Episode 144: Ricky Gervais / Depression

Doctor Vs Comedian

Today, Ali and Asif discuss comedian Ricky Gervais. They discuss his early life, including his stint in a New Wave Band in the early 1980’s. They then discuss the groundbreaking success of ‘The Office’ and some of his subsequent shows including ‘Extras’ and ‘After Life’. They pivot to then discussing his stand up comedy, including his hosting of the Golden Globes (and comparing him to recent host Joy Koy). After a digression about Gervais’ podcast, they guys talk about his Netflix comedy specials, including the controversy surrounding his most recent special “Armageddon’.

Gervais’ show ‘After Life’ was about a man battling depression, so in the second half, Ali asks Asif about this disorder. Asif talks about how common it is, and what we think causes it. He then goes over the symptoms of depression and how “Major Depressive Disorder” is diagnosed. He goes over the relationship of depression and suicide and the prognosis of depression. Asif then goes over the treatment of depression (not with dogs), with both medication and therapy. He then briefly touches on electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for depression.

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Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay

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Show Notes:

• Seona Dancing - Bitter Heart HD Full Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDvYpOnN9Qk
• Seona Dancing - More To Lose (Razzmatazz, 07/06/83): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABjYSxyUD98
• Ricky Gervais - Golden Years (David Bowie homage): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uQ019iAcQM&t=350s
• Ricky Gervais – Golden Globes 2020: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJOb9xHggS4
• Willow: Behind The Magic Trailer | Disney+: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_l4qI0nXz8
• Depression: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/286759-overview#a4