Podcaster Dan Taberski's Investigation Into An Outbreak Of A Mysterious Illness

This episode of Fresh Air features an interview with Dan Taberski, a writer, producer, and podcaster known for his audio documentaries such as "Missing Richard Simmons," "Running from Cops," and "Hysterical." The conversation begins with Taberski's latest project, "Hysterical," a series about a mysterious outbreak of tics and spasms among high school girls in Leroy, New York, and delves into the nature of psychogenic illnesses and the skepticism often faced by those affected. The discussion then shifts to "Missing Richard Simmons," exploring the moral questions surrounding celebrities' obligations to the public and Simmons' sudden disappearance from public life. Finally, the conversation touches on Taberski's podcast "9-12," which commemorates the 20th anniversary of the September 11th attacks by sharing personal stories and reflections on how the event changed society. Taberski also discusses his background, including his time at The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and his interest in quilt making as a creative outlet.