If you've ever seen a flea circus, then count yourself among the few. It's a dying art, but back in the day they thrilled and delighted young and old alike. Learn all about the tiny big tops in today's episode.
AI Summary
Josh and Chuck dive into the surprisingly rich and bizarre world of flea circuses, from the 19th-century Italian impresario who made tiny performers famous worldwide to the cruel-but-fascinating training methods that made fleas appear to sword fight, play soccer, and walk tightropes. They explore both the real flea circuses (complete with tiny costumes and blood-feeding sessions) and the clever "humbug" versions that used stage magic and magnets to create invisible performances. It's a delightfully weird journey through one of history's most peculiar forms of entertainment that will have you both amazed and slightly horrified at human ingenuity.
Easy Rider
1969
1h 35m
★ 7.0
"And Heckler's fleas circus shows up in a scene in Easy Rider — Josh mentions that a flea circus appears in the background of a scene in this famous movie."
— Josh
"Hey Dude, the 90s called, David Lasher and Christine Taylor, stars of the cult classic show — Referenced in a podcast advertisement for a show about 90s nostalgia."
Monty Python's Flying Circus
1969
★ 8.3
"The goons showed up in the Monty Python episode, they were the direct predecessor of Monty Python — Josh explains the relationship between The Goons comedy troupe and Monty Python when discussing Michael Bentine."
— Josh
Poltergeist
1982
1h 54m
★ 7.2
"Do you remember AOL Instant Messenger and the dial-up sound like poltergeist? — Used as a comparison to describe the sound of dial-up internet in a 90s nostalgia advertisement."
"It's a Simpsons reference. But Homer was saying somebody was richer than an astronaut — Josh explains the origin of his habit of using astronaut as a fame indicator."
— Josh
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