Over the centuries, it has become common to refer to traumatizing or frightening experiences as "a nightmare." The true origins of that notion, though, are the most terrifying of all.

Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, with writing by Alex Robinson and research by Sam Alberty.

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PRE-ORDER EXHUMED TODAY: aaronmahnke.com/exhumed

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Lore Resources:

• Get Ad-Free Lore: lorepodcast.com/support
• Episode Music: lorepodcast.com/music
• Episode Sources: lorepodcast.com/sources
• Official Lore Merchandise: lorepodcast.com/shop

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Sponsors:

• Taskrabbit: Get ahead of your todo list right now and get $15 off your first task at Taskrabbit.com, or on the Taskrabbit app, using promo code LORE.
• Mint Mobile: For a limited time, wireless plans from Mint Mobile are $15 a month when you purchase a 3-month plan with UNLIMITED talk, text and data at MintMobile.com/lore.
• HomeServe: Your next costly home repair is already coming. Act now and get protected with a plan through HomeServe. For 50% less your first year, go to HomeServe.com/lore.
• Warby Parker: Right now, buy one pair and get additional pairs for 20%. Go to WarbyParker.com/LORE to try on any pair virtually!

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To report a concern regarding a radio-style, non-Aaron ad in this episode, reach out to ads @ lorepodcast.com with the name of the company or organization so we can look into it.

To advertise on this podcast please email: [email protected]. Or go to: https://advertising.libsyn.com/lore

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©2026 Aaron Mahnke. All rights reserved.

Go deeper into the subject matter of our most recent episode (308: Without a Trace) with these three recommendations from further back in the Lore catalog:

• Episode 40: LorePodcast.com/episodes/40
• Episode 114: LorePodcast.com/episodes/114
• Episode 150: LorePodcast.com/episodes/150

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Lore Resources:

• Episode Music: lorepodcast.com/music
• Episode Sources: lorepodcast.com/sources
• Official Lore Merchandise: www.lorepodcast.com/shop

©2026 Aaron Mahnke. All rights reserved.

Dark stories often have twists, turns, and the constant fear of getting lost in the shadows. Which is a lot like one real trail that haunts American history. Let's take a journey there together.

Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, with writing by GennaRose Nethercott, research by Cassandra de Alba, and music by Chad Lawson.

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PRE-ORDER EXHUMED TODAY: aaronmahnke.com/exhumed

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Lore Resources:

• Get Ad-Free Lore: lorepodcast.com/support
• Episode Music: lorepodcast.com/music
• Episode Sources: lorepodcast.com/sources
• Official Lore Merchandise: lorepodcast.com/shop

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Sponsors:

• BetterHelp: Lore is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at BetterHelp.com/LORE, and get on your way to being your best self.
• Squarespace: Head to Squarespace.com/lore to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using the code LORE.
• Bilt: Membership that rewards you with points on every housing payment, wherever you live. Join the membership for where you live at JoinBilt.com/Lore.
• Quince: Premium European clothing and accessories for 50% to 80% less than similar brands. Visit Quince.com/LORE for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.

—————————

To report a concern regarding a radio-style, non-Aaron ad in this episode, reach out to ads @ lorepodcast.com with the name of the company or organization so we can look into it.

To advertise on this podcast please email: [email protected]. Or go to: https://advertising.libsyn.com/lore

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©2026 Aaron Mahnke

One of the most common fears we have is also the product of centuries of fiction mixed with a dash of truth. The result is a genre of storytelling that is truly horrifying.

Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, with writing by Alex Robinson and research by Sam Alberty.

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PRE-ORDER EXHUMED TODAY: aaronmahnke.com/exhumed

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Lore Resources:

• Get Ad-Free Lore: lorepodcast.com/support
• Episode Music: lorepodcast.com/music
• Episode Sources: lorepodcast.com/sources
• Official Lore Merchandise: lorepodcast.com/shop

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Sponsors:

• Casper: Right now, save up to 20% on mattresses when you go to Casper.com.
• SimpliSafe: Secure your home with 24/7 professional monitoring. Sign up today at SimpliSafe.com/Lore to get 50% off a new SimpliSafe system.
• Chime: Chime is banking done right. Open an account in 2 minutes at chime.com/lore.
• Square: Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/LORE!

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To report a concern regarding a radio-style, non-Aaron ad in this episode, reach out to ads @ lorepodcast.com with the name of the company or organization so we can look into it.

To advertise on this podcast please email: [email protected]. Or go to: https://advertising.libsyn.com/lore

—————————

©2026 Aaron Mahnke. All rights reserved.

Go deeper into the subject matter of our most recent episode (Lore 307: Revisiting "Mary, Mary") with these three recommendations from further back in the Lore catalog:

• Episode 37: LorePodcast.com/episodes/37
• Episode 79: LorePodcast.com/episodes/79
• Episode 215: LorePodcast.com/episodes/215

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Lore Resources:

• Episode Music: lorepodcast.com/music
• Episode Sources: lorepodcast.com/sources
• Official Lore Merchandise: www.lorepodcast.com/shop

©2026 Aaron Mahnke. All rights reserved.

This week, as summer weaves its way into our lives, the Lore team is taking a well-deserved break. To make that possible, we're reissuing a fan favorite from nearly a decade ago: Episode 50: Mary, Mary.

Researched, written, and produced by Aaron Mahnke, with music by Chad Lawson.

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PRE-ORDER EXHUMED TODAY: aaronmahnke.com/exhumed

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Lore Resources:

• Get Ad-Free Lore: lorepodcast.com/support
• Episode Music: lorepodcast.com/music
• Episode Sources: lorepodcast.com/sources
• Official Lore Merchandise: lorepodcast.com/shop

—————————

Sponsors:

• BetterHelp: Lore is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at BetterHelp.com/LORE, and get on your way to being your best self.
• Squarespace: Head to Squarespace.com/lore to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using the code LORE.
• Mint Mobile: For a limited time, wireless plans from Mint Mobile are $15 a month when you purchase a 3-month plan with UNLIMITED talk, text and data at MintMobile.com/lore.
• HomeServe: Your next costly home repair is already coming. Act now and get protected with a plan through HomeServe. For 50% less your first year, go to HomeServe.com/lore.

—————————

To report a concern regarding a radio-style, non-Aaron ad in this episode, reach out to ads @ lorepodcast.com with the name of the company or organization so we can look into it.

To advertise on this podcast please email: [email protected]. Or go to: https://advertising.libsyn.com/lore

—————————

©2026 Aaron Mahnke. All rights reserved.

Sometimes the thing that gives a story its authenticity is the frequency with which it has been shared, regardless of the truth. And many of them turn out to be utterly terrifying.

Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, with writing and research by GennaRose Nethercott and Alex Robinson.

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PRE-ORDER EXHUMED TODAY: aaronmahnke.com/exhumed

—————————

Lore Resources:

• Get Ad-Free Lore: lorepodcast.com/support
• Episode Music: lorepodcast.com/music
• Episode Sources: lorepodcast.com/sources
• Official Lore Merchandise: lorepodcast.com/shop

—————————

Sponsors:

• Gusto: Online payroll and benefits software built for small businesses. Try Gusto today at Gusto.com/LORE, and get 3 months free when you run your first payroll.
• Bilt: Membership that rewards you with points on every housing payment, wherever you live. Join the membership for where you live at JoinBilt.com/Lore.
• Quince: Premium European clothing and accessories for 50% to 80% less than similar brands. Visit Quince.com/LORE for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.
• Boll & Branch: Upgrade your sleep with Boll & Branch. Get 15% off your first order plus free shipping at BollAndBranch.com/lore with code LORE.

—————————

To report a concern regarding a radio-style, non-Aaron ad in this episode, reach out to ads @ lorepodcast.com with the name of the company or organization so we can look into it.

To advertise on this podcast please email: [email protected]. Or go to: https://advertising.libsyn.com/lore

—————————

©2026 Aaron Mahnke. All rights reserved.

Go deeper into the subject matter of our most recent episode (306: Disorienting) with these three recommendations from further back in the Lore catalog:

• Episode 111: LorePodcast.com/episodes/111
• Episode 127: LorePodcast.com/episodes/127
• Episode 136: LorePodcast.com/episodes/136

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Lore Resources:

• Episode Music: lorepodcast.com/music
• Episode Sources: lorepodcast.com/sources
• Official Lore Merchandise: www.lorepodcast.com/shop

©2026 Aaron Mahnke. All rights reserved.

Some folklore can be very confusing, which can cause a lot of fear. Which was exactly the point for this specific realm of ancient belief and tradition. Just try not to get lost.

Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, with writing by GennaRose Nethercott, research by Cassandra de Alba, and music by Chad Lawson.

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PRE-ORDER EXHUMED TODAY: aaronmahnke.com/exhumed

—————————

Lore Resources:

• Get Ad-Free Lore: lorepodcast.com/support
• Episode Music: lorepodcast.com/music
• Episode Sources: lorepodcast.com/sources
• Official Lore Merchandise: lorepodcast.com/shop

—————————

Sponsors:

• BetterHelp: Lore is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at BetterHelp.com/LORE, and get on your way to being your best self.
• Squarespace: Head to Squarespace.com/lore to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using the code LORE.
• HomeServe: Help protect your home systems – and your wallet – against covered repairs. Plans start at just $4.99 a month at HomeServe.com.
• Gusto: Online payroll and benefits software built for small businesses. Try Gusto today at Gusto.com/LORE, and get 3 months free when you run your first payroll.

—————————

To report a concern regarding a radio-style, non-Aaron ad in this episode, reach out to ads @ lorepodcast.com with the name of the company or organization so we can look into it.

To advertise on this podcast please email: [email protected]. Or go to: https://advertising.libsyn.com/lore

The bigger the space, the more room there seems to be for ghosts. So it shouldn't be a surprise that there's lots of chills to be had in the Lone Star State.

Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, with writing by Nick Tecosky, and research by Jamie Vargas.

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PRE-ORDER EXHUMED TODAY: aaronmahnke.com/exhumed

—————————

Lore Resources:

• Get Ad-Free Lore: lorepodcast.com/support
• Episode Music: lorepodcast.com/music
• Episode Sources: lorepodcast.com/sources
• Official Lore Merchandise: lorepodcast.com/shop

—————————

Sponsors:

• Quince: Premium European clothing and accessories for 50% to 80% less than similar brands. Visit Quince.com/LORE for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.
• Chime: Chime is banking done right. Open an account in 2 minutes at chime.com/lore.
• Raycon: Discover better audio with Raycon. Go to BuyRaycon.com/loreOPEN to get 15% off the Essential Open Earbuds.
• SimpliSafe: Secure your home with 24/7 professional monitoring. Sign up today at SimpliSafe.com/Lore to get 50% off a new SimpliSafe system.

—————————

To report a concern regarding a radio-style, non-Aaron ad in this episode, reach out to ads @ lorepodcast.com with the name of the company or organization so we can look into it.

To advertise on this podcast please email: [email protected]. Or go to: https://advertising.libsyn.com/lore

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©2026 Aaron Mahnke. All rights reserved.