The Atlas Obscura Podcast

Discover the enchanting mystery of the Loretto Chapel's spiral staircase, which features a stunning double-helix design and no visible support. Unravel the tale of a mysterious carpenter who appeared from the desert to build this marvel in secrecy. Explore intriguing theories about his identity, from local legends to claimed connections with Frank Rochas. Delve into the engineering feats of the staircase and its lasting impact on visitors, sparking wonder since the 1800s.

Listeners share heartwarming tales of their cherished collections. One mom collects postcards filled with memories for her kids, while a nine-year-old finds joy in old soda bottles. A man restores his father's cameras, creating a vivid connection to the past. Vinyl records spark a bonding experience between a mother and daughter. Plus, a dad treasures crayon packs and childhood memorabilia. The host encourages stories about memorable family trips, creating a call for adventures shared.

Explore London's hidden underground mail rail, designed to ensure speedy postal deliveries in the early 1900s. Discover how this electric railway emerged from the need for fast communication and its impressive operations processing millions of items daily. Learn about its intriguing construction, wartime use, and eventual decline due to changing sorting needs. Finally, see how it was transformed into a unique museum attraction, giving visitors a glimpse of this historical marvel.

Lisa Alpine, a travel writer and dancer, shares her transformative journey to Damanhur, an eco-spiritual commune in northern Italy. She recounts her unexpected initiation experience with visiting psychics, including blindfolded dances and a full moon ceremony in pastel robes. Lisa delves into the secretive construction of the Temple of Humankind, revealing its intricate designs and public recognition as art. Tune in for a fascinating exploration of community, spirituality, and the mysteries that lay beneath our feet.

Explore an enigmatic underground chamber in Upton, Massachusetts, shrouded in age-old mysteries. Discover dating techniques revealing its pre-colonial origins while the hidden Indigenous connections and colonial narratives come to light. Delve into the preservation efforts by area tribes and the cultural significance tied to the land. The ongoing debate around sharing and protecting these historical sites showcases the challenges faced by Indigenous communities. Uncover a rich tapestry of history beneath our feet, where each stone tells a story.

Explore an enchanting underground garden in Fresno, where an intricate maze of rooms bursts with citrus trees. Discover the fascinating journey of Baldassar Forestier, the visionary who transformed rocky soil into this lush oasis. Learn about his innovative underground architecture and the challenges he faced, including land loss after his passing. Today, these gardens thrive, boasting century-old citrus still bearing fruit, a testament to Forestier’s remarkable decades of dedication.

Jessica Leigh Hester, author of the investigative book Sewer, joins the discussion on the murky world beneath our feet. She reveals the shocking truth about fatbergs—massive blobs of waste that block sewer systems. Hester shares tales from the front lines of fatberg removal, detailing the dangerous and messy work involved. The conversation emphasizes the importance of civic responsibility and how our behaviors impact urban infrastructure, all while exploring the often overlooked narratives hidden below ground.

The podcast uncovers the poignant legacy of Priscilla, an enslaved girl linked to the past of Bunce Island, a former slave castle. It delves into the island's historical significance and its connection to rice plantations in South Carolina, showcasing the cultural ties to the Gullah Geechee community. Tomlin Polite shares her emotional journey back to Sierra Leone, where a ceremonial tribute honors Priscilla's spirit. This exploration highlights the resilience and continuous thread between past and present in these rich cultural narratives.

Eleanor Hamby, a longtime traveler, and Dr. Sandra Hazelip, a dedicated geriatrician, share their incredible journey as they explored the world together in their 80s. They discuss their adventurous travel philosophy of 'just say yes' and reflect on unforgettable experiences, from sledding in Lapland to navigating the Drake Passage. With humorous insights on family reactions and lessons learned from their medical missions, they inspire listeners to embrace fearless living and find adventure at any age.

Rachel Burlington, the curator of Portland’s International Rose Test Garden, shares the fascinating history of this floral haven, home to over 10,000 rose bushes. During WWI, Portland aimed to protect European roses, but Rachel discovered that the story behind this mission isn’t quite as it seems. The discussion dives into the city’s rivalry with Tacoma and Seattle for the proud title of 'City of Roses.' Listeners also learn about innovative cultivation techniques that produce unique rose varieties, showcasing the garden's significance in horticultural innovation.