In this conversation, Dr Christopher Matthews of Nottingham Trent University discusses his immersive approach to research. By participating fully in the life of the boxing gym, Dr Matthews not only came to understand the norms and practices of boxing but also developed a carnal intersubjectivity. In this episode, we discuss the need to communicate clearly in our writing rather than use theory as a gatekeeping device as well as the ultimate goal of social science research, which is to “reduce unnecessary human suffering and enhance human flourishing.”