Hyperfixed

This week we're cooking up a couple stories in the lab so while you wait, please check out Panic World, a fantastic podcast hosted by friend of the show Ryan Broderick.-----Why are cats so popular on the internet? It started with cat memes like I Can Haz Cheezburger and Keyboard Cat, then we became enamored with cat celebrities like Lil Bub, Grumpy Cat, and Princess Monstertruck. And now, we’re witnessing the next evolution in cat internet content: “cute cat AI.”Our guest and host of American Hysteria, Chelsey Weber-Smith, calls it a “Kitty Horror Picture Show.” Chelsey joins Ryan and Grant to tell us about the explosion of really weird AI-generated cat videos depicting cat families that’s all over TikTok and YouTube right now — much like Elsagate once did in 2014. Then, Ryan takes us back even further, to cover an older cat-based moral panic: Bonsai Kittens. Together, we look at how though technology has changed, we’ve pretty much always wanted to show each other freaky stuff on the internet — whether real or fake.Our guest Chelsey Weber-Smith hosts American Hysteria, a show that explores the fantastical thinking and irrational fears of Americans. Check it out here or wherever you listen to podcasts. LINKSGarbage Day NewsletterPanic WorldAmerican Hysteria Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Earlier this year, David's mouse suddenly stopped working, which wouldn't be that weird, were it not for the fact that people across the world were reporting the same issue with the same mouse. What happened, and why? The Hyperfixed Team investigates.We are doing a LIVE SHOW in Brooklyn in September, get your tickets herehttp://tickets.hyperfixedpod.com/Please consider becoming a hyperfixed premium member. Your support keeps our show alive.https://www.hyperfixedpod.com/joinLINKS: The Lever (David's investigative news website)Consumer Reports Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Growing up, Alison was a voracious reader. But there was one book series in particular that she devoured. "Samurai Girl" by Carrie Asai. Recently, Alison wanted to learn more about the author whose books she loved nearly 20 years ago. But she couldn't find anything about Carrie Asai. No other writing credits. No bio. So it left Alison wondering, who was Carrie Asai?LINKS: Samurai Girl Bob Levy's Book Sara Shepard Get tickets for the Hyperfixed live show!If you like this episode and would like to hear more like it, as well as join our discord and get discounts on merch, you can support us by going to https://www.hyperfixedpod.com/join.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

An extended (bonus!) interview from our Fauxbituaries episode, now unlocked for you! Investigative journalist, Craig Silverman, helps us track down one of the authors of a fake obituary site. Get tickets for the Hyperfixed live show!If you like this episode and would like to hear more like it, as well as join our discord and get discounts on merch, you can support us by going to https://www.hyperfixedpod.com/join. LINKS: Craig Silverman's website IndicatorThe Hyperfixed episode "Fauxbituaries" Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

This week, another installment of our Hyperfixer series. We chat with an anonymous hacker who took down a white supremacist dating site. LINKS: Martha Root's Social Media Martha Root's Chaos Communication Congress Presentation Martha's Website, OK Stupid Get tickets for the Hyperfixed live show! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The twisted logic behind one company's real estate strategy.https://www.hyperfixedpod.com/joinCheck out Planet MoneyDISCLAIMER: This episode is not sponsored by Wetzel's Pretzels. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

A preview of what you're missing if you aren't subscribed to Hyperfixed Premium! A story about a wonderful mother and daughter and their hunt for the perfect cake. Even if you aren't planning on signing up, please listen. You’ll love it, I promise.To listen to the entire interview: https://www.hyperfixedpod.com/join Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices