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Dan Taburski
When's the last time you've talked publicly about this? Publicly, when it happened. So it's been a while. It's been a while. In 2011, something strange began to happen at the high school in Leroy, New York. There was a lot going on with these girls having outbursts, reporting. More than a dozen girls at leroy High School say they have an illness that causes severe tics and verbal outbursts. I was like, at my locker, and she came up to me and she was like, stuttering super bad. I'm like, stop around. She's like, I can't. I felt like Linda Blair in the Exorcist. Wow. A mystery illness spreading fast. And then next thing you know, they're going bleh. And their arms are swinging with a diagnosis. The state tried to keep on the down low. So by then, everybody thought I was holding something back. Well, you were holding something back intentionally. Yeah. Yeah. Well, yeah. And when it finally comes out, feels positively looney tunes. It's called mass hysteria, especially for a woman. It's used when doctors don't know the diagnosis. Something's wrong here. Something's not right. Is this the largest mass hysteria since the Witches of Salem? It's like, no, that just does not fit. Just. That's not it. I know it's not. Or is it something else entirely? What's the common denominator here? I remember hearing at some point, it must be a bad batch of tampons. Nationally known environmentalist Erin Brockovich sent a team to Lori Roy yesterday. Leroy was the new dateline, and everyone was trying to solve the murder. Something happened, and I think what happened to you happened to me. Who's susceptible? Just how often is this happening? And what do you do when they tell you it's all in your head? The idea that this is somehow psychogenic, psychosomatic mass hysteria. I mean, that just doesn't apply to me. People are just so tired of being called liars that they don't want to talk about it anymore. I don't fault anybody for believing it. At the time, I was one of them. I'm Dan Taburski, and this is Hysterical, a new limited series from Wondery, Pineapple Street Studios and the team that brought you 9 12, running from cops and missing Richard Simmons. Like, am I going crazy? Is this really happening? Follow Hysterical on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to History Ericle early and ad free right now by joining Wondery plus in the Wondery app or on Apple podcasts.
Hysterical: Introducing the Mystery of Leroy, NY
Episode Release Date: June 26, 2024
Host: Dan Taberski
Produced by: Wondery & Pineapple Street Studios
In the premiere episode of Hysterical, host Dan Taberski sets the stage for a deep dive into a perplexing phenomenon of mass hysteria that emerged in Leroy, New York. Drawing listeners into the mystery, Taberski hints at broader implications, connecting local events to nationwide occurrences.
Notable Quote:
"Is this the largest mass hysteria since the Witches of Salem?" (00:05)
The story begins in 2011 at a seemingly ordinary high school in Leroy, Upstate New York. Over a short period, more than a dozen female students began exhibiting severe tics and verbal outbursts, behaviors that baffled teachers, parents, and medical professionals alike.
Key Points:
Notable Quote:
"She came up to me and she was like, stuttering super bad. I'm like, stop around. She's like, I can't." (00:15)
Taberski shares his firsthand experience at Leroy High School, illustrating the immediate impact of the outbreak on everyday interactions. His vivid description underscores the severity and suddenness of the symptoms.
Notable Quote:
"I felt like Linda Blair in the Exorcist. Wow." (00:18)
As authorities grappled with the inexplicable symptoms, attempts were made to downplay the situation. The state's inadequate response fueled suspicions and frustration among the community.
Key Points:
Notable Quote:
"It's called mass hysteria, especially for a woman. It's used when doctors don't know the diagnosis." (00:35)
Taberski draws parallels between the Leroy incident and the infamous Salem Witch Trials, questioning the validity of such comparisons and suggesting that the current situation might be more complex.
Notable Quote:
"Is this the largest mass hysteria since the Witches of Salem? It's like, no, that just does not fit." (00:45)
The episode explores various theories proposed to explain the outbreak, from environmental factors like tainted water to psychological stressors prevalent among teenagers. Taberski also introduces broader patterns of unexplained illnesses affecting different groups, hinting at a possible interconnected phenomenon.
Key Points:
Notable Quote:
"Erin Brockovich sent a team to Leroy yesterday. Leroy was the new Dateline, and everyone was trying to solve the murder." (01:10)
Taberski reflects on the community's struggle to cope with the outbreak, highlighting the emotional toll and the stigmatization of those affected. He empathizes with victims who feel dismissed and labeled as liars, emphasizing the need for a compassionate and thorough investigation.
Notable Quote:
"People are just so tired of being called liars that they don't want to talk about it anymore." (01:30)
Throughout the introduction, Taberski poses critical questions that frame the series' investigation:
Wrapping up the introductory episode, Taberski teases the forthcoming exploration of similar unexplained phenomena, setting the stage for a comprehensive examination of mass hysteria and its modern manifestations. He invites listeners to follow the series for answers that may challenge their understanding of the human mind and societal influences.
Notable Quote:
"What's the common denominator here?" (01:05)
Hysterical promises a compelling journey into the enigmatic world of mass hysteria, blending personal narratives, expert insights, and investigative journalism to uncover truths that resonate beyond Leroy, NY. As the series unfolds, listeners are encouraged to question the boundaries between mind and reality, skepticism and belief, making it a thought-provoking addition to the podcast landscape.