American Hysteria
chelsey weber-smithAmerican 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.
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 308 | Founded | 8 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | HistorySociety & Culture | |||
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Latest Episodes
As we endure surreal celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the United States, we hear the same Disneyfied history being told over and over again. Rebecca Nagle is a citizen of Cherokee Nation and the host of the podcast This Land as well as a new ... more
Have you ever noticed that many of the most iconic evil-doers in movies seem, well, pretty gay? Think Scar from the Lion King, Jafar from Aladdin, Ursula from The Little Mermaid, Miss Trunchbull from Matilda, Hannibal Lecter from Silence of the Lambs... more
In the early 1990s, match.com debuted as the first major dating app on the world wide web, but it was far from the earliest way that people used technology to meet other hopeful singles. For this episode, we’ll look at what came before the apps we kn... more
This is a rerelase with a new introduction! The purse-carrying, tutu-wearing purple Teletubby Tinky Winky was outed as a homosexual in 1999, capping off a decade of conspiratorial anti-gay writings and videos that influenced politics straight up to s... more
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- Big nope for me
I couldn’t get past the bad narration. So put on. Sounds like an amateur trying to sound “pro”.
You know, just be natural. Stop with the stupid vocal fry, phony inflections ring to create suspense. Just speak.
Apple Podcasts2Durst98
United States3 days ago Amazing, keep spreading the good news!
Podcast Addict54 days agoA-LawLawConsistently one of the best produced and researched podcasts out there if you're interested in all things that are out to get you....or are they? I'm always learning new things and I've grown more empathetic and thoughtful because of it!
Podcast Addict56 days agospacebras- Love the show
I like giving great shows like this the kudos they deserve
Also, I hope someone in the House of Weber-Smith reads this… I just tried to get a pair of dad pants from CozyEarth and they rejected the discount code (“American”) so I cancelled the order. Might wanna dump high end advertisers who try to bait and switch with their discounts.
Apple Podcasts5MetaMotivationUnited States6 days ago - Entertaining, Informative, and Addictive as Hell
Pick an episode, any episode, and give it a listen. You’ll be surprised (or maybe not) how much you learn and how much you enjoy learning. Production value is excellent, and Chelsey is the funny, snarky, sweet friend who can really tell a story. Fair warning though, you WILL get addicted and will find yourself listening to topics you hadn’t cared about previously just to get your fix!
Apple Podcasts5M. LivesUnited States6 days ago
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Frequently Asked Questions About American Hysteria
What is American Hysteria about and what kind of topics does it cover?
A deep dive into how myth, fear, and curiosity shape culture, this program traces moral panics, urban legends, hoaxes, and fringe beliefs through history and modern media. Episodes blend rigorous archival research with vivid storytelling, often featuring historians, journalists, and scholars who illuminate how narratives—from Bennington Triangle mysteries to internet folklore—become cultural touchstones. A standout trait is the collaborative, multi-guest format that pairs dot-connecting hosts with experts to unpack complex histories in an engaging, accessible way.
Unique strengths include a strong research backbone, a penchant for cross-disciplinary perspectives, and a willingness to explore uncomfortable ideas with nuance. Listeners can e... more
Where can I find podcast stats for American Hysteria?
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How many listeners does American Hysteria get?
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What are the audience demographics for American Hysteria?
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How many subscribers and views does American Hysteria have?
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Which podcasts are similar to American Hysteria?
These podcasts share a similar audience with American Hysteria:
1. You're Wrong About
2. You Are Good
3. Maintenance Phase
4. If Books Could Kill
5. The Devil You Know with Sarah Marshall
How many episodes of American Hysteria are there?
American Hysteria launched 8 years ago and published 308 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact American Hysteria?
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Where can I see ratings and reviews for American Hysteria?
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What guests have appeared on American Hysteria?
Recent guests on American Hysteria include:
1. Ryan Broderick
2. Grant Irving
3. AJ Jacobs
4. Tyler McBrien
5. Gruff Webb
6. Will Rogers
7. Kristen Rogers-Anderson
8. Dr. Mara Einstein
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.