Date: December 3, 2024
Announcement
Apple Podcasts has recognized Hysterical as the 2024 Show of the Year.
Dan Taberski, the host, shares insights on this exceptional seven-part series in a special Creator Conversation.
Apple is thrilled to honor Hysterical with the prestigious Apple Podcasts Award, an annual recognition of a podcast that exemplifies excellence and innovation. This seven-part series, crafted by Wondery and Audacy’s Pineapple Street Studios, delves into a perplexing illness affecting a group of high school girls in upstate New York.
Debuting in July 2024, Hysterical swiftly climbed to the top of the Apple Podcasts charts, ultimately finishing the year as the No. 9 most popular new show according to the 2024 Top Charts.
Inspired by reports on “Havana syndrome” – an enigmatic ailment impacting numerous diplomats and CIA agents globally – Taberski connected this with a past story about high school girls in Le Roy, New York, who faced a similar mysterious illness. Fascinated by the unlikely links between these groups, he mused, “What if it’s a hysterical illness?”
“Many still speculate it was an assault involving some sort of microwave device,” Taberski explains regarding the Havana syndrome narrative. “While the media was discussing it extensively, no one dared to consider, ‘What if it’s all psychological?’ I found it compelling to juxtapose the experiences in Le Roy with those of the diplomats to illustrate that such occurrences can affect anyone.”
“Dan Taberski has consistently led the charge in podcast documentaries, and with Hysterical, he’s at the peak of his craft. He captures the cultural moment with his unique blend of humor and insight, which resonates with audiences,” remarks Jenna Weiss-Berman, Audacy’s executive vice president of Podcasts. “We greatly appreciate the efforts of Apple Podcasts in amplifying Dan’s voice and fostering innovation in this genre.”
“We are absolutely thrilled that Apple Podcasts has recognized Hysterical as its Show of the Year,” adds Marshall Lewy, Wondery’s chief content officer. “Dan is an extraordinary storyteller and a true podcast auteur — his unique ability to raise questions invites listeners to embark on a captivating journey through complex, real-world issues that lack straightforward answers.”
In a special conversation now available on Apple Podcasts for Creators, Taberski touches on his methods for identifying compelling stories, the value of questions that prompt further inquiry, and his team’s strategy for uncovering new aspects of the mystery in every episode.
On finding the right story: “The longer I engage with a project, the more questions I develop. If my curiosity fades quickly, it’s often a sign to move on. However, when I find myself increasingly puzzled, with new questions emerging, that’s when I get truly invested. When I’m bewildered and eager to dig deeper by consulting various sources — that’s when I know I’m ready to dive in.”
On assembling the right team: “I’ve collaborated consistently with a dedicated team, and these creative relationships evolve over time. Having people who engage in the interrogation of the subject matter alongside you enhances the enjoyment. The podcasting format and narrative audio documentary style are still relatively new, adding to the excitement.”
On appreciating the process: “There’s a freshness to it; you’re genuinely discovering as you progress. Your collaborators are also navigating through it, which, despite building on prior knowledge, keeps everything engaging. Embracing that exploration, rather than feeling overwhelmed, is essential for tackling a limited series.”
These excerpts have been edited for enhanced clarity and brevity.
All episodes of Hysterical are currently available on Apple Podcasts. Subscribe to Wondery+ for an ad-free experience.
Recently, Apple Podcasts introduced fresh ways for listeners to explore narrative series, including a new Top Series chart, a dedicated Series category, and Series Essentials, recognizing one standout series each month.
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Company: Apple
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