Shows
To The HiltKeith Nelson: Bindlestiff Family Cirkus Sword SwallowerKeith Nelson, also known as Mr. Pennygaff, is the co-founder of the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus. The Bindlestiffs have been performing circus, sideshow, and vaudeville acts for thirty years. The show has presented nearly 600 of the world’s top artists in the circus and variety fields across New York City and the Hudson Valley, and throughout the United States. Performances have engaged audiences in the hundreds of thousands in theaters, Spiegeltents, big tops, cruise ships, fairs and festivals, and more. In this episode, Keith shares his experiences working for Ward Hall, offers tips to aspiring sword swallowers, talks about p...2025-07-1722 min
To The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.30 Dan Meyer: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingDan Meyer started life as a scared, shy, skinny wimpy kid who suffered from social anxiety disorder and was teased and beat up by bullies. He vowed someday to do real magic, real feats and somehow fly around the world like a superhero defying death and saving lives. After a near-death experience with malaria fever as a missionary in south India in the place where sword swallowing started, Meyer decided to put his fears to death and take on risks and challenges. Over 20 years later, he added sword swallowing to his bucket list of goals. 2025-07-0646 min
To The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.30 Dan Meyer: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingDan Meyer started life as a scared, shy, skinny wimpy kid who suffered from social anxiety disorder and was teased and beat up by bullies. He vowed someday to do real magic, real feats and somehow fly around the world like a superhero defying death and saving lives. After a near-death experience with malaria fever as a missionary in south India in the place where sword swallowing started, Meyer decided to put his fears to death and take on risks and challenges. Over 20 years later, he added sword swallowing to his bucket list of goals. After 14,000 unsuccessful attempts over 4...2025-07-0646 minTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.29 Ling Look: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.29 Ling Look: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingLing Look was a master sword swallower and illusionist from the mysterious Far East who travelled the world from 1868 to 1878. In reality, his real name was David Gueder from Budapest Hungary who performed around the world with his brother, until his death… and even for many years after that around Europe by an imposter. Ling Look is one of more than a hundred sword swallowers featured in the book, To The Hilt: A Sw...2025-07-0314 minTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.29 Ling Look: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.29 Ling Look: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingLing Look was a master sword swallower and illusionist from the mysterious Far East who travelled the world from 1868 to 1878. In reality, his real name was David Gueder from Budapest Hungary who performed around the world with his brother, until his death… and even for many years after that around Europe by an imposter. Ling Look is one of more than a hundred sword swallowers featured in the book, To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing, by sword...2025-07-0314 minTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.28 Toni Del Rio: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.28 Toni Del Rio: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingToni Del Rio was a snake charmer, dancer, fire eater, hypnotist, clairvoyant, and sword swallower. She was also a he.Del Rio was born into a gypsy family of wire walkers who came from Andorra between France and Spain in the Pyrenees Mountains to Tampa Florida for a circus booking by way of Cuba in the early 1920s. Del Rio was born there on April 2, 1924, as Nilo Garrido. Nilo grew up as...2025-06-3010 minTo The HiltChris Steele: World’s Most Extreme Sword SwallowerChris Steele is the sword swallowing half of America’s Favorite Sideshow Couple, Captain & Maybelle. In this episode, you’ll hear about his start in gulping steel, his adventures on America’s Got Talent and Wife Swap, working with Ripley’s, lifting cinder blocks from a swallowed sword, twisting 7 swords 180 degrees, the extra-dangerous lightning bolt sword, nearly dying from a sword swallowing injury, spilling a bag of swords at the airport, and much more. Chris Steele is one of more than a hundred sword swallowers featured in the book, To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swa...2025-06-271h 02To The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.26 Johnny Nugent: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.26 Johnny Nugent: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingIn this episode, we discuss sword swallower Johnny Nugent, who ran away from home to join the circus as a teenager in the 1920s, and ended up performing as a sword swallower with dozens of circuses and sideshows over 50 years.Johnny Nugent is one of more than a hundred sword swallowers featured in the book, To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing, by sword swallower Dan Meyer and sideshow historian Marc Hartzman (Schiffer Publishing), now available at Amaz...2025-06-2510 minTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.27 Johnny Nugent: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.27 Johnny Nugent: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingIn this episode, we discuss sword swallower Johnny Nugent, who ran away from home to join the circus as a teenager in the 1920s, and ended up performing as a sword swallower with dozens of circuses and sideshows over 50 years.Johnny Nugent is one of more than a hundred sword swallowers featured in the book, To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing, by sword swallower Dan Meyer and side...2025-06-2510 minTo The HiltBill Berry: Juggling Sword SwallowerBill Berry has been entertaining, juggling, and sword swallowing for more than 25 years, and is world-renowned as a silver medalist IJA juggler. Along with his performing partner Nerdy Noah Royak, they perform a variety juggling-sword swallowing act as the Distinguished Daredevils. In this episode, you’ll hear about Bill’s beginnings in sword swallowing, the power of visualization, integrating juggling into his act, dealing with saliva, and Dorothy. Yes, Dorothy—the worst audience volunteer ever. Plus, Bill’s Distinguished Daredevils partner, Noah Royak, joins us as well to discuss some of his new sword swallowing stunts.2025-06-191h 02To The HiltThe Amazing Zilla: Feral ShowgirlThe Amazing Zilla is a sword swallower known for swallowing monster swords, as well as a bearded lady and contortionist. In this episode, she talks about learning to swallow swords from Red Stuart and how to modify her blades properly, swallowing an Excalibur sword at a beard and mustache competition, finding ways to push the limits of her abilities, and much more.The Amazing Zilla is one of more than a hundred sword swallowers featured in the book, To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing, published by Schiffer Publishing. Find...2025-06-1252 minTo The HiltRed Stuart: The Living LegendRed Stuart has been swallowing swords since 1967, when he learned from sideshow performer Toni Del Rio. Within two years, his quick mastery of the art led him to become the only sword swallower to swallow broadswords and car axles. Red has worked with many shows over the years, including Ward Hall and Chris Christs’ World of Wonders. He can currently be seen at Pexcho’s American Dime Museum in Augusta, Georgia. Red has also taught 61 apprentices over the years, and at the end of this episode, two of his latest students join us—Jax Silvertree, and 11...2025-06-0546 minTo The HiltThe Lizardman: Modified MarvelErik Sprague, better known as The Lizardman, is a sword swallower, multi-talented performer, and author. As his website says, he’s “The Modified Marvel from the dark heart of Austin, a man with more ink in his skin, than blood in his veins."In this episode, he discusses his beginnings in sword swallowing, his experiences with other dangerous stunts, his time with the Jim Rose Circus, and much more.The Lizardman is one of more than a hundred sword swallowers featured in the book, To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing, publish...2025-05-291h 11To The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.26 Hans Rosling: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.26 Dr. Hans Rosling: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingIn this episode, we discuss TED speaker Dr. Hans Rosling, a researcher, doctor, scientist, academic, professor, and sword swallower who went viral on his second TED Talks. Hear about his induction into the Sword Swallowers Association International Sword Swallower’s Hall of Fame in Stockholm Sweden. Hans Rosling is one of more than a hundred sword swallowers featured in the book, To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallo...2025-05-2412 minTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.26 Hans Rosling: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.26 Dr. Hans Rosling: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingIn this episode, we discuss TED speaker Dr. Hans Rosling, a researcher, doctor, scientist, academic, professor, and sword swallower who went viral on his second TED Talks. Hear about his induction into the Sword Swallowers Association International Sword Swallower’s Hall of Fame in Stockholm Sweden. Hans Rosling is one of more than a hundred sword swallowers featured in the book, To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing, by sword swallower Dan Meyer and sideshow historian Marc H...2025-05-2412 minTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.25 Stan Marye: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingIn this episode, we discuss sword swallower Stan Marye, who ran away from home to join the circus at the age of 16, and ended up performing as a sword swallower with dozens of circus sideshows over 10 years and swallowing up to five swords at once.Stan Marye is one of more than a hundred sword swallowers featured in the book, To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing, by sword swallower Dan Meyer and sideshow historian Marc Hartzman (Schiffer Publishing), now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, Target, Walmart and more: For more on To Th...2025-05-2415 minTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.25 Stan Marye: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingIn this episode, we discuss sword swallower Stan Marye, who ran away from home to join the circus at the age of 16, and ended up performing as a sword swallower with dozens of circus sideshows over 10 years and swallowing up to five swords at once.Stan Marye is one of more than a hundred sword swallowers featured in the book, To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing, by sword swallower Dan Meyer and sideshow historian Marc Hartzman (Schiffer Publishing), now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, Target, Walmart and more: ...2025-05-2415 minTo The HiltFranz Huber: Bavarian DaredevilFranz began swallowing swords in 2013, and since then has earned nine world records, including the most bowling pins knocked down while sword swallowing, the most sit-ups while sword swallowing, and swallowing the most curved sword (133 degrees). In this episode, Dan and I speak to him during his recent visit to America. Hear about his start in sword swallowing, his many remarkable feats, and the time one of them sent him to the hospital for several weeks. Franz is one of more than a hundred sword swallowers featured in the book, To The Hilt: A Sword Swa...2025-05-2229 minTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.24 Johnny Fox: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.24 Johnny Fox: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingIn this episode, we discuss sword swallower Johnny Fox, who performed first as a magician and fire-eater and then as a sword swallower for over 38 years. Johnny Fox is one of more than a hundred sword swallowers featured in the book, To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing, by sword swallower Dan Meyer and sideshow historian Marc Hartzman (Schiffer Publishing), now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, Target, Walm...2025-05-2114 minTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.24 Johnny Fox: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.24 Johnny Fox: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingIn this episode, we discuss sword swallower Johnny Fox, who performed first as a magician and fire-eater and then as a sword swallower for over 38 years. Johnny Fox is one of more than a hundred sword swallowers featured in the book, To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing, by sword swallower Dan Meyer and sideshow historian Marc Hartzman (Schiffer Publishing), now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, Target, Walmart and more: For more on To The Hilt...2025-05-2114 minTo The HiltAdam Realman: Coney Island Sword SwallowerAdam Rinn, aka, Adam Realman, is the artistic director at Coney Island USA and has been swallowing swords for about 25 years after learning at the Coney Island Sideshow School. Years later he took over as its instructor teaching sideshow arts to students eager to learn. In this episode, Adam discusses growing up around the Coney Island sideshow in the ‘80s, his experiences learning the art of sword swallowing, his adventures as a performer, and much more. Adam is one of more than a hundred sword swallowers featured in the book, To The Hilt: A Sword Swal...2025-05-1535 minTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.23 Ricky Richiardi: Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.23 Ricky Richiardi: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingIn this episode, we discuss sword swallower Ricky Richiardi, who learned sword swallowing from Lady Betty Bancroft in the early 1950s, started performing at the age of 23 with Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus, taught sword swallowing to Lady Sandra Reed, worked with Hoxie Brothers Circus and a variety of circuses and sideshows for 15 years from 1955 to his suspicious untimely death in 1970. Ricky Richiardi is one of more than a hundred sword swallowers fe...2025-05-1013 minTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.23 Ricky Richiardi: Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.23 Ricky Richiardi: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingIn this episode, we discuss legendary sword swallower Ricky Richiardi, who learned sword swallowing from Lady Betty Bancroft in the early 1950s, started performing at the age of 23 with Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus, worked with Hoxie Brothers Circus, and taught sword swallowing to Lady Sandra Reed, and worked with many other circuses and sideshows for 15 years from 1955 to his untimely suspicious death in 1970. Ricky Richiardi is one of more than a hundred sword swallowers featured in the book, To The Hi...2025-05-1013 minTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.22 Baron Bill Unks: A Sword Swallower’s History Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.22 Baron Bill Unks: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingIn this episode, we discuss legendary sword swallower Baron Bill Unks, who started performing at the age of 24, and went on to perform from 1947 to 1997 with Clyde Beatty Cole Bros Circus, Hoxie Bros Circus, Coney Island sideshows, with Bobby Reynolds Sideshow and other circuses and sideshows over 50 years!Baron Bill Unks is one of more than a hundred sword swallowers featured in the book, To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing, by sword swallower Dan Meyer and...2025-05-0810 minTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.22 Baron Bill Unks: A Sword Swallower’s History Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.22 Baron Bill Unks: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingIn this episode, we discuss legendary sword swallower Baron Bill Unks, who started performing at the age of 24, and went on to perform from 1947 to 1997 with Clyde Beatty Cole Bros Circus, Hoxie Bros Circus, Coney Island sideshows, with Bobby Reynolds Sideshow and other circuses and sideshows over 50 years!Baron Bill Unks is one of more than a hundred sword swallowers featured in the book, To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s Hist...2025-05-0810 minTo The HiltBrad Byers: Sword Swallower with a TwistBrad Byers has been swallowing swords for more than 45 years and is known for swallowing 12 swords one at a time and then twisting all 12 blades at once in place. Brad also juggles, rides a unicycle and tiny bicycles, balances on the rola bola board, walks on broken glass, yoyos, throws tops, spins suitcases and other large objects on his finger, balances a running lawn mower on his chin, and blows bubbles with a tarantula in his mouth—just to name a few of his stunts. His remarkable skills have earned him 73 world records.Hear how Brad got st...2025-05-0844 minTo The HiltCyrus Pynn: The Most Swashbuckling Sword SwallowerCyrus Pynn is a sword swallower, juggler, equilibrist, and knife thrower known for his amazing shows at Ren Faires. As his website says, “He's a man of skill, a man of danger, and some would say....a complete lunatic.” Hear about his adventures in sword swallowing and more in this episode.Cyrus is one of more than a hundred sword swallowers featured in the book, To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing, published by Schiffer Publishing. Follow Cyrus online: Instagram: @cytheswordswallower @bladesandbraveryFacebook: Cyrus Pynn...2025-05-0131 minTo The HiltJim “Lucky” Ball: The World’s Oldest Sword SwallowerAt 89 years old, Jim Ball holds a rare triple distinction in sword swallowing: he’s the world’s oldest living sword swallower; when he learned at age 12, he was the world’s youngest; and having swallowed steel for 77 years, he’s the world’s longest-performing sword swallower. Jim is also unique in that both his parents were sword swallowers: John “Lucky” Ball and Estelline Pike. It was his mother, Estelline, who trained him. Jim’s career took him across the U.S. and Canada, working with legendary showmen like Dick Best, Walter Wanous, and Alex Linton. From Hubert’s Museum i...2025-04-2436 minTo The HiltBrianna Belladonna: Mistress of MayhemBrianna Belladonna is a tattooed sword swallower, fire eater, and all-around daredevil who’s appeared on How I Met Your Mother, AMC’s Freakshow, CSI, Inked, just to name a few shows, and has performed at The Magic Castle, Six Flags Theme Park, the Playboy Mansion, Coney Island, the Jim Rose Circus, various tattoo expos, and many other shows and venues around the world. In this episode, she shares stories of her many amazing adventures in sword swallowing! Brianna is one of more than a hundred sword swallowers featured in the book, To The Hilt: A Swor...2025-04-1739 minTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.21 Sandra Reed: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.21 Lady Sandra Reed: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingIn this episode, we take a deep dive to explore the life of sword swallower Lady Sandra Reed, who started as an albino lecturer in the 60’s and learned sword swallowing from Lady Louise Chevanne and Ricky Richiardi, performing as a sword swallower from 1969 to 1980 with Ward Hall’s World of Wonders, Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus, and many other shows over the years. But Sandra Reed is best known for being the subject of the epic i...2025-04-1513 minTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.21 Sandra Reed: A Sword Swallower’s History of Swore SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.21 Lady Sandra Reed: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingIn this episode, we take a deep dive to explore the life of sword swallower Lady Sandra Reed, who started as an albino lecturer in the 60’s and learned sword swallowing from Lady Louise Chevanne and Ricky Richiardi, performing as a sword swallower from 1969 to 1980 with Ward Hall’s World of Wonders, Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus, and many other shows over the years. But she is best known for being the subject of the iconic photo taken of her by photog...2025-04-1513 minTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.20 Count Desmond: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.20 Count Desmond: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingIn this episode, we take a deep dive to explore the life of legendary sword swallower “Count Desmond”, Edward Benjamin, who received three Guinness World Records, one for swallowing 13 swords at once, who swallowed a sword while hanging suspended upside down over Niagara Falls, and who worked as a sword swallower with circuses like the Shrine Circus, Circus Bartok and many other circuses and sideshows between 1957 and 1994. Count Desmond’s story comes from his...2025-04-1320 minTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.20 Count Desmond: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.20 Count Desmond: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingIn this episode, we take a deep dive to explore the life of legendary sword swallower “Count Desmond”, Edward Benjamin, who received three Guinness World Records, one for swallowing 13 swords at once, who swallowed a sword while hanging suspended upside down over Niagara Falls, and who worked as a sword swallower with circuses like the Shrine Circus, Circus Bartok and many other circuses and sideshows between 1957 and 1994. Count Desmond’s story comes from his chapter in book “To The Hilt: A Sword Swal...2025-04-1320 minTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.19 Francis Doran: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.19 Sir Francis Doran: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingIn this episode, we take a deep dive to explore the life of legendary sword swallower Francis Doran, who worked with circuses and sideshows first as a half-and-half, and later as a sword swallower with Bailey Brothers Circus, Dailey Brothers Circus, Ward Hall’s World of Wonders Sideshow, and ultimately with Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus, Hoxie Bros Circus, and many other circuses and sideshow between 1941 and 1979. Francis Doran’s story...2025-04-1213 minTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.19 Francis Doran: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.19 Sir Francis Doran: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingIn this episode, we take a deep dive to explore the life of legendary sword swallower Francis Doran, who worked with circuses and sideshows first as a half-and-half, and later as a sword swallower with Bailey Brothers Circus, Dailey Brothers Circus, Ward Hall’s World of Wonders Sideshow, and ultimately with Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus, Hoxie Bros Circus, and many other circuses and sideshow between 1941 and 1979. Francis Doran’s story comes from his chapter in the book “To The Hilt...2025-04-1213 minTo The HiltGeorge "The Giant" McArthur: World's Tallest Sword SwallowerGeorge “The Giant” McArthur stands 7’ 3” and is known as the world’s tallest sword swallower. He’s been gulping steel since the mid ‘90s. Find out how and why he got started, and about the adventures he’s had since—including being cast in Tim Burton’s 2003 film Big Fish.George the Giant is one of more than a hundred sword swallowers featured in the book, To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing, published by Schiffer Publishing. Follow George online:Instagram: @therealgeorgethegiantFacebook: George the Giant’s Strange Museum of...2025-04-1050 minTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.18 Lady Diane Falk Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.18Lady Diane Falk: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingIn this episode, we take a deep dive to explore the life of sword swallower Diane Falk, who worked as a sword swallower for over 30 years from 1979 to 2009 with John Bradshaw’s Sideshow, Coney Island Sideshow, Ward Hall’s World of Wonders, and many other shows, including being the sword swallower featured in Bruce Springsteen’s “Tunnel of Love” music video in 1993. Lady Diane’s story comes from her chapter in the...2025-04-0811 minTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.18 Lady Diane Falk Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.18Lady Diane Falk: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingIn this episode, we take a deep dive to explore the life of sword swallower Diane Falk, who worked as a sword swallower for over 30 years from 1979 to 2009 with John Bradshaw’s Sideshow, Coney Island Sideshow, Ward Hall’s World of Wonders, and many other shows, including being the sword swallower featured in Bruce Springsteen’s “Tunnel of Love” music video in 1993. Lady Diane’s story comes from her chapter in the book “To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword S...2025-04-0811 minTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.17 Capt Don Leslie: A Sword Swallower’s History Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.17Capt. Don Leslie: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingIn this episode, we take a deep dive to explore the life of sword swallower Capt. Don Leslie, who ran away with the circus at the age of 14, worked with King Bros Cristiani Circus, Royal American Shows, Ringling Brothers Circus, and many other circuses, shows and films over 46 years from 1952 to 1998. Capt. Don Leslie’s story comes from his chapter in the book “To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s Histor...2025-04-0717 minTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.17 Capt Don Leslie: A Sword Swallower’s History Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.17Capt. Don Leslie: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingIn this episode, we take a deep dive to explore the life of sword swallower Capt. Don Leslie, who ran away with the circus at the age of 14, worked with King Bros Cristiani Circus, Royal American Shows, Ringling Brothers Circus, and many other circuses, shows and films over 46 years from 1952 to 1998. Capt. Don Leslie’s story comes from his chapter in the book “To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing” by sword swallower Dan Meyer and sideshow h...2025-04-0717 minTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.16 Patricia Zerm: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.16Lady Patricia: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingIn this episode, we take a deep dive to explore the life of sword swallower Lady Patricia Zerm, who worked as a sword swallower for 37 years from 1939 to 1976 under the stage names “Miss Patricia” and “Lady Patricia” with Ringling Brothers Circus, Royal American Shows, Ward Hall’s World of Wonders, and many other shows, including being the sword swallower featured in Cecil B. DeMille’s 1952 film “Greatest Show on Earth”. Lady Patricia’s st...2025-04-0614 minTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.16 Patricia Zerm: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.16Lady Patricia: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingIn this episode, we take a deep dive to explore the life of sword swallower Lady Patricia Zerm, who worked as a sword swallower for 37 years from 1939 to 1976 under the stage names “Miss Patricia” and “Lady Patricia” with Ringling Brothers Circus, Royal American Shows, Ward Hall’s World of Wonders, and many other shows, including being the sword swallower featured in Cecil B. DeMille’s 1952 film “Greatest Show on Earth”. Lady Patricia’s story comes from her chapter in the book “To The Hilt: A Sword S...2025-04-0614 minTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.15 Lucky Ball: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.15Lucky Ball: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingIn this episode, we take a deep dive to explore the life of sword swallower Lucky Ball, who worked with Ringling Brothers Circus, Clyde Beatty Circus, Royal American Shows, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and many other shows, and was known as “The World’s Greatest Sword Swallower” for swallowing up to 16 swords at once. He also taught sword swallowing to Estelline Pike, and performed in a number of films. Lucky Ba...2025-04-0414 minTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.15 Lucky Ball: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.15Lucky Ball: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingIn this episode, we take a deep dive to explore the life of sword swallower Lucky Ball, who worked with Ringling Brothers Circus, Clyde Beatty Circus, Royal American Shows, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and many other shows, and was known as “The World’s Greatest Sword Swallower” for swallowing up to 16 swords at once. He also taught sword swallowing to Estelline Pike, and performed in a number of films. Lucky Ball’s story comes from his chapter in the book “To The...2025-04-0414 minTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.14 Chas Griffin: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.14Charles Griffin: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingIn this episode, we take a deep dive to explore the life of sideshow manager and sword swallower Charles E Griffin, who was not only a sideshow manager but also sword swallower with Bob Hunting’s Circus, Ringling Brothers Circus, and Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show during four years in Europe, who performed from 1886 to 1917.Charles Griffin’s story comes from his chapter in the book “To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing” by sword swallower Dan Meyer and...2025-04-0317 minTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.14 Chas Griffin: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.14Charles Griffin: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingIn this episode, we take a deep dive to explore the life of sideshow manager and sword swallower Charles E Griffin, who was not only a sideshow manager but also sword swallower with Bob Hunting’s Circus, Ringling Brothers Circus, and Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show during four years in Europe, who performed from 1886 to 1917.Charles Griffin’s story comes from his chapter in the book “To The Hilt: A Sword Sw...2025-04-0317 minTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.13 Mimi Garneau: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.13Mimi Garneau: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingIn this episode, we take a deep dive to explore the life of sword swallower Mimi Garneau, who learned sword swallowing in 1923, and performed with Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditoriums, with Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus, Cole Brothers Circus, Al G. Barnes Circus, and many other circuses and sideshows for over 55 years from 1923 to 1978!Mimi Garneau’s story comes from her chapter in the book “To The Hilt: A...2025-04-0317 minTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.13 Mimi Garneau: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.13Mimi Garneau: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingIn this episode, we take a deep dive to explore the life of sword swallower Mimi Garneau, who learned sword swallowing in 1923, and performed with Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditoriums, with Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus, Cole Brothers Circus, Al G. Barnes Circus, and many other circuses and sideshows for over 55 years from 1923 to 1978!Mimi Garneau’s story comes from her chapter in the book “To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing” by sword swallower Da...2025-04-0317 min
Meanwhile - Here on EarthMeanwhile_ Here on Earth _ Marc HartzmanMarc Hartzman, "one of America's leading connoisseurs of the bizarre" (ABC News), is the author of “The Big Book of Mars,” We Are Not Alone,” and “American Sideshow: An Encyclopedia of History's Strangest and Most Wondrous Performers,” and six other books. Marc has written nearly 100 articles on sideshow performers for AOL Weird News, HuffPost, and Bizarre magazine. He lives in New Rochelle, New York. Dan Meyer is known as the world's leading expert on sword swallowing. He is president of the Sword Swallowers Association International and winner of the 2007 Ig Nobel Prize in Medicine for medical research on sword swallowing. As a perform...2025-03-191h 55
To The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.12 Marie DeVere: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.12Marie DeVere: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingIn this episode, we take a deep dive to explore the life of sword swallower Marie DeVere, who may have learned sword swallowing at the age of 14, and studied under legendary Barnum $ Bailey Circus sword swallower Edith Clifford. Marie DeVere went on to perform with Barnum & Bailey Circus, Cole Brother’s Circus, Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, Coney Island Sideshows, with Hubert’s Museum and with many other circuses and American Dime Museums from 1905 until 19...2025-03-0613 min
To The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.12 Marie DeVere: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.12Marie DeVere: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingIn this episode, we take a deep dive to explore the life of sword swallower Marie DeVere, who may have learned sword swallowing at the age of 14, and studied under legendary Barnum $ Bailey Circus sword swallower Edith Clifford. Marie DeVere went on to perform with Barnum & Bailey Circus, Cole Brother’s Circus, Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, Coney Island Sideshows, with Hubert’s Museum and with many other circuses and American Dime Museums from 1905 until 1928, and swallowing up to 15 swords at once!2025-03-0613 min
To The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.11 Alex Linton: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.11 Alex Linton: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingIn this episode, we take a deep dive to explore the life of sword swallower Alex Linton, who learned sword swallowing from his father at the age of 12, and went on to perform with Clyde Beatty Circus, Coney Island Sideshows, Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus, with Hubert’s Museum and with many other circuses over 56 years!Alex Linton’s story comes from his chapter in the book “To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing” by sword swallower Dan Meyer an...2025-03-0318 min
To The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.11 Alex Linton: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.11 Alex Linton: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingIn this episode, we take a deep dive to explore the life of sword swallower Alex Linton, who learned sword swallowing from his father at the age of 12, and went on to perform with Clyde Beatty Circus, Coney Island Sideshows, Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus, with Hubert’s Museum and with many other circuses over 56 years!Alex Linton’s story comes from his chapter in the book “To The Hilt: A Sword Swallowe...2025-03-0318 minTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.10 Mighty Ajax: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.10 Mighty Ajax: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingIn this episode, we take a deep dive to explore the life of sword swallower Joseph Milana, better known as the Mighty Ajax, who started performing around the age of 18, and went on to perform with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, Coney Island Sideshows, Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus, with Ripley’s Believe It or Not and with many other circuses over 55 years without a serious injury!Mighty Ajax’s story comes from his chapter in the book “To The Hilt: A Sw...2025-03-0118 min
To The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.10 Mighty Ajax: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.10 Mighty Ajax: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingIn this episode, we interview two grandsons of sword swallower Joseph Milana, better known as the Mighty Ajax, who started performing around the age of 18, and went on to tour perform with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show in Europe at age 19, with Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus and Coney Island Sideshows for over 50 years, with Hubert’s Museum, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and many other circuses and sideshows over 55 years without a serious injury! 2025-03-0132 min
To The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.9 Estelline Pike: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.9 Estelline Pike - To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingIn this episode, we explore the history of sword swallower Estelline Pike, how she learned to swallow swords from her sword swallower husband John “Lucky” Ball in 1927, how she taught her 12 year old son Jim “Lucky” Ball in 1947, and how she went on to become one of the top stars of Royal American Shows, Ringling Brothers & Barnum & Bailey Circus, Hubert’s Museum, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not for many years.Read more about sword swallowers Lucky Ball, Es...2025-02-2809 min
To The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.9 Estelline Pike: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.9 Estelline Pike - To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingIn this episode, we explore the history of sword swallower Estelline Pike, how she learned to swallow swords from her sword swallower husband John “Lucky” Ball in 1927, how she taught her 12 year old son Jim “Lucky” Ball in 1947, and how she went on to become one of the top stars of Royal American Shows, Ringling Brothers & Barnum & Bailey Circus, Hubert’s Museum, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not for many years.2025-02-2809 min
To The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.8 Edna Price: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.8 Edna Price: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing In this episode, we take a deep dive to explore the life of sword swallower Edna Price, who started performing at 16, learned sword swallowing from her famous sword swallower uncle Delno Fritz at 20, and went on to perform with Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus and many other circuses, with Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditoriums at the Chicago World’s Fair’s of 1933 and 1934, and the New York World’s Fair of 1939, for a total of nearly 29 years. Edna Price’s story come...2025-02-2708 min
To The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.8 Edna Price: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.8 Edna Price: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing In this episode, we take a deep dive to explore the life of sword swallower Edna Price, who started performing at 16, learned sword swallowing from her famous sword swallower uncle Delno Fritz at 20, and went on to perform with Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus and many other circuses, with Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditoriums at the Chicago World’s Fair’s of 1933 and 1934, and the New York World’s Fair of 1939, for a total of nearly 29...2025-02-2708 min
To The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.7 Edith CliffordTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.7 Edith CliffordIn this episode, we explore the history of sword swallower Edith Clifford, how she learned sword swallowing at the age of 13 from Delno Fritz in 1897, and how as a teenager, she became one of the top stars of Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus for years, praised by Harry Houdini in 1919, and finally retiring after 25 years in 1922. Based on Edith Clifford’s chapter of the book “To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing” by Dan Meyer and Marc Hartzman (Schiffer Publishing), available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a...2025-02-2611 min
To The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.7 Edith CliffordTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.7 Edith CliffordIn this episode, we explore the history of sword swallower Edith Clifford, how she learned sword swallowing at the age of 13 from Delno Fritz in 1897, and how as a teenager, she became one of the top stars of Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus for years, praised by Harry Houdini in 1919, and finally retiring after 25 years in 1922. Based on Edith Clifford’s chapter of the book “To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing” by Dan Meyer and Marc Har...2025-02-2611 minTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.6 Delno Fritz: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.6 Delno FritzIn this episode, we explore the life and career of sword swallower Delno Fritz, who lost a leg at the age of 11, but conquered adversity to go on to become a fire-eater at 15, a world famous sword swallower at 17, a contemporary and rival of Chevalier Cliquot, who went on to perform with Barnum & Bailey Circus in Europe, teach sword swallowing to 13 year old Edith Clifford, to both of this wives, and to his niece Edna Price, before making it in the big screen in Hollywood...2025-02-2412 minTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.6 Delno Fritz: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.6 Delno FritzIn this episode, we explore the life and career of sword swallower Delno Fritz, who lost a leg at the age of 11, but conquered adversity to go on to become a fire-eater at 15, a world famous sword swallower at 17, a contemporary and rival of Chevalier Cliquot, who went on to perform with Barnum & Bailey Circus in Europe, teach sword swallowing to 13 year old Edith Clifford, to both of this wives, and to his niece Edna Price, before making it in the big screen in Hollywood in the 1920s. Delno...2025-02-2412 minTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.5 Cliquot: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.5 Chevalier CliquotIn this episode, we explore the life and career of sword swallower Chevalier Cliquot: Was he really a French Canadian sword swallower named Chevalier Francis Cliquot, or an American showman from Chicago named Fred McLone? We discuss Cliquot’s rivalry with fellow sword swallower Delno Fritz, how they performed the same Dime Museums for years constantly challenging and one-upping each other.Cliquot’s story comes from his chapter in the book “To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing” by Dan Meyer and Marc Hartzman (Schiffer Publishing...2025-02-1910 minTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.5 Cliquot: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.5 Chevalier CliquotIn this episode, we explore the life and career of sword swallower Chevalier Cliquot: Was he really a French Canadian sword swallower named Chevalier Francis Cliquot, or an American showman from Chicago named Fred McLone? We discuss Cliquot’s rivalry with fellow sword swallower Delno Fritz, how they performed the same Dime Museums for years constantly challenging and one-upping each other.Cliquot’s story comes from his chapter in the book “To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Sw...2025-02-1910 min
Coast to Coast AMDisasters & the Electric Grid Sword Swallowing & Weird Tales 4In the first half, history professor and author William R. Forstchen spoke about preparedness, hardening the energy grid, and what we can learn from recent disasters, including the flood in North Carolina and the LA fires. Recounting his harrowing experiences in North Carolina during Hurricane Helene, he said there was major devastation, such as in the town of Swannanoa, which was "totally wiped out." Though he was without power for three weeks, he noted that that would be "nothing compared to what could happen if there's an EMP attack." Elaborating on the dangers of electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attacks, he...2025-02-1934 minCoast to Coast AMDisasters & the Electric Grid Sword Swallowing & Weird Tales 3In the first half, history professor and author William R. Forstchen spoke about preparedness, hardening the energy grid, and what we can learn from recent disasters, including the flood in North Carolina and the LA fires. Recounting his harrowing experiences in North Carolina during Hurricane Helene, he said there was major devastation, such as in the town of Swannanoa, which was "totally wiped out." Though he was without power for three weeks, he noted that that would be "nothing compared to what could happen if there's an EMP attack." Elaborating on the dangers of electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attacks, he...2025-02-1935 minCoast to Coast AMDisasters & the Electric Grid Sword Swallowing & Weird Tales 2In the first half, history professor and author William R. Forstchen spoke about preparedness, hardening the energy grid, and what we can learn from recent disasters, including the flood in North Carolina and the LA fires. Recounting his harrowing experiences in North Carolina during Hurricane Helene, he said there was major devastation, such as in the town of Swannanoa, which was "totally wiped out." Though he was without power for three weeks, he noted that that would be "nothing compared to what could happen if there's an EMP attack." Elaborating on the dangers of electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attacks, he...2025-02-1932 minCoast to Coast AMDisasters & the Electric Grid Sword Swallowing & Weird Tales 1In the first half, history professor and author William R. Forstchen spoke about preparedness, hardening the energy grid, and what we can learn from recent disasters, including the flood in North Carolina and the LA fires. Recounting his harrowing experiences in North Carolina during Hurricane Helene, he said there was major devastation, such as in the town of Swannanoa, which was "totally wiped out." Though he was without power for three weeks, he noted that that would be "nothing compared to what could happen if there's an EMP attack." Elaborating on the dangers of electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attacks, he...2025-02-1935 min
To The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: Ep 1.4: The Victorinas, Sword Swallowers Karmi and Miss VictorinaTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.4: The Victorinas - Prince Karmi (Joseph Hallworth) and Miss Victorina (Katie Kitty Fischer) 1890s to 1950s, from the book, “To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingIn episode 1.4 of “To The Hilt Deep Dive”, we dive into the book “To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing”In this episode, we explore the lives and history of sword swallowers The Victorinas, Prince Karmi (Joe Hallworth) and Miss Victorina (Katie “Kitty” Fischer-Hallworth), and their incredible story as sword swallowers starting in the early 1890s, working with Harry Houdini...2025-02-1714 min
To The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: Ep 1.4: The Victorinas, Sword Swallowers Karmi and Miss VictorinaTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.4: The Victorinas - Prince Karmi (Joseph Hallworth) and Miss Victorina (Katie Kitty Fischer) 1890s to 1950s, from the book, “To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingIn episode 1.4 of “To The Hilt Deep Dive”, we dive into the book “To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing”In this episode, we explore the lives and history of sword swallowers The Victorinas, Prince Karmi (Joe Hallworth) and Miss Victorina (Katie “Kitty” Fischer-Hallworth), and their incredible story as sword swallower...2025-02-1714 min
To The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.3: World Sword Swallower’s DayTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.3: World Sword Swallower’s DayIn this episode, we explore what happens when sword swallowers gather to celebrate World Sword Swallower’s Day at participating Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditoriums around the world on the last Saturday of February. Read more about historical sword swallowers and the history of World Sword Swallower’s Day in the book “To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing” by Dan Meyer and Marc Hartzman (Schiffer Publishing). The book is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, Target, Walmart and more: https://T...2025-02-1509 min
To The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.3: World Sword Swallower’s DayTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.3: World Sword Swallower’s DayIn this episode, we explore what happens when sword swallowers gather to celebrate World Sword Swallower’s Day at participating Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditoriums around the world on the last Saturday of February. Read more about historical sword swallowers and the history of World Sword Swallower’s Day in the book “To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing” by Dan Meyer and Marc Hartzman (Schiffer Publishing). The book is available at Amazon, Bar...2025-02-1509 minTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.2 History of Sword Swallowers: Science on the Cutting EdgeTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast E 1.2 History of Sword Swallowers and Science on the Cutting EdgeIn this episode, we explore the history of sword swallowing and how sword swallowing was used to advance the fields of science and medicine. We look into Dr. Adolf Kussmaul’s development of the rigid endoscope on a sword swallower in Freiburg Germany in 1868, the first esophageal electrocardiogram on a sword swallower in Wales in 1906, and other stories of how sword swallowers have helped develop science and medicine. Based on the book “To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History of Swo...2025-02-1308 minTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.2 History of Sword Swallowers: Science on the Cutting EdgeTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast E 1.2 History of Sword Swallowers and Science on the Cutting EdgeIn this episode, we explore the history of sword swallowing and how sword swallowing was used to advance the fields of science and medicine. We look into Dr. Adolf Kussmaul’s development of the rigid endoscope on a sword swallower in Freiburg Germany in 1868, the first esophageal electrocardiogram on a sword swallower in Wales in 1906, and other stories of how sword swallowers have helped develop science and medicine. ...2025-02-1308 min
To The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.1: To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: Ep 1.1: Intro: To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing In this introductory episode of “To The Hilt Deep Dive”, we dive into the book “To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing”In this episode, we explore:• the history of sword swallowing, • World Sword Swallower’s Day, • Sword Swallowing and Science on the Cutting Edge, • Dr. Adolf Kussmaul develops the rigid endoscope using a sword swallower, • and the lives of sword swallowers• Lucky Ball,• Estelline Pike, • Jim Lucky Ball, • and Moses BergWatch To The Hilt Ep 1.1 YouTube video:ht...2025-02-1108 min
To The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing Historical BiosTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.1 - To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword SwallowingTo The Hilt Deep Dive Podcast Ep 1.1 Intro: To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing In this introductory episode of “To The Hilt Deep Dive”, we dive into the book “To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing” to explorethe 4000 year history of sword swallowing,World Sword Swallower’s Day, Sword Swallowing in science and medicine Science on the Cutting EdgeDr. Adolf Kussmaul develops rigid endoscope on a sword swallowerthe lives of sword swallowers Lucky Ball,Estelline Pike, Jim Lucky Ball, and Moses BergWatch To The Hil...2025-02-1108 min
The Stuph File Program#0808: Dan Meyer & Marc Hartzman; Bonnie Garvin; & Luce SutherlandThe Stuph File Program
Featuring Dan Meyer & Marc Hartzman, authors of To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower's History Of Sword Swallowing; Bonnie Garvin, creator of Storytelling Lab; & Luce Sutherland, author of Delicious Surrender
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Dan Meyer & Marc Hartzman are the authors of To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History Of Sword Swallowing.
Bonnie Garvin is the creator of Storytelling Lab. She teaches the art of storytelling.
Luce Sutherland is the author of the erotic novel, Delicious Surrender.
This week’s guest slate is presented by Thomas Hoehne who is an electrician, and also a regular Stuph File Program listener.2025-02-0958 min
Ripley Radio: An On-Demand Oddcast Archives - WebTalkRadio.netRipley Radio – Sword Swallowers Day & The Smartest Horse EverThis Saturday, February 23, nearly three dozen sword swallowers will gather at 20 Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditoriums, worldwide, to celebrate World Sword Swallower’s Day. Dan Meyer, the world’s preeminent sword swallower, and founder of this special day, visits with us this week on Ripley Radio, the official radio program of Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
Other Strange Stories We Captured for the February 18 Episode:
Marc Hartzman tells us that Hans may be the smartest horse ever; Dan Diehl, an artist who “paints” with smoke describes his unique talent to us; Ripley’s new media exper...2013-02-1855 min