A few weeks ago I had the great pleasure of chatting to Humza Hussain about wrestling, scholarship and Resurgence. He has done a magnificent job of capturing our conversation! Part One is now published and, in it, we talk about risks, Butlins, contact improvisation, and a good lot more besides. Do check it out here.

​I’ve always imagined the real bodies behind the artwork. I’ve always imagined the way that people perform in everyday life, so I guess I look at the world in a theatrical way is how I would put it.

Back in 2012 I was enjoying (my one and only) sabbatical, and living in a rambling old (probably haunted!) house in the Lincolnshire countryside. I came across two guys - John and Wai - in Toronto who made a wrestling podcast. I listened each week, trying to get up to speed with this new art form that I was now studying. Fast forward eight years and I had the privilege of being on their podcast POST Wrestling with Sam West (Wrestling Resurgence producer) to talk about the project, the future (or otherwise) of British Wresting, and the brave voices of the #SpeakingOut movement. Check out the interview with Martin Bushby here.

In 2017, a wee group of artists, curators and academics decided it might be fun to run a wrestling show. The wonderful Being Human Humanities Festival thought this was a terrific idea and stumped up some cash to support us. It was a sell-out event and started Wrestling Resurgence's journey. Participating in this festival entirely changed my approach and feelings towards public engagement. It was a turning point in my academic career. Here are my reflections on it, written back in 2018.

Being Human has produced this rather lovely film. In it I say something profound(!) about why culture is a vital aspect of our intrinsic humanity. There is also a bit of wrestling. I am really proud to be part of Being Human's history and remain rather humbled by the warmth, support and encouragement of the fantastic Being Human team.