America the Beautiful Game

In a rare crossover episode, we combine American the Beautiful Game and United States of Dramerica and talk about football while drinking whisky.The guest is Danny Stone, head coach of Orange County Soccer Club.He drinks a Glenlivet 15 and we talk about the impact of the World Cup in America, his coaching strengths and weaknesses and his love for the game here in the States.We talk about his family's performance background, his skills as an orator and being hit by a golf ball struck by a whisky company CEO.We cover coaching ambitions, the pay to play model for young players and why he wants to share a bourbon with Frank Sinatra in Vegas.

We talk to the hugely impressive Peter Moore about his transition from CEO of the mighty Liverpool to founding Santa Barbara Sky in the USL Championship.He talks about the growth of opportunities in America, building a club from scratch and the importance of community whatever the size of the team.Peter explains why he and his wife wanted to undertake this opportunity, what Santa Barbara has to offer and the power of the badge.He describes his 4 C's of leadership, the balance between international growth at Liverpool and keeping the fans happy and whether Oprah will be coming to watch Sky games.A fascinating discussion about the passion of sport.

We talk to Andrew Fox, Orange County Soccer Club defender and legendary trivia figure.We talk about his unconventional journey to the USL, playing non-league in England, college scholarship in Texas, back to the English Football League before back to America.We also talk about his red card for Grimsby Town against Crystal Palace - the first player in the UK to be sent off following a VAR review.Fox tells us the detail of this extraordinary career footnote, why he loves football in the US and we talk promotion/relegation and fan banter.

We talk to soccer ticketing consultant Jim McCarthy.We talk about why top football teams aren't better at ticketing, the Messi and Caitlin Clark impacts in American sport and how Championship teams in England have their models wrong.We discuss stadium seating areas, why ticketing is important and how he has turned bagel knowledge to Goldstar tickets to football.

We talk to former flying winger Gareth Ainsworth about his playing and managerial career.He tells us about his literal baptism of fire at Wimbledon, what he learned there about culture and how he models himself on Diego Simeone.Gareth talks about his desire to manage in the US, the away dressing room at Accrington Stanley and why Ryan Reynolds made such a brave choice at Wrexham.We cover promotion and relegation, causing havoc against Newcastle and his love of music - and performances with The Cold Blooded Hearts.A fun chat with a real character of the game.

We talk to entrepreneur Simon Leslie who took the plunge and bought himself a non-league team.He talks about transforming the business into a media company, bringing in celebrities and overcoming fan resistance.Simon explains why he's in it for the long haul, changing the badge and firing the manager and trying to bring some aspects of American sport to the National League South.He tells us about his long term ambitions, how everyone told him not to buy the club and beating Manchester United to a  new shirt sponsor.Fascinating insight into sports ownership by an extraordinary entrepreneur.

I talk to Sacramento Republic boss Ashley Horsley. We talk about the excitement of running a soccer team, what a non-sports job can teach you about sports and what an Open Cup run do for a team.We talk about women in sport, the public nature of the job and trying to conduct a business conversation during a match.Data in sport, cheering the front office team up after a loss and growing the team in a tough business environment are all covered in our wide-ranging conversation.

Today is Open Cup day and we speak to Cody Copper, former US Youth and MLS keeper now plying his trade for Orange County Soccer Club.He talks about the magic of the cup, returning to an MLS stadium and why the USL is such a growing league.He tells us about his time in England with Ipswich and Southampton, having bags of urine thrown at him in Guatemala and why America crowds are meaner to goalkeepers.We talk about MK Dons and how much he knew about their franchise story, conceding 13 goals in two games for Mew England and which goals haunt him.A fascinating insight into the mind of a goalkeeper with transatlantic experience.

We talk to ex-player and now leading commentator and analyst Devon Kerr.Together we reminisce about Orange County's 2021 USL Championship victory, the growth of the US game and how much the young American player's experience abroad has changed.We talk about cherishing victories, emotionless commentary and deep research.Devon tells us about his time playing in Germany, training with great players and his move to the commentary box.We talk passion for the game, the growth of the USL and a long discussion about promotion and relegation.A great discussion with a genuine soccer enthusiast.

We talk to the hilarious and fascinating Mark Donaldson, long-time ESPN commentator.We talk to editing radio with a knife, the first team ever to beat the New York Cosmos and writing four sports books.He tells us about his love for Hearts, the importance of Succession to the club's growth, covering American sports as a Scotsman and who will be the next USMNT coach.Fun, fascinating and nostalgic in equal measure.

We talk to LA Times soccer writer Kevin Baxter.We talk the battle for LA supremacy, the rise and fall of LA Galaxy and his love of Manchester City - and his car.He tells us about his reluctant move away from baseball reporting, how his wife shamed into improving his soccer coverage and the use of statistics in covering sports.We talk World Cups, women's football and America's chances in 2026.A romp through the world of soccer and sports journalism with one of the best in the business.

We talk to the effervescent Adam Richman, former host of Man vs Food and a true football lover.He tells us why he chose Spurs, why he bought shares in Grimsby and why he is the shirt sponsor of charity football side Broadley FC.We go deep into fandom, growth of the game in America and why he gets trolled for ten year old tweets about West Ham.Adam assesses America's World Cup chances, talks about football stars in commercials and we have a brief discussion about food at football stadia.A fun chat with a real football guy.

We talk to legendary AFC Wimbledon Commercial Director Ivor Heller.He talks about the franchising of the club, his involvement from day one and why he fell in love with Wimbledon.He describes the chance sponsorship deal with Football Manager, the extraordinary relationship with American influencer John Green and the broad appeal of the club well beyond the usual League 1/2 reach.Ivor tells us about Wimbledon's plans for the future, the mascot on a stag do/bachelor party and the old legends who still attend games.A discussion about righteous indignation, the support of the broader football community and one man's love for his club.

We talk to ex-player, entrepreneur and now Teqball CEO Ajay Nwosu.He explains what Teqball is, why David Beckham loves it and how the best women can beat international male players.He tells us how many MLS, Premier League and even NHL clubs use it and the work he is doing to get the sport into the 2028 Olympics.Ajay tells us about his short playing career, his move to the US and rates his own Teqball ability.A fascinating insight into a global phenomenon.

We talk to British veteran broadcaster Adrian Healey.He talks about his time calling games for the New England Revolution, ESPN and now Austin FC.We talk about the birth of MLS, PKs vs penalties and the importance and joy of supporting League 2 clubs.We also cover home vs neutral commentary, monitors vs live games and celebrity ownership.Adrian talks about the US' World Cup chances, the growth of the game and working with a newly-formed club.

We talk to former pro footballer, technical director at Stoke City and now the USL's Sporting Director.We talk about the potential of the league's young players, the record breaking transfer of teenage sensation Kobi Henry to France and a possible move of the USL to the European calendar.Mark talks about winning a college national championship, the potential of the US winning the next World Cup and what Ted Lasso and the Wrexham takeover have done for football here.We talk promotion and relegation, baseball fields for football and the youth pay to play model.An insightful chat about the future of US football by someone who is helping develop it.

I talk to actor, writer, producer and transatlantic football fan Jim Piddock.Jim tells us about attending the first ever Galaxy game (with an actor on the bench), the first LAFC game and how much American soccer has moved on since those early days.He talks about the impact of the Premier League, how clubs like Palace are now universally recognized and how Ted Lasso is strengthening the brand of football in this country. He even tells the story of his time performing a one-man show about a football goalkeeper in the 1980s in Northern California.We discuss the joy of watching new clubs in America and how there is plenty of space for fans to watch and support both US and UK teams and how he dreams of a day when US fans pass on clubs to their children.Commercialization of the game, cheerleaders and hockey-style penalties are also discussed.

Statistics, data and innovation in sport.We talk to Sanjit Atwal, the co-founder of award-winning agency Halfspace.We discuss data-led marketing in sport, how far behind the industry is compared to e-commerce and how he is trying to change that.Sanjit defines a 'sports fan', the importance of authentic sponsorships and the growth opportunities for both brands and rights holders.We discuss the future of partnerships, the importance of data and building a sports business.An insightful discussion about fans, data and growing sports properties and brands.We even discuss my hometown club Sutton United!

We talk to Orange County Soccer Club defender Rob Kiernan.The former Rangers, Watford and Wigan player talks about making the transition to the US, his memories of playing at Ibrox and helping the next generation of young US players.Rob talks about the quality of the youth system in the UK, what he learned as a youth at Watford and doing the extra "1%s" that make a difference.He remembers his time in Scotland, the enormity of Old Firm games and his career highlights over there.And he talks about the US, the huge potential, the off-field activities for fans and how hard it is to play in Vegas when over 100 degrees.

We talk to former Burnley, West Brom, Ipswich and Southampton midfielder Richard Chaplow.Now interim head coach at Orange County SC of the USL, the former England U-21 international talks about taking the reins in California, transitioning from team captain to coaching and why he moved to the US.He talks about the fine system in British dressing rooms, Gazza playing tricks on the manager at Burnley and playing against Christiano Ronaldo.Richard talks about the USL rivalry with San Diego, playing with Adam Lallana and the thrill of making his pro debut.We talk green cards, taking pay cuts to move to America and why the college system needs changing to help the US develop future talents.

We talk to Paul Hardyman, on secondment with Orange County SC from Rangers. He compares youth development in the US and in the UK, talks about the key lessons for young players and why he's taken on the challenge of working in the USL.Paul's talks about being told he wouldn't make it by his career advisor at school and then going on and playing for England U-23s and even appearing in the FA Cup Final - and being mistakenly given a winners' medal.The former Portsmouth and Sunderland player talks about what it was like to play in the 80s and 90s, the rough tackles, the hard pitches and the no nonsense attitudes.And he explains what lessons he learns to now pass on to young players and what he hopes to achieve with Orange County this season.

We talk to Richard Hyde, the British Consul General based in Texas.A keen Liverpool fan, he talks about England's defeat to Italy, the racism that followed the game but then the outpouring of support that followed.We talk about poorly-behaved England fans, how much better things are nowadays and the risks of social media giving a voice to those who don't deserve it.He talks about his experiences watching John Barnes as a young Liverpool fan, the racism he saw then and being on the beach in Marseilles when England fans rioted in 1998.A candid and insightful discussion with a modern diplomat about racism in Britain and how he is proud how the country reacted to it.

We talk to former Danish World Cup player Thomas Enevoldsen about his team-mate Christian Eriksen, what it was like to watch him collapse and see his countrymen play so soon afterwards.He tells about Champions League football, playing in a World Cup and playing without fans.Thomas talks about US football, why he loves Orange County and his regrets at not coming to America earlier in his career.

We talk to author and passionate football fan John Green.He explains why he detests greed in football, why MLS needs relegation and his disappointment in Liverpool's participation in the European Super League.John describes the sense of community at AFC Wimbledon, how it's the only crowd he feels comfortable in and how he tells the story (regularly) at dinner party's.We discuss his perennial disappointment with the US men's national  team, the success of the women's team and his interest in the USL.He tells us how ‘English James' at his middle school got him in to football and Liverpool, the problem with the pay-to-play system and we discuss taking our Dads to Wembley for the League Two play-off final.

We talk to David Mayer, author and podcaster, about his playing career with Blackburn and Wigan and then two different Division One colleges, the injuries that ended his career and why he become inspired to give back to the game.We examine the difference between coaching systems in the UK and the US, the extraordinary facilities at colleges in the US and the different routes American players have taken to reach the top of the game in Europe.David talks about the advantages and disadvantages of the pay-to-play system in the US, tells us the three biggest learnings he's had from interviewing sports leaders on his podcast and how Wycombe Wanderers have built such a strong team ethic.A thoughtful and insightful interview from one of the increasingly strong voices in the coaching community.

We speak to Jacqui Oatley, the first female Match of the Day commentator and a leading advocate for women's football and women in broadcasting.We reminisce about sharing a press box at Bradford Park Avenue in 2003, discuss her journey from non-league to World Cups and Champions League and why it's so important to be authentic - even if that means interviewing Sam Allardyce with Peppa Pig stickers in her hair.She explains how she would have prepared for that first Match of the Day commentary differently, why her non-league start gives her an important grounding in the days of European Super League greed and talks through how far women's football has come - and why it is unfairly maligned given the struggles female players had to go through.An insightful and powerful interview from a trailblazing broadcaster (and Wolves fan).

We talk to Neil Smythe, Media/Operations Director at the football disruptors Hashtag United.He gives remarkable insight of how Hashtag United came about and then rose to having one of the largest social media followings in European football.We talk why the club has appeal in America, the stardom of their players, both the benefits and the scrutiny that brings.We talk sharing a kit manufacturer with Southampton and Everton, taking non-league football seriously and how their less famous opponents treat them and the publicity they bring.A fascinating tale of social media, grassroots football and one man's dream coming true.

We talk to writer, producer and soccer tech Julian Stone.We talk about soccer in television and film, why Ted Lasso is so good and why overhead kicks aren't always the best things to film.Julian talks about working with some of the game's biggest stars in commercials, the importance of narrative and story to a soccer team and the wide variety of shirts you see at American soccer games.We talk to the greed of European Soccer League, and why its creation was inevitable given the money in the game and why promotion and relegation is needed in America.And we discuss the finer points of Escape to Victory.

We talk to fellow Brit and long-term broadcaster Sophie Nicolaou.The Beckham effect, the change in profile of women's football and watching soccer the American way, are all covered in this lively discussion by two soccer-loving ex-pats.Sophie talks about her love of Arsenal, how MLS has grown and we discuss whether the women's club game would grow more quickly if the team's were affiliated to existing men's clubs.We also talk about MLS rivalries, Zlatan and the rise of the USL.

In a special crossover episode we combine United States of Dramerica and America the Beautiful Game. We talk to whisky lover and soccer expert Oliver Wyss. The former Swiss international youth player, coach, agent and soccer tech is now the President of Soccer at Orange County Soccer Club in the United Soccer League.We talk about the controversial new European Super League, his love of wine and then whisky and the state of soccer in the United States.Oliver tells us about working on Playing for Keeps with Gerard Butler, being sold expensive whisky at Glasgow airport and how much he enjoys work Orange County's partner club Glasgow Rangers.He talks about the transformation of US soccer, its continued shortcomings but also how they might win a World Cup in 2030.And why he wants to share a Bruichladdich Black Art with Michael Jordan.

We talk to ex-player and broadcaster Warren Barton.He talks about the importance of sport during the pandemic, how much the US game has improved in recent years on and off the field but how the college system needs to improve to better prepare young players.We talk about how playing for Wimbledon would have been good preparation for stadiums without crowds, why a coaching weakness cost the US a place at the Olympics and how far ahead the women's game is in America, although Europe is starting to catch up.A deep and insightful conversation with the former Newcastle legend who has been a stalwart of sports broadcasting over here for many years.

We talk to founder and CEO of sports betting company Smarkets Jason Trost. He talks about the betting landscape in the UK, why companies are being put under pressure by regulators, and the failure of the industry to offer fair prices. And he gives his views on the US betting scene, what's legal, what's coming and where soccer sits in all of that.Jason talks about the link between participation and betting volumes, how soccer has some natural benefits that will help it grow in the US and we compare how odds are presented in the US and the UK.An honest assessment about a fast growing sector and its relationship to sports.

We talk to Ryan Bailey, digital content creator and AFC Wimbledon fan.In a podcast of comparisons, we talk about the evolution of the fan experience in the US, how much American fans love FIFA and the authenticity of fans of new clubs.We explore the strength of the US national sides, when the men's team will challenge for the World Cup and whether they will ever match the women's team's success.We also cover family friendly experiences, the need to build events around games and how soccer has become such a big part of the conversation in American sports.And with two AFC Wimbledon fans on one podcast, we can't but help talk about the story of our club, our celebrity fan John Green and his extraordinary story of involvement and the principle of franchising.A good romp through the US soccer scene with two very excited Englishmen - including answering the question, who will get further in the next two men's World Cups, USA or England?

We talk to the extraordinary Thomas Gronnemark. He's coached throw-ins for Ajax, FC Midtjylland, RB Leipzig, Atlanta United and, perhaps most famously, Liverpool.The former track and field and bobsled athlete talks about his obsession with throw-ins, 'trying to change the world of soccer' with better technique and what it was like working with Jurgen Klopp's team.He describes how he uses the NBA, art work and even flocks of birds to find inspiration for space creation techniques and why American players will be more receptive to throw-in coaching as they are used to being more analytical.Thomas, the previous world record holder for the longest throw-in, describes his brief stint with Atlanta United, why the MLS (like so many leagues around the world) has a very poor standard of throw-ins and why Arsene Wenger is wrong to consider scrapping throw-ins and replacing them with kicks.A passionate discussion with an unorthodox coach who wants to revolutionize how soccer is played, one throw-in at a time.www.thomasgronnemark.com/free 

In our first episode we talk to Gary Gibson of Rangers FC.  He explains why the Scottish champions have invested so heavily in their international programs, the importance of outreach and what can be learned from working with clubs abroad.He talks about the US, how it is the next great frontier for a new generation of players and explains his club's partnership with Orange County Soccer Club.Gary also tells his own story of playing with a variety of different Scottish clubs and then coaching with them too before moving to the club he supports and what he learned from that experience.He talks about the importance of Rangers' world record 55th domestic title, how much a player can learn going out on loan (especially abroad) and how they are hoping to make the most of a pathway for the top players from the US that takes them straight to Rangers and not via the traditional method of going through college first.

Dan Rutstein explains what the new podcast is all about.