PODCAST · leisure
By the Sword
by By the Sword
The modern study of the ancient art of swordplay is brought to life each week where we talk to a different member of the historical European martial arts, or HEMA, community. Whether it’s the medieval longsword, Elizabethan rapier, the regency smallsword or Victorian sabre that interest you, join us for a series of fascinating interviews with instructors, competitors and experts from all around the globe. Follow us on Instagram @swordwomen
Episodes
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CC Burns: rediscovering HEMA joy
Host Fran Lacuata talks to lifelong martial artist Connie Burns about their journey, both in eastern martial arts, self defence and HEMA. Full of fascinating insights and experiences, listen in as they discuss the highs and lows of learning and teaching the fighting arts, and how Connie found…
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Sarah Beals Sager: removing barriers in HEMA
Fran talks to Sarah Beals Sager, instructor at Hilt & Helm Fencing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania USA. Topics covered include Sarah’s blog: longswords and lullabies, how to remove barriers for minorities in HEMA, creating a supportive space, and the role of anthropology in martial arts.
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Amber & Kira: Queer Quillons Guild
Fran meets Kira & Amber, the martial arts, self defence and fitness enthusiasts behind Queer Quillons Guild in Atlanta, Georgia USA. We talk about the importance of LGBTQIA spaces, the multiple challenges facing under represented groups in martial arts, and each of their own backgrounds in…
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Blumineck: arcane archer
Fran talks to David AKA Blumineck, the archer and pole athlete who combines history, fantasy and all things geeky on his wildly popular social media channels. We go into his origin story, what it takes to get into pole and archery, performing for the public and what is coming up in the future.
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Lacey Eck: Emotional regulation in HEMA
Fran talks to Cleveland Steel Historical Fencing founder and lead instructor Lacey Eck about the importance of emotional regulation in HEMA. We discuss what emotional regulation is, how emotions affect us as fencers, and what we can do to actively improve our training spaces and develop as a...
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The Fencing Mentor: Zoya Zackavec
Zoya is a mindset coach and fencing mentor based in Chicago USA. In this episode she talks to Fran about how to fence authentically under pressure, and deal with our own inner battles - often our biggest challenge. Listen to Zoya’s story for advice on how to approach your own fencing mindset,...
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Physio meets HEMA: Anna Wiederänders on effective HEMA training
Fran talks to Physio and Osteo Anna Wiederänders about training safely and effectively for HEMA. We explore Anna’s martial arts background, good practices for HEMA training, and her top tips for safe and effective practice.
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Aurora Simmons: femme friendly training spaces
Fran meets Aurora Simmons, longsword and armoured fighting instructor at Toronto Historical Combat in Canada. We discuss the importance of creating training spaces that are welcoming to all genders: what to avoid and what to include. Aurora also talks about her extensive background in martial…
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Spencer Waddell and Heavy Hitting
In this episode Fran talks to Spencer Waddell: a champion fighter and title holder of many styles including reenactment, SCA, HEMA, AMMA, boxing, buhurt and light sabre. We discuss his background and his unique perspective on heavy hitting in sword arts, when it’s appropriate and when it’s a bad...
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Why HEMA is political
Fran speaks to Janna Datahan in the US about why HEMA is political, and how world events affect our hobby and all the people who participate in it.
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Martial arts culture is a work in progress
In this episode I rant about the frustrations of trying to change martial arts culture for the better, especially when the unwillingness to change hampers any progress from the outset. After sixteen years I am so very tired. If we genuinely want to improve our communities we need to put the work...
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How to come back from a break
Have you not been to class for a while? Do you miss swords? Whatever your hobby, I break down the steps and approach you need to make returning to the thing you love a pleasure not a pain. Fran URG centred HEMA events, coaching, content and podcasts. Historical European Martial Arts. 💻 Website...
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Suit of Swords 2025: interview with Rose Jones & Madeleine Thomson
I attended Scotland’s very first URG HEMA event in October 2025, and took the opportunity to interview the two organisers to gain an insight into the process and goals of this awesome historical fencing Weekender. URG centred HEMA events, coaching, content and podcasts. Historical European…
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How to train HEMA from home
This podcast is aimed at everyone who trains HEMA or any martial art, whether you want to get out of a plateau in class, or you’re planning a comeback after a break, or you just can’t get to a class, training from home is always a good idea.
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5 Things I will not be teaching you as your coach
🏆 “Winning is everything”. Winning is just a visible part of fencing. There is a fathoms-deep chunk beneath the surface of learning, passion and personal growth. 👀 To look down on other fencers and clubs. Parochial perceptions persist, and a community is more than the club you belong to. We…
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Taming Toxicity in HEMA
We tend to imagine our own club is utopian compared to the others you hear about on social media where bad things happen. I’m here to let you know that every club is fertile ground for toxic behaviour. But what can we do about it?
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9 things you were praised for as a girl that can make HEMA difficult as an adult
Little girls are praised for all kinds of qualities and behaviours. What we carry into adulthood from this praise and these internal values can stymie our learning.
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11 things HEMA fencers should stop doing
Eleven things that you are doing that you really shouldn’t. This episode looks at how we can take our habits and make them better.
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The leaky pipeline in HEMA
The term "pipeline" describes the typical fencing career progression: from beginner, to student, to instructor and/or competitor, and the "leakiness" signifies that women are leaving the path at multiple stages, unlike men. In this episode we look at the key aspects, contributing factors, and...
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Heather McLarty: Artist Blacksmith and Mandalorian consultant
In this episode, Fran meets artist blacksmith, Heather McLarty of Los Angeles, California, USA. We talk about her journey in the craft and her involvement in the popular TV series, the Mandalorian. The episode was recorded live Sunday, 28 May 2023.
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Ugo Serrano
In this episode, we meet artisan, armourer, production designer, and prop maker, Ugo Serrano, who has worked on films such as Planet of the Apes, GI Joe: the Rise of Cobra, and the Chronicles of Riddick. We talk about his background, his career, and the historical influences on his work. The...
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Aaron - Semimyth Productions: A Lion’s Age
In this episode, we meet Aaron of semi miss productions, USA. We hear about his maiden project: A Lion’s Age, an immersive strategy game, featuring breathtaking artwork and characters, set in mediaeval south Asia. The interview took place Sunday 26 February 2023..
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Sydney Schwindt True Edge Art & Fight director
In this episode Fran talks to fight director and artist Sydney Schwindt of True Edge Art in California, USA. We discuss how stage combat and theatre links historical fighting to modern veterans in fascinating ways. We also talk about the enduring appeal of swords in art. The recording took place…
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Veronica Young Cryptid Combatwear Chest protection
For the first episode of 2023 Fran meets designer Veronica Young of Cryptid Combatwear in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. We discuss her tournament experience, as well as the chest protector that she has designed exclusively for HEMA fencers who have breasts. The episode was recorded 8 January 2023.
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Ellen Lavery - Artist and performer
In this episode Fran talks to artist, larper, puppeteer and performer Ellen Lavery about her varied talents and career paths. We talk about growing up in a fantastical family, and training to be a stunt performer. The episode was recorded live 11 December 2022.
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Dr Chassica Kirchoff Arms and Armour Historian
In this episode Fran talks to historian Dr Chassica Kirchhoff, arms and armour scholar and assistant curator of European sculpture and decorative arts at the Detroit Institute of arts USA. We discuss arms and armour historical influences on popular TV shows House of the Dragon and The Rings of...
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Meg & Evie, Armoured Combat Nashville
In this episode of the podcast Fran meets armoured combat team captains Meg and Evie of Nashville Armoured Combat USA. We learn how they got into this growing sport, all about the women’s Armoured Combat League in Tennessee, and the physical demands of fighting in full armour. The interview took...
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Shoshana Shellans Armoured Combat Duellist USA
In this episode Fran talks to Armored Combat duellist Shoshana Shellans of the USA. We discuss the realities of armoured combat and how to get into it, as well as the intersection between armoured combat and historical European martial arts.
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SAMH: catch up and special announcement
In this episode of Swords and Mental Health, Fran invites Janna on the show to talk about her tournament experience at combat con 2022, following their discussions in the episode “the toll of tournament”. There is also a special announcement one hour into the podcast! The episode was recorded 27...
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Katie Zold: Neurodiversity in HEMA
I talk to special education teacher and fencer Katie Zold about neurodivergence in the HEMA community. We talk about how we can help each other better, both as students and instructors. The episode was recorded live 17 July 2022.
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Knights of Wakanda Armoured Combat Team USA
In this episode of the podcast I speak to Fran, Charles, and Spencer of the Knights of Wakanda armoured combat team, USA. I learn about how the group formed, the challenges of the sport, and the passion for community and excellence in the team. The episode was recorded live 26 June 2022....
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Masculinity in HEMA
Fran talks to Dan Halliday and Graham Meyer on the topic of masculinity in the historical European martial arts community. The episode was recorded 20 June 2022.
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Justin Kostelecky, Grizzly House Forge & Forged in Fire finalist
In this episode I talk to Justin Kostelecky, owner of Grizzly House Forge in Utah USA. We discuss the challenges of sword smithing, how to handle disparities in stature, and his experience as a finalist on the hit TV show Forged in Fire. The episode was recorded live 22 May 2022.
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AMA with Fran
Today’s episode is an AMA with your host Fran Lacuata. Answering questions on life/training balance, getting started in Bolognese fencing, and much more. The episode was recorded live 31 April 2022.
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Live Panel discussion at By the Sword 2022
This podcast episode is a panel discussion before a live audience at By the Sword 2022, a historical fencing convention for women and gender minorities. The panellists are all instructors who taught at the event, they are Alyx Austin, Emilia Skirmuntt, Suzy Cantrell, Lynette Nusbacher, Robyn…
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Kerri Kerz V McArthur - UK
In this episode Fran speaks to Kerry Kerz V McArthur of London Historical Fencing Club. We talk about the journey from Scotland to England, as well as the journey of becoming a HEMA instructor. The episode was recorded live 3 April 2022.
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Antique sword collectors
In today’s episode of the podcast I talk to antique weapon dealers Thierry Flekier-Wathen and Matthew Forde. We discuss a wide array of weapons as well as how to get started in antique Swords collecting. The episode was recorded 27 March 2022.
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Swords & Mental Health: The Toll of Tournament
Fran hosts Kimberleigh Roseblade and Janna Datahan in a discussion about the benefits and mental costs of taking part in historical fencing tournaments. The episode was recorded 7 March 2022.
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Graham Meyer, USA
I am your host Fran Lacuata, and in today’s episode I talk to Graham Meyer of Moose Historical Fencing in Maine, USA. Graham is also the founder of Philadelphia Common fencers guild, and we discuss starting a HEMA club, keeping HEMA inclusive, and making HEMA artworks. The episode was recorded on...
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Swords & Mental Health: Cancel culture and second chances
In this episode of swords and mental health, Fran Lacuata, Janna Datahan and Kimberleigh Roseblade discuss Cancel culture and second chances in the martial arts community. The episode was recorded 31 January 2022
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Connor Kemp-Cowell, USA
In this episode Fran speaks to Connor Kemp-Cowell of the Philadelphia Common Fencers Guild. We talk about Filippo Vadi, competition fencing, and getting the most out of historical fencing texts. The episode was recorded live 16 January 2022.
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Richard Hughes, Order of the Blade UK
In this episode Fran meets founder and lead instructor of the Order of the Blade, Richard Hughes, in the UK. We talk about fighting, teaching, as well as being the biggest guy in the room and being unafraid to discuss mental health. The episode was recorded live 9 January 2022.
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Swords & Mental Health episode 9: AMA & end of 2021 review
In this final episode of 2021 with Fran Lacuata and Janna Datahan, the Swords and mental health podcast takes a look at friendship, shared experiences, and questions from our listeners. The episode was recorded 14 December 2021.
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Swords & Mental Health episode 8: Tenacity
This episode of swords and mental health is a roundtable discussion between me, Fran Lacuata, Brittany Saints Leafy of Mordhau HEMA in Arizona USA, Kirsten Meredith and Janna Datahan of True Edge Academy in Utah USA. We tackle the concept of tenacity and how it affects mental health, martial arts...
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Jo Booth, Swords of Cygnus Womens Bohurt UK
In this episode of the podcast I meet Joe Booth, captain of the Swords of Cygnus women’s bohurt team in the UK. We learn how Jo got into the sport, what bohurt consists of, and its significance in historical martial culture. The episode was recorded live 12 December 2021.
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Raquel Skellington, PA USA
In this episode we meet professional larper and artist Raquel Skellington, an insightful and vibrant individual bringing diversity and expression to the sword community. The episode was recorded 5 December 2021.
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Swords & Mental Health episode 6: Heavy Hitters
This episode of swords and mental health is a roundtable discussion between Fran Lacuata, Janna Datahan, Rachel Van Dyke, and Rebecca Glass McCaffrey. We tackle the topic of heavy hitters in martial arts from the perspective of the historical fencing community. The recording took place 20…
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William Dawson, UK
Today’s episode of the podcast is with William Dawson of the School of the Sword UK. We talk about the intersection between historical European martial arts and live action roleplay. The episode was recorded live on Sunday 21 November 2021.
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Jamie MacIver, London Historical Fencing Club
In this episode I talk to Jamie MacIver, co-founder of London Historical Fencing Club, about Vadi, tournaments, and organising events. The podcast was recorded on Instagram live 14 November 2021.
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Spencer Waddell, USA
In this episode I speak to Spencer Waddell, the multitalented martial artist behind the Wandering Sword Project. We talk about his myriad interests in historical Asian, European, and African martial arts, and spreading the word about swords all over the world stop The episode was recorded on...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The modern study of the ancient art of swordplay is brought to life each week where we talk to a different member of the historical European martial arts, or HEMA, community. Whether it’s the medieval longsword, Elizabethan rapier, the regency smallsword or Victorian sabre that interest you, join us for a series of fascinating interviews with instructors, competitors and experts from all around the globe. Follow us on Instagram @swordwomen
HOSTED BY
By the Sword
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does By the Sword have?
By the Sword currently has 127 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is By the Sword about?
The modern study of the ancient art of swordplay is brought to life each week where we talk to a different member of the historical European martial arts, or HEMA, community. Whether it’s the medieval longsword, Elizabethan rapier, the regency smallsword or Victorian sabre that interest you, join...
How often does By the Sword release new episodes?
By the Sword publishes regularly with 127 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to By the Sword?
You can listen to By the Sword on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts By the Sword?
By the Sword is created and hosted by By the Sword.
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