The Atlas Obscura Podcast

The Elephant Clock, a replica of an ancient invention, sits in Ibn Battuta Mall in Dubai, surrounded by stores like The Gap and H&M. READ MORE IN THE ATLAS: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/elephant-clock

A listener’s voicemail sent us searching for the story of a very special -- and giant -- oak tree in Peoria, Illinois, and the family of arborists who cared for it.

For decades, rumors and conspiracy theories swirled after nine people disappeared in the Ural mountains of the Soviet Union in 1959. But just a few years ago, the case was solved – even though many don’t accept the explanation. Journalist and author Doug Preston guides us through the second half of the story. MORE: The mountain where the people disappeared has since been renamed Dyatlov Pass and is today a popular hiking destination. If you’re into this case and want to learn more – check out Doug’s new book The Lost Tomb, which will be released Dec 5.

Journalist and author Doug Preston guides us through the first half of a cliffhanger story about the mysterious disappearance of a group of hikers in the Soviet Union... and the myriad conspiracy theories that sprouted up afterward.

Producer Manolo Morales, a devoted Little Monster, gallivants around the Lower East Side via an immersive performance-art walking tour dedicated to an iconic pop star.

Places editors Jonathan and Michelle are back again with a few new standout entries to the Atlas … including a spot in Antarctica that’s home to the oldest Martian meteorite and a column in Greece that symbolizes the fear and ritual past generations embraced when faced with their own plague.

Explore the Lightning Field art installation in New Mexico, a bucket-list destination for art nerds. Learn about the process of visiting and staying at the Lightning Field. Discover the emergence of land art as a unique form of artistic expression. Dive into the life and work of artist Walter De Maria, a key figure in the land art movement. Reflect on the absence of lightning at the Lightning Field and how it adds to the meditative experience.

Discover a micro-store in rural Vermont filled with delicious baked goods. Natalia's passion for baking led her to start a successful bakery. Natalia's journey from a small bread cart to a fully automated bread box. Learn about Natalia's love for experimenting with different cultural goods and her dreams of expanding her business, Tiny Bread Box.

A sinkhole in Arizona baffles divers with its strange underwater world. Discover the underwater objects and Native American dwellings at Montezuma Well. Divers encounter flat leeches and mesmerizing sand bubbles. A failed attempt to replicate a mysterious experience and the significance of Montezuma Well to local tribes.

Learn about Bet Van Buren, a bad-ass woman who championed queer folx and provided a safe haven throughout World War II via her quirky bar in Amsterdam's red light district. Discover her intriguing life, including her role as the oldest girl in a large family. Follow Bet's inspiring journey as she defied societal norms and aided the resistance during the Nazi occupation. Explore the rich history of Cafe D'Mancia, a famous LGBTQ+ bar in Amsterdam, including dress code enforcement, secret signals, closure, and plans for the future.