Folks, sometimes people get together and do something that just makes the world a better, more entertaining, and more exciting place. I will tell you true: when I saw that 3 axe throwers were getting together to make the world's first women's axe throwing podcast, did one of those big claps that Charles S. Dutton does.
Then I figured out how to email the three podcasters/axe throwers and begged them for an interview. Fortunately, they were on board with the idea!
The podcast, found right here is in its early stages, but already feels like it's been around for years. The three are honest, funny, and introspective about a sport that has perhaps not yet found its stride as far as media coverage goes. This podcast will, no doubt, help fill some of the gaps that currently exist in the sport, including the ever important perspective of women in axe throwing.
So let's get into the axe throwing interview!
Who is An Axe League of Their Own, and why did you folx start the podcast?
Jacy: I’m Jacy Ring (Walking Calamity), originally out of Urban Axes Philadelphia and moved to Choppers Hatchet House after that venue unfortunately closed. I’ve been throwing for over 6 years now which seems unbelievable. Please don’t look at my stats, I was terrible for a really long time!! I’m better now, I promise.
Adeline: I’m Adeline Neulight (Queen HBO), out of Lumberjaxes in Pittsburgh. I’ve been throwing for 4 years I’m still in shock that I won the urban over tournament
Alex (AXJ): I’m Alex Mitchell aka Alex James or better known as Axe James. I’ve been throwing for over 4 yrs out of Urban Axes Baltimore, and have been the League Master at this location for two years now.
How do you think axe throwing has successfully (and unsuccessfully) approached having a co-ed sport?
Adeline: It is very successful to see how everyone grows in the sport and us all being together as one. Everyone learns off of each other so it’s awesome.
It can be hard when you play against amazing throwers when you’re new to the sport, but regardless of how you do, you will get better.
AXJ : I think it’s been very successful in being a coed sport. One of my absolute favorite things about it is that anyone can do it, no matter your age, gender, size, or disability. This sport is truly for everyone and anyone.
Jacy: I agree, I think we are in a place where the coed sport is ready and in place for us to step up and begin to dominate
What are you hoping to accomplish with the podcast? Who do you imagine your audience is?
Jacy: We are hoping to bridge the gap between novice and competitive players, with the intent on bringing more women into the competitive sphere. We would love for everyone to listen to this podcast!
We are three women in the sport so obviously our views and opinions originate from that space, and we plan on bringing in some topics that are women/minority centric but we hope that everyone is invested for the greater good of the community.
Adeline: We want to entertain everyone, make sure women know that they are being heard and recognized in the sport. Plus we need something less serious in our lives and us going on our tangents is hopefully helping people pass time and enjoy listening to axe throwing in a women’s perspective.
AXJ: My cohosts summed this up perfectly.
What is something you'd change about the sport today? How do you hope the sport will change/grow in the future?
Adeline: I want to see it more out there and streamed more. If the rules get joined and if a hybrid system comes out, it would be easier for people to understand and more fun to watch.
AXJ: I would personally like to see the IATF get on a sports channel of some sort. I just want to see some overall growth and think that more exposure to our unique sports culture would certainly help.
Jacy: Fully agree with A and A!
Do you think women in axe throwing face particular challenges? What are some that male players may not have considered?
Adeline: The only thing I can say is that we are underestimated sometimes. At least for me, I always felt I had something to prove in this sport, don’t know why, but that’s just my mindset.
AXJ: Aside from the obvious of any woman that has thrown while pregnant, men will never have the additional pressures that women face while competing at the top level.
When one of us goes deep in any major tournament, not only do we carry the usual pressure to perform in those high pressure settings, but we also carry the weight of every woman watching us hoping that this will be the time we see a woman come out on top.
Jacy: I absolutely feel like when I am matched up against a man, moreso someone that I do not know, that I have something to prove. There are a lot of men that are completely supportive and I love playing with but a large majority still have in the back of their mind “I’m going to win this match” and are surprised when they don’t or it was a battle to the end.
It is an exhausting feeling constantly having to feel like you have to earn respect in the arena. One of our goals with this podcast is to bridge that gap in competition.
Who do you admire in the sport?
Jacy: Alex is going to absolutely hate that I’m going to say her. She completely embodies the community that we are always talking about. And she’s easily one of the most consistent throwers among us all. I don’t even know how many league’s she won in Baltimore at this point, and honestly, I don’t want to! I’m beyond thrilled to be on this podcast journey with her, and Adeline of course!
AXJ: Jacy was right! Really all I’m ever trying to do is continue to be the example that was set for me. Matt Herzberg was a mentor of mine early on, and sadly he passed away earlier this year. He was a fantastic thrower but he always put the community first and focused his passions there, so I try to carry that on.
Kimmy Supnet has been my axe idol since I saw her competing at my first IATC experience back in 2020. To me she is a trailblazer for the women of the sport and sharing an arena with her for the Countess Cup finals was such a surreal moment.
Adeline: I admire all the people who have helped me, my two wonderful ladies, Showtime, Tish, Austin, Stormy, there’s so many more but if it weren’t for all these people I wouldn’t be where I am.
All that help and emotional support--no one needs to give it but they have been the most helpful, genuine people and have become my family.
How do you decide what topics to cover on your podcast?
Jacy: We started with some pretty basic ideas but began literally by just asking around. What did people want to hear about? Who would they like to hear interviews of?
Currently we’re working on organizing all of the amazing comments and suggestions we’ve gotten in order to create a kind of “sequence” for our first few episodes.
Where can people learn more about An Axe League of Their Own?
AXJ: Listen! Check out our episodes, follow us on social media, and introduce yourself at the next tournament you see us at!
Anything else you'd like to add to the interview?
Adeline: we appreciate all the love and support everyone gives us with this podcast and in the sport in general. We love all of our axe family
Thanks to Adeline, Alex and Jacy for taking time to participate in this interview, and for all the work you're doing with An Axe League of Their Own. I very much look forward to more of your podcasts and your future success.
I so routinely get my ass handed to me by female throwers it never occurred to me there may be such internal turmoil happening. Now I'd love to know what the community can do to help reduce that. Guess I'd better listen to the dang podcast!