logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2016
48m 27s

How Freak Shows Worked

iHeartPodcasts
About this episode
Not too long ago, people would pay money to gawk and stare at a performer with a physical disformity. They were called freakshows and they began in large part thanks to P.T. Barnum, whose circus we still enjoy today. Sounds awful, but some of these perfor 
Up next
Yesterday
Selects: Mangroves: Nature's Best Tree?
Mangroves are incredible survivors and adapters. They're also amazing at lessening the impact of tropical storms and climate change. And heck, they're cool looking. So jump into the brackish waters and have a listen to this classic episode all about these beauts.See omnystudio.co ... Show More
44m 32s
Mar 12
How the Kowloon Walled City Worked
From the 1970s to the early 1990s a patch of land in Hong Kong the size of just a few football fields was the most densely-populated area in the world – and by a longshot. Even more remarkable, it was an outlaw land that somehow formed a tight community.See omnystudio.com/listene ... Show More
41m 28s
Mar 11
Short Stuff: In-Flight Entertainment
Movies on planes have changed a lot in the last couple of decades. Today, we'll go over how this stuff works. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
12m 23s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 2011
Female Freaks: Sideshows, Circuses and Stripteases
<p>P.T. Barnum popularized freak shows in the U.S. The most popular freaks were those with disabilities who could perform everyday tasks. Tune in to learn more about the relationship between female freaks, beauty pageant contestants and striptease dancers.</p><p> </p> Learn more ... Show More
22m 50s
Feb 2022
Sideshow 3: The Mother of All Humbugs
Joice Heth never wanted to be in show business. It wasn’t the world that she came from. But when she met P.T. Barnum, the course of her life took a turn she never saw coming. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for p ... Show More
27m 55s
Apr 2022
Body Brokers
<p>Have you ever known someone who donated their body to science? On paper, it's an extraordinarily noble act. Yet in the US, this form of donation is chock-full of Stuff They Don't Want You To Know. In this episode, the guys dive headlong into the tragic, often disgusting realit ... Show More
53m 47s
Sep 2019
SMNTY Clowns Around
<p>Throughout our history, clowning has been a powerful art form, capable of bringing joy and swaying politicians. Come wire walk with us as we look at famous female clowns, past and present.</p><p> </p> Learn more about your ad-choices at <a href="https://www.iheartpodcastnetwor ... Show More
20m 9s
Apr 2021
This Is The Last Break of the Day 04/12/21
Today the show wraps up with the crew telling us about the weirdest jobs that they have ever had. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informa ... Show More
7m 11s
Sep 2017
The Crash at Crush and Other Train Wreck Spectacles
<p>For a brief window from the late 1800s to the early 1900s, people in the United States were watching train wrecks for fun. These staged spectacles would draw thousands and thousands of paying onlookers, but why exactly were they so popular?</p><p> </p> Learn more about your ad ... Show More
31m 8s
Jan 2022
Adult Activity in Pudding: Chocolate or Banana
Would You Rather caters to Filthy McNasty's and obsession with physical features. It also touched on some TV shows that make our eye balls happy. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com ... Show More
3m 23s
Mar 2020
Tiger King
The crew ask themselves why they watched this on Netflix. There was some binge watching for real. Was it compelling or nah? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/li ... Show More
4m 51s
Jan 2020
National Fun At Work Day
tail spinning
1m 43s
Dec 2013
Human Experimentation: Show Notes
<p>The search for life-saving medical innovations has a dark side: human experimentation. And, while history is unfortunately chock-full of horrifying experiments on innocents, it isn't all stuff from the ancient past. In fact, experiments on unconsenting humans may continue in t ... Show More
31m 30s