The Atlas Obscura Podcast

A traveler in Vang Vieng, Laos writes a letter to a fellow traveler. This essay was edited by Lenora Todaro and originally appeared in Off Assignment. 

Sasquatch is Southern. And its cultural and economic impact in Appalachia is sizable. Today, we bring you an episode of The Broadside, a podcast produced by WUNC in Durham, NC.Appalachia is Bigfoot territory. In a big way. Today, we give you a taste of The Broadside, a podcast produced by WUNC in Durham, NC. In this episode, you'll hear about the mythical beast's legend, lore and sizable economic impact in the region. And follow one reporter’s journey through the mountains and foothills of western North Carolina in search of Sasquatch. Featuring Emily Cataneo, reporter for The Assembly. Check out Emily's story on Appalachian Bigfoot culture at The Assembly here. .

This memorial marks the life of a pup who sparked riots over animal rights issues in London. READ MORE IN THE ATLAS: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/brown-dog-statue

If you’ve ever wondered what it was like to run away and join the circus, this episode is for you. Dylan talks with Jack Lepiarz, also known as Jacques Ze Whipper, about how he created a life for himself on the Renaissance Festival circuit.  Learn more on Jack’s website. 

When Peter James first stumbled on the Lowfield Heath Windmill, it was falling apart. Determined to save it, he embarked on a years-long effort with the town that would lead to its complete deconstruction before being rebuilt somewhere new.Find out how you can visit the Lowfield Heath Windmill or donate to its ongoing restoration efforts.

In the 1980s, Soviet scientists dug the Kola Superdeep Borehole, sparking urban legends about their discoveries, including whispers of hell. This podcast delves into the fascinating history behind the world's deepest artificial hole, revealing the fierce Cold War competition in geoscience. Eerie sounds captured from deep within the Earth add a chilling touch. Mixing humor with facts, they explore how truth and myth intertwined, transforming scientific ambition into modern folklore. Ready for a descent into the depths of intrigue?

Listener stories about traveling abroad for the first time – from a trip to Germany in 2020, to a chalet in Switzerland in 1986, to a trip to Iran just before the Shah revolution. Plus, we want to hear your stories of traveling with a significant other for the first time. Give us a call at 315-992-7902 and leave us a message telling us your story. Or better yet, record a voice memo and email it to us at hello@atlasobscura.com.

Discover the inspiring tale of an extraordinary wolf that symbolizes hope for conservation. Learn about the Endangered Wolf Center's rich history and its vital role in protecting these misunderstood creatures. Delve into the societal structures of wolves and the misconceptions that surround them. Follow the heartfelt journey of Bob, a wolf who faced challenges after being reintroduced to the wild. Celebrate the recent birth of American red wolf puppies, highlighting the ongoing efforts to support wildlife conservation.

Zach Stafford found great career success at a very young age – he’s a writer, producer, and co-host of the news & culture podcast Vibe Check. His intense work schedule has taken him all over America, and each of the cities and towns he found himself in has shaped him in some way. And through it all, Zach has been searching for a very specific feeling.

In the year 1329, a woman named Christine Carpenter was enclosed in a tiny cell in the walls of a church in Shere, England. She was expected to spend the rest of her life praying in almost complete isolation. But the reason we know her name is that she did something very unusual – she broke out.Learn more about our guest Professor Diane Watt’s work about the lives of medieval women in England, and about St. James’s Church in Shere.