When he was born, they called Frank Lentini a monster… but what did that even mean? We’ll follow his story as we learn folklore, magic, medicine, and one man’s quest for the American Dream.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sideshow 10: Monster Medicine

An ongoing exploration of history’s most unusual and the macabre themes. Each 13-episode season unpacks a new topic in fresh format and style. Presented and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke.
Season 1: "Sideshow", is all about the history behind one of America's most bizarre institutions, the traveling sideshow.

Society & Culture

Personal Journals

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

We didn’t become fascinated with the Wild West until Hollywood gave us gunfights at high noon and heroic outlaws. 


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The Wild West 13: Hollywood

 When we think of the Wild West, we conjure up certain characters in our imaginations. But none are more iconic than the outlaw.


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The Wild West 12:  Outlaws

Hollywood portrays the Wild West as a tough man’s world. Yet, there were some who refused to be labeled. 


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The Wild West 11: Gender in the West

The post office has a saying about mail delivery in all kinds of weather. Meet Mary, a mail carrier in the West whose story is nothing short of a Western novel. 


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The Wild West 10: Women’s Work

Gold. New lives. Second chances. The West provided many opportunities. But conquering the land often came at a high cost. Here’s the story of one of the most well-known families on the frontier: the Ingalls.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sideshow 10: Monster Medicine

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