John Oliver and his show Last Week Tonight’s latest foray into the unknown was right in our wheelhouse – UFOs. John tackled this enigmatic world with his trademark wit. This week we dive deep into Oliver’s exploration—from Jimmy Carter's extraterrestrial encounters to the controversial paintings of UFOs in Renaissance art. We'll analyze how Oliver balances humor with hard questions about what's really out there, critiquing his take on government cover-ups, media missteps, and public paranoia. Did he miss crucial evidence? Or did he nail the absurdity of the UFO phenomena by realizing it is not so absurd? Join us for a detailed breakdown of the facts, the laughs, and everything in-between, as we separate the science from the silliness in John Oliver's cosmic comedy.

Plus, we talk upcoming episodes AND start our Lose Your Own Adventure! All that and more this week on Hysteria 51!

Special thanks to this week’s sources:

Videos

UFOs: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRdhoYqCAQg

Websites

HBO Show Site - https://www.hbo.com/last-week-tonight-with-john-oliver

Last Week Wiki - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Last_Week_Tonight_with_John_Oliver

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Rip off your tin foil hats and throw your best pot on your head as you grab a seat by the campfire because this week the Hysteria 51 crew digs into the dusty books of American folklore to uncover the truth behind some of the nation's tallest tales! We’re throwing Johnny Appleseed’s "hat" in the ring with John Henry’s hammer, racing Babe the Blue Ox, and decoding Geronimo’s battle tactics. Are these legends larger-than-life heroes or just myths wrapped in America’s star-spangled banner? Tune in as we crack jokes, bust myths, and maybe even stir up a spirit or two. It's a historical hullabaloo you won’t want to miss this week on Hysteria 51!

Special thanks to this week’s sources:

HowStuffWorks Article - https://people.howstuffworks.com/9-legends-of-american-folklore.htm

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Be the Best Dressed at your Cult Meeting!

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This week on H51 we finally dive into the eerie world of creepypasta, those internet-born tales that spook and thrill in equal measure... or just suck. It all depends on the subreddit! From the chilling depths of Slender Man to the unsettling accounts of Jeff the Killer, these stories have seeped from the shadows of the web into the fabric of modern digital folklore. Join us as we explore the origins of creepypasta, how these macabre tales are crafted, and their impact on culture and media. We’ll dissect famous stories, debunk myths, and perhaps even share a new tale or two with the help of returning guest and Sad Times Podcast host, Kevin Crispin. Lock your doors, check your internet connection, (and that is to just keep you safe from Conspiracy Bot) and get ready to be haunted by the stories that lurk online.

Special thanks to this week’s sources:

Medium Article - https://medium.com/bud-blog/the-history-of-creepypasta-da033083f793

List of Creepypastas - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_creepypastas?fbclid=IwAR1o23yEOxdQr0eZ0VYF5EE9gquX83T6l_QdXba64vBGWhqoXRELwOHVnG0

Get Your SCP-173 Plush! - https://www.amazon.com/FIMIGID-Plush-Toys-Sculpture-Gift/dp/B0BGGGRJQL?th=1&fbclid=IwAR0iEPfJWE1SJTAijdPq2PXGWObHpJZLEy67lQEdGvI4qqSo2dk22sKUSyE

Check out the Blurry Photos Companion Episode: Digital Folklore with Dr. Lynne McNeill - http://www.blurryphotos.org/ep-249-digital-folklore-with-dr-lynne-mcneill/?fbclid=IwAR1jwNt0MH_JkZnDY9B4mqSojT_t49Y3vegXTbDlbMqBGwhI5Cozh1luThs

Email us your favorite WEIRD news stories:

weird@hysteria51.com

Support the Show

Get exclusive content & perks as well as an ad and sponsor free experience at https://www.patreon.com/Hysteria51 from just $1

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Be the Best Dressed at your Cult Meeting!

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