The good, the bad, the unbelievable stories of circus history spanning centuries all the way to present day marvels. Each month we deep dive into topics like, "How and WHY do Clowns paint their faces", "Who was the first ever Human Cannonball act", "What are common Circus Superstitions" and so much more! Join host and generational circus photographer Callie B, as she shares various stories from circus history with her pal / co-host Mark. Complete with decoded circus lingo, fun circus facts, and circus stories from Callie B's own family. Theme song by The Cooties.
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THIS is what Circus Stories is all about folks! Tall tales and circus lore. Strap in and hold on while I interview Billy B (my dad) who dishes all the tea about his early days visiting Jungle Land, traveling with Circus Vargas in its 'heyday', storm blow downs, epic Hey Rubes and a run in with the real Rocky Dennis. I mean this episode literally has it all! Head to www.magicmind.com/CIRCUSJUN and enter the code CIRCUSJUN 20% off your first order or 48% off a subscription! Support the show +F...
Hair Hang Deep Dive w/ Christopher Williams (02:01:03)
Hair Hang - Dang a lang! This episode is full of secrets, stories and all the juicy details of life on the road as a present day hair hang circus performer. Join us as we ask all the questions and get all the info from famed generational circus performer Christopher Williams, best known for his hair hang act but he is so much more!! {This episode contains explicit language and content} Head to www.magicmind.com/CIRCUSJUN and enter the code CIRCUSAPR 20% off your first order or 48% off a sub...
Johnny Eck: The Half Boy (02:20:50)
Often 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 clip Jeffrey Pratt Gordon (...
Carnival chats w/ Holden (02:24:00)
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 CIRCUSMAY 20% ...
Francesco Lentini: The Three Legged Wonder (01:58:12)
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/watch?v=7iDqmwuKi...
Gibsonton aka "Gib Town" (02:19:27)
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 we dis...
Clown Talks w/ Cait the Clown (02:05:06)
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 @c...
The Great Blondin (02:46:39)
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 sh...
Spooky Circus; Media, Clowns, History - OH MY! (03:12:20)
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 we li...
Circus Tents - A Deep Dive (02:32:49)
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 Instagram @circus...
The Mickey Mouse Club Circus at Disneyland (02:22:08)
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 the St...
Le Pétomane: The Fartiste of the Moulin Rouge (01:45:56)
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 fartomaniac. ...
Sideshow Secrets: Acts meant to Shock + Awe (02:41:56)
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 children Supp...
Religion + Circus: The Traveling Circus Ministry (02:54:41)
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 ...
Wheel of Death! (02:41:19)
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 of the Whee...
HAUNTED Circus Stories (02:01:33)
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 !!
Hagenbeck - Wallace Circus Trainwreck of 1918 (02:10:34)
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 Subscrib...
1970's Circus Vargas with Mama B (01:06:02)
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 !!
Clown Talk with MEATBALL the Clown (01:50:58)
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 the...
Iron Jaw: Past + Present (02:51:00)
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 Rate, ...
Circus Soccer Teams - PATREON (unlocked) (00:42:25)
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 !!
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...
Sideshow Secrets: Lady Illusions (01:44:42)
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 !!
Lou Jacobs: The King of Clowns (02:43:43)
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 Boilers !!
JoJo + Lionel; The Dog Faced Boy & The Lion Faced Man (01:52:06)
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. Support the...
