Circus Stories: A Circus History Podcast

Buzz Buzz - today's episode we discover the mysteries behind the famed sideshow exhibition of "The Tattooed Lady". How much were they paid? Who actually gave them their tattoos? How long did their tattoos take? And why did they actually decide to cover their whole bodies in tattoos? All this and so much more awaits you ! 

Check out our IG for images we discuss during the episode

Thank you to Amelia Osterud + Stories&Ink Magazine

Amelia Osterud Lecture on Tattooed Women via The Ringling 

More info on Olive Oatman

- Amelia Osterud publications (including the new The 388 Tattoos of Captain George, and the 389 Tales of How He Got Them and The Tattooed Lady: A History)

- Find Amelia Osterud on IG

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Come join us as we "tip toe through the tulips" and discuss whom some have described as the "original goth" and all around quirky dude, Tiny Tim! The singer - not the other one -- and what is his connection with the circus!?

We also share some VERY interesting circus lingo and stories from the vault!

Two audio versions of “Tip Toe Through The Tulips With Me” shared in this episode use the original public domain sheet music and were created by Andy Rinaldi of tasker-morris sounds. Thank you so much, Andy! 

Spotify playlist (featuring two versions of "Tip Toe): 

• Full first appearance on Johnny Carson
• Tiny Tim’s entire wedding to Miss Vicky on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson
• Tiny Tim in Diet Pepsi commercial (1991) 
• “Tiptoe Thru The Tulips” in Insidious (first time it plays - NOTE: SPOILERS)
• Tiny Tim on The Howard Stern Show (1995)

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We are talking strong women today! Katharina Brumbach, more commonly known as Katie Sandwina or Lady Hercules was, for a time, a headlining act at the famed Barnum and Bailey's circus and considered the "perfect" female specimen. We dive deep into her life, career, family and of course amazing feats of strength which will blow your socks off!

+Check out our IG for images we discuss during the episode!!

images and photos sourced from Stark Center.org

++View videos of Sandwina + Son Teddy Brumbach (link above) 

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We are SO Back! And boy this is a deep cut my friends... A wild ride where lore, exile and circus collide.  While Mark takes a family sabbatical; Callie B is joined by circus "scholar" Aíne Norris and together the two explore Maria Rasputin's, daughter of infamous mystic and alleged healer Grigori Rasputin (friend to the last imperial family of Russia- ever heard of 'em!) I don't want to spoil the ending so just have a listen...

{ This episode contains explicit language that may not be suitable for young children }

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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!

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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}

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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 (Eck collector/curator) - Interview

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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**

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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=7iDqmwuKiWk

**Check out our IG for images we discuss during the episode!**

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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 discuss during the episode!  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPKyYHe6y3s

Support the show  || CHECK YOUR BOILERS!

Support the show

+Follow Us on IG @circus.stories
+Email us: [email protected]
Rate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen!
Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!