

The Atlas Obscura Podcast
SiriusXM and Atlas Obscura
An audio guide to the world’s strange, incredible, and wondrous places. Co-founder Dylan Thuras and a neighborhood of Atlas Obscura reporters explore a new wonder every day, Monday through Thursday. In under 15 minutes, they’ll take you to an incredible place, and along the way, you’ll meet some fascinating people and hear their stories. Our theme and end credit music is composed by Sam Tyndall.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 16, 2024 • 2min
We want your stories of places you're grateful for!
As Thanksgiving approaches, the discussion revolves around meaningful places and their impact on personal growth. Listeners are invited to share heartfelt stories about locations that shaped their identities, whether it's a childhood home or a favorite park bench. The conversation is rich with nostalgia and gratitude, highlighting how such spaces foster community and reflection. Plus, there are instructions for sharing your own stories, reminding us all of the power of place in our lives.

Nov 15, 2024 • 14min
The Wren’s Nest (Classic)
Discover the enchanting Wren’s Nest, a historic Victorian house that once belonged to journalist Joel Chandler Harris and now thrives as a storytelling hub. Dive into Harris's rise from rural Georgia to literary fame and explore the origins of beloved tales like Uncle Remus and Br'er Rabbit. Hear about the house's unique charm and the avian residents that inspired its name. The narrative also sheds light on the evolution of storytelling, highlighting diverse voices and civil rights narratives that bring new life to this cherished tradition.

Nov 14, 2024 • 21min
Nate DiMeo’s Personal Memory Palace
Nate DiMeo, the brilliant mind behind The Memory Palace, shares intimate glimpses into his personal memory palace. He recounts tales from his grandfather’s nightclub, illustrating deep family ties and cherished artifacts. A visit to the Metropolitan Museum’s hidden storage unveils untold narratives of American history, while his exploration of Harvard's glass flowers sparks reflections on storytelling and the passage of time. Throughout, Nate emphasizes the beauty of memory, personal journeys, and the art of crafting stories.

Nov 13, 2024 • 15min
Malaria Bat Roosts
Discover a fascinating tale of Dr. Charles Campbell, a 'bat evangelist' who envisioned bats as allies in the fight against malaria. Explore the quirky urban bat roosting initiative he championed to tackle disease-carrying mosquitoes. The podcast delves into inventive designs for attracting bats, including a young boy using music to lure them in. Despite skepticism and challenges, this story reveals the complexity of public health solutions and the enduring spirit of innovation, even in the face of tragedy.

Nov 12, 2024 • 14min
The Sul Ross Desk
Victoria Contreras, the archivist at Sul Ross State University, reveals the enchanting tale of a desk and its legacy. In the 1980s, track athletes initiated a paper trail atop a mountain, which blossomed into a community tradition. The hilltop desk became a cherished spot for runners to share personal notes, fostering connections through the years. From tales of midnight relocations to heartwarming reflections, the notebooks at the desk capture a tapestry of emotions, blending nostalgia with the essence of communal experience.

Nov 11, 2024 • 14min
San Juan Sounds (Classic)
Explore the lively world of a San Juan recording studio, where musicians and a possible ghost bring Puerto Rican music to life. Discover the rich history of broadcasting on the island, starting with the first Latin American radio station. Delve into the evolution of Puerto Rican music, from traditional roots to modern sounds like reggaeton. Learn how San Juan Sound nurtures contemporary artists and keeps the vibrant culture alive, showcasing the deep connection between music and community.

Nov 8, 2024 • 10min
Weed Week: The International Church of Cannabis
Steve Berke, the founder of the International Church of Cannabis in Denver, shares intriguing insights into this unconventional spiritual space. He discusses the birth of Elevationism, a religion that celebrates personal growth through cannabis. Berke describes how cannabis is woven into the church's vibrant services, fostering creativity and community. Listeners will learn about the challenges and triumphs of integrating cannabis into spirituality as the church works to reshape societal perceptions while providing a welcoming environment for all.

Nov 7, 2024 • 21min
Weed Week: San Francisco Cannabis Buyers’ Club
John Entwistle, a key figure in the San Francisco Cannabis Buyers’ Club, shares the inspiring story of one of the nation’s pioneering marijuana dispensaries. He discusses how the club supported AIDS patients through a unique blend of community and activism. The conversation highlights the surprising link between gay rights and cannabis advocacy, and the club's evolution from an underground operation to a legitimate hub. Entwistle also reflects on their creative yet risky strategies that pushed boundaries and helped shape public perception of medical marijuana.

Nov 6, 2024 • 13min
Weed Week: Jirzankal Cemetery
In the Pamir Mountains, an ancient cemetery reveals fascinating insights into early cannabis use. Discover how Iron Age rituals incorporated music, dance, and the psychoactive effects of high-THC cannabis. Unearth the connections between ancient funeral practices and joy, reflecting on historical descriptions from Herodotus. Explore the potency of cannabis as it sheds light on cultural interactions long before the Silk Road. The site offers a unique lens into humanity's relationship with cannabis across diverse ancient civilizations.

Nov 5, 2024 • 16min
Weed Week: Dope Lake
In this engaging discussion, legendary climber John Long shares his firsthand experience of the infamous Dope Lake incident in 1976, where a plane loaded with weed crashed in Yosemite. He recounts the chaos that unfolded as climbers capitalized on the unexpected bounty, turning their spring break into a wild adventure. The conversation dives into the mix of thrill and recklessness that characterized the recovery efforts, ultimately highlighting the event’s lasting impact on climbing lore.