This week on Hysteria 51, we're time-traveling back to 1518, and trust us, it's not for the mead or the minstrels! We're diving feet first into one of history's most baffling mysteries – the Dancing Plague of 1518. Imagine this: one day, you're baking bread, and the next, you're busting moves in the streets of Strasbourg without a stop button!

Join us as we shimmy through the theories – from mass hysteria to ergot-fueled rye parties, and even a supernatural dance-off. Was it a curse from St. Vitus? A case of medieval Footloose? Or perhaps, an elaborate 16th-century flash mob gone incredibly wrong? 

We'll explore the eerie, the bizarre, and the (unintentionally) hilarious side of this historical head-scratcher. Did the authorities try to cure it with more dancing? Spoiler alert: Yes, they did, and let's just say, their problem-solving skills were... unique.

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Jig of the Damned: The Dancing Plague of 1518 | 358

Hysteria 51 is your offbeat weekly podcast destination for all things weird and wonderful! We navigate the cosmic highways of UFOs, the alien-infested landscapes, and the enigmatic frontiers of the paranormal. With your hosts, Brent Hand and David Flora, alongside our cantankerous tin man, Conspiracy Bot (with a not-so-subtle desire to rule the world, doubling as our chief inquisitor into the unknown), we delve into unique mysteries, the inexplicable, and the downright unusual. Each week we explore a fresh topic, making one thing crystal clear... the truth is out there, but you won’t find it here.

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Science

John Oliver and his show Last Week Tonight’s latest foray into the unknown was right in our wheelhouse – UFOs. John tackled this enigmatic world with his trademark wit. This week we dive deep into Oliver’s exploration—from Jimmy Carter's extraterrestrial encounters to the controversial paintings of UFOs in Renaissance art. We'll analyze how Oliver balances humor with hard questions about what's really out there, critiquing his take on government cover-ups, media missteps, and public paranoia. Did he miss crucial evidence? Or did he nail the absurdity of the UFO phenomena by realizing it is not so absurd? Join us for a detailed breakdown of the facts, the laughs, and everything in-between, as we separate the science from the silliness in John Oliver's cosmic comedy.

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Flying Saucers & Serious Satire: Dissecting John Oliver’s UFO Deep Dive | 370

Rip off your tin foil hats and throw your best pot on your head as you grab a seat by the campfire because this week the Hysteria 51 crew digs into the dusty books of American folklore to uncover the truth behind some of the nation's tallest tales! We’re throwing Johnny Appleseed’s "hat" in the ring with John Henry’s hammer, racing Babe the Blue Ox, and decoding Geronimo’s battle tactics. Are these legends larger-than-life heroes or just myths wrapped in America’s star-spangled banner? Tune in as we crack jokes, bust myths, and maybe even stir up a spirit or two. It's a historical hullabaloo you won’t want to miss this week on Hysteria 51!

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Folk Yeah! Unraveling America's Wildest Legends | 369

This week on H51 we finally dive into the eerie world of creepypasta, those internet-born tales that spook and thrill in equal measure... or just suck. It all depends on the subreddit! From the chilling depths of Slender Man to the unsettling accounts of Jeff the Killer, these stories have seeped from the shadows of the web into the fabric of modern digital folklore. Join us as we explore the origins of creepypasta, how these macabre tales are crafted, and their impact on culture and media. We’ll dissect famous stories, debunk myths, and perhaps even share a new tale or two with the help of returning guest and Sad Times Podcast host, Kevin Crispin. Lock your doors, check your internet connection, (and that is to just keep you safe from Conspiracy Bot) and get ready to be haunted by the stories that lurk online.

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The Creepypasta Phenomenon: Modern Day Folklore? | 368

We are back to brave the wilds of the USA!

Last week Hysteria 51 embarked on a chilling journey into the heart of America's folklore, and this week we are back with the 2nd installment of our two-part special, "A Cryptid Odyssey Across America." Inspired by Monica Fish's spine-tingling article in Fangoria magazine, we're uncovering the dark corners of the USA, state by state, to reveal the second 25 of the 50 eerie entities that lurk in the shadows.

From the misty hollows of the Pacific Northwest to the swampy depths of the South, join us as we traverse the country to dig up tales of creatures so bizarre and terrifying, you'll be glad it's daylight. We'll meet cryptids you've heard of—and many you haven't—as we reveal the lore behind each one and ask the question, what's lurking in your backyard?

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A Cryptid Odyssey Across America: Part 2 | 367

Hysteria 51 embarks on a chilling journey into the heart of America's folklore this week with the first installment of our two-part special, "A Cryptid Odyssey Across America." Inspired by Monica Fish's spine-tingling article in Fangoria magazine, we're uncovering the dark corners of the USA, state by state, to reveal the first 25 of the 50 eerie entities that lurk in the shadows.

From the misty hollows of the Pacific Northwest to the swampy depths of the South, join us as we traverse the country to dig up tales of creatures so bizarre and terrifying, you'll be glad it's daylight. We'll meet cryptids you've heard of—and many you haven't—as we reveal the lore behind each one and ask the question, what's lurking in your backyard? 

Fangoria Article - https://www.fangoria.com/original/the-creepiest-creatures-from-each-state-2/

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Jig of the Damned: The Dancing Plague of 1518 | 358

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