The Atlas Obscura Podcast

A rapidly disappearing glacier holds the key to a forgotten species, a century-old entomological mystery, and… an opera. Read more in the Atlas: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/grasshopper-glacier Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A graveyard in the “Granite Capital of the World” pays tribute to stone cutters and artisans who are buried amongst the sculptures they created. Read more in the Atlas: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/hope-cemetery Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

An abandoned Russian mining village is literally frozen in time. Read more in the Atlas: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/pyramiden Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In the depths of Northeastern India, centuries-old bridges are not built, they are grown. Read more in the Atlas: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/root-bridges-cherrapungee Our theme and end credit music was composed by Sam Tyndall. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For centuries, herdswomen in Northern Sweden have lured cows home with haunting melodies. Read more in the Atlas: https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/what-is-kulning Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The crumbled ruins of the world’s largest flour mill became one of Minneapolis’ most prominent graffiti-writing locations, and later a museum. Read more in the Atlas: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/mill-city-museum-site-great-mill-disaster Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Thomas Morton, a 17th-century English colonist, is the unconventional guest. Known for his revelrous spirit, Morton turned Quincy, Massachusetts, into a surprising party hub in the 1620s, clashing with the austere Pilgrims. The podcast dives into Morton's defiance against Puritan norms, his vibrant May Day festivities, and the destruction of his symbolic maypole by the militia. It also examines his provocative writings, critiquing Puritan hypocrisy while championing indigenous cultures, leaving a lasting legacy in a town that retains echoes of those early celebrations.

Tally Johnson, a folklorist with a passion for South Carolina ghost stories, dives into the haunting legend of the Gray Man. Known for appearing before hurricanes, this ghost connects past events with protective folklore. Tally shares spine-chilling anecdotes tied to storms like Hurricane Hazel, blending history with personal experiences. The conversation also touches on skepticism and the legacy of ghost stories, emphasizing their role in preserving local identity and the complexities of memory. A perfect blend of eerie charm and cultural insight!

Annie Eubank, an Atlas Obscura reporter, shares the delightful tale of Miss Baker, America’s first lady of space. This extraordinary squirrel monkey was an early astronaut who made significant contributions to space exploration. Eubank discusses Miss Baker's charming personality and the historical backdrop of animal space missions, including the whimsical idea of a 'monkey training montage.' Listeners learn of the heartwarming legacy of Miss Baker, including the unique tradition of leaving bananas on her grave as a tribute to her amazing journey.

Discover the story behind the world's largest treehouse, built by a minister after a divine revelation. This remarkable structure symbolizes personal transformation and community impact. Explore its rise to fame and the bittersweet tale of its tragic downfall, which continues to resonate with visitors long after its closure.