American Hysteria

American Hysteria explores how fantastical thinking has shaped our culture – moral panics, urban legends, hoaxes, crazes, fringe beliefs, and national misunderstandings. Poet-turned-podcaster Chelsey Weber-Smith tells the strangest stories from American history and examines the forces that create the reality we share, and sometimes, the reality we don't.

Society & Culture
101
CHICK TRACTS (part one)
56 min
102
Context Clues: A Cartoonish Hell Awaits You
39 min
103
OMG WTF UFOs with Jim Perry of Euphomet
55 min
104
TALKING ANGELA (mini episode)
34 min
105
Urban Legends in the Internet Wilderness with t...
53 min
106
When Naked Swimming was Required in Gym Class w...
53 min
107
THE STREAKING CRAZE
53 min
108
Context Clues: Naked or Afraid
35 min
109
Toy Riots (Rerun)
36 min
110
The Horror of Hallmark with Podcasters Sarah Ma...
56 min
111
HALLMARK CHRISTMAS MOVIES
57 min
112
Context Clues: The Hallmarks of Hallmark's "Hal...
41 min
113
Land of Delusion with Cultural Historian Colin ...
49 min
114
Haunted Objects of Our Affection with Podcaster...
53 min
115
Our Halloween Open Mic
41 min
116
Halloween Sadism from Cautionary Tales with Tim...
15 min
117
HAUNTED DOLLS
55 min
118
Context Clues: The Uncanny Valley of the Dolls
36 min
119
Rainbow Fentanyl: Poisoned Halloween Candy Rere...
42 min
120
Halloween is Millennial Christmas with Podcaste...
60 min
121
FLORIDA SCAM (mini episode)
36 min
122
FLORIDA MAN
57 min
123
Context Clues: Feeling Like a Freak on a Beach
27 min
124
An Irresistible Movement with Reproductive Just...
48 min
125
WOMB WARS (part two)
52 min