Coronavirus w/ Dr. Oz & Dr. Bassem Youseff
Episode 133, Apr 03, 2020, 10:43 PM
Dr. Oz kicks things off by evaluating the response to coronavirus in California, especially as the rates of infection and mortality have lagged behind many other less-populated states.
Oz called much of the state's response "nimble," "sage," and "decisive." While looking at Los Angeles specifically, which has yet to become a hot-spot akin to New York City, Oz pointed to aggressive social distancing practices, the non-reliance on public transportation, and early decisions to shutter schools and encourage wearing face masks.
Face masks have recently become the subject of much debate nationally, in fact, during Friday's White House briefing, President Trump found himself in hot water when he said, despite CDC recommendations to wear masks in public, he would not."Wearing a mask is great, if you can find it," Oz said. "Until we get enough of them you should, however, use cloth. Not as good as a regular mask, but a face covering of that nature can still work."
Still, while masks and other preventative measures may help to flatten the curve, another issue is lurking in the shadows, the issue of mental health. This, as millions of Americans now find themselves isolated, unemployed, and financially struggling.
"A lot of people are sitting at home now, worried, and appropriately anxious," Oz said. "Be a leader, find out what you're able to do better than anybody else... this may be your chance, this may define who you are. Take that baton and run as fast as you can, cause people desperately need help, and you could be the person who provides it."
From the latest developments in the medical and psychological spheres, the conversation pivots to a more personal realm. This, as Dr. Oz's daily show has relocated to his basement after one of his staffers contracted the virus.
Now relocated to a makeshift home studio, built earlier this year after covering the unfolding situation in China, Oz said he has now turned to his family for help producing his show, from his son who handles tech support to his wife who runs prompter and does hair and makeup.
"All of us are living this new life, don't think you're alone out there," Oz said. "Every single person you watch on television, every person you're talking to on Instagram stories, it's all the same basic story, we're just making due with what we've got."
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Considered by many to be the "Jon Stewart of Egypt," from 2011 to 2014 Bassem Youssef hosted a weekly political satire show watched by over 30 million. That was, until the satirist was arrested for insulting the newly installed, military-led government, and his show was banned.
The conversation kicks off with an exploration of how the comedian's life, one accustomed to travel and large crowds, has changed in the age of Coronavirus. Youssef joked that the opportunity has allowed him to become reacquainted with his family.
"I'm getting to know my kids, and my kids are getting to know me," Youssef dead-panned. "At the beginning, they were kind of wondering 'who is that guy who's hanging around longer than he should be?'... Now, they are realizing that I am a part of their life, whether they like it or not."
From the situation in his own home, the conversation shifts to the impact the virus has had on the entertainment industry, especially in regards to late-night television, where hosts like Stephen Colbert, Trevor Noah, Samantha Bee, and others are now broadcasting from their homes.
Youssef called the "show-must-go-on" mentality "courageous," saying "First of all, they are keeping the people behind the camera working, they are still maintaining their jobs, which is very important... they're keeping people entertained, they're keeping people sane."
Youssef wrapped things up with a discussion of what he hopes and fears will emerge from the ongoing pandemic.
"My fear is that we, as humans, have a very short memory," Youssef said. "We don't seem to learn from our mistakes. We don't seem to learn from history."
----------
This week's episode of The Issue Is, the 100th, ended by coming full circle.
In May of 2018, Gavin Newsom, then California's Lt Governor, was Elex's first guest, on the first episode of The Issue Is, then airing locally in just Los Angeles.
This week, Elex once again spoke with Newsom, now Governor, asking how he's doing in this unprecedented moment, and how he feels seeing thousands of volunteers help deal with the state's on-going crisis.
"I'm inspired," Newsom said. "I've never been more damn inspired in my life."
----------
The Issue Is: with Elex Michaelson is California's only statewide political show. For airtimes and more information, go to TheIssueIsShow.com.
Oz called much of the state's response "nimble," "sage," and "decisive." While looking at Los Angeles specifically, which has yet to become a hot-spot akin to New York City, Oz pointed to aggressive social distancing practices, the non-reliance on public transportation, and early decisions to shutter schools and encourage wearing face masks.
Face masks have recently become the subject of much debate nationally, in fact, during Friday's White House briefing, President Trump found himself in hot water when he said, despite CDC recommendations to wear masks in public, he would not."Wearing a mask is great, if you can find it," Oz said. "Until we get enough of them you should, however, use cloth. Not as good as a regular mask, but a face covering of that nature can still work."
Still, while masks and other preventative measures may help to flatten the curve, another issue is lurking in the shadows, the issue of mental health. This, as millions of Americans now find themselves isolated, unemployed, and financially struggling.
"A lot of people are sitting at home now, worried, and appropriately anxious," Oz said. "Be a leader, find out what you're able to do better than anybody else... this may be your chance, this may define who you are. Take that baton and run as fast as you can, cause people desperately need help, and you could be the person who provides it."
From the latest developments in the medical and psychological spheres, the conversation pivots to a more personal realm. This, as Dr. Oz's daily show has relocated to his basement after one of his staffers contracted the virus.
Now relocated to a makeshift home studio, built earlier this year after covering the unfolding situation in China, Oz said he has now turned to his family for help producing his show, from his son who handles tech support to his wife who runs prompter and does hair and makeup.
"All of us are living this new life, don't think you're alone out there," Oz said. "Every single person you watch on television, every person you're talking to on Instagram stories, it's all the same basic story, we're just making due with what we've got."
----------
Considered by many to be the "Jon Stewart of Egypt," from 2011 to 2014 Bassem Youssef hosted a weekly political satire show watched by over 30 million. That was, until the satirist was arrested for insulting the newly installed, military-led government, and his show was banned.
The conversation kicks off with an exploration of how the comedian's life, one accustomed to travel and large crowds, has changed in the age of Coronavirus. Youssef joked that the opportunity has allowed him to become reacquainted with his family.
"I'm getting to know my kids, and my kids are getting to know me," Youssef dead-panned. "At the beginning, they were kind of wondering 'who is that guy who's hanging around longer than he should be?'... Now, they are realizing that I am a part of their life, whether they like it or not."
From the situation in his own home, the conversation shifts to the impact the virus has had on the entertainment industry, especially in regards to late-night television, where hosts like Stephen Colbert, Trevor Noah, Samantha Bee, and others are now broadcasting from their homes.
Youssef called the "show-must-go-on" mentality "courageous," saying "First of all, they are keeping the people behind the camera working, they are still maintaining their jobs, which is very important... they're keeping people entertained, they're keeping people sane."
Youssef wrapped things up with a discussion of what he hopes and fears will emerge from the ongoing pandemic.
"My fear is that we, as humans, have a very short memory," Youssef said. "We don't seem to learn from our mistakes. We don't seem to learn from history."
----------
This week's episode of The Issue Is, the 100th, ended by coming full circle.
In May of 2018, Gavin Newsom, then California's Lt Governor, was Elex's first guest, on the first episode of The Issue Is, then airing locally in just Los Angeles.
This week, Elex once again spoke with Newsom, now Governor, asking how he's doing in this unprecedented moment, and how he feels seeing thousands of volunteers help deal with the state's on-going crisis.
"I'm inspired," Newsom said. "I've never been more damn inspired in my life."
----------
The Issue Is: with Elex Michaelson is California's only statewide political show. For airtimes and more information, go to TheIssueIsShow.com.