Lore is a bi-weekly podcast (now also a TV show and 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.

Lore

In this newly remastered classic Lore episode, we revisit stories of bodies lost and bodies found. With fresh narration and production, and a brand new bonus story at the end of the episode, this chilling tale is bound to uncover some feelings.

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Lore Resources: 
Episode Music: lorepodcast.com/music
Episode Sources: lorepodcast.com/sources
All the shows from Grim & Mild: www.grimandmild.com

©2022 Aaron Mahnke. All rights reserved.

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REMASTERED – Episode 31: Lost & Found

You can’t beat an old classic. And in the world of folklore, there are few types of stories more classic that the good old fashioned ghost story. So today, we take a tour through some of the most chilling and thrilling of the bunch.

This episode of Lore was sponsored by:

Babbel: Start learning a new language today, and save up to 60% off your subscription when you go to BABBEL.com/LORE. 

Casper: From bedding, bed frames, and even a dog bed, Casper has everything to build the dream bedroom—for every kind of sleeper. Visit Casper.com to get $100 off select mattresses by using the offer code HISTORY100. Terms and conditions apply.

Squarespace: Build your own powerful, professional website, with free hosting, zero patches or upgrades, and 24/7 award-winning customer support. Start your free trial website today at Squarespace.com/lore, and when you make your first purchase, use offer code LORE to save 10%.

Lore Resources: 

Episode Music: lorepodcast.com/music 

Episode Sources: lorepodcast.com/sources 

All the shows from Grim & Mild: www.grimandmild.com

©2022 Aaron Mahnke. All rights reserved.

Access premium content!: https://www.patreon.com/lorepodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 201: Inescapable

Nothing is as alluring as vampire folklore. And in this remastered classic, we return to the villages of Eastern Europe to explore just how deep those roots go. Come for the refreshed narration and production, and stay for the brand new bonus story at the end!

Lore Resources: 
Episode Music: lorepodcast.com/music 
Episode Sources: lorepodcast.com/sources 
All the shows from Grim & Mild: www.grimandmild.com

©2022 Aaron Mahnke. All rights reserved.

Access premium content!: https://www.patreon.com/lorepodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

REMASTERED – Episode 30: Deep & Twisted Roots

If the best way to experience something is first-hand, then this 200th episode of Lore is going to have to get a little personal.

This episode of Lore was sponsored by:
Casper: From bedding, bed frames, and even a dog bed, Casper has everything to build the dream bedroom—for every kind of sleeper. Visit Casper.com to get $100 off select mattresses by using the offer code HISTORY100. Terms and conditions apply.
SimpliSafe: Secure your home with 24/7 professional monitoring for just $15 a month. No contracts, no salespeople, just simple and easy security. Visit SimpliSafe.com/Lore to save 20% on your SimpliSafe security system and get your first month free when you sign up for Interactive Monitoring service.
Wondrium: Hundreds of topics taught by professors and experts, all in one enormous video library. Get a FREE TRIAL plus 20% off the Annual Plan by going to Wondrium.com/LORE—and don't miss my newest recommendation: Discovering Your Roots: An Introduction to Genealogy.

Lore Resources: 
Episode Music: lorepodcast.com/music 
Episode Sources: lorepodcast.com/sources 
All the shows from Grim & Mild: www.grimandmild.com

©2022 Aaron Mahnke. All rights reserved.

Access premium content!: https://www.patreon.com/lorepodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 200: Up Close

In this Remastered edition of a fan favorite, we return to the frozen coast of Maine, and the haunting stories that flood its shores. With a new score from Chad Lawson, fresh narration and production, and a brand new bonus story at the end, this is one you don’t want to miss.

Lore Resources: 
Episode Music: lorepodcast.com/music 
Episode Sources: lorepodcast.com/sources 
All the shows from Grim & Mild: www.grimandmild.com

©2022 Aaron Mahnke. All rights reserved.

Access premium content!: https://www.patreon.com/lorepodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

REMASTERED – Episode 29: The Big Chill

One of the most brutal and notorious unsolved murders in American history is also the seed that grew into its own fair share of folklore. How that affected the lives of those who survived is half the story.

This episode of Lore was sponsored by:

Athletic Greens: Reclaim your health and arm your immune system with convenient, daily nutrition. Receive a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D, and 5 FREE travel packs, with your first purchase, at AthleticGreens.com/LORE.

Squarespace: Build your own powerful, professional website, with free hosting, zero patches or upgrades, and 24/7 award-winning customer support. Start your free trial website today at Squarespace.com/lore, and when you make your first purchase, use offer code LORE to save 10%.

Casper: From bedding, bed frames, and even a dog bed, Casper has everything to build the dream bedroom—for every kind of sleeper. Visit Casper.com to get $100 off select mattresses by using the offer code HISTORY100. Terms and conditions apply.

Lore Resources: 
Episode Music: lorepodcast.com/music 
Episode Sources: lorepodcast.com/sources 
All the shows from Grim & Mild: www.grimandmild.com

©2022 Aaron Mahnke. All rights reserved.

Access premium content!: https://www.patreon.com/lorepodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 199: Cutting Ties

Let’s return to the location of another classic Lore episode, for one more tour through the sandy beaches and ancient stories of the Outer Banks. Featuring fresh narration, music by Chad Lawson, and a brand new Epilogue story at the end.

Lore Resources: 
Episode Music: lorepodcast.com/music 
Episode Sources: lorepodcast.com/sources 
All the shows from Grim & Mild: www.grimandmild.com

©2022 Aaron Mahnke. All rights reserved.

Access premium content!: https://www.patreon.com/lorepodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

REMASTERED – Episode 28: Making a Mark

Our love of all things thrilling and dramatic has led to some amazing achievements. But in the very center of that cultural legacy is a story that’s both dark and chilling. And it comes with an encore that seems too strange to be true.

This episode of Lore was sponsored by:

Squarespace: Build your own powerful, professional website, with free hosting, zero patches or upgrades, and 24/7 award-winning customer support. Start your free trial website today at Squarespace.com/lore, and when you make your first purchase, use offer code LORE to save 10%.

BetterHelp: Join over a million other people taking charge of their mental health with the help of an experienced BetterHelp counselor. Visit BetterHelp.com/LORE today for 10% off your first month.

Native: Native creates safe, effective personal care products that use trusted ingredients and performance. For 20% off your first purchase, visit NativeDEO.com/20lore and use promo code 20LORE during checkout.

Lore Resources: 
Episode Music: lorepodcast.com/music 
Episode Sources: lorepodcast.com/sources 
All the shows from Grim & Mild: www.grimandmild.com

©2022 Aaron Mahnke. All rights reserved.

Access premium content!: https://www.patreon.com/lorepodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 198: Curtain Call

REMASTERED – Episode 27: On the Farm

It’s time to return for a walk through the snow and explore the barn of a small farmhouse in the woods of Germany, known today as Hinterkaifeck. Brand new narration and production, plus an entirely new Epilogue story at the end. Don’t miss this Remastered fan-favorite!

Lore Resources: 
Episode Music: lorepodcast.com/music 
Episode Sources: lorepodcast.com/sources 
All the shows from Grim & Mild: www.grimandmild.com

©2022 Aaron Mahnke. All rights reserved.

Access premium content!: https://www.patreon.com/lorepodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

REMASTERED – Episode 27: On the Farm

One of the most common players on the stage of folklore is a creature that’s been obsessed over for centuries. And it’s fair to say that, however frightening the stories might be, Europe has been pretty taken by them.

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This episode of Lore was sponsored by:
Squarespace: Build your own powerful, professional website, with free hosting, zero patches or upgrades, and 24/7 award-winning customer support. Start your free trial website today at Squarespace.com/lore, and when you make your first purchase, use offer code LORE to save 10%.
BetterHelp: Join over a million other people taking charge of their mental health with the help of an experienced BetterHelp counselor. Visit BetterHelp.com/LORE today for 10% off your first month.
SimpliSafe: Secure your home with 24/7 professional monitoring for just $15 a month. No contracts, no salespeople, just simple and easy security. Visit SimpliSafe.com/Lore to save 20% on your SimpliSafe security system and get your first month free when you sign up for Interactive Monitoring service.

————————

Lore Resources: 
Episode Music: lorepodcast.com/music 
Episode Sources: lorepodcast.com/sources 
All the shows from Grim & Mild: www.grimandmild.com

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Access premium content!: https://www.patreon.com/lorepodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 197: Taken

It’s time to revisit the walking dead of folklore, and explore the unique traditions and legends from the island of Haiti. Freshly narrated, newly re-produced, and re-scored with Chad Lawson’s music…and be sure not to miss the brand new bonus story at the end.

Lore Resources: 
Episode Music: lorepodcast.com/music 
Episode Sources: lorepodcast.com/sources 
All the shows from Grim & Mild: www.grimandmild.com

Access premium content!: https://www.patreon.com/lorepodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

REMASTERED – Episode 26: Brought Back

Some of the oldest—and most bizarre—folklore in the world is about something we use to fill awkward conversations these days. But if more people knew how truly disturbing those stories are, they’d view the sky in an entirely different way.

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This episode of Lore was sponsored by:
Wondrium: Hundreds of topics taught by professors and experts, all in one enormous video library. Get a FREE trial membership now by going to Wondrium.com/LORE.—and don't miss my newest recommendation: The Science of Extreme Weather.
BetterHelp: Join over a million other people taking charge of their mental health with the help of an experienced BetterHelp counselor. Visit BetterHelp.com/LORE today for 10% off your first month.
Casper: From bedding, bed frames, and even a dog bed, Casper has everything to build the dream bedroom—for every kind of sleeper. Visit Casper.com to get $100 off select mattresses by using the offer code HISTORY100. Terms and conditions apply.

————————

Lore Resources: 
Episode Music: lorepodcast.com/music 
Episode Sources: lorepodcast.com/sources 
All the shows from Grim & Mild: www.grimandmild.com

Access premium content!: https://www.patreon.com/lorepodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 196: Bad Seed

This return visit to the eerie island of Chiloé and its history of dark magic features fresh narration and production, plus a brand new story at the end.

REMASTERED – Episode 25: The Cave

When a series of gruesome murders leaves one community feeling threatened and afraid, it was only through the reenactment of folklore that they eventually found relief.

Episode 195: Straight to the Heart

Christmas taught most of us that it was acceptable for an odd stranger to invade our home and demonstrate unusual knowledge of our family. But there are far more terrifying strangers than old St. Nick. This classic Lore episode has been updated with fresh narration and production, and a brand new story at the end.

REMASTERED – Episode 24: A Stranger Among Us

For centuries, various cultures have leaned on their justice system to provide safety from those who threaten their daily lives. But when a community lacks those resources and finds themselves facing constant danger at every turn, they’re often left with only one option, and the results can be tragic.

Episode 194: Lawless

The structures that serve as lighthouses on the edge of darkness and danger deserve a revisit, and this Remastered classic episode should bring some fresh chills. New narration, music by Chad Lawson, and a brand new bonus story at the end. Enjoy!

REMASTERED – Episode 23: Rope and Railing

The monsters from folklore that make the biggest impact on us are also the ones that are the most similar to us. It’s almost as if the most dangerous creatures of all are the ones that have a healthy dose of humanity in them.

Episode 193: Eye to Eye

It’s time to return to the dark streets of Victorian London, and to the mysterious figure who put the city on edge…all while jumping over tall buildings in a single bound. The classic Lore episode has been re-recorded with fresh narration, scored with music by Chad Lawson, and includes a brand new bonus story at the end that you won’t want to miss!

REMASTERED – Episode 22: Over the Top

Some corners of folklore are a product of time, as centuries and cultures have all made their mark on them. But one type of story in particular has become a favorite of anyone who loves a good legend. Let’s take the time to explore it today.

Episode 192: Time Will Tell

This remastered edition of a classic Lore episode takes us back to the chilly waters of the North Pacific, where tragic wrecks have left haunting reminders and frightening tales. Fresh narration from start to finish, scored with music by Chad Lawson, and an entirely brand new story at the end. Enjoy!

REMASTERED – Episode 21: Adrift

One of the oldest and most common beliefs in the world is also the source of intense fear and debate. But there are historical events on record that make it difficult to trust everything we hear…no matter how terrifying they might be.

Episode 191: Throwing Voices

Home is where the most powerful experiences of our lives take place. But when those experiences are tragic, the memories can sometimes stay behind. In this Remastered edition of a classic episode, we’ll revisit a handful of homes who are still haunted by their past. With fresh narration, music by Chad Lawson, and a brand new Epilogue story at the end.

REMASTERED – Episode 20: Homestead

It’s a place where dreams are born, and were stars take flight. But beneath that thin, beautiful surface is a darker past, and the stories it holds are far from happy.

Episode 190: All That Glitters

Encounters with angry spirits will forever be some of the most terrifying experiences on record. If that’s the thrill you’re looking for, revisiting this classic episode will hit the mark. And as part of our “Remastered” project, this version is re-worked from the ground up, with fresh narration and production, music by Chad Lawson, and a brand new story at the end. Enjoy!

REMASTERED – Episode 19: Bite Marks

Many of the mysterious creatures in folklore have been passed down through the centuries, allowing rumor and hearsay to deliver fragments of truth waiting to be reassembled. But in some cases, the picture that takes shape is far from safe and comforting.

Episode 189: Fragments

The chilling legends of the wending never get old, so it seems right that we revisit this classic episode. Enjoy the fresh narration and modern production, along with the brand new story tucked away at the end as a special treat.

REMASTERED – Episode 18: Hunger Pains

Some of the darkest stories and traditions are hiding inside one of our most beloved times of the year. Let’s take a fun and frightening journey into the heart of it all.

Episode 188: Hide and Seek

It’s never a bad time to revisit this classic episode about graveyards and the folklore around them. Complete with fresh narration, a new soundtrack, and modern production, plus a brand new bonus episode at the end.

REMASTERED – Episode 17: Broken Fingernails

Many of the darkest moments from history were born out of a perfect storm of motivation, fear, and misguided courage. And in the case of one individual, that became a recipe for something beyond horrific.

Episode 187: The Crucible

It’s time to pay another visit to the little house in Villisca that played host to one of the most horrible ax murders in history. This classic episode is presented with fresh, modern narration and production, as well as a brand new bonus story at the end.

REMASTERED – Episode 16: Covered Mirrors

One of the most frightening aspects of our lives is something that’s hidden from our eyes. And yet its impact is so powerful and destructive that we’ve spent centuries running in fear from it. Well, except for one brave community, that is.

Episode 186: Invisible Boundaries

The folklore surrounding haunted dolls, and the tale of Robert the Doll in particular, deserves a revisit. This Remastered edition of a classic Lore episode includes fresh narration and production, and a brand new story at the end.

REMASTERED – Episode 15: Unboxed

If there’s one thing humans have been obsessed with over the years, it’s the risk that the most dangerous, evil things in the world might find a way inside and take control. The stories about this usually sound more like fantasy than fact, but history has a few surprises in store for us all.

Episode 185: Under the Skin

The folklore surrounding small, human-like creatures from around the world is worth another visit. And this time, the journey has been remastered with new narration and music, modern production, and a brand new story at the end. Enjoy!

REMASTERED – Episode 14: The Others

History is filled with people who gathered unusual collections, often following a curiosity or passion to the extreme. But among those collectors, there have been those who have taken things too far. And the objects of their obsession have become the stuff of nightmares.

Episode 184: Falling to Pieces

Some of the most frightening and disturbing stories are the ones that take a different path than we expected. Their horror is in the exceptions, the little things that make them different. But some little things are more difficult to see coming.

Episode 183: Suffer the Children

While many of the places we live are defined by their current, modern personalities, a look into the past can reveal a much more thrilling—and terrifying—picture. And no where is that more true than the Silver State.

Episode 182: Ever-Present

We’ve always had a hunger for mystery stories and true crime. But for a period of time, many of those stories had a very unusual element to them—a detail that had a way of making less believable today, an so much more frightening.

Episode 181: Unsettled

In the world of folklore, one of the most interesting most timeless characters is also the least supernatural. But that doesn’t mean their stories are any less thrilling or entertaining.

Episode 180: Above the Law

In this remastered edition of a classic Lore episode, we revisit the concept of curses, and take a tour through some of the most powerful examples. With fresh narration and production, and a brand new story at the end.

REMASTERED – Episode 13: Off the Path

Folklore has many uses, and a quick trip through history would reveal many that you’ve come to expect. It educates a community, preserves events and well-known figures, and provides a sometimes-fictional explanation for mysterious happenings. But one particular use for folklore needs a deeper look…because it’s beyond thrilling.

Episode 179: Confidence

It’s time to return to the colonial village of Hadley and reunite with the neighborhood witch, Mary Webster. All presented with modern production, fresh narration, and a brand new bonus story at the end.

REMASTERED – Episode 12: Half-Hanged

Some of the darkest moments in human history have taken place because of our hunger for a second chance, a better life, or a fresh start. But not all opportunities are guaranteed a bright and shiny outcome.

Episode 178: Opportunity

In this remastered edition of a classic episode, we’ll revisit the folklore of changelings, and the tragic story of Bridget Cleary, with a brand new story at the end, plus refreshed narration and production, and music from Chad Lawson.

REMASTERED – Episode 11: Black Stockings

One of the things that has united humans across cultures and languages is music. For as long as we can remember, we have filled our lives with new musical backdrops. And at the center of that world are the people who write and perform it all—as well as the stories about where their powerful gifts come from.

Episode 177: Strings

The well-worn carpets and imperfect walls of an old hotel can often make guests feel as if they are staying in a little slice of the past. In one grand old hotel, however, that truth has never been more true. This remastered edition includes a brand new story at the end, plus refreshed narration and production, and music from Chad Lawson.

REMASTERED – Episode 10: Steam & Gas

In all the folktales about the forest, we are warned to not set foot inside, lest the darkness and dangers that live there seek us out and harm us. But there are other stories that describe a much more sinister outcome, and throughout history they have proven themselves true.

Episode 176: Rooted

It’s time to return to one of the classic American monster stories, the Jersey Devil. In this remastered edition you’ll get the same story you’ve known and loved, but with brand new narration and production, all layered over the hauntingly beautiful music of Chad Lawson. The Devil would be proud.

REMASTERED – Episode 9: A Devil on the Roof

In our never-ending journey to discover what makes us tick, people have come up with some pretty surprising ideas. And in the process, they’ve given themselves permission to do some utterly terrifying things.

Episode 175: Head Case

Let’s all revisit the hunting grounds of one of America’s most horrific—and prolific—serial killers: H. H. Holmes. This Remastered edition includes fresh narration and production, music by Chad Lawson, and a brand new Epilogue tale at the end.

REMASTERED – Episode 8: The Castle

Much like our instinct to set up a home in new places, humans are good at creating everything else we might need. And that includes folklore. But if even half of the stories that have been born in this one town are true, there’s a lot to be afraid of.

Episode 174: From Scratch

Let’s all step back into the woods that started it all: the legendary—and frightening—Bridgewater Triangle. This classic script has been updated with fresh narration, production, and music.

REMASTERED – Episode 7: In the Woods

On the edge of the world, where risk and danger crash constantly against the shores of civilization, stands a type of ancient guardian that everyone recognizes, but few truly understand. And there’s at least one mystery waiting for those brave enough to explore them.

Episode 173: Darkness and Light

Revisit the classic journey into some the history behind our fascination with derelict mental health hospitals. The same story you love, with modern narration and production, plus a new bonus story at the end.

REMASTERED – Episode 6: Echoes

Many people need something to believe, and someone to follow. But out of all the examples throughout history of bad leaders, few are as bizarre and unexplainable as one man from a century ago.

Episode 172: Under the Influence

A fresh take on a classic episode, exploring the world of hidden spirits in the earth, and the way humans have shaped their lives around those beliefs. With a brand new recording, modern production, and music by Chad Lawson.

REMASTERED – Episode 5: Under Construction

The older the city, the deeper its roots. And when that location is the oldest around—well, the amount of darkness it’s hiding should not come as a surprise.

Episode 171: Long Shadows

Our classic tour of the Pacific Northwest's most haunted mausoleum is back, with brand new narration, music by Chad Lawson, and modern production. The chills, though, are 100% original.

REMASTERED — Episode 4: Dinner at the Afterglow

Some of the most frightening kinds of folklore are the ones with a familiar element. Details that sit a bit too close to home. Qualities that resonate just a bit too much. And few places host legends more terrifying than the wilderness around us.

Episode 170: Into the Wild

Our classic exploration of everyone's favorite hairy beast, freshly re-recorded and produced from scratch with music by Chad Lawson. And don't miss the new Epilogue story after the credits!

REMASTERED — Episode 3: The Beast Within

We’ve all been told to beware things that seem too good to be true, and for good reason. But beyond the world of hucksters and frauds, one special group of people fooled an entire culture, at the cost of hundreds of lives.

Episode 169: Blood Money

It's our classic visit to the Hoosac Tunnel, reputed to be one of New England's most haunted locations. Freshly-recorded, newly produced, and scored with music from Chad Lawson...and don't miss the brand new story after the ads.

REMASTERED — Episode 2: The Bloody Pit

Hope is a powerful emotion, and it has driven humans to do great things over the centuries. It’s also a key element of folklore, but the stories it gives rise to there are more than just inspiring—some of them can also be terrifying.

Episode 168: Beyond the Pale

The episode that started it all, freshly narrated, newly produced, and scored with Chad Lawson's haunting music. And don't miss the brand new story after the ads.

REMASTERED — Episode 1: They Made a Tonic

Death is one of life’s certainties, and the final chapter in each of our stories. And yet throughout history, there have been reports of those who have broken the rules—and the brave few who rose to the challenge to stop them.

Episode 167: Deviation

For thousands of years, humans have used a tool of violence to control their enemies, advance their careers, and remove their problems. And the only thing more frightening than the tool itself are the stories about the people who use it.

Episode 166: Toxic

Some places seem to straddle the boundary between one world and another. It’s a feature than can often generate charm and beauty, but sometimes it creates darker things, as the history of these historic islands demonstrates so well.

Episode 165: On the Line

While animals have been our constant companions for thousands of years, one chapter of our long history together led to much more terrifying results.

Episode 164: Loyal Companion

It should come as no surprise that one of humanity’s greatest qualities is also the tool with which it has committed much darker tragedies. Even far from the wilds of the Old World, that legacy was never far behind.

Episode 163: Persistence

In a world obsessed with fairytale endings, the most iconic type of setting for those stories turns out to also be home to some of the darkest histories around.

Episode 162: By Design

Folklore is often born in moments were answers and hope seem lost, and few situations like that have generated more stories than the crucible of human conflict.

Episode 161: Shell Game

One of the oldest beliefs in human history is also the root of countless stories in our collective folklore. But to understand the power of those tales, we need to understand the people who brought them to life.

Episode 160: Sleight of Hand

Whether intentionally or by accident, the past has a way of slipping away, slowly vanishing beneath our feet. That doesn’t mean it’s gone forever, though. But before we seek unearth it, it would be wise to remember that some things are buried for a reason.

Episode 159: Close By

Oftentimes, the truth is right in front of us, made as plain as day and easy to access. But sometimes it’s lost, and the only way to track it down is through story. But as one island in the Pacific Northwest demonstrates, digging for the truth often comes at a price.

Episode 158: A Grain of Truth

One of the most common features of our legends and folklore is our dreams. And one of the most common dreams, across all the pages of history, is a desire that has haunted people since the dawn of time—a desire that might just be more attainable that we realize.

Episode 157: Hanging On

Humans are very good at making assumptions. But if we look a little deeper, our preconceived ideas about some of the most common bits of folklore won’t just change—they’ll transform into something terrifying.

Episode 156: Bottled Up

Some stories are very familiar to us, but our understanding of them is only the tip of the iceberg. Even one of folklore’s most legendary creatures has roots that are almost forgotten today—roots that are both ancient and terrifying.

Episode 155: Skin Deep

Everywhere you go these days, there are superstitions. Many are modern, and not much more than clever word games or rhymes designed to help us remember things. But a few are older, with roots in a past that’s a bit darker than we’d like to admit.

Episode 154: Adding It Up

Sometimes the past sticks around because we work hard to make sure it’s never forgotten. Other times, it stays with us because we refused to let it go. But in one American city, the past seems to have stuck around for darker reasons.

Episode 153: Hold On

Folklore is filled with stories that evolve over time, and while the originals are full of drama and fright, it’s in the evolution that they truly come to life.

Episode 152: Follow the Leader

For a very long time, people have believed that our world is filled with magic. Secret knowledge and hidden truths that we can use to unlock power and privilege. It’s a belief that’s taken all shapes and forms, but there’s one common thread tying it all together: books.

Episode 151: By the Book

History can be easy to brush aside or paint over, giving us the illusion of control. But just because we can’t see the past doesn’t mean it’s not there, active and powerful, working behind the scenes to remind us of our tragedy and pain.

Episode 150: Addition

History has proven just how good humans are at improving things, from weapons and tools to medicine and education. But some advancements come at a price, while creating some horrifying folklore in the process.

Episode 149: Off Track

If history has shown us anything, it’s that humans are easily motivated by fear. Just what some of those fears have been, though, is more than a little frightening.

Episode 148: Predictable

Humans have long practiced the art of building walls and fortresses in an effort to gain control or find safety. But no place is safe from the danger we bring upon ourselves, and sometimes those tragedies stay right where they started.

Episode 147: Contained

Humans have spent thousands of years building systems to keep us as safe as possible. But eventually, each of us will have to stop and rest, letting down our guard and opening ourselves up to perhaps our darkest and oldest of enemies.

Episode 146: A Great Weight

Human ingenuity knows no bounds. Along with creating all manner of new technology, and ever more complex levels of knowledge, another thing we are good at inventing is ourselves. And sometimes that alteration can become the stuff of legend.

Episode 145: Invention

Folklore is often about danger and how we, as a community, might avoid it. But real life sometimes becomes a mirror of those fears, and leaves us wondering why no one saw it coming.

Episode 144: Birds of Prey

Some of the oldest and most popular parts of folklore are the ghost stories. Whether told around a campfire, or red about in the safety a well-lit room, they are always fun, and often chilling. But there’s so much more to ghosts than wispy visions and rattling chains.

Episode 143: Inside Information

There’s a lot that science has explained away. Mysteries that left us cowering in fear. Events that challenged our feelings of security and control. But even after all that progress, there are still some unexplained stories that left to haunt us.

Episode 142: Reflections

Humanity has always been very good at making the best of a bad situation. Either by burying the past, or at least by building distractions that take the focus off of it. But no matter how beautiful those distractions are, our past always leaves a mark.

Episode 141: Stains

We often speak in lofty terms about all that humans are capable of achieving, and much of that is true. But looking backward in time, we can also see moments when that potential has led to horrible tragedy. And we have no one to blame but ourselves.

Episode 140: Potential

The way we treat the past is a great lens into the character of humanity. Sometimes we elevate it, but all too often we work to bury it. And while the excuse might be to make room for the march of progress, it also allows us to hide our worst mistakes and most painful tragedies.

Episode 139: Heirloom

Humanity has grown over the millennia by passing on knowledge through teachings and guides. Even today, how-to books are best-sellers, and people are more hungry than ever to learn and grow. But some lessons aren’t worth passing on, and in a few cases, they’ve even been incredibly destructive.

Episode 138: Foresight

Our passion for solving incomplete puzzles is something that unites us as a culture. We will chase any mystery and dig into every single question we encounter. But that attraction might also put us in grave danger, if history is any indication.

Episode 137: Elusive

Folklore is our legacy. We humans have carried it with us everywhere we’ve gone in the world, and it anchors us to our roots and our community. But it also does something else: it gives us a place to hide our fear, to put it on a leash and control it. And there’s one story in particular that does that better than most.

Episode 136: The Third Time

We like it when things go according to plan. Even when it comes to death, we long to have some semblance of control over our path. So when those best-laid plans are disrupted by the unexpected, it’s only natural to assume the worst.

Episode 135: A Good Death

There’s nothing more certain in life than death. No matter how rewarding or challenging our days on this planet might be, for as long as humans have been around, we’ve viewed death as something akin to slumber, however natural or untimely it might be. But not all that sleep are left undisturbed.

Episode 134: Disturbing the Peace

The human tendency to study the unknown—to dig deep and search for the bedrock of truth at the bottom of the mystery—is one of our most enduring qualities. But while that tenacity has helped scientists unlock much of our world, it has also led us to unusual ideas. And you’d be surprised what they recorded about it.

Lore

Aaron Mahnke and Grim & Mild - lorepodcast.com

Latest episode: Mon Jun 27 2022