
About this episode
AFTER SHOCK: On this week's show we talk about a disease known as Parrot Fever that frightened the nation in 1929, leading to parrots being abandoned in the streets and thrown overboard from ships. But just as quickly, the hysteria gave way to ridicule as America and the media made Parrot Fever into a joke, a made-up illness, a silly panic. But in reality, sickness and death struck 20% of those who contracted Parrot Fever, and though the concern was overblown, the denial of its existence was too.
American Hysteria is written, produced, and hosted by Chelsey Weber-Smith
Produced and edited by Clear Commo Studios
Research assisted by Riley Smith
Become a Patron for extra episodes, interviews, and videos monthly!
Follow American Hysteria on social media:
Twitter: @AmerHysteria
Instagram: @AmericanHysteriaPodcast
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Get every episode summarized
Each time American Hysteria publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from American Hysteria

Introducing: No Such Thing
American Hysteria
May 7, 202612:29pending

THE BENNINGTON TRIANGLE pt. 2 with Sarah Marshall
American Hysteria
May 4, 20261:26:02pending

THE BENNINGTON TRIANGLE pt. 1 with Sarah Marshall
American Hysteria
Apr 27, 20261:28:42failed

Introducing: History Daily
American Hysteria
Apr 24, 202616:15failed