds Gives Boss Reply To Trolls: https://www.news18.com/movies/comedy-is-very-difficult-deadpool-ryan-reynolds-gives-boss-reply-to-trolls-aa-9150285.html

Today, Ali and Asif discuss the career of the late great Norm MacDonald. They start off by talking about his early life, his start in comedy and his breakthrough on ‘Saturday Night Live’. They discuss his other projects and then Asif asks Ali about Norm’s comedy style and Ali’s thoughts on MacDonald’s last Netflix comedy special ‘Nothing Special’.  After a brief discussion of Norm’s gambling issues, they then discuss how he kept his diagnosis of multiple myeloma a secret for years and what eventually led to his death in 2021.    MacDonald had several stem cell transplants, so in the second half, Ali asks Asif about these. Asif explains how stem cell transplants and bone marrow transplants are the same thing, the history of this procedure and how it is used against cancer. Asif goes over the different types of transplants, how the stem cells are harvested and how one finds a donor. Finally they discuss the complications of stem cell transplants.    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: The resurrection of Norm Macdonald: https://theweek.com/articles/646450/resurrection-norm-macdonald  Jim Downey | Full Episode | Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyu6wkXn1cg Jim Downey & Norm Macdonald Were Both Fired From “SNL” | Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQIFu9QEI9Y Norm Macdonald had one last secret: https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2022/05/29/norm-macdonald-nothing-special-netflix/ Norm Macdonald from 2011: http://www.wtfpod.com/podcast/repost-norm-macdonald-from-2011 Stem cell transplant: https://cancer.ca/en/treatments/treatment-types/stem-cell-transplant Stem Cell Transplants in Cancer Treatment: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/stem-cell-transplant Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK536951/

Today, Ali and Asif continue their discussion about the 50th season of Saturday Night Live by discussing the recent movie “Saturday Night” (3:21). They discuss the fast paced format of the movie, which takes place in real time in the 90 minutes before the SNL premiere on Oct 11, 1975. They also chat about the spectacular cast and what is and what is not true in the movie. They guys then watch and give their opinions on the actual first episode of SNL.    Then, because Robert F Kennedy Jr. has been in the news as of late, they discuss his (and others) concerns about fluoride in drinking water (18:33). Asif starts off discussing what fluoride is, how it fights cavities and the history of why it was introduced to drinking water. Ali then asks about the adverse effects of high fluoride and Asif discusses the dental and skeletal issues. He then goes over the arguments against fluoridation. Finally he discusses a recent report about low IQ being associated with high fluoride levels and why this is likely NOT a cause for worry for the majority of people.    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: RFK Jr admits dumping bear carcass in New York's Central Park: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2j3353vvdvo RFK Jr. admits to dumping a dead bear in Central Park, solving a decade-old mystery: https://www.npr.org/2024/08/05/nx-s1-5063939/rfk-jr-central-park-bear-bicycle Original SNL Cast and Lorne Michaels on Tom Snyder 1975: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xQP_Kdt2gE 'SNL' fact check: How much of 'Saturday Night' film is real?: https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2024/10/11/fact-check-saturday-night-snl/75459263007/ Director Jason Reitman Talks ‘Saturday Night,’ Ensemble Casts, & SNL: https://sharpmagazine.com/2024/10/17/jason-reitman-saturday-night-movie-interview/ How Jason Reitman Brought ‘Saturday Night’ to Life: ‘It’s the Fastest I’ve Ever Made a Movie’: https://www.thewrap.com/jason-reitman-saturday-night-interview/ Every SNL Sketch From The First Episode Ranked: https://screenrant.com/snl-episode-1-sketches-ranked/ Was 'The Tonight Show' Host Johnny Carson Openly Hostile Over 'SNL'?: https://screenrant.com/saturday-night-live-johnny-carson-lorne-michaels-true-story/ What to know about fluoride in water amid RFK Jr.'s bid to remove it: https://www.axios.com/2024/11/18/fluoride-water-rfk-jr-what-to-know Fluoride and IQ: https://www.npr.org/2024/08/23/nx-s1-5086886/fluoride-and-iq Fluoride in Drinking Water and Skeletal Fluorosis: a Review of the Global Impact: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40572-020-00270-9 NTP Monograph on the State of the Science Concerning Fluoride Exposure and Neurodevelopment and Cognition: A Systematic Review: https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/publications/monographs/mgraph08 The continuing crippling challenge of skeletal fluorosis – Case series and review of literature: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214624522000089 Dr. Ryan Marino on Twitter: https://x.com/RyanMarino/status/1854953935645425914

Some say that 1994 was the best year for movies EVER. As a result, today, Asif and Ali discuss their favorite movies from that year (no medical topic today).  Listen to hear what made their list, what didn’t and what overlap, if they had.    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: Letterman Makes a joke about Arnold Schwarzenegger: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzRTXGLnEfY Siskel & Ebert (1994) - Speechless, Dumb & Dumber, Legends of the Fall, Little Women: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6MKbq8E6Gg Siskel & Ebert - Hoop Dreams (1994): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VC3HU10N0AE

This year marks the 50th season of Saturday night live, so today the guys go over their favourite SNL moments from the past half decade (2:37). The guys review their top hosts, top monologues, Top Weekend update anchors, top weekend update correspondents and top 5 SNL skits EVER.    Then the guys discuss how West Nile Virus has been in the news as of late because of Dr. Anthony Fauci’s recent battle with this disease (33:44).  Ali asks Asif about what exactly it is and how common it is. Asif goes over the life cycle of the virus and how both birds and mosquitos are involved in transmission. Asif then talks about the symptoms, the limited options for treatment and the 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 [email protected]   Follow us on Social media: Twitter: @doctorvcomedian Instagram: doctorvcomedian   Show Notes: Anthony Fauci: A Mosquito in My Backyard Made Me the Sickest I’ve Ever Been: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/07/opinion/fauci-west-nile-virus.html Anthony Fauci: West Nile virus caught from mosquito ‘nearly took me down’: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/08/anthony-fauci-west-nile-virus West Nile Virus: An Update on Pathobiology, Epidemiology, Diagnostics, Control and “One Health” Implications: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7400489/ Transmission of West Nile Virus: https://www.cdc.gov/west-nile-virus/php/transmission/index.html

Today, the guys discuss Hasan Minhaj’s new comedy special “Off With His Head” (despite Asif’s hesitation) (2:18). The guys start off by recapping Hasan’s background and the controversy that swirled around him in 2023, associated with a New Yorker article which resulted in Minhaj losing the hosting role of “The Daily Show”. Then they give their thoughts on the good and bad aspects of his new special and his non-apology in the show.    Then, Ali asks Asif about his sabbatical where he is learning about deep brain stimulation (DBS) (35:30). Asif talks about what it is and how it is used in a variety of neurologic diseases in adults especially in Parkinson’s disease. He talks about the procedure including the risks. Finally, Ali asks Asif about what it is currently being used for in children.  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: Hasan Minhaj’s “Emotional Truths”: https://www.newyorker.com/news/annals-of-communications/hasan-minhajs-emotional-truths Hasan Minhaj confirms he lost The Daily Show hosting gig because of jokes scandal, recalls intense call with Jon Stewart: https://ew.com/hasan-minhaj-confirms-losing-the-daily-show-new-yorker-controversy-jon-stewart-call-8718856 Hasan Minhaj’s Career Isn’t the Only Thing the New Yorker Controversy Derailed: https://slate.com/culture/2024/10/hasan-minhaj-off-with-his-head-netflix-special-new-yorker-controversy.html A New Special Finds Hasan Minhaj Relaxed, Confident, and Ready to Move Past the Backlash A New Special Finds Hasan Minhaj Relaxed, Confident, and Ready to Move Past the Backlash: https://time.com/7096089/hasan-minhaj-off-with-his-head-netflix/ Hasan Minhaj Breaks Bad: https://www.vulture.com/article/hasan-minhaj-off-with-his-head-close-read.html Episode 1273 Hasan Minhaj: http://www.wtfpod.com/podcast/episode-1273-hasan-minhaj How Hasan Minhaj's 'insider-outsider' relationship with America fuels his Netflix comedy show: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/q/wednesday-aug-28-2019-hasan-minhaj-jennifer-podemski-and-more-1.5261297/how-hasan-minhaj-s-insider-outsider-relationship-with-america-fuels-his-netflix-comedy-show-1.5261347 Deep brain stimulation: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/deep-brain-stimulation/about/pac-20384562 Deep brain stimulation: https://www.michaeljfox.org/deep-brain-stimulation Deep brain stimulation: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557847/ Deep brain stimulation: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21088-deep-brain-stimulation#risks-benefits

Today, Ali and Asif interview the sensational comedian Sterling Scott.  Sterling made history as the first ever BIPOC comedian to win the prestigious San Francisco International Comedy Competition, one of only two Canadian comedians selected for the Netflix is a Joke Comedy Festival earlier this year, and was the first comedian to ever be given the Golden Buzzer as a finalist on the most recent season of Canada’s Got Talent. Scott has also made regular appearances on Just For Laughs, CBC’s Debaters and Crave’s Roast Battle Canada.   They chat with Sterling about growing up in Scarborough and developing his stand up comedy in Edmonton, Alberta. They then discuss his sojourns to the US for comedy and his decision to appear on Canada’s Got Talent. They discuss the details of auditioning, life while on the show, and the controversial handling of what happened when he was heckled during the show. They wrap up by discussing a TV show he has in development, how his looks are compared to John David Washington on social media and his upcoming tour dates:    Nov 10, 2024: The Great Theatre, Toronto Nov 17, 2024: Hollywood Theatre, Vancouver Nov 24, 2024: Le Studio TD, Montreal   Tickets available at Live Nation.com or ticketmaster.ca  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

NB: This episode was recorded BEFORE Tony Hinchcliffe appeared at Donald Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally Stay tuned to the end of the episode for Ali’s and Asif’s takes on Tony Hinchcliffe’s jokes from the rally.   Today, the discuss Tony Hinchcliffe and his podcast ‘Kill Tony’ (5:43). They discuss Tony Hinchcliffe’s background, his start in comedy and the influence of Jeff Ross and Joe Rogan. Ali then describes the premise of ‘Kill Tony’ and the concept of one-minute sets.   Then Ali asks Asif about the evidence as to whether cell phones cause cancer (29:59). Asif talks about the type of radiation that cell phones emit and how in the past how in the past, the The International Agency for Research on Cancer, the WHO’s cancer agency, classified radio wave / cell phone exposure as a possible carcinogen to humans in 2011. He then talks about the most recent review from the WHO which found  no connection between cellphone use and brain cancer. He also discusses the lack of evidence for Bluetooth and cell phones towers causing cancer. Finally, he discusses the “real”  health danger from cell phones.    At 49:53 Ali and Asif discuss Tony Hinchcliffe’s appearance at Donald Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally.    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 Peng Dang 'shocked' by Tony Hinchcliffe's racial slur: 'Asian people are still getting attacked': https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2021/05/13/comedian-tony-hinchcliffe-under-fire-racial-slur-peng-dang/5070632001/ Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe dropped by agents after calling Chinese comic Peng Dang racist slur on stage: https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/comedy/news/tony-hinchcliffe-peng-dang-wme-b1846845.html Cell Phones and Cancer Risk: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/radiation/cell-phones-fact-sheet Cellular (Cell) Phones: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/radiation-exposure/cellular-phones.html Do cellphones cause brain cancer? A WHO review of 63 studies finds no link: https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2024/09/03/cellphones-cancer-risk-radiation/ No link between mobile phones and brain cancer, WHO-backed study says: https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/no-link-between-mobile-phones-brain-cancer-who-led-study-says-2024-09-03/   Bonus Notes: The Rise of Techno-authoritarianism: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2024/03/facebook-meta-silicon-valley-politics/677168/ Where J.D. Vance Gets His Weird, Terrifying Techno-Authoritarian Ideas: https://newrepublic.com/article/183971/jd-vance-weird-terrifying-techno-authoritarian-ideas

Today, the guys discuss the 30th anniversary of ‘Pulp Fiction’ (1:23). The guys chat about when they first saw it and their thoughts about their recent rewatch. They discuss the writing in the movie, its development and its stellar cast. They then chat about the classic soundtrack and the legacy of the film.    Then, after the recent death of a child in Ontario from rabies from a bat, Ali asks Asif about this disease (29:45). Asif discusses how common it is, what causes it and how it is transmitted. He then goes over the primary symptoms and how prompt treatment is vital to prevent loss of life. Finally they discuss what to do if someone is bitten by an animal and especially what to do if one encounters a bat.    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: The Pulp Fiction Oral History: Uma Thurman, Quentin Tarantino, and John Travolta Retrace the Movie’s Making: https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2013/01/pulp-fiction-oral-history-quentin-tarantino The Inside Story of ‘Pulp Fiction’: 20 Creatives Break Down Making the ‘Tarantinoverse’ Look and Feel: https://variety.com/2024/film/features/pulp-fiction-inside-story-30th-anniversary-20-cast-crew-tarantinoverse-1236176951/ Pulp Fiction writer jailed for fatal crash: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2009/oct/01/pulp-fiction-writer-jailed Brantford, Ont.-area child dies from rabies after contact with a bat, health official says: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/rabies-death-1.7341335 Rabies: https://www.nature.com/articles/nrdp201791 Rabies: the clinical features, management and prevention of the classic zoonosis: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4954532/

Today, Ali and Asif debate their top albums of 1994 (1:30) and spoiler… there is not a lot of overlap!   Then Ali, based on his personal experiences, asks Asif about hospital parking (38:38). Asif talks about the situation in Canada and how parking contributes a large amount to the financial bottom line of hospitals. He then contrasts it to the situation in the US and in the UK. He then discusses cancer patients specifically and how parking costs contribute to “financial toxicity” in these patients. Finally he discusses some particularly bad takes on why hospital parking is “good for patients”.  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:   Advocates want parking fees waived for hospital staff, but hospitals see little wiggle room: https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/advocates-want-parking-fees-waived-for-hospital-staff-but-hospitals-see-little-wiggle-room/article_911e3835-04fa-5ff6-92c0-5044ecd955bd.html Opinion: Sault Area Hospital's paid parking should be scrapped by board: https://www.saultstar.com/opinion/opinion-sault-area-hospitals-paid-parking-should-be-scrapped-by-board 'Mean spirited': Sask. criticized for making cancer patients pay hospital parking fees: https://regina.ctvnews.ca/mean-spirited-sask-criticized-for-making-cancer-patients-pay-hospital-parking-fees-1.6868887 ‘Kicking You When You’re Down’: Many Cancer Patients Pay Dearly for Parking: https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/kicking-you-when-youre-down-many-cancer-patients-pay-dearly-for-parking/ Cancer patients endure an overlooked financial burden: hospital parking fees: https://www.statnews.com/2022/12/07/hospital-parking-fees/ Hospital parking: health care’s controversial cost: https://healthydebate.ca/2014/08/topic/hospital-parking-fees/ Why patients benefit from hospital parking: https://www.parking-mobility.org/2018/03/13/why-patients-benefit-from-paying-for-hospital-parking/ Evaluation of parking-related financial toxicity associated with cancer treatments in Western Canada: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36494294/ Parking-centred health care: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3255194/ Why free hospital parking isn't as good as it sounds: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/02/free-hospital-parking-daily-mirror-jeremy-corbyn Assessment of Parking Fees at National Cancer Institute–Designated Cancer Treatment Centers: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/article-abstract/2768017