

Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities
iHeartPodcasts and Grim & Mild
From the creator of the hit podcast Lore comes a new, bite-sized storytelling experience. Each twice-weekly episode features two short tales that take listeners on a guided tour of the unbelievable, the unsettling, and the bizarre.
Order the official Cabinet of Curiosities book by clicking here, and get ready to enjoy some curious reading!
Order the official Cabinet of Curiosities book by clicking here, and get ready to enjoy some curious reading!
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 22, 2025 • 10min
Spoonful of Sugar
Two curious geniuses, with stories that have to be heard to be believed. Order the official Cabinet of Curiosities book by clicking here today, and get ready to enjoy some curious reading!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 20, 2025 • 9min
Blow It Up
Today's tour through the Cabinet has us looking up. Order the official Cabinet of Curiosities book by clicking here today, and get ready to enjoy some curious reading!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 15, 2025 • 10min
Danger, Will Robinson
The best thing to do in a dangerous situation is to stay cool. Together, today's tales will give you all that and more. Order the official Cabinet of Curiosities book by clicking here today, and get ready to enjoy some curious reading!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 13, 2025 • 11min
Ten Cent Trouble
On today's trip through the Cabinet, we'll meet a rowdy crowd and a solo visionary. Order the official Cabinet of Curiosities book by clicking here today, and get ready to enjoy some curious reading!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 8, 2025 • 9min
Serpentine
Dive into the legendary Gloucester sea serpent sightings of 1817, where multiple witnesses added spice to the tale. Explore the unique challenges women face during menopause, intertwined with haunting stories that blur reality. Uncover the fascinating history of Liechtenstein and its unexpected prosperity during war, including a whimsical call for a mountain getaway. Each topic leaves you with curious reflections and captivating narratives.

May 6, 2025 • 10min
Smoking Gun
Explore the intriguing evolution of theater, including the formidable challenges faced during the 1597 plague closure in London. Delve into Richard Burbage's fierce battle for The Globe Theatre, showcasing his resilience and Shakespeare's emerging brilliance. Shift gears to the dramatic realm of courtroom trials, where an astonishing 1871 case reveals the power of demonstrative evidence. Witness the ironic twist of justice when a lawyer's accidental gunshot during a defense presentation leads to unexpected acquittal, highlighting the unpredictability of legal strategies.

May 1, 2025 • 10min
They Might Be Giants
Discover the gripping tale of Florence Balcombe as she battles to protect Bram Stoker's legacy against unauthorized adaptations, spotlighting the horror classic 'Nosferatu.' Then, delve into the bizarre obsession of King Frederick William I, who meticulously chose soldiers for his elite regiment based on height. His unusual methods, including kidnapping, unveil a darker side of history intertwined with eugenics. These captivating stories reveal how standing out can both inspire and influence society in extraordinary ways.

Apr 29, 2025 • 10min
Eyes Wide Open
Fire and ice are on the menu today. Enjoy your tour through the Cabinet! Order the official Cabinet of Curiosities book by clicking here today, and get ready to enjoy some curious reading!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 24, 2025 • 10min
Devil in the Details
Dive into the intriguing origins of the term 'devil's advocate' and a surreal legal case where a prisoner sues the devil. Discover the inspiring journey of a filmmaker who transitioned from a family business to Hollywood, including the bold decision to adapt the iconic James Bond series. Learn about Sean Connery's pivotal casting in Bond films and uncover unexpected ties between the producer's heritage and a unique vegetable breed. Engage with moments where fiction blurs with reality!

Apr 22, 2025 • 10min
Screaming Mad
Madness weaves through history and art in unexpected ways. Discover Hernán Cortés's cunning tactics that led to the Aztec Empire's fall, paired with a tale of art vandalism. Then, delve into the haunting world of Edvard Munch's The Scream, as we explore the artist's mental health and a mysterious inscription that alters perceptions of his struggles and relationship with critics. Each story reveals how madness can manifest not just in minds, but also in the fabric of culture.


