Abstract
This article is best described as an ode to Karl Sparklen, one written deliberately while he is very much still alive and kicking. It is a personal reflection on the impact of Karl's writings around ale, beer, and whisky. This reflection explores issues of belonging, authenticity and rootedness, conformity and non-conformity. In doing so, it touches on freedom and self as core components of leisure. Through the lens of Karl's work, the article talks of poststructuralism, anarchy, and Kaos as ways of thinking, being and seeing. While a personal reflection, the article hopefully encourages others to engage with Karl's works and the thinking that underlies them, to critically engage with the meaningfulness of leisure in ways that take us forward, pushing boundaries.