DiscoverThe Atlas Obscura PodcastThe Circus Capital of the World
The Circus Capital of the World

The Circus Capital of the World

Update: 2025-03-12
Share

Description

The first time John Ringling and his brothers saw a circus come to town, it changed their lives forever. They’d go on to form their own circus company – which put them on top of the world. Today we trace John Ringling’s rise and fall, from his early days crisscrossing the Midwest in a wagon (dressed as a clown in wooden shoes) to his work establishing Sarasota, Florida as the circus capital of the world. This episode was produced in partnership with Visit Sarasota.

If you’re curious about Florida’s Cultural Coast and want to learn more about the art and culture scene in Sarasota today, check out the podcast “Behind the Masterpiece”!

Take a closer look at John and Mabel Ringling’s mobile mansion with this cool archaeology project from the University of South Florida.

Comments 
00:00
00:00
x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

The Circus Capital of the World

The Circus Capital of the World

SiriusXM Podcasts & Atlas Obscura