

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

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.

Aug 20, 2024 • 45min
Sawbones: The Doctor Patient
Dr. Sydnee, a physician with firsthand experience navigating the healthcare system, shares her unique journey following a routine mammogram. She highlights the challenges of self-diagnosing while being both a doctor and a patient. With humor, she discusses the emotional rollercoaster of screening, the importance of communication with healthcare providers, and the unequal access to care that many face. The conversation sheds light on the delicate balance of patient and physician roles and critiques the system's inefficiencies.

Aug 13, 2024 • 37min
Sawbones: Mushrooms
Dr. Sydnee, a medical professional specializing in fungi, and Cleveland, a supplement expert, share insights on the fascinating world of mushrooms. They explore the historical and modern medicinal uses of various fungi, from the health benefits of lion’s mane to the controversial effects of psilocybin. The hosts discuss the potential risks and delights of mushroom consumption, along with a humorous look at Cleveland's medical legacy. This lively conversation blends education and entertainment, perfect for both fungus fans and the curious.

Aug 6, 2024 • 45min
Sawbones: Medical Jewelry
Dive into the whimsical world of medical jewelry, from magnetic bracelets to immortality rings. The hosts explore the rich history behind these quirky items and their dubious health claims. They discuss the psychological significance of medical instruments and how perceptions of authority are shaped. Critiques of magnetotherapy and acupressure reveal the thin line between pseudoscience and consumer trends. With humor and skepticism, they navigate the cultural impact of wearables, highlighting the importance of genuine healthcare interactions.

Jul 23, 2024 • 31min
Sawbones: Mechanical Heart Pump
Forest Dewey Dodrill, who performed the first successful heart surgery with a pump defying common beliefs and misconceptions surrounding heart operations. The episode explores the journey of Dr. Dodrell and the innovation of a mechanical heart device with the help of General Motors engineers. It delves into the significance of the mechanical heart pump as a symbol of innovation in medical history.