Lore

Deeper Lore: 298 (25, 88, & 134)

January 26, 2026

Key Takeaways Copied to clipboard!

  • The purpose of "Deeper Lore: 298 (25, 88, & 134)" is to guide listeners to three older Lore episodes (25, 88, and 134) that provide deeper context for the themes explored in the new episode, 298: Almost Alive. 
  • Episode 298: Almost Alive focuses on the creepy subject of Automata, or people creating human-like machines. 
  • The recommended older episodes relate to the themes of Episode 298 by exploring witchcraft involving human manipulation (Episode 25: The Cave), extreme devotion crossing moral boundaries (Episode 88: Crossing the Line), and the dark side of medical curiosity involving human remains (Episode 134: Disturbing the Peace). 

Segments

Sponsor Messages Introduction
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(00:00:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Progressive Insurance offers savings for bundling home and auto policies, while AT&T/FirstNet built a dedicated nationwide network for first responders.
  • Summary: Progressive Insurance promotes bundling home and auto policies as a way to potentially save money, noting that potential savings vary by state. AT&T, chosen by the government, built FirstNet, a nationwide network specifically dedicated to first responders. Learn more about FirstNet at firstnet.com.
Deeper Lore Episode Introduction
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(00:00:54)
  • Key Takeaway: The host, Aaron, introduces this bonus episode as a topical guide linking older Lore episodes to the new Episode 298: Almost Alive.
  • Summary: Aaron Mahnke welcomes listeners to this edition of Deeper Lore, which serves as a topical guide for the most recent episode. The goal is to point out older episodes that fit well with the new content, keeping the spooky feeling going. This bonus episode aims to put past stories into a new, more powerful context.
Episode 298 Theme Introduction
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(00:01:20)
  • Key Takeaway: Episode 298: Almost Alive examines the creepy world of Automata, focusing on people creating human-like machines.
  • Summary: The current main episode, 298: Almost Alive, investigates the subject of Automata, which involves people creating human-like machines to perform human-like tasks. The host notes the inherent creepiness in people creating people-like constructs. This theme of crafting human-like friends is not new to the Lore catalog.
Recommended Episode 25 Pairing
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(00:01:53)
  • Key Takeaway: Episode 25: The Cave, a classic witch story set on an island off Chile, is recommended because the witches’ actions toward human beings are relevant to the Automata theme.
  • Summary: The first recommended episode is Episode 25: The Cave, which features a classic witch story located on an island near Chile. The relevance to Episode 298 lies in what the witches did to human beings, suggesting themes of manipulation or transformation. Listeners can find this episode by searching for LorePodcast.com/episodes/25.
Recommended Episode 88 Pairing
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(00:02:10)
  • Key Takeaway: Episode 88: Crossing the Line, a fan favorite known for being creepy, involves one man crossing a significant line due to his love for a woman, a boundary that death could not prevent.
  • Summary: Episode 88: Crossing the Line is highlighted as a fan favorite due to its high creep factor and its exploration of significant moral boundaries. The story centers on a man whose love for a woman leads him to cross a line that even death could not stop. This episode can be found via LorePodcast.com/episodes/88.
Recommended Episode 134 Pairing
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(00:02:32)
  • Key Takeaway: Episode 134: Disturbing the Peace connects to the theme through the community’s panic over doctors using body parts from loved ones during the 1788 Doctors’ Riot and subsequent grave robbing.
  • Summary: Episode 134: Disturbing the Peace superficially covers the Doctors’ Riot of 1788 and grave robbing, but its core fear stems from community anxiety about doctors using human body parts. The dark question driving the panic relates to the violation of the dead. This episode is available at LorePodcast.com/episodes/134.
Conclusion and Call to Action
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(00:02:55)
  • Key Takeaway: Listeners are encouraged to find Episodes 25, 88, and 134 in the podcast feed or via direct links in the description to follow up on the new content.
  • Summary: The host concludes by urging listeners to follow up this week’s new episode with the three recommended older stories. Episodes 25, 88, and 134 are available by scrolling through the app or by using the direct links provided in the episode description. The segment ends with the sign-off, ‘stay spooky.’
Sponsor Messages Conclusion
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(00:03:12)
  • Key Takeaway: Raymond Flanagan is running a ‘Rest and Relax Sale’ offering savings up to $1,000 on reclining sectionals and discounts on power sofas and Bella Nest mattresses.
  • Summary: Raymond Flanagan is promoting their ‘Rest and Relax Sale,’ featuring savings up to $1,000 on reclining and sleeper sectionals, and hundreds off power sofas and recliners. Customers can also save up to 33% on Bella Nest Queen mattresses. Flexible financing options are available at the store.
California Closets Promotion
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(00:03:42)
  • Key Takeaway: California Closets designs custom media rooms, exemplified by a project for Mike and Mia that integrated floor-to-ceiling functionality, backlit shelving, and concealed wiring.
  • Summary: California Closets designed a media room for Mike and Mia, transforming a bare wall into floor-to-ceiling functional storage. The custom design included backlit shelves for books and illuminated cabinets for trophies, successfully hiding all wires despite housing a turntable and game console. Free design consultations are available by calling 800-Cal-Closets or visiting CaliforniaClosets.com.