Loading...

PODCAST

NPLH Studio

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.

society & culture relationships

All Episodes

01:10:57

109. James Bird

NPLH Studio ·

2026/10/05

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

en

01:18:18

108. Charlie Hood

NPLH Studio ·

2026/09/08

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,

en

01:16:43

107. Zoe Allen

NPLH Studio ·

2026/08/13

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

en

00:01:24

Editor's Note | Recording (Brief) Hiatus

NPLH Studio ·

2026/06/07

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

en

00:58:58

106. Domo Wells

NPLH Studio ·

2026/05/14

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,

en

01:04:55

105. Kyle Sheldon

NPLH Studio ·

2026/04/16

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

en

01:36:33

104. Cheyenne Foster

NPLH Studio ·

2026/03/12

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

en

01:06:43

103. George Cotterhill

NPLH Studio ·

2026/02/26

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

en

00:52:52

102. Kelvyn Quagraine

NPLH Studio ·

2026/02/12

Kelvin Quagraine is the Head of Brand at Art Of, the fan-led sports brand defining the culture of fan communitiesHe 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

en

01:12:10

101. Alexis Guerreros

NPLH Studio ·

2026/01/28

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

en

00:00:18

Editor's Note | Back in January

NPLH Studio ·

2025/12/09

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

en

01:13:07

Bonus: Alexis James on Off-Field

NPLH Studio ·

2025/12/02

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.

en

01:14:46

100. Sam Diss

NPLH Studio ·

2025/11/18

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

en

1:27:40

99. Judah Negron

NPLH Studio ·

2025/11/04

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

en

1:22:25

98. Ben Pagel

NPLH Studio ·

2025/10/21

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

en

1:45:27

97. Nicolas Polo

NPLH Studio ·

2025/10/07

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

en

1:17:22

96. James Gamlin

NPLH Studio ·

2025/09/23

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

en

1:36:11

95. Laura Gates

NPLH Studio ·

2025/09/09

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

en

57:46

94. Dave Murray

NPLH Studio ·

2025/08/26

Dave Murray is an English guitarist, 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

en

1:18:53

93. Pablo Maurer

NPLH Studio ·

2025/08/12

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

en

121 results

Similar Podcasts

وجوه من الـظل

Medi1 Podcast

It"s Been a Minute

NPR

Searching For Heroes With Benjamin Hall

FOX News Podcasts

Q with Tom Power

CBC

Data Over Dogma

Daniel McClellan and Daniel Beecher