The Atlas Obscura Podcast

Over the course of 50 years, a father and son team made exquisite glass botanical models that would transform our understanding of the natural world. Learn more about the Ware Collection of Blaschka Glass Models of Plants: https://www.hmnh.harvard.edu/glass-flowers   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Maybe you associate Las Vegas with slot machines more than with pinball machines. But what you might not know is that pinball, today found in every family friendly arcade in America, was once considered a form of gambling – and was the center of a culture war in the US. We go to the Las Vegas Pinball Hall of Fame to play through the history of the game.This episode was brought to you in partnership with the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Check out the Pinball Hall of Fame online: https://pinballmuseum.org/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dive into the mysterious Plain of Jars in Laos, where ancient relics meet modern danger. Discover how the site intertwines with the impact of the Vietnam War and unexploded ordnance. Learn about pioneering researcher Madeleine Kalani's burial hypotheses and recent discoveries shedding light on the jars' origins. Hear personal stories from locals about the wartime past and ongoing community efforts to preserve this significant archaeological site.

Explore a recreated Star Trek set in Ticonderoga, where fans can walk through the iconic Enterprise corridors. Discover how a passionate Elvis tribute artist dedicated over two decades to building a screen-accurate version of the ship. Experience the thrill of sitting in the captain's chair and learn about the meticulous research behind the set's design. Hear touching stories from cast members during their visits and reflect on how physical sets foster a sense of community among fans while championing Star Trek's hopeful message for the future.

Colin Dickey, a writer and cultural historian known for his explorations of ghost stories and the paranormal, dives into the intriguing world of the Mustang Ranch. He reveals the ranch's unusual layout and its dual operation of a public bar and private brothel. Colin recounts chilling tales of hauntings, including hair-pulling incidents and cold spots. He shares why a shaman was necessary to cleanse the space and discusses the emotional labor of sex work, linking it to ghostly experiences. The rich, secretive history of the Old West enhances the ranch's eerie lore.

Ray Sandoval, organizer of the Burning of Zozobra festival, shares the magic behind Santa Fe's unique tradition. He describes the creation of a giant, 50-foot marionette stuffed with community-submitted worries, known as 'glooms.' The festival serves as a cathartic ritual where 50,000 attendees burn Zozobra to release their anxieties. Ray recounts its evolution from a backyard event in the 1920s to a grand spectacle featuring fireworks and performances. Learn how the festival embodies a profound duality: confronting gloom while celebrating community spirit.

Explore the rich history of Locke, California, a remarkable town founded by Chinese immigrants after a devastating fire in 1915. Discover how this unique community became a self-sustaining haven, showcasing the crucial role of Chinese labor in agriculture. Hear personal stories of early entrepreneurs and the vibrant culture during Locke's peak, featuring social clubs and entertainment. Learn about the challenges faced, from legal barriers to economic decline, and see how Locke's legacy remains relevant today as it transforms into a tourist destination.

Michelle Cassidy, the Places editor for Atlas Obscura, shares captivating insights about unique university traditions. She reveals the intriguing history of Gallaudet University's rat funeral, a whimsical rite of passage for first-year students. Transitioning to Cornell University, listeners discover the charm of its apple vending machine—a quirky tradition that connects students to local orchards and supports the Society of Horticulture. Both stories highlight the rich tapestry of college life and its delightful oddities.

Explore the unique bond between Indiana and basketball, where the sport is celebrated like a religion. Discover how it took root through early tournaments and iconic figures. Journey through the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, established in 1962, which showcases Hoosier pride. Visitors can engage with interactive exhibits, from shooting games to historical memorabilia. Experience the poignant atmosphere of the museum as it honors the community's rich basketball heritage.

Colin Dickey, a writer and cultural historian specializing in the paranormal, delves into the eerie legend of the Tommyknockers, mysterious beings linked to mining folklore. He reveals their origins in Cornish lore and discusses their evolution from helpful spirits to sinister figures over time. Colin also explores how these quaint trickster figures reflect cultural anxieties and the peculiar geological sounds that haunt the mines. Plus, learn how these tales transformed with the arrival of miners in the U.S. and continue to captivate visitors today.