This episode explores the evolution of American's bogeyman, the Stranger, and reveals how rare these types of kidnappings really are. Through looking at the sensational child snatching crimes that have shaped our culture from the 1800s to the 1980s, and how we have responded to them in the media, in books, with PSAs and made-for-TV movies, host Chelsey Weber-Smith explains the problem with Stranger Danger and what this moral panic might be covering up.

American Hysteria is sponsored by Hunt A Killer. For 10% off your first box, head to [huntakiller.com/hysteria](huntakiller.com/hysteria)

From Skylark
American Hysteria is written and produced by Chelsey Weber-Smith
Assistant produced by Derrick Smith
Produced and edited by Rod Rodriguez
Show art by Roache ([xroache.com](xroache.com))
Thanks for Jake Weholt for the interview
Thanks to Corinne Manning for advising

Check out [Kidnapped: Child Abduction in America](https://www.amazon.com/Kidnapped-Abduction-Paula-S-Fass/dp/0195117093) by Paula Fass for further reading

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