Jenny Valentish is the author of the acclaimed addiction memoir Woman of Substances, a regular contributor to The Guardian, Vice and the Sydney Morning Herald, and a former NME columnist and editor of Time Out Melbourne. She grew up in Slough and lives in Australia.

• Prologue1 Running from the Void 2 Testing the Limits of Lust3 Human Guinea Pigs4 Larger than Life5 Altered States6 The Art of Suffering7 Anger is An Energy8 Throwing in the Towel9 To the DeathEpilogue

'If you've ever wondered why people like absolutely battering the **** out of themselves in every conceivable way, just for a laugh, then look no further than this book.'Tom Usher, freelance writer and presenter of Challenge Man'A spiritual sequel to Valentish’s 2017 memoir Woman of Substances [and] a wild and page-turning ride. [...] The author’s enthusiasm for and deep research into the topic shine through, and she tempers the more confronting moments with candour, humour and self-deprecation. Like a Louis Theroux documentary, Everything harder than everyone else is an eye-opening exploration of unconventional lifestyles and the people who live them. It is a rollicking and insightful read for both enthusiasts and the simply curious.'Books + Publishing'Valentish takes us into hidden worlds that fascinate, horrify, inspire and entertain. Valentish is your intrepid guide to fringe communities, where the members are hardcore and their wisdom is hard-won. The characters and stories will stay with you long after the last page.'Brigid Delaney, author of Wellmania'As a fan of wrestling and general out-there foolishness, I've often wondered – but couldn't put into words – what drives people to such limits. An outstanding read.'Broden Kelly, Aunty Donna

Jenny Valentish is the author of the acclaimed addiction memoir Woman of Substances, a regular contributor to The Guardian, Vice and the Sydney Morning Herald, and a former NME columnist and editor of Time Out Melbourne. She grew up in Slough and lives in Australia.

• Prologue1 Running from the Void 2 Testing the Limits of Lust3 Human Guinea Pigs4 Larger than Life5 Altered States6 The Art of Suffering7 Anger is An Energy8 Throwing in the Towel9 To the DeathEpilogue

'If you've ever wondered why people like absolutely battering the **** out of themselves in every conceivable way, just for a laugh, then look no further than this book.'Tom Usher, freelance writer and presenter of Challenge Man'A spiritual sequel to Valentish’s 2017 memoir Woman of Substances [and] a wild and page-turning ride. [...] The author’s enthusiasm for and deep research into the topic shine through, and she tempers the more confronting moments with candour, humour and self-deprecation. Like a Louis Theroux documentary, Everything harder than everyone else is an eye-opening exploration of unconventional lifestyles and the people who live them. It is a rollicking and insightful read for both enthusiasts and the simply curious.'Books + Publishing'Valentish takes us into hidden worlds that fascinate, horrify, inspire and entertain. Valentish is your intrepid guide to fringe communities, where the members are hardcore and their wisdom is hard-won. The characters and stories will stay with you long after the last page.'Brigid Delaney, author of Wellmania'As a fan of wrestling and general out-there foolishness, I've often wondered – but couldn't put into words – what drives people to such limits. An outstanding read.'Broden Kelly, Aunty Donna

Jenny Valentish is the author of the acclaimed addiction memoir Woman of Substances, a regular contributor to The Guardian, Vice and the Sydney Morning Herald, and a former NME columnist and editor of Time Out Melbourne. She grew up in Slough and lives in Australia.

• Prologue1 Running from the Void 2 Testing the Limits of Lust3 Human Guinea Pigs4 Larger than Life5 Altered States6 The Art of Suffering7 Anger is An Energy8 Throwing in the Towel9 To the DeathEpilogue

'If you've ever wondered why people like absolutely battering the **** out of themselves in every conceivable way, just for a laugh, then look no further than this book.'Tom Usher, freelance writer and presenter of Challenge Man'A spiritual sequel to Valentish’s 2017 memoir Woman of Substances [and] a wild and page-turning ride. [...] The author’s enthusiasm for and deep research into the topic shine through, and she tempers the more confronting moments with candour, humour and self-deprecation. Like a Louis Theroux documentary, Everything harder than everyone else is an eye-opening exploration of unconventional lifestyles and the people who live them. It is a rollicking and insightful read for both enthusiasts and the simply curious.'Books + Publishing'Valentish takes us into hidden worlds that fascinate, horrify, inspire and entertain. Valentish is your intrepid guide to fringe communities, where the members are hardcore and their wisdom is hard-won. The characters and stories will stay with you long after the last page.'Brigid Delaney, author of Wellmania'As a fan of wrestling and general out-there foolishness, I've often wondered – but couldn't put into words – what drives people to such limits. An outstanding read.'Broden Kelly, Aunty Donna