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The Season 8 Finale of The No Stress Midwest Podcast is here and we are lucky to be joined by KC legend Phil Gomez! Phil who is a referee at the youth, collegiate and professional level takes us behind the curtain of the 2026 World Cup, where he served as a referee liaison. We break down what the role takes and get real answers to your biggest refereeing questions. From the tournament moments that shaped his childhood like the ‘94 World Cup and the women winning it in ‘99 to working for the tournament he fell in love with, Phil proves what true soccer passion looks like; even sharing stories from fan marches on the city! And the question that Ive always wondered about is the official language for referees? English may be the official language of FIFA, but body language is the universal one. Beyond rigorous English proficiency tests, officials rely heavily on precise physical gestures, positioning, and non verbal cues that every player across the globe understands instantly. Hope you've enjoyed this season as much as us! We will catch you in Season 9! Follow our social media to stay in the loop on upcoming guest! IG: @NoStressMidwest Twitter: @NoStressMidwest Facebook: No Stress Midwest Spotify: No Stress Midwest Podcast Youtube: No Stress Midwest Apple: No Stress Midwest Podcast www.nostressmidwest.com/podcast

Welcome Back to The No Stress Midwest Podcast (S8, Ep. 6) we’re joined by former MLS defender Daouda Kante for a deep dive into the World Cup 2026. From tactical breakdowns on the field to the raw energy in the stands, Daouda brings his insider perspective from attending matches in person. We hear stories of people selling their house just to be able to watch a World Cup Match live, that is the level of obsession Daouda witnessed firsthand inside the World Cup stadium. He pulls back the curtain on the raw energy of the crowds, including the Argentinian fans who literally risked everything just to see Lionel Messi play on the world stage. It’s a testament to what soccer means to people around the globe and how far fans will go for the love of the game. We also get into formations during the World Cup, specifically the 4-4-2. If you’ve been paying attention to the tactical shifts in the 2026 World Cup, you’ve probably noticed how teams were tightening up out of possession. Daouda breaks down why the traditional 4-4-2 is making a massive comeback on the defensive side of the ball, proving that sometimes the old school setups are still the most effective. From modern pressing triggers to defensive compactness. Daouda gives us a breakdown of what he saw during the World Cup 2026. Follow our social media to stay in the loop on upcoming guest! IG: @NoStressMidwest Twitter: @NoStressMidwest Facebook: No Stress Midwest Spotify: No Stress Midwest Podcast Youtube: No Stress Midwest Apple: No Stress Midwest Podcast www.nostressmidwest.com/podcast

It all started with the ‘94 World Cup… In Episode 5 of the No Stress Midwest Podcast, we are lucky to be joined by former Sporting KC Legend and Captain, FA Cup Winner and former Honduran International player, Roger Espinoza! Roger opens up about how he found his passion for soccer! From watching the ‘94 World Cup final to his family making sure they moved somewhere in the US where soccer culture is alive and well. Roger also goes into detail and talks to us about his college experience from JuCo to NCAA D1 to the pros, listen to him talk about the moments that shaped him and the moments that helped him make it to the next level.We talk all things World Cup this episode from youth camps to the Olympics. Roger tells us what his footballing journey was like and what it takes and means to to represent his nation of Honduras at the International level. Give it a listen and let us know your thoughts! Follow our social media to stay in the loop on upcoming guest! IG: @NoStressMidwest Twitter: @NoStressMidwest Facebook: No Stress Midwest Spotify: No Stress Midwest Podcast Youtube: No Stress Midwest Apple: No Stress Midwest Podcast www.nostressmidwest.com/podcast

Welcome Back to The No Stress Midwest Podcast Season 8 World Cup Edition! Todays episode, we’re joined by Ian Barker for a deep dive all things World Cup! From fan culture and confederation dynamics to the standout tactics on the pitch, this conversation covers it all. From how lower ranked teams are utilizing the low block to frustrate elite opposition on the world stage to American soccer  and why it isn’t what it used to be. Watch as Ian breaks down how U.S. fan culture and our domestic league have completely transformed since the last home World Cup. This episode gives us a more technical and tactical look at the early matches of the World Cup and possible trends we should be looking for when it comes to the international game. Follow our social media to stay in the loop on upcoming guest! IG: @NoStressMidwest Twitter: @NoStressMidwest Facebook: No Stress Midwest Spotify: No Stress Midwest Podcast Youtube: No Stress Midwest Apple: No Stress Midwest Podcast www.nostressmidwest.com/podcast

The No Stress Midwest Podcast is back in action in Season 8 and as we are still in the first half of the season we are joined by a good friend and local artist John Knell.  From drawing Charlie Brown and Star Wars in the 3rd grade to becoming a full time artist, John Knell knew his path early on. On this week’s episode of the No Stress Midwest Podcast, he shares the exact moment that sparked his passion for creating art and set his creative journey in motion. "For me personally, it feels like the World Cup has given me a big hug.” John Knell opens up about what the World Cup being in Kansas City means for the local fans, how it has inspired  and impacted his artwork, and so much more!  Follow our social media to stay in the loop on upcoming guest! IG: @NoStressMidwest Twitter: @NoStressMidwest Facebook: No Stress Midwest Spotify: No Stress Midwest Podcast Youtube: No Stress Midwest Apple: No Stress Midwest Podcast www.nostressmidwest.com/podcast Follow our social media to stay in the loop on upcoming guest! IG: @NoStressMidwest Twitter: @NoStressMidwest Facebook: No Stress Midwest Spotify: No Stress Midwest Podcast Youtube: No Stress Midwest Apple: No Stress Midwest Podcast www.nostressmidwest.com/podcast

Welcome to Episode 2 of Season 8 of The No Stress Midwest Podcast! And today Clare joins the conversations as she shares her soccer origin story from watching Celtic matches in the mornings as a kid really peaked her interest and although the field wasn’t for Clare she loved the sideline and has made a career out of it! Being there for her brothers really shaped her love for the behind the scenes work which eventually led to her working for a certain World Cup Nation.Clare opens up about her dance journey, drawing surprising parallels between ballet school and elite soccer academies. Hear how that background helps her role managing and supporting Sporting academy today. Follow our social media to stay in the loop on upcoming guest! IG: @NoStressMidwest Twitter: @NoStressMidwest Facebook: No Stress Midwest Spotify: No Stress Midwest Podcast Youtube: No Stress Midwest Apple: No Stress Midwest Podcast www.nostressmidwest.com/podcast

Our Road to the 2026 World Cup Starts now and we’re kicking off our brand new season of The No Stress Midwest Podcast!  To set the stage we have former Costa Rican national team and current goalkeeping coach Mauricio Vargas. In this episode, Mauricio breaks down what it truly means to represent your country on the international stage, the mindset required to compete at the highest level, and guidance from coaches that shaped his career.  Whether you’re a die hard soccer fan or need something now that the World Cup is over. You won’t want to miss his story.  Tune in Saturday on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and YouTube! Follow our social media to stay in the loop on upcoming guest! IG: @NoStressMidwest Twitter: @NoStressMidwest Facebook: No Stress Midwest Spotify: No Stress Midwest Podcast Youtube: No Stress Midwest Apple: No Stress Midwest Podcast www.nostressmidwest.com/podcast

The SEASON 7 FIANLE IS HERE! What a season and what a great group of guests! Season 7 theme is "Becoming a Pro, and Staying a Pro" And our last guest to wrap up the season is Columbus Crew player Christian Ramirez. We dive deep into his journey through professional sports. We talk about the grind of lower league soccer in the US. We talk about his mindset, the grit and determination it took to make it to the MLS, thriving at the highest level of professional soccer, and winning MLS Cup and MLS League Cup trophies. We also discuss getting the call up for the national team and what those national team camps are like.  Thank you for following along with us this season and we cant wait to pick back up with season 8! Follow our social media to stay in the loop on upcoming guest! IG: @NoStressMidwest Twitter: @NoStressMidwest Facebook: No Stress Midwest Spotify: No Stress Midwest Podcast Youtube: No Stress Midwest Apple: No Stress Midwest Podcast www.nostressmidwest.com/podcast Follow our social media to stay in the loop on upcoming guest! IG: @NoStressMidwest Twitter: @NoStressMidwest Facebook: No Stress Midwest Spotify: No Stress Midwest Podcast Youtube: No Stress Midwest Apple: No Stress Midwest Podcast www.nostressmidwest.com/podcast

Season 7 of The No Stress Midwest Podcast is sadly coming to a close with one episode left before the finale. Our guest this week is Zarek Valentin of Minnesota United FC. In this episode we cover what it was like for Zarek playing in college and winning an NCAA Championship with Akron. What that decision to go pro was like, that first contract, and how he was able to sign the dotted line for a second time! We also discuss his playing time over in Norway and what the culture was like compared to the US. Zarek has since retired as a player for MNUFC but is moving into a new role with the club. This is a fun episode to listen to and one you won’t wanna miss!  Follow our social media to stay in the loop on upcoming guest! IG: @NoStressMidwest Twitter: @NoStressMidwest Facebook: No Stress Midwest Spotify: No Stress Midwest Podcast Youtube: No Stress Midwest Apple: No Stress Midwest Podcast www.nostressmidwest.com/podcast Follow our social media to stay in the loop on upcoming guest! IG: @NoStressMidwest Twitter: @NoStressMidwest Facebook: No Stress Midwest Spotify: No Stress Midwest Podcast Youtube: No Stress Midwest Apple: No Stress Midwest Podcast www.nostressmidwest.com/podcast

Episode 7 of The No Stress Midwest Podcast is here, and we are lucky to be joined by 2019 MLS Cup & 2022 CONCACAF Champions League Winner Will Bruin! Will has had a storied MLS career, playing for 13 seasons and winning 3 trophies, one of those at the national level. We discuss how Will began playing soccer, all the way until he decided to retire. We go over some of his personal achievements, as well as diving into winning MLS Cup and talk about which trophy is his favorite. We also talk about retired life, what that’s like, and the transition from playing everyday to “normal life”. This is a jam packed episode and one you won’t wanna miss! Check it out Saturday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube at No Stress Midwest Podcast. Follow our social media to stay in the loop on upcoming guest! IG: @NoStressMidwest Twitter: @NoStressMidwest Facebook: No Stress Midwest Spotify: No Stress Midwest Podcast Youtube: No Stress Midwest Apple: No Stress Midwest Podcast www.nostressmidwest.com/podcast Follow our social media to stay in the loop on upcoming guest! IG: @NoStressMidwest Twitter: @NoStressMidwest Facebook: No Stress Midwest Spotify: No Stress Midwest Podcast Youtube: No Stress Midwest Apple: No Stress Midwest Podcast www.nostressmidwest.com/podcast

Episode 6 of The No Stress Midwest Podcast is now live! Our guest, none other than Marissa Sheva, formally of the Portland Thorns (NWSL) and Ireland international!  Marissa and I talk about her journey through college at Penn. State University (as a standout soccer player and track runner), getting that first contract, and overcoming adversity of a serious injury for her second contract. We also talk about what it’s like to step foot on the World Cup stage with your national team. This will be an episode you don’t want to miss! Follow our social media to stay in the loop on upcoming guest! IG: @NoStressMidwest Twitter: @NoStressMidwest Facebook: No Stress Midwest Spotify: No Stress Midwest Podcast Youtube: No Stress Midwest Apple: No Stress Midwest Podcast www.nostressmidwest.com/podcast Follow our social media to stay in the loop on upcoming guest! IG: @NoStressMidwest Twitter: @NoStressMidwest Facebook: No Stress Midwest Spotify: No Stress Midwest Podcast Youtube: No Stress Midwest Apple: No Stress Midwest Podcast www.nostressmidwest.com/podcast

The No Stress Midwest Podcast is back with Episode 5 of Season 7! Today's episode we are joined by the talented Tyler Freeman. Tyler has been a professional since the age of 15! We talk to him about what the pressure is like at such a young age, the expectations that come with that, and the grind it takes to move from academy to first team player. If you’ve ever wondered about the the pathway from academy to professional, this will be an episode you don’t wanna miss!  We take a sneak peak into the moment Tyler knew he wanted to become a professional and the moment he became a professional. We also get a glimpse into what it’s like working to be a professional and what it takes to become one. Listen to what Tyler says in his own words about his journey to the top. Subscribe to the channel for more exclusive conversation with professionals and to stay up to date with new episodes!  Follow our social media to stay in the loop on upcoming guest! IG: @NoStressMidwest Twitter: @NoStressMidwest Facebook: No Stress Midwest Spotify: No Stress Midwest Podcast Youtube: No Stress Midwest Apple: No Stress Midwest Podcast www.nostressmidwest.com/podcast Follow our social media to stay in the loop on upcoming guest! IG: @NoStressMidwest Twitter: @NoStressMidwest Facebook: No Stress Midwest Spotify: No Stress Midwest Podcast Youtube: No Stress Midwest Apple: No Stress Midwest Podcast www.nostressmidwest.com/podcast

In this weeks episode (4) of The No Stress Midwest Podcast we are fortunate enough to be joined by Wilson Harris, a striker for Louisville FC of the USL Championship. Wilson is the youngest  player to net 60 USL Championship goals. We peek into his mind and see what it takes to get to 40-50 goal seasons. Check out the full episode for a more in depth look behind the person. We talk about what it’s like signing that first pro contract and what it takes to get the second contract, and go from that to a prolific striker in the league at such a young age. Subscribe to the channel for more exclusive conversation with professionals and to stay up to date with new episodes!  Follow our social media to stay in the loop on upcoming guest! IG: @NoStressMidwest Twitter: @NoStressMidwest Facebook: No Stress Midwest Spotify: No Stress Midwest Podcast Youtube: No Stress Midwest Apple: No Stress Midwest Podcast www.nostressmidwest.com/podcast Follow our social media to stay in the loop on upcoming guest! IG: @NoStressMidwest Twitter: @NoStressMidwest Facebook: No Stress Midwest Spotify: No Stress Midwest Podcast Youtube: No Stress Midwest Apple: No Stress Midwest Podcast www.nostressmidwest.com/podcast

Welcome back for episode 3 of The No Stress Midwest Podcast Season 7, where we are talking to professional athletes on what it takes to become a professional athlete and stay a professional. Today’s episode we are joined by none other than USL League One Back to Back Golden Glove winner, Sean Lewis. In this exciting episode we talk about Sean’s journey through his college playing days, what lead him to playing in Australia, and eventually coming back to the US to play at the professional level. We talk about the mental journey as well as the physical journey of what it takes to play goalkeeper at the highest level. We hope you enjoy this episode and appreciate everyone tuning in!  Subscribe to the channel for more exclusive conversation with professionals and to stay up to date with new episodes!  Follow our social media to stay in the loop on upcoming guest! IG: @NoStressMidwest Twitter: @NoStressMidwest Facebook: No Stress Midwest Spotify: No Stress Midwest Podcast Youtube: No Stress Midwest Apple: No Stress Midwest Podcast www.nostressmidwest.com/podcast Follow our social media to stay in the loop on upcoming guest! IG: @NoStressMidwest Twitter: @NoStressMidwest Facebook: No Stress Midwest Spotify: No Stress Midwest Podcast Youtube: No Stress Midwest Apple: No Stress Midwest Podcast www.nostressmidwest.com/podcast

Welcome back everyone to Season 7 of The No Stress Midwest Podcast  and thank you for joining us today. Our guest is Junior Kazeem, a player for the KC Comets in the MASL (Major Arena Soccer League). We talk about his upbringing in England, how he got to the states, playing in college, and what the MASL has been like.  Junior takes us through his journey, the highs, the lows, and everything that comes with the drive and passion to get to the top. We hope you enjoy this episode and thank you for joining. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more content. Cheers! Follow our social media to stay in the loop on upcoming guest! IG: @NoStressMidwest Twitter: @NoStressMidwest Facebook: No Stress Midwest Spotify: No Stress Midwest Podcast Youtube: No Stress Midwest Apple: No Stress Midwest Podcast www.nostressmidwest.com/podcast Follow our social media to stay in the loop on upcoming guest! IG: @NoStressMidwest Twitter: @NoStressMidwest Facebook: No Stress Midwest Spotify: No Stress Midwest Podcast Youtube: No Stress Midwest Apple: No Stress Midwest Podcast www.nostressmidwest.com/podcast