February 2, 2018 ▸ Other

Episode 268: The Circus: Sideshows & Freaks

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On this episode of The Sofa King Podcast, we talk about the Circus. From the ancient arena in the man dress wearing Roman (Not Ramen) times known as Circus Maximus to the modern era big tops that you used to get free tickets to from school, but that your parents would never take you to go see.

From the cavalry officer who has been christened the creator of the Common Era circus, Philip Astley, to the Scotsman John Bill Rickets who brought it to the United States, we follow the trail of equestrian performances and unearth the creation of the Big Top tents in our search for the perfect sideshow act.

Along the way we find that the Circus helped shape the way in which the military utilized freight trains, that the multiple ring circus was created out of necessity for spectators to witness the magic, and how without the freaks and oddities, circuses might not have lasted through the depression of the 1930’s.

We all know why we’re really here to listen though, and that is for the side show performers. So kick off your shoes and toe socks, grab a bottle of your favorite whiskey, and join us as we take a quick look at some of the more famous as well as the lesser-known freaks of nature and creation!