

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 25, 2025 • 2min
Deeper Lore: Episode 289 (18, 48, & 101)
Explore the eerie mythos of the Wendigo and its significance in folklore. Discover the unsettling narratives behind hunger and survival in the wild. Delve into chilling tales from Skinwalker Ranch that blur the lines of reality. Each recommendation unravels deeper layers of horror and fascination. Join the discussion that connects historical fears to contemporary lore, inviting listeners to reflect on the shadows that haunt us.

Sep 22, 2025 • 36min
Lore 289: Shake It
Explore the fascinating world of sacred dances across cultures, connecting communities with the divine. Discover how authorities have historically suppressed or reshaped dance as a form of cultural resistance. Delve into the chilling tale of Wovoka's Ghost Dance and its tragic ties to the Wounded Knee massacre. An eerie Irish folktale brings to life a haunting dance with the dead, blurring the lines between the living and the spirit world. Each topic unravels the power and enchantment of movement throughout history.

Sep 15, 2025 • 34min
Legends 62: The Little Things
Discover the beauty in the simple moments of life, as the journey takes a spooky turn to the haunted legacies of the Phelps family in Palmyra, New York. Delight in the playful ghost Sybil, who lingers in a museum, while local legends like the notorious Angola Pigman reveal how folklore shapes community identity. Uncover bizarre tales, including a ghost with four legs, and explore the chilling folklore of black dogs, deeply entwined with themes of death and loyalty. History meets the supernatural in this captivating narrative.

Sep 11, 2025 • 3min
Deeper Lore: 288 (50, 111, & 151)
Dive into chilling tales of end-of-the-world folklore that draw connections to past narratives. Explore the recommended episodes, each brimming with eerie stories that enrich the discussion. Uncover how these timeless themes resonate with our understanding of fear and history. Perfect for fans of captivating lore and spine-tingling tales!

Sep 8, 2025 • 38min
Lore 288: Doom & Gloom
Dive into the haunting plaster casts of Pompeii's victims, revealing the tragedy of their last moments. Explore global apocalyptic myths and the cyclical nature of doomsday narratives across cultures. Discover the historical echoes tied to comet sightings and how they influenced doomsday fears. Unearth the challenges of warning future generations about nuclear dangers, blending modern science with ancient folklore. This journey through doom and gloom uncovers our fascination with the end and the lessons history imparts.

6 snips
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.

27 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.