

Sawbones: A Marital Tour of Misguided Medicine
Justin McElroy, Dr. Sydnee McElroy
Join Dr. Sydnee McElroy and her husband Justin McElroy for a tour of all the dumb, bad, gross, weird and wrong ways we've tried to fix people.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 18, 2025 • 51min
Sawbones: Dopamine Detox
The algorithm strikes again, this time telling Justin about a popular wellness trend known as a Dopamine Detox. Dopamine is often associated with pleasure centers and addiction, and certain corners of the internet think we are overflooded with it. But Dr. Sydnee talks about what dopamine is, its connection to Parkinson's and other medical conditions, and how this culture around self-deprivation came about.Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/Native American Aid: https://nativepartnership.org/naa/

Nov 4, 2025 • 38min
Sawbones: Monkey Escape
In a lighthearted dive, hosts explore the wild story of a truck mishap involving escaped research monkeys. They dissect sensational headlines about the monkeys' potential infection risks, correcting inaccuracies along the way. The discussion reveals the role of rhesus macaques in research, their genetic similarities to humans, and past escape incidents. With a focus on public safety, they clarify the minimal risk these monkeys pose, particularly regarding diseases like COVID-19 and the concerning B virus. Fun and informative!

10 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 43min
Sawbones: Methylene Blue
In this episode, Dr. Sydnee dives into the colorful history of methylene blue, originally a lab dye turned potential cancer treatment. She explores its early uses and the intriguing science behind its redox properties. The podcast covers claims of methylene blue’s effects against malaria and cyanide poisoning, while highlighting its approved use for treating methemoglobinemia. Sydnee warns about the dangers of unverified medical advice, especially when popularized by influencers, ultimately advocating for evidence-based medicine.

Oct 14, 2025 • 38min
Sawbones: Do You Know About the Penis Fish?
As the weather turns, so do Dr. Sydnee and Justin to their inbox to answer more of listeners' WEIRD medical questions. Questions like: Can pee cure my foot fungus? Why do I cough when I put in earplugs? What is the white crescent on my nails? How does the vaccine nasal spray work? And what is the humble leech’s role in modern medicine?Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/Border Angels: https://www.borderangels.org/

Oct 7, 2025 • 38min
Sawbones: Leucovorin
Justin and Dr. Sydnee continue to bring news from the forefront of history with the second part of the announcement about autism – a possible treatment. It's leucovorin: also known as vitamin B-9. It can't possibly be that simple, can it? (No). Dr. Sydnee explains where this idea came from and what leucovorin is actually currently used for in medicine.Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/Border Angels: https://www.borderangels.org/

7 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 49min
Sawbones: Tylenol
The hosts dive into the controversy linking acetaminophen usage during pregnancy to autism, debunking the claims with a historical overview. They explore the drug's origins, safety concerns, and a recent large Swedish study that found no connection. The discussion highlights the political context behind the claims, potential misinformation, and the detrimental effects on treatment options for pregnant individuals. Additionally, they touch on the ethics of framing autism and the significance of proper vaccine messaging.

Sep 16, 2025 • 36min
Sawbones: Dr. Asher
Another episode in the Sawbones multiverse, Dr. Sydnee and Justin resist Dr. Richard Asher, who is the person who coined Munchausen Syndrome. Dr. Aster was a prominent physician and critical thinker whose medical contributions included noting the dangers of bed rest and naming the "seven sins of medicine." His children also had notable music careers.Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/Equality Florida: https://www.eqfl.org/

Sep 9, 2025 • 43min
Sawbones: Medical Update: Vaccines
With all the changes going on in the CDC, Dr. Sydnee and Justin check back in with an update on vaccines and vaccine mandates, as well as dispelling some common vaccine myths that unfortunately come up again and again.Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/Equality Florida: https://www.eqfl.org/

Aug 26, 2025 • 41min
Sawbones: Munchausen Syndrome
Explore the fascinating legacy of eponyms in medicine and how they shape our understanding of conditions like Munchausen Syndrome. Discover the whimsical tales of Baron von Munchausen and their cultural impact. The conversation dives into the complexities surrounding factitious disorders and the challenges healthcare professionals face today, especially with the rise of social media. Learn how these platforms complicate the diagnosis of such conditions, blurring the lines between reality and performance in the quest for attention.

7 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 37min
Sawbones: Lisztomania
Discover the wild world of Lisztomania, where fans worshipped the piano prodigy Franz Liszt with an intensity reminiscent of today's pop culture crazes. Dive into the fascinating fan culture of the 1840s, exploring how Liszt's charm and talent sparked a frenzy among concert-goers, especially women. The hosts draw intriguing parallels between past and present fandoms, showcasing how this historical mania reflects changing societal norms and the implications of obsessive admiration. It's a lively exploration of music, celebrity, and the human experience!


