Mad Beef Rollerblading Podcast

A quick episode talking about how great it is to rollerblade.

My experiences of going to the physio for skating-related injuries.

Catch up on serious injuries, current team, new and forthcoming developments.

A second episode talking with Tasmanian vert skating champion Shane Yost. In this episode we answer a few questions from the metaphorical mailbag, talk about building a backyard vert ramp, the World Rollerblading Titles, the Launceston Toilet Bowl skatepark, opposite 1080s, forward 1260s and more.

Shane Yost shares his origin story from mid-90s in Launceston, Tasmania, to joining the Coca-Cola Tasmania Island Skaters team, to competing as a pro skate, sponsored by Roces, in the ASA.

A brief excerpt from the manuscript of my novel about the rise and fall and rebirth of aggressive rollerblading.

A brief chat about a few things: getting the new 50/50 Scott Crawford 58mm/88a wheels, the cultural influence of the Barbie movie and the pleasant surprise of seeing multiple rollerbladers by the beach on the Gold Coast.

A long interview with Adapt Brand founder and co-owner Pieter Wijnant about his own skating, their new experiments with their YouTube channel, the Superveloce aggressive skate and other new contributions to their 2023 product lineup.

Episode 200! And 6 years of Mad Beef Rollerblading Podcast! Wow. This episode is just a casual chat about driveway p-rail summer sessions with my teenage daughter, lunchtime skatepark sessions with some random middle-aged skate geezer and the joy of good socks.

It's rare to find mentions of action sports and skating sports in literature... much rarer to have extended sequences. I started my first read of Anna Karenina this year and was stoked to come across this scene, early in the book.

I just bought some chocolate brown extra loose Dickies pants. 90s fashion is back in, and that means baggy trousers are back! ——— Some published excerpts from my yet-to-be-published rollerblading novel can be read online at: 'Shane's Castration' — overland.org.au/previous-issues/i…hanes-castration/ 'Pilonidal Cyst' (to come online later in April 2022) — www.epoquepress.com/ezine

In this episode I talk with Pieter Wijnant from Adapt Branch about their 2022 line, including new logo, Adrian Deck Brutale and GTO pro skates, new removable heel liner piece, changes to the Symetrics flat and Quattro frames and the soon-to-be-annouced Superleggera SP model. Check out the Adapt Brand website for more information (adaptbrand.com) The published excerpts from my rollerblading novel can be read online at: 'Shane's Castration' — https://overland.org.au/previous-issues/issue-244/fiction-shanes-castration/ 'Pilonidal Cyst' (to come online later in April 2022) — https://www.epoquepress.com/ezine

In this episode I reflect on the ways I perceive the wider rollerblading culture to have changed over the last few years and what this might mean for what's next.

In this episode I share an excerpt from a recently completed novel about rollerblading, for which I am currently seeking literary representation or a publisher. This excerpt describes the experience of big wheel blading.

In this episode I chat a bit about how spending a skate session working toward a skating run, rather than just mucking around or learning new tricks, is a different kind of session.

Another brief excerpt from the novel I'm currently working on—in fact I have now finished the first full draft! Also keep an eye out for my short story (also taken from the novel) that'll appear in the Australian literary journal 'Overland' probably in December 2021! --- I’m working on a literary fiction novel about rollerblading with the working title ‘Fruitbooters: a rollerblading novel’, and am looking for help to set aside the time to get it done quickly and properly. It’s one small contribution towards building the ‘cultural capital’ of rollerblading. You can make a once off or regular donation at patreon.com/michaelgjames . Rewards are structured around once-off donations… but if you give regularly to an equivalent amount, I’ll make sure you get the better rewards!

In this episode I share my liberating realisation that it's ok if I just don't want skate as often in winter. --- I’m working on a literary fiction novel about rollerblading with the working title ‘Fruitbooters: a rollerblading novel’, and am looking for help to set aside the time to get it done quickly and properly. It’s one small contribution towards building the ‘cultural capital’ of rollerblading. You can make a once off or regular donation at patreon.com/michaelgjames . Rewards are structured around once-off donations… but if you give regularly to an equivalent amount, I’ll make sure you get the better rewards!

In this episode I share another little excerpt from my work in progress. Let me know what you think! ---- I’m working on a literary fiction novel about rollerblading with the working title ‘Fruitbooters: a rollerblading novel’, and am looking for help to set aside the time to get it done quickly and properly. It’s one small contribution towards building the ‘cultural capital’ of rollerblading. You can make a once off or regular donation at patreon.com/michaelgjames . Rewards are structured around once-off donations… but if you give regularly to an equivalent amount, I’ll make sure you get the better rewards!

In this episode I talk with Pieter Wijnant from Adapt Brand about the feedback on and future of the Superleggera project, changes in the 2021 product line, pump tracks and the long career of Julian Bah. --- I’m working on a literary fiction novel about rollerblading with the working title ‘Fruitbooters: a rollerblading novel’, and am looking for help to set aside the time to get it done quickly and properly. It’s one small contribution towards building the ‘cultural capital’ of rollerblading. You can make a once off or regular donation at patreon.com/michaelgjames . Rewards are structured around once-off donations… but if you give regularly to an equivalent amount, I’ll make sure you get the better rewards!

I went to Derby (TAS) a last week ago and bladed on the pump track up there. It was pretty awesome fun. The Dales of Derby accommodation is mentioned in this episode: dalesofderby.com.au --- I’m working on a literary fiction novel about rollerblading with the working title ‘Fruitbooters: a rollerblading novel’, and am looking for help to set aside the time to get it done quickly and properly. It’s one small contribution towards building the ‘cultural capital’ of rollerblading. You can make a once off or regular donation at patreon.com/michaelgjames . Rewards are structured around once-off donations… but if you give regularly to an equivalent amount, I’ll make sure you get the better rewards!

Another little draft excerpt from my work in progress. This one about some characters getting into serious trouble skitching. --- I’m working on a literary fiction novel about rollerblading with the working title ‘Fruitbooters: a rollerblading novel’, and am looking for help to set aside the time to get it done quickly and properly. It’s one small contribution towards building the ‘cultural capital’ of rollerblading. You can make a once off or regular donation at patreon.com/michaelgjames . Rewards are structured around once-off donations… but if you give regularly to an equivalent amount, I’ll make sure you get the better rewards!

In this episode I talk with X Games vert medallist, Rollerblade and Famus rider and Cirque du Soleil performer Nel Martin about vert skating. --- I’m working on a literary fiction novel about rollerblading with the working title ‘Fruitbooters: a rollerblading novel’, and am looking for help to set aside the time to get it done quickly and properly. It’s one small contribution towards building the ‘cultural capital’ of rollerblading. You can make a once off or regular donation at patreon.com/michaelgjames . Rewards are structured around once-off donations… but if you give regularly to an equivalent amount, I’ll make sure you get the better rewards!

A general update at the start of a new year, chatting about the direction the podcast will be going for the next few months. ----- I’m working on a literary fiction novel about rollerblading with the working title ‘Fruitbooters: a rollerblading novel’, and am looking for help to set aside the time to get it done quickly and properly. It’s one small contribution towards building the ‘cultural capital’ of rollerblading. You can make a once off or regular donation at patreon.com/michaelgjames . Rewards are structured around once-off donations… but if you give regularly to an equivalent amount, I’ll make sure you get the better rewards!

In this episode I repost (with permission) the interview Jason Adriani did with Aussie skating legend Tom 'Fishbrain' Fry on his Instagram.  You can also watch the interview video on instagram.com/jsonadriani . Also check out Jason's 'Plastic Pushers' YouTube channel. ----- I’m working on a literary fiction novel about rollerblading with the working title ‘Fruitbooters: a rollerblading novel’, and am looking for help to set aside the time to get it done quickly and properly. It’s one small contribution towards building the ‘cultural capital’ of rollerblading. You can make a once off or regular donation at patreon.com/michaelgjames . Rewards are structured around once-off donations… but if you give regularly to an equivalent amount, I’ll make sure you get the better rewards!

In this episode I share another early draft excerpt from my work in progress novel 'Fruitbooters: a rollerblading novel'. --- I’m working on a literary fiction novel about rollerblading with the working title ‘Fruitbooters: a rollerblading novel’, and am looking for help to set aside the time to get it done quickly and properly. It’s one small contribution towards building the ‘cultural capital’ of rollerblading. You can make a once off or regular donation at patreon.com/michaelgjames . Rewards are structured around once-off donations… but if you give regularly to an equivalent amount, I’ll make sure you get the better rewards!

In this episode I share some little technical things I'm working on in my vert skating to slowly improve my amplitude and skill set. —— I’m working on a literary fiction novel about rollerblading with the working title ‘Fruitbooters: a rollerblading novel’, and am looking for help to set aside the time to get it done quickly and properly. It’s one small contribution towards building the ‘cultural capital’ of rollerblading. You can make a once off or regular donation at patreon.com/michaelgjames . Rewards are structured around once-off donations… but if you give regularly to an equivalent amount, I’ll make sure you get the better rewards!

In this episode I quote from Aristotle’s ‘Nicomachean Ethics’ and Elizabeth Gilbert’s ‘Big Magic’ to talk about the distinction between courage and fearlessness. —— I’m working on a literary fiction novel about rollerblading with the working title ‘Fruitbooters: a rollerblading novel’, and am looking for help to set aside the time to get it done quickly and properly. It’s one small contribution towards building the ‘cultural capital’ of rollerblading. You can make a once off or regular donation at http://patreon.com/michaelgjames . Rewards are structured around once-off donations… but if you give regularly to an equivalent amount, I’ll make sure you get the better rewards!

In this episode I chew over some of the challenges related to managing men's and women's divisions in competitions.

An excerpt from a very rough draft of a literary fiction novel I have planned about rollerblading, with the working title 'Fruitbooters'.

In this episode I just share how I've been traveling with this crazy year 2020. How are you going?

In this episode I spell out a program for all the more long term stable things we still need to build on the internet for the long term future of rollerblading.

So I've been actually kind of seriously thinking about writing a serious literary sort of novel... about rollerblading...

In this episode I talk with Melbourne and Bayside Blades skater Chris Pullar about another one of his old street skating shots from 2003 at the Little Collins St Death Rail in Melbourne.

In this episode I ask the unlikely question: what can rollerbladers learn from the Friday the 13th slasher film franchise?

Not actually something that's happened in Tasmania (yet) I don't think... but this is a cry of pain for all those who've discovered their councils have responded to COVID-19 social distancing rules by filling in skateparks with rocks or dirt or sand.

In this episode I talk about how to make this most of this strange time we're in... as well as lament what a drag it all is.

In this episode Mikey asks the nature/nurture questions of rollerblading: is someone great at rollerblading because they've worked hard... or because they're a natural?

In this episode I chat with Pieter Wijnant from Adapt Brand about their new 2020 line, including the Rivale, Brutale, GTO, GT and the new 'masterpiece' Superleggera. We discuss the vision and values of Adapt, its personal importance for Pieter and even the intriguing process by which someone can order a pair of Superleggera skates.

In this episode I talk to Australian pro skater Scott Crawford about airs to fakie.

Who gave this grumpy old man a microphone?

In this episode I talk with the morning star of not only aggressive inline skating, but any inline skating at all: AJ 'Action' Jackson... who started blading in 1984 was a part of the original Team Rollerblade and much of the first few decades of the sport. Check out some of AJs current fashion and technology design work at khaosunique.com and reach-um.com

In this episode I begin a series with Melbourne skating legend Chris Pullar, talking through the stories behind his Daily Blade Instagram posts... and also Chris has a big announcement! Check out Chris on Instagram at @chrispullar

In this episode I tell my personal story of recently learning to backflip on a vert bowl.

In this episode I chat with one of the founders of the Melbourne OG rollerbladers page, Exite, Flop and Megaranch skater, Nick Petropoulos. We chat about the Mega Ranch (VIC), skating injuries, the Melbourne OG Page and various up and coming Victorian skaters.

In this episode I chat with Tassie OG Lance Rathbone about his own skating, the future of Tasmanian skating and the Tasmanian Inline Titles 2020.

Some great in-depth advice from a little master class I had with local legend Stevie about which was to look and what stance to adopt when turning 180, 360, fakie 360 and coming out of grinds fakie on transition.

In this episode, I just kind of fondle my Adapt Branch 2018 Team Stealth skates, talking through what I like about them, and any possible issues.

In this episode I talk about my early, slow, old man steps towards learning to bio flip.

In this episode I chat with Jonni Pollard, who played Alan Bolton on the Australian teen drama TV series Heartbreak High and was part of the first generation of Australian aggressive inline skaters to travel internationally and contribute to the innovation of the sport.

In this episode I share my progress in grinding, switching up grinds, grinding on coping, airs, inverts, flips and spins.