Janneke van der Meulen is een bekende naam in de vegan wereld. Naast de lezingen die ze geeft, heeft ze meerdere boeken geschreven waaronder 'De Win-Win Methode'. Als profatlete in een van de fysiek zwaarste sporten, het roeien, kan ze goed meepraten over de effecten van een plantaardig dieet op haar prestaties.

Samen met Bas Kanis, een goede vriend van me en ook vegan, neem ik plaats aan een grote ronde tafel. Ergens op een woonboot in de Vinkeveense Plassen, Jannekes uitvalsbasis. Luister mee met ons gesprek en deel je gedachten met ons!

Janneke

Bailey

This year, we had the honour to welcome Mathieu Pierron as one of the judgers during the Dutch Freestyle Football Championships. Of course, I did not leave the opportunity hanging to get to know France’s vice champion a bit better. Mathieu is renowned for his smooth flow, great creativity and unique sliding tricks. What is the key to creating a signature style? Also, what is it like living completely off of freestyle? And not to forget: his crew, Footstyle. Together with his freestyle friends, he performs shows, creates freestyle gear and travels on a daily basis. In short, more than enough to discuss!

Welcome to the most spontaneous podcast episode ever! Just before boarding our flight back home, Bas and I bumped into a couple of freestyle friends: Lorenzo from Italy, Pege from Finland, Mohamed from Luxembourg, Maël from Poland, Tony from Hong Kong and Tristan from France. We started reflecting upon SuperBall 2021 and decided to capture the moment by recording our conversation. The sound isn't perfect, there's background noise from Prague airport and we are all over the place. But it's moments like these that are truly special. It's moments like these that become memories. So enjoy!

Tobias Becs is one of the most appreciated freestylers in the world. Not only because he has changed the game in terms of lowers and especially no-touches, but also because he runs the biggest freestyle football brand: 4Freestyle. In this episode, Tobias tells you everything about it! What triggered him to start his own business? How did he manage to turn his idea into a real thing? Also, now that 4Freestyle is taking up most of his time, what are his goals and aspirations? Get to know why Tobias used to put a knife in Adidas matchballs. Also, is he is still happy with his 'FREESTYLE' tattoo?

Last week, 6x World Champion Erlend Fagerli joined the podcast. This time, I have the honour to introduce you to his brother Brynjar. They started practicing freestyle together in 2009 and today, 12 years later, this brotherhood project is still going strong. Actually, they have been dominating the game. Imagine battling your brother in the Norwegian, Scandinavian, European AND World Final. It has become a habit for the 'Fagerlibros'. Is it just good vibes or is there sibling rivalry? Learn about a rule they invented that forbids them from stealing each other's tricks. And get to know how Brynjar comes up with new concepts, for example the legendary J-stall toe touches. Finally, he shares some battle strategies that would lead to a second place (after his brother) in the World Champs a few days later. Thanks for beating me in the Top 16 btw :)

What an honor to sit down with 6x World Champion Freestyle Football, Erlend Fagerli (Norway). At the moment of recording this episode, Erlend had won 5 world titles. A few days later, he made history and took his 6th. How does he manage to do it? Is there a secret? And how does a World Champion prepare for a major competition? Also, Erlend explains how he unlocked his potential after some struggles, turned the stage into his comfort zone and what keeps him motivated. Disclaimer: it's not the trophies. After all, "the world doesn't change that much after becoming World Champion".

Philip Warren Gertsson, aka PWG, is an absolute pioneer in the freestyle scene. He has never missed a SuperBall since the beginning and has been competing for 13 years, "as long as some competitors here have lived". Having seen the sport grow and develop over the years, Philip emphasizes the importance of educating the next generation about the origins and historical milestones of freestyle. Also, what is he aspiring to achieve with his freestyle brand 'Foreverlution'? Finally, besides all the fun experiences, two competition-related moments have been specifically tough for him to overcome. What are these? And what is the final goal he wants to reach before he finishes his career?

Spinny Vinny (45), father of four, a PE teacher and passionate freestyler from New York, is kicking us off. Colorful, optimistic, energetic and open-minded are terms that describe his character and presence perfectly. Having entered the scene at a relatively old age, Spinny explains how he has managed to connect with his fellow freestylers. What are insights he has gained from both the experienced, top-level guys and next generation freestylers? Also, why does he prefer the word 'play' over 'train'? And what approach to training results in the most enjoyable, fun-to-watch attitude on stage? A lot of freestyle (but also life) wisdom in this first episode with one of the most positive individuals I've ever met...

Het proces van een passie vinden en daar vol voor gaan, daar kan Stijn de Winter goed over meepraten. Hij maakte de switch van voetbal naar freestyle en een aantal jaar later van freestyle naar fotografie en film. Door het volgen van de ene passie rolde hij zo in de andere, legt hij uit. Wat begon met de vondst van zijn vaders oude camera in een kastje groeide uit tot een hobby voor het fotograferen en filmen van freestyle voetbalevenementen en is nu zijn werk. Stijn werkt nauw samen met artiesten als Snelle en verzorgt daarnaast de socials van bedrijven.

Zonder Jano Calor was ik misschien nooit in aanraking gekomen met freestyle voetbal. Als techniektrainer bij Romano Voetbalschool in Gorinchem, inspireerde hij mij met zijn ‘heel juggles’. Als 7-jarig jongetje liep hij zelf al hooghoudend van zijn huis naar en door de videotheek. Toentertijd was freestyle nog geen begrip. Nu, 25 jaar later, is freestyle groter dan ooit. Jano heeft de opkomst van de sport van dichtbij meegemaakt, maar koos er bewust voor om op de achtergrond te blijven. Wat is zijn reden hiervoor? Wanneer ben je een 'freestyler'? En hoe kijkt Jano naar mijn transitie van voetbal naar freestyle, die door hem persoonlijk in gang is gezet?