The Pledgeball Podcast

What a match, what a win, and what an away day. Harvey checks in from Miami after witnessing one of the most chaotic, historic, and beer-soaked England victories in living memory at the legendary Estadio Azteca. In this episode, Pledgeball’s Katie Cross catches up with a slightly under-the-weather Harvey to digest the fallout of a classic World Cup knockout game. Harvey breaks down the unbelievabl...

Live from Day One of the Lexus Nottingham Open! 🎾🌱 In this episode, Katie sits down on-site to explore how tennis is adapting to a changing climate, from elite tournaments to local grassroots courts. We are joined by a fantastic panel: Jack Baker (Head of Public Policy and Sustainability at the LTA), former British Number One Kyle Edmund (now stepping into his new role as Assistant Tournament Di...

From a nerve-shredding late win in Atlanta to eating grasshoppers in Mexico City, Harvey checks in for Episode Two of The England Fan Road Diaries! In this episode, Pledgeball’s Katie Cross catches up with Harvey right after he touches down in Mexico. They break down the incredible away-end atmosphere at the Atlanta stadium, the reality of high-altitude headaches, and the looming tension of facing...

Welcome to the first instalment of our brief tournament check-ins: The England Fan Road Diaries . This week, Katie Cross catches up with Harvey from the Football Supporters Association (FSA), who is embedded with the England fan embassies on the ground in the United States. While the mood among supporters remains incredibly high after a thrilling opening victory against Croatia, the actual logisti...

In this episode, Katie flies solo to explore how unexpected worlds collide to tackle the climate crisis. Joined by award-winning stand-up comedian Stuart Goldsmith to discuss his Edinburgh Fringe show, Spoilers, looking at how comedy can disarm climate dread and combat inertia where traditional environmentalism sometimes struggles to reach everyday people. Despite Stuart openly hating sport, the t...

This week, hosts Katie Cross and Laurence McKenna are serving up a brilliant father-son double act to explore how tennis is grappling with its own massive climate footprint. We are joined by Neil Glasspool, the driving force behind Hubba's incredible Circularball scheme, alongside his son, 2025 Wimbledon Doubles Champion Lloyd Glasspool. Together, they bridge the gap between grassroots commun...

The 2026 World Cup is set to be the largest tournament in football history. But what does that actually mean for the travelling fans on the ground? In this special episode, hosts Katie Cross and Laurence McKenna sit down with Ashley Brown from the Football Supporters' Association (FSA) and Madeleine Orr, Assistant Professor of Sport Ecology at the University of Toronto and author of Warming U...

This week, we are shaking things up for the season finale. Host Katie Cross turns the microphone on her usual co-host, Laurence McKenna , to explore the man behind the mic. Why does sustainability matter to him? What initially drove him to join the Pledgeball project? Laurence opens up about his personal connection to the cause and what he has taken away from his time in the studio. Together, Kati...

This week, hosts Katie Cross and Laurence McKenna explore what sustainability looks like at the very top of the footballing pyramid. How does a global institution like Liverpool FC translate climate action into a strategy that reaches millions of fans worldwide? We are joined by Rishi Jain , Director of Impact at Liverpool, to discuss the responsibilities and opportunities that come with elite-lev...

This week, hosts Katie Cross and Laurence McKenna unpick the fabric of the modern game. Literally. We all love copping our club's latest shirt, but have you ever stopped to consider what your kit is actually made of? We are joined by two pioneers in sustainable sportswear: Joana Czutkowna , CEO of 5THREAD , and Julia Cove-Smith , founder of Eleven as One . Together, they discuss the intersect...

We are continuing the series with a player who refused to just "stick to sports." Join hosts Katie Cross and Laurence McKenna as they sit down with former Exeter City, QPR and Wycombe Wanderers star David Wheeler to discuss what it’s like to fight for the climate from inside the professional game. From uncomfortable conversations in the dressing room to challenging the industry's sp...

We are kicking off The Pledgeball Podcast with a guest who is on a mission to fix the way we eat. Join hosts Katie Cross and Laurence McKenna as they sit down with Martyn Odell (aka Lagom Chef) to discuss why the kitchen is one of the biggest battlegrounds for the climate. From rethinking your half-time burger to turning leftovers into a result, Martyn breaks down why sustainable food doesn't...

COMING SOON: The Pledgeball Podcast A new podcast exploring the intersection of sport and sustainability. Hosted by Pledgeball CEO Katie Cross alongside Laurence McKenna, the show brings together voices from across football and beyond to talk food, fashion, fan power and the practical changes already happening in the game. First up: Martin Odell, aka Lagom Chef . Subscribe now and join us each wee...