Typhoid Mary | Cook, Carrier, Captive | 3
American History Tellers
Wondery
4.7 • 18.3K Ratings
🗓️ 2 July 2025
⏱️ 48 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
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.
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Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | Hey, history buffs, if you can't get enough of the captivating stories we uncover on American |
| 0:04.7 | history tellers, you'll love the exclusive experience of Wondry Plus. |
| 0:08.4 | Dive even deeper into the past with ad-free episodes, early access to new seasons, and |
| 0:13.0 | bonus content that brings history to life like never before. |
| 0:16.2 | Join Wondery Plus in the Wondry app or on Apple Podcast and embark on an unparalleled journey through America's most pivotal moments. |
| 0:35.7 | Imagine it's a warm summer day in June 1909. |
| 0:38.3 | You're a reporter for the New York American newspaper, and you've taken the ferry across the East River to reach North Brother Island, |
| 0:46.3 | where the city's health department treats patients with contagious diseases. |
| 0:49.3 | You're here today to visit the island's most mysterious patient, Mary Mallon. |
| 0:57.0 | As you step in to the one-room cottage where Mallon has been isolated, you spot her seated in a wooden chair by the window. |
| 1:04.4 | Tall, with thick blonde hair, you're surprised to find she looks perfectly healthy. |
| 1:09.2 | Good afternoon, Miss Mallon. Thank you for taking the time to speak with me. |
| 1:12.9 | Time? |
| 1:13.8 | Ha, that seems to be all I have these days. |
| 1:16.9 | They've taken everything else from me. |
| 1:19.4 | Your heart races, realizing you may have made a bad start. |
| 1:22.9 | If she ends the interview before it's even begun, your story is doomed. |
| 1:26.8 | I'm sorry. I didn't mean to... I know. I know. |
| 1:30.1 | You're relieved to see her expression soften, and she gestures for you to take a seat. |
| 1:35.7 | Let me explain why I've come. We think our readers will be interested in hearing about your |
| 1:40.3 | plight. In your own words, that is. |
| 1:42.9 | Well, you can see for yourself how I'm being treated, |
... |
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