

Lore
Aaron Mahnke
The award-winning podcast (also a TV show & book series) about dark historical tales. Each episode explores the mysterious creatures, tragic events, and unusual places that fill the pages of history. Because sometimes the truth is more frightening than fiction.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 1, 2025 • 35min
Legends 61: Drowning Deep
Dive into the enchanting yet chilling realm of mermaids where beauty hides terrifying truths. Discover the complex tale of King Henry VIII and Anne of Cleves, highlighting the absurdity of their infamous marriage. Uncover the haunting story of a woman cursed with eternal youth, forced to make a heart-wrenching choice. Explore the Slavic legend of Ruzalka and the cultural significance of women's hair, alongside a tragic love story that leaves a ghostly mark on a village.

Aug 28, 2025 • 2min
Deeper Lore: 287 (25, 140, & 156)
Dive into the chilling world of witch trials, where the intricate roles of children and folklore intertwine. Discover how historical narratives shape our understanding of witchcraft. The discussion highlights spooky themes while recommending earlier tales from various cultures, adding depth to the eerie topic. With each connection, listeners unravel the dark and fascinating stories from the past.

25 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 34min
Lore 287: It Takes a Village
Venture into dark tales of history that reveal the chilling realities behind witch trials and the breakdown of communities, spotlighting tragic figures like Janet Device and Jacob Kohler. Dive into the unsettling legacy of milk advertising, where seemingly innocent campaigns collide with horror themes. Explore the witchcraft trials in Norway and the eerie stories spun by girls claiming supernatural influences, potentially fueled by hallucinogenic fungi. Finally, uncover how folkloric creepy child figures reflect deep societal fears surrounding childhood and mortality.

11 snips
Aug 18, 2025 • 30min
Legends 60: Operatic
Discover the mysteries behind the Kensington Runestone, a symbol of Viking exploration and Duluth's rich trading history. Unravel haunting tales from the iconic Glensheen Mansion and the eerie legend of the William A. Irvin ship. Explore the fading allure of ghost stories tied to Duluth's opera house, while recognizing Lake Superior's perilous nature and its tragic past. Finally, delve into the chilling disappearance of the Bannockburn, a ship lost in a storm, and the haunting legacy it left behind.

Aug 14, 2025 • 2min
Deeper Lore: 286 (86, 113, & 186)
Dive into chilling tales of quarantine and disease that blend historic horrors with contemporary fears. The conversation connects unsettling folklore with real-world themes, revealing how past stories shape our understanding of the present. Recommendations from earlier discussions enhance the exploration, providing a rich tapestry of eerie narratives. Uncover the spine-tingling links between history, myth, and the human experience in times of crisis. This discussion promises to leave you pondering the dark shadows of our collective past.

Aug 11, 2025 • 37min
Episode 286: Lazarus
This episode dives into the historical evolution of quarantine, tracing back to the plague in Dubrovnik and its societal implications. It highlights the grim realities of leprosy treatment in America, revealing the harsh stigma faced by those affected. An intriguing discussion on the fears of 'moon germs' during the 1969 moon landing showcases the complexities of human curiosity and caution. The narrative blends history with the chilling truths of disease management, making for a captivating exploration of humanity's ongoing battle with illness.

Aug 4, 2025 • 32min
Legends 59: Apparition
Folklore is often a regional thing, shifting and reshaping itself to fit the landscape and the people who live there. And nowhere is that more frighteningly true than one particular stretch of the American landscape. Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, with writing by Alex Robinson and research by Cassandra de Alba. ————————— Lore Resources: Episode Music: lorepodcast.com/music Episode Sources: lorepodcast.com/sources All the shows from Grim & Mild: www.grimandmild.com ————————— Sponsors: Squarespace: Head to Squarespace.com/lore to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using the code LORE. SimpliSafe: Secure your home with 24/7 professional monitoring. Sign up today at SimpliSafe.com/Lore to get 50% off a new system with a professional monitoring plan and get your first month free. ————————— To report a concern regarding a radio-style, non-Aaron ad in this episode, reach out to ads @ lorepodcast.com with the name of the company or organization so we can look into it. ————————— To advertise on this podcast please email: ad-sales@libsyn.com. Or go to: https://advertising.libsyn.com/lore ————————— https://www.lorepodcast.com/episodes/legends59

Jul 31, 2025 • 2min
Deeper Lore: 285 (16, 27, & 31)
Go deeper into the subject matter of our most recent episode (285: Oh My) with these three recommendations from further back in the Lore catalog: Episode 16: LorePodcast.com/episodes/16 Episode 27: LorePodcast.com/episodes/27 Episode 31: LorePodcast.com/episodes/31 ———————— Lore Resources: Episode Music: lorepodcast.com/music Episode Sources: lorepodcast.com/sources All the shows from Grim & Mild: www.grimandmild.com ©2025 Aaron Mahnke. All rights reserved.

Jul 28, 2025 • 38min
Lore 285: Oh My
We often think that the most frightening creatures of all are the ones that only exist within the pages of folklore. But what happens when the dangers lurks a lot closer to home? Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, with writing by GennaRose Nethercott, research by Jamie Vargas, and music by Chad Lawson. ————————— Lore Resources: Episode Music: lorepodcast.com/music Episode Sources: lorepodcast.com/sources Official Lore Merchandise: lorepodcast.com/shop All the shows from Grim & Mild: www.grimandmild.com ————————— Sponsors: Cook Unity: Try the freshest, best-tasting meal delivery made by your favorite celebrity chefs. Go to CookUnity.com/LOREFREE or enter code LOREFREE before checkout, for Free Premium Meals for Life. Quince: Premium European clothing and accessories for 50% to 80% less than similar brands. Visit Quince.com/LORE for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. ————————— To report a concern regarding a radio-style, non-Aaron ad in this episode, reach out to ads @ lorepodcast.com with the name of the company or organization so we can look into it. ————————— To advertise on this podcast please email: ad-sales@libsyn.com. Or go to: https://advertising.libsyn.com/lore ————————— ©2025 Aaron Mahnke. All rights reserved.

Jul 21, 2025 • 32min
Legends 58: Take a Bow
We usually go looking for the most frightening legends in the shadows. Sometimes, though, they can be found where the lights are brightest. Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, with writing by Alex Robinson and research by Cassandra de Alba. ————————— Lore Resources: Episode Music: lorepodcast.com/music Episode Sources: lorepodcast.com/sources All the shows from Grim & Mild: www.grimandmild.com ————————— Sponsors: Mint Mobile: For a limited time, wireless plans from Mint Mobile are $15 a month when you purchase a 3-month plan with UNLIMITED talk, text and data at MintMobile.com/lore. Chime: Chime is banking done right. Open an account in 2 minutes at chime.com/lore. Squarespace: Head to Squarespace.com/lore to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using the code LORE. SimpliSafe: Secure your home with 24/7 professional monitoring. Sign up today at SimpliSafe.com/Lore to get 50% off a new system with a professional monitoring plan and get your first month free. ————————— To report a concern regarding a radio-style, non-Aaron ad in this episode, reach out to ads @ lorepodcast.com with the name of the company or organization so we can look into it. ————————— To advertise on this podcast please email: ad-sales@libsyn.com. Or go to: https://advertising.libsyn.com/lore ————————— ©2025 Aaron Mahnke. All rights reserved.