american hysteria

American Hysteria is a podcast exploring the fantastical thinking and irrational fears of Americans through the lens of moral panics, urban legends, and conspiracy theories, how they shape our psychology and culture, and why we end up believing them. Poet-turned-podcaster Chelsey Weber-Smith examines the sometimes hilarious, sometimes horrifying stories of historical and modern American freak-outs, and the real social issues they act to cover up. An in-depth alternative history, the show also analyzes how issues of race, gender, sexuality, and class have informed our beliefs from the Puritans to the present. Chelsey also shares their personal journey from a wild believer to a flexible skeptic.

American Hysteria has reached Apple’s Top Ten on several occasions and was named one of Lifehacker’s Best Podcast Episodes of 2018.

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