Stone by Stone

Andrew welcomes the author Kareem Rai, founder and CEO of One Soccer Nation, to discuss soccer in America, the uniqueness of USL, and how politics affects those involved in the sport.

In this episode of Stone by Stone, host Lauren gets an update from GM and club co-founder Andrew Swanson on the state of the club ahead of our USL debuts.

Andrew is joined by none other than avian op-ed columnist Chad the Bird to discuss Chicago, pinball and Malort!

Andrew is joined by Joel Nash, SVP of USL's pre-professional leagues, talking the growth of the leagues, Joel's role in building up USL League Two and USL W League, and more!

Andrew is joined by CJ Brown, a legend in the local soccer space in Chicago, playing for Chicago Fire FC for 13 years, and now coaching and focusing on youth development. The two talk about iconic Chicago soccer moments, as well as CJ's journey to the top.

This week, Andrew is joined by Mike Magee, former MLS MVP, and former Chicago Fire FC player. The two discuss Mike's path to professional soccer, being a household name in MLS, playing against Wayne Rooney, and more!

Lauren Hall is joined by Will Quam, an architecture photographer based in Chicago, who founded Brick of Chicago, an increasingly-popular Instagram account that highlights Chicago architecture. The two discuss Will's growth as a photographer, his love of architecture, and increasing knowledge of the sport of soccer.

Andrew sits down with Chris Mueller, Chicago native and Chicago Fire FC player. The two talk about Mueller's upbringing and what led him down the path of professional soccer, what being a Chicago native means to him, and more!

Lauren Hall is joined by Emma Woodley, head coach of Edgewater Castle FC's USL W League side. The two talk about Woodley's upbringing in soccer in Colorado, what brought her to Chicago, and her experience with Edgewater Castle FC so far.

Part-owner, Kellyn Acosta, is joined by Dan Polyak, graphic artist and Chicago native, to discuss all things football and fashion. The two talk about Dan's involvement in ECFC and designing Edgewater Castle FC's 2026 Lotto kits.

Andrew is joined by Tobi, Sebastian, and Michael Wimmer to discuss their influence on Edgewater Castle FC as players and fans alike, their time abroad in Germany, and the community that they're helping build here in Chicago. Tobi and Sebastian play for ECFC, while their youngest brother, Michael, has played club soccer locally in Chicago and abroad in Germany. The Brothers talk about their par...

Bardia Kimiavi, current ECFC player, is joined by Northwestern Wildcats Men's Soccer coach, Russell Payne, talking about his journey into soccer, his role as a U.S. Youth National Team coach and scout for U.S. Soccer, and so much more!

Andrew is joined by John Carruthers of Crust Fund Pizza, known for "Charitable pizza in a secret Chicago alley" that makes Chicago tavern style pizza. The two discuss Chicago Fire FC's 2025 season, pizza, going on Chopped, the World Cup influence, and so much more in this week's episode of Stone by Stone.

Andrew is joined by Patrick Infurna, co-founder of current USL League Two champions, Vermont Green FC. The two discuss growing in USL, and Vermont Green's unique approach to operations.

Stone by Stone headed to the Chicago Fire FC wildcard playoff match to talk to supporters about the evolution of soccer culture in Chicago, and with Jake Payne to explore multi-national soccer fandom.⁠Website⁠ | https://www.edgewatercastlefc.com/⁠LinkTree⁠ | https://linktr.ee/edgewatercastle—✅ Like this episode? Don't forget to subscribe, leave a comment, and share your own experiences with i...

In this episode of Stone by Stone, host Andrew Swanson sits down with longtime friend and coaching leader Tom Roe, Director of Coaching at Northwind Soccer Club. From his childhood in Scarborough, England to building a youth soccer culture in Chicago, Tom shares insights on coaching philosophy, youth development, and how his background in psychology helps shape his approach on and off the field....

Local artist Kadin McGreevy talks about his late blooms into art and soccer, two things that now play major roles in his life. Learn the story behind the Idaho-native responsible for ECFC’s beautiful matchday posters and exclusive merch on this episode of Stone by Stone, presented by Tightrope Recording. Website LinkTree Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Shop #GoRooks #VamosRooks 🌊🏰

In the most recent episode of Stone by Stone podcast, Andrew Swanson sits down with Lamont Lynn and Senad Drpljanin, the co-founders of Chicago’s PXM Fitness. The pair share how they transformed an Edgewater CrossFit box into today’s thriving full-service gym. Listeners hear the founders’ inspiring backstories: Lamont, a lifelong Chicago athlete, recalls playing football and running track through...

Andrew Swanson welcomes former pro soccer player David Abidor to Stone by Stone. They discuss David’s childhood in Lincolnwood as the son of Ukrainian immigrants, his introduction to soccer through his father's influence, and his development as a youth player in Chicago. David recounts his college soccer career at Dayton and Creighton, and the rollercoaster ride of his professional career, includi...

In this insightful episode of Stone by Stone, host Andrew Swanson welcomes Sean Phillips, the Head Coach of the UIC Flames men's soccer program. Journey with Coach Phillips as he recounts his formative years in the heart of Texas, tracing his early passion and development through the youth soccer landscape. From the fields of his childhood to the sidelines of a prominent NCAA Division I progra...

Get ready for an inspiring conversation on Stone By Stone this week! Host Andrew Swanson welcomes Ben Lindau, who shares his remarkable journey from childhood soccer dreams in the Windy City to navigating a life-altering stroke at a young age. Ben opens up about his formative years, his passion for the beautiful game, his experience as a student-athlete at the University of Michigan, finding Edgew...

Step into the history (and the present) of Chicago Fire FC with Episode 17 of the Stone By Stone Podcast, where we sit down with the club's seasoned Sr. Vice President, Paul Cadwell. Journey back to his roots in the north of England, hearing tales of youthful ambition and the intensity of club football trials that shaped his early aspirations. Paul then shares his initial experiences of moving to...

In Episode 16 of Stone By Stone, host Andrew Swanson has a compelling conversation with James Kitia, beloved co-founder of Edgewater Castle FC. James shares his incredible journey, from growing up in Tanzania, the founding of Edgewater Castle FC and the unwavering support the club receives from the Tanzanian community in Chicago. This episode also takes a heartfelt moment to celebrate the life and...

In this episode of Stone by Stone, host Andrew Swanson sits down with Ryan Helgeson, immigration attorney at McEntee Law Group, to dive into the world of U.S. immigration law. Ryan breaks down key visa types like the O-1 for extraordinary ability, H-1B, L-1, and EB-1 green cards, while also sharing his passion for immigrant rights and how his personal background fuels his work. Whether you're...

🔥 Stone by Stone – Ep. 14: Chatting with Chicago Fire Goalkeeper Chris Brady 🔥 In this episode, host Lauren Hall sits down with Chicago Fire goalkeeper Chris Brady to talk about his journey from youth soccer to the professional stage. We dive into his experiences in MLS, the challenges of being a young goalkeeper, and what it takes to compete at the highest level. 🚀 Topics We Cover: ✅ Chris Br...