Doctor Vs Comedian

Today, prior to the start of the actual episode the guys banter about Asif “mis-watching” the movie ‘Backrooms’ and Ali’s guest spot on ‘Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent. Then Asif asks Ali about the recent controversy surrounding Sebastian Maniscalco and Sirius XM. Ali first discusses his relationship with Maniscalco. He then goes over the history of the old Sirius channel, the re-brand to a Sebastian Maniscalco curated channel and how this cuts out the ‘middle class” of comedians. They then discuss Maniscalco’s response.
Then, Asif and Ali examine the history, pharmacology, and medical ethics of lethal injection, prompted by the reported failed execution of Christa Pike in Tennessee in September 2026. Pike was convicted of the 1995 murder of Colleen Slemmer and became the focus of renewed scrutiny of execution protocols after a reported attempt using pentobarbital left her alive and critically ill. Ali asks Asif about how lethal injection became the preferred method of execution in the United States, the evolution from the original three-drug protocol to newer single-drug approaches, and the challenges associated with drug availability, intravenous delivery, and potential tissue injury. Asif then discusses the limits of the scientific evidence supporting claims that lethal injection reliably produces unconsciousness and prevents suffering, as well as the ethical boundaries established by medical organizations that prohibit physician participation in executions.

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
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Show Notes
Sebastian Maniscalco criticized for 'crushing middle-class comedians' with SiriusXM channel rebrand - https://ew.com/sebastian-maniscalco-criticized-for-crushing-middle-class-comedians-with-siriusxm-channel-rebrand-12161580
The Satellite-Radio Drama Tearing Comedians Apart - https://www.vulture.com/article/sebastian-maniscalcos-comedy-radio-royalties.html
Sebastian Maniscalco Responds to Backlash After SiriusXM Comedy Deal: 'Give Me Time' - https://people.com/sebastian-maniscalco-responds-to-backlash-after-siriusxm-comedy-deal-give-me-time-12165357
Christa Pike Discharged From Hospital After Surviving Execution - https://www.nytimes.com/2026/10/10/us/politics/christa-pike-discharged-hospital-survive-execution.html
Christa Pike: What to know about the case of Tennessee death row inmate - https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ahead-rare-execution-lone-woman-tennessee-death-row-says-peace-rcna600279
A Failed Execution and the Future of the Death Penalty: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/10/08/podcasts/the-daily/pike-execution-death-penalty.html
Physicians and Execution - https://www.nejm.org/doi/abs/10.1056/NEJMe0800032
Clinicians' Involvement in Capital Punishment — Constitutional Implications: https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMp1405651
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For this week, the guys will be re-airing one of their favourite episodes from our archives.

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 doctorvcomedian@gmail.com
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
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For this week, the guys will be re-airing one of their favourite episodes from our archives.

The guys start off this episode with Asif reviewing Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Then Asif asks Ali about his thoughts on Larry David, ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ and cringe comedy. Ali talks about the influence of Ricky Gervais (The Office) and Sacha Baron Cohen (Da Ali G Show) on cringe comedy. After an aside about the new Willow TV show, the guys talk about Larry David and why he is shocked that ‘Curb’ makes people cringe. They guys then talk about their favourite moments and characters from the show. Then Ali asks Asif about ‘male menopause’ and they discuss why the preferred terms are Andropause or Male Hypogonadism. Asif goes over the symptoms and how one can be tested for it. Asif then goes over the options for treatment for diagnosed individuals, as well as some of the side effects of 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 Pixabay
Contact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.com
Follow us on Social media:
Twitter: @doctorvcomedian
Instagram: doctorvcomedian

Show Notes:
How Larry David Makes You Cringe: https://medium.com/wisecrack/how-larry-david-makes-you-cringe-f6c1a1fa9ae4
Watch the Evolution of Cringe Comedy in 9 Clips: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/29/arts/television/larry-david-curb-your-enthusiasm-cringe-comedy.html
Larry David Is ‘Shocked’ That ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ Makes People Cringe: https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2020/01/larry-david-shocked-curb-your-enthusiasm-makes-people-cringe
Every Episode of ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm,’ Ranked: https://www.theringer.com/tv/2020/3/23/21188827/curb-your-enthusiasm-episode-rankings-updated
Sharing the Enthusiasm: https://www.theringer.com/tv/2021/11/19/22789464/curb-your-enthusiasm-cameos-oral-history
Male menopause: Myth or reality? https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/mens-health/in-depth/male-menopause/art-20048056
Male hypogonadism: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/male-hypogonadism/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354886
Is testosterone therapy safe? Take a breath before you take the plunge: https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/is-testosterone-therapy-safe-take-a-breath-before-you-take-the-plunge
Testosterone Therapy for Hypogonadism Guideline Resources: https://www.endocrine.org/clinical-practice-guidelines/testosterone-therapy#2
Testosterone Treatments: Why, When, and How? https://www.aafp.org/afp/2006/0501/p1591.html
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Today, Ali and Asif discuss the New York Times list of the top 100 shows of the 21st century and then they each give their individual top 10 lists (2:14). Listen to hear where ‘Breaking Bad’, ‘The Wire’, ‘Arrested Development’, ‘Succession’ and others land on their lists!
Then, based on the recent Hyrox diarrhea incident involving Joanna Wietrzyk, the guys discuss runner’s diarrhea (39:33)– a common manifestation of exercise-associated gastrointestinal symptoms (Ex-GIS), characterized by urgency, abdominal cramping, loose stools, and diarrhea during or shortly after running. Although usually benign and self-limited, gastrointestinal symptoms affect roughly 30–50% of endurance athletes with longer, more intense exercise, running, heat, dehydration, dietary factors, caffeine, NSAIDs, and aggressive carbohydrate or fluid intake increasing risk. The underlying mechanisms are discussed, including reduced blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract during exercise and mechanical effects. Asif then discusses how runners can distinguish typical exercise-related symptoms from red flags such as bloody or persistent diarrhea, weight loss, or symptoms occurring outside exercise, as well as practical prevention strategies including hydration, nutrition adjustments, “gut training,” and selective use of a short-term low-FODMAP approach.
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:
Here is the list in the requested format:
The100 Best TV Shows of the 21st Century: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/arts/television/best-tv-shows-21st-century.html
HYROX athlete forfeits victory, apologizes for diarrhea incident: https://www.newsnationnow.com/us-news/sports/hyrox-athlete-joanna-wietrzyk-apologizes-forfeits-diarrhea/
Runner's diarrhea: what is it, what causes it, and how can it be prevented? https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27798441/
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The case of Lindsay Clancy recently ended in mistrial, so today Asif and Ali discuss post partrum depression and psychosis. The guys start off by discussing discuss postpartum depression/perinatal depression (3:58), a common and treatable medical condition that can affect parents during pregnancy or after childbirth. They explore how postpartum depression differs from the “baby blues,” how to recognize symptoms beyond simply feeling tired or overwhelmed, and why depression may begin during pregnancy rather than after delivery. They then discuss risk factors, screening questions, the effects of untreated depression on parents, babies, and families, and the fact that fathers and non-birthing partners can also experience perinatal depression. Finally, Asif goes over evidence-based treatments, including psychotherapy and antidepressant medications, and emphasizes the importance of recognizing symptoms early, reducing stigma, and ensuring that parents have access to appropriate care.

Then they discuss postpartum psychosis (17:26), a rare but serious psychiatric emergency that typically develops within days after childbirth. Asif and Ali explore what postpartum psychosis looks like—including hallucinations, delusions, confusion, severe agitation, extreme insomnia, mania, and dramatic changes in behavior—and how it differs from postpartum depression and the “baby blues.” Asif then discusses the strong association with bipolar disorder, why postpartum psychosis can be the first presentation of a major psychiatric illness, and the risk factors and warning signs that families should recognize. They also examine the potential risks to both parent and baby, why immediate medical and psychiatric evaluation is essential, how clinicians investigate possible medical causes, and treatments including antipsychotic medications, lithium, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Most importantly, he discusses why postpartum psychosis should be treated as an emergency—and why, with prompt recognition and appropriate treatment, most people recover.

Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay
Contact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.com
Follow us on Social media:
Twitter: @doctorvcomedian

Show Notes:
Key moments in the Lindsay Clancy case: the 911 call, mental health care, mistrial: https://apnews.com/article/lindsay-clancy-massachusetts-trial-key-moments-3347cdc3f6c0c27c9d388d9696844771
Incorporating Recognition and Management of Perinatal Depression Into Pediatric Practice: https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/143/1/e20183260/37306/Incorporating-Recognition-and-Management-of?autologincheck=redirected
Postpartum Depression - URL https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmcp1607649?utm_source=openevidence (New England Journal of Medicine)
Postpartum psychiatric disorders - URL https://www.nature.com/articles/nrdp201822 (Nature)
Establishment of the MGH Postpartum Psychosis Project: MGHP3 - URL https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9910633/ (PubMed)
Screening and Diagnosis of Mental Health Conditions During Pregnancy and Postpartum: ACOG Clinical Practice Guideline No. 4 - URL https://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/abstract/10.1097/aog.0000000000005200~screening-and-diagnosis-of-mental-health-conditions-during?redirectionsource=fulltextview (PubMed)
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