Another little draft excerpt from my work in progress. This one about some characters getting into serious trouble skitching.
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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!

Skitching (Draft Novel Excerpt)—Episode 188

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.

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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!

Conversation w/ Pieter Wijnant About Adapt 2021 Line, Superleggera & the Career of J Bah—Episode 190

In this episode I share another little excerpt from my work in progress. Let me know what you think!
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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!

No Cliff Jump, No Cred (Draft Novel Excerpt)—Episode 191

In this episode I share my liberating realisation that it's ok if I just don't want skate as often in winter.
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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'm Not Gonna Kick Myself About Not Blading In Winter—Episode 192

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!
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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!

Stacking Clips (draft Novel Excerpt)—Episode 193

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.

Putting Together A Line Is A Different Type Of Skating—Episode 194

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.

How Rollerblading Has Changed Over The Last Few Years And What That Means For Whats Next—Episode 196

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

Adapt Brand 2022 Line Conversation With Pieter Wijnant—Episode 197

I just bought some chocolate brown extra loose Dickies pants. 90s fashion is back in, and that means baggy trousers are back!
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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

Baggy Dickies Pants—Episode 198

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.

Ice Skating In Anna Karenina By Leo Tolstoy—Episode 199

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.

Skating With My Daughter, Lunchtime Sessions With Skate Geezers And Good Socks—Episode 200

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.

Adapt Brand YouTube Channel, Superveloce and Other 2023 News—Episode 201

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.

Scott Crawford Wheels Gold Coast Beach Path And The Barbie Movie—Episode 202

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

Joining the Blade Trade Team (novel excerpt)—Episode 203

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.

Shane Yost From Coke Tas Island Team To International Pro Skater—Episode 204

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 Building Ramps, 20ft Halfpipes, The Toilet Bowl Skate Park And More—Episode 205

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

Conversation with Pieter Wijnant from Adapt Brand—Episode 206

Episode 6 — Dropping in on a vert ramp

Episode 10 — Exercises and Fitness for Rollerblading

How to Fall Well — Episode 91

Some Things Are Easier to Learn Going Fast — Episode 103

Where I talk through the currently live aggressive inline skating podcasts around the world.

Blading Podcast Roundup As Of June 2018 — Episode 113

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.

Interview With Jonni Pollard About Heartbreak High, The Bottom Line And Early Tricks — Episode 158

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

Interview With AJ Action Jackson — Episode 166

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.

The New Adapt Brand 2020 Line Converastion With Pieter Wijnant — Episode 169

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.

The Bricks Of Mortar Of The Rollerblading Internet We Need To Build — Episode 176

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

Equality In Mens And Womens Competition Divisions — Episode 179

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.
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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!

Tips For Vert Skating Stand Up For An Air And Sit Down For Grinds And Stalls — Episode 181

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.
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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!

Interview With Tom Fry By Jason Adriani — Episode 183

A general update at the start of a new year, chatting about the direction the podcast will be going for the next few months.
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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!

General Chat And Catch Up At Start Of New Year—Episode 184

A uniquely Australian rollerblading podcast, with a focus on aggressive inline skating, including vert skating. Covering many topics including trick tips, philosophical reflections and the history of blading in Australia.

Mad Beef Rollerblading Podcast

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