Podcasts > Lore

Lore • Aaron Mahnke

The award-winning podcast (also a TV show & book series) about dark historical tales. Each episode explores the mysterious creatures, tragic events, and unusual places that fill the pages of history. Because sometimes the truth is more frightening than fiction.

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Lore • Aaron Mahnke

Episodes

  • Lore 249: Return Trip

    Explore the sky-high history of human flight with "Lore," as Aaron Mahnke takes you through the audacious origins and evolution of aviation. From early kites lifting humans off the ground in ancient China to Leonardo da Vinci's mysterious and revolutionary designs, learn how humanity's dream of soaring high became a reality. This episode delves into the stories of daredevils like George Cayley, whose glider experiments laid the groundwork for the Wright Brothers' influential leap towards the skies, unlocking a new era of transport and military strategy.

    Mahnke then guides through the shadowy junction of aviation and the supernatural, where tales of psychic predictions and haunted airfields stir the pot of historical fact with a dash of the otherworldly. Uncover the mysterious foresight of Irish psychic Eileen Garrett regarding the tragic R-101 airship, and consider the lingering spirit of Lt. Desmond Arthur as consequence and redemption unfold beyond the grave. The episode poses as much a historical inquiry as a spectral one, where the supernatural brushes against the metal and might of early airplanes, leaving listeners to wonder at the intersections of science, history, and mysticism.

    Mar 11, 2024

  • Legends 22: Trickster Devils

    Dive into the realm of British folklore with Aaron Mahnke in the "Lore" podcast, as he unveils tales where mere mortals dare to enter pacts with the devil. These stories, steeped in tradition, serve a dual purpose: they entertain with tales of wits and caution with their moral undertones. Whether it's about impish statues, sea creatures, cunning humans, or a general's daring encounters with the infernal, each narrative delves into the complex interplay between good and evil.

    From the Lincoln Imp's petrified defiance to Jack O'Kent's clever escapades, "Lore" spins the yarns of characters who confront the devil in ways that reflect the values and fears of their time. In contrast to these human triumphs, the tale of general Thomas Dahljel’s repeated losses to the devil in a game of cards serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in communing with dark forces. The podcast stitches together these various threads from the UK's rich tapestry of devilish folklore, creating a vivid picture of the supernatural beliefs that have been passed down for generations.

    Mar 4, 2024

  • Deeper Lore: 248 (81, 186, & 134)

    Dive into the eerie world of "Lore" with narrator Aaron Mahnke as he weaves tales of historical crises that have gripped communities around the globe. This episode stitches together narratives that explore the tangible and intangible causes behind widespread fear and insanity that have, at times, led entire populations toward chaos. From environmental catastrophes to the darkest corners of cultural lore, the podcast delves into the profound psychological impact such distress can have, leaving listeners to ponder the fragile balance within our collective human experience.

    "Lore" takes us on a journey through episodes that dissect how communal crises arise from the interplay of various factors. Narrated with an evocative sense of mystery, we visit stories of madness rooted in contaminated sustenance intertwined with deep-seated beliefs, the tipping point that transforms cheerful assemblies into violent mobs, and an English village's curse that lingers through generations, teased apart with modern DNA analysis. These accounts from different episodes reveal a mosaic of human struggles, bound by the unseen threads of environment, history, and psychology.

    Feb 29, 2024

  • Lore 248: Blowout

    Explore the unexpected downside of digital advertising and the risks of flamboyant historical and not-so-historical festivities in the newest episode of Lore with Aaron Mahnke. Mahnke reveals the challenges posed by programmatic advertising platforms, which sometimes slip inappropriate ads into the podcast, bypassing his team's filters. Understanding the importance of community, Mahnke urges listeners to proactively report any ads they find unsuitable by reaching out directly, ensuring the show maintains its intended character and respectability.

    The episode also delves into the past, unraveling tales of grand celebrations marred by catastrophe. From the tragic story of the Ball of Burning Men, a fiery accident amidst a 14th-century royal charivari, to the unsettling extravagance of Emperor Domitian's Roman feast, and the deadly fireworks of an 18th-century royal wedding, history is rife with parties that ended in disaster. Mahnke also recounts the eerie tradition of ghost parties from the Victorian era, including a particularly harrowing event at Adelphi College that led to a fatal accident, underscoring the ever-present balance between merriment and misfortune.

    Feb 26, 2024

  • Legends 21: The Men in Black

    Dive into the murky depths of UFO history with Aaron Mahnke in the "Lore" podcast, as he explores humanity's enduring fascination with the unexplained aerial phenomena. From the enigmatic orbs of light spotted by Christopher Columbus to the visceral experiences that coined the term "flying saucer," Mahnke meticulously charts the origins of these tales and their journey through time. The episode draws lines between historical reports and the intangible fabric of folklore, inviting listeners to contemplate the interplay between fact and fiction.

    Encounters shrouded in mystery unfold as "Lore" investigates the sinister "Men in Black" and the impact of their legend on popular culture, tracing its roots from harrowing personal accounts to Hollywood blockbusters. Through the lens of both the believers' convictions and the skeptics' retorts, Mahnke paints a nuanced picture of the phenomenon. In tracking the eerie trail of alien abduction claims and their psychosocial repercussions, "Lore" highlights the complex human urge to find meaning and narrative within the inexplicable cosmic tableau.

    Feb 19, 2024