This week's show is a fun and fascinating discussion with author and journalist Aaron Smith about his book, Natural Born! Circus, Sideshow, and the Art of Being Human. In the book, he interviews and profiles working performers in the world of sideshow that would have once been called "freaks"- now largely preferring the term "Natural Born"- about their experiences, lives, philosophies, and ambitions. Before he began his career in journalism, Aaron had worked for the circus as a cotton candy vendor and a roustabout, giving him a unique insider perspective and credential that leads to enlightening conversations with those profiled about humanity and finding one's place in the world. In conversation here, Smith explains the inspiration for the book and the methods he undertook to find these performers, providing a snapshot of the modern version of a sideshow- something many would assume is a thing of the past.

He and AP talk about several of the performers featured in the book, such as Jackie the Human Tripod, Short E. Dangerously, The Bendable Girl Camille Zamboni, and many more. Actor and natural Mat Fraser, aka Seal Boy, comes up frequently both in the book and discussion; he was among the stars of the TV series American Horror Story in the Freak Show season, which leads to talk of media representation and common perspectives about people who are born differently. This provides a through line for the history of the subject, from the early days and the ever presents specter of exploitation, which makes the points of view of these modern day performers all the more valuable. 

Check out Aaron Smith's book from Outside Talker Press here: https://outsidetalkerpress.bigcartel.com/product/natural-born-circus-sideshow-and-the-art-of-being-human