Ketamine is one of the most unusual drugs used in medicine. Born in a lab and derived from PCP, ketamine is the Swiss army knife of drugs. It’s used for emergency extrications, pain management, and mental health treatment… and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. 

In this episode of Curious People, I explore the strange science behind ketamine by telling two very different stories - the tale of a dramatic cave rescue in Thailand, and the tragedy of Matthew Perry’s death. 

I talk about why ketamine was originally developed, why it’s still widely used in medicine today, and what happens when it lands in the wrong hands. 

You can read the full written articles on Substack here and 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: See Substack articles for complete list

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

1. 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 
2. Jeanmonod R, Sahni D, Silberman M. Vasovagal Episode. StatPearls. 17 July, 2023. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470277/ 
3. Niehues LJ, Klovenski V. Vagal maneuver. StatPearls. 3 July, 2023. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551575/ 
4. 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/ 
5. Silva C, Marcos P. Intravenous fluid therapy: essential components and key considerations. Porto Biomed J. 2025;10(4):e296. doi: 10.1097/j.pbj.0000000000000296
6. Schweitzer K. IV Hydration Spas Are Gaining Popularity, but Are They Safe? JAMA. 2025;334(18):1609–1610. doi:10.1001/jama.2025.18832

van 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

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

1. 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.
2. 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.