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Behind the Walls of the World’s Psychiatric Hospitals

Behind the Walls of the World’s Psychiatric Hospitals

By: Dr. Sarah Gallup
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About this listen

 This podcast examines the history of now-defunct or abandoned psychiatric hospitals. Listen every week to learn about the history of mental health care and the true stories of the people who lived and worked behind the walls.© 2025 Behind the Walls of the World’s Psychiatric Hospitals Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health True Crime World
Episodes
  • Ep. 92: History of the Fernald State School, Part 1 (1845-1852)

    Ep. 92: History of the Fernald State School, Part 1 (1845-1852)
    Jul 14 2025

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    This week we look at the early beginnings of what would become the Fernald State School in Massachusetts. At its outset, it was known as the Experimental School for Teaching and Training Idiotic Children. Find out how developmental disorders were classified back in the mid-19th century and what the school hoped to teach their students.

    Trigger warning for outdated and ableist language, strong overtones of discrimination and dehumanization, and abuse toward children.

    My main sources for this episode include the annual reports from the Fernald State School archives and the Wikipedia page on the Walter E. Fernald Developmental Center.

    Follow the show on Instagram: @behindthewallspod

    Support the show on Beacons: https://beacons.ai/behindthewallspodcast

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    37 mins
  • Ep. 91: History of Spinalonga Leper Colony

    Ep. 91: History of Spinalonga Leper Colony
    Jun 30 2025

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    This week we reminisce about Sarah's recent trip to Crete and her visit to the Spinalonga Leper Colony. Learn about the three different "eras" the island experienced as a Venetian stronghold, Ottoman outpost, and leper colony. Discover more about leprosy, also known as Hansen's Disease, and the stigma surrounding it that persisted for centuries.

    Sources used in this episode include the Spinalonga website and Wikipedia articles on Spinalonga and leprosy.

    Follow the show on Instagram: @behindthewallspod

    Support the show on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/behindthewallspodcast

    Support the show on Beacons: https://beacons.ai/behindthewallspodcast

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    27 mins
  • Ep. 90: Legends and Lore of Camarillo State Hospital

    Ep. 90: Legends and Lore of Camarillo State Hospital
    May 26 2025

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    This week we look at some of the paranormal activity and stories that have come from Camarillo State Hospital. Find out about the woman in white, the creepy goings-on in the former children's building, and the Scary Dairy. If YOU have a scary story from Camarillo State Hospital, please let me know!

    Follow the show on Instagram: @behindthewallspod

    Support the show on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/behindthewallspodcast

    Support the show on Beacons: https://beacons.ai/behindthewallspodcast

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    16 mins
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