Episode 33: Freak of Nature: The Incredible Life & Death of Lobster Boy

In 1840, the freak show was one of the most popular forms of entertainment in America. And it only grew from there when prominent businessman P.T. Barnum created a way to capitalize on individuals born with disabilities by including their acts in his traveling circus. For the next hundred years, the freak show flourished, creating wonder, curiosity, and fear in the general public. In 1944, one of the most successful acts, known as Lobster Boy, took the stage for the very first time at the age of seven. No one could have ever known that this deformed child would someday grow into a real-life monster. Join us as we talk about the incredible life and death of Grady Stiles Jr., Lobster Boy.