Jackalope Carnival: A Sideshow of Stories

Jackalope Carnival: A Sideshow of Stories

Author: Jackalope Carnival Language: English Episodes: 49
Ever wondered why certain legends persist or how a single strange event can ripple through centuries? Jackalope Carnival: A Sideshow of Stories is a podcast that explores exactly that, digging into the curious corners of history and culture where fact and folklore blur. Hosts Eric and Bekah act as curious guides, less interested in proving or disproving the unknown than in examining how we, as people, choose to interpret it. Each episode is a deep dive into a specific tale-be it a historical oddity, a cryptid sighting, or an enduring mystery-framed not just as a story, but as a window into human belief, fear, and imagination. The tone is conversational and engaging, feeling more like a discussion between friends who’ve found something fascinating than a formal lecture. You’ll hear them piece together narratives from historical accounts, cultural context, and sometimes a dash of the speculative, all while maintaining a respectful yet playful curiosity about their subjects. This isn’t just about spooky stuff; it’s about understanding the why behind the story. The podcast naturally finds its home at the intersection of history, culture, and society, asking what these tales say about the times and places from which they sprang. New episodes of this engaging podcast are set to return in mid-September 2025, offering fresh explorations into the weird and wonderful. So if you’re drawn to the strange threads woven into the fabric of our world, pull up a seat and listen in.
Episodes
Luchadores, the Real Nacho Libre and Wrestling's Greatest Eyebrows [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:11
Send us Fan Mail In the second part of Jackalope Carnival's look at professional wrestling's checkered past, Eric finds the origins of hard core wrestling with a Wild Bull. Bekah talks of Lucha Libre from the early days…
The World of Illusion! Astounding Magicians & Stolen Identities [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:10
Send us Fan Mail The stories of two fascinating stage magicians from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. One was a con man bigamist who found himself in a magical duel with the man whose identity he stole. The other…
Pro Wrestling's Carnival Sideshow Origin Story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:20
Send us Fan Mail In this episode Jackalope Carnival meets you at the intersection of carnivals, wrestling and... Wait what? Judo masters? It's a strange world. We just relay the stories. Support the show
Haunted Battlefields, Tunnels, Fast Food etc. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:17
Send us Fan Mail In this very special episode of Jackalope Carnival, Bekah and Eric discuss a twice haunted tunnel in West Virginia and Bekah teaches us the difference between a ghost and a spirit. For the record: Bekah…
Historic Alien Abductions and The Phoenix Lights [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:52
Send us Fan Mail This week, we discuss two of the most historically significant UFO cases of the 20th century. First: The extraordinary case of Betty and Barney Hill- the first UFO abduction report! Second: The most wide…
Spectral Dogs of Great Britain [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:11
Send us Fan Mail Is seeing a black dog bad luck? Do ghost dogs protect your cemetery? Will Bekah make promises she can't keep? Join Jackalope Carnival as they tell tales of the spooky phenomena of spectral dogs through t…
Cats, Our Aloof Cosmic Pals [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:26
Send us Fan Mail Jackalope Carnival is back for season two! This episode Eric and Bekah explore lore, superstitions and spiritual beliefs about our feline friends from various times and places. Does Bekah still make fun…
Ley Lines -or- "What Folks Did Before the Internet Was a Thing" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:44
Send us Fan Mail Are ancient landmarks connected by invisible energy highways or is it all just wishful thinking? Join Bekah and Eric as they trace the twists and turns of ley lines from opposite sides of the map. Whose…
Scandinavian Sea Monsters and the "Feejee Mermaid" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:16
Send us Fan Mail Sometimes the titles to these things just write themselves. Oh, also: Jackalope Carnival adheres (harkens?) to many hidden sea shanties, but does it contain one? (at the end, after the closing theme song…