A Carny from Lawrence, MA with over 100 years in the carnival business chats with Theo about differences between carnivals and fairs, freak shows, games that rip people off, smoking weed with a Wizard of Oz munchkin, carny rivalries, business changes over years, and more.
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Quick takeaways
Carny life involves close-knit camaraderie and shared adventures within the carnival community.
Podcast exposes the dark side of deceptive carnival games aimed at deceiving customers.
Intense partying, dangerous pranks, and unpredictable incidents characterize the chaotic carnival lifestyle.
Insight into the diverse cultural backgrounds and roles of agents and clerks in the carnival workforce.
Deep dives
Rides and Parties
The podcast episode covers various carnival rides like the Skymaster, Super Slide, and Sea Dragon, detailing their functions and the thrilling experiences they offer. Additionally, it delves into the lively atmosphere of carnival parties, where ride operators and other carnival workers come together to enjoy the festivities and create memorable moments.
Carnival Safety and Inspections
The discussion also touches upon the safety regulations present in carnivals, highlighting the stringent inspection protocols that require rides to be checked every week by state inspectors. The podcast emphasizes the importance of safety measures and daily ride inspections carried out by ride operators and supervisors to ensure the well-being of carnival attendees.
Personal Anecdotes and Mishaps
Several personal anecdotes are shared in the podcast, including instances of accidents and mishaps that occurred during carnival operations. Stories of malfunctioning rides, party pranks, and humorous escapades shed light on the behind-the-scenes experiences of carnival workers, enriching the narrative with intriguing and entertaining insights.
Carnival Culture and Comradery
The episode portrays the unique culture and camaraderie among carnival workers, illustrating the close-knit relationships and shared experiences within the carnival community. From setting up tent cities to organizing after-hours parties, the podcast captures the sense of unity and shared adventures that define the vibrant world of carnivals.
Raucous Carnival Life
The podcast episode delves into the wild and chaotic lifestyle of carnival workers, recounting stories of intense partying, dangerous pranks, and unexpected incidents. From hazing rituals involving pouring substances on cars to dangerous carnival rides causing electrocution, the episode showcases the sometimes reckless and thrill-seeking behavior of those working in the carnival industry.
Fairground Games and Scams
The podcast highlights the shady side of fairground games and activities, shedding light on rigged attractions designed to deceive and fleece unsuspecting customers. It exposes tricks like weighted game pieces, impossible-to-win contests, and manipulating players to keep them spending money. The episode reveals the inner workings of carnival games and the tactics used to entice and exploit participants.
Mayhem and Misadventures
The podcast reveals the gritty and chaotic underbelly of carnival life, featuring brawls, brushes with the law, and encounters with unruly guests. Stories of arrests, fights between carnival units, and unconventional encounters paint a vivid picture of the tumultuous and often unpredictable world of traveling carnivals.
Carnival Culture and Psychology
The podcast delves into the intricate dynamics of working in a carnival, exploring the roles of agents and clerks. Agents are skilled at hustling and gaining from customers, while clerks maintain a more passive approach. The podcast highlights the multicultural aspect of carnivals, mentioning the diverse workforce from various backgrounds such as whites, Native Americans, and South Africans. It sheds light on the evolving demographics in the industry, sharing insights on how carnival workers come from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Tear Down and Logistics of Moving a Carnival
The episode addresses the practical aspects of dismantling and relocating a carnival. It describes the process of tearing down games, rides, and food stands, including the complexities of removing hitches and transporting equipment. The podcast details the transportation methods used, with families owning trucks to pull their assets or hiring trucking companies. It also touches on the efficiency in moving the carnival, highlighting that the teardown and setup can be accomplished in as little as six hours, with travel typically happening at night after closing.
Mitch Candiano is a Carny from Lawrence, MA whose family has been in the carnival business for more than 100 years. He has worked numerous roles in multiple carnivals all along the east coast.
Theo is joined by a Carny to chat about the wild life of a carnival worker. They talk about the difference between carnivals and fairs, his personal connection to freak shows (and a three-legged man), games that used to rip people off, smoking weed with one of the munchkins from the Wizard of Oz, rivalries between different groups of carnies, how he saw the business change over the years, and much more.
