

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

Jan 8, 2025 • 41min
Sawbones: Book Club
The hosts share humorous winter tales, setting a cozy vibe for their book recommendations. They dive into diverse literature, discussing gripping mysteries and the joys of fantasy. Audiobooks vs. physical books spark a playful debate as they highlight social justice themes in contemporary reads. They embrace the spontaneity of 'book talk' and celebrate favorite series, analyzing classic fantasy ties and world-building. Join them for a heartwarming literary journey that invites shared love for stories!

Dec 24, 2024 • 1h 12min
Sawbones Classic Double-Feature: A Medicine Called Christmas 1 & 2
Celebrate the season with a staged reading of a hilariously misguided Hallmark Christmas movie! Follow a young doctor in the charming village of Poinsettia Point as she navigates quirky holiday traditions. Enjoy comical misunderstandings as patients confuse festive treats with medical advice. Join absurd encounters during holiday dinner discussions and witness a chaotic pie event that critiques commercialization. Plus, catch a laugh-filled twist as Santa arrives injured, blending Easter traditions into the Christmas mix!

Dec 17, 2024 • 36min
Sawbones: How's My Lump Doing?
Listeners submitted quirky medical questions, leading to a delightful exploration of topics like menstrual disks and ear-cleaning myths. The hosts humorously address skin changes during pregnancy and the perils of Q-tips. They discuss the lymphatic system's efficiency and joke about aging and its impacts on health. With light-hearted anecdotes about bodily oddities, it's an entertaining blend of informative advice and laughs, making health discussions both relatable and engaging!

Dec 10, 2024 • 39min
Sawbones: Walking Pneumonia
It’s nearly winter, which means the return of mycoplasma or “Walking Pneumonia” on this hemisphere. This week Dr. Sydnee and Justin talk about how this infection was discovered, the questionable way it was researched and how it differs from “typical” pneumonia.Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/Harmony House: https://harmonyhousewv.com/

Nov 26, 2024 • 41min
Sawbones: Tesla Medbed
Dive into the quirky world of the Tesla medical bed, a product humorously disconnected from both Elon Musk and genuine healthcare. The hosts critique absurd wellness trends, dissecting bizarre products like bio photon pillows and life force energy devices. They tackle the dubious pricing and claims surrounding these wellness innovations while balancing skepticism with laughter. The discussion highlights ethical concerns in the industry and plays with conspiracy theories that surround these outlandish medical claims, keeping the conversation both fun and insightful.

Nov 19, 2024 • 42min
Sawbones: Project 2025
Needless to say it’s going to be a long four years for the United States. This week’s episode of Sawbones offers some guidance on what we might expect for medicine and health care going forward and what pro-active steps you may want to consider.Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/

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.