Tosh Show Episode Summary: "My Dog's Surgeon - Adam Strom"

Podcast Title: Tosh Show
Host: Daniel Tosh (iHeartPodcasts)
Guest: Dr. Adam Strom
Release Date: November 12, 2024
Duration: Approximately 54 minutes

Introduction

In the "My Dog's Surgeon - Adam Strom" episode of the Tosh Show, host Daniel Tosh invites Dr. Adam Strom, a distinguished veterinarian and animal surgeon, to discuss his professional journey, experiences in veterinary medicine, and personal anecdotes. The episode blends insightful conversations with Tosh's trademark humor, providing listeners with both informative content and entertaining moments.

Guest Background and Early Life

Dr. Adam Strom begins by sharing his upbringing in Los Angeles, specifically in Cheviot Hills, and his education at Brentwood High School, located about a mile and a half from O.J. Simpson's residence ([10:32]). He recounts his early love for animals, starting with goldfish, then a cockatiel, and eventually a dog at the age of nine ([11:28]).

Notable Quote:

Dr. Adam: "I was raised in Cheviot Hills, but the school was about a mile and a half from O.J.'s house." ([10:33])

Coming Out and Personal Identity

Tosh explores Dr. Adam's experience coming out as a gay man during his college years. Dr. Adam shares that he came out at 18 during Christmas break in his freshman year, supported by his mother and her close friends who were a gay couple ([12:09]-[12:20]).

Notable Quote:

Dr. Adam: "My mom knew. Two of her very close friends were a gay couple, and she had mentioned to them that she thought I was gay." ([12:20])

Veterinary Career and Specialization

Dr. Adam discusses his initial interest in equine veterinary medicine, influenced by his involvement with Stanford’s equestrian team. However, he shifted his focus to small animals like dogs and cats, citing the demanding nature of horse care and the preference for an indoor working environment ([14:55]-[15:29]).

He highlights TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) as his specialty—a common surgery for repairing canine knee injuries similar to ACL reconstruction in humans ([16:34]-[16:38]).

Notable Quote:

Dr. Adam: "The surgery does a great job of making them not limp." ([16:38])

Emotional Challenges in Veterinary Medicine

A significant portion of the conversation delves into the emotional toll of being a veterinarian, particularly the heartache of euthanizing beloved pets. Dr. Adam emphasizes guiding pet owners through these tough decisions, balancing medical possibilities with the animal’s quality of life ([31:10]-[33:03]).

Notable Quotes:

Daniel Tosh: "So they're just like, hey, buddy, I just gotta do my gig here." ([31:16])
Dr. Adam: "It is the worst day." ([31:52])

Practical Pet Care Tips

The discussion transitions into practical aspects of pet care, such as expressing a dog's anal glands. Dr. Adam explains that while most dogs handle this naturally, some may require manual assistance, typically performed by trained technicians ([38:42]-[40:19]).

Notable Quotes:

Daniel Tosh: "How often do you need to do this?" ([38:47])
Dr. Adam: "Most dogs, as they poop, it expresses the inner glands normally." ([39:26])

He also touches on neutering and spaying, recommending it before the first heat to reduce the risk of mammary cancer in female dogs ([21:15]-[21:37]).

Notable Quote:

Dr. Adam: "When they stop doing five of them [the pet’s favorite activities], start thinking about it." ([32:14])

Business and Financial Aspects of Veterinary Practice

Dr. Adam sheds light on the financial challenges within veterinary medicine, noting that general practitioners often earn between $75,000 to $80,000 annually in Los Angeles—a sum considered modest given the high cost of living. He advocates for pet insurance to help manage unexpected veterinary expenses ([25:32]-[26:42]).

Notable Quote:

Dr. Adam: "An MRI for dogs costs around $2,000, compared to $12,000 for humans." ([25:54])

Humorous Anecdotes and Lighthearted Moments

Throughout the episode, Daniel Tosh and Dr. Adam engage in humorous exchanges, recounting stories like Tosh’s cloned dog stand-ins for TV shows and the unexpected addition of a pig named Potato to Tosh’s household. These moments provide levity to the more serious discussions about veterinary practice.

Notable Quotes:

Daniel Tosh: "I have a pig for 15 years." ([28:37])
Dr. Adam: "That's a great name. That's better than bacon." ([30:04])

Personal Interests and Hobbies

Dr. Adam shares his passion for skiing, recounting a serious injury on May 5th, which required knee surgery and a two-month rehabilitation period. He also mentions his ambition to obtain a pilot's license to facilitate easier travel to Mammoth ([45:20]-[47:18]).

Notable Quotes:

Dr. Adam: "Flying is very exciting." ([47:19])
Daniel Tosh: "You're becoming a pilot just so your commute is shorter." ([48:16])

Closing Remarks and Final Exchanges

The episode concludes with friendly banter, including discussions about pet accessories and dog care gadgets. Dr. Adam expresses gratitude for being on the show, and Tosh humorously navigates gift exchanges involving practical yet amusing items ([42:17]-[45:03]).

Notable Quote:

Daniel Tosh: "I got rid of him. I'm not proud of what I did." ([18:27])

Conclusion

In "My Dog's Surgeon - Adam Strom," the Tosh Show offers a compelling blend of professional insights and personal storytelling. Dr. Adam Strom provides an authentic look into the life of a veterinarian, addressing both the rewarding and challenging aspects of animal care. Daniel Tosh's engaging hosting style ensures that the episode is both informative and entertaining, making it a valuable listen for pet owners and those interested in veterinary medicine alike.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Daniel Tosh: "Or dsw.com dog or cat owners. Who's worse to deal with?" ([01:27])

• Dr. Adam: "I introduce myself as doctor to clients." ([15:38])

• Daniel Tosh: "You don't trust their navigation system." ([18:02])

• Dr. Adam: "But you don't see any of that because insurance pays for it." ([25:54])

• Daniel Tosh: "Why the fuck does flea medicine and heartworm and tick medicine only work for one month?" ([35:20])

• Dr. Adam: "They are one of the animals that can be a source of rabies in California." ([38:33])

• Daniel Tosh: "I don't like those guys that have those truck nuts on the back." ([24:15])

• Dr. Adam: "We are using all the same equipment, same drugs, same supplies, same facilities." ([25:54])

• Daniel Tosh: "He takes his towel, and never gave it back." ([31:09])

This structured summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key topics, discussions, and memorable moments while adhering to the user's instructions to include notable quotes with timestamps and maintain a clear, engaging flow.