

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

Oct 16, 2023 • 11min
Nasothek Noses
Discover the peculiar exhibit in Copenhagen that reveals societal perception of beauty throughout the years. Explore Traverse City and the unique nose exhibition at Carlsberg Glipt Attack Museum. Delve into the restoration process of ancient sculptures and the debate around authenticity. Learn about artist Bertol Torvassen and the movement of de-restoration. Reflect on beauty, perfection, aesthetics, and the hidden work of restoration at the NASA Tech Collection.

Oct 13, 2023 • 17min
The Plotz Plot (Classic)
Josh Foer, co-founder of Atlas Obscura, takes us to a remote patch of land in the Arizona desert and discusses the creation and rebuilding of a museum in honor of their former CEO. The podcast also explores Delta Airlines' sustainability efforts, community involvement in the project, and the significance of visiting and leaving a mark in a desert location.

Oct 12, 2023 • 18min
The Stanley Hotel
Explore the Stanley Hotel, known as the inspiration for Stephen King's 'The Shining'. Learn about the hotel's haunted reputation, its connection to tuberculosis recovery, and the decline of its luxurious amenities. Discover the ghostly inspiration behind the novel, the enchanting delights of the hotel, and the option to stay in the haunted room.

Oct 11, 2023 • 18min
Our Travel Expectations
Discover surprising travel experiences that exceeded expectations, from stumbling upon a hidden noodle place in Vancouver to an unexpected beer-filled celebration in Brussels. Hear about spontaneous adventures in Jordan, including a hike to stunning cliff-side temples. Share your own travel stories with the podcast.

Oct 10, 2023 • 10min
The Tunguska Event
Explore the perplexing Tunguska Event in northern Siberia, where an unexplained explosion flattened 80 million trees. Hear firsthand accounts from witnesses and learn about the challenges faced by scientists in investigating the site. Discover the experiences of villagers during the event, minimal human casualties, and significant harm to animals. Discuss the frequency and dangers of objects from space entering Earth's atmosphere and the need to be prepared for future impacts.

Oct 9, 2023 • 12min
Tolkien Takes Us Places
Explore J.R.R. Tolkien's early life and war influences. Learn about Delta Airlines' sustainability commitment and Traverse City's fall delights. Discover the connection between the Inklings and their famous pub. A tribute to Tolkien's life and legacy.

Oct 6, 2023 • 16min
La Piedra Movediza (Classic)
Explore the history and curse of La Piedra Movediza, a massive rock in Tandil, Argentina that brought tourism fame to the town. Learn about its teetering history and the attempts to restore it. Discover the closure brought by the replica of the famous stone and the challenges parents face when helping their kids with homework.

Oct 5, 2023 • 10min
Grave Bells
Exploring Bonaventure Cemetery in Georgia, the podcast discusses the fear of being buried alive and the safety measures taken to address this concern. It delves into the history and beauty of the cemetery, highlighting notable graves and local legends. The chapter explores the fear of premature burial in American history and examines the unique graves designed to prevent it. The podcast also discusses the Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia, and the speaker's passion for sharing information about notable graves with visitors.

Oct 4, 2023 • 13min
Baobab Fare
The story of Chef Hamissi Mamba, whose family sought asylum in the US and years later founded an East African restaurant that serves up a small slice of Burundi in the Motor City. Find out more here.

Oct 3, 2023 • 11min
Enchanted Woods
We go to Wilmington, Delaware, to a 4-acre garden with characters and exhibits created using castoff materials and greenery that invites kids to drop screens and rules – and instead give in to a state of play.READ MORE IN THE ATLAS: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/enchanted-woods-winterthur-gardens