In the first episode of the podcast, the host introduces Palmyra Atoll, a remote cluster of islands in the Pacific Ocean. The episode begins with the host reminiscing about childhood fantasies of teleporting to a deserted island. The narrative then transitions to the 18th-century tale of Captain Edmund Fanning, who, while sailing the Pacific Ocean on a trading mission, experienced a mysterious premonition that led him to avoid disaster. His ship, Betsy, nearly wrecked on an uncharted reef. Fanning’s inexplicable urge to change course in the night saved his ship and crew. He later spotted what he believed to be Palmyra Atoll from afar but decided against exploring it. The episode sets the tone for the alluring and supernatural aura that seems to surround Palmyra Atoll.