Shows
Circus Stories: A Circus History PodcastJohnny Eck: The Half BoySend us a textOften billed as the "Half Boy" but more accurately dubbed "The Most Remarkable Man Alive" by Robert Ripley (of Ripley's Believe It or Not), Johnny Eck was a born performer, as well as showman, magician, movie star, wood worker, fine art painter and above all - a true artist in every sense. Join us as we explore his incredible life journey. {This episode contains explicit language and content}**Check out our IG for images we discuss during the episode!**Johnny Eck clipJeffrey Pratt Gordon (Eck collector...2025-06-302h 20
Circus Stories: A Circus History PodcastCarnival chats w/ HoldenSend us a textStep right up ... Step right up! feast your ears on the real life account of a present day carnival worker and entreprenuer. Learn some wild new 'carnie' lingo, carnival superstitions, and the nitty gritty ins and outs of what its like to be a career carnival worker. It isn't quite circus but we all know carnivals are the wily cousin of circus so lets get into it!{This episode contains explicit language}**CHECK YOUR BOILERS**Head to www.magicmind.com/CIRCUSMAY enter the code CIRCUSMAY20...2025-05-302h 24
Circus Stories: A Circus History PodcastFrancesco Lentini: The Three Legged WonderSend us a textWe explore the life and career of fascinating and worldly sideshow performer Francesco "Frank" Lentini aka The Great Lentini, born with three legs, four feet and two functional sets of genitalia! Join us on our deep dive into his early life, varied show skills and interesting perspectives proclaimed by this famed exhibitor. {This episode contains explicit language}LENTINI'S "PITCHBOOK": https://www.missioncreep.com/mundie/gallery/gallery11.htmMORE : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iDqmwuKiWk**Check out our IG for images we discuss during the episode!**2025-04-301h 58
Circus Stories: A Circus History PodcastGibsonton aka "Gib Town"Send us a textWe discuss the unique and incredibletown of Gibsonton Fl - a small town just miles away form Sarasota that was (and still is) a haven for performing circus, sideshow and carnival folk alike. With its unique permit and zoning laws, accommodating amenities to those of all shapes and sizes and of course all the colorful characters that make its splendid community - its is magical oasis created for and by showfolk. {This episode contains explicit language}Check out our IG for images we discuss during the episode! https://www.yo...2025-03-302h 19
Circus Stories: A Circus History PodcastClown Talks w/ Cait the ClownSend us a textWe talk ALL things clown with the fantastical Cait the Clown who just recently became apart of the illustrious Clown Egg Registry, a huge figure in the Wooster clown community and a successful working clown - performing in so many different forums in would make your head spin! Join us for a super deep dive about all things CLOWN!Head to www.magicmind.com/circus20 and enter the code CIRCUS20 20% off your first order or 48% off a subscription! EPICSupport the show+Follow Us o...2025-02-202h 05
Circus Stories: A Circus History PodcastThe Great BlondinSend us a textEnjoy a plunging deep dive into the incredible life and career of the Great Blondin who broke countless performative barriers as one of the most famous tight wire walkers of his day and still credited in so much of the artform's evolution in circus.Check out IG for images we discuss during the episode! This episode contains explicit language.Head to www.magicmind.com/circus20 and enter the code CIRCUS20 20% off your first order or 48% off a subscription! EPICSupport the sh...2024-12-202h 46
Circus Stories: A Circus History PodcastSpooky Circus; Media, Clowns, History - OH MY!Send us a textOK OK! This is dense - we know!! But we love details - So dive right into this spooky but INFORMATIVE episode about why circus is so heavily affiliated with all things spooky- namely "scary clowns". We will explore some more spooky circus hauntings, circus depicted in the media, reasons for circus having such a "dangerous" reputation, and a heavy helping of the science behind the clown phobia - officially known as "coulrophobia". It is beefy and spooky and very chaotic - just like we like it.Check our I...2024-10-253h 12
Circus Stories: A Circus History PodcastCircus Tents - A Deep DiveSend us a textEnjoy this deep dive into the history of circus tents - how they are set up, torn down, and all the the bonkers man power that it all requires and intricate logistics involved . We also discuss the history of Ringling's TOP tent maker, tent design and its evolution from the Golden age of circus to present.VIDEO LINKS:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lg5JuVFxljchttps://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=ejO1yOeZOjkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t02...2024-09-062h 32
Circus Stories: A Circus History PodcastThe Mickey Mouse Club Circus at DisneylandSend us a textWe explore Disney's love affair with the circus and also uncover the history of the Mickey Mouse Club Circus . OH Yeah - thats right ...Walt Disney + Disneyland tried their hand at running their very own circus within the confines of the Disneyland park during its first year in business. It was very elaborate + VERY short lived. Hop on this wild ride with us - No height requirement!VIDEO LINKS+1987 Celebrity Circus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPhr1Eg7iiM+ 1994 Circus of the Stars: https://www.y...2024-07-262h 22
Circus Stories: A Circus History PodcastLe Pétomane: The Fartiste of the Moulin RougeSend us a textToday's episode is a rootin tootin ride as we transport back to the high brow performances of 19th century Paris and the world famous Moulin Rouge - strap your booties in ( are you getting the posterior references here...) We are discussing Joseph Pujol the most famous and most well paid "Fartiste" that had graced the stage. This episode is a gut buster, so get ready for a stupid and silly journey back in time as we explore the fascinating performances of Le Pétomane - the fartomaniac.Check our Instagram @circus.st...2024-05-291h 45
Circus Stories: A Circus History PodcastSideshow Secrets: Acts meant to Shock + AweSend us a textWe do a deep dive (all the way down the gullet) exploring and dissecting sideshow performances meant to SHOCK and AWE. We chat about acts like the Human Blockhead, Sword Swallowing and more; get a glimpse on how these acts work, affect the human body and the sincere dangers involved. DISCLAIMER: DO NOT TRY THESE AT HOME!Check our Instagram @circus.stories to view images we discuss during the episode.!*This podcast contains explicit language that may not be suitable for young childrenSupport the show2024-04-122h 41
Circus Stories: A Circus History PodcastReligion + Circus: The Traveling Circus MinistrySend us a textWhat do you think of when I say Circus Church? Or Clown church service? Not many people associate religion with the circus folk - but you might be mistaken. How do religion and circus collide ? Enjoy our LENGTHY episode as we explore how religion infiltrated circus and the history and genesis behind it. This podcast contains explicit languange.Visit our IG for images.Support the show+Follow Us on IG @circus.stories+Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.comRate, Review and Subscribe wh...2024-03-072h 54
Circus Stories: A Circus History PodcastWheel of Death!Send us a textThe WHEEL of Death also known as the Space Wheel. We are barreling into the new year with a chonky episode that is equally as dangerous. Please enjoy the ins and outs of the daredevil performance - the Wheel of Death (seriously like how and why do people do this!) We discuss the early to current iterations, the mechanics, and the perils involved! We also speak to current circus artist and generational circus performer Jansen Grant, who shares his first hand knowledge with 23 years of the Wheel under his belt. Below a...2024-02-012h 41
Circus Stories: A Circus History PodcastHAUNTED Circus StoriesSend us a textA very spooky episode where we explore a few ghost stories, sightings, and alleged hauntings that surround the circus and circus folk from the past. Are these strange occurences the real deal or simply legend? Listen and find out .. IF YOU DARE!Support the show+Follow Us on IG @circus.stories+Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.comRate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen!Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!2023-10-192h 01
Circus Stories: A Circus History PodcastHagenbeck - Wallace Circus Trainwreck of 1918Send us a text We revisit the over 100 year old tragedy of the 1918 Hagenbeck Wallace circus trainwreck in Hammond Indiana. We uncover those presumably responsible for the incident, the subsequent causes, as well as the lore, conspiracies and ghost stories that still loom around the resting place of the deceasedThis podcast contains explicit languange.Visit our IG for images.Support the show+Follow Us on IG @circus.stories+Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.comRate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen!Thanks for Listening + Check th...2023-09-212h 10
Circus Stories: A Circus History Podcast1970's Circus Vargas with Mama BSend us a textPlease join me on a journey back to the 1970's where things were ...well very 1970's. Mama B shares some radical travel stories from her time working concessions with Circus Vargas. HOT DOGS baby! Another rad Patreon episode unlocked!Support the show+Follow Us on IG @circus.stories+Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.comRate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen!Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!2023-08-161h 06
Circus Stories: A Circus History PodcastClown Talk with MEATBALL the ClownSend us a textANOTHER CLOWN EPISODE! Today's episode we deep dive into the experience of former Cole Bros Circus clown, Meatball. Join Callie B as she picks Meatball's clown brain for all the juicy details of how he got into clowning, how he got his first circus gig, how he pieced his clown persona together, what is was like to travel with one of the longest running tent circuses in the U.S. at the time, and so much more! "How to Be a Clown": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbSn5mKFWps2023-07-031h 50
Circus Stories: A Circus History PodcastIron Jaw: Past + PresentSend us a textIron jaw is an aerial act where the performer is quite literally hanging only by their teeth. Enjoy learning about this centuries old act, and trust me we leave no stone unturned. Get into this episode with some serious TEETH TALK!To hear the unedited interview with Iron Jaw performer Nikki, please join our Patreon - link found belowMain Source for the episode : Bandwagon; Vol 65. No 3Support the show+Follow Us on IG @circus.stories+Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.comRate, Review a...2023-05-252h 51
Circus Stories: A Circus History PodcastHoudini + Halloween - PATREON (Unlocked)Send us a textWe explore the fascinating history of world renowned escape artist and magician Harry Houdini. Uncover some of his best kept secrets and how he performed his most famous feats. Discover details of his lavish lifestyle and of course, mine the cavernous mystery that haunts his early demise which fell on Halloween.Support the show+Follow Us on IG @circus.stories+Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.comRate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen!Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!2023-04-2057 min
Circus Stories: A Circus History PodcastCircus Soccer Teams - PATREON (unlocked)Send us a textMuch like every office that partakes in a company sports team... the Circus, namely Ringling Bros, was no different. OH and they were like REALLY good. Enjoy this unlocked Patreon episode all about Circus Soccer teams.also who knew??Support the show+Follow Us on IG @circus.stories+Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.comRate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen!Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!2023-04-2042 min
Circus Stories: A Circus History PodcastSideshow Secrets: Lady IllusionsSend us a textWe unpack and analyze (maybe too much) a series of infamous sideshow attractions, the back stories that made them SOOO convincing, different iterations and of course... the secrets behind the illusions. Definitely check our IG for the visuals on this one!Support the show+Follow Us on IG @circus.stories+Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.comRate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen!Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!2023-03-161h 44
Circus Stories: A Circus History PodcastLou Jacobs: The King of ClownsSend us a textHonk Honk! ANOTHER CLOWN EPISODE!Enjoy this delightful tale about the incredibly innovative master clown who paved the way for many a clown after him. Creator of the tiny clown car and so many more beloved clown gags! Master clown... more like Genius Clown.https://youtu.be/IZKT_2WonPI - Jacobs + PeeWeeSupport the show+Follow Us on IG @circus.stories+Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.comRate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen!Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!2023-02-092h 43
Circus Stories: A Circus History PodcastJoJo + Lionel; The Dog Faced Boy & The Lion Faced ManSend us a textWe explore these two very famous faces from Barnum's illustrious sideshow and the condition the two share known as "werewolf syndrome" . JoJo the Dog Faced boy and Lionel the Lion Faced man were much more than performers and though often mistaken for the other, these two men lived and performed very differently. We discuss each of them separately, their specific condition, and what made them unique and impactful, resonating through circus history and pop culture still to this day.Support the show+Follow Us on IG @circus.stories2022-11-171h 52
Circus Stories: A Circus History PodcastJules Leotard; Father of the Flying Trapeze...and the LeotardSend us a textWould you believe one man is responsible for the innovation of both the Flying Trapeze AND the well known garment, the Leotard! Well its true! Listen to hear how this very well built dude dared to soar through the air before anyone else, creating the aerial art form we know as the Trapeze, and the famous outfit he dawned to do it, that really SHOWED it all, if you catch my drift! "The Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze" (1867) - George Leybournehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDhG_4N...2022-09-292h 01
Circus Stories: A Circus History PodcastThe 5 Brothers of Ringling; an Origin StorySend us a textJoin us on a wild journey as we track the very early beginnings of the 5 Ringling Brothers and their incredible rags to riches success story. An origin story that truly has everything. All the tenacity of the Little Rascals and the business sense of Barnum, without the humbug. For all things Ringling:https://www.ringling.org/Support the show+Follow Us on IG @circus.stories+Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.comRate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen!Thanks for Listening + Check tho...2022-08-182h 49
Circus Stories: A Circus History PodcastLillian Leitzel: The Queen of the AirSend us a textA truly high flying episode all about incredible aerialist and circus hall of famer, Lillian Leitzel. A star from the jump, standing a mere 4'9", less than 100 lbs in weight, yet performing aerial feats of Herculean proportion. Leitzel WAS an international superstar, complete with a juicy love life, lavish traveling demands and a bit of a diva streak. Support the show+Follow Us on IG @circus.stories+Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.comRate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen!Thanks for Listening + Check those Bo...2022-07-072h 11
Circus Stories: A Circus History PodcastCircus World Theme ParkSend us a text FINALLY am I right! We embark on a very thrilling episode as we dive head first (maybe on fire) into the past and uncover the history behind fallen amusement park CIRCUS WORLD, with plans that included a 19 story Elephant shaped hotel, just 10 miles down the road from Disney World. And the mouse perhaps was not into it.Support the show+Follow Us on IG @circus.stories+Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.comRate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen!Thanks for Listening + Check thos...2022-06-091h 53
Circus Stories: A Circus History PodcastEmmett Kelly: The World's Favorite Sad ClownSend us a textToday's episode we explore all the origins and history behind the genius of famous "hobo clown" Emmett Kelly who created the world famous and beloved character clown Weary Willie.Support the show+Follow Us on IG @circus.stories+Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.comRate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen!Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!2022-04-211h 53
Circus Stories: A Circus History PodcastThe Globe of DeathSend us a textWe speed into this episode and explore all that surrounds the Globe of Death; over a century old dare devil act known world wide. Join us as we discuss its history, inner workings, the wild affects this act has on its riders ( G- force!) and the physics that make it a reality. Support the show+Follow Us on IG @circus.stories+Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.comRate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen!Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!2022-03-171h 51
Circus Stories: A Circus History PodcastIllegal PiesSend us a text Throwing pies as a form of political protest? What are the repercussions for pie crimes? We deep dive into pie politics and activist groups of past and present that utilize pies for public protest as well as the ramifications linked with these non consensual pie throwing. This is serious!!?? Rupert Murdoch pie : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qY-dyz_iW1sFAST COMPANY 2017, Baking Brigade : https://www.fastcompany.com/40467645/how-pie-became-a-powerful-punchline-in-political-provocationBill Gates gets a pie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niZJMOKsiCIPie Any Means Ne...2022-02-241h 39
Circus Stories: A Circus History PodcastJumbo The ElephantSend us a textMeasuring a staggering 3.2 meters high at the shoulder, and weighing 6000 kgs; we explore this massively influential and incredible elephant Jumbo, the sordid history behind his life and what animal experts and researchers can learn from revisiting his remains. We dive deep into Jumbo's affect on advertising, creating a new word for "BIG" and the alleged conspiracy and mystery that swirls around his untimely death in 1885.Support the show+Follow Us on IG @circus.stories+Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.comRate, Review and Subsc...2022-01-272h 13
Circus Stories: A Circus History PodcastThe Hilton Sisters: From Sideshow to the SilverscreenSend us a textThe World Famous Hilton Sisters. Not those Hilton sisters, but Daisy and Violet Hilton, world famous conjoined twins starting in sideshow and soon become the biggest stars in Vaudeville but bogged down with the worst guardians EVER who try to enter them into some sort of "conservatorship" at age 19 - SOUND FAMILIAR? (*britney spears - cough cough*) How do they become free? Listen to this wild ride of these incredibly talented sisters who triumph over evil - literally.Support the show+Follow Us on IG @circus.stories+E...2021-12-202h 42
Circus Stories: A Circus History PodcastHalloween Stories: The Legend of Edward Mordrake w/ Krysta ZSend us a textIn this incredibly spooky tale we explore the story and lore behind Edward Mordrake; an english noble man said to have been born with a second face on the back of his head; and this face was dubbed his "devil twin". Is this fact or fiction, or a little bit of both? We are joined by sideshow aficionado Krysta Z as we break down the bits and pieces of this fascinating story.Support the show+Follow Us on IG @circus.stories+Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.comRat...2021-10-291h 54
Circus Stories: A Circus History PodcastThe Art of Pie Throwing: A Sloppy HistorySend us a textIn our season 1 wrap up we explore the classic physical comedy gag commonly associated with circus and clowning, but this sticky slapstick act transcends circus and spread to mainstream by way of the silver screen. We discuss the differences between circus and "hollywood" pie throwing, some famous pie fights, and the integral rules in the art of pie throwing.Watch Mr. Flip ( 1909 ): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcJaN9n3W6Q&feature=youtu.beSupport the show+Follow Us on IG @circus.stories+Email us...2021-09-021h 26
Circus Stories: A Circus History PodcastCircus + Carnival Foods: Another Tasty HistorySend us a textEnjoy this delicious episode full of fun origin stories from your favorite circus and carnival treats. Some more delicious than others and we found that the circus is great at improvising when it comes to concessions! We also learned that America loves to fry stuff, but how we arrive at that conclusion is always an adventure.Support the show+Follow Us on IG @circus.stories+Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.comRate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen!Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!2021-07-291h 55
Circus Stories: A Circus History PodcastThe Zacchini Family : A Daredevil DynastySend us a textIn this high flying episode we plunge head first into the famous generational circus family The Zacchini's best known for their thrilling double cannon ball act that spanned nearly 7 decades and toured world wide. Listen to find out their secrets and all their wild adventures and unfortunate accidents along the way as they perfect the cannon technology allowing them to soar farther than any cannon act before them!!Enjoy the video (link below) of the performance in action and visit our instagram for more images!! @circus.storieshttps://www.youtube.com...2021-07-081h 55
Circus Stories: A Circus History PodcastHorse Diving + The Story of Sonora Webster CarverSend us a textWe explore a bit of history not often uncovered - high platform horse diving !!! We also explore the life and adventures of one of the most famed female horse divers Sonora Webster Carver, who was the inspiration for popular Disney film 'Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken' (1991) However we discuss so much more to Sonora's story that was not included in the film! Support the show+Follow Us on IG @circus.stories+Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.comRate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen!Thanks fo...2021-06-101h 35