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

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
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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!

Skating A Pump Track—Episode 189

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 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.

Big Wheel Blading (novel Excerpt) - Episode 195

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

Purpose of the Podcast

Episode 2 — Getting People Into Rollerblading mp3 version

Episode 7 — Coming out of the Closet as a Rollerblader

Rollerblading as a culture — Episode 19

Basics: Why AGGRESSIVE inline skating — Episode 29

How can you, or anyone else for that matter, philosophically justify spending your time, wasting your money and risking your safety on inline skating?

The Philosophical Justification of Rollerblading — Episode 76

Dating or Being Married to a Rollerblader — Episode 81

Interview with Trent Phillips ARO 2016 Unsponsored Street Winner — Episode 89

How to Fall Well — Episode 91

In this episode I talk with former Aussie pro, César Mora about the influence, legacy and detractors of rollerblading pioneer Arlo Eisenberg.

César Mora Did Arlo Eisenberg Get Us Kicked Out Of The X Games? — Episode 147

In this episode I talk with local legend Matt Spinks about the past, present and future of Tasmanian inline skating, learning flips and skating in competitions among other things.

Interview With Matt Spinks About Tassie Skating, Flips And Competitions — Episode 151

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

Dawn Chat With Lance Rathbone — Episode 162

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

What Can Rollerbladers Learn From The Friday The 13th Franchise? — Episode 173

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 talk with X Games vert medallist, Rollerblade and Famus rider and Cirque du Soleil performer Nel Martin about vert skating.
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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!

Double Backflips, McTwists And Making A Living As A Blader In 2021 With Nel Martin—Episode 185

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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