The Atlas Obscura Podcast

Discover the serene isolation of Saint Helena, where Napoleon Bonaparte spent his final years. Explore his reflective walks in the picturesque gardens of Longwood House, contrasting his glorious past with the quietude of exile. Learn about the significance of his defeat at Waterloo and the decision to banish him to this remote island. Hear from the curator of Longwood House, who shares nearly four decades of experiences, revealing the island's charm while reflecting on Napoleon's search for solace amidst his confinement.

A daring urban explorer ventures deep into the hidden Schieks Cave beneath Minneapolis, uncovering its rich history and secrets. The podcast reveals fascinating mysteries of the city’s underground, including an unusual find of warm groundwater which has implications for geothermal energy. Listeners discover the challenges of urban exploration in this intricate cave system and hear from advocates urging recognition of its historical and scientific significance, contrasting the bustling city above with the wonders lurking below.

In the late 1800s, competitive walking became America's unique sport, drawing passionate crowds to six-day races. A bet during the 1860 election sparked the craze, leading to endurance challenges that kept participants on their feet for days. The rise of pedestrianism captivated the public, but it found itself outshined by baseball and cycling innovations. Today, a few of those long-distance events still exist, showcasing the endurance and spectacle that once ruled the nation's entertainment landscape.

Join an adventurous exploration of Times Square as an intriguing sound known as 'The Hum' takes center stage. This unique auditory experience, often overlooked, blends seamlessly with the vibrant energy of Manhattan. Local insights reveal varying levels of awareness about this hidden gem. The calming echoes are compared to Tibetan singing bowls, inviting listeners to delve into an unusual but captivating soundscape amidst the city's hustle. Practical tips help ensure you catch the symphony at its peak, making for a truly immersive journey.

What to do when you have 20-foot-tall busts of nearly every U.S. President and nowhere to put them?This episode was produced in partnership with Visit Williamsburg. 

Dylan visits a patch of Nevada desert known at times as Paradise Ranch, Dreamland Resort, or as most people know it, Area 51. His goal? To try and find out where The X-Files end, and the truth begins. And he falls deeper down the rabbit hole when he meets a man who is a German immigrant, a programmer, and possibly the premier Area 51 expert in the world: Joerg Arnu.Check out Joerg’s website, DreamlandResort.com.Special thanks to Ryan Broderick and the Panic World team. Panic World is a weekly podcast from Garbage Day about the moral panics, witch hunts, and viral freakouts that bubble up out of the weirdest corners of the internet. Subscribe now!Plus: Check out Dylan’s Panic World conversation about Area 51 and the New Jersey drone panic. 

Liz Blanks, the Curator of UCL Science Collections, shares fascinating insights into Jeremy Bentham's peculiar posthumous display as an auto-icon. Discover how this radical philosopher embraced mortality, donating his body to science and blending eccentricity with enlightenment. The discussion highlights his contributions to medical education in 18th century England and the quirky traditions at UCL surrounding his remains. Dive into Bentham's philosophical legacy and the amusing mishaps that accompanied the preservation of his skeleton and head!

Two small stories about early morning, otherworldly encounters with animals. 7 a.m. in Kelso was written by Emma Jones, and 10:30 a.m. in Choteau, Montana was written by Annika Berry. Both essays were edited by Aube Rey Lescure and originally appeared in Off Assignment.Plus: Order the audiobook of Atlas Obscura: An Explorer's Guide to the World's Hidden Wonders today!

Dylan and producer Johanna take your questions about exploring abandoned ruins, where they want to carve their initials, and whether they should feel guilt for going on multiple trips to the same location. Have a question for Dylan? Give us a call at 315-992-7902 and leave a message. You can also record a voice memo and email it to us at Hello@AtlasObscura.com, or simply send your question via email. 

Join the conversation as listeners share heartfelt and quirky stories about their first time leaving home. From choosing their new destinations to the emotional rollercoaster of arrival, these tales capture the essence of independence. The host reflects on their own experience of moving to Vermont for college, highlighting the significance of these pivotal moments. It's a journey of growth, nostalgia, and the courage it takes to embrace a new chapter in life.