By the Sword

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The modern study of the ancient art of swordplay is brought to life each day where we talk to a different member of the historical European martial arts, or HEMA, community. Whether it’s the medieval longsword, Elizabethan rapier, the regency smallsword or Victorian sabre that interest you, join us for a series of fascinating interviews with instructors, competitors and experts from all around the globe. Follow us on Instagram @swordwomen

By the Sword


    • Jun 11, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 1m AVG DURATION
    • 127 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from By the Sword

    Heather McLarty: Artist Blacksmith and Mandalorian consultant

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2023 50:16


    In this episode, Fran meets artist blacksmith, Heather McLarty of Los Angeles, California, USA. We talk about her journey in the craft and her involvement in the popular TV series, the Mandalorian. The episode was recorded live Sunday, 28 May 2023. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bythesword/message

    Ugo Serrano

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2023 53:35


    In this episode, we meet artisan, armourer, production designer, and prop maker, Ugo Serrano, who has worked on films such as Planet of the Apes, GI Joe: the Rise of Cobra, and the Chronicles of Riddick. We talk about his background, his career, and the historical influences on his work. The episode was recorded live 19 March 2023. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bythesword/message

    Aaron - Semimyth Productions: A Lion's Age

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2023 46:40


    In this episode, we meet Aaron of semi miss productions, USA. We hear about his maiden project: A Lion's Age, an immersive strategy game, featuring breathtaking artwork and characters, set in mediaeval south Asia. The interview took place Sunday 26 February 2023.. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bythesword/message

    Sydney Schwindt True Edge Art & Fight director

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2023 52:17


    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. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bythesword/message

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    Veronica Young Cryptid Combatwear Chest protection

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2023 43:54


    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. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bythesword/message

    Ellen Lavery - Artist and performer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2023 48:53


    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. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bythesword/message

    Dr Chassica Kirchoff Arms and Armour Historian

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2022 55:31


    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. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bythesword/message

    Meg & Evie, Armoured Combat Nashville

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2022 57:58


    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. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bythesword/message

    Shoshana Shellans Armoured Combat Duellist USA

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2022 52:59


    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. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bythesword/message

    SAMH: catch up and special announcement

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2022 82:05


    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 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bythesword/message

    Katie Zold: Neurodiversity in HEMA

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2022 64:23


    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. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bythesword/message

    Knights of Wakanda Armoured Combat Team USA

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2022 49:31


    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 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bythesword/message

    Masculinity in HEMA

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2022 133:48


    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. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bythesword/message

    Justin Kostelecky, Grizzly House Forge & Forged in Fire finalist

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2022 48:01


    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. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bythesword/message

    AMA with Fran

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2022 59:01


    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. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bythesword/message

    Live Panel discussion at By the Sword 2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2022 56:15


    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. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bythesword/message

    Kerri Kerz V McArthur - UK

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2022 42:31


    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. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bythesword/message

    Antique sword collectors

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2022 112:33


    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. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bythesword/message

    Swords & Mental Health: The Toll of Tournament

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2022 108:10


    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. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bythesword/message

    Graham Meyer, USA

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2022 62:54


    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. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bythesword/message

    Swords & Mental Health: Cancel culture and second chances

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2022 89:15


    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 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bythesword/message

    Connor Kemp-Cowell, USA

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2022 57:58


    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. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bythesword/message

    Richard Hughes, Order of the Blade UK

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2022 43:47


    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. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bythesword/message

    Swords & Mental Health episode 9: AMA & end of 2021 review

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 25, 2021 105:16


    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. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bythesword/message

    Swords & Mental Health episode 8: Tenacity

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2021 97:26


    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. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bythesword/message

    Jo Booth, Swords of Cygnus Womens Bohurt UK

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2021 64:25


    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. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bythesword/message

    Raquel Skellington, PA USA

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2021 58:37


    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.

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    Swords & Mental Health episode 6: Heavy Hitters

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2021 118:35


    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

    William Dawson, UK

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2021 29:54


    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.

    Jamie MacIver, London Historical Fencing Club

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2021 60:01


    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.

    Spencer Waddell, USA

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2021 46:00


    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.

    Aaron Lamontagne, Canada

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2021 59:31


    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.

    Bethan Jenkins, UK

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2021 38:27


    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.

    Da'Mon Stith, HAMA Association President, USA

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2021 157:22


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2021 36:11


    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.

    Swords & Mental Health episode 5: boundaries & subtexts

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2021 101:57


    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.

    Mansa Myrie, HAMA Canada

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2021 55:45


    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.

    Swordpunk 2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2021 26:42


    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.

    Andrej Kubiček, Belgrade Fencing Academy, Serbia

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2021 42:50


    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.

    Mark Howland, Shrikes Forge USA

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2021 48:08


    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.

    Swords & Mental Health episode 4: Resilience vs Persistence

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2021 60:45


    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.

    Stephanie Aiuto: knife and sword maker, USA

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2021 53:23


    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

    Dominik Eaton, Switzerland

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2021 62:52


    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

    The Klewang Fencer - Martin de Jong, Netherlands

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2021 58:50


    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

    Swords and Mental Health: Episode 3 - Women & Power

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2021 56:40


    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.

    Matthew Forde, Forde Military Antiques UK

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2021 74:41


    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.

    Elitism in HEMA: a roundtable discussion

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2021 105:54


    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

    Runjeet Singh, Antique Arms UK

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2021 60:36


    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.

    Nick Thomas, AHF Instructor and sword collector, UK

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2021 48:27


    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.

    Historians React - episode 2: Chivalry

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2021 98:26


    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.

    Swords & Mental Health - episode 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2021 47:34


    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

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