Listen Now: Hysterical
1Digest
"Hysterical" is a podcast that delves into a mysterious illness outbreak at a New York high school. The story begins with a 16-year-old girl who posts a YouTube video detailing her strange neurological symptoms, including twitches, noises, and passing out. This video sparks a response from other teenage girls at the same school, who report similar symptoms. The outbreak quickly gains attention, with news outlets and even environmental activist Aaron Brockovich getting involved. However, the community is divided, with some accusing the girls of faking their symptoms and others questioning their own sanity. The podcast explores the impact of the outbreak on the community, highlighting the skepticism and doubt that arose. It also delves into the challenges faced by the girls and their families, who struggle with the uncertainty surrounding the cause of the illness and the lack of clear answers from medical professionals. The podcast concludes with the introduction of the first episode, titled "Outbreak," and a call to action for listeners to subscribe and listen ad-free on Wondery Plus.
Outlines
The Mystery Begins
The podcast "Hysterical" is introduced, focusing on a mysterious illness outbreak in a New York high school. The podcast explores the desire to be believed and the consequences of being told your illness is "all in your head."
The First Video and the Spread of the Illness
The podcast delves into the story of a 16-year-old girl who posted a YouTube video detailing her strange neurological symptoms, including twitches, noises, and passing out. This video marked the beginning of a larger mystery, as other teenage girls at the same high school reported similar symptoms. The outbreak quickly gained attention, with news outlets and even environmental activist Aaron Brockovich getting involved.
Doubts, Uncertainty, and the First Episode
The podcast explores the impact of the outbreak on the community, highlighting the skepticism and doubt that arose. Some accused the girls of faking their symptoms, while others questioned their own sanity. The podcast concludes with the introduction of the first episode, titled "Outbreak," and a call to action for listeners to subscribe and listen ad-free on Wondery Plus.
Keywords
Hysterical
"Hysterical" is a podcast that explores a mysterious illness outbreak in a New York high school. It delves into the desire to be believed and the consequences of being told your illness is "all in your head."
Mass Hysteria
Mass hysteria refers to a collective outbreak of unusual symptoms, often psychological or neurological, in a group of people. It is characterized by shared beliefs and anxieties, leading to widespread physical manifestations.
Salem Witch Trials
The Salem Witch Trials were a series of hearings and prosecutions of people accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts between 1692 and 1693. The trials resulted in the deaths of 20 people, and are considered a prime example of mass hysteria.
Aaron Brockovich
Aaron Brockovich is an American legal advocate and environmental activist known for her role in a landmark environmental lawsuit against Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). She is also involved in the investigation of the mysterious illness outbreak in the podcast "Hysterical."
Isaac Syndrome
Isaac syndrome is a rare neurological disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions and spasms, often affecting the limbs and face. It can be caused by various factors, including autoimmune disorders and medications.
Q&A
What are the main symptoms experienced by the girls in the podcast "Hysterical"?
The girls experience a range of neurological symptoms, including twitches, spasms, strange outbursts, and passing out. These symptoms are initially unexplained and cause concern and confusion.
How did the outbreak in the podcast "Hysterical" gain attention?
The outbreak gained attention after a 16-year-old girl posted a YouTube video detailing her symptoms. This video sparked a response from other girls at the same high school who reported similar symptoms, leading to media coverage and the involvement of environmental activist Aaron Brockovich.
What are some of the challenges faced by the girls and their families in the podcast "Hysterical"?
The girls and their families face skepticism and doubt from others, with some accusing them of faking their symptoms. They also struggle with the uncertainty surrounding the cause of the illness and the lack of clear answers from medical professionals.
Show Notes
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+ at wondery.fm/Hysterical_FD.
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