This week’s guest Joe Quigley first arrived in the US in 2008 to work in the youth sports industry. After his decision to return home to the UK in 2016 he was presented a new opportunity to own and operate his own coaching franchise in his hometown of Manchester.

He opens up about early life in the US in ‘08, his reasons for returning home and the lessons he has learned as he and his family embark on part 2 of his American journey

#crossingthepondpodcast #standards #leadership #opportunity #enjoyment #fun #footballfunfactory

This week we welcome Mark Simpson, founder of Boostly.

Before building one of the most recognized direct booking platforms in the short-term rental world, Mark spent several years in the U.S, coaching soccer and learning the art of leadership and teamwork firsthand.

When he returned to his hometown of Scarborough in 2008, he brought with him a playbook of ideas that would eventually fuel the creation of Boostly.

Mark talks about how he’s managed to scale his business while building a high-performing team and creating a solid work-life balance. Ultimately supporting his own success and well-being, whilst enabling him to build a flourishing business on his own terms.

It’s a pleasure to welcome Sabrina Flores to the podcast this week as she talks through her soccer journey that began and ended in NJ. She talks through her pathway through the club, college, international and professional ranks. Showcasing her relentless drive to succeed and her selfless attitude to her teammates throughout her playing career

Sabrina also speaks to how she plans to instill the same levels of determination and focus, both on the eve of parenthood and also her into her new business venture as the founder of FLO2.0, a training and mentoring program for aspiring soccer players.

#crossingthepondpodcast #sabrinaflores #empowerment #womenssoccer #embracethejourney #drive #motivation #nynjgotham #teamplayer #twins #siblingrelationships #thegreatergood #nwsl #parenthood #workouts #wellness #mentorship #jerseygirls #njgirlssoccer

This week we take a look into the world of Vinny Valente, better known as @vincenttheowl . A Jersey City performing artist and storyteller who’s words echo both the struggle and the soul of city life.

Vinny opens up about his humble beginnings, the creative influences that shaped his sound and how he channels it all into his music.

We’ll talk about 9-to-5 hustle, late-night performances, staying true to his artistic vision and all while providing for his family.

#Crossingthepondpodcast #performing #hustle #rapping #commitment #drive #family #daddydaughter #operatewithliquor #vincenttheowl #jerseycity #jerseycitymusic #jerseycityartist

We welcome Vasily Yurenkov to the show this week. Who tells the story of leaving his home country of Russia in 2022, after his original plan to relocate was somewhat accelerated by the conflict with Ukraine.

He talks of the strategies he used to make the move and how it has ultimately influenced him to start his journey as the founder of Greener Relocation.

A service offering a combination of his vast travel experiences with data driven advice, to people who are looking to make a career or personal shift by moving to a new country.

#crossingthepondpodcast #relocating #relocation

An absolute pleasure to welcome our two guests for this week.

John O’Rourke and Enda Crehan, who between them have over 50 years of experience in the soccer industry, are currently helping to spearhead the North American Irish Coaches Association. Providing opportunity and support to Irish immigrants through their soccer journeys here in the US.

John and Enda share their own stories and what they value most out of creating a network. Along with the benefits of having an association to help people feel more prepared for their career and social paths, while all the time maintaining a connection to their heritage.

#crossingthepondpodcast #northamericanirishcoachesassociation #naica #connection #association #support

In this week’s episode will take a look back to the early summer of last year and episodes 21 through 30. Some top guests with plenty stories and different perspectives.

Hope these reflection on past episodes will jogs memory of the guests we’ve had, or to our newer listeners, maybe sparks an interest to dig into the back catalog.

Guests/times in order of appearance

0:41 - Genny Dunnington - #24 'Lifestyle'

9:00 - Paul Gerald - #25 'Culture'

22:27 - Alan McClintock - #22 'Balance'

33:13 - Maggie Devine-Inman - #23 'Support'

44:12 - Steve Broomhead - #26 'Longevity'

52:08 - Liz Lord-Gibson - #21 'Understanding'

1:00:55 - David Prager - #28 'Pivoting'

1:13:33 - Sal Eppolito - #29 'Comparisons'

1:23:22 - Peter-John Falloon - #30 'Hustle'

1:32:56 - Steven Mazzaro - #27 'Acceptance'

#crossingthepondpodcast #understanding #lifestyle #support #culture #pivoting #comparisons #hustle #accceptance #balance #longevity #expats

For today’s episode, we’re joined by Jim Whelan and his wife, Maira Gorozabel—a couple whose story spans continents and cultures. Jim first met Maira in Ecuador while traveling through South America, and after 16 months living in Quito, their journey together truly began.

From Ecuador to England, and now the U.S., each move has brought its own challenges and triumphs. Over the years, their relationship has been rooted in deep respect and a commitment to growing together through change.

As parents of two, they’ve built a life that blends traditions, holds tight to what matters most and keeps evolving without losing its foundation.

#crossingthepondpodcast #juntos #together #ecuador #family #watfordfc #sacrifice #languagebarriers #travel #intensity #passion #fuego

We welcome Bob Gibson back this week as a guest host, asking Gary questions on his 'why' for starting the podcast.

They talk about the learning experiences in the 18 months of CTP to this point and they talk about the roads that Gary would like to see the podcast take as it works its way through 2025 and beyond.

*Recorded in Feb 2025

#crossingthepondpodcast #why #findyourwhy #listeningskills #amateurpodcaster #podcasting #passionprojects #friendships #superpowerswithdownsides

We welcome a good friend to the microphone this week in Marc McKelvie, a Scotsman who first landed in the U.S. in 2009.

He talks about gaining his confidence early on, rebounding from a 14-month setback after his visa was declined and what the power of connection and relationships have done to help him work around tough moments

Marc also opens up about his ability to be honest with himself and how it has broadened his mindset on what it means to be happy.

#crossingthepondpodcast #honesty #scottish #scottishcoaches #visaissues #relationships #friendship #football #soccer #mulliganshoboken #hobokenNJ