The Atlas Obscura Podcast

Discover how Melbourne's innovative tree program led to an outpouring of love letters to trees instead of maintenance reports. Listen to heartwarming stories of personal tributes, neighborhood trees, and over 10,000 love letters exchanged between people and trees in Melbourne. Share your own tree love letters and reminisce about memories with nature.

Professional taster Mandy Naglich discusses the fascinating backstory of Meyer lemons, their unique taste compared to clementines and lemons, the history of Meyer lemons named after plant explorer Frank Meyer, and the efforts to control their impact on the citrus industry. The episode also explores tasting techniques and flavor exploration with Naglich.

Explore the history and challenges of domesticating Musk Oxen at a farm in Alaska. Discover the unique wool and personalities of these majestic creatures, and learn about the process of harvesting their valuable kivyot for financial sustenance.

Creator and host John Wilson discusses his HBO series blending documentary, memoir, and essay styles. They talk about his favorite places, including the Chrysler Building eagles and House on the Rock.

Discover the mysterious history of Adalai Castle in South Carolina and the eccentric couple who built this fortress nearly a hundred years ago. Learn about Anna's transition from artist to philanthropist and their unconventional living arrangements at Atalaya. Explore the wildlife and transformation of this medieval-like castle in the state park system.

Former dancers reminisce about San Francisco's Chinatown cabaret scene at the Showgirl Magic Museum, recalling vibrant nightlife, challenges faced by showgirls, encounters with celebrities, and the enduring passion for dance that led to the formation of the Grand Avenue Follies group.

Discover unique local traditions from boiling water toss in Minnesota to Italian-style weddings in New York City. Dive into the heartwarming community spirit of Tractor Day and explore the interconnectedness of communities through historical revivals in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania.

Astrobiologist Dr. Graham Lau and science writer Rebecca Boyle partake in a game show, guessing real or fake exotic locations. Topics include soil vending machines, radon spas, space mountaineering, and cosmic phenomena. The episode wraps up with a guessing game about tall cliffs in the solar system.

Rick Steves, the European travel expert, shares stories of his life shaping adventures from Wyoming to Europe. Reflecting on transformative travel experiences, philosophy, and advocacy for marijuana legalization. A mix of humor and insightful travel anecdotes throughout.

A skeptical scientist investigates the mystery of the Brown Mountain Lights, exploring UFOs, ghosts, and natural gas as potential explanations. Sightings date back to the early 1900s with theories ranging from moonshiners to trains. Renewed interest led to a scientific working group aiming to capture concrete evidence. The enigmatic lights are compared to UFO sightings, emphasizing the ongoing pursuit to uncover their origins.