Football Special: From Grassroots to the 2026 World Cup

Football Special: From Grassroots to the 2026 World Cup

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicking off this month, Rich and Dan are joined by good friend, teammate, and football aficionado Harry Costa for a celebration of the beautiful game. From muddy grassroots pitches to the biggest sporting stage on the planet, the trio discuss everything football. Harry shares his experiences playing in Richard’s legendary Tuesday night kick-around, a friendly fixture that has been bringing players together for around 25 years, as well as his exploits as one of the star performers for Dansum FC. The conversation then turns to the highs and lows of the 2025/26 football season. Dan reflects on the heartbreak of seeing West Ham United relegated, while Rich’s Liverpool and Harry’s Leeds United muddle through and survive to fight another season. Closer to home, the team celebrate Lincoln United’s fantastic promotion to the Championship and what it means for football in Lincolnshire. Looking ahead, they discuss the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, and assess England’s chances of finally bringing football home. As always, there’s plenty of football nostalgia, debate, banter and passion along the way. This month’s episode is played out by Paradox of Ravens with another track from their brand-new album Eye Of The Storm. Links & Mentions: Dansum FC: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559220578844 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559220578844] Paradox of Ravens: www.facebook.com/groups/1387648635973851/ [https://facebook.com/groups/1387648635973851/] Follow us and get in touch: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/stronglincs/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/stronglincs/] www.stronglincs.co.uk [http://stronglincs.co.uk/] Email us at hello@stronglincs.co.uk [hello@stronglincs.co.uk] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Extra Strong Lincs with Matt Shaw

This month, Rich and Dan visit the home of their good friend, Matt Shaw who happens to be a local authority on the explosion of rave culture in the late 1980s and early ’90s. The Strong Lincs duo dive deep into the origins of the UK rave scene, from illegal warehouse parties and acid house nights to the flyers, fashions and unforgettable energy that defined a generation. Matt shares how he first got swept up in the movement, the legendary nights he attended, and why the culture still means so much to him today. The conversation also explores the 2025 documentary Gotta Have It, To Feel It, which follows Matt’s lifelong obsession with collecting original rave flyers and memorabilia. At the heart of it all is his famous “Wall of Frame”, an incredible archive celebrating one of the most exciting eras in British nightlife history. Expect nostalgia, laughter, untold stories and a fascinating look back at the underground scene that changed music and youth culture forever. Check out Matt Shaw in the rave documentary “Gotta Have It, To Feel It” (2025) [https://youtu.be/PL3SvM5SlKE?si=xbjMgqBm5057y6_K]. Follow us and get in touch: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/stronglincs/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/stronglincs/] www.stronglincs.co.uk [http://stronglincs.co.uk/] Email us at hello@stronglincs.co.uk [hello@stronglincs.co.uk] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Fens, Floods & The Final Frontier

This month on Strong Lincs, Rich and Dan sit down with Lincolnshire-based space journalist and author Clive Simpson for a fascinating and wide-ranging conversation that bridges local landscapes and outer space. Clive joins the guys to talk about the launch of his debut novel Flood Waters Down, a gripping story set right here in Lincolnshire. He shares how the idea for the book was sparked after visiting Surfleet Seas End, near Spalding, in the aftermath of the 2013 storm surge. Drawing on his deep connection to the region, Clive explains why Lincolnshire’s vast skies and unique landscape are “in his DNA” and why he felt compelled to set his first novel in a place he knows so intimately. At its core, Flood Waters Down explores themes of survival, moral reckoning, and fragile hope in a world reshaped by climate collapse, with the quiet rise of artificial intelligence adding another layer of tension. The conversation then takes a turn to the cosmos. In his role as Editor in Chief of ROOM Space Journal magazine, Clive shares his insights on NASA’s latest Artemis II mission to the moon, giving us a glimpse into the future of space exploration. A brilliant episode that blends local storytelling, global issues, and a touch of the infinite. Links & Mentions Clive Simpson: clivesimpson.co.uk [https://clivesimpson.co.uk] Flood Waters Down by Clive Simpson: thetravellingbookshop.com/products/pre-order-flood-waters-down-by-clive-a-simpson [https://thetravellingbookshop.com/products/pre-order-flood-waters-down-by-clive-a-simpson] ROOM Space Journal Magazine: room.eu.com/ [https://room.eu.com/] Follow us and get in touch: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/stronglincs/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/stronglincs/] www.stronglincs.co.uk [http://stronglincs.co.uk/] Email us at hello@stronglincs.co.uk [hello@stronglincs.co.uk] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Extra Strong Lincs with Jane Peck

This month on Extra Strong Lincs, Rich and Dan are joined by a truly inspiring guest, Jane Peck, founder of Rainbow Stars. Rainbow Stars is a Lincolnshire-based charity doing incredible work to support children and adults with disabilities, additional needs, and life-limiting conditions, along with their families. In this heartfelt and eye-opening conversation, Jane shares the story behind the charity’s creation, the challenges she’s faced along the way, and the real impact Rainbow Stars is having in the community. It’s an honest, moving, and uplifting episode that shines a light on the power of community and compassion right here in Lincolnshire. Tune in now and discover the story behind one of the county’s most meaningful initiatives. Follow, share, and support local stories that matter. Find out more about Rainbow Stars: www.rainbowstarslincs.co.uk [https://rainbowstarslincs.co.uk/] Follow us and get in touch: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/stronglincs/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/stronglincs/] www.stronglincs.co.uk [http://stronglincs.co.uk/] Email us at hello@stronglincs.co.uk [hello@stronglincs.co.uk] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Autism Awareness, Model Railways & The Film Critic

April’s episode of Strong Lincs is packed with heart, community spirit, and a touch of creativity as Rich and Dan head out across the district to mark a very special day. In celebration of World Autism Day, the duo visit Rainbow Stars in Sleaford where they’re given a warm welcome by their very own super-fan, Stephi. She proudly shows them around the hub, offering a personal insight into the incredible work being done there by all the brilliant volunteers and members. From joining in with a calming mindfulness session to unwinding in the sensory room, it’s an eye-opening and uplifting experience that highlights the incredible work being done to support young people and families in the local community. All aboard! Next stop, Great Hale, where the action shifts to Hale Magna Village Hall for the NG34 Model Railway Society’s Exhibition. From intricate layouts to passionate hobbyists, Rich and Dan take in the sights and sounds of this much-loved local event, celebrating the craftsmanship and community behind the miniature world of model railways. They meet up for a chat with three of the NG34 members to get the lowdown on this fascinating hobby. Back in the studio, the conversation turns to the big (and small) screen as film critic Joel James joins the show. He shares his expert picks for upcoming cinema releases and TV series, offering listeners plenty of inspiration for their next watch. Rounding off the episode on a high note, the wonderfully talented Heather Brackley plays us out with her track Chickenpox, a memorable and unique finish to another vibrant episode. It’s all here: community, creativity, and connection on this month’s Strong Lincs. Links & Mentions: Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: stronglincs • Share and subscribe • Thanks, it really helps! Rainbow Stars: www.rainbowstarslincs.co.uk [https://rainbowstarslincs.co.uk/] NG34 Model Railway Society: ng34mrs.co.uk [https://ng34mrs.co.uk/] Heather Brackley: instagram.com/heatherbrackleyx [https://www.instagram.com/heatherbrackleyx?igsh=MWpmZnZmZTVyb3R3MQ==] Follow us and get in touch: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/stronglincs/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/stronglincs/] www.stronglincs.co.uk [http://stronglincs.co.uk/] Email us at hello@stronglincs.co.uk [hello@stronglincs.co.uk] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.