In each episode, Sydnee discusses an element of historical medical practice, while Justin provides a comedic foil.

[3][4] Sydnee and Justin McElroy had previously worked together on a short podcast series entitled Losing the Sheen, focused on watching Two and a Half Men.

The show only lasted nine episodes before the two became tired of it, instead starting a medical podcast based on Sydnee's expertise.

While developing the idea for the show, the McElroys decided that it would be irresponsible for them to give medical advice to listeners, even with Sydnee's background.

Sawbones has aired over 500 episodes with content on "medical history to uncover all the odd, weird, wrong, dumb and just gross ways we've tried to fix people over the years.