Podcast Episodes

The Things We Collect

Here at Atlas Obscura, we’re big on collections. From rare jerseys to popular ‘90s plush toys, our staff shares the things we collect – and what they mean to us. 

Plus: We want to hear about YOUR coll…

Published on 3 months, 4 weeks ago

Atlas Obscura Goes Off Assignment: To the Hiker Carrying Two Backpacks

A backpacker on the Inca Trail encounters a fellow hiker who is inexplicably carrying two bags. This essay was written by Maggie Downs and edited by Aube Rey Lescure, and originally appeared in Off A…

Published on 3 months, 4 weeks ago

Mother Jones and the Battle of Blair Mountain (Classic)

The story of a woman who, in her 70s, inspired some of the biggest labor uprisings in American history.

Published on 3 months, 4 weeks ago

Tell Us Your Stories of Traveling With Kids

Dylan just returned from a month-long trip with his wife and two kids, ages 8 and 10. And now, he wants to hear your stories about traveling with your own kids – the good, the bad, the ugly, and the …

Published on 4 months ago

Our Favorite Objects: The Arrow Stork (Classic)

The story of a stork, a spear and a scientific mystery that led to breakthroughs in the way we understand bird migration.

All week, we’re featuring the stories behind a few of our favorite things – fr…

Published on 4 months ago

Our Favorite Things: World’s Oldest Edible Ham (Classic)

Atlas Obscura’s resident food and death reporter Sam O’Brien takes us to Smithfield, Virginia, where we meet a 120-year-old ham, and the people who love it.

All week, we’re featuring the stories behi…

Published on 4 months ago

Our Favorite Objects: The Thousand-Year Rose (Classic)

We visit the world’s oldest rose, which is so tough that it survived being bombed in World War II.

All week, we’re featuring the stories behind a few of our favorite things – from ancient hams to mum…

Published on 4 months ago

Our Favorite Objects: The Spritz Cookie Gravestone (Classic)

We explore the unexpected combination of recipes and graves through the story of Naomi Odessa Miller Dawson’s spritz cookies.

All week, we’re featuring the stories behind a few of our favorite things …

Published on 4 months ago

Our Favorite Objects: Galileo's Middle Finger (Classic)

Dylan goes on a journey to examine the preserved middle finger of astronomer, physicist, and engineer Galileo Galilei.

All week, we’re featuring the stories behind a few of our favorite things – from …

Published on 4 months ago

Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai (Classic)

Created by a volcanic eruption in 2015, this island in the South Pacific no longer exists… but we chat with a person who got to see it before it disappeared.

LEARN MORE about Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai…

Published on 4 months, 1 week ago