The Atlas Obscura Podcast

Discover the fascinating story of Stamen Grigorov, the Bulgarian scientist who unveiled the secrets of yogurt in 1905. Explore his unique museum, dedicated to his groundbreaking discovery of Lactobacillus bulgaricus. Hear about the intriguing connection between yogurt and longevity theories proposed by Ilya Mechnikov. Journey through the Balkans and learn how the museum showcases local crafts and the cultural significance of yogurt. Delve into the quirks of health claims surrounding yogurt and Grigorov's lasting impact on microbiology.

Teresa de Miguel, a multimedia journalist with experience covering environmental issues, dives into the fascinating world of chinampas—Mexico City's floating gardens. She reveals the rich history of these agricultural marvels dating back to the Aztecs and discusses the various threats they face today, including urbanization and pollution. Highlighting the inspiring story of Cassandra Garduño, who is passionately restoring an abandoned chinampa, Teresa shares insights about overcoming gender barriers in farming and innovative collaboration with local universities to sustain this vital ecosystem.

Karina Bonsi, a Brazilian biologist specializing in snakes, shares her firsthand experiences on Ilha de Queimada Grande, also known as Snake Island. She dispels myths surrounding its dangerous reputation, emphasizing that the island's isolation helped produce the endemic golden lancehead viper. Karina explains how migratory birds are a primary food source and discusses the evolution of the viper's potent venom. Her conservation efforts include educating locals to change negative perceptions of snakes, highlighting the importance of protecting these unique reptiles.

Chris Nordstrande, former general manager of Hotel Sponder in Volendam, shares his intriguing journey into the mysterious letters from Mr. Kaor in Japan. Discover how his curiosity led him to investigate stacks of identical airmail letters filled with whimsical messages. Chris explores theories about their meaning, even traveling to Japan to meet Mr. Kaor. Through polite hospitality and a lack of clear answers, the mystery becomes a reflection on the simple human urge to connect, leaving listeners pondering the beauty of ordinary gestures.

Nathalia Holt, an author and historian, dives into the thrilling 1920s expedition of Theodore Roosevelt's sons, Ted and Kermit, in search of the elusive giant panda. She explores how early encounters shaped Western understanding of pandas and paints a vivid picture of the adventurous route they took through China and Tibet. Holt shares the brothers' emotional journey, from their excitement at discovering a panda to the regret that followed. Their quest not only documented new species but also highlighted shifts in conservation attitudes, making for an engaging tale of adventure and introspection.

Journalist Katie Thornton, known for her insightful New Yorker reporting, dives into the eerie world of sea lampreys—blood-sucking invaders of the Great Lakes. She shares their grotesque features and ancient origins. Learn how human actions allowed these 'vampire fish' to thrive and wreak havoc on local fisheries and economies. Discover the innovative chemical solutions developed to combat them and the struggle to maintain funding amidst recent federal cuts, which threaten the future of control efforts.

Artist and architect Danny Shaddick, known for his innovative designs, joins rapper Shad in a deep dive into their captivating musical robot project. They explore their long-standing friendship and collaboration in Toronto, discussing the inspiration behind their unique Drum Tower. The duo shares insights on how they integrated found objects and field recordings, including sounds from the city's transit system, into their music. Shad reflects on hip-hop's influence, revealing how sampling everyday sounds transformed their creative process. Discover the story behind their original composition!

Takuya Kawai, founder of Tokyo's Manuscript Writing Cafe, shares insights from his unique space designed to combat procrastination. The cafe offers a silent atmosphere, task cards, and check-ins to keep writers focused. Takuya explains how the pressure of mild supervision and free snacks encourages productivity. Inspired by his own experiences during COVID, he aimed to create a community where distractions are minimized, allowing creativity to thrive—all while implementing strict penalties for those who don't meet their goals.

In this engaging discussion, Jerry Cimino, owner and curator of the Beat Museum in San Francisco, shares his journey from fan to curator. He delves into the revolutionary impact of Allen Ginsberg's Howl, revealing how its obscenity trial sparked a cultural movement. Jerry highlights the Beat ethos of compassion, inclusivity, and authenticity during a time of conformity, while discussing the significance of North Beach. He also reflects on the museum's unique collection and why Beat values continue to resonate today.

Eliot Stein, a journalist and author, dives into the fascinating world of the djeli tradition, ancient West African storytellers. He shares his journey tracing this heritage back to the Mali Empire and introduces us to Bala Kuyate, a modern djeli balancing life as a convenience store worker and a cultural custodian. Eliot explores the rich roles of jeli in their communities, the evolution of their music, and the challenges of preserving tradition in today's world. This engaging conversation reveals the vibrant connection between history and contemporary artistry.