The Atlas Obscura Podcast

Historian and author Edda L. Fields-Black tells us the fascinating and action-packed story of one of the most daring spy operations and raids of the entire Civil War – led by Harriet Tubman.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We catch up with Amir Siraj – friend of the show, scientist and world wanderer – who visited a new observatory in a Chilean desert that could help his search for rogue planets Check out other episodes we’ve done Amir here and here. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Earlier this spring we shared the story of the city of Melbourne’s program to track trees, which morphed into a love fest. In this episode, we hear from YOU and your love letters to trees that play a special role in your life. MORE: Want to be in an upcoming Atlas Obscura episode? We’re collecting listener stories right now about traveling with your parents. Tell us about a place you went with your parents that was special to you. Maybe it was the annual trip to Niagara Falls or a national park. Or maybe it was just a one time thing but had an outsized impact. Call and tell us at 315-992-7902 or email 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.

Explore the tragic events of the Ludlow Massacre in early 1900s Colorado, revealing the harsh realities faced by coal miners, the violent clash between striking workers and mine operators, and the heartbreaking loss of over 25 lives, including women and children. Reflect on the aftermath of the massacre, highlighting the miners' struggles for justice and the enduring impact of commemorating the tragedy with a memorial sculpture.

Exploring the quirky tale of a 2006 shipwreck that left a town marked by thousands of Doritos bags. Delving into the history of treacherous shipwrecks on the Outer Banks, with a focus on community resilience and salvaging goods. Witness how a community turned a cargo of Doritos into a museum exhibit, adding a unique twist to a beach litter aftermath.

Author and columnist at Atlas Obscura, Colin Dickey, discusses the bizarre events in Hopkinsville, Kentucky in 1955 where a family faced off against small, glowing-eyed creatures believed to be aliens. He explores the legacy of the Hopkinsville goblins incident, Steven Spielberg's adaptation of the story into 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind,' and the cultural evolution of extraterrestrial beings intertwined with American culture.

Jason de Caires Taylor discusses his underwater sculpture gardens, blending art with marine conservation. Explore how his sculptures serve as havens for marine life and raise awareness about ocean conservation efforts.

Listeners share unique hometown traditions, like hypnotizing chickens in Texas and a rubber duck race in England. Explore the evolution of pet parades into Earth Day celebrations and the revival of canceled events post-pandemic.

Discover the truth behind Bonnie and Clyde's notorious romance, their deteriorating physical conditions as fugitives, and the contrast between their glamorous image and harsh reality in this exploration of the Bonnie and Clyde Ambush Museum.

The podcast delves into the lasting impact of family trips to places like Niagara Falls, exploring the significance of traveling with parents. Listeners are invited to share their own meaningful travel stories with their parents.