Circus Stories: A Circus History Podcast

Callie Biggerstaff, Mark Renaudin & Aíne Norris
  • 4.3 (55)
  • History
  • Updated Monthly

The good, the bad, the unbelievable stories from circus history.  Each month we deep dive into topics like, "How do Clowns paint their faces and WHY", "Who was the first Human Cannonball act", "Circus Superstitions" and so much more! Join host and generational circus photographer Callie B as she explores circus history from centuries past all the way to present day marvels; accompanied by her pals/co-hosts Mark & Aíne . Complete with decoded circus lingo, fun circus facts, and first hand circus stories from Callie B's own family. Theme song by The Wolves of Glendale.

  1. 1d ago

    Circus Lore, Legends + Myths Uncovered

    Step right up for our Double Feature. Enjoy not one - but TWO circus tales full of  enduring urban legends, spooky town lore, and a stellar deep dive investigating a certain infamous figure and an odd intersection where circus and the occult collide. Check out our IG for images we discuss during the episode. *This episode does contain explicit language Support the show +Follow Us on IG @circus.stories +Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.com Rate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen! Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!

    Circus Lore, Legends + Myths Uncovered

  2. Aug 25

    Legacy of the Tattooed Lady

    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 Support the show +Follow Us on IG @circus.stories +Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.com Rate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen! Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!

    Legacy of the Tattooed Lady

  3. Jul 10

    Tiny Tim

    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 CarsonTiny Tim’s entire wedding to Miss Vicky on The Tonight Show with Johnny CarsonTiny 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)Support the show +Follow Us on IG @circus.stories +Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.com Rate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen! Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!

    Tiny Tim

  4. Jun 10

    Katie Sandwina; Lady Hercules

    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)  Support the show +Follow Us on IG @circus.stories +Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.com Rate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen! Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!

    Katie Sandwina; Lady Hercules

  5. May 4

    Maria Rasputin; Daughter of the Mad Monk

    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 } Support the show +Follow Us on IG @circus.stories +Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.com Rate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen! Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!

    Maria Rasputin; Daughter of the Mad Monk

  6. 08/30/2025

    1970's Circus Vargas with Billy B

    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! Support the show +Follow Us on IG @circus.stories +Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.com Rate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen! Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!

    1970's Circus Vargas with Billy B

  7. 08/06/2025

    Hair Hang Deep Dive w/ Christopher Williams

    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} Support the show +Follow Us on IG @circus.stories +Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.com Rate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen! Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!

    Hair Hang Deep Dive w/ Christopher Williams

  8. 06/30/2025

    Johnny Eck: The Half Boy

    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 Support the show +Follow Us on IG @circus.stories +Email us: circusstoriespodcast@gmail.com Rate, Review and Subscribe where ever you Listen! Thanks for Listening + Check those Boilers !!

    Johnny Eck: The Half Boy
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4.3
out of 5
55 Ratings

About

The good, the bad, the unbelievable stories from circus history.  Each month we deep dive into topics like, "How do Clowns paint their faces and WHY", "Who was the first Human Cannonball act", "Circus Superstitions" and so much more! Join host and generational circus photographer Callie B as she explores circus history from centuries past all the way to present day marvels; accompanied by her pals/co-hosts Mark & Aíne . Complete with decoded circus lingo, fun circus facts, and first hand circus stories from Callie B's own family. Theme song by The Wolves of Glendale.

Information

  • Creator
    Callie Biggerstaff, Mark Renaudin & Aíne Norris
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    70
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Circus Stories: A Circus History Podcast
  • Show Website
    Circus Stories: A Circus History Podcast

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