Crossing The Pond

This weeks guest is Madison Gilmore a rising filmmaker, director, and producer currently studying at NYU’s prestigious Tisch School of the Arts.

Madison’s journey began in Newark, New Jersey, where she faced profound loss at just eight years old with the passing of her mother. An emotional turning point that shaped the young woman she is today.

Beyond her creative talent is a deep well of resilience. She’s faced grief, anxiety, and depression and yet, through it all, she’s learned to stand on her own, to grow, to connect, and to stay grounded.

Madison opens up about the highs, the heartbreaks, and the healing and shares what it really means to pursue a dream while staying humble, building relationships, and honoring where you come from.

#crossingthepondpodcast #grief #process #nyutisch #trusttheprocess #resilience #womeninfilm #stayhumble #creativevoice #filmstudent #griefjourney #chasingdreams

This week’s guest has recently began a new chapter of his life in the US after a coaching and playing career in professional football, spanning from the mid-eighties to the present day and covering 4 continents.

Dylan Kerr gives us insight into the ups and downs of his career, from club initiations in South Africa, to successes during his more notable spells at Leeds United, Reading and Kilmarnock. His journey is a testament to the importance of building and nurturing relationships, as well as being ready to seize the opportunities that come your way.

#crossingthepondpodcast #dylankerr #sheffieldwednesday #LeedsUnited #readingfc #kilmarnock #scottishcup #hamiltonacademicals #scotland #howardwilkinson #gordonstrachan #garyspeed #davidbatty #vinnyjones #ericcantona #pieceofthepuzzle

When Elvir Prasovic was forced to leave his Sarajevo home in 1992 after war broke out in his native Bosnia, he embarked on a refugee journey that eventually brought him to the US in 1999.

Elvir talks candidly of his memories as a child and teenager and how his experiences has shaped his perspective and outlook in his life as a husband, father and educator in his home state of New Jersey

This week we welcomed Emmet Brennan.

An Irish boxing champion and Olympian who is fresh off his most recent victory in Madison Sq Garden on March 16th. He talks about his journey through the boxing ranks to this point,

what the energy that fighting in NYC has done to enhance his desire to win and how his newfound focus and preparation to the sport he loves is fueling his commitment to become a champion again.

#crossingthepondpodcast #emmetbrennan #discipline #dublinboxing #madisonsquaregarden #irisholympian #tokyo2020 #amiyeah#kevinggroganconsulting #boxing

My guest this week cites graffiti, comic books and his Haitian heritage as the major creative influences on his artwork.

Andre Nicolas gives us the rundown on his development and emergence as a successful artist in his new home of Jersey City, the importance of fostering a creative community and conquering fears to cross those lines we create to hold us back in personal and professional journeys.

#crossingthepond #overcomingfear #crossingboundaries #streetart #afrofuture #jerseycityartists

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.