Bonus Episode 2: The Doctors’ Riot of 1788 — Body Snatching, Bloodshed, and the Birth of American Medical Ethics (With Andy McPhee) Drop Date May 1, 2026

Episode Title: The Doctors’ Riot of 1788 — Body Snatching, Bloodshed, and the Birth of American Medical Ethics (With Andy McPhee)

Episode Summary:

In this special bonus episode of Just One More Question, we step outside our traditional true crime format to explore one of the most shocking—and largely forgotten—events in early American history: the Doctors’ Riot of 1788. Joined by author Andy McPhee, we examine a time when medical advancement came at a disturbing cost. As the demand for cadavers surged after the Revolutionary War, so-called “resurrectionists” began robbing graves under the cover of night, selling bodies to physicians and medical schools. What followed was a crisis that blurred the line between scientific progress and moral responsibility. When news of body snatching spread through New York City, public outrage erupted into a violent riot involving thousands. Even figures like Alexander Hamilton and John Jay were unable to restore order before militia gunfire brought the chaos to a deadly end. This episode explores the origins of body snatching, the ethical dilemmas surrounding medical education, and how this pivotal moment shaped American law, medicine, and society—effects that still resonate today.

Author Information: Doctors' Riot of 1788: Body Snatching, Bloodletting, and Anatomy in America by Andy McPhee (Author)

Key Points:

• The rise of body snatching in post-Revolutionary America
• Who the “resurrectionists” were and how they operated
• The events that sparked the Doctors’ Riot of 1788
• The role of prominent historical figures during the riot
• Ethical tensions between medical advancement and human dignity
• The long-term societal and legal impacts of the riot
• How anatomy education and cadaver use have evolved over time

Credits:

• Executive Producers: Marc Veazey and Aleks Litts
• Hosts: Marc Veazey and Aleks Litts
• Music: Desain

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