Before bright lights, TV deals, and packed arenas, wrestling found its footing in traveling carnivals. In this episode, we dive into the gritty, colorful world of carnival wrestling—where it all began. We’ll trace the early days of grapplers who took on all comers, highlight the men and women whose influence still shapes the sport, and spotlight a few groundbreaking promoters who turned sideshow bouts into the foundation of modern professional wrestling.

Step right up! In our first summer episode, we explore the curious history of bearded ladies — from sideshow sensations to real women who challenged beauty norms. Were they medical marvels, carnival curiosities, or trailblazers in their own right? We untangle the myths, the exploitation, and the empowerment behind one of history’s most iconic spectacles.

Featured Music: Climas Interiores " Eterno retorno"

In this episode, we explore one of the most chilling and bizarre murder-for-hire plots in American history: the Philadelphia Poison Ring. During the Great Depression and into the early 1940s, a quiet rowhome neighborhood became the center of a deadly scheme led by Italian immigrant cousins Herman and Paul Petrillo. Behind the veil of a magical fix or insurance fraud was a criminal operation that blended superstition, arsenic, and murder for profit. We uncover how the ring manipulated Italian immigrants with promises of love spells and good fortune, only to lead many to their deaths. From poisoned dinners to bludgeonings, this episode dives deep into the Petrillos, thier accomplices, and the victims.

• Our featured music is from Hex Automata with the song "From the Cradle to the Rave".