3. Scott Hall - Episode 32
"I'm gonna call this sumbitch here in the ring," begins Austin, which is wrestler-speak for having a spontaneous, organic interview with Hall (much as an accomplished wrestler would just feel it out in the ring). Hall gives an update on his health, and I love the relatively light-hearted fashion with which he covers these serious topics. He's open, but without the awkwardness that can often accompany such unpleasant business. Austin's questions are very specific, with the implication that "none of us are perfect": it results in some hard truths and reciprocated respect from Hall. He sounds healthy and positive, but very aware that it's a constant effort to keep the bad choices at bay. Scott's voice nearly breaks with emotion when he starts talking about his son, burgeoning wrestler Cody Hall. I'm caught off guard by the softness with which "the bad guy" talks about Cody's training and coming up in the business. It's clear that wrestling is in Hall's blood, and that his years of hardship have not resulted in any ill-will towards the profession (on the contrary, he expresses gratitude towards the entire McMahon family). Likewise, he's so gracious and fond in talking about the men who trained him (no spoilers!) and what made them special. There's a lot of great history here, including stories about how matches worked before Raw was live. And if you want to hear Stone Cold Steve Austin's advice for rookies, this is the place to listen. It's the kind of podcast that makes me feel naive for thinking Hall was a harder-edged sort. I found it enlightening on many levels, and I wish Hall well.