AI Summary
5 min readJed Coffin, a recent college graduate from Maine, spent the summer of 2002 paddling a sea kayak up the Pacific coast, driven by a restless search for a place to belong. By late August, he washed up in Sitka, Alaska, where he soon discovered a boxing gym in the weight room of a local college. The trainer, Victor, had been given the title “the toughest man in Southeast Alaska.” When Coffin asked if he took on new guys, Victor was hesitant, then relented. Coffin lied and said he had fighting experience. Victor put him in the ring and beat him bloody. Coffin’s nose bled, his lip was cut, but when Victor asked if they were done, Coffin said no. “Whatever it is that this is, I want more of it.”
The itch that only violence could scratch
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What you'll learn
- 1 (02:00) **Host Intro: The Rules of Street Fighting** - Host Glynn Washington shares personal rules for fighting, including never fight a twin and always throw the first punch, setting up the episode's themes.
- 2 (04:50) **Jed Coffin's Journey Begins** - Recent college grad Jed Coffin embarks on a solo road trip and sea kayak journey from Maine to Alaska, seeking direction in his life.
- 3 (07:39) **Discovery of the Boxing Gym** - While lifting weights at Sheldon Jackson College, Jed hears rhythmic "whack" sounds and discovers a boxing trainer working with fighters in a utility room.
- 4 (09:38) **First Sparring Session: The Initiation** - Jed lies about his fighting background and steps into the ring with Victor, who is later revealed as "the toughest man in Southeast Alaska."
- 5 (16:16) **Training and the Rough House** - Jed trains nightly as a sparring partner, learning about the "Rough House Friday" boxing show, a barroom fight where locals get paid to brawl.
- 6 (19:30) **The Offer to Fight** - Victor tells Jed he has an opportunity to fight on the Rough House show for $150, describing it as walking into a bar, taking off your shirt, and proving your manhood.
- 7 (21:44) **Becoming "The Stone"** - Victor gives Jed the nickname "The Stone" for his stoic reaction to their first sparring session, and Jed embraces this new identity.
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Show Notes
A man washes up on shore in Sitka, Alaska and finds himself in the middle of an underground boxing show. It’s a place where you might duke it out with the bartender, the locals, or your own troubled past.
This episode contains violence and strong language. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.
Thank you, Jaed “The Stone” Coffin, for sharing your story with us! For more about Jaed’s story, check out his memoir Roughhouse Friday.
Produced by Bo Walsh, original score by Doug Stuart, artwork by Teo Ducot
Snap Classic - Season 17 - Episode 42
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