Hey. As the Hammer of Sparx tries to put some great new interviews together, here is something to snack on. If you like these little quick hitters, let us know. Opportunities to speak to players in the wild (at practice) are fun for the Pod, and if they are fun for you, the listener, they'll keep coming. Today we have Jordan Hamilton dropping some environmental tips and early urgency, and Miles Green on what it means to be with Forge.

Enjoy!

The Hammer of Sparx finally gets to sit down with Dom Samuel, Forge FC Centre Back and so much more. Dom has an amazing story about his journey to the CPL. He has played for some of the radar teams with great names (The Penman, The Seacoast Phantoms, The Rochester Rhinos R.I.P). His pathway to the CPL is a cool one, and a road less travelled. But he has something in common with most Forge players. He was always a winner. Dive into our discussion with Dom.

Welcome back to the Hammer of Sparx Pod, it has been a while. Ever wonder what it would be like to win a Quebec Cup, A PLSQ Championship, a North Star Shield and start a Concacaf Champion's League game all by the time you were 23? Wonder no more, Garven Metusala is gonna tell you all about it.

And of course he's done all that while staying down-to-earth, positive, kind and humble. It almost makes you wonder if he can be real. (He is!)

Join the podcast to hear all about it, find out what the name of the Francophone Crew on Forge is called and even who Garven's bestie is in the CPL. Hint: He plays for his not-so-bitter rivals in Ottawa...Boooo!

Dive in!

Kwame Awuah former NYCFC player, Forge superstar and podcaster took time to hang out on the Hammer of Sparx pod and talk about his career.  He has done so much in a relatively short time. From rubbing shoulder with the Rich and Famous in the city that never sleeps, to winning Championships in the Ambitious City by way of Central American runs and CPL stories. He is fun, funny and has a no holds -barred style of conversation.  So enjoy Kickin' it with Kwame.

This episode I got to sit down with Alexander Achinioti Jonsson and talk footy.  Alex explains the education system in Sweden, academy football, what it's like to play in some of Sweden's most storied derbies and the vagaries of life in soccer.  Alex is really down-to-earth and direct. You can see what a team player he is and why fans and teammates alike love him (just check out the reception they gave him when he won Defender of the Year for 2022).  I didn't pull out my 'A' game for this interview, but the consummate professional on the pitch or in an inteview, Alex lifted the team, as always.  Enjoy the Hammer of Sparx Pod, Ask Alex edition. (Can you tell I'm star struck?)

So excited to have had the opportunity to talk to the 'keeper, Triston Henry.  But it was not exactly what I expected, it was so much more.  Triston is a fun guy to talk to and cheer on as a supporter.  But he is unflinchingly honest too. And I was treated to some deeply heartfelt answers to questions about his pathway, barriers and frustrations as well as his dreams and accomplishments.  Soccer is an awesome game, and it is growing exponentially in Canada.  But we shouldn't lose sight of the fact that nothing can be taken for granted in this game.  And like in life nothing is just handed to you.

And Triston also reminds me that these players are every bit as human as anyone else you know.  And all of my guests have re-iterated that in different ways. Whether it was Anthony Novak reminding us about going to the limits to take opportunities, Chris Nanco reminding us that players are not super heroes and share the same mental health and emotional issues as the rest of us (even the clothing-line owning barbers), or Daniel Krutzen showing us the importance of family and opening yourself up to new cultures.

Triston's interview reminded me, that through all the early success of our young league, barriers and frustration can pop up at anytime.  The psychology of facing, and overcoming, those frustrations, is as everyday a situation as you can find.

Thanks for all the insights and knowing facial expressions that no one will ever see on this podcast.  But the message gets through.  Triston Henry is a gem!   

*Bonus Episode, two drops in one week!

Daniel Krutzen is arguably the best defender in Forge FCs relatively short history. (Don't hate me David Edgar, and I see you too Dom) But he has scored clutch goals. Made a mark on the fandom. Come back from critical injury only to swiftly return to the sidelines with the next one. But also to eventually find Hollywood-style redemption. 

However, like all players, there's more to Daniel's story than what's on the pitch. There's a strong familial foundation. A sense of wanderlust. And, of course, an abiding awe for the Wonder of the Modern World that is - a WalMart. 

Join Daniel on the Hammer of Sparx Pod for a nice talk as he prepares to set off on his next adventure with Phoenix Rising FC.

The Hammer of Sparx sits down with Chris Nanco - Forge FC forward (currently in limbo) to talk about soccer in Canada, those Sigma and Syracuse days, how his sweet barber skills turned entrepreneurial, leaving a legacy and more.  This is a pretty chill episode, but it is full of really great connections and introspection from a really good footballer and great person. Enjoy.

The Hammer of Sparx sits down with Anthony Novak - Canadian Pro footballer and two-time CPL Champion with Forge FC, and big game player on the continental scene in Concacaf.  Anthony chats with us about THE injury, the importance of the CPL, teeth cleanings, livin' that cobblestone life and just how great it is to play footy for a living...including being willing to follow that dream into jungles if necessary.  (Rainforests are jungles, right? Whatever this is a footy pod, a Sir David Attenborough joint!) Enjoy!