Friends of Freddy - The Englishmen Edition: Jim and Rob on England & World Cup

Friends of Freddy - The Englishmen Edition: Jim and Rob on England & World Cup

First addition of "F.O.F.: Friends of Freddy". Two Englishmen, huge soccer players and fans. One American host (semi pro at podcasting ...at best and fancies football a bit). One great football conversation. Fresh off England's quarterfinal win over Norway, Jim Boothby and Rob McClorey join me to talk Thomas Tuchel's tactics, Jude Bellingham's brilliance, VAR, England's mentality, and whether this team finally has what it takes to bring football home. Along the way, we're joined by surprise appearances from both of their sons, making this feel less like a podcast and more like a conversation among football-loving families.

Why This World cup Feel Different|Beaches, Belief & The Beautiful Game

This World Cup feels different. In this episode, I share why I think soccer has reached a new place in America. From the beaches of Wildwood to the streets of New York City, the game seemed to be everywhere. Families playing, fans from around the world celebrating together, and a country embracing the World Cup like never before. I also sit down with my lifelong friend, Dr. Josh Logan, to talk about the tournament, the atmosphere inside the stadiums, standout teams and players, the Balogun controversy, and why this World Cup may be remembered as much for the people as the football. Sometimes the biggest moments aren't the goals. They're the memories we make watching them.

Mental Health & The Modern Athlete

At some point, every athlete feels pressure. Pressure to perform. To make the team. To earn playing time. To live up to expectations from coaches, parents, teammates, and often themselves. And sometimes that pressure starts to outweigh the joy that made us fall in love with sports in the first place. That's why I was so excited to sit down with Melanie Bieber. Melanie is a Licensed Professional Counselor and owner of Level Up NJ Counseling and Consulting. She studied at the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard University and has spent more than a decade helping children, teens, parents, and families navigate anxiety, confidence, communication, identity, emotional wellness, and personal growth. She's incredibly thoughtful, incredibly practical, and throughout this conversation shares tools that athletes, parents, and coaches can start using immediately. The conversation covers anxiety, confidence, fear of failure, identity, resilience, and practical tools that athletes and families can start using right away. Whether you're raising an athlete, coaching one, playing yourself, or simply trying to navigate pressure in your own life, this conversation is for you. Learn more about Melanie Bieber and Level Up NJ Counseling and Consulting at LevelUpNJ.com. [http://levelupnj.com]Big ups to the Friends of Freddy:  Philly Soft Pretzel Factory [https://phillysoftpretzelfactory.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com]: Tell ‘em Freddy sent ya! Hill & Sea Co. [https://hillandsea.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com]: Great gear. Repping from the mountains to the ocean! American Soccer Nation [https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/American-Soccer-Nation/Mark-C-Franek/9781668037710?utm_source=chatgpt.com]: Excellent book about the story of US Soccer! Save Sight Now: [https://savesightnow.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com]Wonderful cause supporting advanced research for inherited retinal diseases. XtraTime 215 [https://xtratime215.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com]: Great camp and training from, literally, world class coaches. Reduce [https://reduceeveryday.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopn4A7p5Wr9DQLbMOUaWtfeSrfGIxP5pq4_VgPuZr1qOEgMeGYN]: reusable drinkware that makes sustainability an easy everyday habit.

Play Free: LFG!

The World Cup is here. I wanted to talk about Mexico, South Korea, the U.S., ticket prices, youth soccer, and all the other stuff that's been bouncing around in my head this week. And, I did...but I kept coming back to something else. My daughter drew Argentina, Türkiye, and South Africa out of a hat a few days ago. Since then she's been asking questions nonstop and watching every match she can. And honestly, I think that's pretty awesome. Play free. LFG!

WE BACK: US Men's & Women's, EPL, Champions League, Spurs stay up and Adult soccer. LET'S GO!

We back! Talk a little bit about my schedule...and where this is going moving forward. GREAT guests coming. All good stuff. How about this, Mauricio Pochettino recently challenged the US Men's National Team with a simple message: Play Free. It's a phrase that stuck with me for obvious reasons. He's welcome ;-). This week, I dive into the conversations surrounding the USMNT roster, expectations heading into a World Cup on home soil, and what success should actually look like for American soccer. I also touch on the US Women's National Team loss but want to acknowledge, here, their impressive response against Brazil after I recorded this... playing physical, competing, and earning a big result against one of the world's best. We also look back at a massive week across the game. Congratulations to Arsenal supporters everywhere especially my friend James Dooley, who would never forgive me if I didn't mention him (as I omitted that in the recording). We talk Champions League, the end of the Premier League season (thank God Spurs stay up), and the excitement building around soccer in the United States. We also continue to celebrate the adult game: VE's Over 30 and Over 50 teams captured Northeast Regional Championships. The US Over 40 National Team represented the country proudly on the world stage. And across the country, thousands of players, coaches, volunteers, and families continue to prove that soccer isn't just about the professional game. It's about community. Because long after the scholarships, contracts, and trophies are gone, people are still showing up. Play Free, everyone.