The Atlas Obscura Podcast

Photographer Paul Koudonaris explores ossuaries, jeweled skeletons, and death practices worldwide. He takes us through the Yemrehanna Kristos Church in Ethiopia, an abandoned mine in Death Valley, and obscure death sites. Paul blurs the boundary between the living and the dead through his captivating photography.

Atlas contributors share their spooky experiences, including exploring a scary bomb shelter, visiting a haunted house and Sleepy Hollow, a terrifying encounter on Halloween night, and a haunted basement encounter in the Jennings Mansion.

Jonathan Carey and Michelle Cassidy of the Atlas Places Team share spooky legends of the Mothman from Point Pleasant, West Virginia, and a haunted forest in Transylvania. They discuss encounters with the Mothman at an old TNT facility and nearby cemetery, as well as the history, cultural significance, and theories surrounding Mothman. They also explore the eerie Hoya Buchu forest in Transylvania known for paranormal events and encounters with restless spirits.

Discover the history and complexities of duels on Bloody Island, including a tragic tale of two men with bad eyesight killing each other. Explore the rules and codes of duels, a heated confrontation between lawyers Thomas Hart Benton and Charles Lucas, and the tragic story of forgiveness on Bloody Island.

Explore the abandoned Chacaltaya Ski Resort in Bolivia, its significance and the impact of melting glaciers on skiing and local communities. Meet the dedicated caretakers who maintain the resort despite the lack of snow, and discover their love for the mountains and desire for peace.

Noah Charney, professor and author specializing in art theft, discusses the cultural fascination with this crime. The podcast explores the motivations and misconceptions behind art theft, the story of an infamous art thief, and the enduring allure of art crime. Charney also shares details about an online course on art crime and offers a discount code for enrollment.

Explore the Great Plains Dinosaur Museum in Montana, featuring authentic dinosaur skeletons and a mummified dinosaur named Leonardo. Learn about the geological history and the museum's exciting fossil digging trips. Discover the significance of this museum and its role in attracting scientists from around the world.

Journalist Susan Casey explores the relationship between humans and the deep deep ocean, discussing the lack of understanding and exploration in this mysterious realm. She shares her experience of diving into the Twilight Zone, encountering bioluminescent fish and discussing the circular migration of deep-sea creatures. The potential risks of extracting resources from the deep ocean are also highlighted.

Explore Indiana's deep connection with basketball, from its origins to the establishment of the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame. Learn about the influential Hoosiers celebrated in the museum and the impact of basketball on the state and its communities.

Host Dylan Thuras explores the world's longest-running science experiments, including the pitch experiment, seed viability experiment, and the Grant Study on healthy aging. These experiments highlight the slow nature of scientific discovery and the importance of social relationships. A fascinating discussion on the challenges faced by scientists in proving theories.