The Atlas Obscura Podcast

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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.

Recent Episodes
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Recent Reviews
  • pkkell
    Tickling
    This podcast tickles my spiritual funny bone, and is a regular part of my listening delights. More that that, it has inspired me to consider crafting my own entries, of which I have several to suggest, and that listeners might enjoy.
  • PBMacBook Air
    Fun Fact Favorite
    Love this podcast when I’m wanting to listen to something fun ,interesting & uplifting. I recommend it a lot.
  • Grannyks
    Love Atlas Obscura
    Great podcast. I enjoy the variety and quirky subjects. Well done!
  • ChefAnnette
    My favorite binge podcast!
    Love learning new fun bits from people that feel like friends (very smart friends)!
  • LoJE125
    Thank you
    I listen to this podcast because of your phone number, specifically the area code. Ok, not exactly. While I don’t remember where I first heard about the podcast (I knew the website so had name recognition when I did), I do remember being overly excited the first time the phone number was read. My area code is the same. It was assigned to me when I got my first cell phone in 2001. 315 is no longer used in that specific town and I haven’t lived in NY for many years but keep the number. It is somehow comforting to have had it for so many years. I didn’t start listening to podcasts until my child was maybe 2 or so. I loved that we could share stories and learn together - and what game-changers for bedtime! This podcast is one of the first (the first?) that I subscribed to that was for me. I like that the episodes aren’t too long and sometimes I do play them at my own bedtime - but don’t worry, if I fall asleep, I go back to listen. Thank you for your content. I brings me a sense of comfort & connection.
  • AnalysisParalysis72
    Skinny House
    This episode made me smile, laugh, visualize and imagine. It gave me hope that there are creative and innovative solutions to housing.
  • !!??
    Amazing travel podcast
    If you like to travel and explore, there is no better podcast out there! Each host and producer has their own unique storytelling stying making this varied and always interesting! This is one of my “don’t skip” daily podcasts.
  • RicksyBehavior
    Consistency is Key
    One of the most consistently satisfying podcasts out there. It’s a gift.
  • HannyHon
    Great listen
    Tuned into the Skinny Houses episode, and I loved the personal touch that Talon brought into the subject. It was a fun thing to learn about!
  • BNL1961
    Glamorizes animal abuse
    This podcast has good information but it is despicable the way they normalize and glamorize animal abuse. For that reason I took away 4 stars. Too harsh, no it is not. They end to wake and and evolve as human beings, not only as scientists and/or reporters os science. Update: it’s 2024 and the show has done nothing to make listeners aware of the cruelty to animals done behind the scenes in touristic places, horses, sheep, mules, burros, camels, lobsters, and the list goes on and on. Really disappointed.
  • Shyer why
    Excellent Podcast
    One of the best. Period the end.
  • jtaega
    Great podcast for short drives
    I have really enjoyed this podcast. The range of topics covered are vast and facinating. I have learned more from this podcast than any other that I have listen to.
  • JennyNuca23
    Knocking it out of the park
    Love this so much. I’m continually amazed at how deep they can go on a particular place or topic. Most loved episodes include accessibility, supply chain or history ideas. Beaudelaire is my favorite producer.
  • SunSpunSparkke
    You rock!
    Seriously, such interesting topics, so well researched, so well put together, just one of the best. Thanks for putting your curiosity to work to inform all of us about our strange and sometimes surprisingly weird world! Cinda
  • Ben.w4444
    Modern Day Reading Rainbow
    Thank you Atlas Obscura for always enlightening me on new and interesting topics. I have added many books to my list based on your interviews and stories. I have googled and looked up many interesting places and things talked about on your podcast. Your podcast is like a modern day reading rainbow for grown ups. Always a new and interesting story. Your podcasts fulfill my curiosity and interests. Please keep up the great work. Thank you again.
  • Bfreal
    Short content, long filler
    I like this show, but it’s like 2 parts content, 2 parts ads, 1 part listing names like Boudelaire, who can’t seem to decide if he has a last name or not. Why am I focusing on that? Because you give it too much air time. Flesh out the content more if you insist on making me hear all the credits every episode. Also, I have to pee after 40% of the episode running beverage ads. Sheesh.
  • neomatrixgirl
    Perfect for the Curious
    Atlas Obscura is such a fun podcast! Even if I don’t think I’ll be interested in the topic of an episode I will listen to it and learn something new. I love that the episodes are short and sweet and cover an incredibly diverse array of topics from food to haunted places and weird animals.
  • Debettawerk
    A go to guide for travel
    The Atlas is the first thing I think of whenever someone suggests travel in conversation. I used it to guide my side quests as I crossed the USA from North Carolina to California. If someone tells me they’re taking a trip my first question is “Have you checked The Atlas yet ?”. The cinematic quality of this podcast is what began my love of podcasts. I always will be a loyal listener and excited to adventure with The Atlas Obscura even from the comfort of home.
  • Booschkah
    Delightful and informative
    This is informative, satisfying and delightful! I look forward to new and replay episodes!
  • Mari33sela
    Very good
    Thanks. The show open my mine
  • SaraLuna555
    Great Family Show
    Thanks for making a show that both my 11yr old and myself enjoy listening to!!
  • Boogly39
    My favorite of this genre!
    I’ve learned about so many cool things and places and love searching the website when I’m traveling to see what unique experiences I should look for. Keep up the good work!
  • Little Quiet Wolf
    Travel for My Mnd
    I can’t travel the world, but I can take trips in my head with Atlas Obscura - and I always learn new and wonderful things that fill my soul. Thank you Atlas Obscura!
  • Opalbrite
    Always learn something
    I love looking for and noting down episodes when I know I will be traveling to a location in the future! Every episode isn’t the one for me, but every episode is for someone!
  • Joey Hova
    Something I always look forward to
    I love traveling off the beaten track. Experiencing and learning unique and unusual things is my favorite making this the perfect pod cast for me. I listen to all the episodes.
  • kat.houston
    Good stuff
    I listen to this podcast every week. It’s fun.
  • B-Dwizz
    I never knew I wanted to go there
    If the world makes you curious or if you love knowing some trivial tidbit about a lesser know (or well known) place, this will keep you looking on the map for days... and might even compel you to visit (I shared "dude chillin' park" with my parents and my Dad insisted on a visit!) Thank you Dylan and crew for your commitment to the Obscura.
  • Breezzyy3
    Commercials are ~15% of the show
    Commercials on this pod are incredibly long and for alcoholic bevs that no one wants/needs. Love the show’s insights but can do without the 3 minutes of “jack” advertising.
  • Cooees
    Love this show
    I listen to the show every single day. love, listening to you unusual places throughout the world have written down a few to put on my bucket list. I just absolutely love this show.
  • bradmossing
    Quirky
    Excellent quirky show
  • The Alt Vault
    One of the best travel podcasts ever!!!
    Nerdy quirky history, beautiful anecdotes and thoughtful reporting from the entire podcast team at Atlas Obscura. It’s one of my favorite podcasts - I try to listen to it every night before bed. I love the short form style and appreciate the extra interviews and storytelling research that go into each episode. Thank you!!!
  • MuskieAndMadeline
    Transportive!!
    A beautiful and fun show that makes me feel like I’m dipping into other worlds. Fascinating topics that make me realize the world is bigger than I ever knew
  • JGilr
    Every episode is mind expanding
    Can’t get enough of this one!
  • docvail
    Hard to understand
    The topic is so fantastic but Baudelaire is so hard to understand. He drops his voice and we lose the meaning of what is being spoken. Please re-record Beaudelaire’s podcasts with someone who speaks slowly, enunciates and doesn’t drop his/ her voice.
  • Doikees
    Podcasts are radical!
    Two is funnier than one. At least those dorky car guys had fun.
  • RoarMck
    Always interesting
    Great show about strange and wonderful places around the world. I always find some interesting episode to listen to.
  • j footprint
    Brushes with the Unknown… jump the shark?
    12/28/2023: Um, I don’t think Abbey Perreault knows what “anthropomorphizing“ means… Hard to come across as a knowledgeable podcast that way. One of the very best ways to tank your podcast is to have Dan Pashman on an episode (11/23). FYI, Single Malt Scotch isn’t from a “single barrel” FGS. The guy is not only annoying, but he’s just wrong. You know what I really dislike? Bonus segments that are merely thinly disguised ads. As much as I like Neil DeGrasse-Tyson, the e-car segment is and ad. just an ad, a repeating now on too many episodes ad. Closer to unsubscribing than ever. So, one of the “stories” in this episode, with the narrator at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, described what was probably a starlink satellite train (a detriment to astronomy by the way). He gave no date. He didn’t bother to follow up apparently. There is not many things it could have been, and reporting it as this “unknown” pretty much turned me off to this podcast altogether. Dylan has always been just a little too gee-whiz exuberant, and this episode may have just caused me to unsubscribe.
  • Kdog770
    Good stuff
    Always enjoy every new installment about our wonderful world. And I also make it a point to listen to the credits at the end to make sure the great “loose flem” is editing things!!
  • Mama Dookie
    Please stop frying.
    Please, stop with this affection. It’s distracting and makes it appear that you’re too exhausted to finish a sentence.
  • Young buck too
    Interesting content
    I enjoy the variety and novelty of the show, but the vocal fry of the host for “a long walk home“ was highly distracting. I found myself focusing more on when I would have to hear something like finger nails across a chalkboard, than on the episode content. Are the hosts, typically younger females, doing this to sound more authoritative, or is it just an unconscious habit? Regardless, I don’t think they realize how distracting it is to many listeners.
  • Tslldaa
    Love this
    The content is great and I like that some episodes are just 15-ish minutes because it's hard for me to stay focused sometimes. But, there are so many topics that just leave me wanting more! It would be nice to have more long ones. The rating is missing a star because of the ads. Bad placement and are often quite abrasive to the ear, especially on a podcast I listen to while relaxing. I love it though!
  • itsdavie
    Hey
    Hey
  • 1987Liz
    I love this podcast but….
    Why does Baudelaire do ALL of the African-related episodes? It’s….strange. If we’re attempting to introduce different cultures to different cultures, then why is this what always occurs? I don’t love it.
  • A Fan, Not of the Host
    Episode Length Leaves Much to be Desired
    Episodes are too short. At minimum, should be 20 mins, not a throw away 15. I mean the content is worth 45 mins per episode but seems like they don’t wanna put in the work. I stopped listening bc the episodes are too short to enjoy. Invest in your work! The episode length makes the podcast so much less than what it could be and leaves everything to be desired.
  • Bob Ferrell
    This a perfect podcast experience!
    The length is ideal for sharing with any Goldilocks. Why does anyone expect their arts and entertainment to be free? I appreciate the podcast enough to listen to a commercial. I love Atlas Obscura and share it with my beloved right before we go to sleep. Thank you dear artists!
  • 46416854
    Book and Podcast
    Love the Book, Love the Podcast
  • cjfranck
    Good but…
    I enjoy the podcast, but not the fact that they sandwich ads inside the introduction because it interrupts the listener’s ability to get into the story. Please consider putting the ads at the very beginning like everyone else!
  • amcnyc123
    Great, but aggressive/loud ads
    Amazing podcast! Fun and informational and makes me want to travel. The only reason for 4 stars is that the ads blast your earbuds in the transition from the episode. There is no warning and they seem to mostly be pushy loud ads. Wish they were done by the host Dylan like so many podcasts! Then I may actually listen instead of turning off.
  • midgetgoggles
    Wow at all the “like’s”
    I enjoy most aspects of the show, though I felt the urge to LUNGE at the pause button during the first 3 minutes of the Fort Elizabeth episode. The narrator threw the word “like” into conversation so many times that I wondered if Atlas Obscura pulled an insecure teenager into the studio off the streets to tell what is otherwise a pretty interesting story. Edit edit edit!!!
  • DaneTech inc
    La Jolla Cave, Dr. Suess
    My whole family loves the show. Today’s show was the cave in La Jolla, CA. We went there back in 2013, awesome. We also did sea kayaking where you can go in the from the ocean. While out in the surf, our guide mentioned how Dr. Suess had a home there on the cliffs. We noticed how from the water the trees look like the trees from The Lorax book, pretty cool. Is Baudelaire Seuss related? Keep up the good work
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