Behind The Shield -- Kalani Kossa-Rienzi and Kelly Hipchen

Episode 249

Sounders FC Pod-Cast returns with a must-listen episode as hosts Steve Zakuani and Brad Evans sit down with Seattle Sounders Head Coach Brian Schmetzer for a wide-ranging, candid conversation. Schmetzer takes listeners behind the scenes of last season’s Club World Cup and Leagues Cup, sharing stories and insights you won’t hear anywhere else. He opens up about his coaching journey — from his early days as an assistant to leading the Sounders from the top — and dives into the intense competition for starting spots across the current roster. The conversation also spotlights Cristian Roldan, with Schmetzer praising his performances, leadership, and character, and explaining how those qualities have elevated his standing as a potential 2026 USMNT World Cup contributor. Plus, Schmetzer doesn’t shy away from tough moments, revealing why the playoff loss to Minnesota stands out to him as the most painful defeat in Sounders history. Insightful, honest, and full of perspective — this is an episode Sounders fans won’t want to miss.

Behind The Shield -- Paul Arriola and Dr. Ty Jones

Hosts Steve Zakuani and Brad Evans bring you a special Behind the Shield edition of the Sounders FC Pod-Cast, featuring powerful stories of impact both on and off the pitch. First, they sit down with Dr. Ty Jones, Medical Director at Regence, who was honored as a Community Hero at a Sounders match last season for his dedication to serving public employees and their families. Then, Sounders midfielder Paul Arriola joins the show to reflect on his road back from the ACL injury he suffered last season in CONCACAF play against Cruz Azul, sharing insight into his recovery, mindset, and return to action. An episode that highlights resilience, community, and the heart of the club—don’t miss it.

Episode 247

This week on the Sounders FC Pod-Cast, host Brad Evans is joined by Sounders FC Director of Broadcasting Keely Dunning for a quick but insightful recap of the Sounders’ dramatic playoff exit against Minnesota United. Seattle fell in penalties after a wild 3–3 draw in regulation, and Keely brings her firsthand perspective from the sideline—sharing what she saw, heard, and felt during one of the most intense matches of the season.  Later in the episode, host Steve Zakuani sits down with Pam Teal and Damien Pattenaude from the Renton Schools Foundation. Together, they explore the Foundation’s essential work in the community, how they support students and families, and why their partnership with the club matters.  Another episode packed with match insight, storytelling, and impactful community conversations. Tune in!

Episode 246

Co-hosts Brad Evans and Steve Zakuani are back — with Steve calling in from sunny Hawaii — to break down the Sounders’ first two matches of their Round 1 playoff series against Minnesota United. The guys dig into what they’ve seen so far in terms of style of play, how the 4-2 home win proved Seattle can crack open even the most frustrating defensive setups, and what it means to see Jordan Morris and Danny Musovski starting side by side up front.  Tune in to watch on Apple TV, or catch the broadcast on 950 KJR AM (English) and 1360 El Rey (Spanish).

Behind The Shield -- Kalani Kossa-Rienzi and Kelly Hipchen

In this special episode of the Sounders FC Pod-Cast, Brad Evans sits down with rising Sounders star Kalani Kossa-Rienzi. The two dive into Kalani’s journey from his standout career at the University of Washington to being drafted by the Sounders, his steady progression onto the first team, and the powerful role his family and friends play in his success. Plus, Steve Zakuani speaks with Kelly Hipchen, Chief of Staff at Darigold and this week’s Regence BlueShield Community Hero. Kelly was recognized for her leadership within the Northwest Dairy Association cooperative, including her work supporting Darigold’s first Dairy Dash 5K in Seattle — an event that raised funds and awareness for Food Lifeline. Tune in for an inspiring look at determination, community, and the people making a difference on and off the pitch.