DINOSAURS pt. 2

DINOSAURS pt. 2

From American Hysteria by chelsey weber-smith

March 30, 2026 · 1h 2m

About this episode

This episode explores the history of paleontology and the cultural significance of dinosaurs in America and England.

Prior to becoming stars of the stage, screen, and of wondrous World’s Fairs, dinosaurs had to be uncovered, dug out, studied, and finally, displayed. Prehistoric fossils became a valuable treasure found by laypeople and industrial workmen digging in the earth, and the hunt for the most impressive specimens became a kind of Wild West gold rush for paleontologists and those who funded them. For part two of our series, we are going to look at the quirky, vicious, rambunctious, and surprisingly political history of paleontology in England and the United States, and how, through the work of proto-billionaires, dinosaurs became symbols of American exceptionalism as well as a justification for predatory capitalism. ⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to support our show and get early ad-free episodes and bonus content Or subscribe to American Hysteria on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on instagram ⁠⁠@americanhysteriapodcast⁠⁠ to see the videos that go along with this episode Get some of our new merch at ⁠⁠⁠⁠americanhysteria.com⁠⁠⁠⁠, all profits this month go to The Sameer Project, a Palestinian-led mutual aid group. Leave us a message on our Urban Legends Hotline at…

People in this episode

Host: Chelsey Weber-Smith

Topics covered

  • paleontology
  • dinosaurs
  • American exceptionalism
  • capitalism
  • history
  • society

Keywords

  • dinosaurs
  • paleontology
  • fossils
  • American exceptionalism
  • capitalism
  • history
  • society

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Sameer Project, American Hysteria, Apple Podcasts, americanhysteria.com

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