In this episode I speak with photographer and director, George Cotterhill.

We explore the intersection of parenthood and entrepreneurship, discussing the challenges and rewards of balancing family life with running a creative business.

George shares his journey from quantity surveying to filmmaking, detailing the birth of his production company, Rhoda Pond Productions, and the evolution of his work in sports content.

He highlights the importance of emotional storytelling, building relationships in the industry, and the continuous learning process that comes with creative work and the significance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Enjoy!

Takeaways

• Parenthood brings unique challenges to entrepreneurship.

• Creative journeys often start from unexpected events.
• Building relationships is key in the creative industry.
• Emotional storytelling enhances video content.
• Learning on the job is invaluable for skill development.
• Transitioning to sports content can open new opportunities.
• Balancing work and family requires boundaries.
• Staying fit helps maintain mental clarity for work.
• Social media can be both a tool and a distraction.
• Documentary filmmaking offers a deeper connection to subjects.

Kelvin Quagraine is the Head of Brand at Art Of, the fan-led sports brand defining the culture of fan communities

He shares his journey from aspiring footballer to influential figure in the football community, discussing the impact of dual interests in football and drama on his identity.

We discuss the cultural significance of football, the evolution of fandom, and the importance of mental health and self-awareness. 

Kelvyn also highlights his work with  the Art Of brand, emphasising the need for creativity and reflection in both personal and professional life.

Enjoy! 

Takeaways

• Kelvyn's journey into football began with a passion for the game and performance.
• The duality of interests in football and drama shaped Kelvyn's identity.
• Fluidity in interests can protect mental health and foster resilience.
• Football is not just a sport; it's a cultural phenomenon that connects people.
• Players are increasingly exploring interests beyond football, enriching their identities.
• Art and fashion can serve as powerful expressions of football fandom.
• Education in football can help combat social issues and empower youth.
• Self-awareness and reflection are crucial for personal growth and creativity.
• Injury can lead to new paths and opportunities for self-discovery.
• Radical rest is essential for maintaining creativity and mental well-being.

Chapters

02:40

Journey into Football and Performance

07:43

The Impact of Dual Interests on Identity

09:56

Understanding Football as a Cultural Phenomenon

14:18

The Evolution of Football Fandom

18:08

Art of: Merging Football and Fashion

26:11

Involvement with Football Beyond Borders

31:34

The Role of Education in Football

34:17

Influences and Self-Awareness

40:04

Navigating Injury and Mental Health

41:54

Creativity and Reflection in Work

48:21

Exploring Psychedelics and Creativity

Alexis Guerreros is a comedian from Newark, New Jersey.

He shares his unique journey from corporate America to the world of stand-up, sports fandom, and content creation as co-founder of Soccer Cooligans. 

We discuss growing up in New Jersey, how that planted the seeds of his passion for the game and formed the skills that would go on to make him a success in both a corporate and stand-up environment. 

Alexis explains how his passions intersect, the importance in that, and the lessons learned along the way about authenticity, risk-taking, and building a vibrant community.

He also hates Elvis. Hates him. 

Enjoy!

• Alexis’ transition from corporate VP to comedian and content creator
• The influence of football and sports culture on his comedy and media ventures
• Building authentic, multi-dimensional personal brands
• Navigating identity and validation in entertainment and sports
• The importance of diversifying passions for personal fulfilment
• Creating engaging content that blends humour with sports insights
• The impact of family, heritage, and international experiences on branding
• How embracing individuality and passion leads to unexpected success

02:38 - Growing up in Newark and the multicultural sports culture
06:20 - The influence of childhood and immigrant communities on football fandom
11:05 - Building a media brand: Kooligans and content strategy
15:28 - Early moments of success and fan engagement at live matches
20:09 - Navigating identity in the corporate and entertainment worlds
26:15 - The importance of authenticity and finding your niche
32:48 - Diversifying passions: food, football, and media opportunities
37:22 - The evolution of Alexis’ goals and mindset for future growth
44:22 - How external validation shapes confidence and brand development
55:12 - The role of validation in entertainment vs. personal fulfilment
62:13 - Reflections on the World Cup and Alexis’ heritage
67:25 - The importance of adapting ambition and embracing new opportunities

Hi team,

The podcast is taking a break until January.

Until then, plenty to keep you occupied with 100 conversations in the back catalogue.

Thank you for the support this year and those previous.

See you on the other side.

JF

Alexis James returns to discuss the process behind Off-Field, a bumper anthology of long form sports storytelling that explores hidden heroes, niche subcultures, and uncharted communities across the world.

Listeners can use NPLH10 at checkout to enjoy a 10% discount on all orders.

Sam Diss is a writer and strategist from East London with a client list that'll make your eyes water – Arsenal, AC Milan and Barcelona blah blah blah.

He explores the balance between personal authenticity and industry demands, reflecting on the importance of collaboration and embracing your unique voice.

This is a candid conversation where Sam reflects on his journey of self-discovery within the creative industry, discussing the highs and lows of his career and how vulnerability and self-awareness can lead to profound insights and meaningful connections in the world of creativity.

And of course, there's Mundial.

Enjoy!

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Judah Negron is a multi-threat creative, ministerial pastor and founder of North Dakotan football brand, Far Out FC.

He shares his journey as a creative, exploring interests in art, sports, and faith, discusses the importance of family in nurturing his individuality and emphasises the transformative power of his faith in Christ, which helped him rediscover joy in creative pursuits leading him to his very own ‘Field of Dreams.’

Judah highlights the unique challenges of building an equally unique brand in a “far out” place, showing us there should be no limits on creativity based on location

It’s a journey of clarity and dedication that took him from Minot, North Dakota to the World stage with Auckland City.

Enjoy!

Takeaways

• Creative identity is multifaceted and can encompass various interests.
• Family support plays a crucial role in nurturing creativity.
• Faith can provide a strong foundation for personal identity and self-worth.
• Struggles with identity can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself.
• Rediscovering joy in creative pursuits is essential for fulfilment.
• The concept of 'far out' can inspire individuals from less recognised places.
• Pursuing mastery in various crafts can lead to personal growth.
• Art and sports can coexist in a person's identity.
• Creating opportunities for oneself is vital in a competitive landscape.
• Authenticity in relationships is key to personal happiness. Judah launched Far Out with his brother Elisha, emphasising brotherhood in their creative journey.
• His passion for Auckland City FC led to a life-changing experience at the FIFA Club World Cup.
• The Far Out Summer Invitational was a grassroots soccer tournament that fostered community.
• Judah's authenticity and love for soccer have opened doors to unique opportunities.
• He faced challenges in organising the tournament but prioritised love for the game over profit.
• The support from Adidas transformed the scale of the Far Out Summer Invitational.
• Judah's journey highlights the importance of being true to oneself in pursuing passions.
• He believes that being in a less conventional location can refine one's creative focus.
• The design of the tournament cup was inspired by rustic elements, making it unique.
• Judah's story encourages others to pursue their passions regardless of external validation. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben Pagel is the founder and award-winning Creative Director of Brooklyn-based Astral Studio.

He takes on a tour of his inspiring career path, from humble beginnings in a London souvenir shop to leading an international creative studio in the Big Apple.

His journey is a testament to seizing opportunities and embracing the unknown. And with new venture, Kickback Soccer Media, on the horizon, Ben continues to push boundaries with passion and authenticity.

Aiming to reshape the North American soccer narrative, Ben and his teammates are creating a platform built by the American soccer community for the American Soccer community.

All, most importantly, whilst having some fun. Trying to anyway.

Enjoy!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nicolas Polo is a film photographer based in Washington DC.

Together we explore the multifaceted world of photography, discussing personal connections, the impact of film versus digital, and the emotional depth captured through the lens.

Nicolas shares his journey of becoming a photographer, the significance of cultural identity, and the balance between documenting moments and being present in them.

He reflects on his transition from a stable corporate job to pursuing his passion full-time, emphasising the importance of community engagement and teaching.

We also delve into the creative processes involved in photography, including the meditative aspects of darkroom work and the significance of storytelling.

Journalling, self-reflection, personal growth, we touch on all that too.

Enjoy!

Takeaways

• Photography allows for deep personal connections.
• Film photography offers a unique emotional depth.
• Capturing family moments can evoke strong memories.
• The journey into photography often starts unexpectedly.
• Cultural identity plays a significant role in artistic expression.
• The act of photographing can be a form of self-reflection.
• Presence in the moment is crucial for meaningful photography.
• Each photographer has a unique perspective shaped by their experiences.
• The balance between documenting and living in the moment is challenging.
• Artistic expression is about finding one's voice. Nicolas transitioned from a corporate job to full-time photography.
• He emphasizes the importance of community engagement in his work.
• Teaching photography has become a significant part of his career.
• Darkroom photography offers a meditative and flow state experience.
• Storytelling is a powerful tool in photography and other creative fields.
• Journaling helps in self-reflection and personal growth.
• Nicolas draws inspiration from various sources, including music and literature.
• He believes in the importance of intention behind creative work.
• The immigrant work ethic drives his determination and success.
• Nicolas values the connections he makes through his photography.

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James Gamlin is founder and editor of Escapismo, the magazine capturing the beauty and romance of the game.

He discusses the magazine's evolution, from a one-off Father’s Day gift to its most recent form of a love letter to Real Betis and the joy of Spanish football.

James shares the struggles of wearing ‘all the hats’ in a magazine's production journey and his learnings from them, as well as the dedication to self-improvement for the good of the publication.

A new contender for ‘nicest guy in showbiz’, James’ enthusiasm and love for the game will reinforce yours.

Enjoy!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.