NPLH Studio

James Bird is a writer, editor and lifelong football obsessive.

From growing up in Wolverhampton and spoken-word nights, to building an independent magazine from a bedroom in Paris and spending a decade shaping Mundial, James traces the restless creative instinct behind his work.

He reflects on leaving London for Milan, fatherhood, freelance life and the pull of finally writing a novel.

We also talk football’s enduring magic, creative community, resisting hierarchy, and why aspiring writers should keep knocking on doors.

This is a conversation about making things, backing yourself and staying true to what you love.

Enjoy!

Charlie Hood is, among a hundred things, the co-owner of The Volley in London and founder of (A)WAY – a paper about football.

He shares how a sculpture degree, Brick Lane gallery, and a near-constant string of side projects led him from skateboard art and zines to running a football bar in Old Street and publishing a magazine about the game’s culture, travel, and irreverence.

Along the way, he explains why books and magazines still matter, how print can capture an ethos that social media never will, and why the best football experiences are often found found far, far away from the Premier League spotlight.

For anyone wondering what direction to head in life, Charlie's journey is evidence that going where your nose takes you often leads to exciting things.

Enjoy!

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More from Charlie at Easy Days Studio

Zoe Allen is a Publicist, Writer, and Presenter living in New York City.

She shares how a Substack experiment and a single DM led to work with Versus, a front row seat at the World Cup and a deeper belief in why the game matters.

We unpack her path into sports media – a mix of luck, hustle, and saying 'Yes' before you feel ready – the beauty in building relationships in the football space, and turning those connections into opportunities.

Zoe also opens up about the emotional side of the game - the collective energy of stadiums, the memories football creates, and the women’s game as a space where she found both inspiration and belonging.

Enjoy!

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More from Zoe here

Hola Epuipo.

A quick explanation (that you didn't ask for) behind the brief recording hiatus.

Back soon.

JF

Domo Wells is a Creative Director and Founder of LA-based sports apparel and design company, Dead Dirt.

She shares her journey from childhood sketches and cutting up Barbie Clothes, to designing groundbreaking apparel for NWSL, revealing how self-confidence and a fearless desire to challenge the status quo fuelled her evolution.

Drawing from her streetwear roots, experiences as a touring DJ, and deep passion for regional culture, Domo developed a distinctive style that has helped craft authentic, impactful identities.

There’s also a mini skin-care tutorial thrown in there.

If you’re an aspiring designer or entrepreneur, this episode is your blueprint for following your purpose and redefining what's possible.

Enjoy!

Kyle Sheldon is an award-winning marketing veteran with two decades of experience in pro sports and founder of Name & Number, America’s only soccer (sorry UK listeners) specific creative agency. 

We walk along his career path, from first day in the door at D.C United, to today as CEO of his own company, stopping off everywhere in between. Including NASCAR!

Kyle shares his experiences from stints at MLS’s finest, what he’s learned from his W’s and L’s, and gives an insight into what it takes to succeed in the industry and make it meaningful in the process.

Enjoy! 

Between Clean Sheets founder, Cheyenne Foster, shares her transformative journey from a political career in DC to living and traveling in a van across the US.

We discuss how she navigates the challenges of content creation, authenticity, and the capitalist nature of sports while embracing a life of freedom and purpose. 

It’s a journey from a life mapped out and golf course meetings, to a nomadic lifestyle centred around community. 

She discusses the impact of her new lifestyle on her mental health, her views on sports infrastructure, and we bond over shared tears over stolen bikes… in our thirties. 

Enjoy!

You can find more from Cheyenne on YouTube, Instagram, and X

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