Kal Penn Studied How To Perform Surgery For Harold & Kumar

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE: go.doctormikemedia.com/youtub...
Full audio version of The Checkup available below and on all other podcast apps:
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Buy Kal's book here: www.simonandschuster.com/book...
Kal Penn has one of the strangest resumes in Hollywood. You most likely remember Kal as half of the stoner comedy duo “Harold and Kumar”, or if you’ve watched a lot of medical dramas like I have you may have enjoyed his 2 season arc on House MD where he lit a patient on fire instead of doing chest compressions. But if your name is “Barack Obama” (hey Prez, check your DMs, come on the show?) you may instead remember Kal as a full time staff member at the White House. Huh? President Obama hired the White Castle guy, after he was already famous? That’s right. Your tax dollars paid his salary for years as a full time staff member of the White House Office of Public Engagement. Turns out the roller coaster ride of Kal’s life didn’t end with him sitting at the movie premiere for Van Wilder, next to his strict Indian immigrant parents, watching his oiled body slide off a naked woman while playing a character literally named “Taj Mahal” (yikes). In Kal’s new book, You Can’t Be Serious, he not only details some of the stunning racism he’s faced throughout his 20+ years in Hollywood, but also stories of those late nights in Washington DC working alongside President Obama navigating some of America’s most highly controversial political issues, such as the hurdles they had to clear to remove the army’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, which barred openly queer people from serving in the armed forces. I asked Kal about all of these big picture stories, as well as some smaller ones, like how it’s possible he walks around every day with a tattoo on his left arm that has a typo.
I LOVE reading your comments and take your suggestions seriously. If there’s a subject you want me to discuss or something you’d like for me to react to, leave a comment down below. Many of my videos have been born out of suggestions directly from you, so don’t hold back!
-Doctor Mike Varshavski
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Executive Producer: Doctor Mike
Production Director and Editor: Dan Owens
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** The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional **

[@hannahpoirier3]

“you shocked a patient, and lit them on fire.” You know just a normal day in the hospital of Hollywood.😂

[@hat7475]

true lmaoo

[@whateverppl1229]

to be fair, the patient was rude.

[@hannahpoirier3]

@@whateverppl1229 bahahaha

[@MxPotato84]

Note to self: don’t get sick or injured in Hollywood! 🤣🤣🤣

[@hannahpoirier3]

@@MxPotato84 hahah, yeah guess you could say Hollywood is a “shocking “ experience. I’m sorry I had too.

[@davidsports2214]

I'm loving this!!! Having Kal on the show just took this to another level. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing more actors present their perspectives in comparison. He's incredible. Definitely want more of this. Great content!

[@textme-8481]

Congrats you have been selected among our shortlisted winners, contact the number above, with your name 🎉🎉🎉

[@jessica9060]

I love you so much Dr Mike. I have always wanted to be a doctor but you have really helped reignite that interest. I have been really struggling with mental health issues and you are one of the only people to make me smile! Thank you so much for all the information you spread. ❤

[@matejabati2662]

Yep i am gona be a doctor

[@kaykreatesbeautyartist]

Aww hope you have a great forever and feel better hunny, as Megan thee stallion says. “ Bad b**ches have bad days too. “ ❤

[@Yoru11123]

Just watched this guy get his heart broken on how I met your mother. Glad to see he’s moved on 🙏

[@NK-dt1kp]

😂😂

[@kawaiicat2424]

Lmao XD Yes i Hope He and robin are still good

[@PtylerBeats]

Omg I forgot about that. That was sad

[@anichka101]

It's ok he got with one of Ted's crazy exes in the end lol

[@captwrecked]

Don't watch him on House, MD then. lol

[@aimfar7946]

love this type of interview, so light hearted and fun to watch

[@khalilahd.]

Wow I love this! It’s so cool to see all the amazing guest you have. Great interview ❤

[@KatieVanHelsing]

This interview is so amazing in so many ways and everyone should hear it! Brilliant job!❤❤

[@201khyatisharma5]

I really like this channel and love how Dr Mike makes it easy for everyone to understand the medical perspective of everything. And explains everything in depth❤️ love you doc

[@treyfoster5256]

I needed my daily dose of Doctor Mike today. Also love Kal Penn! Keep it up!

[@nitishagiri.6640]

"You shocked the patient and lit them on fire"😂🤣 Well let's wait until Mike explains how inaccurate chest compressions are in medical dramas. I loved the conversation. Kal penn is such an amazing person. I've always wondered how do actors portray something which needs so much of practical understanding of a certain subject which is so descriptive. I liked every aspect of this interview. I loved to see Mike's personality throughout. Mike makes a cool and friendly interviewer .

[@CosplayChris]

Kal is such an excellent wordsmith! Great interview, Doctor M 👏🏻

[@yu1nation282]

"you shocked a patient and lit them on fire" got me

[@nikolefinger1747]

I got so excited when he mentioned the Meisner technique. As someone who loves acting and has a fascination with medicine, it's great to see these fields overlap.

[@meganlove6019]

Thanks for all the variety of shows/information that you provide. 👍🏻😊

[@melbell0865]

OMG, Dr. Mike having an interview with Kal Penn? This is a collab I never thought I wanted, but am thrilled to have.

[@BearFOXThirty]

You're a very good interviewer Dr Mike. Really enjoyed this, gonna seek out your podcast thanks

[@atomicalice0]

Incredible!!! Is this part of an actual podcast? Love love love this conversation!! Thanks Doctor

[@sjb4280]

This is one of my favorite interviews that you've done

[@bloodyl7987]

I’d just been on a House binge because of Mike’s series, what a coincidence. Nice to see Kal on here!!!

[@dothmotherknowyouwearth]

“KAL PENN?? KUTNER?????” - me

[@shydreameress264]

[SPOILER FOR HOUSE] So glad to see Kutner also faked his death like House did xD

[@girlwithkaleidoscopeeyes4771]

Suuuch a big fan of Kal Penn, have been for a long time and even more so as of late as he seems more confident and comfortable. Such a chill, kind and eloquent guy, great interview Dr Mike!

[@maikelcardeno1441]

What an amazing interview, excellent questions from Mike and just marvelous insight on Kal's feedback.

[@DabidRobinson]

I have watched this movie so much back then, this is the interview I needed!! Great video

[@kayleemoreno2050]

Absolutely loved this interview 💕 love him as an actor

[@Pygmyer]

I could listen to both of you all day :) thank you for this!

[@jessicaalderman589]

It's so cool that he gets to interview him!

[@nicolevangellecom6405]

Never knew i needed this, but keep it going! Loved it🤩 House M.D is 🔥

[@ALYG139]

You look so relaxed doctor mike, you insire me so much stay safe always

[@heikanaomi4426]

Wow...I never knew Kal Penn had this much depth. I've only seen him here in there in shows or reactions, but I definitely want to watch more of him talking like this. Great video Doctor Mike!

[@ms.random6370]

doctor mike i love your videos so much, thank you for posting and it’s amazing

[@ZackMuffinMan]

I've been binging House for the last couple of weeks and I'm already on season 4!

[@KraftyKeelah]

I love everything about this interview!

[@edgarrojas4605]

Great video and great interview/talk, very entertaining and interesting.

[@TheWheelBry]

Loved this interview! Also loved the fact that you asked the question about disabled actors playing disabled roles (along with LGBTQ+ roles). I feel like disability often gets forgotten about when talking about these important subjects 😊 Nothing about us, without us! Great job Dr. Mike! 🤟

[@akaliotp6766]

“LGBTQ” 🤡🤡🤡🤡

[@laurabailey1054]

You have obviously forgotten actress Jeri Jewel who was disabled in the 80’s on Facts of Life

[@aiden-xc5fd]

@@akaliotp6766 W

[@gnarthdarkanen7464]

I think it's worth mention that (at least some) of the concerns about putting a "non-disabled" person into a disabled role, should be about the actor's safety on sets, too... It's great to imagine a wheelchair bound hero risking life and limb through an action-comedy scenario to "save the world" but we shouldn't be so ardent about "NOTHING without us" to the point we actually encourage putting an actual wheelchair bound person through some ridiculous stunts that get them injured or risk getting them killed, green-screens and CGI and all... We have better technology and all, but we still simply lack the feasibility to legitimately "fake" every stunt believably... SO let it just be considered on a case by case. That's all... Representation is great, but not at the risk of life and limb, especially needlessly... AND driving an electric scooter or even letting loose a wheelchair down a hill into a pond or pool could have SERIOUS consequences for someone legitimately "trapped" in the thing... while a basically healthy individual is at much lower risk. (for instance)... AND long as we're here, it CAN be a fine thing to grow up and be mature about these things, SOME people take it WAY too far and too seriously. ;o)

[@TheWheelBry]

@@laurabailey1054 Sorry, one token appearance is definitely enough 🙄

[@WrestlingGamingGuru]

Comedy tends to age like milk and needs refreshers and other perspectives, every generation. It's really cool to hear Penn embrace this reality, and be motivated to challenge the playing field.

[@chicken_tacos7420]

Ayyyyy lovin the way you are taking the medical reviews ❤❤❤

[@yusefmockbil2235]

I actually loved this, house md is the best medical show of all time

[@drewrayg]

He is so smart. I really appreciate his points of views.

[@dereakcolumbus3603]

Like always I'm on your side , Dr. Mike. I feel like this podcast and KZbin re-broadcast is yet one more goal achieved. You are a real go getter

[@renukanand6296]

Wow 🥰 awesome interview i loved it, i love watching All your videos Dr. Mike your videos are always unique and very interesting, Thanks Doctor Mike ♥️🙏

[@k-s-creations]

Hi Dr. Mike! I'd be interested to see your interpretation of / reaction to the BBC sitcom 'Quacks'. It's a short series following 4 Victorian-era medical practitioners - a surgeon, his wife (who wants to become a doctor), a dentist/early anesthesiologist, and an 'alienist' (early mental health professional). There are some fascinating things regarding late 19th century medicine, from the (public!) operations, to the instruments, to the philosophies regarding health!

[@lylavati]

That sounds very interesting. 😮 Is this somewhere available online? If I search it, I get a (in my country well known) informative show called "Quarks". 😄

[@k-s-creations]

@@lylavati interesting! I know the show is on BBC iPlayer (though that really just works in the UK), and on DailyMotion, in much lower quality. There are probably other online sources, I just don't know them. 😄 Hope that helps!

[@JackieWarner13]

Omg how exciting to see Kal & Mike talk

[@shannapagador]

Dr. Mike Is such a good doctor like his Collabs and all of his video i watched him all the time Day and Night

[@tragicrhythm]

There are plenty of comedies that didn’t age well and would be considered extremely sexist, racists, etc today. I like the perception that changing sentiments signal growth and not necessarily cancel culture. I think sometimes the changes are so gradual you don’t notice it in yourself until for example you watch an old movie you used to love or think was hilarious and realized your tastes or sentiments have changed. I would totally watch another Harold & Kumar film with a now middle-aged Kal and John Cho on another midnight food run and it would be tongue in cheek hilarious if they updated it to reflect the current times.

[@sarahcoletti6946]

You're totally correct! I recently rewatched Me, Myself, and Irene. I used to love that movie when I was younger but if it were made now everyone would be offended.

[@greenytaddict]

@@sarahcoletti6946 that's how I felt about Bringing Down the House 😭

[@lokithecat7225]

It would probably be another Woke Dumpster Fire. You can't do anything that was (and still is) funny that might offend anyone, you can't do anything that is positive (god forbid if you try doing anything negative) that involves the Alphabet Mafia, you can't do anything Political like having to get to White Castle through Peaceful (BLM) Arson and Riots, and your left with... Hannah Gadsby Jokes? Like they Order Burgers, and get delivery, but they sit and whine until it arrives?

[@EpicConspiracy]

@@sarahcoletti6946 when you say everyone you mean the loud people on twitter. 90% of the population don’t care.

[@benjamindrayton1380]

I get that with smoking in films. So many older films have such large amounts of smoking that in everyday life now is just not that common. You forget just how prevalent it was.

[@ericagoforth8793]

I'm so excited to see this studio! 😁I'm going to say it for you, Dr. Mike: It has a vibe.

[@ericagoforth8793]

Thank you for liking my comment, Dr. Mike. You made my day! ❤️

[@sennepepernoot]

Is this your own podcast? We need more!! ❤

[@jbgatewood6927]

Kal Penn is one of my favorite actors

[@diamondstud322]

Hey Dr. Mike…love the vid. I wish it were longer. Also, I wonder if you’d consider doing a video about medical things that are popularized in books, TV, and movies, and whether or not they are truly helpful. A few that come to mind are: Pouring booze on a wound Making a tourniquet with your belt or scarf and twisting a stick to tighten it Shoving a tampon in a bullet or knife wound Putting raw steak on a black eye Shoving a wad of tissue up your nose to stop a nose bleed Grabbing the tongue of someone having a seizure to prevent them from swallowing it I find myself curious, but doubtful, when I see or read about them, and I think it would make a good video.

[@CroatiaSurvival]

If booze is straight spirits sbove 40% it’s going to kill bacteria and viruses so it works. A professional tourniquet is basically a belt with a twisting thingy so it also works. Tampons are usually sterile or close to it so they’re great for stopping bleeding in an emergency. It won’t stop it per se but it will expand when it soaks up blood so it will put pressure on the wound. Sanitary pads are also great for surface wounds. The steak is just soft, cold and conforms to the face. It helps keep swelling down due to cold, not it being steak. If anosebleed isn’t stopping on it’s own just go to the hospital. You can put gauze or some other clean cloth up there in the mean time, but paper isn’t a good idea. It will fall apart and just give your doctors more work to do. This is where you actually can use tampons and they will work great. When someone has a seizure just leave them be. Doing anything to their mouth or nose jast carries a risk of doing more harm. Lay the person on their side if possible and put a jacket or something under their face so they don’t scratch themselves ip too bad. Hope it helped.

[@sarahcoletti6946]

Never ever, EVER try to grab the tongue of someone having a seizure. If by some "miracle" you were actually able to grab their tongue mid seizure and they clamped their jaw down they would most definitely bite their own tongue, possibly off completely. My Mom has Grand Mal seizures and they're the worst.

[@bbandrayforever]

1 Depends on the booze. Everclear or unflavored vodka? Yes. Beer or any sort of ale? No. 2 Good! Yes! Its advice given in actual first aid training because the likelyhood you'll have a real tourniquet is low. 3 Less good, you want pressure so the tourniquet is better, but if it's what you've got then go for it. 4 Not that good. You can use it in a pinch but a regular ice pack is fine. A bag of frozen peas also works if your ice pack is too solid for your eye socket 5 Dont shove anything up your nose. Keep the tissue outside and apply pressure. Tilt your head down to avoid swallowing the blood. 6 Never ever grab someone who's seizing! Especially not their mouth. Move any objects that they could hit out if the way and time the seizure. When they've finished seizing roll them into the recovery position. No matter what, if the seziure is over 5 minutes call an ambulance. If the person is epileptic and has discussed with you what to do if they have a seziure that advice trumps everything I've said except the 5 minute call time. If you dont know if the person is epileptic or if you know they arent call an ambulance right away.

[@ratsalad178]

there is a longer version of him interviewing kal penn on his checkup with Dr Mike channel!

[@diamondstud322]

@@ratsalad178 thanks. Yes, I saw it after making this comment 😁

[@christopherbedford9897]

A very articulate and intelligent guy. You see people in movies, you don't get a look into who they really are, and this kind of interview can be very educating.

[@mohamedabdalla3148]

It is interesting how articulate people are usually viewed as intelligent, not to down talk about Kal, just pointing out a general pattern with people associating being articulate with being intelligent.

[@christopherbedford9897]

@@mohamedabdalla3148 Uhh yah, it's a fairly close correlation though innit.

[@MrIneedalifenow]

I like this guy's voice so much!

[@aaronbreseman3971]

Love the video keep the great work up

[@jenniferclark6863]

Heyy Dr mike love your videos you make me want to help and treat people when I'm older if I still wanna be a Dr

[@davidegazzaniga7558]

His role in Designated Survivor was amazing!

[@itskristiialy]

Loved this one!

[@RichieGnyc]

Fantastic guest. I didn't know I could like Kal Penn even more.

[@The-only-nia]

It’s amazing how much it happens

[@elenagalanaki2116]

I wish I was having such a conversation with you people for hours! Ok, I need to improve my English so that I understand everything, but, honestly, you are both very interesting personalities. Impressive!

[@WeFrost62]

I'm just so proud that Kal Penn graduated to being the Principal Associate Editor in the White House Office of Public Engagement after Harold and Kumar go to White Castle! I felt like a proud mama. 🥰

[@textme-8481]

Congrats you have been selected among our shortlisted winners, contact the number above, with your name 🎉🎉🎉

[@leoforte4912]

I would love if you could watch "Sob pressão" it means "Under pressure", its in portuguese, but it shows the reality of a hospital that does not have all the equipments we see at US medical dramas. Even if its in portuguese i would still love to watch you reacting it

[@tanweerkhan4835]

If we're gonna have more content like this.I would love to be it a longer video. Enjoyed 10/10

[@TravisLobsinger]

There is one, here kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJSuk5mQq9Znoqs&ab_channel=TheCheckUpwithDoctorMike

[@cristinaiswatching]

💯💯💯💯

[@merryavant]

You are one of my most comforts.

[@m.adrien5744]

Congrats at 10 MILLLLLLLL♥️♥️

[@thatpandagamer8782]

POV: There’s a tornado but all u care about is not having wifi

[@aerelyamirart]

Holy moly. Didn't expect this collab. 😳

[@hattarapilvi]

what a great video. i wasnt familiar with kal penn before but he seems like a genuinely good guy and very intelligent as well.

[@Helen.G.]

can u do some review or give some insight into issues homeopathy or new conditions like long covid? your input helped a lot so far getting a better perspective in medical issues and is greatly appreciated.

[@tracyc9048]

I must admit to listening your playlists while I work my extremely toxic job in a hostile work environment because the sound/timbre of your voice is so relaxing. You should do audiobooks. LOL

[@textme-8481]

Congrats you have been selected among our shortlisted winners, contact the number above, with your name 🎉

[@carolinacueto]

Doctor Mikes podcast!!!!!! It’s fresh, funny, smart and full of wonderful facts!

[@yashtrivedi2717]

I mean, Dr Mike should start a podcast show already 😌🙌🏻

[@DoctorMike]

I did! kzbin.info/door/2JcqHTeLyt3f9A0RxBZWSQ

[@LordZombitten]

House MD also wrote laboratory technologists (the people who actually run the tests) out of the show

[@hat7475]

w o w

[@elizabethm7163]

They wrote off everyone. We could make a list of people medical shows write off.

[@dylanbaird9668]

kal is a legend love him so much

[@ilikeit5272]

U are such an inspiration to everyone mike😊

[@brunomekina3670]

What?

[@ilikeit5272]

What do u mean

[@ArtistAparnaMhatre]

Your studio is so cool...⭐💫💫

[@carolynmacdonald7024]

I like this guy. Never knew much about him but he comes across as being extremely smart. Cool to hear his perspective. I also had no idea he worked in the Whitehouse!

[@NewVision2024]

superb discussion and educates large o of people

[@andygerth9258]

Can you do more responding to comments/patient stories?

[@annamarie5829]

I like this style of video, it’s different but so entertaining 💜

[@sri0230]

thx for doing this

[@JSeriously]

Can we all agree on the fact that Kal is just such a good dude? Like, what a genuine, had working, great human being.

[@FPAlpha]

Dr. Mike is doing podcast style interviews now? Cool

[@daixso]

This was a really excellent interview

[@textme-8481]

Congrats you have been selected among our shortlisted winners, contact the number above, with your name 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@CJSmallz41]

I just thought of something. On ER, Omar Epps killed himself because he was definitely depressed and overloaded as a doctor which happens a lot. And Kal did the same thing on house.

[@shydreameress264]

I don't think Kutner killed himself because he felt "overloaded as a doctor". He really liked his job, it was more personal, but we don't know.

[@jessicaterry6674]

Man, I love Kal Penn!

[@HelloBoy145]

Hey Dr. Mike! Recently subscribed to your channel. Can you do a video on gastritis? Lot of people are suffering from this like me. Greatly appreciated 😊😊

[@dawesome2409]

Doctor Mike, can you make a video on what to do when you get an expander on, thanks.

[@ReaperBrawlStars.]

Love ur vids Doctor mike

[@Splotchy]

No 36th

[@jrmckim]

Love you Kal!!

[@kranzferguson1852]

3 hours of this please...need more

[@textme-8481]

Congrats you have been selected among our shortlisted winners, contact the number above, with your name 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@molcatz9634]

You should do a collab with ken jeong next!

[@fortheloveoflanguageandwri4962]

I second that! I can't even imagine the two of them talking medicine...

[@rubenfuarnold]

Petition to bring back the mailtime videos!!!!!!

[@broadwayblobfish6845]

I love your vids!

[@kayleelogan151]

I looooove house and kal! For an actor random knowledge is power

[@deveshagarwal7371]

Hey Doctor Mike I wanted to suggest watching and recating to the two IT movies. They have a lot of scenes that are mentally and physically challenging and it will be fun to watch a doctor's perspective to the things that the movie has.

[@killercaos123]

Really insightful video

[@davidbarnett342]

I just enjoy anytime I see Kal Penn on screen.

[@joeythepilgrim]

God bless you, Doctor Mikhail Varshavski. ❤🙏

[@moreece1713]

Chewie!! is that you?

[@Mr.wednesdayallfather]

I'm telling you Dr Mike you still need to keep going with roasting house bud those were the best episodes and the most entertaining there's also one where house treats a plague victim

[@m1n4_18]

I love you Mike ❤

[@CrowOfDemise]

I love this so much it's great lol

[@AlterLynx]

This is amazing

[@SoniasWay]

As an Indian I’m so proud of Kal Penn

[@leafboye33]

@@Gg-ij7li nobody is going to convert because of a KZbin comment, you're just giving people a reason to dislike both you and your religion you're trying to peddle

[@RebelMedia23]

@@leafboye33 not even u a hater

[@matth227]

@@RebelMedia23 he’s right nobody wants to see this bullshit

[@hat7475]

same here! i lovr seeing indian actors being successfulout of India

[@leafboye33]

@@RebelMedia23 I can be mean to them if that's what you want? Get into a full blown flame war over religion is probably what you want...