logo
episode-header-image
Jul 2
41m 2s

Typhoid Mary | Cook, Carrier, Captive | ...

Wondery
About this episode

In 1906, a New York health department investigation into an outbreak of typhoid fever led to the discovery that a cook, Mary Mallon, was an unsuspecting ""healthy carrier"" of the deadly bacteria. This discovery forever altered Mallon’s life, thrusting her into a national spotlight as the infamous ""Typhoid Mary.""

In this episode, Lindsay is joined by Dr. Seema Yasmin, clinical assistant professor of medicine at Stanford University and former Epidemic Intelligence Service officer. Dr. Yasmin discusses how Mary Mallon became a target of public health authorities and a symbol of the clash between individual rights and public safety.

Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter

Listen to American History Tellers on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/american-history-tellers/ now.


See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Up next
Aug 22
FAN FAVORITE: California Gold Rush | The Forty Niners | 2
In early 1849, thousands of gold-hungry Americans began pouring into California from the eastern United States. But most of the so-called 49ers were wildly unprepared for the perilous journey west. Once they reached California, they found unexpected obstacles and fierce competiti ... Show More
37m 46s
Aug 20
FAN FAVORITE: The Insurrection of Aaron Burr | The Severance of the Union | 3
In August 1806, Aaron Burr began the final preparations for his mysterious expedition to the western frontier. As he traveled, rumors that he was plotting a dangerous conspiracy followed in his wake.Newspapers reported that Burr was planning to invade Mexico and start a secession ... Show More
40m 51s
Aug 20
FAN FAVORITE: California Gold Rush | The First Strike | 1
After the discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill in 1848, hundreds of thousands of prospectors poured into California, hoping to strike it rich. In the early days, rather than coming from within the U.S., most miners arrived from places like China, Hawaii, Chile, and Australia. But w ... Show More
37m 17s
Recommended Episodes
May 20
The Woman Who Sold Babies | The Judge's Daughter | 1
In the early 20th century, a young woman named Georgia Tann begins her career in social work and becomes determined to change adoption in America—even if it means destroying lives and tearing families apart.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendat ... Show More
38m 58s
Jun 3
The Woman Who Sold Babies | Sitting on a Goldmine | 3
Georgia Tann turns her illegal adoption ring into a lucrative business, but questions start to be asked about the high number of children dying in Memphis.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wo ... Show More
37m 31s
May 27
The Woman Who Sold Babies | Supply and Demand | 2
Georgia Tann tightens her grip on adoption in the city of Memphis, with the help of a growing network of accomplices.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to American Scan ... Show More
37m 46s
Jun 10
The Woman Who Sold Babies | The Cold Hard Hand | 4
As the 1940s draws to a close, Georgia Tann is still making thousands from her black-market baby ring. But although she’s been untouchable for the last two decades, a shift in Memphis’s political climate signals trouble.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curate ... Show More
37m 13s
Sep 2024
Encore: Theranos | Startup | 1
Elizabeth Holmes has an idea that could revolutionize medicine—and make her very rich. But first, she'll need to find investors and put together a company.Need more American Scandal? With Wondery+, enjoy exclusive seasons, binge new seasons first, and listen completely ad-free. S ... Show More
40m 49s
Jun 17
Georgia Tann Interview | Guest T.J. Raphael "Liberty Lost" Podcast Host | 5
Decades after Georgia Tann’s black market adoption ring was exposed, similar patterns of coercion and control are still unfolding across the U.S. At the Liberty Godparent Home in Lynchburg, Virginia, young pregnant women are isolated, shamed, and pressured into giving up their ba ... Show More
42m 56s
Oct 2024
Encore: Theranos | The Race to Publish | 3
An investigative journalist looks into Theranos, and is shocked by his discoveries. Elizabeth Holmes tries to fend off the potentially devastating story.Need more American Scandal? With Wondery+, enjoy exclusive seasons, binge new seasons first, and listen completely ad-free. Sta ... Show More
40m 59s
Apr 2025
ENCORE: Edward Snowden | Meet the Press | 1
Filmmaker Laura Poitras gets a tip from a mysterious informant. Despite the enormous risks, Poitras pursues the story, and teams up with reporter Glenn Greenwald.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wonder ... Show More
40m 59s
Jun 11
23andMe's Fatal Flaw | Great Expectorations | 1
When Silicon Valley power-player Anne Wojcicki sees gold in genetics, she forms 23andMe. She wants to bring genetic testing to the masses. But behind the hype and celebrity endorsements, can she build a company that’s selling more than just an expensive novelty product? Be the fi ... Show More
36m 42s
Apr 2024
Buried Alive | The Elusive Gary Krist | 5
Atlanta-based journalist Steve Fennessy began researching Gary Steven Krist’s past for an article he was writing for Atlanta Magazine back in 2006. The assignment took him on a deep dive into Krist’s life, from his upbringing through the aftermath of one of the most notorious cri ... Show More
35m 13s