Sawbones: A Marital Tour of Misguided Medicine Justin McElroy, Dr. Sydnee McElroy

Many of us know all the catchy jingle that lists all the things that Pepto Bismol is supposed to be good for. However, that ubiquitous pink medicine is maybe not so ubiquitous everywhere. How did this chalky liquid become so necessary for curing Americans' stomach woes – and does it actually do anything?

Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/

To get you through that holiday slog, we're re-releasing our classic holiday episode all about the ailments Santa could possibly have.

It's Candlenights 2016, and that can only mean one thing: Dr. Sydnee is trying to ruin Christmas again. Join her as she explains to poor, pitiful Justin all of Santa's terrible health risks, recorded live in Huntington, WV.

Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers

It was probably the destiny of Dr. Doctor Willard Bliss to become a medical professional, although his career was a real rollercoaster of beliefs and practices. But he obtained the most notoriety for bringing his questionable treatments to one of the most important people in the United States – President James Garfield.

Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/

In the 1800s, there was a growing concern about spermatorrhea, a condition that involves involuntary and excessive semen leakage or discharge. Some doctors (and people who claimed to be doctors) were quick to come up with some truly terrifying solutions . . . except that it was largely a panic and not really happening at all.

Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/

What was some of the outdated (though subtly subversive) medical advice given to cisgendered women of the 1930s? Dr. Sydnee and Justin aim to answer that with The Intimate Side of a Woman’s Life by Leona W. Chalmers, with all sorts of tips about douching, period cramps, and sex energy. Thanks to Olivia for sending in the book!

Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/

Often cure-alls cure nothing (and do nothing), but other times they may actually hurt. Dr. Sydnee and Justin talk about the Essiac tea formula, which claims to cure cancer while preventing people from seeking actual helpful medical care.

Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/