Hidden away on an industrial estate in Winchelsea Beach, wrestlers from across southern England train twice a week in a professional ring at the Black Harbour Club. This week's Ryecast is all about the Extreme Academy of Wrestling.

The club is run by Stu Allen - or The Dominator - who explains why he is so passionate about wrestling and helping others to achieve their dreams, plus how the sport has helped him deal with addiction and stress. It's very different from his last full time job as a mortician. The club opened in Winchelsea Beach last year - you'll find out why on the podcast.

Two wrestlers also share their reasons for taking part. Luke Sibson - or F L X - wants to entertain, get fit, and represent the LGBT+ community. When he's not in the ring he's a teacher and also hosts his own podcast dedicated to the Heartstopper tv show. Taylor Leigh - or Lupo - has big ambitions and plenty of success. He lives for wrestling at the weekend and explains how taking part in the sport has got him through the worst of times.

There are pictures on the Ryecast website. Full details about Extreme Academy of Wrestling on the Facebook page, and Stu also has has his own podcast. Search for Stiff Right Hand.

Ryecast is made in Rye by James Stewart

Stories from around the corner and across the world.

"Have you talked to Noel Varley?" Most weeks someone will say that to me when I've been looking for people to talk to for Ryecast. He's the subject of this edition of Rye's podcast with stories of growing up in wartime Rye and adventures in far off places. He's a well known face and voice around town, a member of Rye Rotary and local boatbuilder for many years. But, and you may need to sit down at this point, he's actually a Yorkshireman...

There's more from Noel at a special event at Rye Community Centre in March. It's been organised by the Rotary Club of Rye & Winchelsea in aid of Rye Heritage Centre between 10 am and 2pm on Saturday March 30. You'll be able to talk to Noel, and see some of his vast collection of photographs. It's £5 entry include tea, coffee and cake.

And if you have a suggestion about who to talk to next email me ryecastsussex@gmail.com

Ryecast is made in Rye by James Stewart

Ryecast is back for 2024, with loads of locals lined up to tell their story. The first proper episode of what’s now series 3 gets published next week, but until then here’s a bonus episode called “I love Rye because…”

Over Christmas and New Year Rye News ran a social media campaign sharing some of the many reasons why people love Rye (spoiler alert: it’s the people). It was Natasha Robinson’s idea – she’s the paper’s Instagram whizz. You can hear her suggestion in this week’s Ryecast, as well as ideas from the rest of the Rye News team.

So, what’s yours? Why do you love Rye? Me? Thanks for asking! I love Rye because everyone has a story to tell (which is pretty handing if you’re making a podcast). And…because it’s home.

Search for Ryecast wherever you get your podcasts or click on www.ryecast.org

Ryecast is presented and produced in Rye by James Stewart