Three Ear Worthy Podcasts: Hysterical; Good Game; Get It To Dutch

 Here are three new podcasts worth a listen. One that has a creator /host who has a history of podcast excellence, another focuses on the burgeoning popularity of women's sports, and the third has a witty and quirky premise about the dreams of success.

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First, Hysterical investigates a mysterious illness that spreads among a group of high school girls in upstate New York. What is causing their sudden, often violent symptoms? Is there something in the water or inside the school?  Or is it “all in their head?” The series examines the outbreak in LeRoy, NY, believed by some to be the most severe case of mass hysteria since the Salem Witch Trials.

In his search for answers, Dan Taberski (9/12, Missing Richard Simmons, Running from Cops) explores other seemingly inexplicable events of the last few years – CIA officers being crippled with nausea and vertigo; cops OD'ing from exposure to fentanyl –  and discovers they’re far more connected than we realize.

 

For years, Taberski has crafted thoughtful and hugely popular podcasts like 9/12, Missing Richard Simmons, Surviving Y2K and Running From COPS that take a deeper look at cultural happenings and mysteries, and Hysterical is no exception. It has a lot to say about our hyper-connected age – that it’s maybe, quite literally, making us sick.

From Wondery and Pineapple Street Studios, this seven-part series forces us to grapple with the mysteries of our own minds, and reckon with a contagion that we thought was long dead, but may be the defining disorder of our time.

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Good Game is billed as "your one-stop shop for the biggest stories in women’s sports. Every day, host Sarah Spain gives you the stories, stakes, stars and stats to keep up with your favorite women’s teams, leagues and athletes."
Through insight and quick wit, Sarah Spain and friends break down the latest news, talk about women's sports, and debate the issues of the day.

In a recent episode, Spain gave listeners the rundown on four different historic performances at WNBA All-Star in Phoenix, and the women’s basketball legends who got their well-deserved flowers,

In another episode, Sarah Spain talked to U.S. Women’s National Team soccer player Tierna Davidson about new coach Emma Hayes, journaling before games, and the private and public handling of teammate Korbin Albert.

 Host Sarah Spain avoids the mistakes of her male sports podcast colleagues and does not instigate controversies for downloads. 

It's a solid show focusing on women’s sports.

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 Sadly, there are too many creative careers where the chance of success is greater than winning your state lottery. Screenwriting is one of those career choices.

That's why Get It To Dutch is a quirky, wild ride that can bring a laugh, a tear, and a raised eyebrow.

Have you ever dreamed of writing the next Hollywood blockbuster, but don’t know where to start? Listen as three desperate screenwriters (Cook County Social Club) meet each week to read from a new, original screenplay and swap tales from the trenches of Tinseltown. All with the goal of pitching the best script to legendary producer Dutch Huxley! 

 

As one lead after another falls apart, we wonder whether their Hollywood dreams, and their friendship, will survive this journey.  Special guests include Tim Robinson (I Think You Should Leave), Rob Heubel (Childrens Hospital), Lily Sullivan (Comedy Bang! Bang!), Jaime Moyer (Bob’s Burgers), and Weird Al Yankovic.

 Check out the show for the fun and all--too-common "agony of defeat."

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