EPISODE · Aug 17, 2026 · 1H 9M
KU KLUX SCAM pt. 2
from American Hysteria · host chelsey weber-smith
At the height of their popularity, the 1920s era Ku Klux Klux counted millions of Americans as part of their secret society, and as we covered in part one, became a kind of pop culture phenomenon using a PR team, family-friendly events, and region-based prejudices while the leaders got rich off an effective proto-pyramid scheme. For part two, we are going to look at how the Klan transformed from a money-making endeavor into a political machine, the messy behind-the-scenes power struggles, the shocking crime that would finally bring them down, and how those scapegoated by the KKK fought back. Then we will compare this iteration of the Klan to the administration we are dealing with today. Become a Patron to support our show and get early ad-free episodes and bonus content Or subscribe to American Hysteria on Apple Podcasts 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 americanhysteria.com Producer and Editor: Miranda Zickler Sound Designer and Associate Producer: Riley Swedelius-Smith Voice Actor: Will Rogers Written, Produced, and Hosted by Chelsey Weber-Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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KU KLUX SCAM pt. 2
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