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Artwork for American Hysteria

American Hysteria

chelsey weber-smith
Urban Legends
LGBTQ+ Representation
Hallmark Christmas Movies
Pro Wrestling
Marilyn Manson
Candice Cameron Bure
Paranormal Entertainment Industry
Elmer Mccurdy
Gender Representation
Kayfabe
American Hospitals
Factitious Disorder
Demerol
Munchausen Syndrome
Ghost Hunting Shows
Supernatural Experiences
Psychology Of Belief
Auto-Fellatio
Sexuality
Patriarchy and Gender Roles

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.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes274Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Society & Culture

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Artwork for American Hysteria

Latest Episodes

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Sarah Marshall is here to teach me about the confounding phenomenon of Spontaneous Human Combustion in which a person is found almost totally incinerated with no explanation, seeming to have burst into flames from within. From the Victorian era to th... more

This is a rerelease of our 2023 Halloween special about the 12 Ft Skeleton Halloween craze and the strange history of our relationship to skeletons, both real and fake, stretching back hundreds of years. On 10/14 you can hear me on You're Wrong About... more

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Recent Guests

Liz Gotauco
Public librarian and storyteller known for her comedic series, Fucked Up Fairy Tales
Episode: Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark with Liz "Cosbrarian" Gotauco
George Civeris
Host of the comedy podcast, Straightiolab, and The United States of Kennedy, which explores cultural fascination with the Kennedy dynasty.
Episode: The Kennedy Curse with George Civeris
Christine Laskowski
Video journalist and host of the podcast T&J
Podcast T&J
Episode: Not Just a Phase: Goths Through History with Christine Laskowski
Lerone A. Martin
Author and Professor in Religious Studies at Stanford University
Stanford University
Episode: The FBI's White Christian Nation with Lerone A. Martin
Adam Mahoney
Reporter for Capital B, a local and national nonprofit news organization specializing in crucial topics for Black communities.
Capital B
Episode: The Last Prison Rodeo with Journalist Adam Mahoney
Joshua Belhumeur
Co-host of the podcast 'This is Propaganda'
This is Propaganda
Episode: Luxury Doomsday with 'This is Propaganda'
Malcolm Critcher
Co-host of the podcast 'This is Propaganda'
This is Propaganda
Episode: Luxury Doomsday with 'This is Propaganda'
Gabe Lenners
Television and radio journalist, host of the podcast Obscurum
Obscurum
Episode: Invasion of the Drones with Podcaster Gabe Lenners
Loretta J. Ross
Reproductive rights activist and co-founder of SisterSong
SisterSong
Episode: (Throwback) An Irresistible Movement with Reproductive Justice Activist Loretta J. Ross

Host

Chelsey Weber-Smith
Host and producer, known for her engaging storytelling and analytical approach to cultural phenomena.

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 6k ratings
  • Need better delivery

    Content is great. The solo delivery is awful. Much better when there are guests. Solo delivery is unlistenable.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Ben e lou
    United States20 days ago
  • Want to love it but delivery is painful

    I want to love this so bad, but the way the host reads the scripted content is so difficult to get through, as it’s so slow and emphasises every second word performative. It’s just too distracting. When she’s interviewing or speaking with guests it’s way better and so enjoyable! It’s so well researched and fun content wise, I’m sad I can’t get through it. Maybe just not for me.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Daturaaa
    Australiaa month ago
  • So comforting

    I absolutely love this podcast! The topics are so interesting as well as the conversations. I find it so comforting and truly get so excited when a new episode comes out. I feel like Chelsey and I are very similar in our interests and the past few episodes have been so good… love love love!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    S_nan_b
    United Statesa month ago
  • yes.

    what an adorable, curious, insightful weirdo!!!! <3 <3 <3

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    GabEM18
    United Statesa month ago
  • Weird and Well-Researched

    Very entertaining deep dives across a variety of weird, spooky, kooky, wild topics, and fun guests too

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JeanieMeyers
    United Statesa month ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Feedback highlights the podcast's thorough research and captivating storytelling style.
Listeners appreciate the insightful and humorous exploration of history and cultural narratives.
Some reviews comment on the host's delivery, with mixed feelings about its pacing and tone.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#190
United States/Society & Culture
Apple Podcasts
#226
Canada/Society & Culture
Apple Podcasts
#249
Australia/Society & Culture
Apple Podcasts
#230
New Zealand/Society & Culture
Apple Podcasts
#248
Israel/Society & Culture

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark with Liz "Cosbrarian" Gotauco
Q: How did Schwartz and Gammell meet, and what was the response to Gammell's illustrations?
There isn't a specific answer to how they met, but Gammell's illustrations brought a powerful and often scary visual element to Schwartz's stories.
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark with Liz "Cosbrarian" Gotauco
Q: What was it about this series that excited you enough to want to talk about it on the show?
I come from a fairy tale and folklore love background, and 'Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark' has always resonated with me.
The Runaway Nun Hoax pt. 2 with Sarah Marshall of 'You're Wrong About'
Q: Would you be willing to try to summarize the book that we talked about, The Awful Disclosures of Maria Monk, published in 1836?
It's about a young woman who becomes a nun in a nunnery that is getting orders from the pope to smother babies and throw them in a pit, and to have priests make nuns put pins through their cheeks, again, on orders from the Vatican.
Erasing History with Philosopher Jason Stanley
Q: How do you see this unfolding in K-12 public schools?
Public schools will likely undergo similar changes, focusing on patriotic narratives and neglecting critical histories.
Erasing History with Philosopher Jason Stanley
Q: Does this feel like what you're talking about in terms of that kind of repression of story and narrative and the truth of a culture?
Yes, there is a strong societal push against educators trying to teach about diverse histories due to fear and backlash.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About American Hysteria

What is American Hysteria about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Exploring the intersection of fantastical thinking and American culture, this podcast investigates moral panics, urban legends, hoaxes, crazes, and fringe beliefs. With a blend of storytelling and insightful analysis, the host captures bizarre and compelling narratives that reveal how these phenomena influence societal perceptions and behaviors. Topics like the infamous Houdini, disturbing children's media on platforms like YouTube, and iconic cultural figures like Ann Landers are addressed with a mix of humor and critical reflection. The show's unique approach lies in its comprehensive examination of the unwritten rules of societal norms, making it a thought-provoking listen for those intrigued by the quirky and often overlooked truths of ... more

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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. Sounds Like A Cult

How many episodes of American Hysteria are there?

American Hysteria launched 7 years ago and published 274 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on American Hysteria?

Recent guests on American Hysteria include:

1. Liz Gotauco
2. George Civeris
3. Christine Laskowski
4. Lerone A. Martin
5. Adam Mahoney
6. Joshua Belhumeur
7. Malcolm Critcher
8. Gabe Lenners

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.

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