Circus Stories: A Circus History Podcast

Mar 30 2025 60 ep. 115 mins 65
Circus Stories: A Circus History Podcast artwork

The good, the bad, the unbelievable stories of circus history spanning centuries and 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.

  History  Education  Society & Culture
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Gibsonton aka "Gib Town"

Mar 30 2025 139 mins  
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

Clown Talks w/ Cait the Clown

Feb 20 2025 125 mins  
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 an

The Great Blondin

Dec 20 2024 166 mins  
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.c

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

Oct 25 2024 192 mins  
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 scien

Circus Tents - A Deep Dive

Sep 06 2024 152 mins  
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 http

The Mickey Mouse Club Circus at Disneyland

Jul 25 2024 142 mins  
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 hei

Le Pétomane: The Fartiste of the Moulin Rouge

May 29 2024 105 mins  
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

Sideshow Secrets: Acts meant to Shock + Awe

Apr 12 2024 161 mins  
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 im

Religion + Circus: The Traveling Circus Ministry

Mar 07 2024 174 mins  
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 image

Wheel of Death!

Feb 01 2024 161 mins  
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 cur