Send us a text Step 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 CI...
May 30, 2025•2 hr 24 min•Ep. 62
Send us a text We 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.htm MORE : https://www.youtube.com/wat...
Apr 30, 2025•1 hr 58 min•Ep. 61
Send us a text We 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 ...
Mar 30, 2025•2 hr 19 min•Ep. 60
Send us a text We 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! EPIC Support the show +Follow Us on IG...
Feb 20, 2025•2 hr 5 min•Ep. 59
Send us a text Enjoy 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! EPIC Support the show +F...
Dec 20, 2024•2 hr 47 min•Ep. 58
Send us a text OK 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...
Oct 25, 2024•3 hr 12 min•Ep. 57
Send us a text Enjoy 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=Lg5JuVFxljc https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=ejO1yOeZOjk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t02mTJbh1HI Check our Instag...
Sep 06, 2024•2 hr 33 min•Ep. 56
Send us a text We 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 th...
Jul 26, 2024•2 hr 22 min•Ep. 55
Send us a text Today'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 fartoma...
May 29, 2024•1 hr 46 min•Ep. 54
Send us a text We 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 chi...
Apr 12, 2024•2 hr 42 min•Ep. 53
Send us a text What 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.com Rate, Review and Subs...
Mar 07, 2024•2 hr 55 min•Ep. 52
Send us a text The 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...
Feb 01, 2024•2 hr 41 min•Ep. 51
Send us a text A 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.com Rate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen! Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!...
Oct 19, 2023•2 hr 2 min•Ep. 50
Send 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 deceased This podcast contains explicit languange. Visit our IG for images. Support the show +Follow Us on IG @circus.stories +Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.com Rate, Review and Subscribe ...
Sep 21, 2023•2 hr 11 min•Ep. 49
Send us a text Please 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.com Rate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen! Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!...
Aug 16, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 48
Send us a text ANOTHER 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=KbSn5mKFWps Support ...
Jul 03, 2023•1 hr 51 min•Ep. 47
Send us a text Iron 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 below Main Source for the episode : Bandwagon; Vol 65. No 3 Support the show +Follow Us on IG @circus.stories +Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.com Ra...
May 25, 2023•2 hr 51 min•Ep. 46
Send us a text We 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.com Rate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen! Thanks for Listening + Check ...
Apr 20, 2023•57 min•Ep. 45
Send us a text Much 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.com Rate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen! Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!...
Apr 20, 2023•42 min•Ep. 44
Send us a text We 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.com Rate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen! Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!...
Mar 16, 2023•1 hr 45 min•Ep. 43
Send us a text Honk 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 + PeeWee Support the show +Follow Us on IG @circus.stories +Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.com Rate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen! Thanks for Listening + Check those Bo...
Feb 09, 2023•2 hr 44 min•Ep. 42
Send us a text We 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....
Nov 17, 2022•1 hr 52 min•Ep. 41
Send us a text Would 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 Leybourne https://www.youtube.com/watch?v...
Sep 29, 2022•2 hr 2 min•Ep. 40
Send us a text Join 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.com Rate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen! Thanks for Lis...
Aug 18, 2022•2 hr 50 min•Ep. 39
Send us a text A 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.com Rate, Review and Subscribe where ever y...
Jul 07, 2022•2 hr 12 min•Ep. 38
Send 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.com Rate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen! Thanks for Listening ...
Jun 09, 2022•1 hr 54 min•Ep. 37
Send us a text Today'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.com Rate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen! Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!...
Apr 21, 2022•1 hr 53 min•Ep. 36
Send us a text We 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.com Rate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen! Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!...
Mar 17, 2022•1 hr 52 min•Ep. 35
Send 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_iW1s FAST COMPANY 2017, Baking Brigade : https://www.fastcompany.com/40467645/how-pie-became-a-powerful-punchline-in-political-provo...
Feb 24, 2022•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 34
Send us a text Measuring 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 ...
Jan 27, 2022•2 hr 14 min•Ep. 33
