By the Sword

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 29 January 2023.

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.

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.

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 Power, as well as women in martial history. The episode was recorded live 16 October 2022.

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 place on live 18 September 2022.

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.

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 July 2022

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.

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. Unfortunately due to technical issues the first 20 minutes of the recording were lost, I apologise for any inconvenience

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.

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.

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.

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 Saul, Shanee Nishry, Jo Wimborne, and Fran Lacuata. The recording took place 9 April 2022.

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.

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.

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.

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 Instagram live 6 February 2022.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 training, and club culture. The episode was recorded on 21 November 2021.

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.

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.

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 November 2021

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.

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.

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 Instagram live 7 November 2021.

On today’s episode we meet Aaron Lamontagne of Golden Triangle Fencing in Canada. We discuss swords, working with kids and neurodiversity in martial arts. The podcast was recorded on Instagram live 31 October 2021.

In this episode we meet Bethan Jenkins of Linacre School of Defence in Oxford, UK. We discuss smallsword, fencing for the salle vs self defence, and to not believe everything you read in books. The recording took place on Instagram live 24 October 2021.

This extended episode features two interviews with historical African martial arts Association founder and president, Da’Mon Stith. We follow his unorthodox and diverse martial arts background, how he began the modern historical African martial arts movement, and learn how one can train and research these martial arts. I’m your host Fran Lacuata, and the interviews took place on the 12th and 14th of October 2021.

Swords of the Renaissance II was an event held in Potsdam Germany on 16th and 17th of October 2021 hosted by Schiltwache Potsdam. There were six workshops, lots of free fencing and chances to talk about history and swordplay. We took the opportunity to speak to some of the attendees and instructors.

This is episode five of swords of mental health with Fran Lacuata and Janna Datahan. We have a very open and frank discussion on the topic of boundaries and subtexts: whether in every day life, or in martial arts training. CW: A warning for sensitive listeners: some of the discussion is of a very emotional nature and covers domestic violence and child abuse. The episode was recorded 7 October 2021.

In today’s podcast we meet historical African martial arts scholar and practitioner, Mansa Myrie. We discuss the HAMA Association and its founding, as well as the research and study of these cultural practices that span millennia. The episode was recorded live at the southern Ontario historical fencing Association tournament ‘the kings cup’, in Ontario Canada, 3 October 2021.

I was recently invited to attend one of the most out of this world sword events - Swordpunk. Somewhere between a martial arts camp and a festival, Swordpunk takes place in rural Warwickshire UK at the beginning and end of each summer. The inclusive and environmentally responsible ethos makes for a super welcoming atmosphere, and even though I attended on my own I was soon chatting to lots of new friends. Whether it’s circus skills, blacksmithing, swordplay or axe throwing, this friendly and relaxed event has something for everyone. It’s a chance to strip off the mediocre mundanity of the nine to five world, grab a bladed weapon, and dance with fire - quite literally, if the spectacular evening entertainment is anything to go by. I took the opportunity to chat to the instructors, attendees and organisers behind Swordpunk, to find out what makes this event so different and special. Recorded 16 Sept 2021.

We meet Andrej Kubiček of Belgrade Fencing Academy Serbia, and discuss his 20 years of practising and teaching historical European martial arts. The episode was recorded on the 19th of September 2021 on Instagram live.

This episode is an interview with Swords maker Mark Howland, of Shrikes Forge in Oregon, USA. We discuss his beginnings in the SCA, how he began his craft as a sword maker, and the more obscure and undiscovered areas of HEMA. The episode was recorded on Instagram live 12 September 2021.

In episode 4 of swords and mental health Fran speaks to regular guest Janna Datahan and also Kirsten Meredith, both members of True Edge Academy in Utah, USA. We discuss the topic of resilience versus persistence in the context of mental health. The episode was recorded 6 September 2021.

In this episode we meet knife and swordmakers Stephanie Aiuto from Brooklyn, New York, USA. We discuss the challenges of the trade, how she got into the art, and the future that the craft holds. The episode was recorded on Instagram live 5 September 2021

In this episode of the podcast I speak to Dominic Eaton of Basel in Switzerland about teaching HEMA, autism, Zulu stick fighting, and armoured fighting. The recording took place on Instagram live 30 August 2021

In this episode I speak to Martin de Jong of the Netherlands, also known as the klewang fencer. We talk about the history of the weapon and its use in the former Dutch colonies, and about his upcoming book. The episodes recorded 25 August 2021

This is episode three of swords and mental health where I speak to Janna Datahan in the USA, and Kimberleigh Roseblade in Canada. We discuss women, power, and historical European martial arts. The episode was recorded 10 August 2021.

Today’s episode is an interview with Matthew Forde, an antique weapon dealer in the UK. We look at Matthew’s amazing collection and learn some of the history behind the pieces. The episode was recorded 8 August 2021.

In this bonus podcast episode I host a roundtable discussion on the topic of “elitism in historical European martial arts”. My guests are Esther Gibson and Alyx Austin in the UK, and Janna Datahan in the USA. The episode was recorded 27 July 2021

In this episode of the podcast we meet Asian arms and armour expert Runjeet Singh in the UK. We take a look at some beautiful pieces from his collection and talk about his experience as part of the antique weapons community. The interview was recorded on Instagram live 18 July 2021.

In this episode I talk to Nick Thomas, co-founder of the Academy of Historical Fencing in the UK. We talk about the origins of the academy and his collection of antique swords. The episode was recorded on Instagram live 13 July 2021.

I invite HEMA practitioners and historians Iason Tzouriadis and Elizabeth Champion to dive into the meaning and concept of chivalry. We discuss it’s origins, how it altered over time, and its place in modern culture.

In episode two of Swords & Mental health I speak to my friend Janna Datahan in Utah, United States, about community, therapy, and sobriety. The episode was recorded 6 July 2021

In today’s episode I talk to HEMA instructor Anouk Post in the Netherlands about her collection of antique swords. The episode was recorded live 4 July 2021

In this episode I talk to Jess Perry of Melbourne, Australia, about her study into women in historical fencing and their experiences. The episode was recorded 19 June 2021

In today’s episode I talk to antique sword dealer and HEMA practitioner Thierry Flekier-Wathen. We explore an assortment of beautiful antique swords, and discuss the career path of becoming an antique sword collector. The episode was recorded live 20 June 2021.

This is the final episode in the makers and merchants series, where we meet Youval and Marlies from Crossguard – the team behind the ProGauntlet HEMA glove. We discuss the human story behind the much longed for Progauntlet, and the challenges faced along the journey. The episode was recorded on Instagram live 13 June 2021

In this episode we historians Elizabeth Champion and Iason Tzouriadis discuss the exciting rediscovery of Joachim Meyer’s 1561 manuscript. The episode was recorded 11 June 2021.

In this episode we meet Natasha Darcé of Purpleheart Armoury in the USA. We discuss 22 years of selling HEMA equipment, Game of Thrones, and a BIG announcement. The episode was recorded live 6 June 2021.

Fran Lacuata and Janna Datahan talk about historical European martial arts and its intersections with mental health, body image and motherhood. As well as learning martial arts in a pandemic. The episode was recorded 3 June 2021.

In this episode we meet swordmaker Carina Cirrincione of Raven Studios USA. We discuss martial arts, movement, and making swords. The episode was recorded live Sunday 30 May 2021.

Today we meet Andrzej Zmuda Trebiatowski from Poland - founder and owner of Spes, one of the largest suppliers of HEMA protective gear. We discuss ten years of innovation, historical research and plans for the future. The episode was recorded live 23 May 2021.

In today’s episode we meet Shawn Kreger of Krieger Armory in the USA. We discuss blades, beginnings, and bands. The episode was recorded on Instagram live 16 May 2021

In today’s episode we talk to jeweller and swordmaker Arann Reichhardt, who is based in Italy. We discuss craftsmanship, collaboration, and calendars. The interview was recorded live 9 May 2021.

I this episode we meet Martin Fabian, director and founder at Sigi Forge in Slovakia. We discuss being a HEMA fencer turned swordmaker, new plans for the future, and writing a fechtbuch. The episode was recorded live 2 May 2021.

Today we talk to Elie Hutchinson, the creator behind the clothing brand Lorica, which features designs based on real-world historical armour and clothing. We discuss ethics in manufacture, body diversity, and historical accuracy. The episode recorded live 25 April 2021

In this guest episode of the podcast we join Kaja Sadowski for a discussion of how video games can model the best of modern teaching methods for training physical skills, and how we can borrow from them in real life swordplay training. While a lot of attempts at gamifying real life activities involve points, trophies, and other extrinsic rewards, games have far more to teach us about learning and motivation than “do work get shiny thing”. The episode was recorded live on 18 March 2021.

In today’s episode we meet Eleonora Rebecchi- designer and creative director of Malleus Martialis Swords in Italy. We talk about becoming a swordmaker, running a business, and meeting your idols. The episodes recorded 18 April 2021 on Instagram live.

In this episode we meet Ádám Bányai of VB Swordshop Hungary. We talk about HEMA, HMB, and PC gaming. The episode was recorded on live 11 April 2021.

In this episode we meet Tom Hodges of Faceless Fencer training simulators. We talk about innovation, safety, and growth in a pandemic. The episode was recorded 4 April 2021 on Instagram live.

In this episode we meet renowned and talented swordmaker Marco Danelli of Italy. We discuss bladesmithing, brexit and burnout. The episode was recorded live 21 March 2021.

In this episode we meet Alexander Stankiewicz of Kvetun Armory in Russia. We talk about the challenges of transporting swords, exciting collaborations, triumphs and disasters. The episode was recorded on Instagram live 14 March 2021

In this first episode of the new season we meet Emmet Byrne, of Dublin Ireland - a HEMA practitioner, history teacher and blacksmith. The episode was recorded live 8 March 2021.

This is the final episode of podcast season one, where I talk to Kat Fanning, of NY USA. We discuss The Lord of the Rings, burnout, and her tenure as President of the HEMA Alliance. The episode was recorded live 14 February 2021.

In this episode we meet HEMA instructor Trinidad Farìas Piñiero of l’arte delle Armi, in Chile. We discuss Bolognese fencing, teaching online, and attracting unprecedented numbers of women to HEMA. The episode was recorded live 7 February 2021.

Today we meet historian, HEMA instructor and former cage fighter Elizabeth Champion, from Stratford Swords in the UK. We talk about disability in HEMA, Merlin and unsolicited advice. The episode was recorded live 31 January 2021.

In this interview we meet HEMA instructor, singer and longsword champion Michela D’Orlando, from Italy. We discuss performance, competition, and cultural differences. The episode was recorded live 24 January 2021.

Today we talk to Amelie Eilken, a game developer and HEMA instructor in Germany. We discuss HEMA training, women’s study groups, and app development. The episode was recorded live 17 January 2021.

In this interview we meet Brittany St Leafy, founder and instructor at Mordhau Historical Combat in Arizona, USA. We talk about online teaching, leadership and starting a HEMA club. The episode was recorded live 10 January 2021.

This is a conversation on the topic of masculinity in HEMA, between Kaja Sadowski and Charles Lin, taken from a livestream recording on 23 January 2021.

Today we meet Kristina Korshunova, AKA Bladesdancer, from Russia. We talk about stage combat, big swords, and big goals. The episode was recorded live 13 December 2020.

In this episode we meet author, equestrian and HEMA instructor Jen Landels, in Canada. In this fascinating interview we discuss mounted combat as well as rapier fencing. The episode was recorded live 6 December 2020.

I today’s episode we talk to German Longsword champion Carla Huvermann. We talk about discovering HEMA at a young age, and the competitive side of the movement. The episode was recorded live 29 November 2020.

This is an interview with HEMA instructor Alena Novichenko from Russia. We talk about body mechanics, curriculum disruptions and rapier training. The episode was recorded live 22 November 2020.

In this episode we meet HEMA instructor, philologist and HEMA By the Book Podcast panellist, Joey Hopfgartner from Austria. We talk about horses, courses and reading the sources. The interview was recorded live 15 November 2020.

Today I talk to Amber Damare, a HEMA instructor and artist from Louisiana, USA. We discuss art, events, music and swords. The episode was recorded live 8 November 2020.

This interview is with instructor and former president of the Swedish HEMA Federation, Eva Wei. We discuss diversity, presidency and jam making! The episode was recorded live 1 November 2020.

In this interview we meet HEMA instructor Vicky Chudinov in Denmark. We talk about Fabris, food and how to be interesting at parties. The episode was recorded live 25 October 2020.

Today we talk to Kamila Jedrzejewska in the Netherlands. As well as being a HEMA instructor, Mila has also worked for a number of HEMA goods suppliers. We discuss messers, marketing and manufacturing in Historical European Martial Arts. The interview was recorded live 18 October 2020.

In this episode we meet luthier and HEMA nomad Diana Matthess, from Germany. We talk about stage combat, castles, longswords, and guitars. The interview was recorded live on Instagram 11 October 2020.

In this interview I talk to a Kirsten Meredith, a scientist, and a HEMA instructor at True Edge Academy in Utah, USA. We discuss: calibration, cutting and conundrums in Meyer. The episode was recorded live 4 October 2020.

In this episode we talk to Chantal Lashmar: horse riding instructor as well as HEMA instructor at Taunton Longswords Association in the UK. We discuss horses, sources, chickens and teaching. The interview was recorded live 27 September 2020.

Today we interview instructor, researcher, and translator Lois Spangler in Australia. We talk about Destreza, the translation process, and links. The episode was recorded live 20 September 2020.

In this interview I talk to performer, actor, and HEMA instructor Lauren Ings from Sydney, Australia. We explore coaching, pizza cuts, and spadroon a. The episode was recorded live 13 September 2020.

In today’s podcast we talk to Isabel Montalvo: an actor, physiotherapist, researcher and historical fencer from Mexico City. We discuss her research, physical movement and the science behind HEMA. The episode was recorded live 6 September 2020.

In today’s episode we talk to Clara Smith-Elliot, a firearms and HEMA instructor from Richmond, Virginia, USA. Clara is also the founder of River City Historical Fencing. We discuss starting a new HEMA club, HEMA post-pandemic, and getting into new weapons. The interview was recorded live 27 August 2020.

Today we meet Jessica Janiuk, an avid HEMA practitioner from California, USA. We talk about her plans to bring swords to more women, Amazons, being a Jill of all trades, and wildfires. The episode was recorded live 25 August 2020.

In this episode we talk to Caroline Dahnberg, a HEMA instructor from Sweden. We discuss horseback fighting, being a parent, and spreading the joy of HEMA through the forests. The interview was recorded live 20 August 2020.

In this episode of the podcast we talk to Claire Wemyss, HEMA instructor and founder at Kunst des Funkelns, in Vancouver, Canada. We discuss messers, the importance of play, and facilitating learning. The episode was recorded live 18 August 2020.

Today we meet Kaitlyn Rosenberger, co-founder of both Swordwomen of Canada, and Duelling Weapons Academy of Renaissance Fencing, in Barrie, Ontario, Canada. We talk about decapitations, events, and learning ALL the weapons. This episode was recorded live 18 August 2020.

In this episode we talk to HEMA instructor Julie Olson, of Athena School of Arms in Massachusetts, USA. We discuss stick fighting, swords and multitasking. The interview was recorded live on 11 August 2020.

Today we meet YA Fantasy writer and HEMA instructor Alina Boyden, from Wisconsin USA. We talk about fight scenes, itinerant sword studies, and the importance of drilling the basics. The episode was recorded live on 6 August 2020.

In this episode we talk to Esther Gibson, an author and an instructor at The Academy of Historical Fencing in the UK. We discuss birds, the gender binary, and Bolognese fencing. This interview was recorded live 4 August 2020.

Today we meet Kaja Sadowski, author and a founder/lead instructor of Valkyrie Western Martial Arts Assembly, in Vancouver, Canada. Kaja talks to us about online teaching, training culture and safe spaces. This episode was recorded live 30 July 2020.

In today’s episode we speak to Krisztina Nagy from Hungary. A former HEMA champion, Krisztina now trains in modern Olympic Sabre, and is the founder of HEMA Tactical Analysis, where she coaches and brings tactical education to HEMA. In the interview we discuss modern Olympic fencing, HEMA coaching and refereeing. The episode was recorded live 28 July 2020.

Today we meet renowned instructor Jess Finley from the USA, who owns Ritterkunst Turnhalle Medieval Martial Arts. In this interview we talk about being an established HEMA teacher, the art of ringen, and the solo instructor journey. The episode was recorded on Instagram live, 23 July 2020.

In this episode we meet Patricia Castañeda from Spain. Patricia is a full time HEMA instructor and founder of Constantia Historical Fencing School in Màlaga. We discuss botany, research, and becoming an instructor and leader. This episode was recorded live 21 July 2020.

This HEMA holiday special is an interview with our very first interviewee, Kimberleigh Roseblade from Canada. Kimberleigh has been studying and teaching historical martial arts for over a decade, and is an unwavering voice for inclusion, compassion and progress in our community. We discuss the internal and external hurdles that trouble all of us; leadership in HEMA; what to look for in a HEMA school; and what the future holds. This episode was recorded live 18 December 2020.

Today we interview Sarah Boxhorn Potratz of Wisconsin USA. Sarah is an archivist, researcher, and fencing instructor. We discuss data, cats, and of course, swords. The episode was recorded live 16 July 2020.

Today we meet fencer and instructor Julia Ylli Hukka of Gothenburg Historical Fencing School in Sweden. We talk about motherhood, sword and buckler, and competition. This episode was recorded live 9 July 2020.

In today’s episode we meet Melissa Hainsworth of Academy of Steel in Cardiff, UK. She is a fencer, instructor and club founder. I talk to Melissa about sinister swordplay, sources and school management. This was recorded live 7 July 2020.

Today we speak to author, environmentalist and fencer Jo Thomas in the U.K. We discuss neurodiversity, smallswords and writing. This episode was recorded live 2 July 2020.

Today we talk to fencer and instructor Alyx Austin of London historical fencing club in the UK. We discuss sword and buckler, diversity, refereeing, and the utter glee of sword fighting. This episode was recorded live 30 June 2020.

We talk to naturalist, conservationist and fencer Steph Holt of The 1595 club in the UK. We discuss the sidesword, or war rapier, of Saviolo, as well as bats and ecology. This episode was recorded live on 23 June 2020. Unfortunately the recording suffered in places where the connection was lost, apologies for the quality.

In today’s episode we talk to fencer and medievalist Chloe Headdon from the Academy of Historical Fencing in the UK. We discuss mental health, and the history of military sabre. This was recorded live on 23 June 2020.

In this episode we talk to Maria Makarova of New Cross Historical Fencing in London, UK. We discuss organising events, becoming a parent in a pandemic, and HEMA pedagogy. Recorded live 18 June 2020.

In today’s episode we talk to historical fencer Robyn Alman of Athena School of Arms in Massachusetts, USA. We discuss fandom, floofs, and friendships! This was recorded live 12 June 2020.

Today we talk to Huang Chun Yi: physician, fencing instructor and founder of Lionheart Sword School in Taiwan. We discuss the disciplines of military sabre, top tips for becoming a HEMA instructor, and the importance of physical training. This episode was recorded live on 11 June 2020.

We talk to Lizzie Owlwood: art therapist and fencing instructor at The School of the Sword in the UK. We discuss the spadone, cats, mental health and well-being. This episode was recorded live 9 June 2020.

In today’s episode we talk to fitness instructor and fencer Suzy Cantrell of Dublin HEMA in Ireland. We discuss racism and the white slavery myth, parenthood in a pandemic, and strength and conditioning training for HEMA. This was recorded live 4 June 2020

In this episode we talk to actor, producer, instructor and fencer Kelley Costigan in the UK. We discuss swordplay on screen in the context of historical fencing. This was recorded live 2 June 2020.

In this episode we talk to historical martial arts instructor, ex-army captain, and British HEMA institution Sue Kirk. We explore the origins of the UK HEMA scene, and Sue’s passions for smallsword and close quarter, unarmed fighting. This was recorded on Instagram live, 26 May 2020.

In today’s episode we talk to instructor, antique sword collector, and event organiser Anouk Post from Ludolph van Ceulen in the Netherlands. This episode was recorded live 21 May 2020.

Today’s podcast is a roundtable discussion with three UK HEMA instructors: Shanee Nishry of Stratford Swords, Emilia Skirmuntt of The School of the Sword, and Jo Wimborne of Edel fencing Academy. This episode was recorded on Instagram live, 19th of May 2020.

This is an AMA with Joe Wimborne, HEMA instructor, fencer, web wizard and co-founder of Edel Fencing Academy in Cardiff, UK. This episode was recorded on Instagram live on fifth of May 2020.

We talk to HEMA instructor, game developer, and fencer Shanee Nishry, founder of Stratford Swords in the UK. This episode was recorded on Instagram live on 28th of April 2020.

We talk to HEMA instructor, SCA fencer, lecturer, historian and TV presenter Lynette Nusbacher, who teaches at The School of the Sword, Godalming, UK. This episode was recorded live 23rd of April 2020.

We talk to HEMA instructor, fencer and virologist Emilia Skirmuntt, who teaches at The School of the Sword Oxford, UK. This episode was recorded live on 15 May 2020.