Episode 551. Ringling Brothers Memories

“Since the 146-year-old institution folded up its tents back in May, Reed Martin (pictured) reminisces about his days touring with Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Featuring lost livelihoods, evolving tentpoles, the wild contrast between onstage and offstage antics, outdated economic models, the demise of Clown College and the rise (and possible future) of circus in north America, inspiring (and maybe surprising) Clown College Alumni, elaborate tree metaphors, a special appearance by former Clown College director Steve Smith, and the controversial question of whether unemployed elephants or clowns can be released back into the wild. (Length 19:19)