404: American Hysteria (with Chelsey Weber-Smith)

Spirits

We are digging into urban legends near and far with our guest, Chelsey Weber-Smith of American Hysteria. We chat about the cross section of poetry and moral panic, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, and where fear comes from.

Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of conspiracy theories, spiders, clowns, child endangerment, home invasion, attempted murder, necrophilia, queerphobia/homophobia, illness, transphobia, patriarchy,

Guest

Chelsey Weber-Smith is a queer, nonbinary poet-turned-podcaster working to understand both American culture at large as well as the mysteries of their own humanity. They are the host of American Hysteria, which explores how fantastical thinking has shaped our culture - moral panics, urban legends, hoaxes, crazes, fringe beliefs, and national misunderstandings.

Housekeeping

- Recommendation: This week, Julia recommends starting to decorate for spooky season.

- Books: Check out our previous book recommendations, guests’ books, and more at https://spiritspodcast.com/books

- Call to Action: Check out Exolore!

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Find Us Online

- Website & Transcripts: https://spiritspodcast.com

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Cast & Crew

- Co-Hosts: Julia Schifini and Amanda McLoughlin

- Editor: Bren Frederick

- Music: Brandon Grugle, based on "Danger Storm" by Kevin MacLeod

- Artwork: Allyson Wakeman

- Multitude: https://multitude.productions

About Us

Spirits is a boozy podcast about mythology, legends, and folklore. Every episode, co-hosts Julia and Amanda mix a drink and discuss a new story or character from a wide range of places, eras, and cultures. Learn brand-new stories and enjoy retellings of your favorite myths, served over ice every week, on Spirits.