The Atlas Obscura Podcast

Diana Hubbell and Roxanne Hoorn from the Places team take us to two locations on opposite sides of the world that both evoke deep reverence – and an appreciation for an architectural style not usually associated with beauty.

Producer Manolo Morales – a verified Little Monster, gallivants around the Lower East Side, via an immersive, performance-art walking tour dedicated to an iconic pop star. 

James Beard award winning photographer and writer Gary He tells us about traveling to more than 50 countries across six continents, all to document and photograph one of the most popular fast food chains in the world: McDonald’s. His book McAtlas: A Global Guide to the Golden Arches is out now.

In the 1880s, Madrid’s most famous resident was a medium-sized black and white dog called Paco who frequented cafes, parades, and even bullfights. Check out some of our favorite episodes about charismatic dogs: Hachiko, two beloved taxidermied dogs, and Brown Dog Statue. 

In the 1960s, a sinking London Bridge was put up for sale, attracting an array of bizarre bidders. Surprisingly, a chainsaw magnate in Arizona won the bid, leading to a quirky tale of ambition. The podcast discusses his plans to turn Lake Havasu into a tourist haven and the challenges of transporting the bridge pieces. Intriguingly, a mysterious voodoo doll was uncovered during its reconstruction, adding a strange twist to this remarkable story. The bridge's legacy continues to shape the community's identity and tourism.

From a once in a lifetime natural event, to two very different Olympic experiences, to a special concert, we hear listener stories of trekking someplace for the joy of being there up close and in real life.Plus, we want to hear your stories of the first time you moved. Why did you make that move? What motivated you to leave your town? How did you choose your new home? What do you miss, and what are you glad to have left behind? Give us a call at 315-992-7902 and leave us a message telling us your story. Or better yet, record a voice memo and email it to us at hello@atlasobscura.com.

Discover the inspiring journey of Chef Hamissi Mamba, a Burundian refugee who transforms his passion for cooking into a community-centered restaurant in Detroit. The vibrant space of Baobab Fare celebrates East African cuisine, blending rich cultural elements with local flavors. Explore the significance of the baobab tree as a symbol of resilience and community. Hear how Hamissi and Nadia Mamba navigate their past while creating opportunities for mothers and children, enriching both their heritage and the culinary landscape.

A couple years ago, Josh Foer, the co-founder of Atlas Obscura, took us to a remote patch of land in the Arizona desert, where he built (and later rebuilt) a museum in honor of the company’s former CEO, David Plotz. And just a few weeks ago, this patch of land appeared on a reality TV show. In a strange collision, Dylan talks with one of the stars of TLC’s Sister Wives about her own experience at the Plotz Plot.  Learn more about Wow in the World family tours. 

Dylan and producers Amanda and Johanna take your questions. Have a question for Dylan? Give us a call at 315-992-7902 and leave a message. You can also record a voice memo and email it to us at Hello@AtlasObscura.com, or simply send your question via email. 

The pools at Cuatro Ciénegas Basin are a portal into the ancient past – and they may soon disappear.