
Sawbones: A Marital Tour of Misguided Medicine
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.
Latest episodes

Nov 5, 2024 • 47min
Sawbones Classic: History of Abortion
This discussion dives into the intricate history of abortion in the U.S., tracing its evolution from ancient practices to the present day. It highlights the concept of 'quickening' and how cultural attitudes have influenced medical ethics. The role of male physicians and midwives in abortion practices is examined, alongside the societal motivations behind early 20th-century regulations. The ongoing battle for reproductive rights is emphasized, especially in light of recent legislative changes that impact marginalized communities and individual autonomy.

Oct 29, 2024 • 37min
Sawbones: John Green and Good.Store
In this discussion, bestselling author John Green, known for "The Fault in Our Stars," dives into his company Good.Store’s innovative approach to combat tuberculosis using coffee and tea. He shares insights on the romanticized history of TB, challenges with drug-resistant strains, and the disparity in healthcare education. Green highlights the critical role of community health workers and addresses the pressing issues of patent evergreening in medicine. The conversation blends serious global health topics with light-hearted banter, making for an engaging listen.

Oct 22, 2024 • 40min
Sawbones: Doctor Odyssey
Join a lively discussion about the outrageous medical emergencies aboard a cruise ship in a new drama series. The hosts delve into the hilarity of iodine poisoning from shrimp feasts and whimsical fictitious ailments. They contrast absurd storylines with the reality of medical practices at sea, critiquing the depiction of CPR and emergency care in entertainment. Laugh along as they explore the chaos of a hurricane-induced appendicitis and navigate the lasting impact of COVID through comedic storytelling.

5 snips
Oct 15, 2024 • 42min
Sawbones: Brazilian Butt Lift
Delve into the captivating and troubling history of the Brazilian Butt Lift, exploring its roots in eugenics and the pressure of unrealistic beauty standards. The hosts balance humor and serious reflection, discussing the implications of body modification. They contrast traditional and cosmetic surgeries while shedding light on the risks involved and the ethical dilemmas faced. The conversation reveals how societal ideals shape individual choices, making for an informative and entertaining listen.

Oct 8, 2024 • 42min
Sawbones: Can Doritos Make Skin See-Through?
This episode dives into unusually intriguing medical questions. Discover the curious case of 'shy bladder' syndrome and the quirky effects of Dorito dust on mice skin. The hosts explore the potential skincare benefits of urea while debunking myths about its origins. They also reflect on the psychological impacts of restroom anxiety and how history has dealt with gruesome punishments like tar and feathering. Plus, enjoy light-hearted moments about unique website creations and the importance of openness in personal relationships.

Oct 1, 2024 • 39min
Sawbones: Kegels
Discover the wild history of Kegel exercises, including their surprising origins and how they got their name. Listen to entertaining anecdotes about 'exploding teeth' and their eerie charm. The hosts delve into the benefits of pelvic floor health and critique the quirky use of jade eggs. They also highlight pioneers like Margaret Morris and Minnie Randall, who merge dance with physical therapy. With a dash of humor, they explore safe practices and modern tools for enhancing your Kegel routine.

Sep 24, 2024 • 34min
Sawbones: Exploding Teeth
Canonically, Dr. Sydnee doesn’t know much about teeth, but there are several cases in dental journals about teeth that spontaneously exploded. Dr. Sydnee tries to make sense of a few mysterious account of these events, conceding that some medical mysteries remain unexplained.Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/

Sep 17, 2024 • 43min
Sawbones: Superman
It’s a bird! It’s a podcast! It’s Justin’s superhero anatomy textbook to the rescue! What is the medical and scientific explanation of how Superman’s powers work? Batman has thoroughly analysed his Justice League colleagues, but Dr. Sydnee brings the actual medical knowledge to discuss X-Ray Vision, Super Strength, and a Kryptonite weakness. Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/

Sep 3, 2024 • 47min
Sawbones: Triple E and Public Health in 2024
A rare mosquito-borne disease, Eastern equine encephalitis, has sparked debates on evening play restrictions for kids. The hosts blend humor and insights, reflecting on past health crises while examining the public's panic tendencies. They tackle the complexities of communicating health risks post-COVID and the struggles of balancing personal freedoms with collective safety. Personal stories about entertaining kids reveal innovative solutions like educational kits. The podcast highlights the importance of awareness and prevention amid evolving public health dynamics.

Aug 27, 2024 • 43min
Sawbones: Fentanyl and the ONEbox
Dr. Sydnee, a knowledgeable expert on opioids, discusses the alarming rise of fentanyl and its dire implications for communities. The conversation dives into innovative harm reduction strategies, such as overdose reversal medications and fentanyl test kits, pioneered by a West Virginia group. Listeners learn about the dual nature of fentanyl—from its essential medical uses to its deadly allure on the streets. With a mix of facts and humor, this dialogue aims to educate on tackling the ongoing opioid crisis and debunking common myths surrounding naloxone.