SUPPORTED BY Skater HQ (www.skaterhq.com.au) and our Patreon patrons
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.
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!
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 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 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.
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 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!
Part 2 of a long Instagram TV interview Nel Martin recorded with Australian vert skating legend Manuel Billiris (reposted with permission).
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 re-post (with permission) the first part of a long conversation Nel Martin had with early Australian vert skating legend Manuel Billiris.
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 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 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.
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 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 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.
In this episode I share a couple of stories from my own life about passing on blading to the next generation.
In this episode I talk with former Roces pro Iain Smith about learning and perfecting various grabs and poses for airs.
In this episode I chat with Frank Stoner, long-time skater and blader intellectual, about some theories he is developing about why 'talent as currency' is not a sufficient explanation for influence in the modern blading community.
A long and convoluted discussion that you will either find fascinating or infuriating, or both.
In this episode I talk about seeing some world class bowl skating that has inspired me to actually devote some time to learning this skill properly.
In this episode I give some hints and tips on how to manage conflict and disagreements in the skating community, whether in person or online.
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.
In this episode I talk with Geelong OG Lance Weggs about the vert skating, the Tassie and Melbourne scenes, the Mega Ranch in Victoria, THEM Skates and more.
For the Mega Ranch (VIC) visit https://megaranch.com.au/
In this episode I talk with former Australia vert champion César Mora about the recent Manly Bowl Old School Skate Jam as well as about diet and fitness for skating.
In this episode I talk about my twenty year journey towards building up the confidence to drop in on a vert ramp.
This episode is a re-release of an episode in my 'Hall of Fame', first released on February 19th 2017.
In this episode I talk with former Aussie pro, César Mora about the influence, legacy and detractors of rollerblading pioneer Arlo Eisenberg.
In this episode I chat with Paul Kreutzer about his experiences of organising various kinds of skate jams, street and park competitions. He shares his advice and encouragement on how to start something.
In this episode I catch up with former Roces and SkaterHQ pro Iain Smith about the recent Manly Old School Skate Jam before spending most of our time on tip tricks for advanced spinning flip tricks.
We cover backflips, flatspins, blackouts, viking flips, bios, fakie bios, misty flips, McTwists and beyond.
In this episode I talk about all the ways I worry about hurting myself while skating... and how sometimes these fears getting in the way of me skating well and even being safe.
In this episode I talk with Scott Crawford about the upcoming Manly Bowl Old School Skate Jam coming up from 5pm–9pm on Saturday 9th March 2019, that he is organising together with Skater HQ.
He also mentions the line-up... including a special international guest!
The organisers will be taking gold coin donations on the day, to be given to Head Space (headspace.org.au) and T-Shirts will also be sold (cash only).
We also talk a bit about Joe Atkinson, early morning Bondi Bowl skate sessions and not being limited by labels.
In this episode Mikey gives advice on how to better organise your competitions, skate trips, podcast, website, exhibition or whatever it is you could be doing! #startsomething
In this episode I talk about my admiration for old school baggy shorts and massive kneepads.
In this episode I share my own skating progress and a bunch of great advice I've received from César Mora, Scott Crawford, Iain Smith and local ninja Stevie.
In this episode I talk with my oldest skating buddy, Mick Smith: former Team Apache member and founder of the Melbourne OG Rollerbladers Facebook Page. We talk about the various people and places of the 90s Melbourne blading scene as well as his personal story.
In this episode I talk with former Roces Australian pro vert skater Iain Smith about his various skates (various Roces skates, USD, Seba and back to Roces Graals), his skate setup (including a time on freestyle frames) and advice on get kids started in aggressive skating.
In this episode I talk with Martin Gade, Razors skater and winner of the Australian Rollerblading Open 2018 Street competition @ The Park Skatepark in Geelong.
In this episode I chat with Scott Crawford, former Aussie pro skater, recently returned from taking 3rd place in the Veteran's Division of The Blading Cup in the USA. We talk about skating at Woodward, Cozmo wheels, preferred skate setups and religion, among many things.
In this episode I talk with former Australian Roces pro vert skater Iain Smith about Scott Crawford at the Blading Cup, winning the vert comp at 97 NISS in Jersey, the difference between 90s street park designs and FISE, Taïg Khris, pants for skating in and planning a competition run.
In this interview, Scott Crawford and I talk about some people and places from the Australian skating scene, talk about some elements of skating style, and about his upcoming appearance in the Veterans Division of the 2018 Blading Cup.
Why I like baggy shorts for skating in... and how I figured out where to get them in this skinny jeans and tiny shorts era.
In this episode I talk again with former world champion César Mora about the people, shops and locations of the Sydney blading scene of the 1990s; about his achievements in spins as well as some trick tips on spinning, grabbing and McTwists; about how to construct and adjust a competition run on vert; and about witnessing the twilight of blading pioneer Chris Edwards' competition career and the dawn of Eito and Takeshi Yasutoko's careers.
In this episode I tackle the perennial rollerblading question: what made it decline so rapidly in the late 90s and early 2000s? And is there any future hope for rollerblading?
In this episode, Iain Smith and I talk about picking and planning lines in skateparks, his memories of the Totally Wicked skate and BMX tours in regional Australia and then start brainstorming topics for future episodes.
In this episode Iain Smith breaks down grinding on vert ramps
edit Although it turns out that there was a mis-communication. Iain was giving advice on grinding on the top of vert WALLS. Stay tuned for a forthcoming episode on vert ramp grinds. edit
In this episode I talk with Australian vert legend and world champion, César Mora about why Australians were so good at skating, the sad divide between street and vert, a trick tick on getting air on vert and many other things along the way.
In this episode I basically just read out these awesome Instagram posts Aussie vert legend César Mora has been posting on Instagram.
(used with permission)
Iain Smith and I catch about the struggles of skating during winter, the upgrade to the surface of the Tuggeranong vert ramp, Cesar Mora's Instagram posts, crazy rollerskaters on vert in the 90s and a trick tip for grabbed inverts.
In this episode I share the embarrassing fact that it took me 2 decades to realise that 'soul grind' is also a play on words for 'sole of your foot'.
In this episode I talk to Frank Stoner about being a cool uncle of rollerblading podcasting, about street skating and creativity, why Australians shorten everything, Joe Atkinson’s competition skating, and the sometimes awkward world male friendship.
I test my next lapel mic in the car (doesn't make much difference) and talk about street skating.
In this episode I watch through the first 3 sections of the Dead Wheels Champagne video from 2017. See http://www.bladingisdead.com/
In this short episode I share a word of wisdom from my friend Andrew about a more positive way of thinking about substandard skateparks.
In this episode I stop and reflect on the importance of school playgrounds in street skating, and the nature of reinterpreting space.
In this episode I talk about all the annoying ways that ramps and bowls get misused and clogged up and why it makes me furious.
In this episode I talk about how there's something nice about just rotating your wheels and lubricating your bearings...
In this episode I just marvel at the fact that so many people do so many dangerous things on skates... and survive. And do it again — for years and years and years.
Where I talk through the currently live aggressive inline skating podcasts around the world.
In which I share the hot tip that gym coaches encourage students to do cartwheels and round-offs twisting in the opposite direction to all their other spins.
In this episode I talk about a Tasmanian bladers session and the different pros and cons of skating alone vs skating with others.
Frank Stoner Inteview: Atheistic Blading, Overthinking & Placing Backslide Grooves— Episode 109 by Mikey Lynch
Whole men's final: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WgxKOZeYss Joe Atkinson's run: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mcpnfgr9owM Takeshi Yasutoko's run: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rS6Sr0L_duA
Profile: https://www.baysideblades.com.au/pages/chris-pullar
Melbourne Street Hockey League: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SRHLMelbourne/about/
Article on street skating: https://www.baysideblades.com.au/blogs/news/skate-philosophy-the-art-of-street-skating
Review of Razors Shift: https://www.baysideblades.com.au/blogs/news/razors-shift-review-by-chris-pullar
Selfy Video from 2014: https://sellfy.com/p/0F9u/
This one goes out to anyone who's trying to start something or do something for rollerblading.
Challenge: We Need to Get More Rollerblading Facts Up On Wikipedia — Episode 97 by Mikey Lynch
What Can Rollerblading Learn from Jim Collins' Book Built To Last? — Episode 93 by Mikey Lynch
The Screwtape Letters on the Problem with Flippant Jokes about Rollerblading — Episode 92 by Mikey Lynch
A gradual progression from 'ninja turtle' to 360 invert-to-fakie, to 'custard chucker' to backflip.
Interview with Trent Phillips ARO 2016 Unsponsored Street Winner — Episode 89 by Mikey Lynch
Sorry for the sound quality: recording on a earbud microphone while walking to a conference centre, so the wind is pretty annoying.
How can you, or anyone else for that matter, philosophically justify spending your time, wasting your money and risking your safety on inline skating?
Swapcast Conversation with Steve Truspin Johns Part 2 Aeons and Partying — Episode 75 by Mikey Lynch
Swapcast Conversation with Steve Truspin Johns Part 1: Podcasts & Adapts — Episode 73 by Mikey Lynch
Sorry it's been about 10 days since I posted an episode. First break of my twice-a-week schedule!
Interview Jelle and Sofie 'On A Roll' Van Den Audenaeren/de Cocker — Episode 68 by Mikey Lynch
Volcano, taco, cradle... DWARF DOOR. Nerang Skatepark in Queensland is the one whose Skateboarding.com.au page proudly proclaims "Dwarf door! Yeah the only park in the country with a dwarf door which makes it a must stop. The door is in an open bowl section that also has an extension and small taco" (although Charlton skatepark in VIC also has a tiny one: a pixie door I guess).
https://www.skateboard.com.au/skateparks/australia/nerang-new-skatepark/
Interview with Iain Smith #7 Rise of Skater-Organised Competitions and The OG Rises — Episode 58 by Mikey Lynch
You could airpunch, fist pump, high five, stick out your tongue, cross yourself and point to heaven like Messi... why give the bird?
Interview with Iain Smith #6 Skiboarding with CJ Wellsmore and the Decline of Vert — Episode 56 by Mikey Lynch
From 1998–2000. Skating Salomon skates, meeting Arlo Eisenberg and Jon Julio, skating for the Arnott's Shapes Extreme Team and doing a Moove Milk ad with heavy old school video equipment on your helmet
First Thoughts on Skating Adapt Brand Julian Bah Stealth Skates — Episode 53 by Mikey Lynch
Here's the snowboarding article I mention in the podcast: https://www.redbull.com/au-en/10-tips-for-riding-the-halfpipe-from-queralt-castellet
I love the look of this trick. I want it to have a special place in my trick vocabulary.
If you enjoy it, go for your life. Just don't film it. And if you film it, just don't publish it... unless...
“It’s all friendly love over here… at the shopping mall there’s a hundred little kids, even grandma and grandpa on skates.”
It's not as convenient as skateboarding, but much faster and more effective; it's not as powerful as bike riding, but much more fun.
You don't want to become that dad who hassles your kids to like the sport that you like.
I've listened to every rollerblading podcast I could find and here are a bunch of ways that Mad Beef will be UNIQUE.
Rollerblading as Action Sport, Stunts, Dance, Gymnastics, Play and Sculpture — Episode 32 by Mikey Lynch
Interview with Iain Smith #2 From Manly Blades to Roces International Team — Episode 24 by Mikey Lynch
Working with your council to build and maintain good skateparks (with Iain Smith) — Episode 22 by Mikey Lynch
Dirty Little Secret: Jumping and Landing Fakie is Actually Easier — Episode 21 by Mikey Lynch
Interview Iain Smith #1: Learning to Skate and Connecting with Manly Blades — Episode 18 by Mikey Lynch
Giveaway skates co op idea plus some recent video recommends — Episode 17 by Mikey Lynch
Episode 16 — Skate Design Ski Boot Sneaker Ice Skate or Alien Facehugger by Mikey Lynch