The 1st Half Culture Show

In this episode of The 1st Half Culture Show , host Paul Desbaillets chats with Kei Kamara , one of MLS’s all-time top scorers. Kei opens up about his remarkable career, his ambition to play in the 2026 World Cup for Sierra Leone , and balancing family with football. “I want to be the Roger Milla of my generation,” Kamara shares as he reflects on his journey and what’s next.

On this episode of The 1st Half Culture Show , host Paul Desbaillets sits down with Chien Champion , the Montreal-based visual artist known for his Nike Dunk Bagel box design, CF Montréal murals, and street art that brings the city to life . What we cover: 0:00 – How the Nike Dunk Bagel collab became a love letter to Montreal 2:15 – The connection between football, identity, and artistic expressio...

On this episode of The 1st Half Culture Show , host Paul Desbaillets sits down with Laurent Courtois , head coach of CF Montréal , to explore his transition from player to coach, his leadership philosophy, and what it takes to succeed in modern football. What we cover: How growing up in Lyon’s street football scene shaped his playing style The pressure of signing a pro contract at 16 and the reali...

This week on The 1st Half Culture Show, host Paul Desbaillets sits down with Stefano Polillo & Marcello Furgiuele, hosts of Milan Weekly Podcast and key figures in Milan Club Montreal. 🔥 These two die-hard AC Milan fans break down: ⚽ How Milan Weekly Podcast became a go-to for English-speaking Milanisti 🏟️ The rise of AC Milan’s global fanbase & the club’s international brand moves ⚡ Th...

Join The 1st Half Culture Show as host Paul Desbaillets sits down with Jonas Tomalty of Jonas and the Jaguar Moon. From sharing how a dream inspired the band’s name to discussing the creative challenges in today’s music industry, Jonas offers an authentic and captivating perspective. This episode dives into Jonas’ love for football culture, his time in Germany soaking up the St. Pauli and Dortmund...

To launch the new year, The 1st Half Culture Show collaborates with Soccerex Miami to bring you a conversation with the masterminds behind Lyle & Scott . Celebrating 150 years of British design and their enduring connection to football culture, we dive into their evolution from crafting knitwear in Scotland to becoming a symbol of terrace culture and innovation in football. Discover how their...

We'll be back January 15th with NEW Episodes of the 1st Half Culture Show. Until then, enjoy our 12 Questions segment! In the 12Qs with Benoît Gagnon , TV and radio host, entrepreneur, and community advocate, answers rapid-fire questions that reveal his passions, quirks, and favorite moments. From his go-to drink to his dream travel destination, get a deeper glimpse into one of Canada’s most chari...

We'll be back January 15th with NEW Episodes of the 1st Half Culture Show. Until then, enjoy our 12 Questions segment! In the 12Qs, we get an inside look at the personalities behind FLTK Collective —the masterminds curating unforgettable Latin music experiences. From their favorite live performance memories to what inspires their unique style, this Q&A is a glimpse into what drives their passi...

SPECIAL Edition of The 1st Half Culture Show , welcoming Eli Mengem , the visionary filmmaker and journalist behind " Once in a Lifetime" . In this special episode, recorded just before the series premiere on December 18, Eli dives into the creation of his four-part Copa90 series on Argentina’s World Cup triumph, his love for football culture, and why this project is a true celebration of the beau...

We'll be back January 15th with NEW Episodes of the 1st Half Culture Show. Until then, enjoy our 12 Questions segment! In the 12Qs we hit Tyrell Richards , linebacker for the Montreal Alouettes, with rapid-fire questions that reveal his off-field favorites. 🌪️ From his surprising choice of Sharknado as his favorite movie to his love for poutine and why Zlatan Ibrahimović is his ultimate athlete, T...

This week on The 1st Half Culture Show , we sit down with Moïse Bombito , the rising star of OGC Nice and Team Canada . Moïse shares his experiences playing in one of Europe’s top leagues, what it means to represent Canada on the global stage, and the lessons he’s learned from football cultures around the world. From competing in Ligue 1 to prepping for the 2026 World Cup, this episode is a must-l...

This week on The 1st Half Culture Show , we sit down with Enter Shikari , the UK’s genre-defying band known for their groundbreaking music and community-focused ethos. From their partnership with St Albans City FC to their fight to save grassroots music venues, Enter Shikari shares stories of collaboration, creativity, and how they’ve remained fiercely independent across their career. Tune in to h...

Get ready for a whirlwind Q&A with Enter Shikari in our 12 Questions segment! 🎸 From their dream collaborators to their favorite football club memories and the one food they can’t live without, the band shares hilarious and heartfelt answers. 🎧 Watch the full 12 Questions segment now, exclusively on YouTube as of January 2025, so subscribe now! FULL interview with Enter Shikari out Wednesday...

This week on The 1st Half Culture Show , we welcome Bruny Surin , Olympic gold medalist and Canadian sports icon. Bruny shares stories from his legendary track and field career, his journey into grassroots soccer with Rosas FC , and the incredible work of the Bruny Surin Foundation . From inspiring youth through sports to his passion for giving back, Bruny’s story is one of resilience, community,...

This week on The 1st Half Culture Show , we sit down with LTeez —Montreal-based rapper, songwriter, and producer—whose unique sound blends hip-hop, jazz, and R&B with Montreal’s vibrant culture. LTeez shares his journey through the local music scene, his love for Arsenal FC, and how he balances the worlds of music and soccer. Tune in to hear about his influences, experiences, and what’s next f...

This week on The 1st Half Culture Show , we’re joined by FLTK Collective founders Bala and Stopnox, the creative minds bringing immersive Latin music experiences to Montreal. Known for curating vibrant events with live DJ sets, visual art, and authentic Latin vibes, FLTK has been reshaping the local Latin culture scene. Tune in to hear how they build community, bring their international influences...

This week on The 1st Half Culture Show , we sit down with Benoit Gagnon , a Quebec media powerhouse and entrepreneur. Known for his roles as a TV and radio host, Benoit talks about his journey from broadcasting to business, his passion for creating engaging content, and his dedication to the Montreal community. Tune in as he shares stories of success, family, and the music that drives him. 🎧 Watc...

This week on The 1st Half Culture Show , we welcome Tyrell Richards , linebacker for the Montreal Alouettes, as he shares his journey from growing up in Ontario to playing for Syracuse and fulfilling his dream in the CFL. Tyrell dives deep into his football roots, his dad’s influence, and how soccer also played a major role in his upbringing. We also talk about the mental and physical challenges o...

In this episode of The 1st Half Culture Show , we chat with Joseph Pilotte , Vice President of Operations at Ye Olde Orchard Pub Group , a cornerstone in Quebec’s pub culture. Joe shares his journey from doorman to leading operations for one of Quebec’s most beloved pub chains, managing 10 locations across the province. We dive deep into the evolution of the pub industry, from family-friendly envi...

This week on The 1st Half Culture Show , Jen Clyde , Co-Founder and CEO of FORE ALL , joins us to talk about disrupting the golf apparel industry with her innovative brand. Jen shares how FORE ALL is creating stylish, relatable clothing for women and men, making golf fashion accessible to everyone. We also discuss her experience at the President’s Cup, dressing the international team’s wives, and...

🎙️ Jo-Annie Charbonneau, President of the Montreal Alliance, joins The 1st Half Podcast to share her incredible journey from sports law to professional basketball leadership. As the driving force behind one of the CEBL's standout teams, Jo-Annie offers unique insights into growing basketball culture in Montreal, fostering community engagement, and what it's like to be a trailblazer in the world of...

⛳ Join Paul Desbaillets on The 1st Half Culture Podcast as he chats with Ryan Hart , Executive Director of the 2024 Presidents Cup at PGA Tour. In this episode, Ryan breaks down everything from Montreal’s PGA Fan Fest 🎉, the iconic First Tee Experience at Royal Montreal Golf Club 🏌️, to how Netflix’s Full Swing has transformed golf’s audience. Plus, hear how the international and U.S. teams were...

In this episode, Paul Desbaillets sits down with Olympic ice skater Olivia Smart! 🏅 She opens up about her journey from Sheffield to the Winter Olympics, her passion for football, and what’s next on the road to Milan 2026. Learn how she balances skating for Spain while remaining loyal to Sheffield United FC. ⚽ Whether you’re into Olympic sports, football, or just love a great athlete story, this...

In this episode of The 1st Half Culture Podcast , Paul Desbaillets sits down with Jamaican-Canadian filmmaker Graeme Mathieson , co-director of Sounds & Pressure: Reggae in a Foreign Land . Graeme talks about his journey from Toronto’s vinyl radio scene to making this groundbreaking five-part series that celebrates the untold stories of reggae's impact on Canada. From working with reggae i...

In this episode of The 1st Half Culture Podcast, Paul Desbaillets sits down with PY Letellier, the talented bassist of The Damn Truth . PY shares his journey from growing up in a small town in Quebec to joining one of Canada's most electrifying rock bands. Hear about how a chance meeting at an art gallery led him to The Damn Truth, his love for hockey and football, and his side passion for cra...