Episode 165 - SIDESHOW GEEKS

In this episode of The Folklore Podcast we enter the secretive world of the circus and the carnival sideshow - a community with much tradition and folklore but at the same time many secrets.Our guest Nathan Wakefield, himself a variety performer, uncovers the world of the Sideshow Geek - controversial and eccentric acts which shocked many an audience member in the sideshows of the past. But how much of the act was genuine, and how much was just that - an act?Nathan's book, 'The Rise and Fall of the Sideshow Geek' offers an in-depth look at this fascinating topic, aspects of which are touched on in this interview. Please note that this episode carries a content warning for stories of acts which may have involved abuse of animals.Useful links:Nathan's performing website: https://nathanmcscary.com/ (https://nathanmcscary.com/)Nathan's publisher's website: http://outsidetalkerpress.com/ (http://outsidetalkerpress.com/)Book softcover: https://outsidetalkerpress.bigcartel.com/product/the-rise-and-fall-of-the-sideshow-geek (https://outsidetalkerpress.bigcartel.com/product/the-rise-and-fall-of-the-sideshow-geek)Book hardcover: https://outsidetalkerpress.bigcartel.com/product/the-rise-and-fall-of-the-sideshow-geek-snake-eaters-human-ostriches-other-extreme-hardcover (https://outsidetalkerpress.bigcartel.com/product/the-rise-and-fall-of-the-sideshow-geek-snake-eaters-human-ostriches-other-extreme-hardcover)eBook Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/u/38YOew (https://books2read.com/u/38YOew)To support The Folklore Podcast on Patreon and access extra content, please visit www.patreon.com/thefolkorepodcast (www.patreon.com/thefolkorepodcast)