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 | 317 | Founded | 8 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | Society & CultureHistory | |||
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Latest Episodes
For this Back to School episode, we are getting schooled in the history of sexual education by Margaret Grace Myers, author of The Fight for Sex Ed: The Century-Long Battle Between Truth and Doctrine. Through STI public health crises, sex work moral ... more
For this episode, we are covering the storied history of the Butt, that humorous, salacious, anxiety-inducing part of the body, the shape and meaning of which has changed depending on the time period. Heather Radke is a reporter, essayist, RadioLab ... more
For all of American history, we have been obsessed with the idea that what you eat is about more than just the purity of the body, it’s about a kind of metaphorical purity as well. For this episode, journalist Zoe Rom, co-host of the podcast Your Die... more
In 1859, a powerful solar storm known as the Carrington Event hit the world, disrupting early technology in a shocking way. Our guest today is Ben Bradford, host of the podcast Are We Doomed? A show that investigates the greatest risks facing our soc... more
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Reviews
- Preach!
Just listened to the dating app episode. Preach Chelsey!!!!
Apple Podcasts5Chunkasonic
United States19 days ago - Lack of energy
The host sounds like they don’t want to be there, so I feel bad for the guests having to create their own pacing and energy.
Apple Podcasts2Alex.itunesUnited Statesa month ago - Engaging and informative
This show strikes the perfect balance. I always learn quite a bit of history and sociology that is new to me, even as someone who is well-read on these topics.
I particularly appreciate Chelsey’s thoughtfulness when discussing people who have engaged in problematic behavior. They have a way of being compassionate while not condoning, and they display strong cultural competence when discussing disabled folks, religious folks, rural folks, and so forth. Great show.
Apple Podcasts5eeka13United Statesa month ago - Chills
I’ve been a devoted listener for years now but the Ku Klux Scam series is INCREDIBLE. I just finished the second part and my hair is on its very end with the stirring call to mercilessly call out these MAGA grifters for the jokes and clowns that they truly are. I’ll be re-listening to this one for sure. Chelsey for president!
Apple Podcasts5CrepuscularFoxUnited Statesa month ago - Five stars In Podcast alley
I don’t know why the rating so low on this exceptional pod. Maybe it’s not drab enough.
Keep on keeping on guys. Smart, original content with an edge and a lot of heart.
I love Chelsea’s words and delivery.
She’s funny too
Apple Podcasts5another another simonUnited Statesa month ago
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Chart Rankings
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Apple Podcasts | #94 |  Philippines/Society & Culture |
Apple Podcasts | #186 |  New Zealand/Society & Culture |
Apple Podcasts | #205 |  Ireland/Society & Culture |
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Frequently Asked Questions About American Hysteria
What is American Hysteria about and what kind of topics does it cover?
This show presents deeply researched histories of American myths, panics, hoaxes, and fringe ideas, told with sharp storytelling and cultural critique. Episodes thread together how fear, fantasy, and misinformation reshape society, from 19th-century media to modern digital scare stories, often featuring expert guests who illuminate historical context and contemporary relevance. A standout quality is the host's blend of rigorous research, dry wit, and candid commentary, plus a willingness to tackle provocative topics with nuance. The format often pairs clean narrative history with provocative cultural analysis, making it informative yet entertaining for listeners who enjoy learning why societies fear the things they fear—and how these myths ... more
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How many listeners does American Hysteria get?
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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. What to Carry, What to Burn
How many episodes of American Hysteria are there?
American Hysteria launched 8 years ago and published 317 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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What guests have appeared on American Hysteria?
Recent guests on American Hysteria include:
1. Margaret Grace Myers
2. Heather Radke
3. Zoë Rom
4. Ben Bradford
5. Harrison Hill
6. Michael Blanding
7. Rebecca Nagle
8. Ryan Broderick
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.