In this episode of The Insider's Lounge, we sit down with Sebastian Avanzini to break down how athletes can start building for life after sports. He shares his professional football journey, the steps he took to monetize his knowledge while still playing, and the balance between formal education and real world experience. Sebastian also reveals his frameworks for turning expertise into real business opportunities, including the founding of Eduvo, an education tech platform that helps high perfor...
Jun 08, 2025â˘52 min
In this episode of The Insiderâs Lounge, Edson Braafheid sits down for an unfiltered conversation about his journey from Suriname to the highest levels of world football. He shares the early experiences that shaped him, how he broke into the Eredivisie, and how Louis van Gaal swooped in to sign him for Bayern Munich just as Ajax were closing in. Edson takes us inside the reality of playing for clubs like Bayern Munich, Celtic, Lazio, and Utrecht while navigating constant transitions and the pres...
Jun 01, 2025â˘56 min
Brazilâs football ecosystem is shifting fast, and for the first time, itâs truly open for investment. In this episode, Andre Da Costa breaks down whatâs changing and why it matters. The conversation begins with the cultural and economic forces that shape Brazilâs identity, setting the stage for a comparison with football systems in Europe and North America. That leads into the SAF model - a legal transformation that has redefined how clubs are owned and operated. Andre walks through recent examp...
May 25, 2025â˘59 min
In this episode of The Insiderâs Lounge, Charlie Methven shares the unconventional journey that led him from journalism and publishing to becoming one of footballâs most talked-about executives. From the newsroom of The Daily Telegraph to the boardrooms of Sunderland AFC and Charlton Athletic, Methven has built a reputation for turning struggling clubs around and bringing fresh energy to fan engagement, commercial growth, and club identity. We start by diving into his background in journalism an...
May 18, 2025â˘1 hr 1 min
This week, Iker Nacenta joins The Insider's Lounge to break down some of the biggest stories in soccer business, from MLS valuations and FIFA governance to player career transitions and lower-league ownership moves. We start with Sporticoâs 2025 list of the 50 most valuable soccer clubs. Leading the list are global giants like Real Madrid, Manchester United, and FC Barcelona, but the sharp rise of MLS clubs raises questions about valuation strategy and long-term positioning. MLS accounts for 19 ...
May 11, 2025â˘59 min
On this weekâs episode, we are joined by Ethan Reilly, breaking down the key topics and stories at the intersection of soccer and business in the last week. We kick off with Wrexhamâs remarkable rise, now three promotions deep under Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. With a valuation topping $100 million, we explore whether this is a sustainable model or a one-of-one media machine and what lessons other lower-league clubs can take from it. From there, we shift to the latest developments in womenâ...
May 03, 2025â˘1 hr 12 min
In this episode of The Insiderâs Lounge, we sit down with Chris Gunn, Co-Founder and Managing Director of LoveGunn, the creative agency behind some of footballâs most memorable branding and marketing projects. Chris shares his early journey coaching at Chelsea FC, his transition into the creative industry, and the founding story behind LoveGunn. He talks about the leap of faith it took to start his own agency, the ups and downs of working with a co-founder, and the realities of building a new co...
Apr 26, 2025â˘1 hr 10 min
Man Cityâs dominance on the field is no secret â but their rise off the pitch is one of the most underrated stories in world football. In this episode, Rob Gevertz walks us through his journey from sports media into one of the most commercially advanced clubs in the world. He shares how he broke into the industry, his childhood obsession with soccer brands, and what he learned during his time at Sky Sports and talkSPORT. We then shift to the early 2010s â a time when digital was still considered...
Apr 19, 2025â˘1 hr 3 min
On this episode of The Insiderâs Lounge, Chad McArthur sits down with Daniel Hall, Chairman of Dagenham & Redbridge and CEO of Club Underdog, to unpack the business, emotion, and strategy behind modern club ownership. Daniel begins by sharing his personal journey â from a career in law to discovering Dagenham & Redbridge and navigating the complex acquisition process. He explains what you actually get when you buy a professional soccer club and how that compares to traditional business p...
Apr 13, 2025â˘45 min
In this episode, Devin Amoo-Mensah shares his remarkable and unconventional journey to becoming a professional soccer player â without an agent, a network, or a clear roadmap. We kick off with how Devin negotiated his first pro contract entirely on his own, before rewinding to his early years and Division 2 college career. From there, we follow his grind into the professional ranks, including an unfiltered look at life in Swedenâs 4th tier â breaking down contract terms, salaries, and the often-...
Apr 05, 2025â˘1 hr 7 min
In this episode of The Football Talent Show, hosts Adam Lenges and Jacek Kulig are joined by Irish football expert Bill to dive deep into the past, present, and future of football in Ireland. They explore the rise of Irish football, the true level of the League of Ireland, and how COVID and Brexit have shaped the development landscape. The conversation covers infrastructure challenges, the countryâs top talent producers, and whether a new golden generation might be emerging. Later in the episode...
Apr 04, 2025â˘1 hr 32 min
In this episode of The Insiderâs Lounge, host Chad McArthur sits down with Iker Nacenta to explore the current and future state of Mexican football through the lens of one of its most shocking recent events â the Club LeĂłn disqualification from the FIFA Club World Cup. They start by breaking down how multi-club ownership played a role in LeĂłnâs ban and what it reveals about the structural challenges within Liga MX. Iker unpacks fan reactions, Club LeĂłnâs response, and the broader consequences fo...
Mar 30, 2025â˘1 hr 13 minâ˘Season 2Ep. 29
In this episode of The Insiderâs Lounge, we sit down with Taito Kojima, who shares his remarkable journey to becoming Japanâs youngest licensed FIFA agent and the CEO of Mundo Rico. Taito reflects on his early soccer memories growing up in a football-driven household, guided by the influence of his fatherâa former professional player. By the age of 12, he was already working in the soccer industry, laying the groundwork for what would become a fast-moving and globally connected career. At just 1...
Mar 23, 2025â˘56 minâ˘Season 2Ep. 28
In this episode of The Insiderâs Lounge, Jassem Osseiran breaks down Saudi Arabiaâs football revolutionâfrom its rapid transformation to the rise of the Saudi Pro League and the countryâs 2034 FIFA World Cup ambitions. We start with Jassemâs personal connection to Saudi Arabia, reflecting on how the country has evolved since his childhood. He discusses the massive shifts in culture, economy, and sports, and how global investmentsâlike PIFâs acquisitions of Newcastle United and other European clu...
Mar 16, 2025â˘1 hr 1 minâ˘Season 2Ep. 27
We kick things off with Georgia reflecting on her younger selfâs career expectations vs. realityâhow she envisioned her path and the pivotal moments that changed everything. She then takes us through her decision to break into football, what led her to becoming a licensed agent, and the pros and cons of having a background in PR and marketing when working in the industry. From there, we dive into ADD Management, her agency specializing in PR, branding, and talent representation. Georgia explains...
Mar 09, 2025â˘40 minâ˘Season 2Ep. 26
In this episode, we dive into It's Competence Not Confidence (ICNC) with co-founders Sabrina Carrozza and Gabbie Garbe, a movement redefining how young professionalsâparticularly womenâapproach success in their careers. They share the story behind ICNC, why competence should be valued over confidence, and how this mindset shift can create real opportunities in the professional world. We break down the ICNC blueprint, discussing its mission, target audience, and long-term vision for reshaping car...
Mar 01, 2025â˘39 minâ˘Season 2Ep. 25
In this episode of The Insiderâs Lounge, Johann Farhat takes us on a remarkable journey marked by resilience, obsession, and persistence. Growing up in Lebanon after moving back from France, Johann faced early challenges as his family struggled to afford private education. Feeling like an outsider among wealthier classmates, it wasnât until he found soccer that everything began to change. The sport became his great equalizerâhelping him find acceptance, become team captain, and thrive in a way h...
Feb 22, 2025â˘54 minâ˘Season 2Ep. 24
In this episode of The Insiderâs Lounge, we sit down with Ethan Reilly, Senior Account Executive at Octagon, one of the world's top sports and entertainment agencies. Beyond his role, Ethan creates sports business content, helping others navigate the process of breaking into the industry and excelling. He has built his career by combining strategic networking, content creation, and hands-on experience, and today, he shares the exact steps to land your DREAM job in sports. We kick things off with...
Feb 15, 2025â˘55 minâ˘Season 2Ep. 23
In this episode of The Football Talent Show, hosts Adam Lenges, and Jacek Kulig, are joined by Japanese football expert & data scientist Ryo Nakagawara to talk about all things Japanese football. They discuss the fascinating youth development being done in the country, the upcoming J1-J3 seasons, & some of the biggest domestic talents to look out for in the year ahead! Ryo's X: https://x.com/R_by_Ryo If you enjoyed the episode, feel free to like, comment, and subscribe to stay tuned for ...
Feb 13, 2025â˘2 hr 16 min
In this episode of The Insiderâs Lounge, Chad McArthur sits down with Giulio Tedeschi, a Licensed FIFA Agent and CEO & Founder of Tedeschi & Partners, to break down UEFAâs âŹ1 billion investment in womenâs soccer, the realities of contracts, and the economic models shaping the game. Giulio shares how he found a niche in womenâs soccer, explaining its rapid growth and the key moments that have shaped the European womenâs soccer landscape. The conversation covers contract disparities, trans...
Feb 08, 2025â˘1 hr 5 minâ˘Season 2Ep. 22
In this episode of The Football Talent Show, hosts Adam Lenges, Jacek Kulig, and Chad McArthur present the Deadline Day Specialâa livestream-turned-podcast capturing the final hours of the transfer window. With thousands of viewers tuning in live, the discussion covers some of the biggest moves and emerging talents from the window. The episode begins with prospects like Julio Soler, Milos Kerkez, and Stefanos Tzimas, before diving into key names such as Evan Ferguson and Mathys Tel. The team als...
Feb 06, 2025â˘1 hr 29 min
In this episode of The Insiderâs Lounge, Michael Millay shares his incredible journey from playing professionally for FC Cincinnati to becoming CEO of Rooted Creative, a thriving creative agency working with some of the biggest brands in sports, music, and lifestyle. His path to pro soccer was deeply personalâdriven by a promise he made to a close friend who passed away, vowing to make it to the highest level. However, that journey wasnât without challenges. While playing in college, a series of...
Feb 01, 2025â˘57 minâ˘Season 2Ep. 21
In this episode of The Insider's Lounge, weâre joined by Temisan Williams, a former Premier League Academy Manager with coaching experience at some of Englandâs top clubs, including Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, and West Ham United. With both parents from the Caribbean and a childhood shaped by life in London, Temisan reflects on how his upbringing inspired his passion for soccer and set the foundation for his coaching journey. He shares his path from playing to coaching, highlighting the ...
Jan 25, 2025â˘1 hr 3 minâ˘Season 2Ep. 20
In this episode of The Insiderâs Lounge, we dive into the journey and mindset of Dominic Casciato, head coach of Union Omaha, who led the club to back-to-back success as the 2023 and 2024 USL League One Playersâ Shield Winners and the 2024 USL League One Playoff Champions. Dominic shares his incredible story, starting from his early soccer memories in the UK and his coaching stints at St. Johnâs University, Dix Hills FC, and Jersey Express, where he developed his coaching philosophy and passion ...
Jan 18, 2025â˘56 minâ˘Season 2Ep. 19
In this episode of The Football Talent Show, hosts Adam Lenges and Jacek Kulig present Talent Watch: Romania. Together with Alex Pilder (first-team scout for FC Rapid 1923) they shine a spotlight on some of the most exciting young talents emerging from Romaniaâs football scene. The discussion begins with rising stars like Albert NiculÄesei, Mihai Toma, and Andrei Florea, before diving into standout prospects such as Alexandru Bota and RareČ Pop. They also explore the potential of Alexandru Musi ...
Jan 16, 2025â˘52 min
In this episode of The Insider's Lounge, we dive into the fascinating dynamics of leadership, culture, and decision-making in sports with David Igono. Starting with his unique background in American football, where he played at the college and professional levels, David shares how his journey shifted during the 2010 FIFA World Cup when he discovered the beautiful game of soccer. Now a thought leader in soccer leadership and recruitment, David is known for his X account, @undervalu, and his newsl...
Jan 11, 2025â˘1 hr 23 minâ˘Season 2Ep. 18
In this episode of The Football Talent Show , hosts Adam Lenges and Jacek Kulig are joined by Alex Pilder, a first-team scout for FC Rapid 1923, to explore the highs and lows of Romanian football. From the brilliance of Gheorghe Hagi and the Golden Generation to the challenges facing the modern game, this episode provides an in-depth look at the shifting football landscape in Romania. The discussion begins with reflections on the Golden Generation, including the impact of legends like Gheorghe H...
Jan 09, 2025â˘1 hr 33 min
As we wrap up 2024, weâre taking a look back at the top 5 most viewed episodes of the year on The Insiderâs Lounge. This special recap highlights some of the best moments and insights from across the soccer world. If youâd like to dive deeper, the featured episodes are linked below with their titles: Episode 20: Shaping Tomorrow's Stars with Mads Davidsen, Head of Football at Right To Dream ( https://youtu.be/gg-opoiAVM8 ) - Episode 51: Matt Rizzetta - The Rise of Underdog Clubs with North Sixth...
Jan 05, 2025â˘1 hr 9 min
As the year comes to a close, The Football Talent Show reflects on its incredible journey in this special end-of-year recap episode. Hosts Adam Lenges and Jacek Kulig revisit standout moments, fascinating topics, and some of the most exciting football talents and stories weâve covered. From Josh Acheampong at Chelsea to the unheralded brilliance of JosĂŠ GimĂŠnez in Uruguay, this episode highlights the players, clubs, and discussions that defined our year. We delve into Georgiaâs street football c...
Jan 02, 2025â˘1 hr 17 min
In this episode of The Insider's Lounge, Rich Buchanan and Joel Tatton-Bennett join us to explore soccer's injury crisis and the growing demands placed on players. We start by defining what player workload is and its physical and mental toll on athletes. From there, we discuss when these demands became a significant issue and how they can be measured effectively. The conversation transitions to why players are taking on more games, driven by commercial pressures such as the expanded Champions Le...
Dec 29, 2024â˘1 hr 13 minâ˘Season 2Ep. 17
