Lore

Lore

Host: 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.

Episodes

Legends 60: Operatic
01August 18, 2025 12:01am

Legends 60: Operatic

Some places only have a handful of dark stories to explore. Today’s subject, though, is the land of a ten-thousand tales. Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, with writing by Alex Robinson and research by Cassandra de Alba. ————————— Lore…

Deeper Lore: 286 (86, 113, & 186)
02August 14, 2025 12:01am

Deeper Lore: 286 (86, 113, & 186)

Go deeper into the subject matter of our most recent episode (286: Lazarus) with these three recommendations from further back in the Lore catalog: Episode 86: LorePodcast.com/episodes/86 Episode 113: LorePodcast.com/episodes/113 Episode 1…

Episode 286: Lazarus
03August 11, 2025 12:01am

Episode 286: Lazarus

One of the most intriguing topics throughout history has infectious disease and the way we handle it. Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, with writing by GennaRose Nethercott, research by Cassandra de Alba, and music by Chad Lawson. ————…

Legends 59: Apparition
04August 04, 2025 12:01am

Legends 59: Apparition

Folklore is often a regional thing, shifting and reshaping itself to fit the landscape and the people who live there. And nowhere is that more frighteningly true than one particular stretch of the American landscape. Narrated and produced b…

Deeper Lore: 285 (16, 27, & 31)
05July 31, 2025 12:01am

Deeper Lore: 285 (16, 27, & 31)

Go deeper into the subject matter of our most recent episode (285: Oh My) with these three recommendations from further back in the Lore catalog: Episode 16: LorePodcast.com/episodes/16 Episode 27: LorePodcast.com/episodes/27 Episode 31: L…

Lore 285: Oh My
06July 28, 2025 12:01am

Lore 285: Oh My

We often think that the most frightening creatures of all are the ones that only exist within the pages of folklore. But what happens when the dangers lurks a lot closer to home? Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, with writing by GennaR…

Legends 58: Take a Bow
07July 21, 2025 12:01am

Legends 58: Take a Bow

We usually go looking for the most frightening legends in the shadows. Sometimes, though, they can be found where the lights are brightest. Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, with writing by Alex Robinson and research by Cassandra de Al…

Deeper Lore: 284 (19, 30, & 72)
08July 17, 2025 12:01am

Deeper Lore: 284 (19, 30, & 72)

Go deeper into the subject matter of our most recent episode (284: Grounded) with these three recommendations from further back in the Lore catalog: Episode 19: LorePodcast.com/episodes/19 Episode 30: LorePodcast.com/episodes/30 Episode 72…

Lore 284: Grounded
09July 14, 2025 12:01am

Lore 284: Grounded

The way various cultures approach death has added a dark texture to the world around us. And caught in the fabric of those metaphorical burial shrouds is the debris from some truly powerful stories.  Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, w…

Legends 57: Long Live the King
10July 07, 2025 12:01am

Legends 57: Long Live the King

Some legends only appear to vanish over time. From wide popularity to utter obscurity, their journey teaches us something about the way we use story. And sometimes, it even manages to leave its mark on history. Narrated and produced by Aaro…

Deeper Lore: 283 (20, 23, & 36)
11July 03, 2025 12:01am

Deeper Lore: 283 (20, 23, & 36)

Go deeper into the subject matter of our most recent episode (283: On the Nose) with these three recommendations from further back in the Lore catalog: Episode 20: LorePodcast.com/episodes/20 Episode 23: LorePodcast.com/episodes/23 Episode…

Lore 283: On the Nose
12June 30, 2025 12:01am

Lore 283: On the Nose

Folklore often preserves something from deep in the past in a way that can still be experienced in the present. But ghosts aren’t the only lingering reminder of days gone by that we might bump into. Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, wi…

Legends 56: Ringed In
13June 23, 2025 12:01am

Legends 56: Ringed In

History is full of exceptions that make it very dangerous to assume—some examples of which are absolutely horrifying. Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, with writing by Alex Robinson and research by Cassandra de Alba. ————————— Lore Res…

Deeper Lore: 282 (43, 49, & 159)
14June 19, 2025 12:01am

Deeper Lore: 282 (43, 49, & 159)

Go deeper into the subject matter of our most recent episode (282: Auld) with these three recommendations from further back in the Lore catalog: Episode 43: LorePodcast.com/episodes/43 Episode 49: LorePodcast.com/episodes/49 Episode 159: L…

Lore 282: Auld
15June 16, 2025 12:01am

Lore 282: Auld

Few cities in the world contain as much darkness, pain, and evil as the capital of Scotland. Join us for a chilling tour—but be careful where you step. Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, with writing by GennaRose Nethercott, research by…

Legends 55: Different Paths
16June 08, 2025 11:01pm

Legends 55: Different Paths

Some regions of North America might have taken different routes through history to our own, but that doesn’t mean the legends they’ve collected are any less terrifying. Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, with writing by Alex Robinson an…

Deeper Lore: 281 (190, 198, & 246)
17June 04, 2025 11:01pm

Deeper Lore: 281 (190, 198, & 246)

Go deeper into the subject matter of our most recent episode The Silver Scream (190, 198, & 246) with these three recommendations from further back in the Lore catalog: Episode 190: LorePodcast.com/episodes/190 Episode 198: LorePodcast.com…

Lore 281: The Silver Scream
18June 01, 2025 11:01pm

Lore 281: The Silver Scream

We look to the theater for entertainment, distraction, and inspiration. But like so many other areas of popular culture, that glitz and glamour hides a darker past. Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, with writing by GennaRose Nethercott…

Legends 54: Fairytale
19May 25, 2025 11:01pm

Legends 54: Fairytale

Humans have spent a very long time collecting and sharing specific tales. But just because the most popular ones are bright and cheerful doesn’t mean the rest are without shadows. Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, with writing by Alex …

Deeper Lore: 280 (81, 118, & 166)
20May 21, 2025 11:01pm

Deeper Lore: 280 (81, 118, & 166)

Go deeper into the subject matter of our most recent episode (280: Flower Power) with these three recommendations from further back in the Lore catalog: Episode 81: LorePodcast.com/episodes/81 Episode 118: LorePodcast.com/episodes/118 Epis…

Lore 280: Flower Power
21May 18, 2025 11:01pm

Lore 280: Flower Power

The soil of history is rich with all sorts of traditions and folklore, many of which have sprouted into deadly tools and powerful magic. At least, that’s what the stories tell us. Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, with writing by Genna…

Legends 53: Lunacy
22May 11, 2025 11:01pm

Legends 53: Lunacy

Legends are all around us. But few topics in the world of folklore do as good a job of illuminating our flawed human nature as the stories hanging over our heads. Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, with writing by Alex Robinson and rese…

Deeper Lore: 279 (130, 176, & 205)
23May 07, 2025 11:01pm

Deeper Lore: 279 (130, 176, & 205)

Go deeper into the subject matter of our most recent episode (279: Singular) with these three recommendations from further back in the Lore catalog: Episode 130: LorePodcast.com/episodes/130 Episode 176: LorePodcast.com/episodes/176 Episod…

Lore 279: Singular
24May 04, 2025 11:01pm

Lore 279: Singular

Even the brightest members of the fairytale world have dark and shadowy origins. In fact, one particular medieval beast developed a terrifying reputation that is still a part of our world today. Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, with w…

Legends 52: Sunshine
25April 27, 2025 11:01pm

Legends 52: Sunshine

We might long for vacations in beautiful, sunlit settings as a break from the mundane, but just because a place is a paradise doesn’t mean it has no shadows. Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, with writing by Alex Robinson and research …

Deeper Lore: 278 (8, 111, & 215)
26April 23, 2025 11:01pm

Deeper Lore: 278 (8, 111, & 215)

Go deeper into the subject matter of our most recent episode (278: Bad For Business) with these three recommendations from further back in the Lore catalog: Episode 8: LorePodcast.com/episodes/8 Episode 111: LorePodcast.com/episodes/111 Ep…

Lore 278: Bad For Business
27April 20, 2025 11:01pm

Lore 278: Bad For Business

It’s easy to think of folklore and the supernatural as something that sits outside our little bubble of normal life. But in many cases throughout history, spooky things had a way of creeping into one of the most mundane areas of society: th…

Legends 51: Royal
28April 13, 2025 11:01pm

Legends 51: Royal

All the power and privilege in the world can’t guarantee safety. And if these legends are any indication, the list of risks includes the supernatural. Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, with writing by Alex Robinson and research by Cass…

Deeper Lore: 277 (120, 208, & Legends 36)
29April 09, 2025 11:01pm

Deeper Lore: 277 (120, 208, & Legends 36)

Go deeper into the subject matter of our most recent episode (Episode 277: In the Rough) with these three recommendations from further back in the Lore catalog: Episode 120: LorePodcast.com/episodes/120 Episode 208: LorePodcast.com/episode…

Lore 277: In the Rough
30April 06, 2025 11:01pm

Lore 277: In the Rough

Some corners of folklore sparkle more than others. But just because the subject matter is pretty doesn’t mean it’s safe. Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, with writing by GennaRose Nethercott, research by Cassandra de Alba, and music b…

Legends 50: Settling Up
31March 30, 2025 11:01pm

Legends 50: Settling Up

No community is a stranger to pain. To test this assertion, we’re heading into one of the far corners of America to see what sort of tragedy might be lurking in the record books. Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, with writing by Alex R…

Deeper Lore: 276 (43, 113, & 122)
32March 27, 2025 12:01am

Deeper Lore: 276 (43, 113, & 122)

Go deeper into the subject matter of our most recent episode (276: Heads Up) with these three recommendations from further back in the Lore catalog: Episode 43: LorePodcast.com/episodes/43 Episode 113: LorePodcast.com/episodes/113 Episode …

Lore 276: Heads Up
33March 23, 2025 11:01pm

Lore 276: Heads Up

A good amount of history is nothing more than normal, everyday people doing their best to keep their heads in troubling situations. According to folklore, though, there have also been a few memorable, terrifying failures. Narrated and produ…

A Happy Update
34March 18, 2025 12:01am

A Happy Update

A special announcement for a special day. Thank you to everyone who has constantly, generously, and joyfully supported this show over the years.  Here’s to many more! ———————————— ©2025 Aaron Mahnke. All rights reserved.

Legends 49: Scars
35March 17, 2025 12:01am

Legends 49: Scars

Injuries often leave marks that stick with us for years. In locations designed for violence, though, scars often reach a new level of pain and darkness. Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, with writing by Alex Robinson and research by Ca…

Deeper Lore: 275 (57, 155, & 81)
36March 13, 2025 12:01am

Deeper Lore: 275 (57, 155, & 81)

Go deeper into the subject matter of our most recent episode (275: Taking Control) with these three recommendations from further back in the Lore catalog: Episode 57: LorePodcast.com/episodes/57 Episode 155: LorePodcast.com/episodes/155 Ep…

Lore 275: Taking Control
37March 10, 2025 12:01am

Lore 275: Taking Control

Thankfully, every rule has an exception, as this tragic story from 16th century France makes painfully clear. Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, with writing by GennaRose Nethercott, research by Cassandra de Alba, and music by Chad Laws…

Legends 48: Oh Deer
38March 02, 2025 11:01pm

Legends 48: Oh Deer

Roaming around a small wooded corner of folklore are four-legged creatures that might not be what they seem. These legends hold a lot of danger…and maybe something darker. Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, with writing by Alex Robinson…

Deeper Lore: 274 (117, 141, & 165)
39February 26, 2025 11:01pm

Deeper Lore: 274 (117, 141, & 165)

Go deeper into the subject matter of our most recent episode (274: Distant Relations) with these three recommendations from further back in the Lore catalog: Episode 117: LorePodcast.com/episodes/117 Episode 141: LorePodcast.com/episodes/1…

Lore 274: Distant Relations
40February 23, 2025 11:01pm

Lore 274: Distant Relations

Despite the oceans and centuries that separate various cultures, it is often the folklore that acts like a glue, uniting humanity in a shared world of terrifying legends. Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, with writing by GennaRose Neth…