Unobscured artwork

Unobscured

217 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 7.7K ratings

Each season of Unobscured digs deep into one of history's darkest and most misunderstood moments, and sheds light on the true story beneath the myth. 


Explore the Salem witch trials (S1), the Spiritualist Movement (S2), Jack the Ripper (S3), and Grigori Rasputin (S4) through the narrative storytelling of Aaron Mahnke, along with prominent historian interviews.


 


 

History Society & Culture Documentary
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Episodes

Grim & Mild Presents: Season 2 Trailer

July 08, 2022 07:01 - 1 minute - 1.62 MB

This summer, Grim & Mild Presents continues its journey into the strange, the unusual, and the fascinating. For our newest season, we’ll be taking to the high seas to explore one of history’s most notorious types of criminal: pirates. From naval battles and buried treasure, to deadly sword fights and stolen rum. Prepare to raise anchor! Grim & Mild Presents: Pirates sets sail on Friday, July 8th. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some Unobscured News

May 05, 2022 11:58 - 2 minutes - 2.1 MB

The spirit of UNOBSCURED has evolved and transformed into a brand new show called GRIM & MILD PRESENTS. We'll still be doing season-long deep-dives into major topics, but releasing episodes bi-weekly throughout the year, rather than all lumped into October and November. Learn more here. Subscribe to Grim & Mild Presents here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Interview: Helen Rappaport

January 26, 2022 08:01 - 1 hour - 78.2 MB

Our interview with Helen Rappaport, Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and best-selling author of books on Russia and the Romanovs. Her books like "Four Sisters: The Lost Lives of the Romanov Grand Duchesses," and "The Race to Save the Romanovs: The Truth Behind the Secret Plans to Rescue Russia's Imperial Family," provide the most intimate and dramatic portraits available of the lives of the Romanov family and their place in the modern world. Learn more about your ad-choices at https:/...

14 | Interview: Helen Rappaport

January 26, 2022 08:01 - 1 hour

Our interview with Helen Rappaport, Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and best-selling author of books on Russia and the Romanovs. Her books like "Four Sisters: The Lost Lives of the Romanov Grand Duchesses," and "The Race to Save the Romanovs: The Truth Behind the Secret Plans to Rescue Russia's Imperial Family," provide the most intimate and dramatic portraits available of the lives of the Romanov family and their place in the modern world. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://...

S4 – Interview 4: Helen Rappaport

January 26, 2022 08:01 - 1 hour - 78.2 MB

Our interview with Helen Rappaport, Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and best-selling author of books on Russia and the Romanovs. Her books like "Four Sisters: The Lost Lives of the Romanov Grand Duchesses," and "The Race to Save the Romanovs: The Truth Behind the Secret Plans to Rescue Russia's Imperial Family," provide the most intimate and dramatic portraits available of the lives of the Romanov family and their place in the modern world. Learn more about your ad-choices at https:/...

Interview: Joshua Sanborn

January 19, 2022 08:01 - 1 hour - 86.4 MB

Our interview with Dr. Joshua Sanborn, Professor of History at Lafayette College. His book on the collapse of the Romanov regime, "Imperial Apocalypse: The Great War and the Destruction of the Russian Empire," provides a rich history of the Great War through stories of the people on the ground. Restoring focus on the Eastern Front of the war, Dr. Sanborn's work traces the forces changing early twentieth centry Russia, and through Russia, the world. Learn more about your ad-choices at https:...

13 | Interview: Joshua Sanborn

January 19, 2022 08:01 - 1 hour

Our interview with Dr. Joshua Sanborn, Professor of History at Lafayette College. His book on the collapse of the Romanov regime, "Imperial Apocalypse: The Great War and the Destruction of the Russian Empire," provides a rich history of the Great War through stories of the people on the ground. Restoring focus on the Eastern Front of the war, Dr. Sanborn's work traces the forces changing early twentieth centry Russia, and through Russia, the world. Learn more about your ad-choices at https:/...

S4 – Interview 3: Joshua Sanborn

January 19, 2022 08:01 - 1 hour - 86.5 MB

Our interview with Dr. Joshua Sanborn, Professor of History at Lafayette College. His book on the collapse of the Romanov regime, "Imperial Apocalypse: The Great War and the Destruction of the Russian Empire," provides a rich history of the Great War through stories of the people on the ground. Restoring focus on the Eastern Front of the war, Dr. Sanborn's work traces the forces changing early twentieth centry Russia, and through Russia, the world. Learn more about your ad-choices at https...

12 | Interview: Heather Coleman

January 12, 2022 08:01 - 1 hour

Our interview with Dr. Heather Coleman, Professor of History at the University of Alberta. In her teaching and writing on the religion of the ninteenth and twentieth centuries, Dr. Coleman has shed new light on the role that religious life played in the modernization of the Russian empire in the last years of the Romanovs. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Interview: Heather Coleman

January 12, 2022 08:01 - 1 hour - 98.5 MB

Our interview with Dr. Heather Coleman, Professor of History at the University of Alberta. In her teaching and writing on the religion of the ninteenth and twentieth centuries, Dr. Coleman has shed new light on the role that religious life played in the modernization of the Russian empire in the last years of the Romanovs. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S4 – Interview 2: Heather Coleman

January 12, 2022 08:01 - 1 hour - 98.5 MB

Our interview with Dr. Heather Coleman, Professor of History at the University of Alberta. In her teaching and writing on the religion of the ninteenth and twentieth centuries, Dr. Coleman has shed new light on the role that religious life played in the modernization of the Russian empire in the last years of the Romanovs. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Introducing: Grim & Mild Presents

January 07, 2022 11:00 - 1 minute

Hi, Unobscured fans! Aaron Mahnke kicks off the new year with a brand-new podcast we think you'll enjoy. Don't just take our word for it, though. Check out the trailer for Grim & Mild Presents to decide for yourself! About Grim & Mild Presents: An ongoing exploration of history’s most unusual and macabre themes. Each 13-episode season unpacks a new topic in a fresh format and style. Presented and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke. Listen to Grim & Mild Presents starting January 7th on the iH...

Interview: Douglas Smith

January 05, 2022 08:01 - 1 hour - 108 MB

Our interview with Douglas Smith, award-winning historian, author, and translator. His book "Rasputin: Faith, Power, and the Twilight of the Romanovs" is a major study of Rasputin's rise and influence, and the very best historical work available on the life, death, and legacy of the Siberian peasant who became advisor to the Tsar. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S4 – Interview 1: Douglas Smith

January 05, 2022 08:01 - 1 hour - 108 MB

Our interview with Douglas Smith, award-winning historian, author, and translator. His book "Rasputin: Faith, Power, and the Twilight of the Romanovs" is a major study of Rasputin's rise and influence, and the very best historical work available on the life, death, and legacy of the Siberian peasant who became advisor to the Tsar. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11 | Interview: Douglas Smith

January 05, 2022 08:01 - 2 hours

Our interview with Douglas Smith, award-winning historian, author, and translator. His book "Rasputin: Faith, Power, and the Twilight of the Romanovs" is a major study of Rasputin's rise and influence, and the very best historical work available on the life, death, and legacy of the Siberian peasant who became advisor to the Tsar. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Ghosts

December 08, 2021 08:01 - 49 minutes - 45.2 MB

Grigory was mortal. The autopsy proved that. But as the Romanovs grappled with that reality, the world found that legends and myths were much harder to kill. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S4 – 10: Ghosts

December 08, 2021 08:01 - 49 minutes - 45.2 MB

Grigory was mortal. The autopsy proved that. But as the Romanovs grappled with that reality, the world found that legends and myths were much harder to kill. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10 | Ghosts

December 08, 2021 08:01 - 54 minutes

Grigory was mortal. The autopsy proved that. But as the Romanovs grappled with that reality, the world found that legends and myths were much harder to kill. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

S4 – 9: Let This Cup Pass

December 01, 2021 08:01 - 40 minutes - 37 MB

It seemed Grigory Rasputin was untouchable. If the plots laid against him weren't exposed before they hatched, then the hands set against him failed in their courage at the last moment. But even for a man like Grigory, some day the charm runs out. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

9 | Let This Cup Pass

December 01, 2021 08:01 - 45 minutes

It seemed Grigory Rasputin was untouchable. If the plots laid against him weren't exposed before they hatched, then the hands set against him failed in their courage at the last moment. But even for a man like Grigory, some day the charm runs out. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Let This Cup Pass

December 01, 2021 08:01 - 40 minutes - 37 MB

It seemed Grigory Rasputin was untouchable. If the plots laid against him weren't exposed before they hatched, then the hands set against him failed in their courage at the last moment. But even for a man like Grigory, some day the charm runs out. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S4 – 8: A Time to Live

November 24, 2021 08:01 - 41 minutes - 38.3 MB

The empire was bleeding. Who was to blame? As the accusations flew thick and fast, Grigory Rasputin proved once again that the ladder of chaos was an old friend. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Time to Live

November 24, 2021 08:01 - 41 minutes - 38.2 MB

The empire was bleeding. Who was to blame? As the accusations flew thick and fast, Grigory Rasputin proved once again that the ladder of chaos was an old friend. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8 | A Time to Live

November 24, 2021 08:01 - 46 minutes

The empire was bleeding. Who was to blame? As the accusations flew thick and fast, Grigory Rasputin proved once again that the ladder of chaos was an old friend. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

7 | Great Will Be the Ruin

November 17, 2021 08:01 - 43 minutes

Grigory struggled to heal. But as he swam back to life, another more successful assassination shot a hole in divine autocracy, and The Great War swept over the empires of his world. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

S4 – 7: Great Will Be the Ruin

November 17, 2021 08:01 - 37 minutes - 34.8 MB

Grigory struggled to heal. But as he swam back to life, another more successful assassination shot a hole in divine autocracy, and The Great War swept over the empires of his world. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Great Will Be the Ruin

November 17, 2021 08:01 - 37 minutes - 34.7 MB

Grigory struggled to heal. But as he swam back to life, another more successful assassination shot a hole in divine autocracy, and The Great War swept over the empires of his world. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laying On of Hands

November 10, 2021 08:01 - 43 minutes - 39.4 MB

Venomous rumors wrapped Rasputin and the Romanovs in a whirlwind. Grigory himself was at the center of the storm. But when the holy man seemed to promise the only path to healing, it made his grateful patrons turn a blind eye. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

6 | Laying On of Hands

November 10, 2021 08:01 - 48 minutes

Venomous rumors wrapped Rasputin and the Romanovs in a whirlwind. Grigory himself was at the center of the storm. But when the holy man seemed to promise the only path to healing, it made his grateful patrons turn a blind eye. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

S4 – 6: Laying On of Hands

November 10, 2021 08:01 - 43 minutes - 39.5 MB

Venomous rumors wrapped Rasputin and the Romanovs in a whirlwind. Grigory himself was at the center of the storm. But when the holy man seemed to promise the only path to healing, it made his grateful patrons turn a blind eye. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Standoff

November 03, 2021 07:01 - 40 minutes - 37.3 MB

Nicholas and Alexandra found themselves in an endless cascade of battles. Comfort and rest was in short supply. Every path before them seemed to lead to the same dead end. But one voice promised to guide them home. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S4 – 5: Standoff

November 03, 2021 07:01 - 40 minutes - 37.3 MB

Nicholas and Alexandra found themselves in an endless cascade of battles. Comfort and rest was in short supply. Every path before them seemed to lead to the same dead end. But one voice promised to guide them home. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

5 | Standoff

November 03, 2021 07:01 - 45 minutes

Nicholas and Alexandra found themselves in an endless cascade of battles. Comfort and rest was in short supply. Every path before them seemed to lead to the same dead end. But one voice promised to guide them home. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

4 | Sheep's Clothing

October 27, 2021 04:01 - 47 minutes

At the right hand of the Tsar, Grigory Rasputin turned his newfound power and prestige to vicious ends. And he wasn't the only one. Predators across the empire were howling for blood. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

S4 – 4: Sheep's Clothing

October 27, 2021 04:01 - 42 minutes - 38.6 MB

At the right hand of the Tsar, Grigory Rasputin turned his newfound power and prestige to vicious ends. And he wasn't the only one. Predators across the empire were howling for blood. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sheep's Clothing

October 27, 2021 04:01 - 42 minutes - 38.5 MB

At the right hand of the Tsar, Grigory Rasputin turned his newfound power and prestige to vicious ends. And he wasn't the only one. Predators across the empire were howling for blood. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Made Manifest

October 20, 2021 07:01 - 50 minutes - 46.6 MB

The Tsar and his people wrestled for control of the empire. A voice whispering that control was his divine right was exactly what Nicholas wanted to hear. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S4 – 3: Made Manifest

October 20, 2021 07:01 - 50 minutes - 46.7 MB

The Tsar and his people wrestled for control of the empire. A voice whispering that control was his divine right was exactly what Nicholas wanted to hear. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

3 | Made Manifest

October 20, 2021 07:01 - 56 minutes

The Tsar and his people wrestled for control of the empire. A voice whispering that control was his divine right was exactly what Nicholas wanted to hear. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

2 | Man of Contradictions

October 13, 2021 07:01 - 41 minutes

His hometown was a crossroads. Money and merchandise passed him by, so when Grigory set out on the road himself, it just made since. But he walked into a future that no one could see coming. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Man of Contradictions

October 13, 2021 07:01 - 36 minutes - 33.1 MB

His hometown was a crossroads. Money and merchandise passed him by, so when Grigory set out on the road himself, it just made since. But he walked into a future that no one could see coming. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S4 – 2: Man of Contradictions

October 13, 2021 07:01 - 36 minutes - 33.1 MB

His hometown was a crossroads. Money and merchandise passed him by, so when Grigory set out on the road himself, it just made since. But he walked into a future that no one could see coming. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1 | In Search of a Friend

October 06, 2021 07:01 - 47 minutes

When she traded her name for an empire, Alexandra faced a world that bewildered her—imperial Russia. Even her wedding was overshadowed by death. The darkness of those waters left her searching for a lineline. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

S4 – 1: In Search of a Friend

October 06, 2021 07:01 - 42 minutes - 38.8 MB

When she traded her name for an empire, Alexandra faced a world that bewildered her—imperial Russia. Even her wedding was overshadowed by death. The darkness of those waters left her searching for a lineline. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Search of a Friend

October 06, 2021 07:01 - 42 minutes - 38.8 MB

When she traded her name for an empire, Alexandra faced a world that bewildered her—imperial Russia. Even her wedding was overshadowed by death. The darkness of those waters left her searching for a lineline. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trailer: Unobscured Season 4

September 29, 2021 07:01 - 1 minute - 1.76 MB

Unobscured—the popular historical documentary podcast from Aaron Mahnke—returns for a brand new season. This time, the team aims to separate fact from fiction about one of history’s most mysterious characters: Grigori Rasputin. Season 4 premieres on October 6th. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S4 – Trailer

September 29, 2021 07:01 - 1 minute - 1.77 MB

Unobscured—the popular historical documentary podcast from Aaron Mahnke—returns for a brand new season. This time, the team aims to separate fact from fiction about one of history’s most mysterious characters: Grigori Rasputin. Season 4 premieres on October 6th, 2021. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Strange Arrivals Teaser: Rendlesham

May 12, 2021 09:00 - 3 minutes

Hey, Unobscured fans! We’d love to tell you about another series from Grim & Mild: Strange Arrivals. In this extended trailer, we give you a sneak preview of the story at the heart of Strange Arrivals season two: The Rendlesham Forest Incident, sometimes known as Britain's Roswell. Listen to Strange Arrivals season 2 on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

S3 – INTERVIEW 4: Paul Begg

January 27, 2021 08:01 - 2 hours - 133 MB

Our interview with writer Paul Begg. To wrap up our exploration of Whitechapel in 1888, we turn to the historian and researcher whose dedication to the original documents laid the foundation for deep and rigorous study of the murders. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

14 | INTERVIEW 4: Paul Begg

January 27, 2021 08:01 - 2 hours

Our interview with writer Paul Begg. To wrap up our exploration of Whitechapel in 1888, we turn to the historian and researcher whose dedication to the original documents laid the foundation for deep and rigorous study of the murders. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Guests

Douglas Smith
1 Episode
Stacy Schiff
1 Episode