
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

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.

Jul 16, 2024 • 48min
Sawbones: Tampons
Explore the history of tampons, the presence of metals in tampons, and the potential health effects. Discuss the evolution of tampons, regulation issues, and the need for further research and regulation to ensure safety.

Jul 9, 2024 • 41min
Sawbones: Human Tricks
Can you touch your tongue with your nose or wiggle your ears? Dr. Sydnee and Justin talk about the science and studies behind weird little tricks some bodies can do, or "stupid human tricks." Can you flare your nostrils? Take our poll: https://shorturl.at/rdzY3 Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/

Jul 2, 2024 • 47min
Sawbones: A Couple of Boob Questions
Sawbones listeners just have so many strange medical questions! Questions like: Why do I sneeze at dark chocolate? Does Diet Coke actually relieve nausea? Why does saliva get thicker while exercising? And you know that TikTok with the cinnamon rolls and the yeast infection. . . is that . . .real? Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/

Jun 18, 2024 • 34min
Sawbones Classic: Chocolate
To coincide with the opening of Justin and Sydnee's stage production, we bring to you a classic episode about the medicinal history of chocolate! This week on Sawbones, Dr. Sydnee and Justin take a sunrise and sprinkle it with dew. Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/

Jun 11, 2024 • 35min
Sawbones: Willy Wonka
Dr. Sydnee and Justin explore the strange science behind Willy Wonka's factory, discussing if gum can turn someone into a blueberry. They highlight challenges in staging the story, speculate on character origins, and analyze the effects of experimental gum. The episode also touches on decapitation, reattachment, and imaginary blood in movies, as well as the exploration of gravity and outer space in a potential sequel book.

Jun 4, 2024 • 43min
Sawbones: Do You Know How Italian I Am?
Topics include itchiness during healing, importance of knowing blood type, critiquing speculum kit sales, and connection between sleep deprivation and feeling cold. Hosts answer listener questions about blood stickiness, skin itching, twin organ rejection, and bringing your own speculum to an exam.