Beyond the Mic with Sean Dillon

Brad Balukjian on "The Six Pack"

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Episode notes

"I wanted to write a book that wasn't just about the Iron Sheik or even just about pro wrestling, but about the humanity of this shared experience these guys had."

Welcome Brad Balukjian:

We’re joined on the Starline by a man who has dedicated his life to all things that he loved when he was six years old. He’s an author and research associate at the California Academy of Sciences. His latest book is “The Six Pack”. We welcome Brad Balukjian.

Brad, let’s go Beyond the Mic. You’ve been threatened to death by the late Iron Sheik after an attempt to write a biography. Why was it important to seek out these six contemporaries of the Sheik and tell a richer story?

How has examining the tales of former wrestlers change the way you see the entertainment?

You’ve discovered 17 species of insects in Tahiti. How did completing that project make you feel in comparison to the ‘pack series’?

The Rockin' 8:

It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.

1. You’ve named a bug after Harrison Ford, best movie from him that isn’t Star Wars related?

2. Best memory of Greenville, Rhode Island?

3. In your last book “The Wax Pack” you attempted to track down all the players inside that one wax pack. Did you chew the bubble gum inside?

4. 1st Baseball game you ever attended?

5. Least favorite wrestler of all time?

6. Favorite word in French and what does it mean?

7. Would you return to Moorea Tahiti if someone paid for it?

8. Last Wrestlemania you attended?

Sneaking in a Couple More:

Who needs to be in the WWE Hall of Fame next?

How has writing this book changed you?

One Big Question:

If you could re-watch one WWE match over again, which would it be?

The Wrap:

Brad Balukjian's 1st baseball game was at Fenway Park, loved skating on a pond and he wants you to read his book “The Six Pack”. Brad thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.

And that my friends is a Beyond the Mic Short Cut.

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