Fresh Air: Dan Tabersky's Dive into Mysterious Illness Outbreaks and Celebrity Disappearances
Hosted by Tanya Moseley, NPR's "Fresh Air" features an in-depth conversation with award-winning podcaster Dan Tabersky. Released on June 18, 2025, this episode delves into Tabersky's investigative work on enigmatic medical phenomena and high-profile disappearances.
Exploring Mass Psychogenic Illness in Leroy, New York
Dan Tabersky introduces his latest project, "Hysterical," a seven-part series unraveling a baffling medical mystery from 2011. The outbreak centers around Leroy Junior Senior High School in Leroy, New York, where a sudden surge of unusual symptoms affects predominantly teenage girls.
Notable Quote:
"In December of 2011, a young woman posted a video on YouTube... she's not looking to monetize, not trying to influence." — Dan Tabersky [01:00]
The initial case involves a 16-year-old girl experiencing a sudden stutter, which escalates into more severe symptoms like twitches, spasms, and fainting spells. As more students exhibit similar behaviors, the community grapples with understanding the cause, oscillating between environmental factors and psychological explanations.
Understanding Psychogenic Illness: Tabersky explains,
"Conversion disorder is basically psychological stress or trauma that exhibits itself as physical symptoms... the only thing is, is that these symptoms don't seem to have an organic cause." — Dan Tabersky [04:48]
This condition, also known as mass psychogenic illness, highlights how psychological distress can manifest physically, especially within tight-knit social groups like high schools.
Comparing Leroy's Outbreak to Havana Syndrome
The conversation shifts to Havana Syndrome, where diplomats and CIA agents worldwide reported neurological symptoms suspected to stem from foreign attacks. Tabersky draws parallels between the two incidents, emphasizing societal perceptions based on the affected individuals' profiles.
Notable Quote:
"When you're right, it's like CIA agents... these are serious, potentially scary people who are trained to deal with the stress... but they were quick to write off the girls in Leroy." — Dan Tabersky [06:34]
This comparison underscores the gender and status biases in attributing legitimacy to unexplained medical symptoms.
Investigating Environmental Factors and Media Influence
As theories about environmental causes emerge—such as a 1973 train derailment releasing industrial solvents near the school—the debate intensifies. Despite investigations ruling out these factors, the explanation remains elusive.
Tabersky emphasizes the importance of thorough investigation before dismissing symptoms as purely psychological, highlighting:
"Part of knowing that it's mass psychogenic illness is really knowing, as sure as you can be, that it's not something else." — Dan Tabersky [07:58]
Moreover, the role of media in potentially exacerbating the situation is discussed. The heightened reporting may have inadvertently contributed to the spread of symptoms through the power of suggestion and social imitation.
Notable Quote:
"Putting the girls with the tics on the news... was basically showing the tics to everybody else in the town, and then that would become a vector for spread." — Dan Tabersky [10:14]
The Disappearance of Richard Simmons: A Deep Dive
Transitioning from medical mysteries, Moseley introduces Tabersky's acclaimed podcast "Missing Richard Simmons," which investigates the sudden withdrawal of the beloved fitness icon from public life.
Notable Quote:
"He made a promise that he so clearly meant... I'm so proud of it, in part because it was such a fine line that we were walking." — Dan Tabersky [17:31]
Tabersky reflects on the profound relationships Simmons fostered with his fans and the emotional complexities that likely led to his withdrawal. He grapples with the moral questions surrounding celebrity obligations to the public and the personal toll of such deep engagement.
Reflecting on 9/11 Through Podcasting
Dan also discusses his 2021 series "9/12," commemorating the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. The podcast aims to capture the immediate shock of the events by featuring real-time reactions and personal stories from those directly affected.
Notable Quote:
"Podcasting is just a great place to fish around like that and take your time getting to a larger point as opposed to just sort of starting, you know, with like, the here's what happened on that day." — Dan Tabersky [28:15]
Through intimate audio narratives, Tabersky seeks to convey not just the factual events but the enduring emotional impact on individuals and communities.
Personal Insights and Creative Outlets
Beyond his investigative work, Tabersky shares personal facets, including his passion for quilt making—a craft that he finds therapeutic and creatively stimulating.
Notable Quote:
"When I'm in the middle of writing, I'll end up doing a lot of quilting. It's a very good creative activity to focus on when you can't focus on the other thing you're doing anymore." — Dan Tabersky [38:18]
This hobby serves as a creative outlet, allowing him to process thoughts and generate ideas subconsciously.
Conclusion: Navigating Complex Narratives
Dan Tabersky's work exemplifies the power of podcasting in dissecting intricate and emotionally charged stories. From unexplained medical outbreaks to the enigmatic withdrawal of public figures, his narratives encourage listeners to seek deeper understanding and empathy.
For those intrigued by mysterious narratives and profound human experiences, Dan Tabersky's investigative storytelling on "Fresh Air" offers a compelling exploration of the unseen forces shaping our lives.