Behind the Walls of the World’s Psychiatric Hospitals

Ep. 102: McLean Psychiatric Hospital, Part 2 (1896-1906)

Send us Fan MailThis week's episode focuses on the history of McLean Psychiatric Hospital around the turn of the 20th century. In particular, we examine the life of one patient, Stanley McCormick, and his journey to McLean, the time he spent there, and his life afterward.My sources for this episode include the book Gracefully Insane by Alex Beam and annual reports from McLean Hospital.Support the show on Beacons: https://beacons.ai/behindthewallspodcastSupport the show on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/behindthewallspodcastFollow the show on Instagram: @behindthewallspodSupport the show

Ep. 101: McLean Psychiatric Hospital, Part 1 (1818-1896)

Send us Fan MailThis week's episode looks at the early years of McLean Psychiatric Hospital, originally called the Charlestown Asylum and Somerville Asylum. Find out what caused a delay in the funding and building of the asylum, as well as who was part of the original board of trustees. Learn about the man whose namesake has become synonymous with the history of the hospital. And discover how McLean Hospital became known as a treatment facility for the wealthy.My main sources include the book Gracefully Insane by Alex Beam and a presentation by archivist Terry Bragg. All other sources will be listed at the end of the episode transcript.Follow the show on Instagram: @behindthewallspodSupport the show on Beacons: https://beacons.ai/behindthewallspodcastSupport the show on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/behindthewallspodcastSupport the show

Ep. 100: History of Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, Part 3 (1940-2026)

Send us Fan MailIT'S MY 100th EPISODE!!! This week we wrap up the history of the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum and find out which treatment was used over a two-week period in an attempt to discharge patients quickly from the hospital. Discover how nine patients from the criminally insane ward escaped. And learn about how the asylum came back to life after it closed its doors in 1994.My main source is The Haunted History of the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum by Sherri Brake. All other sources will be listed at the end of the episode transcript.Follow the show on Instagram: @behindthewallspodSupport the show on Beacons: https://beacons.ai/behindthewallspodcastSupport the show on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/behindthewallspodcastSupport the show

Ep. 99: History of Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum (1893-1940)

Send us Fan MailThis week we look at the expansion of the asylum around the turn of the 20th century. Find out what types of treatment were used, learn what unusual (and sad) reasons got people committed to the asylum, and discover who was setting a series of dangerous fires. Learn more about influenza and tuberculosis treatment at the hospital, as well.The main source for this episode is the book The Haunted History of the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum by Sherri Brake.Support the show on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/behindthewallspodcastSupport the show on Beacons: https://beacons.ai/behindthewallspodcastFollow the show on Instagram: @behindthewallspodSupport the show

Ep. 98: History of the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, Part 1 (1858-1893)

Send us Fan MailThis week we start a series on Sarah's "holy grail" asylum! Learn about why it took 23 years for the asylum to be built and who was involved in the labor. Find out how the hospital took on an additional role in the history of the American Civil War. And discover why there was such a high turnover of superintendents in the early days of asylum life.Follow the show on Instagram at @behindthewallspodSupport the show on Beacons: https://beacons.ai/behindthewallspodcastSupport the show on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/behindthewallspodcastSupport the show