

Hysterical
Wondery | Pineapple Street Studios
Named 2025 Ambies© Podcast of the Year, 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.Binge all episodes of Hysterical exclusively and ad-free, right now on Wondery+. Start your free trial in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or by visiting wondery.com/links/hysterical/ now.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 11, 2025 • 35min
Introducing: Origin Stories
Have you ever wondered exactly how your favorite movie or book –– or podcast, TV series, documentary, or article –– got made? Origin Stories has you covered. Each week, veteran journalist Matthew Shaer talks to a different writer or director about the creation of a work close to their own hearts (and ours). Nothing is off the table: not the frustrations and the joys, not the setbacks and the successes. Intimate and incisive, instructive and eye-opening, Origin Stories is the ultimate podcast for anyone curious about the workings of the creative mind. Among the early guests are Noah Hawley, creator of the new Alien show on FX; John Hoffman, co-creator of Only Murders in the Building, and memoirist Stephanie Foo. Hosted by Matthew Shaer, co-founder of Campside Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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!

32 snips
Jul 1, 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.

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.


