It was great this week to reconnect with Paula Burke, who after the visiting the US numerous times before finally packed a suitcase and came to New York City for good in 2006.

She talked about the ups and down a finding her feet during a early years, the fond memories of what she left behind in her home town of Liverpool and how the community and friendships that she has cultivated over the years gives her a fresh perspective on what she considers to be ‘home’.

#crossingthepondpodcast #home #family #parenting #newyorkcity #bartenderslife #bartending #bravery #happyinternationalwomensday #scousemum

We’re joined this week by Tania Bentley, who recounts her experiences in the US since moving from South Africa at the age of 19.

She speaks on growing up in a home country during the fall of a apartheid, how it influences her work to bring light to social justice and public policy issues her in the US, through her work in the TV industry and how her own diagnosis, treatment and therapy that inspires her to continue her relentless advocacy for those suffering with Multiple Sclerosis.

#crossingthepondpodcast #hope #taniabentley #dueprocess #multiplesclerosis #msawareness #msawarenessmonth #resilience #recovery #relationships #community #apartheid #rainbownation #dontbeanarsehole

Bit of a change of pace (and position) this week as friend of the podcast Bob Gibson digs into Gary’s story to this point.

Gary shares his journey from the UK to the US, discussing his experiences in coaching, the challenges of navigating life in a new country, and the importance of building connections.

He reflects on personal struggles, career transitions, and the significance of community, while also offering insights into growth, resilience, and the lessons learned along the way.#crossingthepondpodcast #switch #switchingroles #switchingcareers #relationships #community #friendship #courage

Our guest today is Kevin Grogan, a former professional footballer whose career was cut short by injury at the young age of 21. Not before he was a member of a U16 European Championship winning Ireland squad and being a promising young part of the Manchester United squad of the late 90s.

After relocating to the U.S. from Dublin, Kevin reinvented himself, transitioning from coaching roles to the sports consulting sector.

In this conversation, Kevin opens up about the highs and lows of his early career, sharing the lessons he’s learned from overcoming adversity. He also talks about what the U.S. has provided him both professionally and personally, and how this new chapter has shaped his life on and off the field.

#kevingroganconsulting #injury #manchesterunited #classof92 #garyneville #paulscholes #davidmay #ireland #fai #briankerr #johnoshea #andyreid #roykeane #networking #nyc #irishinnyc #andresiniesta #davidvilla #ikercasillas #teddysheringham

Declan Duffin joins the show this week, talking about his move from Scotland to the U.S. in 2013. From leaving behind family and friends to embracing life and soccer in America, Declan’s journey has been full of growth and change.

He’s worked in various coaching roles in his time up to now and more recently finds himself working in the MLS ranks at DC United, excited for the challenges ahead.

Declan shares what it’s been like balancing his career in soccer, his coaching philosophy, and how he views his progressions through his different roles. He talks about the next chapter of his life and career and how he continues to evolve both as a coach and a family man.

Today's guest is Andre Santiago, who shares his journey growing up in a Puerto Rican family in the Bronx in NYC. He talks about how he overcame many challenges as a young man, but over time, with a little help from some positive influences, he discovered the power of community and how it can change both his mental and physical health.

Andre shares how connecting with others helped him push through obstacles, embrace fitness, and become a dedicated distance runner. He shares that by finding his people, by way of his personal relationships, or the camaraderie with his local Running club, he has slowly been able to find himself

Welcome back to CTP for 2025. After a short break we’re back, with new guests, new topics and more inspiring stories!

While initially focused on moves to the US, it quickly became clear that crossing a pond is about more than geography. Every day, people face their own "ponds" — whether that means relocating to a new country, rebounding from health challenges, embarking on career changes, or overcoming personal obstacles.

As CTP moves into 2025, join Gary and his guests on a journey of growth, transformation, and resilience. Whether crossing an ocean, a country, or a personal barrier, this podcast will demonstrate how our guests have kept moving forward, one step at a time.

#crossingthepond #everyonehasastory #twentyyearsandcounting

This week we’re welcoming friends, listeners, fellow pond crossers, and occasional podcast lurkers to the show for our Crossing the Pond year-in-review.

As we come to the holiday end of 2024, we wanted to take a stroll down memory lane to cap off what has been a great first year in the books.

Talking through the unpredictable waves of career pivots, mental health moments, coaching adventures, and entrepreneurial escapades. Also what to expect from the next round of guests in 2025.

#crossingthepond #fortyninenotout