Grim & Mild Presents - podcast cover

Grim & Mild Presents

iHeartPodcasts and Grim & Mildwww.grimandmild.com
An ongoing exploration of history’s most unusual and the macabre themes. Each 13-episode season unpacks a new topic in fresh format and style. Presented and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke. Season 1: "Sideshow", is all about the history behind one of America's most bizarre institutions, the traveling sideshow.
Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Pirates 11: Still Waters

Pirates created their own republic and formed a democracy. They made allegiances with each other and governments. The Golden Age of Piracy even sounds somewhat...romantic. But all good things come to an end. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 25, 202227 minSeason 2Ep. 11

Pirates 10: Brethren

Pirates. The lone wolves of the sea. Yet, not only did they know each other, but they also created a community referred to as the Pirate Republic. It’s not really surprising then that some joined forces. After all, most wolves hunt in packs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 11, 202225 minSeason 2Ep. 10

Pirates 9: Blood Family

We often envision pirates as ruthless rogues who turned their back on family and love for treasures and a life at sea. In this episode of Pirates, we have stories of romance and friendship deeper and stronger than the briny deep. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 28, 202225 minSeason 2Ep. 9

Pirates 8: Rules of the Rogues

Insurrections, rebellions, and mutiny! Oh, my! Though we think of pirates as lawless, they were anything but. In this episode, we explore the systems and codes that kept civility among pirate crews. No guidelines about it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 14, 202226 minSeason 2Ep. 8

Pirates 7: Pirates For Hire

From protection from the Spanish to bringing in much-needed funds and provisions, early colonies in the Caribbean often turned to pirates and buccaneers for a little assistance. In this episode of Pirates, we’re on an adventure with a couple of the most famous cutlass-wielding and cutthroat buccaneers in the Caribbean. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 30, 202226 minSeason 2Ep. 7

Pirates Bonus: Talk Like A Pirate Day

Every year on September 19, people worldwide join together to talk like pirates. Parents, children, co-workers. If you’ve ever wondered how International Talk Like A Pirate Day started or how to speak like a swashbuckler, then this episode is for you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 19, 202214 min

Pirates 6: Rebels With A Cause

Pirates appear to be the ultimate rebel. Their legendary greed for treasure and cutthroat nature made them non-conformist mavericks of the sea. And yet, not all is what we’ve been told. Pirates played an important part in politics and the matters of kingdoms and governments. Batten down the hatches for this episode of Pirates! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 16, 202227 minSeason 2Ep. 6

Pirates 5: The Red Fleet

Many pirates viewed women aboard ships as bad luck. One woman proved they were only bad luck for the ships they targeted. Meet Ching Shih, who went from flower boat girl to the leader of the Red Fleet, one of the largest and most powerful pirate fleets in history. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 02, 202226 minSeason 2Ep. 5

Pirates 4: River Pirates

Ah! Pirates! We envision them in the Caribbean, raiding sea-faring merchant vessels, flying black flags, and burying treasure on a remote sandy beach. However, as we are about to learn, some of the most fascinating characters took to the lakes and rivers instead. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 19, 202226 minSeason 2Ep. 4

Pirates 3: Black Caesar

In the Golden Age of Piracy, pirate crews often came from different countries and walks of life. They shared equal pay and voting rights aboard the ship. Captains often chose their crew based on fierce loyalty rather than nationality or race. Some proved more fierce than others. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 05, 202227 minSeason 2Ep. 3

Pirates 2: Cheers, Mate!

Yo-ho-ho, matey. In this episode of Pirates, we’re talking about rum . Just how did alcohol, especially rum, become many a pirate’s choice of drink? And what does grog have to do with the British Navy and… fabric ? Join us for another round of Grim & Mild Presents, Pirate edition. Drink up, ye hearties! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 22, 202228 minSeason 2Ep. 2

Pirates 1: A Pirate’s Life

From sailing the high seas and buried treasure to swilling rum, pirates represent a lot about the human spirit. Through the centuries, we’ve fallen in love with adventure, danger, and exploration. In season 2 of Grim & Mild Presents, we take a swashbuckling, narrative journey into the lives and legends of the rogues of the sea. Join us. Here, there be pirates, matey! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Jul 08, 202229 minSeason 2Ep. 1

Grim & Mild Presents: Season 2 Trailer

This summer, Grim & Mild Presents continues its journey into the strange, the unusual, and the fascinating. For our newest season, we’ll be taking to the high seas to explore one of history’s most notorious types of criminal: pirates. From naval battles and buried treasure, to deadly sword fights and stolen rum. Prepare to raise anchor! Grim & Mild Presents: Pirates sets sail on Friday, July 8th. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Jul 01, 20222 min

Sideshow 13: The Legacy of Looking

Centuries of history have led us to this point. The show continues to go on. But even though the sideshow looks a bit different these days… we still see its signature everywhere. We haven’t looked away. Want to hear more even though our time is up? The sideshow curious should be sure to check out the following: Freaks by Tod Browning The digital Lost Museum Project , curated by the City University of New York The P.T. Barnum Museum in Bridgeport, Connecticut The International Independent Showmen...

Jun 24, 202229 minSeason 1Ep. 13

Sideshow 12: Murder in Gibtown

Behind the glitz and glamour of the stage, darkness lurked. And sometimes, that darkness was inescapable – and lived right in our own homes. If you or someone you know is in danger, there’s help available. Please reach out to the Domestic Violence Helpline at 1-800-799-SAFE for support. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 10, 202230 minSeason 1Ep. 12

Sideshow 11: Inseparable

Families are curious entities. Blood, they tell us, is thicker than water. But what happens if there’s something stronger than blood that keeps you together… for better or for worse? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 27, 202230 minSeason 1Ep. 11

Sideshow 10: Monster Medicine

When he was born, they called Frank Lentini a monster… but what did that even mean? We’ll follow his story as we learn folklore, magic, medicine, and one man’s quest for the American Dream. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 13, 202224 minSeason 1Ep. 10

Sideshow 9: Born This Way

From the Bronx to the silver screen, Schlitzie charmed all who knew him. And for those who loved him, they’d stop at nothing to keep him safe. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 29, 202226 minSeason 1Ep. 9

Sideshow 8: Lion & Lamb

Humans are animals. But at some point throughout the course of evolution, our species got the upperhand. Today, a short history of our co-existence with the animal kingdom… and what happened when we decided that these animals would join us on stage. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 15, 202227 minSeason 1Ep. 8

Sideshow 7: Collision Course

Circus trains: they were cities on wheels, integral to the sideshow circuit and home to all performers. Today, they’re a relic of a bygone time…but there’s one train that has solidified its place in the history books due to unthinkable tragedy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 01, 202229 minSeason 1Ep. 7

Sideshow 6: Beauty Marks

As humans, we are drawn to beauty. We decorate ourselves. We primp, we preen, and sometimes...we poke. Join us as we dive into the colorful world of tattooing—and the mark it left on the sideshow. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 18, 202230 minSeason 1Ep. 6

Sideshow 5: Whisked Away

Among the bearded ladies of the Sideshow, Julia Pastrana’s story is the longest: it spans her short life and long death, revealing the lengths some will go to make a buck. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 04, 202228 minSeason 1Ep. 5

Sideshow 4: A Living Curiosity

Lavinia Warren was able to travel the world and charm audiences wherever she went. But what set Lavinia apart from many of her peers were the choices she was able to make along the way. Be sure to check out the Bridgeport Public Library’s Barnum collection, if you’re in the neighborhood – if not, take a look at the incredible digitization holdings here . Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Feb 18, 202228 minSeason 1Ep. 4

Sideshow 3: The Mother of All Humbugs

Joice Heth never wanted to be in show business. It wasn’t the world that she came from. But when she met P.T. Barnum, the course of her life took a turn she never saw coming. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 04, 202228 minSeason 1Ep. 3

Sideshow 2: The Long Way Home

The story of Saartjie Baartman is not an easy one to hear, but it certainly gives us an intimate look into how the early traveling sideshow once operated, and how some human bodies were treated in the process. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 21, 202228 minSeason 1Ep. 2

Sideshow 1: Gaff Daddy

Every story has a beginning, and the tale of the American sideshow—in many ways—begins in the aftermath of one man’s personal tragedy. Learn how it all began, and what the early days were like, on the inaugural episode of Grim & Mild Presents: Sideshow. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Jan 07, 202229 minSeason 1Ep. 1

Introducing Grim & Mild Presents

Welcome to Grim & Mild Presents. Each 13-episode season (published every other week, ongoing, for a non-stop, ongoing experience) will dive into the strange, the unusual, and the fascinating. History has never been this intriguing. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 17, 20212 min
Hosted on Omny Studio
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android