Sawbones: A Marital Tour of Misguided Medicine

Latest Episodes:

The Green Children of Woolpit Oct 19, 2021

Show notes

For Halloween, Sawbones is bringing you a story rooted in folklore and mystery: two children showed up one day in the English town of Woolpit, speaking a strange language . . .and with green skin. But their curious appearance may have a logical and medical explanation, and we bring you our best guesses.

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The Malaria Vaccine Oct 12, 2021

Show notes

As an intro to new listeners, we’re bringing you science unfolding in real time that’s actually really good: the malaria vaccine. Let’s get the bad news out of the way first: It’s called Mosquirix. Doesn’t exactly trip off the tongue. But the good news? It could save tens of thousands of children’s lives every year.

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The Pill that Helps Prevent HIV Oct 05, 2021

Show notes

Were you aware there’s a medicine that with an extremely high degree of efficacy can prevent the spread of HIV? There is! There’s just one problem: It’s costly. … And not enough people know about it. … And many doctors don’t know enough about it. … And it’s the center of a protracted legal battle . . . Okay, so there are a few problems. This week on Sawbones, we’ll explore them all.

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Bruising Sep 28, 2021

Show notes

Well, in one of the classic parenting whoopsies, Justin and Sydnee dented their daughter (she’s fine). In honor of her contusion, this week on Sawbones we’re talking about bruises.

Are steaks part of it? Should you put most of a charcuterie board on there? Also, what’s up with the little irons boxing guys get rubbed on their face bruises? All of your questions about bruises will be answered, friend. Hold tight!

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Weird Medical Questions Strike Back Sep 22, 2021

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Is there evidence that sugary drinks cause worse hangovers? Does green snot mean there’s an infection? We’re answering more of your weird medical questions. Well, to be fair, Dr. Sydnee is answering your medical queries about sticky lip germs, C.diff, and the hot debate about that thing on your back.

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Black Oxygen Organics Sep 14, 2021

Show notes

Well, people are eating dirt. Real expensive dirt, too. That’s where we’re at. There’s a multi-level marketing company that sells people dirt to eat. We’re doing a Sawbones about it, and it turns out that we actually think it’s a really cool and good idea! Eating pricey dirt goo, we mean.

… No, no, it’s terrible. It’s all terrible.

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Herbalife Sep 07, 2021

Show notes

If you’ve seen a new smoothie shop or “Nutrition Club” open up in your area, take note: It may not be a smoothie store at all. This week on Sawbones, we explore the history of Herbalife and why this multi-level marketing weight loss company is opening smoothie shops with no smoothies for sale.

CW: Discussion of dieting and weight loss
Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers

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Havana Syndrome Aug 31, 2021

Show notes

We’ve got a real mystery for you on Sawbones this week: Havana Syndrome. It’s either a secret beam being blasted at American diplomats . . . or a mass psychogenic illness . . . or a complete fabrication. Or anything in between?

Yep, it’s a weird one. Hang in there.

Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers

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Thalidomide Aug 24, 2021

Show notes

In the 1950s, Thalidomide was rolled out very quickly and what followed was a tragic story that highlighted perils of greed and hidden agendas. This week on Sawbones, Dr. Sydnee and Justin attempt to untangle this murky narrative, and highlight the doctor who heroically kept this disaster from claiming many more lives.

Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers

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Vicks Aug 10, 2021

Show notes

Justin takes over Sawbones researching duties from Dr. Sydnee this week as he begins profiling the unsung heroes of business: Brands. In this inaugural attempt, he’ll present the story of Vicks and how the company’s VapoRub took over the world. Also: The puzzling truth about NyQuil’s name.

Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers

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