Medical History Podcasts

Noble Blood

iHeartPodcasts and Grim & Mild

Noble Blood invites you to pull back the velvet curtain on the lives of history’s most fascinating, powerful, and often misunderstood figures. Host Dana Schwartz masterfully blends historical rigor with immersive storytelling, transforming the distant silhouettes of monarchs, aristocrats, and pioneers into complex, breathing human beings. Whether she is detailing the high-stakes political maneuvers of New Zealand’s first Maori king, uncovering the poignant secret life of a nineteenth-century Parisian woman, or analyzing the chaotic, generous heart of a McDonald’s heiress, the show explores how personal identity clashes with the crushing weight of legacy. The podcast excels at finding the humanity buried within dry textbooks. Rather than just reciting dates and battles, the episodes peel away layers of myth—like the alleged rivalries between the Kennedys and the Windsors or the darker, stranger truths behind figures like Kaspar Hauser. With a recurring focus on power, resilience, and the relentless pressure of public scrutiny, the show proves that royal bloodlines are often defined more by tragedy, innovation, and rebellion than by crowns alone. It is a deeply human look at the people who were placed on pedestals, only to find that their lives were shaped by the same universal desires, anxieties, and contradictions that we face today. Noble Blood is essential listening for anyone who loves uncovering the messy, brilliant, and deeply emotional reality hidden behind the official historical record.

Sawbones: A Marital Tour of Misguided Medicine

Justin McElroy, Dr. Sydnee McElroy

Ever wonder why we once thought the sun was a cure-all, or how the history of a simple blister is actually tied to the evolution of military survival? Welcome to Sawbones: A Marital Tour of Misguided Medicine. Hosted by Dr. Sydnee McElroy and her husband Justin McElroy, this show dives deep into the messy, strange, and often dangerous history of how humans have attempted to treat their ailments throughout time. Each episode serves as a journey through the annals of medical history and modern health mysteries. Whether they are debunking the myths of psychic potential, untangling the complicated pharmacology of unregulated supplements, or breaking down the public health reality of viral outbreaks, the McElroys blend rigorous research with a refreshing sense of humor. They masterfully bridge the gap between complex clinical concepts and everyday curiosity, ensuring that the lessons are as educational as they are entertaining. The show is a perfect mix of hard science and pop culture commentary, proving that while humanity has made incredible strides in medicine, our path to discovery has been paved with plenty of bizarre mistakes. It is a witty, insightful exploration of how we have survived the questionable "cures" of the past and why understanding those errors is essential for our health today. If you have ever been curious about the strange intersection of science, folklore, and bad ideas, join Sydnee and Justin for a look at the history of healing.