To The Hilt
To The Hilt
Podcast Description
Welcome to To the Hilt! The podcast version of To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing—a book that explores the mysterious and dangerous world of sword swallowing, charting its history from ancient rituals to mod¬ern-day performances. This show features its co-authors, world-renowned sword swallower Dan Meyer and sideshow historian Marc Hartzman, cutting up jackpots with modern-day sword swallowers. In other words, hear their wild stories and experiences as they travel the world gulping steel blades for your entertainment and keeping this most unusual art alive.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on the rich history and cultural significance of sword swallowing, featuring various themes such as personal narratives, performance anecdotes, and historical context. Episodes delve into topics like the evolution of sword swallowing acts, safety practices, and the challenges faced by performers in the modern entertainment landscape. For instance, discussions may cover Jim Ball’s journey as the oldest living sword swallower or Brianna Belladonna's daring performances and the risks involved in her craft.
Welcome to To the Hilt! The podcast version of To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing—a book that explores the mysterious and dangerous world of sword swallowing, charting its history from ancient rituals to mod¬ern-day performances. This show features its co-authors, world-renowned sword swallower Dan Meyer and sideshow historian Marc Hartzman, cutting up jackpots with modern-day sword swallowers. In other words, hear their wild stories and experiences as they travel the world gulping steel blades for your entertainment and keeping this most unusual art alive.
At 89 years old, Jim Ball holds a rare triple distinction in sword swallowing: he’s the world’s oldest living sword swallower; when he learned at age 12, he was the world’s youngest; and having swallowed steel for 77 years, he’s the world’s longest-performing sword swallower. Jim is also unique in that both his parents were sword swallowers: John “Lucky” Ball and Estelline Pike. It was his mother, Estelline, who trained him.
Jim’s career took him across the U.S. and Canada, working with legendary showmen like Dick Best, Walter Wanous, and Alex Linton. From Hubert’s Museum in New York to Madison Square Garden with Ringling Bros., to What’s My Line? in 1958, and a stint in the army in between it all, Jim has many adventures to share in this episode.
Jim Ball is one of more than a hundred sword swallowers featured in the book, To The Hilt: A Sword Swallower’s History of Sword Swallowing, published by Schiffer Publishing.
For more on To The Hilt, visit ToTheHiltBook.com or purchase a copy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3EbUsQf
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