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Published by Joseph Fordham
Welcome to NPLH Studio home of conversations with the creative minds shaping the world’s game. From photographers and filmmakers to grassroots organisers and cultural storytellers, we go beyond the pitch to uncover the people moving the game forward. I’m your host, Joseph Fordham, Thanks for tuning in — Let’s get into it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On the charts
Every published chart this podcast appears in, in the snapshot behind this page. Each one links to the chart it came off.
The Mato Topic Intelligence Platform does not report this podcast as charting in a published category in this snapshot.
From the feed
The latest episodes published to this podcast’s own RSS feed. Titles and descriptions are the publisher’s.
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 creator The influence of football and sports culture on his comedy and media ventures Building authentic, multi-dimensional personal brands Navigating identity and validation in entertainment and sports The importance of diversifying passions for personal fulfilment Creating engaging content that blends humour with sports insights The impact of family, heritage, and international experiences on branding How embracing individuality and passion leads to unexpected success Timestamps: 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.
Nicolas Polo is a film photographer based in Washington DC. Together we explore the multifaceted world of photography, discussing personal connections, the impact of film versus digital, and the emotional depth captured through the lens. Nicolas shares his journey of becoming a photographer, the significance of cultural identity, and the balance between documenting moments and being present in them. He reflects on his transition from a stable corporate job to pursuing his passion full-time, emphasising the importance of community engagement and teaching. We also delve into the creative processes involved in photography, including the meditative aspects of darkroom work and the significance of storytelling. Journalling, self-reflection, personal growth, we touch on all that too. Enjoy! Takeaways Photography allows for deep personal connections. Film photography offers a unique emotional depth. Capturing family moments can evoke strong memories. The journey into photography often starts unexpectedly. Cultural identity plays a significant role in artistic expression. The act of photographing can be a form of self-reflection. Presence in the moment is crucial for meaningful photography. Each photographer has a unique perspective shaped by their experiences. The balance between documenting and living in the moment is challenging. Artistic expression is about finding one's voice. Nicolas transitioned from a corporate job to full-time photography. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement in his work. Teaching photography has become a significant part of his career. Darkroom photography offers a meditative and flow state experience. Storytelling is a powerful tool in photography and other creative fields. Journaling helps in self-reflection and personal growth. Nicolas draws inspiration from various sources, including music and literature. He believes in the importance of intention behind creative work. The immigrant work ethic drives his determination and success. Nicolas values the connections he makes through his photography. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
James Gamlin is founder and editor of Escapismo , the magazine capturing the beauty and romance of the game. He discusses the magazine's evolution, from a one-off Father’s Day gift to its most recent form of a love letter to Real Betis and the joy of Spanish football. James shares the struggles of wearing ‘all the hats’ in a magazine's production journey and his learnings from them, as well as the dedication to self-improvement for the good of the publication. A new contender for ‘nicest guy in showbiz’, James’ enthusiasm and love for the game will reinforce yours. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Laura Gates is a freelance sport and events photographer based in the North West of England. Oh and an Evertonian! We discuss her ongoing body of work around the club, the opportunities that have come from within it, and how it all started with an iPhone. Laura talks of the value in women supporting women in a male-dominated space and the greater creative community in the Liverpool area. We also run through her evolving career as a photographer, the importance of embracing new challenges and the ongoing relationship between her and her beloved Everton. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dave Murray is an English guitaris t , best known as a member of the heavy metal band Iron Maiden. Wait, that’s not right. Dave Murray is an award-winning, Toronto-based illustrator with a client list including, Major League Baseball, The National Hockey League, and FIFA. He talks us through from the very beginning in a pulp and paper mill to becoming a renowned illustrator, as well as the intricacies that come with teaching the creatives of the future. We also cover his passion for sports, art, and the impact of AI on the creative industry and how he might just be the most inked man in the field. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Pablo Maurer is a writer with a unique and encouraging back story: After failing high school, he became a mechanic before a career transition into writing during his 30’s. Some pivot! He discusses the therapeutic nature of solitude, the impact of his Spanish heritage on his love for the game, and the emotional complexities of working in sports journalism. He also reflects on childhood interests, the value of retaining curiosity and adventure in life, and offers advice for the aspiring writers out there. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hey team, I'll be taking an extended break 'til August. If you're new here there's plenty to keep you going across 92 episodes whilst I put the mic on ice, recharge the batteries, and butter up some more talent to talk about their work, feelings and sometimes football. See you on the other side. JF Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ranking source
Apple Podcasts rankings via the Mato Topic Intelligence Platform.
Observed September 10, 2026. Cached outside the daily freshness window; the positions keep the date they were taken on.
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