The Atlas Obscura Podcast

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.

A while ago, we asked you to send us stories about your collections – and we got so many great responses, that we decided to make another episode about it.     Plus, we want to hear stories about the fictional places you wish were real. Tell us why this place lives in your imagination. What resonates with you about this place? And how did you discover it? Give us a call at 315-992-7902 and leave us a message telling us your name and story. Or record a voice memo and email it to us at hello@atlasobscura.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After the World Series, hosts discuss a quirky baseball tradition where every ball is rubbed with secret mud from the Delaware River Basin. This special mud improves grip and has a fascinating backstory linked to a tragic past involving pitchers. They explore the shift from the dead-ball to live-ball era, revealing how fresh balls transformed gameplay. The secret of this mud, harvested by the Bitliff family, is closely guarded, raising questions about standardization in the MLB. The hosts reflect on the charm of this unusual ritual in America's favorite pastime.

Jamie Ruars, the Events Manager at the Freud Museum London, shares insights about Sigmund Freud's legacy and his journey to London in the face of Nazi threats. He reveals how Freud's iconic psychoanalytic couch became a centerpiece of the museum and the emotional impact it has on visitors. Jamie also discusses Anna Freud's role in preserving her father's study and her contributions to child psychoanalysis, including founding the Hampstead Clinic. This rich history showcases the museum's enduring cultural significance and warmth.

In this intriguing discussion, Pedro Cardoso, curator and arachnids expert at the Finnish Museum of Natural History, delves into a 50-year infestation of Chilean recluse spiders. He shares how this peculiar situation began in the 1960s and the limited attempts at extermination. Surprisingly, staff feel a bond with these eight-legged creatures, treating them like pets. Pedro also reveals his enthusiasm for unique spiders, from peacock spiders to the fascinating concept of spider dreams. This episode combines science, humor, and a touch of the bizarre!

Colin Dickey, a cultural historian and author known for exploring ghosts and the paranormal, delves into the dark history of the LaLaurie Mansion in New Orleans. He recounts the horror discovered during a fire in 1834, revealing the tragic fate of enslaved people. Colin discusses why New Orleans holds a haunted reputation, its local ghost stories, and the cruel legacy of Delphine LaLaurie. He also explores the mansion's later uses, current ghost-tour status, and hints at the souls that still linger there, forever entwined with its haunting past.

Katie Stevenson, the Executive Director of the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, shares her insights on Frederick Law Olmsted's revolutionary vision for Buffalo’s parks. Instead of a single park, Olmsted proposed a network of interconnected green spaces, which transformed urban design. They discuss how these parks catered to diverse community needs and how Buffalo's model inspired similar projects across the country. Katie also sheds light on ongoing efforts to preserve this historic system amidst modern challenges.

From long flights to strenuous trips, listeners share stories about traveling with their kids for the first time. Plus, we want to hear stories about the fictional places you wish were real. Tell us why this place lives in your imagination. What resonates with you about this place? And how did you discover it? Give us a call at 315-992-7902 and leave us a message telling us your name and story. Or record a voice memo and email it to us at hello@atlasobscura.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A city in Uzbekistan used to be the site of one of the world’s largest seas. Now it’s a dusty reminder of one of the largest and most forgotten environmental disasters.READ MORE: Visit the Stihia website here to learn more about the music festival that happens in Moynaq, including where it may be this year. And this news article is a good primer on some of the current conflicts and issues in the region. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We go to the former estate of the Davies sisters, two unusually wealthy Welsh women who traveled the world, fell in love with art, served their country, and then dedicated their home to culture and community.READ MORE IN THE ATLAS: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/gregynog-hall Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.