Sawbones: A Marital Tour of Misguided Medicine
Health, Fitness & Longevity
About
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
- Sawbones: Hantavirus
Dr. Sydnee examines the hantavirus, covering its history and the effectiveness of the U.S. response to recent outbreaks. The episode features music by The Taxpayers.
- Sawbones: Can Black Widow Venom Cure Diabetes?
Dr. Sydnee addresses listener questions about medical topics such as whether black widow venom can cure diabetes, the causes of hangnails, the end of the Black Plague, the link between calf exercises and bladder strength, and the quantity…
- Sawbones: Milk, Part 2 - Government Cheese
This episode of Sawbones discusses the inflated demand for milk, the actual health benefits of dairy, and the origin of the United States' cheese bunker in Missouri. Music is by The Taxpayers.
- Sawbones: Milk, Part 1 - Lactose Intolerance
Dr. Syndee and Justin explore lactose intolerance, discussing the digestive enzyme lactase and examining the question of whether school milk policies exhibit racism. Music is by The Taxpayers.
- Sawbones: Vitamin K
The Sawbones podcast episode on Vitamin K discusses its recent presence in the news, particularly its administration to newborns. Dr. Sydnee covers the history of Vitamin K discovery, its biological function, significance, and the origin o…
- Sawbones: Ranking TV Medical Shows
On her birthday, Dr. Sydnee ranks television medical shows for accuracy and entertainment value, including shows like Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman and Nip/Tuck. Her opinions determine the ranking.
- Sawbones: Medicine in Movies
Sawbones explores unrealistic medicines and medical devices in films such as Dune, Robocop, and Scanners. Dr. Sydnee assesses the medical accuracy of these cinematic portrayals.
- Sawbones: Second Update: Havana Syndrome
This episode of Sawbones provides a double update on Havana Syndrome, revisiting a 2022 discussion with new information. Justin and Dr. Sydnee explore recent developments, including a potential cause involving microwaves and a reversal of…
- Sawbones: Measles 2026
Dr. Sydnee details the creation of the measles vaccine and addresses the backlash it has faced since 2008, while also considering future actions. The episode features music by The Taxpayers.
- Sawbones: Would a Healing Vape be More Efficient Than a Healing Potion?
On Sawbones, the hosts address listener questions, covering topics like antibiotic usage, cross-allergies in twins, the efficacy of prenatal vitamins for non-pregnant individuals, and the possibility of air being knocked out of lungs.
- Sawbones: Carpal Tunnel
Dr. Sydnee explores the historical diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition involving median nerve irritation. Justin recounts his personal experience with carpal tunnel surgery, covering causes and prevention methods.
- Sawbones: Sauna
Dr. Sydnee explores the history of saunas, their spiritual connections, and how sweat has been linked to perceived health benefits. While definitive studies are lacking, the appeal of a warm, steamy room is acknowledged.
- Sawbones: Tear Gas
This episode of Sawbones discusses tear gas, covering its origins, its intended effects as a chemical agent, and what to do in case of exposure. Music is by The Taxpayers.
- Sawbones: Mushroom Coffee
This episode of Sawbones examines mushroom coffee, a wellness trend with historical roots. Dr. Sydnee explores the purported benefits and potential risks associated with these fungi.
- Sawbones: Colonoscopy Preparation
Justin recounts his experience with colonoscopy preparation, describing the necessary steps and offering a comparison between the physical demands of laxative consumption and the complexities of the US healthcare system.
- Sawbones: Colonoscopy
Dr. Sydnee details the history of colon examination, tracing the evolution from ancient practices to the development of modern tools like the Light Conductor and flexible tubes, prompted by Justin's upcoming colonoscopy.
- Sawbones Classic: Nose Blowing
In this classic episode, Dr. Sydnee and Justin investigate the practice of nose blowing. They examine the history of handkerchiefs and nose-wiping, alongside the scientific effects of blowing your nose on your sinuses, to find a balanced p…
- Sawbones: Hepatitis B
Dr. Sydnee explains Hepatitis B, discusses recent vaccine news, and explores why Justin never received the vaccine as a child, during a trip for an updated tetanus shot. The episode also touches on why the vaccine is typically given to bab…
- Sawbones Classic: Christmas is Trying to Kill You
This Sawbones episode, originally from 2015, revisits the dangers associated with Christmas, including common traditions and elements. The hosts issue a pre-holiday warning about potential hazards.
- Sawbones: The True Meaning of Candlenights
On Sawbones, Dr. Sydnee and Justin discuss plans for their Candlenights special, the story of Harmony House, and explore myths and facts about homelessness in West Virginia and across the United States.
- Sawbones: Anyone Else Get Pee Shivers?
Sawbones discusses listener-submitted medical questions, including the phenomenon of "pee shivers," distinguishing diseases from disorders, the source of extra blood during pregnancy, and potential taste bud changes after gallbladder remov…
- Sawbones: Dopamine Detox
On Sawbones, Dr. Sydnee discusses the wellness trend of Dopamine Detox, clarifying the role of dopamine in the body, its connection to conditions like Parkinson's, and the cultural origins of this self-deprivation practice.
- Sawbones: Monkey Escape
The Sawbones podcast discusses a news story concerning the escape of research animals. The hosts examine the reported events, investigate whether the animals were actually infected, and explore the scientific rationale for infecting monkey…
- Sawbones: Methylene Blue
Dr. Sydnee of Sawbones discusses the history of methylene blue, a substance being promoted as a cancer treatment without evidence. The episode covers the substance's actual uses and its historical context.
- Sawbones: Do You Know About the Penis Fish?
Sawbones covers listener-submitted questions about unusual medical topics, such as the medicinal use of urine, coughing associated with earplugs, the significance of white crescents on nails, the function of nasal spray vaccines, and the a…
- Sawbones: Leucovorin
In this episode, Justin and Dr. Sydnee discuss leucovorin, also known as vitamin B-9, as a historical proposed treatment for autism. Dr. Sydnee details the origins of this idea and explains the current medical applications of leucovorin.
- Sawbones: Tylenol
This episode of Sawbones examines the history of acetaminophen and the emergence of claims linking its use during pregnancy to autism. Dr. Sydnee and Justin address recent government announcements on the topic.
- Sawbones: Dr. Asher
This episode of Sawbones features Dr. Sydnee and Justin discussing Dr. Richard Asher, the physician who coined the term Munchausen Syndrome. Asher also identified the dangers of bed rest and the "seven sins of medicine."
- Sawbones: Medical Update: Vaccines
Dr. Sydnee and Justin discuss current vaccine information, including mandates, and debunk recurring vaccine myths. The episode features music by The Taxpayers.
- Sawbones: Munchausen Syndrome
Sawbones covers Munchausen Syndrome, an eponymous disorder named after Hieronymus Karl Friedrich von Münchhausen, a real person known for his fabricated stories. The hosts explore the connection between the character and the medical condit…
- Sawbones: Lisztomania
The Sawbones episode on Lisztomania examines the intense fan fervor surrounding pianist Franz Liszt, exploring the historical context and the meaning of this phenomenon.
- Sawbones: Freddy Pharkas, Frontier Pharmacist
This episode of Sawbones focuses on Freddy Pharkas, a video game character from 1993, rather than a historical figure. Justin and Dr. Sydnee discuss the character's origins and the mix of authentic and invented frontier medicine presented…
- Sawbones: Can I Use My Own Tears as Saline?
Sawbones addresses listener questions about bodily functions and medical curiosities, including the relationship between body heat and sweat, variations in spice perception, the utility of lens enhancements, and the capacity for organ expa…
- Sawbones: King of Sting
Dr. Sydnee and Justin discuss the official pain scale for insect stings, developed by Justin O. Schmidt. The episode covers Schmidt's research process, including his self-experimentation with stings.
- Sawbones: Wasps
On Sawbones, Dr. Sydnee and Justin discuss wasps after an insect encounter. They explain how stings work and explore the science behind folk remedies for wasp stings.
- Sawbones: The Heartmobile
Dr. Sydnee and Justin discuss the Heartmobile, which originated in Columbus, OH, as the first ambulance, detailing its creation and the conclusion of its service.
- Sawbones: MAHA Mess
Dr. Sydnee and Justin discuss changes within the US Health Department
- Sawbones: Is Nose Ointment a Waste of Time?
This episode of Sawbones addresses listener questions on various medical topics, including the efficacy of nose ointment, the impact of citrus fruits on medication, the cause of hiccups, and the healing of broken fingers. It also features…
- Sawbones: Sex Chocolate
Sawbones discusses MSG mythbusting, vaccine current events, and a new bedroom product related to chocolate.
- Sawbones Classics: Fluoride
This classic Sawbones episode discusses fluoride in drinking water and investigates a historical case in Colorado where brown teeth were considered a sign of excellent dental health.
- Sawbones: Dr. Pope
The episode covers Pope John XXI, who served as both a physician and a Pope. Dr. Sydnee and Justin discuss his role in 12th-century medicine.
- Sawbones: Renaissance Medicine
Sawbones discusses Renaissance medicine and its evolution from medieval theories, covering topics like the four humours, alchemy, and the cause of syphilis, in a studio show from the Harmony House Renaissance Faire.
- Sawbones: Tetanus
Dr. Sydnee and Justin debunk the myth that tetanus is exclusively found on rusty metal, explaining its transmission through dirty puncture wounds. They discuss the historical context of tetanus and its effects on the body, cautioning again…
- Sawbones: The Medical Freedom Movement
Dr. Sydnee explores the Medical Freedom Movement, a political trend gaining attention that distrusts pharmaceutical companies and government regulations. The movement's history, roots in 1950s conspiracies, and contemporary implications ar…
- Sawbones: Thalassotherapy
The episode explores the history of Thalassotherapy, a practice involving the ocean for wellness, and its popularization by Dr. Richard Russell in the 18th century. Dr. Sydnee provides this historical context.
- Sawbones: Why Don’t Edema and Enema Rhyme?
Sawbones features Justin and Dr. Sydnee answering listener questions on medical topics such as Gatorade
- Sawbones: Dr. Odyssey: Shark Week
On Sawbones, Dr. Sydnee and Justin discuss the medical elements in the Dr. Odyssey: Shark Attack! series, noting that some medical aspects were surprisingly accurate.
- Sawbones: The Pitt
Dr. Sydnee discusses the new medical drama "The Pitt," comparing its portrayal of emergency medicine to both real-life ER work and the classic show "ER."
- Feed Drop: Clint and Justin join MFD Spring Break!
Dave Holmes hosts a Spring Break and '90s-themed mini-game event featuring MFD hosts and other guests.
- Sawbones: Henry VIII
The episode explores the potential effects of a jousting injury sustained by King Henry VIII of England, suggesting it may have influenced his behavior and historical decisions. Dr. Sydnee provides this medical perspective on the Tudor kin…