logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2022
19m 16s

SYMHC Classics: P.T. Barnum

iHeartPodcasts
About this episode

This 2012 episode from prior hosts Sarah and Deblina covers P.T. Barnum the circus man, museum entrepreneur, and freak show runner. Barnum attracted people to his American Museum through shrewd advertising, and he wasn't afraid of a hoax.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Today
SYMHC Class: Poison Control
This 2020 episode examines how the U.S. got to the point of having one resource, specifically for poisoning, that’s so reliable and available that it gets printed on the labels of consumer products.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
36m 4s
Yesterday
Behind the Scenes Minis: Pens and Dog Radios
Tracy and Holly talk about their favorite pens, and Tracy describes a unique radio she had as a child.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
20m 27s
Jul 9
Edwin Howard Armstrong
Edwin Howard Armstrong isn’t exactly a well-known inventor, but his work in radio literally changed communications around the globe. But his most famous invention – FM radio – became a source of constant frustration after he developed it. Research: Armstrong, Edwin H. “Frequency ... Show More
33m 22s
Recommended Episodes
Apr 2021
P.T. Barnum
Greg Jenner is joined by historian Professor Benjamin Reiss and comedian Desiree Burch in the 19th century to meet self proclaimed showman P T Barnum. A man famous for his museums and shows as well as ‘curiosities’ such as General Tom Thumb, Bearded Ladies, and The Fiji Mermaid. ... Show More
51m 36s
Sep 2023
P.T. Barnum (Radio Edit)
Greg Jenner is joined by historian Prof Benjamin Reiss and comedian Desiree Burch in 19th-century America to meet the self-proclaimed showman, P.T. Barnum. He was a man famous for his museums and shows as well as "curiosities" such as General Tom Thumb, Bearded Ladies and The Fij ... Show More
28m 22s
Jul 2022
Selects: How Freak Shows Worked
Not too long ago, people would pay money to gawk and stare at a performer with a physical disformity. They were called freak shows and they began in large part thanks to P.T. Barnum, whose circus we still enjoy today. Sounds awful, but some of these performers became rich folks a ... Show More
48m 40s
Jun 2022
Sideshow 13: The Legacy of Looking
Centuries of history have led us to this point. The show continues to go on. But even though the sideshow looks a bit different these days… we still see its signature everywhere. We haven’t looked away. Want to hear more even though our time is up? The sideshow curious should be ... Show More
28m 50s
Dec 2022
Mobits Extra: Mo’s Mystery Bust
Mo’s deep appreciation for our less-remembered presidents led him to purchase a giant bust of Grover Cleveland, which has dominated his living room for over 20 years. But when the New York Times questioned the bust’s identity, it set in motion a quest, culminating in an appearanc ... Show More
24m 52s
Sep 2022
Anderson Cooper (Extended Cut) | Book of Moron
Maggie Haberman's new book "Confidence Man" is filled with not-so-shocking-but-definitely-awful revelations about the former President, and Lizzo used her concert in D.C. to encourage fans to get interested in history. And one of our all-time favorite guests returns to catch up w ... Show More
34m 23s
Aug 2022
Dick Costolo
Whitney catches us up on her new stand-up special aftermath, being a try-hard, and reveals the most embarrassing thing she's ever done in private. Then, former head of Twitter Dick Costolo is here talking about robots, surveillance, and consulting on HBO's SILICON VALLEY. See omn ... Show More
1h 44m
Feb 2024
Las Vegas Must See: The Neon Museum
On this episode of Our American Stories, executive director of the Neon Museum, Aaron Berger, shares some of the history of Las Vegas and the iconic signage associated with it. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inf ... Show More
10m 49s
Nov 2022
Introducing: This Job is History
Where the oddest jobs from the past meet a comedian from the present… and it’s awkward! On this weekly show, Chris Parnell (SNL, Rick and Morty) welcomes guests who have held some of human history’s most unexpected and downright bizarre jobs: funeral clowns, garden hermits, VHS c ... Show More
1m 26s
Apr 3
[LES ARCHIVES] L'Enlèvement de Barney et Betty Hill
Dans la nuit du 19 au 20 septembre 1961, Barney et Betty Hill, un couple d’Américains, sont enlevés par des extraterrestres, selon leurs déclarations recueillies par la suite. Avant l’incident, ils circulaient en voiture dans une zone rurale de l'État du New Hampshire, aux États- ... Show More
16m 41s