Stone by Stone

🔥 In this episode of Stone by Stone, host Lauren Hall sits down with @chi_kacee, a professional video game player, content creator, and host working with Manchester City and EA Sports FC! From growing up in Chicago to making a career out of playing video games, @chi_kacee shares her incredible journey, the challenges of being a female streamer, and her passion for soccer. ⚽🎮 🔹 Topics Covered:...

🔴 Welcome back to Stone by Stone! 🔴 In this episode, host Andrew Swanson sits down with Professor Andy Markovits, a leading expert on sports culture, nationalism, and soccer’s evolution in the U.S. They discuss: ⚽ Andy’s journey from political sociology to becoming a leading voice in soccer studies ⚽ Why soccer has struggled to reach mainstream status in the U.S. ⚽ How globalization and techn...

In this episode of Stone by Stone, host Andrew Swanson sits down with John Dorn, a veteran soccer coach, Chicago soccer legend, and current executive with Peoria City in USL2. John shares his incredible journey—from growing up in Chicago’s Southwest Side to playing in the city’s ethnic soccer scene, transitioning into coaching at a young age, and eventually playing a key role in youth development...

Welcome back to Stone by Stone, the Edgewater Castle podcast where we explore the beautiful game from every angle! In this episode, host Andrew Swanson sits down with Ross LeBeau to discuss his journey from growing up in Chicago to playing professional soccer. They dive into the challenges of the U.S. soccer system, the evolution of the game, and what the future holds for young players. Tune in fo...

Welcome back to Stone by Stone! In this episode, host Andrew Swanson sits down with Jake Campbell, founder of the Red Line Supporters Group, to dive deep into Chicago’s thriving soccer culture. ⚽ Jake shares his journey from casual fan to community leader, his experiences with supporting both the Chicago Fire & Red Stars, and the importance of amateur and pickup soccer in growing the game. We...

📢 Welcome back to the Stone by Stone Podcast! In this episode, host Gareth Mullins, Director of Communications at Edgewater Castle, sits down with Jhamie Chin, Senior Director of Sporting Communications for Chicago Fire FC, to talk about his journey in sports media, the growth of soccer in America, and what it takes to succeed in the industry. ⚽🔥 🔹 Topics Covered: ✔ Jhamie’s background and how...

In this episode of Stone by Stone, host Andrew Swanson sits down with Ally Schlegel, forward for the Chicago Stars, to talk about her incredible journey from a soccer-loving kid in Colorado to a professional athlete. Ally shares insights on her competitive childhood, college soccer career at Penn State, and the challenges of transitioning to the pros. She also opens up about her advocacy for gende...

🎙 Welcome to Stone by Stone – Episode 6! In this episode, host Tom Arnison sits down with John Garcia, a local video professional and the creator of G in Tech Sports, an Instagram page dedicated to showcasing the best soccer plays in the Chicagoland area. 🚀 What You’ll Hear in This Episode: 🔹 How G & TACC Sports Started – John’s journey from player to content creator 🎥 Content Creation Insi...

Welcome to Stone by Stone, the official podcast of Edgewater Castle! 🎙 In Episode 5, host Lauren Hall sits down with Chicago Fire star Kellyn Acosta to dive into his journey from Plano, Texas, to becoming a professional soccer player in the MLS. Kellyn opens up about his experiences as a multiracial athlete, the challenges he faced in his youth, and how he found his identity both on and off the fi...

🏟🎨 Join us on this episode of Stone by Stone as Lauren Hall chats with Alyssa Low, a talented soccer player, muralist, and designer. Alyssa shares her journey from growing up in Long Grove, Illinois, to balancing her love for soccer and art, and how she turned her pandemic passion into a thriving career. 💬 Topics include: Alyssa’s early influences in art and sports The challenges and joys of com...

🎙 Welcome to Stone by Stone – Episode 3! In this episode, host Andrew Swanson chats with DJ Step, the official DJ for the Chicago Fire, about his journey in soccer, music, and community building. From Hartford, Connecticut, to Chicago’s vibrant music scene, Step shares how soccer has influenced his life and career. 🟢 Highlights from this episode: DJ Step’s soccer roots and high school team ranked...

🎙️ Welcome to Stone by Stone – Episode 2! In this episode, host Andrew Swanson sits down with Bardia Kimiavi and Gabriel Masalu to discuss their unique soccer journeys, life at Edgewater Castle FC, and their perspectives on the beautiful game. 🟢 Highlights from this episode: Gabriel’s move from Tanzania to Chicago and his standout high school soccer career. Bardia’s experiences as a Northwestern...

🌟 Welcome to Stone by Stone – Episode 1! 🌟 In this debut episode of Edgewater Castle's official podcast, host Andrew Swanson sits down with Roberto Cardano, a player for Edgewater Castle FC, to explore his incredible journey through life, soccer, and engineering. 🟢 Highlights of this episode: Roberto's childhood memories and introduction to soccer Adjusting to life and football culture across t...