

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

Sep 7, 2021 • 50min
Herbalife
If you’ve seen a new smoothie shop or “Nutrition Club” open up in your area, take note: It may not be a smoothie store at all. This week on Sawbones, we explore the history of Herbalife and why this multi-level marketing weight loss company is opening smoothie shops with no smoothies for sale.CW: Discussion of dieting and weight lossMusic: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers

Aug 31, 2021 • 41min
Havana Syndrome
We’ve got a real mystery for you on Sawbones this week: Havana Syndrome. It’s either a secret beam being blasted at American diplomats . . . or a mass psychogenic illness . . . or a complete fabrication. Or anything in between?Yep, it’s a weird one. Hang in there.Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers

Aug 24, 2021 • 47min
Thalidomide
In the 1950s, Thalidomide was rolled out very quickly and what followed was a tragic story that highlighted perils of greed and hidden agendas. This week on Sawbones, Dr. Sydnee and Justin attempt to untangle this murky narrative, and highlight the doctor who heroically kept this disaster from claiming many more lives.Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers

Aug 10, 2021 • 43min
Vicks
Justin takes over Sawbones researching duties from Dr. Sydnee this week as he begins profiling the unsung heroes of business: Brands. In this inaugural attempt, he’ll present the story of Vicks and how the company’s VapoRub took over the world. Also: The puzzling truth about NyQuil’s name.Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers

Aug 3, 2021 • 48min
Virology
How well do we understand viruses? We were fighting them before we could even see them. Fast forward to today, Dr. Sydnee explains how all of this relates to what we know now about the Delta variant.To donate to the Immunization Action Coalition: immunize.orgMusic: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers

Jul 27, 2021 • 42min
Balto
Sawbones is finally doing the Balto episode! What happens when a remote town in Alaska has a diphtheria breakout, but their entire anti-toxin supply is expired? Call up Balto and the pack of hero dogs and mushers to make the harrowing journey.Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers

Jul 20, 2021 • 45min
Naloxone
Naloxone is known as the “life-saving drug,” since it can bring someone back from an opiate overdose. Dr. Sydnee goes through the history of this hero drug, how it works, and the recent struggle of keeping it accessible in some communities. Check out the Free Naloxone Day Fundraiser: Bit.ly/SawbonesNaloxoneMusic: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers

Jul 13, 2021 • 43min
Hot Medical Question Summer
It’s time to answer more of your medical queries, like what is Texidor’s Twinge, when does the sunscreen clock start, and yeast infections: why?Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers

Jul 7, 2021 • 44min
Jimmy Buffett
We recorded this episode live on the Joco Cruise 2020, where Dr. Sydnee dissects the medicine mentioned in the songs of Jimmy Buffett. What is recommend for “Island Fever”? What should Mr. Buffett be concerned about when eating that “Cheeseburger in Paradise”? And do the lyrics of “Frenchmen for the Night” mean he may have Jumping Frenchmen of Maine?Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers

Jun 29, 2021 • 46min
Physician Burnout
Workplace burnout is commonplace in the 21st century, but it’s a fairly recent idea. It’s especially insidious among physicians, who are taught that any fatigue is a sign of weakness. Dr. Sydnee shares her personal experience with exhaustion and what might be done to address this problem in the United States.Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers


