Episode 6:The United States of Al/Dr. Oz

In this episode, the guys discuss the new CBS sitcom, the United States of Al (1:03). They discuss the development of the show and how it is based on the charitable organization “No One Left Behind”. Ali talks about the development of the show, the criticism it received even before an episode was released, and the defense of the show by producer Reza Aslan. After a digression about Kumail Nanjiani playing video games, they segue into a discussion of actors being able to play different races, using the example of legendary character actor Cliff Curtis. Then, the guys discuss Dr. Mehmet Oz, his background and why his show has generated so much controversy (21:14). Asif discusses his influence on medicine and the so-called “Oz effect”. He then discusses the recent contentious decision by Jeopardy! producers to have Dr. Oz guest host the show, following the death of Alex Trebek.

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Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay

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Show notes:

• • No One left behind: https://nooneleft.org/
  • United States of Al: a comedy that brings home the deadly dilemma faced by Afghan interpreters https://www.militarytimes.com/opinion/commentary/2021/04/03/united-states-of-al-a-comedy-that-brings-home-the-deadly-dilemma-faced-by-afghan-interpreters/
  • Chuck Lorre's New CBS Sitcom Slammed for Handling of Afghan Character: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/chuck-lorres-new-cbs-sitcom-slammed-for-handling-of-afghan-character
  • United States of Al Producers Defend Afghan Character in Sitcom: https://people.com/tv/united-states-of-al-producers-defend-handling-afghan-character/
  • The Operator, in the New Yorker https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2013/02/04/the-operator:
  • Televised medical talk shows—what they recommend and the evidence to support their recommendations: a prospective observational study:
  • Dr. Oz’s Miraculous Medical Advice: http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/medical_examiner/2013/01/can_you_trust_dr_oz_his_medical_advice_often_conflicts_with_the_best_science.single.html
  • A Letter from Concerned Former Contestants to Mike Richards, Executive Producer of Jeopardy! https://medium.com/@j.contestants.letter/a-letter-from-concerned-former-contestants-to-mike-richards-executive-producer-of-jeopardy-f2f8e2e53930
  • Dr. Oz is offering Trump advice for handling the coronavirus. Here are 8 times he's made false or baseless medical claims: https://www.businessinsider.com/dr-oz-false-misleading-baseless-medical-claims-coronavirus-2020-4Oz has pushed hydroxychloroquine to fight the coronavirus, even though its effects are still unproven.