A few weeks ago (actually before the revelations of the #SpeakingOut movement) I had the pleasure of chatting to Dr Andy Kesson, the host of the 'A Bit Lit' YouTube channel about all sorts of interesting things. I am still thinking about our conversation, particularly, the way that my work combines thinking and doing, and the way wrestling compels us to think in a different way about touch (a vital inquiry in our COVID-19 world when we literally cannot touch). I talk a bit about how we can move from snarky, standoffish wrestling research to something more holistic, engaged and risky. We touch on the relationship between the live and the mediated, and arguments about class, taste and violence. And we, of course, talk about Trump and the way we can read his rise to power through the excessive theatricality of wrestling.

It was joyful to speak to Andy. This film is part of a week of wrestling-related scholarship and practice on 'A Bit Lit'. These films (and indeed all the films this project has produced during lockdown) are really awesome and I would thoroughly recommend them. 

If you enjoyed part one of my interview with Steelchair Magazine then here is part two in which I talk about Ironwomen, Summerslam and silence (and Humza briefly connects my name with JR's: career highlight there!). If there is anything in either part of this interview which takes your fancy or you would like to discuss, then I am always glad to hear from folks. Thanks again to Humza and Steelchair for having me, and taking the time to listen to all the stuff I have in my head! Here is the link.

I’ve experienced standing ovations before, and some worthy standing ovations, but I’ve never experienced, ever, where everyone just stood up as one body to celebrate this moment that they had been a part of. It was just beautiful ​(on Kanji v Charli Evans Ironwoman Match).