To The Hilt Podcast By Marc Hartzman and Dan Meyer cover art

To The Hilt

To The Hilt

By: Marc Hartzman and Dan Meyer
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About this listen

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.Marc Hartzman and Dan Meyer Art Entertainment & Performing Arts
Episodes
  • Red Stuart: The Living Legend
    Jun 5 2025

    Red Stuart has been swallowing swords since 1967, when he learned from sideshow performer Toni Del Rio. Within two years, his quick mastery of the art led him to become the only sword swallower to swallow broadswords and car axles.

    Red has worked with many shows over the years, including Ward Hall and Chris Christs’ World of Wonders. He can currently be seen at Pexcho’s American Dime Museum in Augusta, Georgia.

    Red has also taught 61 apprentices over the years, and at the end of this episode, two of his latest students join us—Jax Silvertree, and 11-year-old Billy Excho.

    Red Stuart 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. Purchase the book here on Amazon, or wherever else you buy books.


    Find Red Stuart online:


    Facebook: Red Stuart

    Pexcho's American Dime Museum

    Website :Pexcho’s American Dime Museum


    Buy Red's Book: Red Stuart: With It, For It, and Proud of It


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    46 mins
  • The Lizardman: Modified Marvel
    May 29 2025

    Erik Sprague, better known as The Lizardman, is a sword swallower, multi-talented performer, and author. As his website says, he’s “The Modified Marvel from the dark heart of Austin, a man with more ink in his skin, than blood in his veins."

    In this episode, he discusses his beginnings in sword swallowing, his experiences with other dangerous stunts, his time with the Jim Rose Circus, and much more.

    The Lizardman 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.

    Find The Lizardman online:

    Website: TheLizardman.com

    Instagram: @thelizardman23

    Facebook: The Lizardman

    The Lizardman's Book: Once More Through The Modified Looking Glass

    For more on To The Hilt, visit ToTheHiltBook.com or purchase a copy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3EbUsQf

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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Franz Huber: Bavarian Daredevil
    May 22 2025

    Franz began swallowing swords in 2013, and since then has earned nine world records, including the most bowling pins knocked down while sword swallowing, the most sit-ups while sword swallowing, and swallowing the most curved sword (133 degrees).

    In this episode, Dan and I speak to him during his recent visit to America. Hear about his start in sword swallowing, his many remarkable feats, and the time one of them sent him to the hospital for several weeks.

    Franz 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.

    Find Franz online:

    Website: https://www.red-hot-sharp.com

    Instagram: @franz_huber_81

    YouTube: @redhotsharpentertainment

    Facebook: @TheBavarinDaredevil

    For more on To The Hilt, visit ToTheHiltBook.com or purchase a copy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3EbUsQf

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    29 mins
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