

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

Oct 28, 2024 • 30min
Legends 39: Have Love Will Travel
Discover the eerie tales of spectral travelers who leave their haunted locations behind. Explore the treacherous El Camino del Diablo and the spine-chilling legend of the Stocksbridge Bypass. Uncover the tragic foggy collision of 1928 and its lasting ghostly impact. Delve into historical narratives of restless spirits seeking closure, featuring iconic figures like the headless conductor. This journey reveals the unpredictable nature of hauntings and how urban legends shape our fears.

Oct 24, 2024 • 2min
Deeper Lore: 265 (82, 131, & Legends 11)
Dive into the unsettling world of imaginary friends and their chilling folklore. Discover eerie connections to ghostly themes that spark a sense of being watched. The conversation invites reflections on unsettling childhood memories and the blurry line between friendship and fear. A fascinating exploration awaits, filled with intriguing stories and spine-tingling insights!

Oct 21, 2024 • 31min
Lore 265: Friend or Faux
Nostalgia takes a chilling turn as a man's connection with his childhood microwave, Megatron, turns dark thanks to AI. Imaginary friends, like George's Fado the Monkey, impact children's social skills and creativity but carry a hint of danger. The mysterious concept of tulpas evolves from Tibetan roots into a compelling internet craze, exploring belief and reality. Folklore's evolution is illustrated through the life of Howard, who transformed his fears into inspiration, ultimately becoming HP Lovecraft.

Oct 14, 2024 • 31min
Legends 38: Fife & Drum
Discover the haunting tales that emerge from America’s Revolutionary War. Explore New Jersey's impact through key battles and echoing legacies left by soldiers and their families. Hear tragic stories of James and Hannah Caldwell, their parsonage haunted by loss. Delve into the unfortunate fates of Penelope and John in Sandy Hook, blurring the lines between myth and truth. Experience the brutal winter of 1779 endured by George Washington's troops at Jockey Hollow, where ghostly encounters and spectral soldiers still roam.

Oct 10, 2024 • 3min
Deeper Lore: 264 (149, 209, & 89)
Step into the eerie realm of haunted vehicles and transportation folklore. Discover chilling tales surrounding ghostly rides and the legends that accompany them. Explore fascinating stories about trains, witch transportation, and Chicago's spooky legends. Each story uncovers a witching world that intertwines the supernatural with our everyday journeys.

5 snips
Oct 7, 2024 • 34min
Episode 264: Engine Trouble
This episode uncovers the chilling intersection of speed and legend, linking ancient myths like Phaeton's rebellion to modern teenage angst. Haunting tales revolve around cursed vehicles, including Lady Howard's carriage and Bonnie and Clyde's infamous car. The tragic story of James Dean and his doomed Porsche unveils the eerie folklore shadowing the automotive world. Additionally, it explores overcoming fears and investing in the future, highlighted by the haunting legacy of a WWII bomber's desperate survivors.

Sep 30, 2024 • 34min
Legends 37: An Apple a Day
Explore the intriguing blend of folklore and fruit, from the devil's curse on blackberries to the symbolism of apples and coconuts. Discover the dark yet enchanting tales of fairies intertwined with real hardships faced by families, especially Nancy Black and her tragic journey. Unravel the mysteries of the Peach Girls, whose quest for a fresh start in Oregon ended in heartbreak. This narrative mashup reveals how legends shape our understanding of history and culture.

Sep 26, 2024 • 3min
Deeper Lore: 263 (61, 78, & 215)
Uncover the captivating world of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the genius behind Sherlock Holmes, and his fascination with spiritualism. Discover how his dual life as an author and spiritualist intersected in unexpected ways. The discussion highlights intriguing moments from the past, offering fresh insights into spiritualism’s impact on Doyle’s work. Dive deep into a blend of history, mystery, and the supernatural as connections between the author’s life and interests come to light.

Sep 23, 2024 • 35min
Lore 263: Elementary
Dive into the chilling fears of Navy soldiers during WWII and the unique role Julia McWilliams played in their survival. Explore the surprising contributions of famous entertainers to the war effort and the spiritual journey of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Unravel the complex friendship between Houdini and Conan Doyle, driven by clashing beliefs in spiritualism. Discover the eccentric rituals of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and a dramatic magical duel within its ranks. It's a fascinating blend of history, folklore, and the supernatural.

Sep 16, 2024 • 30min
Legends 36: Strike it Rich
Discover the gripping tales of the California gold rush and the sacrifices of pioneers navigating treacherous mountains. Delve into eerie stories from ghost towns like Bisbee and Prescott, where wealth and suffering intertwine. Uncover spooky encounters at the Jerome Grand Hotel, featuring a ghostly cat offering comfort. Follow the perilous journey of Cy Gribble, ambushed by bandits on his quest for gold, and explore the brutal realities of justice in the Wild West as thieves chase a stolen riches, leading to tragic consequences.