Episode Details

Why did a convent of French nuns once collectively start meowing like cats until they were forced to stop? How did a 1997 episode of Pokémon result in over 12,000 children reporting illness, despite only a fraction suffering actual seizures,? In this episode, we dive into the phenomenon of Mass Psychogenic Illness (MPI), historically known as mass hysteria.

We explore how physical symptoms—such as dizziness, fainting, and nausea—can spread rapidly through cohesive groups without any infectious agent or organic cause,. From the "June Bug" outbreak in a textile factory to the "Tanganyika laughter epidemic" that closed schools in Tanzania, we look at how extreme anxiety and social contagion manifest in the body,.

We also discuss modern manifestations of MPI, including the diplomatic mystery of "Havana Syndrome" and the recent rise of Tourette’s-like tics spreading among teenagers via social media. Join us as we break down why these outbreaks often affect close-knit communities under stress and why intense media coverage often makes them worse,.