The Halcyon Podcast

Rob and Adam sit down with commentating legend (and the gaming purists' favourite) Jon Champion for a hugely enjoyable and engaging chat, covering everything from escaping the orchestra to be with York City, to the 2026 World Cup, and a lot of stuff in between.

Jon tells us about his unlikely journey into the commentary box and we discuss the life and times of a commentator alongside other diversions into TV rights, working (or not) for Sky and hot-sauce-sponsored red cards.

Thanks so much to Jon for appearing - this one could have been twice as long! As it is, if you enjoy it and want to automatically get lots of other episodes like this one, please like and subscribe to the podcast. You can even leave us a review if you're feeling generous (or even if you're not).

Rob and Adam are joined by podcaster, writer and author Sam Delaney for a comprehensive journey through football fandom past, present and future (albeit not necessarily in that order).

We discuss Sam's lifetime of supporting West Ham, the fan experience or otherwise at London Stadium and our favourite topic, 'legacy fans'.

Sam also talks to us about his illustrious writing career and his new book, the superb and affecting Sort Your Head Out: Mental Health Without All the Bollocks, which is well worth a read, especially if you're a 'legacy man'.

For more from us (imagine!), don't forget to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you're listening, or follow us on Twitter @HalcyonPublish1

The final instalment of our Reffing Hell series of podcasts sees some unprecedented ref/writer on ref/writer action as Ashley Hickson-Lovence, author of the phenomenal Your Show, joins Ian Plenderleith, author of the equally brilliant Reffing Hell, for a chat about... well, reffing and writing.

It's another must-listen as Ian and Ashley discuss their experiences of being the lone man in the middle, the catharsis of the writing process and the genesis and reception of both of their excellent books.

If you enjoyed this episode you can buy Reffing Hell from us and Your Show wherever you get your books. If you've enjoyed this series, please like and subscribe to the Halcyon podcast - there's plenty more coming up this year that we don't want you to miss.

Needy ref: An exclusive audio chapter from Reffing Hell, read by author Ian Plenderleith.

Click here for your copy

Putting out fires: An exclusive audio chapter from Reffing Hell, read by author Ian Plenderleith.

Click here for your copy

No cards on Valentine's Day: An exclusive audio chapter from Reffing Hell, read by author Ian Plenderleith.

Click here for your copy

Come on you reds: An exclusive audio chapter from Reffing Hell, read by author Ian Plenderleith.

Click here for your copy

Danny, Part 5: An exclusive audio chapter from Reffing Hell, read by author Ian Plenderleith.

Click here for your copy

Danny, Part 4: An exclusive audio chapter from Reffing Hell, read by author Ian Plenderleith.

Click here for your copy

Danny, Part 3: An exclusive audio chapter from Reffing Hell, read by author Ian Plenderleith.

Click here for your copy