Episodes

  • Digging Deeper with Butch Holcombe from American Digger Magazine
    Jul 28 2024

    Join hosts Adam Means and John Sheil for Season 2 episode #1 with an enthralling new episode of the "Lost Treasures" podcast. In this episode, they sit down with Butch Holcombe, the legendary publisher and owner of American Digger magazine, a prominent figure in the metal detecting world who has been at it for over 52 years. Butch shares his journey from his first metal detector to becoming a revered figure in the metal detecting community to starting his own magazine and publishing company about something he truly loves and is passionate about.

    In This Episode:

    • Butch’s Beginnings: Discover how a pair of Civil War bullets ignited Butch’s lifelong passion for metal detecting.
    • Treasures Unearthed: Butch recounts some of the most unique and valuable finds of his career, including a Civil War belt buckle and a ring potentially linked to James Brown.
    • Expert Insights: Learn about the fascinating world of metal detecting, including tips for beginners and stories behind Butch's favorite finds.
    • Adventures Abroad: Butch shares experiences from his trip to England, revealing finds that connect directly to centuries-old history.
    • The Future of Metal Detecting: Hear Butch’s vision for the future of the hobby and how new technologies are shaping the search for lost artifacts.

    Butch's stories are not just about the treasures found, but the untold stories they reveal and the personal connections they forge with history. Whether you're a seasoned detectorist or new to the hobby, this episode is packed with fascinating insights, practical advice, and inspiring stories from one of the guys who has been doing it for decades.

    Tune in now to dive into the captivating world of metal detecting with Butch Holcombe on "Lost Treasures." Download the episode to join the adventure and uncover the secrets of the past!

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    48 mins
  • Echoes of the Past: Uncovering America's Hidden History
    Apr 10 2024

    In this riveting episode of "Lost Treasures," join Adam Means and John Scheil as they delve into the profound impact of recent legislative changes on the preservation and repatriation of Native American artifacts. As museums grapple with new regulations, Adam and John explore the ethical and cultural significance of returning these items to their rightful communities. From a child's discovery of a 2000-year-old coin by the Dead Sea to the unearthing of a rare Merovingian ring in Denmark, this episode traverses the globe to highlight the most thrilling recent finds in the world of treasure hunting and archaeology. Plus, dive into the stories of local treasure hunts that bring communities together in search of hidden wealth. "Echoes of the Past" offers a deep dive into the challenges and rewards of preserving our world's history, emphasizing the importance of respecting and honoring the legacies of all cultures. Whether you're an amateur historian, a professional archaeologist, or simply a lover of mysteries, this episode promises to ignite your curiosity and inspire your next adventure.

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    27 mins
  • Diamonds and Bronze: Unveiling the Lost Treasures
    Feb 18 2024

    In the 9th episode of the Lost Treasures podcast, hosts John and Adam take listeners on an exciting journey through recent discoveries and updates in the world of treasure hunting.

    They highlight the remarkable find by Julien Navis, a tourist from France who uncovered a 7.46-carat brown diamond at Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas. This episode also delves into a significant archaeological discovery in Poland, where over 550 bronze artifacts from the Lusatian culture were unearthed, shedding light on ancient ritual activities.

    The episode rounds off with discussions on the importance of following local laws while treasure hunting, emphasizing recent legal troubles faced by individuals in Australia and the United States, and concludes with inspiring stories of treasure hunts and archaeological discoveries from around the world.

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    25 mins
  • Treasure Troves and Timeless Tales including the 1715 Spanish Treasure Fleet
    Jan 9 2024

    In Episode 8 of "Lost Treasures," hosts John Sheil and Adam Means dive into a treasure trove of captivating stories and astonishing discoveries:

    1. Revolutionary War Findings: The episode features a fascinating discussion about the recent discovery at the Camden Battlefield, where Revolutionary War soldiers were found, identified by their U.S.A. emblazoned buttons.
    2. Ancient Human Settlements: The hosts share an incredible find from Zambia, where wooden homes and carpentry dated to 476,000 years ago were unearthed, challenging our understanding of early human history.
    3. Sunken Spanish Fleet: Adam delves into the story of the 1715 Spanish fleet, with a focus on the recent find by Eric Schmidt and his family, uncovering a fortune in gold and silver coins from the sunken ships off Florida's coast.
    4. Pompeii's Hidden Secrets: The episode also touches on new excavations in Pompeii, revealing the tragic fate of individuals caught in natural disasters, and the surprising finds of ancient coinage.
    5. AI in Archaeology: A highlight of the episode is the use of AI in deciphering ancient texts, including the breakthrough in reading the ink on a burnt Roman scroll from Herculaneum, offering a glimpse into advanced technological applications in archaeology.

    The episode wraps up with a look forward to future adventures, emphasizing the endless possibilities and discoveries awaiting treasure hunters and history enthusiasts alike.

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    23 mins
  • Unearthed Mysteries: From Eden Park to Ancient Coins
    Dec 5 2023

    Dive into a world of historical intrigue and mysterious finds in Episode 7 of the "Lost Treasures" podcast! Join hosts John Scheel and Adam Means as they embark on an exciting journey through time and treasure. In this episode:

    • Adam's Eden Park Expedition: Follow Adam's gripping tale as he navigates city bureaucracy in his quest to uncover lost treasures in Eden Park. Feel the anticipation build as he prepares for his next big adventure in northeast Ohio, chasing tales of treasures from the 1755 French-British conflict.
    • Remarkable Discoveries: Be amazed by stories of unexpected finds, including a child's discovery of a rare 1969 penny worth thousands and a staggering trove of over 100,000 ancient coins unearthed in Japan, dating back to 175 B.C.
    • Ethical Dilemmas in Treasure Hunting: Engage in a thought-provoking discussion on the ethics of treasure hunting, the complexities of cultural patrimony, and the responsibility towards artifacts found on private and public lands.
    • Archaeological Controversies: Delve into current debates in the world of archaeology, including the Elgin Marbles controversy and the role of museums in artifact preservation and display.

    Tune in for an episode filled with suspense, discovery, and ethical quandaries. Whether you're a history buff, an aspiring treasure hunter, or just love a good mystery, "Unearthed Mysteries: From Eden Park to Ancient Coins" is an episode you won't want to miss!

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    32 mins
  • Positive Steps in Cincinnati, 1708 Spanish shipwreck, and The Real-Life Treasure Hunt of Byron Preiss
    Nov 12 2023

    Welcome back to the Lost Treasures podcast! In this thrilling episode, John Sheil and Adam Means embark on a journey filled with excitement and intrigue that's sure to captivate your adventurous spirit.

    But the real treasure is in the details of Adam's ongoing quest in Cincinnati's Eden Park. After years of tireless research, legal battles, and negotiations, Adam's dream is finally becoming a reality. He has secured the coveted permit to dig in this public park and unearth the hidden riches he believes are buried beneath. Join us as Adam takes us through the challenges, excitement, and anticipation of this long-awaited treasure hunt.

    And that's not all. We delve into two incredible discoveries from the world of archaeology that will leave you awestruck. First, we take you to the depths of the ocean to explore the $20 billion treasure trove of the 1708 Shipwreck off the coast of Colombia. This remarkable find includes gold coins, silver, emeralds, and more, and we uncover the fascinating story behind its discovery.

    Next, we transport you to the ancient world of the Etruscans, where Italian authorities have unveiled an untouched tomb that dates back over 2,600 years. Inside, they discovered the preserved remains of an aristocratic woman and her belongings, offering a unique glimpse into a bygone era.

    But that's not all; we wrap up this episode with an intriguing tale of a real-life treasure hunt that has been ongoing since the 1980s. Byron Price's book, "The Secret: A Treasure Hunt," holds the key to a hidden cache of ceramic boxes buried in various locations. Only three of the twelve boxes have been found so far, and the adventure continues. Will you be the one to discover the next hidden treasure?

    Tune in to the Lost Treasures podcast, where history, adventure, and mystery collide in every episode. Don't miss out on the excitement—subscribe now!

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    28 mins
  • Permits, Metal Detectors and More: Navigating the Rules and Regulations
    Oct 29 2023

    In the fifth episode of the Lost Treasures podcast, join hosts John Scheil and Adam Means as they provide updates on their ongoing treasure-hunting adventures. Adam discusses the challenges he has faced in obtaining the necessary permits for the Eden Park treasure hunt in Cincinnati. They explore the history of Eden Park and its connections to Nicholas Longworth, as well as the various attractions within the park, such as the Krohn Conservatory and Mirror Lake.

    The hosts also delve into the world of metal detecting, offering tips for beginners on how to get started, including research on equipment and price ranges. They discuss the importance of understanding ground types and experience levels to make informed decisions about metal detectors.

    John and Adam share their enthusiasm for archaeology and the exciting discoveries being made around the world, such as the recent unearthing of an ancient statue in northern Iraq. They touch on the significance of technological advancements like LIDAR and satellite photography in archaeological research.

    The episode ends with a teaser for an upcoming episode featuring the Lost Gold of Virginia, a captivating story involving a significant treasure hunt with an estimated value of millions of dollars in gold and diamonds.

    Don't forget to subscribe and share with your fellow treasure hunters and history enthusiasts.

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    32 mins
  • Norway gold, Arkansas diamonds and more details of what I found...
    Oct 22 2023

    Welcome to the fourth episode of "Lost Treasures," the podcast. Join John Sheil and Adam Means as they delve into the fascinating world of lost treasure hunting.

    In this episode, they discuss a range of incredible discoveries, from a Norwegian man's remarkable find with a metal detector to a young girl uncovering a rare diamond on her birthday in Arkansas. The hosts share their own experiences with metal detecting and the importance of following the laws and regulations, as well as the excitement of uncovering hidden treasures.

    Tune in to learn about these amazing stories and get inspired to embark on your own treasure-hunting adventures. Join them as they dive into the thrilling world of lost treasures and uncover amazing stories that will leave you wanting to grab a metal detector and start your own quest for hidden riches.

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    29 mins