By the Sword podcast

By the Sword

By the Sword

The modern study of the ancient art of swordplay is brought to life each week 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

145 Episodes

CC Burns: rediscovering HEMA joy
8/9/2026
1:08:10
Host Fran Lacuata talks to lifelong martial artist Connie Burns about their journey, both in eastern martial arts, self defence and HEMA.Full of fascinating insights and experiences, listen in as they discuss the highs and lows of learning and teaching the fighting arts, and how Connie found their way back to the original joy that drew them in.
Sarah Beals Sager: removing barriers in HEMA
7/19/2026
59:45
Fran talks to Sarah Beals Sager, instructor at Hilt & Helm Fencing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania USA. Topics covered include Sarah’s blog: longswords and lullabies, how to remove barriers for minorities in HEMA, creating a supportive space, and the role of anthropology in martial arts.
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Amber & Kira: Queer Quillons Guild
7/11/2026
53:46
Fran meets Kira & Amber, the martial arts, self defence and fitness enthusiasts behind Queer Quillons Guild in Atlanta, Georgia USA. We talk about the importance of LGBTQIA spaces, the multiple challenges facing under represented groups in martial arts, and each of their own backgrounds in fighting that led them to create the community they and others needed.Instagram @queer_quillons_guild
Blumineck: arcane archer
6/3/2026
1:08:35
Fran talks to David AKA Blumineck, the archer and pole athlete who combines history, fantasy and all things geeky on his wildly popular social media channels.We go into his origin story, what it takes to get into pole and archery, performing for the public and what is coming up in the future.
Lacey Eck: Emotional regulation in HEMA
5/14/2026
1:06:59
Fran talks to Cleveland Steel Historical Fencing founder and lead instructor Lacey Eck about the importance of emotional regulation in HEMA.We discuss what emotional regulation is, how emotions affect us as fencers, and what we can do to actively improve our training spaces and develop as a community.
The Fencing Mentor: Zoya Zackavec
5/9/2026
1:05:19
Zoya is a mindset coach and fencing mentor based in Chicago USA. In this episode she talks to Fran about how to fence authentically under pressure, and deal with our own inner battles - often our biggest challenge.Listen to Zoya’s story for advice on how to approach your own fencing mindset, dealing with mental hurdles, and the path to mentoring and coaching for yourself.
Physio meets HEMA: Anna Wiederänders on effective HEMA training
4/30/2026
34:49
Fran talks to Physio and Osteo Anna Wiederänders about training safely and effectively for HEMA.We explore Anna’s martial arts background, good practices for HEMA training, and her top tips for safe and effective practice.
Aurora Simmons: femme friendly training spaces
4/20/2026
55:37
Fran meets Aurora Simmons, longsword and armoured fighting instructor at Toronto Historical Combat in Canada.We discuss the importance of creating training spaces that are welcoming to all genders: what to avoid and what to include.Aurora also talks about her extensive background in martial arts such as taekwondo and jeet kune do, along with 15 years experience in HEMA alone.
Spencer Waddell and Heavy Hitting
4/7/2026
1:04:16
In this episode Fran talks to Spencer Waddell: a champion fighter and title holder of many styles including reenactment, SCA, HEMA, AMMA, boxing, buhurt and light sabre.We discuss his background and his unique perspective on heavy hitting in sword arts, when it’s appropriate and when it’s a bad idea.
Why HEMA is political
3/11/2026
1:06:38
Fran speaks to Janna Datahan in the US about why HEMA is political, and how world events affect our hobby and all the people who participate in it.

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