The Atlas Obscura Podcast

A tiny town in West Virginia takes “living lift to the fullest” to a different level, with its embrace of extreme adventure activities. Like, for instance, a day where people sign up to jump off a bridge.  This Small Town, Big Story episode is produced in partnership with Go USA TV. Learn more about Bridge Day here.

We chat with writer Daniel Kraus, who let his imagination run deep into the ocean after hearing a wild news story about an encounter between kayakers and a whale. And we get the backstory to Kraus’ new novel Whalefall, about a man who finds himself in the belly of a sperm whale.

Explore the journey of spacecrafts from launch to disposal, including their resilience and the concept of a spacecraft cemetery. Learn about the thousands of objects orbiting Earth and the increasing concern of space junk. Discover the controlled reentry of spacecraft into the Pacific Ocean, known as the space cemetery, and its challenges. Question whether shipwrecks truly die when they become habitats for sea life.

Explore the restoration of a mural in a church in Norway known as the Demon Wall, adorned with intricate drawings of demonic creatures. The controversial restoration, destruction of the original artwork, and younger conservators' efforts to restore it are discussed. The contribution of Pear, Gerhard's son, and the historical context of World War II are also explored. Discover the history and cultural significance of the demon wall in South Florida, Norway, now attracting visitors from around the world.

This episode may have you reconsidering what you think about rats. That’s because at this training and research center in Tanzania, African Giant Pouched Rats are being raised up to sniff out landmines and disease, proving to be the heroes we all need. READ MORE IN THE ATLAS: https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/the-best-secret-weapon-against-landmines-and-tuberculosis-is-a-rat

A series of churches in Texas that look unassuming from the outside in fact have some of the most intricately painted interiors. And for one of our listeners, these churches mean home – religiously and culturally.

A tiny island off the coast of Brazil is known for being a dangerous place … purely because its inhabitants are, well, snakes. But we speak to a researcher who’s seen it up close and says it’s time for this place to shed its reputation. READ MORE IN THE ATLAS: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/snake-island-ilha-de-queimada-grande

Does this sprawling mansion in San Jose, California live up to its reputation as one of the most haunted places in the world?READ MORE IN THE ATLAS: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/winchester-mystery-house

The oldest operating pet cemetery in the world is just north of NYC, and it’s where dearly departed four-legged friends come to rest – and sometimes, even their owners. Grab your tissues. READ MORE IN THE ATLAS: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/hartsdale-pet-cemetery

We visit a museum in Georgetown, SC that’s dedicated to preserving and prioritizing the rich and historic Gullah Geechee culture.READ MORE: http://www.gullahmuseumsc.com/