#82
Hysterical
Wondery / Pineapple Street Studios
United States
Hysterical is a searing and intimate exploration of mass hysteria, where Dan Taberski dissects a mysterious outbreak among high school girls in Le Roy, New York. With quiet precision, Taberski blends investigative rigor and emotional depth, revealing how the mind’s power over the body can become a battleground for cultural, medical, and gendered anxieties.
"Hysterical is an electrifying journey from start to finish. Every episode had me completely hooked, and when I did manage to pause, it was only to digest the mind-blowing revelations. A masterpiece of investigative storytelling, it gripped me in a way no TV show or movie ever has."
- Leni Steinhardt, CNN Podcasts
Hysterical is a haunting, empathetic investigation into a mysterious illness that struck a group of high school girls in Le Roy, New York, in 2011. Hosted by Dan Taberski, the seven-part series delves into the complexities of mass hysteria, exploring how societal pressures and historical gender biases intersect with unexplained medical phenomena. Through personal interviews and meticulous research, Taberski paints a nuanced portrait of the affected individuals and their communities, challenging listeners to reconsider the boundaries between mind and body.
Named Apple Podcasts' Show of the Year in 2024, Hysterical has been lauded for its thoughtful storytelling and investigative depth. The series not only examines the specific case in Le Roy but also connects it to broader instances of unexplained illnesses, such as the so-called Havana Syndrome, prompting a wider conversation about the mind's power over the body. Taberski's approach is both sensitive and incisive, making Hysterical a compelling listen for those interested in the intersections of psychology, society, and unexplained phenomena.