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Justin McElroy, Dr. Sydnee McElroy
Sawbones: A Marital Tour of Misguided Medicine
Comedy
Medicine
History
English
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.
Website
Episodes
300
17 March 2026
Sawbones: Second Update: Havana Syndrome
Our first ever double-update, Justin and Dr. Sydnee bring an update to an update about the very mysterious Havana Syndrome. Not only is there kind of a reversal of the last update, but the cause actually COULD be a giant microwave? So enjoy the full episode explaining the history of Havana Syndrome, the old update from 2022, and what we learned very recently.Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers...
1 h 2 min
03 March 2026
Sawbones: Measles 2026
It's been a decade since Sawbones last talked about measles, and we don't often check in with an update unless . . . well, something comes up in the news. Dr. Sydnee talks about how the vaccine for measles was developed, the unfortunate backlash that has been going on against it since 2008, and what we can do for the future.Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/Border...
43 min
24 February 2026
Sawbones: Would a Healing Vape be More Efficient Than a Healing Potion?
The snow’s piling up outside so we’re cozying down with another batch of listener medical questions! Can I take all my antibiotics at once? If my twin has an allergy, do I have it too? Are prenatal vitamins good for people who do not want to get pregnant? And can air literally get knocked out of your lungs?Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/Immigrant Law Center of...
42 min
17 February 2026
Sawbones: Carpal Tunnel
Carpal tunnel sydrome, or an irritation of the median nerve, is often thought of as a more "modern" ailment, exacerbated by 8-hour days at a computer and video game hobbies. Dr. Sydnee talks about the history of the first diagnosis of this syndrome, and Justin talks about his recent surgery experience, as well as the causes and possible prevention.Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers...
38 min
10 February 2026
Sawbones: Sauna
Even though it's associated with Nordic countries, the Sauna has been around in many different cultures for as long as people have been trying to get warm in a hot box. But how about health benefits? Dr. Sydnee talks about the history of saunas and spirituality, as well as the association between sweat and the perception of health – and that even though actual studies don't say anything definite,...
39 min
03 February 2026
Sawbones: Tear Gas
Right now in the news you may be hearing about the use of tear gas against protesters. But what exactly IS tear gas and where did it come from? Dr. Sydnee and Justin talk about the origins of this chemical agent, what it is meant to do, and what one should do if they come into contact with it.Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota:...
34 min
27 January 2026
Sawbones: Mushroom Coffee
Another wellness trend that feels newer than it actually is, people have been looking for a coffee substitute since coffee was discovered (see: episode about coffee). Dr. Sydnee talks about the additional claims made around these fungi, as well as what possible benefits they could have – and possible dangers.Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/Immigrant Defenders...
37 min
13 January 2026
Sawbones: Colonoscopy Preparation
Back from his first colonoscopy, Justin outlines the extremely detailed steps he took in order to prepare for the screening: the before, the after, and whether it's easier to take four liters of laxative or navigate the United States healthcare system.Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/Immigrant Defenders Law Center: https://www.immdef.org/
44 min
06 January 2026
Sawbones: Colonoscopy
In honor of Justin's first colonoscopy, Dr. Sydnee goes through the history of looking inside the colon. From Pompei to the Light Conductor to the more flexible tubes today, humans have always been curious to see just what's going on up there.Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/Immigrant Defenders Law Center: https://www.immdef.org/
34 min
23 December 2025
Sawbones Classic: Nose Blowing
This cold and flu season, we're bringing you a classic episode on clearing your nasal passage correctly.Blowing your nose is maybe the only small glint of satisfaction had while having a cold or sinus infection. But is blowing your nose actually good, or even safe? Dr. Sydnee and Justin look through the history of handkerchiefs and nose-wiping to the science of what happens to your sinuses when...
39 min