The Atlas Obscura Podcast

In this intriguing discussion, Pedro Cardoso, curator and arachnids expert at the Finnish Museum of Natural History, delves into a 50-year infestation of Chilean recluse spiders. He shares how this peculiar situation began in the 1960s and the limited attempts at extermination. Surprisingly, staff feel a bond with these eight-legged creatures, treating them like pets. Pedro also reveals his enthusiasm for unique spiders, from peacock spiders to the fascinating concept of spider dreams. This episode combines science, humor, and a touch of the bizarre!

Colin Dickey, a cultural historian and author known for exploring ghosts and the paranormal, delves into the dark history of the LaLaurie Mansion in New Orleans. He recounts the horror discovered during a fire in 1834, revealing the tragic fate of enslaved people. Colin discusses why New Orleans holds a haunted reputation, its local ghost stories, and the cruel legacy of Delphine LaLaurie. He also explores the mansion's later uses, current ghost-tour status, and hints at the souls that still linger there, forever entwined with its haunting past.

Katie Stevenson, the Executive Director of the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, shares her insights on Frederick Law Olmsted's revolutionary vision for Buffalo’s parks. Instead of a single park, Olmsted proposed a network of interconnected green spaces, which transformed urban design. They discuss how these parks catered to diverse community needs and how Buffalo's model inspired similar projects across the country. Katie also sheds light on ongoing efforts to preserve this historic system amidst modern challenges.

From long flights to strenuous trips, listeners share stories about traveling with their kids for the first time. Plus, we want to hear stories about the fictional places you wish were real. Tell us why this place lives in your imagination. What resonates with you about this place? And how did you discover it? Give us a call at 315-992-7902 and leave us a message telling us your name and story. Or record a voice memo and email it to us at hello@atlasobscura.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A city in Uzbekistan used to be the site of one of the world’s largest seas. Now it’s a dusty reminder of one of the largest and most forgotten environmental disasters.READ MORE: Visit the Stihia website here to learn more about the music festival that happens in Moynaq, including where it may be this year. And this news article is a good primer on some of the current conflicts and issues in the region. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We go to the former estate of the Davies sisters, two unusually wealthy Welsh women who traveled the world, fell in love with art, served their country, and then dedicated their home to culture and community.READ MORE IN THE ATLAS: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/gregynog-hall Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There’s a special tree in Portland that’s full of a city’s hopes, dreams, and wishes.READ MORE IN THE ATLAS: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/portland-wishing-tree Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Colin Dickey, a writer and cultural historian known for his exploration of the paranormal, dives into the haunting history of the West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville. He explains how prison architecture evokes melancholy and shares the eerie Zona Heaster Shoe ghost story, linking it to the convict’s fate. With tales of inmate murals and the ancient Adena burial mound nearby, Dickey illuminates the town's spooky atmosphere. His insights reveal how cultural narratives shape our perceptions of ghosts and the legacies they leave behind.

Over the course of 50 years, a father and son team made exquisite glass botanical models that would transform our understanding of the natural world. Learn more about the Ware Collection of Blaschka Glass Models of Plants: https://www.hmnh.harvard.edu/glass-flowers   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Maybe you associate Las Vegas with slot machines more than with pinball machines. But what you might not know is that pinball, today found in every family friendly arcade in America, was once considered a form of gambling – and was the center of a culture war in the US. We go to the Las Vegas Pinball Hall of Fame to play through the history of the game.This episode was brought to you in partnership with the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Check out the Pinball Hall of Fame online: https://pinballmuseum.org/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.