Circus Stories

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A circus history podcast exploring topics like, "Who was the first ever Human Cannonball act", "What are common Circus Superstitions", "How did PT Barnum become a circus mogul" and so much more! So step right up and join your host Callie B, as she shares with friend, comedian and co-host Mark, various stories from circus history. Complete with decoded circus lingo, fun circus facts and a sprinkling of fiction. Theme song by The Cooties.

Callie Biggerstaff & Mark Renaudin

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    • May 30, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 53m AVG DURATION
    • 63 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Circus Stories

    Carnival chats w/ Holden

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 144:00


    Send us a textStep right up ... Step right up! feast your ears on the real life account of a present day carnival worker and entreprenuer. Learn some wild new 'carnie' lingo, carnival superstitions, and the nitty gritty ins and outs of what its like to be a career carnival worker. It isn't quite circus but we all know carnivals are the wily cousin of circus so lets get into it!{This episode contains explicit language}**CHECK YOUR BOILERS**Head to www.magicmind.com/CIRCUSMAY enter the code CIRCUSMAY20% off your first order or 48% off a subscription! Support the show+Follow Us on IG @circus.stories+Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.comRate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen!Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!

    Francesco Lentini: The Three Legged Wonder

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 118:12


    Send us a textWe explore the life and career of fascinating and worldly sideshow performer Francesco "Frank" Lentini aka The Great Lentini, born with three legs, four feet and two functional sets of genitalia! Join us on our deep dive into his early life, varied show skills and interesting perspectives proclaimed by this famed exhibitor. {This episode contains explicit language}LENTINI'S "PITCHBOOK": https://www.missioncreep.com/mundie/gallery/gallery11.htmMORE : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iDqmwuKiWk**Check out our IG for images we discuss during the episode!**Head to www.magicmind.com/CIRCUSAPR and enter the code CIRCUSAPR20% off your first order or 48% off a subscription! Support the show+Follow Us on IG @circus.stories+Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.comRate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen!Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!

    Gibsonton aka "Gib Town"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2025 139:27


    Send us a textWe discuss the unique and incredibletown of Gibsonton Fl - a small town just miles away form Sarasota that was (and still is) a haven for performing circus, sideshow and carnival folk alike.  With its unique permit and zoning laws, accommodating amenities to those of all shapes and sizes and of course all the colorful characters that make its splendid community - its is magical oasis created for and by showfolk. {This episode contains explicit language}Check out our IG for images we discuss during the episode!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPKyYHe6y3sHead to www.magicmind.com/CIRCUSLT20 and enter the code CIRCUSLT20 20% off your first order or 48% off a subscription! Support the show  || CHECK YOUR BOILERS!Support the show+Follow Us on IG @circus.stories+Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.comRate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen!Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!

    Clown Talks w/ Cait the Clown

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2025 125:06


    Send us a textWe talk ALL things clown with the fantastical Cait the Clown who just recently became apart of the illustrious Clown Egg Registry, a huge figure in the Wooster clown community and a successful working clown - performing in so many different forums in would make your head spin! Join us for a super deep dive about all things CLOWN!Support the show+Follow Us on IG @circus.stories+Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.comRate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen!Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!

    The Great Blondin

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2024 166:39


    Send us a textEnjoy a plunging deep dive into the incredible life and career of the Great Blondin who broke countless performative barriers as one of the most famous tight wire walkers of his day and still credited in so much of the artform's evolution in circus.Check out IG for images we discuss during the episode!  ** Head to magicmind.com/CIRCUS20 and use code CIRCUS20 to get 20% off your first-time purchase or up to 48% off your first subscription.This episode contains explicit language.Support the show+Follow Us on IG @circus.stories+Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.comRate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen!Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!

    Spooky Circus; Media, Clowns, History - OH MY!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2024 192:20


    Send us a textOK OK! This is dense - we know!! But we love details - So dive right into this spooky but INFORMATIVE episode about why circus is so heavily affiliated with all things spooky- namely  "scary clowns". We will explore some more spooky circus hauntings, circus depicted in the media, reasons for circus having such a "dangerous" reputation, and a heavy helping of the science behind the clown phobia - officially known as "coulrophobia". It is beefy and spooky and very chaotic - just like we like it.Check our Instagram @circus.stories to view images we discuss during the episode!*This podcast contains explicit language that may not be suitable for young childrenSupport the show+Follow Us on IG @circus.stories+Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.comRate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen!Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!

    Circus Tents - A Deep Dive

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2024 152:49


    Send us a textEnjoy this deep dive into the history of circus tents - how they are set up, torn down, and all the the bonkers man power that it all requires and intricate logistics involved . We also discuss the history of Ringling's TOP tent maker, tent design and its evolution from the Golden age of circus to present.VIDEO LINKS:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lg5JuVFxljchttps://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=ejO1yOeZOjkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t02mTJbh1HICheck our Instagram @circus.stories to view images we discuss during the episode!*This podcast contains explicit language that may not be suitable for young childrenSupport the show+Follow Us on IG @circus.stories+Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.comRate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen!Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!

    The Mickey Mouse Club Circus at Disneyland

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2024 142:08


    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 Stars: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNH_qDP0e7Y +"Drawn to Life" Cirque du Soleil via Jim O Rearhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbjjXacbwrkCheck our Instagram @circus.stories to view images we discuss during the episode!*This podcast contains explicit language that may not be suitable for young childrenSupport the Show.+Follow Us on IG @circus.stories+Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.comRate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen!Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!

    Le Pétomane: The Fartiste of the Moulin Rouge

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2024 105:56


    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.Check our Instagram @circus.stories to view images we discuss during the episode!*This podcast contains explicit language that may not be suitable for young childrenSupport the Show.+Follow Us on IG @circus.stories+Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.comRate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen!Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!

    Sideshow Secrets: Acts meant to Shock + Awe

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2024 161:56


    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 childrenSupport the show+Follow Us on IG @circus.stories+Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.comRate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen!Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!

    Religion + Circus: The Traveling Circus Ministry

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2024 174:49


    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.comRate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen!Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!

    Wheel of Death!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2024 161:19


    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 Wheel under his belt. Below are some videos we watch during the episode:https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=hX9V9_a9VCYhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD4Kr4SLF-Uhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=DkBKhYIrrx4https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD4Kr4SLF-USupport the show+Follow Us on IG @circus.stories+Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.comRate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen!Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!

    HAUNTED Circus Stories

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2023 121:33


    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.comRate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen!Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!

    Hagenbeck - Wallace Circus Trainwreck of 1918

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2023 130:18


     We revisit the over 100 year old tragedy of the 1918 Hagenbeck Wallace circus trainwreck in Hammond Indiana. We uncover those presumably responsible for the incident,  the subsequent causes, as well as the lore, conspiracies and ghost stories that still loom around the resting place of the deceasedThis podcast contains explicit languange.Visit our IG for images.Support the show+Follow Us on IG @circus.stories+Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.comRate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen!Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!

    1970's Circus Vargas with Mama B

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2023 66:02


    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.comRate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen!Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!

    Clown Talk with MEATBALL the Clown

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2023 110:58


    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=KbSn5mKFWpsSupport the show+Follow Us on IG @circus.stories+Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.comRate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen!Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!

    Iron Jaw: Past + Present

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2023 171:00


    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 belowMain Source for the episode : Bandwagon; Vol 65. No 3Support the show+Follow Us on IG @circus.stories+Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.comRate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen!Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!

    Houdini + Halloween - PATREON (Unlocked)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2023 57:11


    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.comRate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen!Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!

    Circus Soccer Teams - PATREON (unlocked)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2023 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.comRate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen!Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!

    Sideshow Secrets: Lady Illusions

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2023 104:42


    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.comRate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen!Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!

    Lou Jacobs: The King of Clowns

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2023 163:43


    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 + PeeWeeSupport the show+Follow Us on IG @circus.stories+Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.comRate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen!Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!

    JoJo + Lionel; The Dog Faced Boy & The Lion Faced Man

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2022 112:06


    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 show+Follow Us on IG @circus.stories+Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.comRate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen!Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!

    Jules Leotard; Father of the Flying Trapeze...and the Leotard

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2022 121:50


    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 Leybournehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDhG_4N_r6wSupport the show

    The 5 Brothers of Ringling; an Origin Story

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2022 169:37


    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

    Lillian Leitzel: The Queen of the Air

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2022 131:42


    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

    Circus World Theme Park

    Play Episode Play 38 sec Highlight Listen Later Jun 9, 2022 113:48


     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

    Emmett Kelly: The World's Favorite Sad Clown

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2022 113:19


    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 (https://www.patreon.com/circusstories)

    The Globe of Death

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2022 111:57


    We speed into this episode and explore all that surrounds the Globe of Death; over a century old dare devil act known world wise. 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 (https://www.patreon.com/circusstories)

    Illegal Pies

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2022 99:32


     Throwing pies as a form of political protest? What are the repercussions for pie crimes? We deep dive into pie politics and activist groups of past and present that utilize pies for public protest as well as the ramifications linked with these non consensual pie throwing. This is serious!!?? Rupert Murdoch pie : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qY-dyz_iW1sFAST COMPANY 2017, Baking Brigade : https://www.fastcompany.com/40467645/how-pie-became-a-powerful-punchline-in-political-provocationBill Gates gets a pie:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niZJMOKsiCIPie Any Means Necessary:  https://www.amazon.com/Pie-Any-Means-Necessary-Brigade/dp/190259388XSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/circusstories)

    Jumbo The Elephant

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2022 133:40


    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 (https://www.patreon.com/circusstories)

    The Hilton Sisters: From Sideshow to the Silverscreen

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2021 162:26


    We return from a brief recording break, and explore the World Famous Hilton Sisters. Not those Hilton sisters, but  Daisy and Violet Hilton, world famous conjoined twins starting in sideshow and soon become the biggest stars in Vaudeville but bogged down with the worst guardians EVER who try to enter them into some sort of "conservatorship" at age 19 - SOUND FAMILIAR? (*britney spears - cough cough*) How do they become free? Listen to this wild ride of these incredibly talented sisters who triumph over evil - literally.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/circusstories)

    Halloween Stories: The Legend of Edward Mordrake w/ Krysta Z

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2021 115:30


    In this incredibly spooky tale we explore the story and lore behind Edward Mordrake;  an english noble man said to have been born with a second face on the back of his head; and this face was dubbed his "devil twin".  Is this fact or fiction, or a little bit of both?  We are joined by sideshow aficionado Krysta Z as we break down the bits and pieces of this fascinating story.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/circusstories)

    The Art of Pie Throwing: A Sloppy History

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2021 86:02


    In our season 1 wrap up we explore the classic physical comedy gag commonly associated with  circus  and clowning, but this sticky slapstick act transcends circus and spread to mainstream by way of the silver screen.  We discuss the differences between circus and "hollywood" pie throwing, some famous pie fights, and the integral rules in the art of pie throwing.Watch Mr. Flip ( 1909 ): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcJaN9n3W6Q&feature=youtu.beSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/circusstories)

    Circus + Carnival Foods: Another Tasty History

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2021 115:29


    Enjoy this delicious episode full of fun origin stories from your favorite circus and carnival treats. Some more delicious than others and we found that the circus is great at improvising when it comes to concessions! We also learned that America loves to fry stuff,  but how we arrive at that conclusion is always an adventure.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/circusstories)

    The Zacchini Family : A Daredevil Dynasty

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2021 115:58


    In this high flying episode we plunge head first into the famous  generational circus family The Zacchini's best known for their thrilling double cannon ball act that spanned nearly 7 decades and toured world wide.   Listen to find out their secrets and all their wild adventures and unfortunate accidents along the way as they perfect the cannon technology allowing them to soar farther than any cannon act before them!!Enjoy the video (link below) of the performance in  action and visit our instagram for more images!!  @circus.storieshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuTzWPJ73vYSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/circusstories)

    Horse Diving + The Story of Sonora Webster Carver

    Play Episode Play 30 sec Highlight Listen Later Jun 10, 2021 95:13


    We explore a bit of history not often uncovered - high platform horse diving !!! We also explore the life and adventures of one of the most famed female horse divers Sonora Webster Carver, who was the inspiration for popular Disney film  'Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken' (1991) However we discuss so much more to Sonora's story that was not included in the film!  Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/circusstories)

    Minisode #02: Listener Stories

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2021 44:59


    Number two skidooo. This will all makes sense after you have a listen. In our Minisode #2 where we asked YOU the listeners,  to send in some of your favorite, scariest or most memorable Circus Stories and Callie B also shares one of many epic circus memories of her own AND another gem to share... a family story released from the Vault!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/circusstories)

    Circus in Film + TV

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2021 120:34


    In this riveting episode Callie and Mark do an exploration of Circus and Circus Life as represented in main stream media, namely film and television and Callie's uses popular pieces of media, old and new, that feature Circus and how accurately these media works capture the Circus, some common circus film tropes and how falsely media can represent the circus as well as all the in-betweens.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/circusstories)

    Clown College

    Play Episode Play 51 sec Highlight Listen Later Apr 22, 2021 123:26


     Mark and Callie discuss the "World Famous" Ringling Bros Clown College! Are clowns born or are they made?? What do they actually teach at Clown College and how did it start?  Also, what other places offer clown schooling! All that and more silly stuff in this VERY smart episode.  Fun sources discussed in episode:RBBB Clown College - HOW TO BE A CLOWN (1986)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbSn5mKFWpsLou Jacobs performing for students 1982 -http://clownalley.blogspot.com/2021/04/lou-jacobs-hunting-gag-1982.html  Link Application for RBBB Clown College https://joelheidtman.tripod.com/id91.htmSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/circusstories)

    Minisode #01: Listener Stories

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2021 53:45


    What do run away trains, circus animal processions, and going to the circus on psychedelics all have in common!!?? Well, not much, but these are  just a glimpse of what our listeners shared with us for our FIRST ever Minisode where we asked YOU the listeners' to send in some of your favorite, scariest or most memorable Circus Stories and we share a few of them with all of you!! Callie B also shares one of many epic circus memories of her own AND an extra special treat... a family story released from the Vault!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/circusstories)

    General Tom Thumb: The Incredible Life of Charles Stratton

    Play Episode Play 43 sec Highlight Listen Later Mar 4, 2021 129:15


    Larger than life is a cliché but in this case it is more true than ever! In this episode we discuss General Tom Thumb aka Charles Stratton. One of PT Barnum's first talent finds, and arguably the first international child star... starting at the mere age of 4! We explore Stratton's controversial career beginnings, how he saves PT Barnum from financial hardship, his customized home and sometimes decadent lifestyle and all the fancy friends he makes during his rise to international stardom including personal friendships with Queen Victoria and President Lincoln! Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/circusstories)

    Circus Foods: A Tasty History

    Play Episode Play 20 sec Highlight Listen Later Feb 18, 2021 132:43


    When you think Circus, what tasty treats come to mind? In this mouth watering episode we are discussing a brief history on a few fan favorites often served at a traditional Circus ...cotton candy, popcorn, peanuts and so much more! We also explore a few Circus inspired foods and their origins including the infamous CIRCUS PEANUTS marshmallow candy. You do not want to miss all the details on those confectionary wonders. Watch Kaboom commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xwu4LnrklJcWatch Circus Fun commercial : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDlyn-aPtpsSpecial thanks to Mr. Breakfast https://www.mrbreakfast.com/cereal_home.aspSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/circusstories)

    Myrtle Corbin: "The Four Legged Girl" w/ Special Guest

    Play Episode Play 60 sec Highlight Listen Later Jan 28, 2021 144:38


    We celebrate the one and only Myrtle Corbin and discuss her incredible life AND incredible wage she earned ( get that money girl). Joined by a very special guest - Krysta Z, the trio do a dive deep into Myrtle's many life experiences, encounters with curious doctors, , her travels working with "Mr Circus" himself, PT Barnum, and her alleged rivals with other sideshow workers.For images we discuss during the episode visit our instagram @circus.storiesSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/circusstories)

    Circus Travel : Mostly Chooches

    Play Episode Play 28 sec Highlight Listen Later Jan 14, 2021 104:38


    In this episode we explore a brief overview of how the Circus travels and its evolution over the years. We discuss the various methods of travel used world wide, and how some countries deal with their location limitations. We also take dive deep into the life on the Ringling Bros Train - and where it is now!! It is indeed mostly chooches (trains).Please visit our instagram to see images of the train and more!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/circusstories)

    Family Circus Stories: Intro to Patreon!!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2020 33:10


    A sneak peek of our Patreon because it is the season for giving!! Here is a sample of what you can expect if you subscribe to the patreon ... get ready for a killer interview with Callie B's father as he recants his time as a kid visiting Jungle Land and seeing Mabel Stark perform, PLUS his experience traveling with Circus Vargas in the 1970s, some scary storm run ins and a few wild animal stories! Check it out and subscribe to our patreon if you dig what you hear! You won't want to miss it!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/circusstories)

    Clown Justice: The Clown Egg Registry

    Play Episode Play 36 sec Highlight Listen Later Dec 10, 2020 97:57


    CLOWN JUSTICE! Learn about the time honored tradition of painting EGGS -- YAH! You read that right -- Eggs ... to register one's clown makeup and protect the artist's identity. This seriously silly episode covers official clown business practices, info on a famous clown CHURCH and how clowns police within the clown community... resulting in -- you guessed it -- CLOWN JUSTICE!Clowns International: https://www.clownsinternational.com/

    Clowning 101: Intro to Clowns

    Play Episode Play 36 sec Highlight Listen Later Dec 3, 2020 113:00


    Get your best clown shoes and a funny pen that squirts water - its time for a clown quiz. We do a medium dive into the origins of clowning. We discuss the three different types of clown face paint and where it stems from, we chew on some solid "clown -isms" and show lingo, and explore when and WHY did people start viewing clowns as "scary".Click the link below if you want to see the scary "laffun" clown Callie B endured growing up https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxQUwqAQHKg

    Seals + Sea Lions in the Circus

    Play Episode Play 30 sec Highlight Listen Later Nov 19, 2020 108:05


    In this flipping rad episode we discuss how seals AND ...sea lions have become a thing of the past in American circus. We discuss some SERIOUS seal and sea lion cuteness, habitat behavior, early circus beginnings, their life performing on the road and of course some silly animal shenanigans. These incredibly intelligent and ADORABLE land and sea creatures have shown audiences far and wide how they are still "Nature's Most Mystifying Creatures" and so smart they can "do everything but talk".Link to the Duss Family Sea Lions performance :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nd-0R1hgOWI

    "Powders I Have Used": The Adventures of Annie Oakley

    Play Episode Play 44 sec Highlight Listen Later Nov 12, 2020 125:37


    In this episode we move out WEST!!! We explore the wild life and adventures of Annie Oakley, best known for her sharp shooting skills and top billing act with Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. Hear about how Annie was requested to shoot at people's faces -- OFTEN, how she helped advance the way film captures motion, her brief run in with a cocaine mishap, and most importantly...her dog Dave and how he played a role in her act. Saddle up cowpoke and prepared to get blown away by this story ... and sorry for that pun in advance.

    The Lobster Boy Murders

    Play Episode Play 45 sec Highlight Listen Later Oct 29, 2020 115:50


    All we gotta say is WHOA! In our devilish episode 13, we merge the two best things; Circus/Sideshow and True Crime. We explore the unbelievable murders and trials that centered around Grady Stiles Jr. AKA "The Lobster Boy". This dude is a real SOB and trigger warning - this episode is a real life horror movie. You have been warned. Also, most events in the story take place in Florida, you have been double warned.

    The Making of Tod Browning's FREAKS (1932) w/ Special Guest

    Play Episode Play 30 sec Highlight Listen Later Oct 22, 2020 140:27


    Gooble Gobble, Gooble Gobble - One of us, One of us ...Join us for this BEHEMOTH episode as we deep dive into the controversy that swirled around the cult classic, Tod Browning's 1932 film FREAKS! Callie B and Mark are joined by sideshow aficionado, Krysta Z as the trio explore Browning's film career; it's ups and downs and where Browning found the "suggestion" for the film. We also chat about the film's casting process, production struggles, scathing critic reviews and more; you do not want to miss any of it!!

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