Doctor Vs Comedian

This month, Steven Spielberg’s 35th feature film, “Disclosure Day” hit theatres. In honour of this Ali and Asif discuss their top 5 Spielberg films (after some inane banter about gift giving). (5:00) Listen to hear what the guys think about “Schindler’s List”, “Jaws”, “E.T.”, “Raiders of the Lost Ark”, “Munich” and "Jurassic Park”.

Then, since Disclosure Day is about aliens, in our medical section, the guys discuss two alien-like phenomena in medicine – alien hand syndrome and sleep paralysis (29:14), the latter of which has been implicated in so-called “alien abductions”. Asif starts by explaining the neurobiology of Alien Hand Syndrome, including how disruption of brain networks involved in voluntary movement can cause a limb to perform seemingly purposeful actions outside of conscious control. He also reviews the major causes, clinical features, diagnosis, and current treatment approaches. Then they discuss sleep paralysis, discussing how REM sleep physiology can produce temporary paralysis, vivid hallucinations, and a perceived presence. They then go into detail and explore the evidence that sleep paralysis provides a neurological explanation for many reported alien abduction experiences and examine how cultural beliefs influence the interpretation of these events.

As a bonus, Asif gives his spoiler filled thoughts on “Disclosure Day” (45:12)

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

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Munich: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munich_(2005_film)
Death of a Hit Man: https://slate.com/culture/2005/12/steven-spielberg-s-munich.html
Spielberg’s Munich courts controversy: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2006/1/1/spielbergs-munich-courts-controversy
The Best Movie About Israel and Gaza Now Came Out 18 Years Ago: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/23/opinion/israel-gaza-munich.html
Who Really Directed Poltergeist? https://slate.com/culture/2026/06/poltergeist-steven-spielberg-horror-movie-tobe-hooper-director.html
Alien hand syndrome: Pathophysiology, semiology and differential diagnosis with psychiatric disorders (Review): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10963944/
Sleep Paralysis in Brazilian Folklore and Other Cultures: A Brief Review: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27656151/
Hypnagogic and hypnopompic hallucinations during sleep paralysis: neurological and cultural construction of the night-mare: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10487786/

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Today, Ali and Asif discuss the career of Mel Brooks and the recent documentary on his life and career “Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!” (1:25). The guys start off by discussing when they first started watching Mel Brooks and then go over how the documentary highlights some little known aspects of Brooks’ career. They discuss his origins in comedy, his work with Carl Reiner and the ups and downs of his career. They also discuss how influential Brooks was as a producer, including promoting the careers of David Lynch and David Cronenberg.

Then the guys shift to the other end of the age spectrum and discuss teenage brains (29:01). They start off by discussing the misconception that teenagers as impulsive "risk machines; Asif corrects this assumption and discusses how neuroscience has helped us uncover what exactly is going on in the brains of teens. He discusses the brain changes that occur during adolescence and the concepts of myelination and pruning and the key brain areas involved – the prefrontal cortex and the limbic system. Asif expands upon risk taking and peer pressure in the teenage years and why youth may be more at risk for mental illness than adults. Finally the guys discuss “warning signs” in teens and what parents and doctors can do to help guide teens through adolescence.

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:

Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio on Making a Doc About Their Hero, Mel Brooks: https://www.thewrap.com/industry-news/awards/judd-apatow-michael-bonfiglio-mel-brooks-doc-interview/
Judd Apatow on Mel Brooks, Interviewing Rob Reiner and What It’ll Take to Revive Studio Comedies: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/judd-apatow-interview-mel-brooks-99-year-old-man-hbo-1236482327/
5 Takeaways From the HBO Documentary ‘Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!’ https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/23/arts/television/mel-brooks-the-99-year-old-man-documentary-hbo.html
The Amazing Teen Brain: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-amazing-teen-brain/
What neuroscience tells us about the teenage brain: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/07/feature-neuroscience-teen-brain
Teens aren’t just risk machines – there’s a method to their madness:https://theconversation.com/teens-arent-just-risk-machines-theres-a-method-to-their-madness-89439

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Today, Asif and Ali discuss the documentary on Martin Short “Marty, Life is Short” (3:47). They discuss director Lawrence Kasden and what led him to make a documentary on his friend Martin Short. They discuss how the documentary not only goes over Martin Short’s career, but also discusses both grief and the “joy” of being friends with Martin Short.

Then the guys discuss the concept of grief and why “prolonged grief” can be considered a medical diagnosis (21:58). Asif starts off with some definitions as well as how to differentiate typical grief from prolonged grief. He goes over the criteria for prolonged grief as well as how it is treated. Finally, Ali asks Asif if you can “die of a broken heart”?

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

Why We Keep Putting Up With Martin Short: https://slate.com/culture/2023/09/martin-short-only-murders-in-the-building-season-3-snl.html
Tracy Morgan Slammed for Insulting Teachers Making Minimum Wage
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/celebrity/articles/tracy-morgan-slammed-insulting-teachers-015956645.html
‘Marty, Life Is Short’ Director Lawrence Kasdan On His Buddy Martin Short’s Major Talent And Secret Skill: “The Key Word Is Resilience”: https://deadline.com/2026/06/marty-life-is-short-interview-director-lawrence-kasdan-1236950618/
Lawrence Kasdan’s Relationship with One of His Best Friends Yielded One of His Best Movies: https://www.indiewire.com/features/interviews/lawrence-kasdan-marty-life-is-short-1235195044/
Martin Short and the Secret to Finding Joy While Surviving Tragedy: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/15/movies/martin-short-marty-life-is-short.html
Prolonged Grief Disorder: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMcp2308707
Prolonged grief disorder: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40254022/
WandaVision Episode Eight's Quote About Grief Has Become the Show's Defining Moment: https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/a35713623/wandavision-episode-8-grief-quote-explained/
Can You Really Die from a Broken Heart? Understanding Broken Heart Syndrome: https://www.ouhealth.com/blog/2025/february/can-you-really-die-from-a-broken-heart-understan/

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Today, Ali and Asif discuss their favourite entertainment of 2026 to date (1:51). Listen as they discuss “Nivanna the Band, The Show, The Movie”, “It Was Just an Accident”, “Beef”, “Wonder Man”. “His and Hers”, “Margo’s Got Money Troubles”, as well as stand up specials by Wanda Sykes and Ramy Youssef. And as usual, Ali lists some of his must read books and Asif talks about new music from Noah Kahan and U2.

Then, since Asif recently returned from China and Taiwan, on today’s episode, he gives Ali a quiz on Chinese medical breakthroughs.

The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations (31:51). 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
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Today, Asif and Ali discuss something that seems closer to science fiction than reality – using your brain waves to perform actions or communicate. They chat with guest Dr. Adam Kirton to discuss Brain Computer interface aka BCI. Dr. Kirton is Professor of Pediatrics and Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Calgary and an attending Pediatric Neurologist at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Dr. Kirton’s research focuses on applying neurotechnologies to generate new opportunities for life participation for children with severe disabilities. He directs the Calgary Pediatric Stroke Program (perinatalstroke.com) and ACH Brain Computer Interface Laboratory (BCI4kids.com). He is the co-founder and chief medical officer of Possibility Neurotechnologies.

During their fascinating chat, the guys ask Dr. Kirton about how he became involved in BCI, how it works and what it can do. Dr. Kirton then goes over some touching and heartwarming stories about how this technology has helped children who would not otherwise be able to move or communicate. He discusses the need to start a company to “scale” the technology and where he sees this technology going in the future.

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:

This app lets kids with disabilities use devices with their minds. Now anyone can download it: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/kids-disabilities-control-devices-with-brainwaves-app-9.7184114
Eye Can Talk: https://eyecantalk.net/my-book/
BCI4Kids: https://cumming.ucalgary.ca/research/pediatric-bci/BCI4Kids
Possibiity Neurotechnologies: https://www.possneuro.com/
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