Tag: Billy Avery

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A Little Praise for Kicking Out at Two

Every week I share what’s happening on the Kick Out at Two Podcast. Just to be clear, this is not a post about the podcast. This is about a book I highlighted recently when I interviewed contributing author and Dropkick Depression founder, Terra Caraway.

Kicking Out at Two is a short book, only forty pages worth of text, but it packs more punch than any 300+ page wrestling biography you’ve ever read. Eight independent wrestlers share their personal stories in this book. Each one has had a different journey. Each one struggles to this day with depression.

Some of the authors have been in treatment for years. Others are still struggling to get their feet under them. Each story is raw, uncensored, and real. It’s a brave feat for people whose job is to put on a front in the wrestling ring, but the authors have held nothing back.

Even if you have never personally suffered from any form of depression, I’d urge you to read this book. Depression is more common than you realize, and odds are more than a few people you know are suffering from it.

Kicking Out at Two was written to show people going through depression that they are not alone. It was written to encourage those suffering and to urge them to open up about their own stories.

The book accomplishes one thing more: even if you’re not one of those struggling with depression, it will open your eyes to just how devastating depression can be. It will give you more empathy for those suffering from depression, putting you in the shoes of those who struggle with it day by day. It makes their pain real.

Kudos to Terra Caraway, Billy Avery, Aria Blake, Mickie Knuckles, Jeff Cannonball, Kerry Awful, Angelus Layne, and P.T. Player for sharing their stories. This is as important a wrestling book as any biography you’ll ever read with a message that has to be heard.

Whatever you are going through, you are not alone!

Buy Kickout Out at Two now on Amazon.com, and please share this with someone you love.

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Kicking Out at Two Takes the Fight Beyond the Ring

Kicking Out at Two is not the most high profile wrestling book to be released in the last year, but it might be the most important.

Kicking Out at Two is a collaboration between eight wrestlers and compiled by Terra Callaway. It’s a book full of biographical stories with a common theme. All of the authors are professional wrestlers who battle depression on a daily basis.

“I wanted to provide something to people where they could see all different aspects and stories of depression in one place,” says Callaway, who also started the online resource Dropkick Depression. “Sure, some people know about my depression from one place and then may know about someone else from another place, but with it so scattered out, sometimes it’s hard to get a view of everything at once. I also wanted something people could physically see and feel in their hands. Somehow it makes it all feel a bit more real than just reading on the internet, you know?”

In addition to Terra, Kicking Out at Two features personal stories from fellow grapplers Billy Avery, Jeff Cannonball, Mickie Knuckles, Kerry Awful, Aria Blake, Angelus Layne, and P.T. Player. Callaway said she had no trouble finding men and women to speak out about their experience.

“Once I posted on the page that I was looking for people who wanted to share their stories, I got quite a few responses. Some weren’t as ready as others just yet to share so they’ve elected to do another book once it comes time for a second one. There are different stages in depression and some just need a little more time than others. I was incredibly proud of everyone who talked to me about it, even if they ended up not contributing, because it still shows they know they CAN talk about it if they want it. It shows they know they aren’t alone.”

Calloway hopes that readers will find stories they can relate to, stories that will help them realize they are not alone in their struggle. “Everyone has their own individual story and struggle, but we’re all in it together. Everything in this book is never before seen or told. So it’s definitely a different view of each individual that contributed.”

The response to the book has been incredibly positive. Readers have reached out through the Dropkick Depression Facebook to share their gratitude to the authors and thank them for speaking out. “It’s inspiring to see so many people band together for a common cause and it be so well loved. I’m incredibly happy with the reception so far.”

Kicking Out at Two is a must-read for any fan who has struggled with depression or has a loved one going through it. It’s a powerful statement to people with a real need. Said Callaway, “The whole goal of the book was to show those who suffer with depression or have sucidial thoughts that they aren’t alone and that there is always someone out there going through similar circumstances. If it helps one person speak out, ask for help, or take the steps to get help, then it was all worth it.”

You can order Kicking Out at Two in paperback or on Kindle.