America the Beautiful Game

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 di...

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...

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 Pi...

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...

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 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 a...

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...

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...

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 partic...

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&...

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...

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...

Dan Rutstein explains what the new podcast is all about.