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Hysterical

Latest episodes

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Mar 31, 2025 • 6min

Listen Now: Don’t Cross Kat

Kat Torres has the insta-perfect life. She is rich, gorgeous and not ashamed to share it. Her posts about witchcraft and “alien baths” drew in over a million followers, all chasing the dream of a lifestyle like hers. But as she gathers more followers around her, the secrets beneath her fame grow darker and more dangerous.   One woman sets out to bring back her best friend who has fallen under the spell of this modern-day guru.   And what begins as a search for a missing friend soon puts her on a collision course with Kat. Based on the hit Brazilian podcast, journalist Chico Felitti uncovers a gripping story of influence, control, and those who dare to fight back.Listen to Don’t Cross Kat: Wondery.fm/DontCrossKat See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Aug 27, 2024 • 32min

What to Listen to Next - MrBallen's Medical Mysteries

MrBallen, a master storyteller known for his spine-chilling tales centered on medical mysteries, shares fascinating horrors of the human body. He dives into the eerie world of bizarre diseases and miraculous recoveries, leaving listeners on the edge of their seats. The podcast explores a chilling outbreak of shigella bacteria that spreads from a child to countless diners, emphasizing the critical importance of food safety. Get ready for chills as he reveals the unseen dangers lurking in our meals!
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15 snips
Aug 26, 2024 • 41min

We're Gucci | 7

In a gripping finale, a controversial new diagnosis stirs debate in LeRoy. The story of Emily's whirlwind journey through misdiagnosis highlights the emotional struggles of those facing mysterious illnesses. Historical scapegoating parallels her experience with Tourette's syndrome, revealing societal stigmas. The community confronts psychological crises while advocating for marginalized groups. Plus, a humorous conversation on conversion disorder adds unexpected levity. This blend of fear, resilience, and reflection makes for a truly remarkable conclusion.
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18 snips
Aug 19, 2024 • 41min

Into the Multiverse | 6

The podcast dives into recent outbreaks of unexplained illnesses, linking a mass poisoning in Iran's girls' schools with a fentanyl crisis in U.S. law enforcement. It explores the themes of collective fear and psychogenic illness, shedding light on how societal pressures affect young girls. A courtroom drama unfolds in Ohio, revealing the dangers of fentanyl. With gripping insights from police and medical professionals, myths surrounding fentanyl exposure are debunked. The emotional struggles of those affected by conversion disorder are also highlighted, showcasing their journey towards healing.
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18 snips
Aug 12, 2024 • 41min

Alive and Well | 5

Mark Palomaropoulos, former head of clandestine operations for the CIA, shares his harrowing experiences with unexplained health issues linked to the controversial Havana Syndrome. He discusses the mysterious outbreak in Leroy, highlighting the skepticism faced by individuals sharing similar symptoms. Delving into the psychological aspects, he examines how societal perceptions shape narratives around illness. With personal anecdotes and insights, Palomaropoulos unveils the tension between personal trauma and the broader implications for national security.
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11 snips
Jul 29, 2024 • 37min

Waiting for Brockovich | 4

A shocking revelation about a toxic train derailment from the 1970s sparks an investigation into water contamination in LeRoy. Erin Brockovich's relentless pursuit of justice highlights the dangers of TCE and the skepticism faced by affected residents. As the community grapples with mysterious health issues, grassroots activism emerges amid fears and emotional turmoil. The podcast examines the medical mysteries entwined with environmental crises, the societal implications of labeling concerns as hysteria, and the emotional struggles of those seeking recognition.
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23 snips
Jul 25, 2024 • 37min

We Have Another One | 3

Parents grapple with their high school daughters exhibiting strange symptoms, igniting fear and skepticism at a town hall meeting. Tensions rise in Leroy Junior Senior High as community support clashes with media scrutiny. A teenage girl's diagnosis unfolds on stage, revealing public misconceptions about health crises. Delve into the historical lens of hysteria, accompanied by tales of modern-day self-diagnosis sparked by societal pressures. Through personal narratives, explore the deep connection between mental health challenges and community perceptions.
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27 snips
Jul 22, 2024 • 34min

All In Your Head | 2

A mysterious illness grips a tight-knit community, fueling fear and skepticism as parents demand answers. Parents face a chaotic town meeting, where officials remain tight-lipped about the escalating symptoms among schoolgirls. The listeners explore themes of trust, community ethics, and the psychological underpinnings of mass hysteria. As the narrative unfolds, it dives into the complexities of psychological vs. physical health, drawing unsettling parallels with historical panics, ultimately questioning the boundaries of medical authority and personal autonomy.
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27 snips
Jul 22, 2024 • 29min

Outbreak | 1

In a small New York town, a teenage girl experiences mysterious spasms, sparking fear among her peers. As similar symptoms spread, a young doctor dives into the chaotic investigation of this bizarre outbreak. The discussion draws parallels to the Salem Witch Trials, exploring societal fears and mass hysteria. With humor, the podcast also examines Leroy's quirky history and cultural identity. Join the quest for understanding amid rising medical mysteries and the bonds of shared teenage struggles.
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Jun 26, 2024 • 3min

Introducing: Hysterical

Hysterical investigates a mysterious illness that spreads among a group of high school girls in upstate New York. What is causing their sudden, often violent symptoms? Is there something in the water or inside the school? Or is it “all in their head?” The series examines the outbreak in LeRoy, NY, believed by some to be the most severe case of mass hysteria since the Salem Witch Trials. In his search for answers, Dan Taberski (9/12, Missing Richard Simmons, Running from Cops) explores other seemingly inexplicable events of the last few years – CIA officers being crippled with nausea and vertigo; cops OD'ing from exposure to fentanyl – and discovers they’re far more connected than we realize. From Wondery and Pineapple Street Studios, this 7-part series forces us to grapple with the mysteries of our own minds, and reckon with a contagion that we thought was long dead, but may be the defining disorder of our time.Follow Hysterical on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes of Hysterical early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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