The Atlas Obscura Podcast

As the year wraps up, the team shares their travel lessons learned in 2025. Kelly emphasizes the importance of traveling with loved ones, while Jerome shares the joy of aimless coastal drives. Amanda recounts a spontaneous detour that led to delightful discoveries. Johanna reflects on the pleasures of revisiting favorite destinations, and Manolo talks about the need for personal space during trips. The hosts encourage listeners to share their own travel resolutions for the new year, inviting personal stories and inspirations.

Clark Ward, a PhD student and researcher, dives deep into the Ashfall Fossil Beds in Nebraska, a site teeming with ancient fossils like camels and three-toed horses. He shares the fascinating story of how a catastrophic volcanic event preserved these animals, much like Pompeii. The podcast reveals why so many creatures flocked to a seasonal water hole, and discusses the remarkable details of their social structures, revealed through their well-preserved skeletons. Discover the eerie circumstances that led to their demise and how visitors today can explore this active research site.

After a massive bur oak tree fell, a couple transformed its trunk into a stunning giant pencil. With the help of a local artist, they meticulously crafted it to resemble a classic No.2 pencil. The unique sculpture sparked interest in the community, leading to an annual sharpening ceremony that attracts thousands. This story of creativity and community showcases how a once-fallen tree became a symbol of togetherness and curiosity in Minnesota.

Nicholas Lindholm, a wild blueberry farmer and co-owner of Blue Hill Berry Company, shares his passion for Maine's unique blueberries and the traditional practice of hand-burning fields. He discusses how this technique rejuvenates the crop, fosters community bonding, and maintains the ecosystem. Nicholas also highlights the challenges faced by blueberry growers today and contrasts the safety and environmental benefits of hand-burning over mechanized methods. Join him as he reflects on the rich cultural significance behind this annual ritual.

Richard Parsons, author of *Wood Island Lighthouse: Stories from the Edge of the Sea*, and George Bruns, head of the Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse, delve into intriguing tales of Maine's lighthouses. They share the eerie legend of a 200-year-old curse, the famous collie Sailor who rang the fog bell, and a grisly murder linked to the island. Listeners will be captivated by stories of ghosts, heroic rescues, and the passionate volunteers preserving this historical treasure.

Chef Jason Williams, renowned for his hyper-local farm-to-table approach, shares his culinary journey from Portland to Cape Elizabeth, Maine. He recounts how discovering Jordan's Farm inspired him to create a unique dining experience. Jason's innovative five-course menu reflects seasonal ingredients selected fresh each morning. He also discusses the growth of Maine's food scene and the pride that comes with building a chef-owned restaurant. Dive into the flavors of Maine's rugged beauty through his eyes!

Hanako Nakazato, a Japanese-born ceramicist, splits her time between Maine and Japan, drawing inspiration from both worlds. She shares her journey from resisting her family's pottery legacy to embracing it, especially influenced by Maine’s stunning landscapes. Hanako discusses how Maine's colors have shifted her palette, connecting the meditative process of pottery with intuition. She celebrates imperfection, drawing parallels between Zen aesthetics and the rugged beauty of her surroundings, while encouraging versatile use of her creations through her studio name, Mono.

Becky Sigwright, a seasoned windjammer captain, navigates the storied waters of Maine aboard the 1871 schooner Louis R. French. She shares her journey from a young sailor to captain, delving into the vessel's fascinating history and transformation for passenger use. Listeners learn about choosing sailing routes based on weather and the interactive experience guests enjoy, from raising sails to learning sea songs. Becky reflects on the charm of sailing, the ship's enduring spirit, and the cozy ambiance provided by the wood stove, showcasing Maine's breathtaking coast from a unique perspective.

Listeners are invited to share their unique travel resolutions for the upcoming year. Topics range from ambitions to explore new continents and learn new languages to adopting a more spontaneous travel style. Some aim to delve deeper into their local areas instead of international destinations. The host encourages creative submissions through voice messages or emails, setting the stage for diverse travel stories. The excitement builds as the hope for a listener-driven adventure takes shape!

Steve Orfield, an acoustics consultant and founder of Orfield Laboratories, takes us inside the world’s quietest room, the anechoic chamber. He delves into psychological acoustics, revealing how sound shapes our emotions. Listeners learn about the surreal experience of extreme silence, where internal noises become amplified. Orfield also discusses the significance of designing spaces for tranquility and his vision of turning Orfield Labs into a nonprofit. The conversation blends science, design, and the mysterious nature of silence.