Fresh Air Best Of: 'Hysterical' Podcaster / 'Seinfeld' Writer
Jun 28, 2025
Dan Taberski, an award-winning writer and creator of 'Hysterical,' explores the psychological phenomenon of mass panic in high school girls, unraveling the impacts of societal pressures and gender dynamics. Larry Charles, known for his work on 'Seinfeld' and 'Curb Your Enthusiasm,' shares insights from his memoir 'Comedy Samurai,' reflecting on humor's role in society. Meanwhile, book critic Maureen Corrigan recommends gripping mystery novels for summer reading, blending literature with compelling storytelling.
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Leroy High School Illness Outbreak
- In Leroy, New York, a high school girl suddenly developed a stutter and later tics and spasms, which spread among peers at the school.
- The mysterious outbreak of symptoms seemed viral but had no clear biological cause, involving complex neurological manifestations.
Understanding Conversion Disorder
- Conversion disorder causes psychological stress to manifest as physical symptoms without organic causes.
- Symptoms mimic neurological disorders but show no abnormalities in tests like MRIs or X-rays.
Gender Bias in Medical Beliefs
- People tend to dismiss girls' unexplained symptoms as 'all in their head' but treat similar symptoms in powerful men more seriously.
- This reveals gender biases in belief and diagnosis of medical symptoms between females and males.
