Curious People

Kayla McClanahan

Curious People explains science the way it's best understood: through stories. Hosted by nurse anesthetist Kayla McClanahan, the show unpacks the surprising scientific principles hiding just beneath the surface of the human experience.

Episodes

  1. MAR 13

    The Colonoscopy Fainting Incident: The Science of Vasovagal Syncope

    For some people, a needle is just a quick pinch. For others, it’s a one-way ticket to the floor. In this episode of Curious People, we explore the strange biology behind vasovagal syncope - the reflex that causes some people to become lightheaded, nauseous, even sometimes briefly unconscious. The story begins in a pre-procedure room at my workplace, where my husband passed out before his colonoscopy even started… on an extremely urgent trip to the bathroom. I use this story to unpack what’s actually happening in the body when your nervous system gives bad advice to cardiovascular system. If you’ve ever gotten woozy during a blood draw - or watched someone turn white as a ghost at the sight of a needle - this episode will explain why. You can read the full written article on Substack here. About the Show Curious People is a science storytelling podcast about the strange, fascinating science hiding just below the surface of everyday life. Hosted by nurse anesthetist Kayla McClanahan. References Andresen MC, Mendelowitz D. Autonomic nervous system: central cardiovascular control. Encyclopedia of Neuroscience. 2009;863-869. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-008045046-9.00648-3 Jeanmonod R, Sahni D, Silberman M. Vasovagal Episode. StatPearls. 17 July, 2023. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470277/ Niehues LJ, Klovenski V. Vagal maneuver. StatPearls. 3 July, 2023. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551575/ Verhulst J. Effect of Gravity and Upright Posture on Circulation. Thoracic Key. 2003. Retrieved from https://thoracickey.com/effect-of-gravity-and-upright-posture-on-circulation/ Silva C, Marcos P. Intravenous fluid therapy: essential components and key considerations. Porto Biomed J. 2025;10(4):e296. doi: 10.1097/j.pbj.0000000000000296Schweitzer K. IV Hydration Spas Are Gaining Popularity, but Are They Safe? JAMA. 2025;334(18):1609–1610. doi:10.1001/jama.2025.18832van Dijk, N, Quartieri, F, Blanc, J. et al. Effectiveness of Physical Counterpressure Maneuvers in Preventing Vasovagal Syncope: The Physical Counterpressure Manoeuvres Trial (PC-Trial). JACC. 2006;48(8):1652–1657. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2006.06.059

    17 min
  2. MAR 13

    Throwing Punches and Cracking Jokes: The Science of Anesthesia Emergence

    Everyone loves a good "waking up from anesthesia" story. Some people wake up calm and chatty. Others wake up swinging fists, crying, puking, or declaring themselves “all that is man.” In this episode of Curious People, we explore the strange science of anesthesia emergence—the process of waking up after anesthesia. Why do some people need far more anesthetic than others? Why do some wake up instantly while others sleep for hours? Why is the general recovery vibe so different from patient to patient? Using a memorable recovery story from my own husband’s endoscopy, I unpack the science of anesthesia emergence. I discuss what anesthesia actually does to the brain, why waking up isn’t simply the reverse of going to sleep, and why anesthesia providers spend years learning how to carefully time the moment your brain reconnects to consciousness. If you’ve ever wondered what’s happening in the recovery room, this episode is for you. You can read the full written article on Substack here. About the Show Curious People is a science storytelling podcast about the strange, fascinating science hiding just below the surface of everyday life. Hosted by nurse anesthetist Kayla McClanahan. References Liem EB, Lin CM, Suleman MI et al. Anesthetic requirement is increased in redheads. Anesthesiology. 2004;101(2):279-83. doi: 10.1097/00000542-200408000-00006.Cascella M, Bimonte S, Muzio MR. Towards a better understanding of anesthesia emergence mechanisms: Research and clinical implications. World J Methodol. 2018;8(2):9-16. doi: 10.5662/wjm.v8.i2.9.

    19 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Curious People explains science the way it's best understood: through stories. Hosted by nurse anesthetist Kayla McClanahan, the show unpacks the surprising scientific principles hiding just beneath the surface of the human experience.