Lore

Aaron Mahnke launched Lore in 2015, and it quickly became one of the defining podcasts of the mystery and dark history genre. The show now has over 700 episodes and has been adapted into a TV series, a book series, and a touring live show. Each episode explores a real historical event or belief that reveals something unsettling about human nature -- think the origins of vampire folklore, the real history behind infamous haunted houses, or the strange medical practices that terrified entire communities. Mahnke narrates solo with a calm, deliberate cadence that feels like someone telling you a story by firelight. The production features original music by composer Chad Lawson, which adds genuine atmosphere without becoming distracting. Episodes typically run 20 to 35 minutes, and new installments release weekly through Grim and Mild Studios. The show has earned a 4.6-star rating from over 44,000 reviews on Apple Podcasts, making it one of the most widely reviewed podcasts in any genre. Mahnke excels at finding the human stories inside historical mysteries -- the fear, the superstition, the desperation that drove people to extraordinary actions. More recently, the show has expanded its lens to include more diverse historical perspectives, particularly around colonialism and Indigenous history.