In this episode of the Football Talent Show, we dive into the legacy and influence of Chelsea’s famed youth academy, Cobham. Our guest, Felix Johnston, who runs one of the largest Chelsea-focused football pages on X with nearly 200k followers, joins co-hosts Adam Lenges and Jacek Kulig—also known as @ftalentscout—to offer exclusive insights into wh…

In this episode of The Insider's Lounge, host Chad McArthur welcomes Adam Lenges, also known as Adam Khan, and Jacek Kulig, otherwise known as Football Talent Scout, the co-hosts of The Football Talent Show. Together, they dive deep into the world of football scouting, exploring the journeys that led them to this unique profession and the motivatio…

In the debut episode of The Football Talent Show, hosted by Jacek Kulig (The Football Talent Scout), and Adam Lenges, we explore the fascinating world of Georgian football with special guest Mikha Gabechava, a top scout from KAA Gent and former Head Scout at FC Dinamo Tbilisi. We delve into the Soviet influence on Georgian football, the legendary D…

In this episode of The Insider's Lounge, host Chad McArthur sits down with Bingy Lara, the Head of Recruitment at Seattle Sounders FC Academy, to explore his incredible journey from his early soccer days in New Mexico to becoming a key figure in one of MLS’s top academies. Bingy opens up about the personal challenges he’s faced, including his strug…

In this episode of The Insider's Lounge, host Chad McArthur speaks with Sammy Lander, known as Soccer's First Substitution Coach and the Head of Research and Innovation at Loudoun United. Sammy shares his groundbreaking journey in football, where he has worked with teams from the Premier League, Championship, League One, Scottish Premiership, MLS, …

In this episode, we sit down with Gina Miller, Vice President of Media & Communication at FC Dallas, to discuss the $182 million renovation of Toyota Stadium. We explore why now is the right time for this major project, the public-private partnership that helped secure funding, and how the renovation will impact FC Dallas and the surrounding commun…

In this episode, we dive deep into the inspiring journey of Diego Hurtado, a former professional soccer player and the visionary founder of Diaza Football. Born in the vibrant streets of Bogotá, Colombia, Diego's early passion for soccer led him to play collegiate and professional soccer in the U.S. Now, as the driving force behind Diaza, Diego is …

In this episode of The Insider’s Lounge, we explore one of the biggest questions facing U.S. Soccer: Can Mauricio Pochettino lead the U.S. Men’s National Team to World Cup glory on home soil in 2026? Joining the discussion are two industry experts—Stewart Mairs, former Technical Director of D.C. United, and Daniel Hall, Executive Chairman of Dagenh…

In this episode, we sit down with Tommy Wilson, Technical Director at Charlotte FC, to explore his remarkable career in soccer development. Tommy shares insights from his time at Philadelphia Union, where he helped build the MLS’s #1 Academy and generated over $30 million in player sales, nurturing talents like Brenden Aaronson and Mark McKenzie. N…

In this episode of The Insider's Lounge, we sit down with Stephen Hogan, the Sporting Director of Colorado Switchbacks FC, to explore his dynamic soccer journey and leadership philosophy. Stephen takes us through his evolution from a young soccer player in Ireland to his influential role in the USL Championship. Stephen shares his experiences growi…

Welcome to Season 2 of The Insider's Lounge! We’re kicking off the season with an inspiring conversation with Fionn Deehan, the record-breaking coach who became the youngest in NCAA soccer history and now leads the goalkeeping department at DC Power FC in the USL Super League. Fionn takes us through his remarkable journey from transitioning out of …

Join Chad McArthur as he reflects on a transformative first year with The Insider's Lounge. In this special episode, Chad takes you behind the scenes of his podcasting journey, sharing personal insights and milestones from the past year. Discover the highs and lows of building a podcast from scratch, the lessons learned along the way, and the show'…

In Episode 51, Matt Rizzetta, founder and chairman of North Sixth Group, reveals his journey from leading a media and marketing agency to revolutionizing multi-club ownership with Club Underdog featuring teams such as Campobasso FC, Dagenham & Redbridge FC, Brooklyn FC, and FC Locarno. Matt discusses how his Italian heritage and deep love for socce…

Apologies for the audio quality and delays in this episode due to technical issues with the Wi-Fi connection. We appreciate your understanding and hope you still enjoy the valuable insights shared. Thank you for listening! Episode 50 features Stefan Peter, a pro soccer mindset coach, who takes us on a journey through his life and career, highlighti…

Join us for an in-depth exploration with Stewart Mairs, whose diverse career spans elite soccer management and performance analysis. From his early role as General Manager at Richard Branson's Virgin Active Gyms, Stewart transitioned to Prozone Sports in the UAE, where he honed his expertise in performance analysis and learned to navigate different…

In this episode, we explore the remarkable journey of Brian Crookham, General Manager of Rapids 2 and Senior Director of Soccer Development at Colorado Rapids. Brian shares his path from a high school coach in Oklahoma to a key figure in the Rapids organization, driven by his passion for the beautiful game. He discusses the evolution of the Rapids'…

In Episode 47, join us for an in-depth conversation with Brett M. Johnson, the visionary CEO of Benevolent Capital. Discover how Brett's passion for soccer has fueled his ambitious projects, from the creation of $100M+ soccer-specific stadiums as Chairman of Rhode Island FC to his pursuit of Premier League promotions with Ipswich Town FC. Hear abou…

In episode 46 of The Insider's Lounge, we explore the journey of Alan McCann, Technical Director and Assistant Coach for Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. From playing street football in Dublin to coaching professionally in the US, Alan shares his inspiring story. He reflects on his family's influence, his transition from Ireland to American collegi…

In Episode 45 of The Insider's Lounge, we dive into the remarkable journey of Guilherme Henry, Technical Director of One Knoxville Collective SC. From a young man arriving as a student-athlete in rural North Carolina, unable to speak English, to becoming nationally recognized in USL 2, Guilherme's story is one of passion and perseverance. He shares…

In episode 44, we sit down with Travis Thomas, founder of Live Yes, And, to explore the profound impact of adopting a "Yes, And" mentality. Travis shares his journey from Flint, Michigan, to becoming a highly sought-after performance coach by some of the most prominent organizations in the world. Discover how the principles of improvisation can rev…

In Episode 43, explore Chris Robinson's remarkable journey from managing grassroots football to shaping Chelsea FC into the world's leading academy. With a background managing clubs like Atherstone United FC and Cheltenham Town FC, Chris's career took a pivotal turn when his work with an international sports charity led to his role at Chelsea, wher…

In Episode 42, join us for an in-depth exploration of Japanese football with FIFA Licensed Agent and PFSA Certified Scout, Natalie Marx. Discover how Natalie’s self-taught Japanese skills and deep cultural immersion have shaped her unique insights into Japan’s football industry. From the technical prowess and discipline of Japanese players to the r…

In this episode, we dive into a groundbreaking conversation with Tim Chase, the visionary founder of Striver. Striver is an innovative social media platform designed to eliminate abuse and foster a positive environment for users, including footballers, celebrities, and influencers. Tim shares his journey, how he became business partners with two Wo…

In this episode, journey into the dynamic world of football with Andre Velloso, Flamengo's multifaceted Scout and Data Analyst. Unravel Andre's journey, from his playing days growing up to his unwavering focus on education and continuous learning, shaping his path in the sport. Explore his transformative experiences coaching a girls' team in Southe…

In Episode 39, delve into Rachel Comfort's captivating journey as a data and video analyst for Bay FC. Rachel shares insights from her early soccer memories to her current role, emphasizing the importance of hands-on learning and her diverse sports background in shaping her expertise. She discusses her day-to-day responsibilities, including trainin…

In Episode 38, we explore the inspiring journey of Gabriel Glavan, who transitioned from a passionate Football Manager gamer to a prominent European sporting director. Gabriel shares how his early love for football, sparked by attending matches with his father, led him to pursue a career in football scouting and analysis despite not having a profes…

In Episode 37, delve into the captivating journey of Brendan Shaw, Assistant Coach of the Vancouver Whitecaps, as he recounts his evolution from his playing days to his current role with the first team. Through poignant anecdotes, Shaw reflects on his upbringing in a soccer-loving family, his academic pursuits in business and sports management, and…

In this episode, we offer a comprehensive guide to college soccer featuring Kyle Johnston, assistant coach at Duke University. Kyle's journey begins playing as a striker, then becoming a successful goalkeeper and coach. Drawing from his father's professional and collegiate soccer legacy and his own playing experience, including time in Spain, Kyle …

In Episode 35 of The Insider's Lounge, journey into the world of soccer analysis with Justin Solomon, the video coach for Philadelphia Union Academy. Join us as Justin shares his remarkable soccer journey, from grassroots beginnings to coaching and analysis roles. Delve into the nuances of soccer culture between the US and Australia as Justin refle…

In Episode 34 of our podcast, dive into the world of the modern-day athlete with Sebastian Avanzini, a professional footballer and visionary entrepreneur. Join Sebastian as he shares his journey from the football pitch to the boardroom, emphasizing the importance of education and perseverance along the way. Discover Sebastian's unique approach to b…

In this engaging episode, join Omar Adlani, head coach of FC Honka’s women’s team, as he recounts his international journey from Algeria to Finland and how it shaped his coaching philosophy. Coach Adlani discusses the challenges and strategies of leading a successful women’s soccer team with limited resources in Finland's top division. He shares in…

In Episode 32, join Mika Elovaara, the Head Assistant Coach of the Richmond Kickers, as he takes you on an enthralling journey from the soccer pitches of Oulu, Finland, to the helm of coaching excellence in the USA. In this captivating episode, Mika delves into how his background in humanities has uniquely influenced his coaching style. Discover th…

In Episode 31, we delve into the multifaceted journey of Drew Beckie, from his roots in Regina to his impactful role as the Director of Development at Atletico Ottawa. Drew recounts his early love for soccer in Queen City, his developmental years in Denver, and the invaluable experience gained in Germany and with the Canadian national team. This ep…

Join us in Episode 30 of our podcast as we delve into the inspiring journey of Zayne M. Thomajan, Chief Soccer Officer at NJ/NY Gotham FC. From her illustrious collegiate career at Harvard to her pivotal role in shaping Austin FC, Thomajan shares invaluable insights into her rise in the soccer industry. Tune in as she reflects on the transition to …

In Episode 29 of The Insider's Lounge, delve into the heart of the Mexican football revolution with expert Joel Tatton-Bennett. After many years as a consultant and Managing Director of 44SPORTS in Latin America and Mexico, Joel shares his unparalleled insights into Mexican football's current state and future trajectory. From discussing the groundb…

Join us on an exciting journey in Episode 28 as we explore the remarkable story of Christopher Grant, the mastermind behind Svay Rieng FC's rapid ascension. From the lush hills of Scotland to the tranquil landscapes of Cambodia, Christopher Grant's journey to becoming the General Manager of Svay Rieng FC is truly extraordinary. Delve into how his e…

Discover the secrets behind champion-building as Daniel Lock, the Director of Player Development at Columbus Crew, unveils his visionary approach in this enlightening episode. From his early playing days in England to coaching roles across various MLS clubs, Lock shares invaluable insights on balancing short-term success with long-term player devel…

Welcome to Episode 26 of The Insider's Lounge, where we sit down with Guilherme von Cupper, CEO of Berlin Sports - Bridge For Talents. As a licensed FIFA Football agent and guest lecturer, Guilherme shares insights into his transition from corporate law to sports law, daily routines, and strategic vision for the future. Additionally, he sheds light…

Join us in Episode 25 as we'll talk with John Bello to learn more about Pathway, a platform designed to help ambitious professionals break into and build a career in soccer. From his childhood affinity towards soccer to his prominent positions with the United States men's national team, this episode will lay bare some of John's most important life …

Join us for Episode 24 as we sit down with Valerio Zuddas, the Assistant Manager of Partizan Belgrade, for an insightful conversation covering his journey from player to coach, navigating diverse football cultures, and the challenges and rewards of coaching in the Partizan-Red Star rivalry. Discover Valerio's approach to developing young talent whi…

Welcome to Episode 23, where we sit down with Harry Varley, Chief African Scout for KAA Gent, exploring his journey from childhood in Leeds to his current role. In this conversation, Harry shares insights into scouting in Africa, emphasizing the importance of building relationships. Living and working in Africa full-time, he takes us through the ad…

Welcome to Episode 22 of The Insider's Lounge! Join us for an insightful conversation with Co-Founder Jack Glennon as he shares his journey in the sports business industry. In this episode, Jack discusses his early sporting experiences, education at the University Campus of Football Business (UCFB), and the inspiration behind launching Behind Sport…

Welcome to Episode 21, where we sit down with Dan Rutstein, the President of Business Operations at Orange County Soccer Club, for an insightful conversation on how YOU can be a part-owner of this thriving soccer community. Explore the unique investment program launched by Orange County SC, allowing fans worldwide to play a crucial role in shaping …

In this episode, Mads Davidsen, Group Head of Football at Right to Dream, shares his remarkable journey from player to coach to executive, spanning diverse areas of the world such as Asia, the Middle East and Africa. He delves into his passion for utilizing big data in football, emphasizing the synergy of objective data and subjective perspectives.…

In Episode 19, dive into the captivating world of football with Linnea Lindmark, the dynamic founder of Five 9 Sports Management and a trailblazing female FIFA agent. From her cherished early football memories in Sweden to captaining her US College Soccer team, Linnea unveils the pivotal moments that shaped her journey. Explore the challenges and t…

In Episode 18, we sit down with Jacek Kulig, famously known as @FTalentscout, to unravel his incredible journey as a scout and analyst in the football industry. From cherished early football memories to the challenges of transitioning from player to coach and scout, Jacek shares the pivotal moments that defined his path. The conversation delves int…

In this episode, Soheil shares his journey from Vienna to Dubai, reflecting on childhood soccer memories and breaking from traditional career expectations. Dive into the inspiration behind his "365 days to become a pro footballer" series and the current project of building a pro football club in Dubai. Join the conversation with the content creator…

In this episode, join us as we delve into the remarkable journey of Dominic Rajna, a coaching prodigy hailing from Oakville, Canada. From his roots as a youth player with Sigma FC to pursuing a Bachelor's in Psychology at Arizona State University, Dominic shares pivotal moments that ignited his passion for shaping players' careers. With linguistic …

Episode 15 features Leeds United's Loans Manager and former Premier League footballer, Andrew Taylor. Join us on a journey through his extensive career, from over 400 appearances in the Premier League to representing England. Andrew shares insights into mentoring young talents at Leeds United and the role of platforms like TransferRoom. He delves i…

In Episode 14 of "The Insider's Lounge," listeners are taken on a captivating journey through the multifaceted career of North Carolina FC's Head Coach, John Bradford. From his early days as a college soccer player at Furman University and a U-17 US National Team member to seamlessly transitioning into coaching with the Dallas Texans Soccer Club, B…