I'm a Podstar not a Doctor

40 Episodes
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By: Shariff K. Bishai & Danny Acevedo

Real docs. Real talk. Listen, laugh, and accidentally learn some shit.

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Doctor, Dentist, or Disappointment
Doctor, Dentist, or Disappointment episode artwork
Today at 10:30 AM

This week we're getting ALL the laughs out with former orthopedists turned comedian, Reesh Konda! It's a roller coaster of an episode to buckle up and get ready to laugh, be inspired, and wonder wtf we are talking about half the time...


Vroom Vroom
Vroom Vroom episode artwork
09/23/2026

This week we're talking spoilers on top of spoilers on top of spoilers! 16 year old car situations, more insurance bullshit, and American Pharaoh goes viral. What a week!


On a Scale from 1-7
On a Scale from 1-7 episode artwork
09/16/2026

This week we actually use Bobby Digital as a resource instead of a punching bag! We're talking patient reviews, time management, and living the Podstar life...


Getting Messy
Getting Messy episode artwork
09/10/2026

Sometimes it feels nice to just get a little messy...

It's a mismatch of topics this week - everything from choosing fighter characters, to Costco fashion, hazing stories, and robotic exoskeletons. Sit back, tune in, and enjoy the trainwreck in real time...


#blessed
#blessed episode artwork
08/19/2026

The boys are back from summer break, refreshed and somehow less focused than ever.

Cuff Daddy and American Pharaoh catch up on vacations, golf struggles, ridiculous favorite purchases, and why sometimes stepping away is exactly what you need to remember how good life actually is.

Then things get real. Danny and Shariff get into declining reimbursement, rising costs, insurance headaches, and why practicing medicine keeps getting harder even though they still love what they do.

And naturally, it all ends with AI potentially destroying humanity, Matt Damon constantly needing...


Snickers and a Coconut Water
Snickers and a Coconut Water episode artwork
07/02/2026

What happens when two orthopedic surgeons hit record with no agenda? You get an episode that bounces from golf swings to conspiracy theories, tech upgrades, work frustrations, and everything in between.

This week, we take a break from the operating room to talk about life outside of medicine. From chasing a better golf game and debating the latest gadgets to discussing travel plans, summer schedules, and the constant challenge of finding balance, it’s a conversation that’s equal parts entertaining and relatable.

Along the way, we dive into some surprisingly passionate discussions abou...


This whole episode is AI...or is it?
This whole episode is AI...or is it? episode artwork
06/04/2026

AI Isn’t Coming. It’s Already Here.

AI is writing, creating, diagnosing, educating, and showing up in places most of us never expected. The question isn’t whether it’s changing healthcare.

The question is what happens when doctors and algorithms don’t agree.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ali Giasi to talk about where AI is headed, what’s exciting, what’s terrifying, and why the future of medicine may look very different than most people realize.

Some of it sounds incredible.

Some of it sou...


Are We Peers?
Are We Peers? episode artwork
05/20/2026

The conversation covers a range of topics including peer reviews, insurance companies, and the challenges faced by healthcare professionals. It also delves into the impact of insurance denials on patient care and the ethical dilemmas faced by doctors. The discussion highlights the frustration and disillusionment experienced by healthcare professionals due to the complexities of the healthcare system. The conversation covers various aspects of the healthcare system, insurance, medical care, and the challenges faced by healthcare professionals. It also delves into personal experiences and humorous anecdotes related to healthcare and life in general.


Guacamole Station...Custom
Guacamole Station...Custom episode artwork
04/29/2026

This week we're talking ideal Masters victory dinners, Cuff Daddy leans hard into his latino side, and is this happening...are we pitching the Podstars Netflix sitcom???


Being Our Social Selves...
Being Our Social Selves... episode artwork
04/15/2026

This week we're talking to the Surgeon Coach, Mel Thacker, about the impact of overworking, setting well-defined goals, understanding the essential self vs. social self, finding happiness in the second curve of life, the importance of creativity in the second half of life, the pressure of external validation and imposter syndrome, navigating midlife crises, the role of vulnerability and relational competence in medicine, and the impact of fail safes and accountability in medicine.

Oh yeah it's a busy one - and a fun one. Come get some insights!


#OrthoMaxxing
#OrthoMaxxing episode artwork
04/01/2026

What does it mean to actually level up in medicine?

In this episode of I’m a Podstar, Not a Doctor, The American Pharaoh and Cuff Daddy sit down with Dr. Nick Pappas to break down #OrthoMaxxing — the art of becoming a better surgeon, building a real presence, and navigating the chaos of modern medicine without losing yourself in the process.

Nick shares how he built a following as a hand surgeon without sacrificing credibility, why most doctors are doing social media wrong, and how to balance educ...


That's a lot of blocks...
That's a lot of blocks... episode artwork
03/18/2026

We're talking to our old friend Mason - PA announcer for the Detroit Pistons this week! He's celebrating 25 years with the team and we're talking sports, AI, career paths, weird surgery shit, and just having a blast doing it all. The energy and laughs are infectous whenever he's around!


Podstar Conspiracy Files
Podstar Conspiracy Files episode artwork
03/04/2026

We're talking creative surgeries, our beautiful relationships with our dogs, and American Pharaoh goes deep down the rabbit hole in his own conspiracies this week...


Hustle Real Hard
Hustle Real Hard episode artwork
02/11/2026

This week we talk to Earl Cooper of East Side Golf about his journey to success. The takeaways include the themes of perseverance and manifesting dreams. Earl Cooper discusses the expansion of his brand, Eastside Golf, and his love for the golf lifestyle. He shares his journey from Atlanta to New York and LA, his experiences playing at exclusive golf clubs, and his pinch-me moments meeting Michael Jordan and achieving significant milestones. Earl also emphasizes the importance of authenticity and building the brand, as well as the expansion of the golf market and hip-hop collaborations. Throughout the conversation, he...


Cool Title, Now What?
Cool Title, Now What? episode artwork
02/04/2026

Medicine loves titles.

Chair. President. Fellow. Society this. Board that.

But when we asked Dr. Anthony Minniacci—President of the American Shoulder and Elbow Society—what he actually wants his legacy to be, the answer wasn’t what you’d expect.

In this episode of I’m a Podstar, Not a Doctor, Tony talks candidly about the long game of medicine—from immigrant beginnings to leading one of the most respected orthopedic societies in the world. We get into why some of his shoulder implant ideas took 25 years to be...


Emperor Penguin BFF
Emperor Penguin BFF episode artwork
01/14/2026

Welcome to 2026.

After some time off, family chaos, and whatever that weird stretch between Christmas and New Year’s actually is, The American Pharaoh and Cuff Daddy are back on the mics—catching up, resetting, and getting back into the rhythm of the show.

This episode is exactly what it sounds like:

Life updatesWork updatesWhat the break reminded us about medicine, burnout, and balanceWhy routine matters more than resolutionsAnd why this pod works best when we just show up and talk

No big agenda. No hot takes forc...


The 5 Greatest Rappers of All Time...
The 5 Greatest Rappers of All Time... episode artwork
12/24/2025

The conversation covers a range of topics including casual catch-ups, podcast introductions, banter, discussions about 50 Cent, online beefing, flight mishaps, TV shows, entertainment recommendations, Kamran's return, his book, healthcare optimism, ChatGPT, Diego Pavia's apology, and balancing family and work. The main takeaways include a sense of healthcare optimism and the challenge of balancing family and work. The conversation covers the challenges and rewards of private practice, the process of creating rap music, and its impact. It also delves into the humor in medical rap, the writing and producing of music, the concept of a social media cleanse, future projects...


Getting Gamified
Getting Gamified episode artwork
12/10/2025

This week we're talking Kanye antics, gamifying surgery, speaking spanish, AI relatives, and so much more. Buckle up...we're getting weird this week!


Thankful for the Haters
Thankful for the Haters episode artwork
11/26/2025

What are we most thankful for? There are a lot of candidates but most of all, the Podstars are thankful for...the HATERS.


7 Iron Therapy
7 Iron Therapy episode artwork
11/12/2025

This week on I’m a Podstar, Not a Doctor, The American Pharaoh and Cuff Daddy take a walk down the fairway—and maybe a little down memory lane.

Golf has officially taken over their lives, and they’re not even mad about it. From early morning tee times to midlife wardrobe updates, the guys dive into how golf became more than just a hobby—it’s a lifestyle, a coping mechanism, and occasionally, a form of group therapy.

They also get real about aging in medicine, business burnout, and the art of not...


I'm a Hotdog not a Doctor
I'm a Hotdog not a Doctor episode artwork
#7
11/07/2025

Cousin Eddie, a Hot Dog, a Unicorn, and an NFL team doctor walk into a podcast studio...

Friend of the show Matt Provencher joins us this week to talk NFL injuries, halloween costumes, and share some laughs!


I'm a Hot Dog not a Doctor
I'm a Hot Dog not a Doctor episode artwork
#7
11/05/2025

Cousin Eddie, a hot dog, a unicorn, and an NFL team doctor walk into a bar... It's just another weird night for the Podstars. We're talking NFL injuries, favorite halloween costumes, and a whole bunch of randomness.


I'm a Hot Dog not a Doctor
I'm a Hot Dog not a Doctor episode artwork
#7
11/05/2025

Uncle Eddie, a Hot Dog, a Unicorn, and an NFL team doctor walk into a bar... As ridiculous as this sounds, it's what our normal is at this point. Enjoy some banter, reliving favorite halloween costumes, sports injury discussions and a heated debate...OJ or Diddy?


It's gotta be the shoes, Money!
It's gotta be the shoes, Money! episode artwork
#6
10/22/2025

An impromptu night of recording always brings out the weird conversations...we're having fun and talking life this week. As always, we're fucking around but you'll definitely learn a few things...


Big Gripe Energy
Big Gripe Energy episode artwork
#5
10/15/2025

This week on I’m a Podstar, Not a Doctor, The American Pharaoh and Cuff Daddy are back with a full dose of chaos and questionable life reflections. They’re talking about their new golf obsession, the humbling reality of learning something new, and how a good attitude can sometimes be harder to find than a straight drive down the fairway. From airline horror stories to fast food loyalty, the guys trade personal anecdotes that somehow tie together parenting, orthopedic innovation, and why reality TV might be the truest mirror of modern society.


Pop, Lock & Drop It
Pop, Lock & Drop It episode artwork
#4
09/17/2025

In this episode of I’m a Podstar, Not a Doctor, The American Pharaoh and Cuff Daddy sit down with Dr. Mega Man (AJ Kule Kambere) to talk about the grind, the setbacks, and the breakthroughs on the road to orthopedics. From his roots as a dancer and athlete to navigating medical school, trauma surgery, and the chaos of residency applications, AJ shares the lessons, mentors, and experiences that shaped his journey. The conversation digs into: Why mentorship matters more than grades Surviving med school and residency challenges The role of trauma surgery in shaping confidence How research and social me...


If you ain't first, you're last
If you ain't first, you're last episode artwork
#3
09/10/2025

What do medical implants and racing cars have in common? More than you’d think. In this episode of I’m a Podstar, Not a Doctor, The American Pharaoh and Cuff Daddy explore the wild overlap between the operating room and the racetrack. From the evolution of implants to the evolution of engines, they dive into what it takes to keep bodies—and cars—running at peak performance. They share personal stories that shaped their journeys, debate dream cars, and talk about the communities that make both medicine and motorsports worth the grind. Whether you’re into scalpel precision or supercharg...


Gimme 20!
Gimme 20! episode artwork
#2
09/04/2025

In this episode of I’m a Podstar, Not a Doctor, The American Pharaoh and Cuff Daddy dive into the side of medicine you won’t find in textbooks: how doctors try (and sometimes fail) to take care of themselves while taking care of everyone else. They’re joined by fitness consultant Michael Coval, who breaks down why fiber maxing is trending, how accountability shapes real results, and what it actually takes to build sustainable health habits in a high-stress profession. From nutrition hacks to the big three of physician longevity—exercise, sleep, and recovery—the conversation blends humor, honesty, and a heav...


Under Pressure
Under Pressure episode artwork
#1
08/27/2025

In this episode of I’m a Podstar, Not a Doctor, The American Pharaoh and Cuff Daddy bring their signature mix of humor, honesty, and chaos. From questionable mustache choices to golf course confessions, the conversation takes some wild swings—literally. The docs vent about the never-ending headache of peer-to-peer reviews, dive into the financial pressures of modern medicine, and debate the importance of vibes over scores (on the course and in the OR). Of course, no episode would be complete without music talk. You’ll hear their take on surgical playlists, the art of OR DJ-ing, and how their recent...


Peptides: The Multivitamin for Bros?
Peptides: The Multivitamin for Bros? episode artwork
#27
07/23/2025

What do amino acids, peptides, and Wolverine have in common? Apparently…recovery. This week on I'm a Podstar, Not a Doctor, The Cuff Daddy and The American Pharaoh dive into the science (and sketchiness) of nutrition, healing, and whether the "Wolverine Stack" is fact or fiction. Special guest and top shoulder surgeon Dr. Patrick Denard joins the convo to break down what supplements might actually help patients recover faster—and which ones are just 💩 in a capsule. We’re talking: Amino acids and injury recovery Peptides and performance What we eat vs. how we heal The fine line between biohacking and bro s


Scrubbed In & Synthesized
Scrubbed In & Synthesized episode artwork
#26
07/02/2025

The Cuff Daddy and The American Pharaoh juggle their jam-packed work lives while diving headfirst into the world of AI. From its role in music production and EDM creation to its evolving place in healthcare and branding, they explore what it means to be a doctor in the age of algorithms. Sprinkled with Love Island references, family stories, and surgical side quests, this episode blends real talk, tech talk, and totally unnecessary tangents—just how we like it.


Rant Check!
Rant Check! episode artwork
#25
06/25/2025

Welcome to the first-ever Podstars Rant Session — where the takes are hot, the music is loud, and the tolerance for internet nonsense is dangerously low. This week, Cuff Daddy and The American Pharaoh go off on: The power of a good OR playlist Why medical advice from random people on TikTok should come with a warning label And how social media has become a game of "who can be confidently wrong the loudest" No guests. No filters. Just two surgeons, two mics, and a lot of opinions. Scrub in or tap out.


From OR to Arm Bar
From OR to Arm Bar episode artwork
#24
06/11/2025

This week, it’s combat boots and white coats. The Cuff Daddy and American Pharaoh are back with another chaotic and heartfelt hangout, covering: - Parenting fails - Golf therapy (again) - Why women's UFC might be more terrifying than men’s Then they tag in Dr. Jujitsu (aka Dr. Megan Jimenez), an orthopedic surgeon, military officer, jiu-jitsu champion, and host of The Dr. Jujitsu Podcast. She joins the cage match to drop wisdom on: - Healing trauma through training - Female strength in male-dominated fields - How martial arts shaped her leadership in the OR and the military - Nutr...


Addicted to the Algorithm
Addicted to the Algorithm episode artwork
#23
06/04/2025

This week we bring on Jay Pendleton, founder of MedTech Voice and former spine rep turned content king. He’s dropping 🔥 on: - Medical marketing that doesn’t suck - Being actually authentic on social media - Storytelling as a clinical skill - The ethical minefield of healthcare content And why being yourself online is riskier—but worth it This one’s for the docs who want to stand out, the reps who are sick of scripts, and the marketers who are quietly panicking. 💥 Get ready to question your brand, your strategy, and maybe your entire LinkedIn presence.


Dancing with the Devil
Dancing with the Devil episode artwork
#22
05/21/2025

This week we have a deep convo with Holly Smithson, CEO of Athena and walking TED Talk on confidence, community, and leadership. We hit: - The lie of imposter syndrome - Why confidence is a damn choice - Women in STEM and why we need more of them—like yesterday - How feminine energy could actually save modern leadership - The power of showing up even when you’re unsure Cuff Daddy, Bobby Digital, and Holly don’t shy away from the hard stuff—but we still find a way to laugh through it all. Come for the feels, stay for the...


Do the Hustle!
Do the Hustle! episode artwork
#22
05/14/2025

This week, Cuff Daddy and The American Pharaoh sit down with Dr. Alexis Dixon—an overall badass, foot & ankle surgeon, and glider pilot. Yes, really. We cover everything from building a solo orthopedic practice from scratch to launching a side hustle in medico-legal consulting (shoutout to OrthoLegal). Alexis breaks down how to create a clinic vibe that patients actually want to return to—and how to make the OR playlist hit every time. Also in this episode: Why “patient-first” isn’t just marketing fluff What flying planes and running a practice have in common Music in medicine: yes, it matters Consulting...


Stay out of the Kitchen!
Stay out of the Kitchen! episode artwork
#21
05/07/2025

Cuff Daddy and The American Pharaoh are back moderately hydrated, and maybe even emotionally refreshed. After failing (or redefining?) the 75 Hard challenge, they dive into the real grind—surgery, mentorship, and maybe a little pickleball. Enter Dr. William N. Levine, orthopedic surgeon and certified legend. We talk shop about the surgical lifestyle, playing sports without tearing something, and how mentorship is way more than just checking boxes. From social media shoutouts that aren’t cringe, to handling OR chaos with calm, Dr. Levine drops insight bombs like it’s nothing. Also: • Are you genetically built to run on 4 hours of sleep? •...


Crackin' Necks and Cashin' Checks
Crackin' Necks and Cashin' Checks episode artwork
#20
04/23/2025

Cuff Daddy and The American Pharaoh catch up with their old buddy Dr. Navid Nazemi—chiropractor, golf junkie, and lowkey philosopher. We talk about how he stumbled into chiropractic school, what it’s like running a practice, and why teamwork between docs actually matters. There’s plenty of bro-science, a little real science, and just enough introspection to make you think “huh, maybe there’s something to this.” We get into sports med, cracking backs, and whether music can actually heal—or at least make the OR playlist a little less trash. Oh, and podcasting? Way harder than it looks. Bonus Round: W...


Are You On A Boat??
Are You On A Boat?? episode artwork
#19
04/09/2025

We're joined by podcast OG Alejandro Badia! We're talking healthcare challenges, weird hand surgeon quirks, and wondering how Bobby Digital weaseled his way into being part of the show...


Cool Dad Over 40 Starter Pack
Cool Dad Over 40 Starter Pack episode artwork
#18
04/02/2025

Friend of the show and TikTok star DJ Eric Rhodes joins us this week! We're talking manifestation, music, fanny packs and more! And there's no better guest to have on for some slang it or bang it...the list keeps growing and the music only gets better and better.