Michelle Cassidy
Places editor for Atlas Obscura who reports on unusual local traditions and contributes the story about Gallaudet University's rat funeral.
Top 3 podcasts with Michelle Cassidy
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Oct 13, 2025 • 13min
Rites of Passage (Classic)
Michelle Cassidy, the Places editor for Atlas Obscura, shares captivating insights about unique university traditions. She reveals the intriguing history of Gallaudet University's rat funeral, a whimsical rite of passage for first-year students. Transitioning to Cornell University, listeners discover the charm of its apple vending machine—a quirky tradition that connects students to local orchards and supports the Society of Horticulture. Both stories highlight the rich tapestry of college life and its delightful oddities.
Apr 24, 2024 • 16min
Tree Week: Oh, the places you will go... to see these notable trees
Join Michelle Cassidy and Diana Hubbell from the Atlas Obscura Places Team as they share stories about celebrity trees in Washington DC and Berlin. Discover the resilience of Stumpy, a beloved cherry tree, and explore a hidden memorial in a park filled with monuments. From genetic clones to anonymous tributes, these trees leave a lasting impact on all who visit them.
Oct 31, 2023 • 16min
Spooky Sites with the Places Team (Classic)
Jonathan Carey and Michelle Cassidy of the Atlas Places Team share spooky legends of the Mothman from Point Pleasant, West Virginia, and a haunted forest in Transylvania. They discuss encounters with the Mothman at an old TNT facility and nearby cemetery, as well as the history, cultural significance, and theories surrounding Mothman. They also explore the eerie Hoya Buchu forest in Transylvania known for paranormal events and encounters with restless spirits.
