533 - An Exercise in Frustration
- May 21, 2026
- 1:24:15
- Full Episode
On today’s episode, Karen covers mental health rights pioneer Elizabeth Packard and Georgia tells the story of the Aconcagua Mountain Mystery.
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Brief Summary
The episode examines the mysterious deaths of climbers Janet Johnson and John Cooper on Aconcagua in 1972, revealing conflicting survivor accounts and unresolved questions.
Key points
- Dr. Death the Cowboy. A charming neurosurgeon deceives patients while leaving a trail of devastation.
- Murdoch Murders Update. The convictions in the Murdoch murders have been overturned due to jury interference.
- Elizabeth's Radicalization. After being committed to an asylum, Elizabeth's experiences lead her to write a diary and vow to change the world.
- Theophilus's Betrayal. Elizabeth's husband, Theophilus, commits her to an asylum, believing her to be 'slightly insane.'
- The Asylum's Horrors. Elizabeth documents the abuse and neglect in the asylum, revealing a dark reality for women.
- Elizabeth Packard's Trial. After years of confinement, Elizabeth Packard goes to trial to prove her sanity.
Episode highlights
- Dr. Death the CowboyA charming neurosurgeon deceives patients while leaving a trail of devastation.“He promised to heal them. Instead, he left a trail of broken bodies.”0:48May 21, 2026
- Murdoch Murders UpdateThe convictions in the Murdoch murders have been overturned due to jury interference.“The South Carolina Supreme Court seems to agree with this saying...”11:20May 21, 2026
- Elizabeth's RadicalizationAfter being committed to an asylum, Elizabeth's experiences lead her to write a diary and vow to change the world.“She will change the world.”20:25May 21, 2026
- Theophilus's BetrayalElizabeth's husband, Theophilus, commits her to an asylum, believing her to be 'slightly insane.'“Never had I seen his face more radiant with joy.”32:41May 21, 2026
- The Asylum's HorrorsElizabeth documents the abuse and neglect in the asylum, revealing a dark reality for women.“It's mayhem in there.”37:09May 21, 2026
- Elizabeth Packard's TrialAfter years of confinement, Elizabeth Packard goes to trial to prove her sanity.“And after five days of testimony, the jury deems Elizabeth Packard to be sane.”42:32May 21, 2026
- Legacy of AdvocacyElizabeth's advocacy work leads to significant legal changes for women's rights.“She's said to have inspired the passage of over 30 different laws in various states.”44:02May 21, 2026
- The Team's DisintegrationAs altitude sickness takes its toll, the climbing team begins to fall apart, leading to tragedy.“Several in the group come down with acute altitude sickness right off the bat.”1:11:15May 21, 2026
