American Hysteria delves into the fascinating and often bizarre undercurrents of American culture, dissecting moral panics, urban legends, hoaxes, and fringe beliefs that have shaped collective consciousness. Hosted by poet Chelsey Weber-Smith, the podcast masterfully blends historical deep-dives, such as Disneyland's chaotic opening, with contemporary analyses of phenomena like social media bot farms and disinformation. It appeals to curious minds interested in the sociology of belief, media literacy, and the often-unseen forces that construct our shared reality. The show distinguishes itself by not just recounting strange stories, but by critically examining their origins, impact, and enduring relevance, offering listeners a unique lens through which to understand both past and present societal narratives.