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James Bird is a writer, editor and lifelong football obsessive. From growing up in Wolverhampton and spoken-word nights, to building an independent magazine from a bedroom in Paris and spending a decade shaping Mundial, James traces the restless creative instinct behind his work. He reflects on leaving London for Milan, fatherhood, freelance life and the pull of finally writing a novel. We also talk football’s enduring magic, creative community, resisting hierarchy, and why aspiring writers should keep knocking on doors. This is a conversation about making things, backing yourself and staying true to what you love. Enjoy!

Charlie Hood is, among a hundred things, the co-owner of The Volley in London and founder of (A)WAY – a paper about football. He shares how a sculpture degree, Brick Lane gallery, and a near-constant string of side projects led him from skateboard art and zines to running a football bar in Old Street and publishing a magazine about the game’s culture, travel, and irreverence. Along the way, he explains why books and magazines still matter, how print can capture an ethos that social media never will, and why the best football experiences are often found found far, far away from the Premier League spotlight. For anyone wondering what direction to head in life, Charlie's journey is evidence that going where your nose takes you often leads to exciting things. Enjoy! -- More from Charlie at Easy Days Studio

Zoe Allen is a Publicist, Writer, and Presenter living in New York City. She shares how a Substack experiment and a single DM led to work with Versus, a front row seat at the World Cup and a deeper belief in why the game matters. We unpack her path into sports media – a mix of luck, hustle, and saying 'Yes' before you feel ready – the beauty in building relationships in the football space, and turning those connections into opportunities. Zoe also opens up about the emotional side of the game - the collective energy of stadiums, the memories football creates, and the women’s game as a space where she found both inspiration and belonging. Enjoy! ---- More from Zoe here

Hola Epuipo. A quick explanation (that you didn't ask for) behind the brief recording hiatus. Back soon. JF

Domo Wells is a Creative Director and Founder of LA-based sports apparel and design company, Dead Dirt. She shares her journey from childhood sketches and cutting up Barbie Clothes, to designing groundbreaking apparel for NWSL, revealing how self-confidence and a fearless desire to challenge the status quo fuelled her evolution. Drawing from her streetwear roots, experiences as a touring DJ, and deep passion for regional culture, Domo developed a distinctive style that has helped craft authentic, impactful identities. There’s also a mini skin-care tutorial thrown in there. If you’re an aspiring designer or entrepreneur, this episode is your blueprint for following your purpose and redefining what's possible. Enjoy!

Kyle Sheldon is an award-winning marketing veteran with two decades of experience in pro sports and founder of Name & Number, America’s only soccer (sorry UK listeners) specific creative agency.  We walk along his career path, from first day in the door at D.C United, to today as CEO of his own company, stopping off everywhere in between. Including NASCAR! Kyle shares his experiences from stints at MLS’s finest, what he’s learned from his W’s and L’s, and gives an insight into what it takes to succeed in the industry and make it meaningful in the process. Enjoy!

Between Clean Sheets founder, Cheyenne Foster, shares her transformative journey from a political career in DC to living and traveling in a van across the US. We discuss how she navigates the challenges of content creation, authenticity, and the capitalist nature of sports while embracing a life of freedom and purpose.  It’s a journey from a life mapped out and golf course meetings, to a nomadic lifestyle centred around community.  She discusses the impact of her new lifestyle on her mental health, her views on sports infrastructure, and we bond over shared tears over stolen bikes… in our thirties.  Enjoy! You can find more from Cheyenne on YouTube, Instagram, and X

In this episode I speak with photographer and director, George Cotterhill. We explore the intersection of parenthood and entrepreneurship, discussing the challenges and rewards of balancing family life with running a creative business. George shares his journey from quantity surveying to filmmaking, detailing the birth of his production company, Rhoda Pond Productions, and the evolution of his work in sports content. He highlights the importance of emotional storytelling, building relationships in the industry, and the continuous learning process that comes with creative work and the significance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Enjoy! Takeaways • Parenthood brings unique challenges to entrepreneurship. Creative journeys often start from unexpected events.Building relationships is key in the creative industry.Emotional storytelling enhances video content.Learning on the job is invaluable for skill development.Transitioning to sports content can open new opportunities.Balancing work and family requires boundaries.Staying fit helps maintain mental clarity for work.Social media can be both a tool and a distraction.Documentary filmmaking offers a deeper connection to subjects.

Kelvin Quagraine is the Head of Brand at Art Of, the fan-led sports brand defining the culture of fan communities He shares his journey from aspiring footballer to influential figure in the football community, discussing the impact of dual interests in football and drama on his identity. We discuss the cultural significance of football, the evolution of fandom, and the importance of mental health and self-awareness.  Kelvyn also highlights his work with  the Art Of brand, emphasising the need for creativity and reflection in both personal and professional life. Enjoy!  Takeaways Kelvyn's journey into football began with a passion for the game and performance.The duality of interests in football and drama shaped Kelvyn's identity.Fluidity in interests can protect mental health and foster resilience.Football is not just a sport; it's a cultural phenomenon that connects people.Players are increasingly exploring interests beyond football, enriching their identities.Art and fashion can serve as powerful expressions of football fandom.Education in football can help combat social issues and empower youth.Self-awareness and reflection are crucial for personal growth and creativity.Injury can lead to new paths and opportunities for self-discovery.Radical rest is essential for maintaining creativity and mental well-being. Chapters 02:40 Journey into Football and Performance 07:43 The Impact of Dual Interests on Identity 09:56 Understanding Football as a Cultural Phenomenon 14:18 The Evolution of Football Fandom 18:08 Art of: Merging Football and Fashion 26:11 Involvement with Football Beyond Borders 31:34 The Role of Education in Football 34:17 Influences and Self-Awareness 40:04 Navigating Injury and Mental Health 41:54 Creativity and Reflection in Work 48:21 Exploring Psychedelics and Creativity

Alexis Guerreros is a comedian from Newark, New Jersey. He shares his unique journey from corporate America to the world of stand-up, sports fandom, and content creation as co-founder of Soccer Cooligans.  We discuss growing up in New Jersey, how that planted the seeds of his passion for the game and formed the skills that would go on to make him a success in both a corporate and stand-up environment.  Alexis explains how his passions intersect, the importance in that, and the lessons learned along the way about authenticity, risk-taking, and building a vibrant community. He also hates Elvis. Hates him.  Enjoy! Key Topics:Alexis’ transition from corporate VP to comedian and content creatorThe influence of football and sports culture on his comedy and media venturesBuilding authentic, multi-dimensional personal brandsNavigating identity and validation in entertainment and sportsThe importance of diversifying passions for personal fulfilmentCreating engaging content that blends humour with sports insightsThe impact of family, heritage, and international experiences on brandingHow embracing individuality and passion leads to unexpected successTimestamps:02:38 - Growing up in Newark and the multicultural sports culture 06:20 - The influence of childhood and immigrant communities on football fandom 11:05 - Building a media brand: Kooligans and content strategy 15:28 - Early moments of success and fan engagement at live matches 20:09 - Navigating identity in the corporate and entertainment worlds 26:15 - The importance of authenticity and finding your niche 32:48 - Diversifying passions: food, football, and media opportunities 37:22 - The evolution of Alexis’ goals and mindset for future growth 44:22 - How external validation shapes confidence and brand development 55:12 - The role of validation in entertainment vs. personal fulfilment 62:13 - Reflections on the World Cup and Alexis’ heritage 67:25 - The importance of adapting ambition and embracing new opportunities

Hi team, The podcast is taking a break until January. Until then, plenty to keep you occupied with 100 conversations in the back catalogue. Thank you for the support this year and those previous. See you on the other side. JF

Alexis James returns to discuss the process behind Off-Field, a bumper anthology of long form sports storytelling that explores hidden heroes, niche subcultures, and uncharted communities across the world. Listeners can use NPLH10 at checkout to enjoy a 10% discount on all orders.

Sam Diss is a writer and strategist from East London with a client list that'll make your eyes water – Arsenal, AC Milan and Barcelona blah blah blah. He explores the balance between personal authenticity and industry demands, reflecting on the importance of collaboration and embracing your unique voice. This is a candid conversation where Sam reflects on his journey of self-discovery within the creative industry, discussing the highs and lows of his career and how vulnerability and self-awareness can lead to profound insights and meaningful connections in the world of creativity. And of course, there's Mundial. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Judah Negron is a multi-threat creative, ministerial pastor and founder of North Dakotan football brand, Far Out FC. He shares his journey as a creative, exploring interests in art, sports, and faith, discusses the importance of family in nurturing his individuality and emphasises the transformative power of his faith in Christ, which helped him rediscover joy in creative pursuits leading him to his very own ‘Field of Dreams.’ Judah highlights the unique challenges of building an equally unique brand in a “far out” place, showing us there should be no limits on creativity based on location It’s a journey of clarity and dedication that took him from Minot, North Dakota to the World stage with Auckland City. Enjoy! Takeaways Creative identity is multifaceted and can encompass various interests.Family support plays a crucial role in nurturing creativity.Faith can provide a strong foundation for personal identity and self-worth.Struggles with identity can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself.Rediscovering joy in creative pursuits is essential for fulfilment.The concept of 'far out' can inspire individuals from less recognised places.Pursuing mastery in various crafts can lead to personal growth.Art and sports can coexist in a person's identity.Creating opportunities for oneself is vital in a competitive landscape.Authenticity in relationships is key to personal happiness. Judah launched Far Out with his brother Elisha, emphasising brotherhood in their creative journey.His passion for Auckland City FC led to a life-changing experience at the FIFA Club World Cup.The Far Out Summer Invitational was a grassroots soccer tournament that fostered community.Judah's authenticity and love for soccer have opened doors to unique opportunities.He faced challenges in organising the tournament but prioritised love for the game over profit.The support from Adidas transformed the scale of the Far Out Summer Invitational.Judah's journey highlights the importance of being true to oneself in pursuing passions.He believes that being in a less conventional location can refine one's creative focus.The design of the tournament cup was inspired by rustic elements, making it unique.Judah's story encourages others to pursue their passions regardless of external validation.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben Pagel is the founder and award-winning Creative Director of Brooklyn-based Astral Studio. He takes on a tour of his inspiring career path, from humble beginnings in a London souvenir shop to leading an international creative studio in the Big Apple. His journey is a testament to seizing opportunities and embracing the unknown. And with new venture, Kickback Soccer Media, on the horizon, Ben continues to push boundaries with passion and authenticity. Aiming to reshape the North American soccer narrative, Ben and his teammates are creating a platform built by the American soccer community for the American Soccer community. All, most importantly, whilst having some fun. Trying to anyway. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.