Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra

Episode 1: Dr. Hunt

Jun 10, 2024

Dr. Hunt, a psychiatrist specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention, delves into the shocking suicide of a Democratic Senator in the 1950s. The podcast uncovers a web of troubling forces on the American ultra right post-war, revealing blackmail, political pressures, and extremist factions at play. The tragic consequences of Senator Hunt's death shed light on the turbulent political environment of that time.

37:49

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Hunt

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Quick takeaways

Lester Hunt's proactive problem-solving approach was highlighted by his creative solution to the pigeon infestation in the Wyoming State Capitol.

Hunt's transition from a successful dentist to a prominent Senator was marked by a selfless act of donating bone marrow to his son.

Senator Hunt's mysterious death raises suspicions of political blackmail and internal turmoil, shedding light on potential hidden pressures in American democracy.

Deep dives

Lester Hunt's Fight Against the Pigeon Infestation

Early in 1943, Lester Hunt, newly elected governor of Wyoming, creatively solved the pigeon infestation problem at the Wyoming State Capitol. He climbed out on window ledges before sunrise, spreading poison that led to numerous dead pigeons and effectively resolved the issue. This symbolic act underscored Hunt's proactive problem-solving approach, setting the tone for his gubernatorial career.

Rugged Individualists Can Have Cross-Party Appeal

01:22

Dentist Turned Heroic Traveler

01:17

Intro

2min

Governor Lester Hunt's Battle with Pigeons and Political Ascent

11min

The Trials of Senator Lester C. Hunt

3min

The Tragic Suicide of Senator Hunt from Wyoming

8min

The Mysterious Death of Senator Lester Hunt in 1954 and its Political Fallout

4min

Investigation into Senator Lester Hunt's suicide and political blackmail

2min

Aftermath of the Great Sedition Trial

11min

The sudden and shocking suicide of a popular Democratic Senator, inside his Senate office, stuns the country and the nation’s capital. And soon, a series of bombshell revelations concerning the circumstances around the senator’s death will start to reveal a web of troubling forces at work on the American ultra right in the post-war 1950s.

This episode contains descriptions that reference self-harm. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live at 988lifeline.org. You can also visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support.

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Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra

Episode 1: Dr. Hunt

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Lester Hunt's Fight Against the Pigeon Infestation

Dentist Turned Governor: Lester Hunt's Transition to Politics

Senatorial Journey: From Governor to U.S. Senator

Tragic End: The Mysterious Circumstances Surrounding Lester Hunt's Death

The Lingering Legacy of Lester Hunt: Uncovering Political Intrigues

Rugged Individualists Can Have Cross-Party Appeal

Dentist Turned Heroic Traveler

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts