For this episode, we'll explore the mother-of-all conspiracy theories, the Illuminati, an alleged secret society and their evil world domination plan known as the New World Order. Chelsey takes a stroll down memory lane with friend Austin Smith, to a time when they believed in the Illuminati and found what seemed like proof. We’ll explore the history of the theory itself, why some people are more prone to believing than others, and how at the heart of the theory lies a dark ideology that has affected our culture into the present.

Check out _A Culture of Conspiracy_ by Michael Barkun for further reading

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

From Skylark
 American Hysteria is written and produced by Chelsey Weber-Smith
 Assistant produced by Derrick Smith
Produced and edited by Clear Commo Studios

Show art by Roache ([xroache.com](xroache.com))

Voice acting by Will Rogers
Thanks to my guest, Austin Smith, check out his new book of poems [here](https://press.princeton.edu/titles/13241.html)

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