Early Gigs, Low Pay and Hustle

On today's show I sat down with Stacee Alexander (ring name "Space Cowboy") about his path from show choir at Franklin Central to independent professional wrestling and eventually joining the Savannah Bananas' viral Dad Bod Cheer Squad as a "Man-Nana" on the Banana Ball World Tour.

Stacee recounts leaving Belmont University, investing in training, and grinding through low-paying bookings while working side jobs like DoorDash. He shares standout wrestling moments, injuries, and why he began looking for an exit as the business side and physical toll wore him down.

Our conversation then shifts to how a dinner with Savannah Bananas announcer/cast director "Young Professor" led to tryout games, gaining a "dad bod," and transitioning into full-time entertainment work with the Bananas. He explains the Man-Nanas' role as crowd-focused performers, the constant experimentation, the importance of social media-friendly moments, and the misconception that Banana Ball is scripted.

He also discusses Jesse Cole's leadership style, the scale of the organization, and the expansion into the Banana Ball Championship League, including the return of the barnstorming Indianapolis Clowns led by 2006 National League MVP, 2008 World Series champion, and three-time All-Star Ryan Howard.

If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast.

You are going to learn about: - Stacee Alexander's Journey from Pro Wrestling to the Savannah Bananas - The Role of Being a Man-Nana - The Indianapolis Clowns and Banana Ball Championship League Expansion

Thank you to our partners: NCW J.C. Hart Company

Check out these great clips from the show: 01:27 Guest Introduction: Stacee "Space Cowboy" Alexander 02:53 From Show Choir to Belmont University 07:00 Discovering Pro Wrestling 09:39 Moving to Canada for Storm Wrestling Academy 14:24 First Bookings, Tiny Paydays & Bad Gigs 21:54 Big Moments, Injuries & Burnout 27:26 Dinner in Indy Leads to the Man-Nana Opportunity 31:54 Tryouts & the Real Man-Nana Job 38:33 Full-Time with the Bananas 40:12 Upgrading the Man-Nanas 40:57 More Choreography, More Opportunities 42:16 The Grind Behind the Fun 43:03 Jesse Cole's Playbook 46:05 Pitching Ideas to the Owner 49:08 How the Bananas Operate 50:29 Barnstorming History and Clowns Legacy 53:11 Expansion Explained: New Teams and New Fanbases 58:57 Rules 101: Golden Batter, Fan Catches, and More 01:06:14 Favorite Cities, Walkout Song & Fan Moments 01:17:48 Hidden Gems & Hoosier Shoutouts

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