Episodes

  • The Forgotten Tale of Disney's Discovery Island

    The Forgotten Tale of Disney's Discovery Island
    Aug 24 2025
    Disney's Discovery Island, once a zoological attraction in Bay Lake, Florida, opened in 1974 as Treasure Island and later became Discovery Island. Despite its unique tropical theme and wildlife, poor attendance and the opening of Animal Kingdom led to its closure in 1999. Now abandoned, the island remains shrouded in mystery, with decaying structures hidden by vegetation and little known about its future or any plans for redevelopment.

    Join us on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Patreon to access additional resources and explore all topics covered by the National Media Archive:

    • Power & Influence
    • Luxury & Prestige
    • Wealth & Finance
    • Erotic Audio
    • Personal Growth & Achievement
    • Crime & Corruption (True Crime)
    • Knowledge & Ideas
    • History & Legacy
    • News, Culture & Society
    • Technology & Innovation
    • Exploration & Wonder

    Thank you to our newest Patreon subscribers since our last episode:

    • Morgan Absher
    • Elyse Willems
    • Zach Anner
    • Adam Pally
    • Thomas Small
    • Michelle MiJung
    • Maryam Banikarim
    • Kate Cagle
    • Jabari Young
    • Jon Gabrus
    • Kaelyn Moore
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    10 mins
  • The Abandoned World Discoverer Shipwreck

    The Abandoned World Discoverer Shipwreck
    Aug 17 2025
    The MS World Discoverer, once a German-built expedition cruise ship, ran aground on an uncharted reef in the Solomon Islands in 2000. After a safe evacuation, salvage attempts failed, and the ship was stripped by locals. Now partially submerged and ownerless, it remains a haunting, abandoned relic, likely to rest on the shore for decades as a unique and eerie landmark in the Pacific.

    Join us on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Patreon to access additional resources and explore all topics covered by the National Media Archive:

    • Power & Influence
    • Luxury & Prestige
    • Wealth & Finance
    • Erotic Audio
    • Personal Growth & Achievement
    • Crime & Corruption (True Crime)
    • Knowledge & Ideas
    • History & Legacy
    • News, Culture & Society
    • Technology & Innovation
    • Exploration & Wonder

    Thank you to our newest Patreon subscribers since our last episode:

    • Morgan Absher
    • Elyse Willems
    • Zach Anner
    • Adam Pally
    • Thomas Small
    • Michelle MiJung
    • Maryam Banikarim
    • Kate Cagle
    • Jabari Young
    • Jon Gabrus
    • Kaelyn Moore
    Show More Show Less
    9 mins
  • The Rise and Fall of the Houston Astrodome

    The Rise and Fall of the Houston Astrodome
    Aug 10 2025
    This episode explores the history of Houston's Astrodome, once hailed as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World.' From its groundbreaking 1960s construction to its golden years hosting sports and concerts, the stadium eventually fell out of use as newer venues emerged. Despite numerous revival proposals and its historical status, the Astrodome remains largely abandoned, representing both Houston's past glory and ongoing debates about its future.

    Join us on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Patreon to access additional resources and explore all topics covered by the National Media Archive:

    • Power & Influence
    • Luxury & Prestige
    • Wealth & Finance
    • Erotic Audio
    • Personal Growth & Achievement
    • Crime & Corruption (True Crime)
    • Knowledge & Ideas
    • History & Legacy
    • News, Culture & Society
    • Technology & Innovation
    • Exploration & Wonder

    Thank you to our newest Patreon subscribers since our last episode:

    • Morgan Absher
    • Elyse Willems
    • Zach Anner
    • Adam Pally
    • Thomas Small
    • Michelle MiJung
    • Maryam Banikarim
    • Kate Cagle
    • Jabari Young
    • Jon Gabrus
    • Kaelyn Moore
    Show More Show Less
    8 mins
  • The Rise and Fall of Toys R Us

    The Rise and Fall of Toys R Us
    Aug 3 2025
    This episode explores the history of Toys R Us, from its 1948 beginnings to its rise as a global toy retail giant, and its eventual decline due to mounting debt, fierce competition from Walmart, Target, and Amazon, and changing market trends. After years of struggling, the company filed for bankruptcy in 2017, closing hundreds of stores and marking the end of an era for the iconic American brand, though some international branches continue to operate.

    Join us on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Patreon to access additional resources and explore all topics covered by the National Media Archive:

    • Power & Influence
    • Luxury & Prestige
    • Wealth & Finance
    • Erotic Audio
    • Personal Growth & Achievement
    • Crime & Corruption (True Crime)
    • Knowledge & Ideas
    • History & Legacy
    • News, Culture & Society
    • Technology & Innovation
    • Exploration & Wonder

    Thank you to our newest Patreon subscribers since our last episode:

    • Morgan Absher
    • Elyse Willems
    • Zach Anner
    • Adam Pally
    • Thomas Small
    • Michelle MiJung
    • Maryam Banikarim
    • Kate Cagle
    • Jabari Young
    • Jon Gabrus
    • Kaelyn Moore
    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
  • Riding Out Hurricane Irma at Disney World

    Riding Out Hurricane Irma at Disney World
    Jul 27 2025
    A powerful hurricane approaches Florida, prompting evacuations and closures, including Walt Disney World. Amid light crowds and severe weather, the parks close for two days for only the fifth time ever. A guest recounts sheltering at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, praising staff for safety and cleanup efforts. While Disney sustained minimal damage, the storm caused significant impact across Florida and the Caribbean. Donations for relief are encouraged.

    Join us on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Patreon to access additional resources and explore all topics covered by the National Media Archive:

    • Power & Influence
    • Luxury & Prestige
    • Wealth & Finance
    • Erotic Audio
    • Personal Growth & Achievement
    • Crime & Corruption (True Crime)
    • Knowledge & Ideas
    • History & Legacy
    • News, Culture & Society
    • Technology & Innovation
    • Exploration & Wonder

    Thank you to our newest Patreon subscribers since our last episode:

    • Morgan Absher
    • Elyse Willems
    • Zach Anner
    • Adam Pally
    • Thomas Small
    • Michelle MiJung
    • Maryam Banikarim
    • Kate Cagle
    • Jabari Young
    • Jon Gabrus
    • Kaelyn Moore
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
  • The Sinking of the Oceanos

    The Sinking of the Oceanos
    Jul 21 2025
    In August 1991, the Greek cruise ship Oceanos sank off South Africa's coast after taking on water during a storm. While the crew and captain abandoned ship, entertainers and staff led over 570 passengers to safety. A dramatic multi-hour rescue by the South African Navy and Air Force saved everyone on board, making it one of history’s most remarkable maritime rescues. The incident raised questions about crew conduct and ship maintenance, but ended without loss of life.

    Join us on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Patreon to access additional resources and explore all topics covered by the National Media Archive:

    • Power & Influence
    • Luxury & Prestige
    • Wealth & Finance
    • Erotic Audio
    • Personal Growth & Achievement
    • Crime & Corruption (True Crime)
    • Knowledge & Ideas
    • History & Legacy
    • News, Culture & Society
    • Technology & Innovation
    • Exploration & Wonder

    Thank you to our newest Patreon subscribers since our last episode:

    • Morgan Absher
    • Elyse Willems
    • Zach Anner
    • Adam Pally
    • Thomas Small
    • Michelle MiJung
    • Maryam Banikarim
    • Kate Cagle
    • Jabari Young
    • Jon Gabrus
    • Kaelyn Moore
    Show More Show Less
    6 mins