Mesmerize

Get ready to be truly mesmerized! In this episode of One Word, we plunge into the wild world of mesmerism—the 18th-century craze where people swooned, writhed, and fainted, all in the name of “science.” Meet Franz Anton Mesmer, the man behind the magnetic fluid healing hype, and follow his dramatic rise and fall. We’ll also see how iconic figures like Charles Dickens and Benjamin Franklin played a part in this bizarre movement.

But how does this relate to today? We’re still getting mesmerized by things with no real value—think viral trends and flashy fads. In this fun, enlightening episode, we’ll teach you how to break free from the spell and find true catharsis in things that matter. With a perfect blend of laughs, history, and surprising truths, you’ll walk away entertained and a little wiser!