

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

Jan 5, 2026 • 27min
Legends 70: Something Lost
Dive into the haunting folklore of the Great Lakes, where legends weave tales of the underwater panther, Mishipeshu, and its cultural significance among tribes. Explore the Shunkawarakin, a fearsome, dog-like guardian of the wilderness, and the eerie Hutchins ranch encounter with a mysterious beast. Delight in the mythos of mammoths still rumored to roam and the legendary Michigan Dogman, which has captivated imaginations since the late 1800s. This exploration reveals why such cryptids and tales hold such sway over our hearts.

Jan 1, 2026 • 3min
Deeper Lore: 296 (25, 41, & 56)
Delve into the powerful tale of witchcraft revisited this week. Explore the intriguing stories of male witches near Chilauea and a mysterious Scottish witch trial. The haunting legacy of the Bell Witch events in Tennessee adds another layer of intrigue. Discover why witch trials continue to captivate audiences with their dark history. Join in for tales that remind us of the strange and spooky side of humanity!

Dec 29, 2025 • 28min
Lore 296: Revisiting "Half-Hanged"
Explore the chilling tale of Simeon Smith, who became a target of witchcraft accusations due to local superstitions. Delve into the case of Mary Webster, an outsider shaped by her bitter reputation and bizarre trials. Learn about the eerie events surrounding Philip Smith's mysterious illness and how fear dictated hasty justice in a snow-covered vigil. Discover Mary's incredible survival post-hanging and the impact of her story on literature. Plus, hear about the haunting legend of Debbie Griffin and her infamous communion cup theft.

Dec 22, 2025 • 29min
Legends 69: The Last Frontier
Dive into the haunting legends of Alaska, where the vast landscape evokes fear and fascination. Explore the Yepik tales of Iktinrat, elusive little people with time-bending abilities. Hear about Charlie's chilling encounter with the Kushtaka, a terrifying otter-man. Discover the eerie stories surrounding the abandoned town of Portlock and the smelly Nantinok that drove its residents away. Finally, ponder the mysteries of Lake Iliamna, rumored to be home to gigantic fish—or perhaps something much more ancient lurking beneath the surface.

Dec 18, 2025 • 3min
Deeper Lore: 295 (54, 74, & 87)
Delve into the rich tapestry of gambling folklore and the surprising roots of superstitions. Discover the eerie world of doppelgangers in the unsettling tale from past episodes. Learn about bizarre weather phenomena and the folklore that's woven into our subconscious. Explore the cultural impact of Betty and Barney Hill's UFO encounter, a story so compelling it inspired both a spinoff podcast and an upcoming film. Get ready for a captivating journey through mysterious narratives!

10 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 35min
Lore 295: Making Your Luck
Explore the intriguing link between ancient games and prophecy, from Senet's ties to the afterlife in Egypt to Madagascar's Fanarona predicting political shifts. Discover Wild Bill Hickok's fabled Dead Man's Hand and the superstitions that haunt poker players. Journey into the world of lotteries and dream books, where numbers guide fortunes. Learn about clever conmen aboard luxury ships and their nail-biting escape during the Titanic disaster. This captivating blend of history and mystique keeps the thrill of risk alive!

Dec 8, 2025 • 31min
Legends 68: Erupt
This collection dives into the eerie connection between legends and natural disasters, particularly volcanoes. Hear chilling tales of the 2019 White Island eruption and humanity's struggle with such forces. Explore ancient rituals that sought to appease these awakening giants and the supernatural beliefs that link eruptions to the afterlife. Discover how myths like the one surrounding Mount St. Helens weave together love and geological fury. Plus, uncover the haunting legend of Katla, a witch forever tied to her fiery namesake.

Dec 4, 2025 • 2min
Deeper Lore: 294 (34, 112, & 117)
Delve into the origins of the archive and discover how older topics connect with newer tales. Explore the chilling theme of mirrors and the legend of Bloody Mary. Uncover the story of Elizabeth Bautry and the unsettling queen stereotype. Learn about La Llorona, the Weeping Woman, and her haunting tales across cultures. Finally, hear about a hidden female ghost that ties to today's society. Prepare for a spooky journey through these captivating narratives!

Dec 1, 2025 • 33min
Lore 294: Upon Reflection
Explore the eerie mystique of mirrors, from their ancient origins in obsidian to their cultural significance. Delve into mirror rituals for love and loss, and uncover how many believe mirrors might trap souls. The podcast spins chilling tales of Bloody Mary, tracing her various origins and cultural iterations around the globe. It also connects mirrors to vampire myths and examines the intriguing overlap with themes of adolescence and beauty anxieties. Join in on this captivating journey through folklore and reflection.

6 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 34min
Legends 67: Northern Exposure
Dive into chilling tales that defy expectations, like the murder of Louis-Étienne Dodier and the haunting legend of La Corriveau. Discover the dark legacy of witchcraft in New France, including the tragic trial of Daniel Vuel, the only witch execution in Canada. Learn about supernatural beliefs fueled by trauma among the Kaska people and the fascinating story of Maggie Pollock, whose clairvoyance led to her arrest under anti-witchcraft laws. This podcast unravels myths, legends, and the cultural contexts that shaped them.


