

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

Sep 21, 2023 • 16min
The Fear Lab
At Denmark’s largest haunted house attraction, it’s not just about the screams. Researchers are studying the effects – good and bad – that fear has on humans READ MORE IN THE ATLAS: https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/the-science-of-horror-fear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sep 20, 2023 • 14min
The Ark of Citrus
Learn about the rise of the Washington Naval Orange, the importance of the Givadon Citrus Variety Collection, and the passionate work of Tracy Kahn in preserving the extensive collection of citrus trees. Explore the origins and diversity of citrus fruits, including unique varieties like the Australian finger lime and Buddha's hand. Discover efforts to combat citrus greening disease and the significance of protecting and preserving the diversity of citrus fruits.

Sep 19, 2023 • 14min
Getting lost in Golden Gate Park
Many of us rely on digital maps and GPS to get anywhere these days. Hear what happens when Producer Amanda McGowan finds herself lost in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park for a sport you may have never heard of – orienteering – which forces participants to navigate checkpoints with old fashioned maps and compasses.MORE: If you think you might want to try orienteering, find a local group here. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sep 18, 2023 • 12min
Italy’s Bomb Squad
We chat with writer Alessio Perrone about what he learned from the people who hunt for Italy’s unexploded bombs, leftover from times of war. READ MORE IN THE ATLAS: https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/italy-unexploded-ordnance Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sep 15, 2023 • 15min
Harvard Bridge Smoots (Classic)
How an MIT fraternity pledge instituted a new, unique unit of measurement. READ MORE IN THE ATLAS: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/harvard-bridge-smoot-measurements Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sep 14, 2023 • 11min
The Atomic Clock
Exploring the significance of an official clock in Boulder, its role in determining accurate time, and NIST's role. Importance of precise time measurement and challenges discussed. Standard definition of a second using cesium atoms. Significance of atomic clocks in technology and research.

Sep 13, 2023 • 12min
Onöhsagwë:de’ Cultural Center
We go to the Allegany territory of the Onödowá'ga people to learn about "The Creator's Game” – which evolved into the sport now known as lacrosse – and their constant fight to be recognized.READ MORE IN THE ATLAS: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/onohsagwe-de-cultural-center Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sep 12, 2023 • 13min
Bridget Cleary
We explore the power of myth and folklore through the story of an Irish woman, whose husband murdered her because he believed she’d become a fairy. READ MORE IN THE ATLAS: https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/bridget-cleary-changeling-murder-ireland Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sep 11, 2023 • 11min
Fenway Victory Gardens
One of the last remaining World War II Victory Gardens in the U.S is quietly growing across from Boston’s Fenway Park. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sep 8, 2023 • 13min
Rites of Passage
School is back in session. So for this episode, Jonathan Carey and Michelle Cassidy of the Atlas Places Team bring two stories - one from the campus of Gallaudet University and the other from Cornell University to tell us about usual traditions that take place in these universities. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


