The Atlantic Voice Podcast

Day 12 of the World Cup of Tea and one for the football "geeks" amongst you, as Zeff goes through FIFA's official match summary of the USA-Paraguay group match from Day 2. Take a peek behind the curtain as we learn how the pros quantify what goes on in a match for players and the teams.

The second review in our series featuring first episodes of reality TV shows featuring celebrities buying football teams (gosh, that sentence is a mouthful). Up next from 2025, "Built in Birmingham: Brady & the Blues" that follows star quarterback-turned-TV-analyst Tom Brady, as he becomes part owner of Birmingham City, currently in The Championship, the tier below the Premier League in England.

Book review day, and Peter is back, sharing with us his thoughts on James Montague's "Thirty-one Nil" which looks at the world's game away from the mainstage slate of the Brazil's, France's and Spain's that hog our attention. In light of the expanded field this year, it is, as Peter points out, more than timely reading.

A win - or even a draw - sends the hosts to the knockout stages of the Mundial. And with all the excitement and hype, what would, and this World Cup, mean for the future of the beautiful game in the US? As seems to be forever the case, the media are wondering about soccer's ultimate destiny on these shores. But is it time to stop asking, or even care, what the answer is? (I didn't mean to go in hard - it's a great article.....)

The first round is done and the tournament should really kick in to gear over the next week, as teams now have a real sense of their direction of travel. And it's the same for show, as we follow up on some thoughts and lay out the next few days.

The 23rd edition of the Mundial ends its first seven days of action and Zeff decides whether or not this expanded edition is in fact better than what's gone before. Yes, we all know it's more expensive, but is it better? Plus England take the field for the first time - what will the "Pick of the Day" dictate you do with your hot dog?

"Angel City" is the first in Zeff's reviews of the first episodes of the many (well, five) reality show docu-series about teams and their 'celebrity' owners. We're start with "Angel City" as, well, it starts with an 'A'. And executive producer Eric drops by with a few of his ....."notes"

Day 5 and Zeff is reviewing the rules for the reality show reviews that begin this week. He's also getting in touch with his Scottish heritage (no pun intended although one of the upsides of a kilt is the accessibility). But that other Gaelic mob the Welsh, shouldn't feel left out, as "Welcome to Wrexham" will get a mention....

We promised you culture and you're getting it, as today's guest Peter drops by the show to share this thoughts on David Winner's book "Brilliant Orange" - a look at the Dutch and their relationship with the beautiful game. And Zeff has a couple of TACOs to award.

A day for other voices, as our friend Nathan drops by to take a look at some of the group stage matches that are compelling for reasons other than football. And in an unscheduled visit our esteemed executive producer has a few words of ..........wisdom?

We're heading out to Los Angeles! Well, we're imagining we are, as the US open their campaign against Paraguay in Sofi Stadium. And so we're spending a few figuring out if playing at home will propel any of the three host countries to the ultimate victory.

It's back! The World Cup of Tea returns to the Atlantic Voice's chunk of the internet airwaves. You daily companion piece to the big tournament that will be going on for what might feel like forever! It's Day 1, and here at the pod, we invite you to play World Cup Bingo! So, download your sheet here! There are prizes, you know....  

The World Cup of Tea is returning to the Atlantic Voice! As this year's World Cup looks set to land in North America like an Independence Day-sized (that's Independence Day, the movie), UFO, the World Cup of Tea is back! A bite-sized daily show, each day of the tournament. Of course, what's not bite-sized is this Preview Special as Zeff's whet's your aural tastebuds with what's coming up this June and July. Put the kettle on!  

Miss them?! Perhaps, but they wouldn't miss this - bringing to you an Atlantic Voice staple, The Summer Movie Preview! Eric and Zeff are, for the umpteenth time, previewing this summer's releases, all by watching the trailers. Which you can watch for yourselves, right here. If you're a long-time, you know the deal, and if you're new, well, this isn't hard to pick up......  

Part 2 of the 2025 Summer Movie Preview. If you missed it, go back and listen to Part 1! In this episode, Eric and Zeff are looking at the July and August releases, so -spoiler- more superheros, dinosaurs, and a comedy or too. For all the trailers, check out the YouTube playlist.

When it rains, it pours.... Yes, that's right another episode! Eric and Zeff are here to clear the, ahem, backlog, as they total up the scores from last year's Summer Movie competition. Think of this as sort a half-time show between Parts 1 and 2 of this year's Summer Movie Preview. What's that? You mean, you haven't listened to Part 1 yet? Shame on you. And there the guys were, feeling bad about not putting out new episodes for the past year......

Did you miss them? (Don't answer that). Regardless, they're back! Eric and Zeff return with Part 1 of their annual Summer Movie Preview, watching trailers, talking some, and then telling you what to watch. And then talking some more. So business as usual then. Time may go by, but in the New Basement Studio by The Lake, it does appear to have frozen somewhat.... YouTube playlist right here

The 2024 Summer Movie Preview rumbles (rambles) on, with Eric and Zeff using Part 2 to look at some July and August releases. Reboots, remakes, retreads, and some returns, the fellas will tell you what's worth your time, and your money. Part 1 is here. And the Youtube playlist is here.

They have returned! Eric and Zeff are back on the internet airwaves with their infamous (Zeff tries to explain) summer tradition of previewing the summer cinematic releases by watching only the trailers. From June to the end of August, they have you (pretty much) covered, with sequels, prequels, comic book films and films from books. And as is the tradition, they're also competing to see who is the most prescient..... Click here for the Youtube playlist of all the trailers  

To paraphrase the Los Angeles Lakers - "It's Winning Time!" Because on this episode Eric and Zeff are totaling up their predictions from the Summer Movie Preview, seeing who was the most prescient prognosticator of them all (to paraphrase some Disney film). There's also related movie talk, a look ahead to the upcoming Christmas Special, and Eric is laying down his New Year's Resolution early!

What's this you say? A new episode of The Atlantic Voice? Yes, it has been a rarity of late, but what need for quantity with this quality.....Eric and Zeff are back and catching up on some things AI, our old friend Asteroids!, as well as something to help your movie-going experience.

Here for 2023, Eric and Zeff's annual gift to you all, the Best Of Special. On this year's Eric opines on the World Cup of Tea and ranks the deaths in Jaws, while Zeff challenges AI's review of the pod. Plus a mash-up and a couple of bad segways. What would summer be without it, the 2023 Best Of Special.

Eric and Zeff are still previewing and picking, as the annual Summer Movie Preview rolls on. In Part 2 (go back and listen to Part 1!), it's onto July and August with such offerings as Barbie, Oppenheimer, and The Meg 2 - shall we say a "varied selection of offerings".... To check out all the preview, go to the YouTube playlist right here.

Roll up, Roll Up! For the return of the pod! It's the 2023 Summer Movie Preview. Your hosts Eric and Zeff will preview the Summer releases by watching the trailers (here) and pronouncing what will be a HIT! or a MISS! It's the greatest show on earth (except you have to make your own popcorn) - it's Part 1 of the Summer Movie Preview!

A guest on the show as Eric and Zeff try out Microsoft's AI, ChatGPT. How intelligent is it really? And how artificial is it? Questioned about ducks, it most certainly has the answers, though when asked about the podcast, well, it has some opinions....And there's music, as the guys debate Pink Floyd's seminal album, The Dark Side of the Moon.

Remember our Summer Movie Preview? From June and July of last year? No? Then what kind of a fan are you? Because if you do remember, that annual Atlantic Voice tradition is also somewhat of a competition. And now, it's time to run the totals and see which our of hosts is the more....predictive. Will Zeff turn around years of defeat; or will Eric once again prove to be more....prescient?

Tired of tea? We don't blame you. But never fear, the Butch and Sundance of the podcasting world are back together. Some musings on film director James Cameron and the latest Avatar film (not that he's passed or anything), whether or not Leonardo DiCaprio should've survived in Titanic (spoiler: he didn't). And a rundown of recent celebrity deaths. 

The World Cup and The World Cup of Tea reach their end. And with that, Zeff has just one question - how will you remember the 2022 edition of the tournament. Will it be the games, the host, your fig business even, that'll you be packing away in your memory to help you recall the last month? Or maybe nothing at all. Do big events mark the passage of time, or just take up the time? Or is Day 30 just the time to leave the World Cup behind....

World Cup Final Day, and an early start (depending where you live, of course!). Talk of another World Championship that has just started, an real (or imaginary breakfast?), and, wait for it....a "Final" pick.

Day 28 and as promised earlier on the World Cup of Tea, we setting you straight with all the references that have been used, including a classic British gangster movie, and an old-school Mini car chase. And then there's puppets, taking off in rockets..... (Puppets or not, some great music and editing, who says this s*#t isn' exciting.....?)

Zeff takes a quick look at the "curiosity" that is the 3rd Place Match and questions the precise point of it all. Not that a 3rd place is a bad thing - on the contrary Zeff extols the virtues of his own.....

On the last book review, Zeff looks at David Peace's "historical novel" - or as the Atlantic Voice shall be calling such things, "Fictionalized Fact" (copyright Atlantic Voice!). It tells the story of Brian Clough's ill-fated 44-day tenure as Leeds United manager back in 1975. As The London Times said of the book "Probably the best novel ever written about sport." But if don't trust them, Zeff will convince you.

Day 25, and Zeff explains how he's been able to keep an eye on the World Cup thus far. Plus musings on workplace hierarchy, and being confused by cold weather and Christmas. All at the same time as the games!!!

The last week, so the last round of reviews of documentaries and books. Today, the grand-daddy of all sports "behind-the-scenes" documentaries, "An Impossible Job." The first and still the best, "An Impossible Job" joins then-England manager Graham Taylor as he struggles to get the team through World Cup qualifying. Battered by the press, circumstances beyond his control, Taylor struggles to retain his resolve and natural decency (this the man the British press derided as a turnip) as events conspire against him. This is the forerunner of everything you see today, yet more honest and never bettered.

It is Day 23 (Zeff mistakenly refers to it as Day 22, but hey, this far in, an excusable error!). As the tournament enters its last week, Zeff takes a quick look at some of the books about football that didn't make his own "essentials" list. And with the semi-finals looming, time for a selection. For your fig trading, of course.

There's a leaky toilet in the house, so it's a quick check of Youtube and then a trip to the hardware store. Along the way, Zeff learns a little bit about aging and the journey that is the collection of knowledge and experiences....

Brazil are going home, and so Zeff feels that he should clarify his previously stated position. And so he's falling on his sword and admitting he's a hater. With some caveats, of course. Whether you are convinced or not, well that's on you. Also, some Olympic memories, and a quick tribute to Jet Black, recently passed drummer of The Stranglers.

Book review time. Today's title - "The Glory Game" by Hunter Davies. Now, before you click away, realize, without any pause or procrastination, that this is the very best ever book written about a professional sports team. There are others that have come close, but this is the essential look behind-the-curtain at the inner workings of a professional outfit. Yes, it makes the Cup of Tea because it's soccer; what's not for question is its quality.

Day 19, and how was your first day without a game to watch? Zeff ponders the ideal gap between games, and then delves back into his childhood with a look at an old sticker album (scan through if you're unconvinced by Zeff's point). But never fear, there will be a left turn....Plus the first two quarter-final picks for fig traders out there.

Our documentary review series continues with "The Four Year Plan" - a behind-the-scenes look at Queens Park Rangers FC, as the club from the neigbhourhood known as White City look to make the jump into the English Premier League. See what happens when ownership and operations struggle to get on the same page....

Zeff takes a look at the first ever "recyclable" (is that even a word, never mind is it the right word for the situation?), the first ever "recyclable" stadium, Stadium 974, built for, and only for, this World Cup. A feat of modern engineering no doubt, but Zeff, as he is wont to do, has some questions about its real legacy. Talking of legacy, one of the last two teams to play in the stadium, Brazil, also has Zeff....pondering....

England are through and Zeff is a little boisterous. So something a little different today as Zeff discusses why, when it comes to sports' movies, football - this kind - is a ways down the list. And the Tip of the Day, well, it's a selection....

One of our "home" nations is heading home, and Zeff gives his verdict on their campaign. As well as taking a look at the one-time masterplan for the success of the US Men's team at the World Cup - Project 2010. And no, it didn't include dyed hair and man buns....Also a flashback to improve your mood.

Day 14 of the 2022 World Cup, and by the calendar we're pretty much at the midpoint of the event. But Zeff asks - does it feel like that? And how's your perception of time and life outside of the enormous bubble that is the world's biggest (sporting) event? Time to discuss how our everyday reality has been hijacked by men kicking a ball about. Plus a review of the Thai cave rescue movie "13 Lives."

By rights, Day 13 of the World Cup of Tea should be titled Day 12 - Redux, but "Addicted" is the title of the book in our second review. Considering that Group E played out in the same dramatic fashion as Day 12, it's probably also the best word to describe any neutral fan out there. Of course, if you're a fan on the wrong end of results, well, I'll let you pick your own descriptor of your state of mind when the final whistle blows.

The latest set of final round-robin matches in the group stage, and the first truly wild pair of games to decide who survives. Talk of tie-breakers, shredded nerves, and worrying more about the "other game" rather than your own. Oh it it's football alright. Bloody Hell!

England and USA are the survivors of Group B and on to the Round of 16 and the knockout stages. And while Zeff wants (most of) you to have a great day and enjoy the games, he also wants (most of) you to temper your expectations and keep a little perspective and not to behave like a hysterical Harry Styles (England) fan.....

Our documentary series continues with this look at "Orient - Club for a Fiver" featuring the, how should we put it, expressive personality that was their manager back in 1995, John Sitton. Oh, and bring your dinner......

Day 9 and a quick look back as the Germans begin their escape act. And then on to Youtube as Zeff extols the virtues of the web and the glory of Dutch footballing legend, Dennis Bergkamp. And yes, that France '98 goal....(via Youtube, of course; and a familiar voice...)

On this, the first in a series of "Must-Read" football books, we begin with a professional player's diary - with Eamon Dunphy's "Only A Game." And while it's always been Zeff's position that player autobiography just aren't that interesting, this one proves to be a compelling caveat to that view. Plus a Canadian is protected by his maple leaf....

Week 1 of the 22nd World Cup in the book, not to mention the seventh day of the World Cup of Tea. But not resting, Zeff has a couple of things that have caught his eye, including a predictive otter, and 5 Kims in a row...