The 1st Half Culture Show

Matty Longstaff Opens Up on Newcastle, MLS & Premier League Dreams

From the academy at Newcastle United F.C. to Premier League nights and now life in MLS, Matty Longstaff joins The 1st Half Culture Show for an honest conversation about the highs and realities of professional football. Matty opens up about growing up in one of football’s most passionate cities, family influence, the pressure that comes with academy football, and his unforgettable debut goal against Manchester United F.C.. We also dive into: ⚽ Growing up in Newcastle football culture ⚽ Academy life and family support ⚽ The influence of his brother Sean Longstaff ⚽ Moving from England to North America ⚽ MLS vs European football culture ⚽ Recovering from ACL injuries ⚽ England, World Cup talk & football pressure ⚽ Why supporters are everything to clubs Whether you're a Newcastle supporter, MLS fan, or simply love football stories, this episode dives into the mentality and journey behind the game.

From Athletic Therapist to Football Media Voice | Karim Mehdi on FC Supra, Culture & Storytelling

Football doesn’t grow on the pitch alone — it grows through stories, voices, and community. In this episode of The 1st Half Culture Show, Karim Mehdi shares his journey from athletic therapist to becoming a rising voice in football media, covering the game where it lives — at the grassroots and community level. As host of On S’en Foot and commentator within Quebec’s football scene, Karim breaks down how media, storytelling, and digital platforms are helping shape the next era of the game in Canada. We dive into: * Building a football media platform from scratch * The growth of Quebec’s football ecosystem * The role of storytelling in growing the sport * Behind the scenes of FC Supra du Québec * Taking risks and creating your own path in football This is a conversation about culture, community, and why football is more than just a game. 💬 “Football is more than a game… it’s a feeling.”

Laurent Ciman on Football Mentality | From Champions League to Coaching

What does it really take to perform at the highest level — and stay there? In this episode of The 1st Half Culture Show, Laurent Ciman, former MLS Defender of the Year and current assistant coach at FC Supra du Québec, shares a raw and honest look into the mentality behind professional football. From competing in Europe’s top leagues and experiencing the Champions League and World Cup environments, to leading in Major League Soccer, Ciman breaks down the realities players don’t always talk about. We dive into: Why mentality separates good players from great ones Handling pressure, criticism, and failure at the highest level The role of discipline and team chemistry Transitioning from player to coach What defines a real football culture This is a conversation about leadership, resilience, and understanding the game beyond the pitch.

From Cobbler to Pizza Master | Richie Ourichian’s Roman Pizza Story (Segreta Montreal)

Step inside the world of Roman-style pizza with Richie Ourichian, founder of Segreta in Montreal. From his early days as a cobbler to becoming a master pizzaiolo, Richie shares his incredible journey, passion, and philosophy behind authentic pizza al taglio.Discover how 72–96 hour fermentation, high-hydration dough, and precision baking create crispy, airy, and flavorful Roman pizza. Richie also breaks down the real differences between Neapolitan, New York, and Roman-style pizza—and why he believes Roman pizza is the best.This episode dives into food culture, entrepreneurship, discipline, and the mindset needed to build a successful culinary brand.🔥 If you love pizza, food stories, and business journeys—this is a must-watch!

Patrice Bernier & Alex Kenol |Canada World Cup Dreams, Football, Business & Impact

n this exclusive interview, former CF Montréal captain Patrice Bernier and entrepreneur Alexandre Kénol dive deep into football, community impact, and the future of Canadian soccer.From World Cup excitement to building opportunities for youth through the Patrice Bernier Foundation, this conversation explores how sport goes beyond the pitch.⚽ Topics covered:Canada’s rising stars & World Cup expectationsBuilding a legacy after professional footballThe impact of community-driven initiativesThe story behind the Patrice Bernier FoundationEntrepreneurship, events, and youth empowerment🌍 With the World Cup approaching, Bernier shares insights on players like Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David — and why Canadian soccer is entering a new era.🎟️ Support the cause, attend events, or donate to help empower the next generation.