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
Apr 26, 2024 • 14min
Tree Week: Forty Fruit Tree (Classic)
Explore the creation of the Tree of 40 Fruits in Silicon Valley, a living masterpiece of 40 stone fruit varieties grafted together. Learn about the art of grafting trees, inspired by mythical tales and showcasing diverse fruits. Follow the journey of this unique tree's spring growth and its ties to the valley's agricultural heritage.
4 snips
Apr 25, 2024 • 23min
Tree Week: Killer Trees with Mary Roach
Author and science writer Mary Roach discusses killer trees, danger tree assessors, and the use of explosives to mitigate the risks posed by enormous dying trees. The podcast also delves into the art and danger of tree felling, highlighting the importance of understanding and respecting nature's risks.
Apr 24, 2024 • 16min
Tree Week: Oh, the places you will go... to see these notable trees
Join Michelle Cassidy and Diana Hubbell from the Atlas Obscura Places Team as they share stories about celebrity trees in Washington DC and Berlin. Discover the resilience of Stumpy, a beloved cherry tree, and explore a hidden memorial in a park filled with monuments. From genetic clones to anonymous tributes, these trees leave a lasting impact on all who visit them.
Apr 23, 2024 • 12min
Tree Week: Love Letters
Discover how Melbourne's innovative tree program led to an outpouring of love letters to trees instead of maintenance reports. Listen to heartwarming stories of personal tributes, neighborhood trees, and over 10,000 love letters exchanged between people and trees in Melbourne. Share your own tree love letters and reminisce about memories with nature.
Apr 22, 2024 • 18min
Tree Week: A Tasty Tale about Meyer Lemons
Professional taster Mandy Naglich discusses the fascinating backstory of Meyer lemons, their unique taste compared to clementines and lemons, the history of Meyer lemons named after plant explorer Frank Meyer, and the efforts to control their impact on the citrus industry. The episode also explores tasting techniques and flavor exploration with Naglich.
Apr 19, 2024 • 8min
Musk Ox Farm (Classic)
Explore the history and challenges of domesticating Musk Oxen at a farm in Alaska. Discover the unique wool and personalities of these majestic creatures, and learn about the process of harvesting their valuable kivyot for financial sustenance.
Apr 18, 2024 • 29min
How to make the best show about New York with John Wilson
Creator and host John Wilson discusses his HBO series blending documentary, memoir, and essay styles. They talk about his favorite places, including the Chrysler Building eagles and House on the Rock.
Apr 17, 2024 • 19min
Atalaya
Discover the mysterious history of Adalai Castle in South Carolina and the eccentric couple who built this fortress nearly a hundred years ago. Learn about Anna's transition from artist to philanthropist and their unconventional living arrangements at Atalaya. Explore the wildlife and transformation of this medieval-like castle in the state park system.
Apr 16, 2024 • 13min
Showgirl Magic Museum
Former dancers reminisce about San Francisco's Chinatown cabaret scene at the Showgirl Magic Museum, recalling vibrant nightlife, challenges faced by showgirls, encounters with celebrities, and the enduring passion for dance that led to the formation of the Grand Avenue Follies group.
Apr 15, 2024 • 13min
Reppin our Weird Hometown Traditions
Discover unique local traditions from boiling water toss in Minnesota to Italian-style weddings in New York City. Dive into the heartwarming community spirit of Tractor Day and explore the interconnectedness of communities through historical revivals in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania.
