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For generations of football supporters, the obsession started long before their first trip to a stadium. 

Football magazines, annuals, sticker books and stories helped young fans learn the players, pick their teams and develop the loyalties that could last a lifetime. 

So, as women's football continues to grow, how do we create that same connection for the next generation? 

On the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I spoke to Zarah Al-Kudcy from the Women's Super League and James Corcoran from official partner British Gas about Things' Football Adventures, a new children's book series specifically designed to help grow the next generation of women's football fans. 

Our conversation took place just one day before the new WSL season, and we discussed why introducing children to the players, personalities and stories around the women's game could be so important. 

One of the interesting differences we explored was tribalism. 

For all its faults, the men's game has generations of family loyalties, rivalries and traditions behind it. Children often inherit a club before they're old enough to have much say in the matter! 

Women's football doesn't yet have that same history of tribal support, which creates both a challenge and an opportunity. Today's young supporters could be the generation that builds those traditions. 

And who better to help get them interested than Jill Scott? 

The former England international is the face and voice of Things' Football Adventures, bringing one of the most recognisable and popular personalities in women's football to the series. 

We talked about Jill's ability to connect with people well beyond dedicated football fans. She's become such a universally liked figure that, as we joked during the conversation, even Roy Keane likes her! 

Of course, with a new WSL season about to begin, I couldn't let Zarah and James escape without asking for their predictions. 

Zarah had the tricky job of remaining impartial. 

James did not. 

He's tipping Manchester City for the title. 

Whether that prediction survives the season remains to be seen, but if projects like Things' Football Adventures work, there could be a whole new generation of supporters watching it unfold. 

🎧 Hear the full conversation now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts. 

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New uniform? Check. Lunch sorted? Hopefully. PE kit? Erm... 

Getting children back to school means parents suddenly have to remember an extraordinary amount of information, and according to former teacher, mum-of-two and Sunday Times bestselling author Lou Beckett, there's one modern parenting tool that can make life considerably easier: the school WhatsApp group. 

In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I spoke to Lou about the mental load that comes with the return to school. 

After weeks away from the normal routine, suddenly you're expected to remember which days they need PE kit, what's happening with school lunches, whether last term's uniform still fits and approximately 427 other things before you've even got everyone out of the front door. 

That's where the school WhatsApp group can come into its own. 

While they're sometimes criticised for endless notifications and conversations that perhaps didn't need to involve 30 other parents, Lou believes the groups have become an essential tool for keeping families organised. 

Forgotten which day something is happening? Someone in the group probably knows. Can't remember what the teacher said about PE? Search the messages. Need to check whether everyone else has interpreted a slightly confusing school letter the same way? Help is usually only a message away. 

And if the constant pinging drives you mad, there's a beautifully simple solution: mute it. 

Lou also has reassuring advice for parents who don't particularly want to get involved in the conversation. You don't have to. 

There's nothing wrong with being a WhatsApp lurker, quietly reading the useful information without contributing to every discussion. 

Ultimately, school WhatsApp groups might be chaotic, occasionally irritating and responsible for hundreds of unread messages, but if they make those frantic weekday mornings even slightly easier, perhaps they deserve a little more appreciation. 

🎧 Hear my full conversation with Lou Beckett now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts. 

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Gabriella Cilmi was only 16 when Sweet About Me turned her into an international star. 

Nearly two decades later, Gabriella is preparing to release a new album, Pure Love, and says her approach to making music has changed enormously. 

In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I caught up with the Australian singer-songwriter to talk about the new record, her latest singles and the next chapter of her career. 

But first, we had some unfinished business. 

The last time Gabriella and I met was at Victorious Festival a couple of years ago, when our conversation somehow ended up on the subject of Australian children's television and Pugwall. 

Would she remember? 

Well... she remembered having the conversation. Remembering the actual programme was another matter! 

Thankfully, her memory was considerably better when we moved onto music. 

We spoke about how the recording process has changed for Gabriella and what she values now when she's making a record. Having first experienced the music industry as a teenager, she now has years of experience to draw upon and a much clearer understanding of the artist she wants to be. 

That naturally led us back to Sweet About Me. Gabriella reflected on releasing such a successful song at only 16 and how different her relationship with music, the industry and her own creativity feels today. 

Her attention is now firmly on Pure Love, including the first two singles from the record and the process of bringing the album together. 

There's also plenty happening on stage. After performing some fantastic support slots, Gabriella is preparing to head out on a UK headline tour, giving her the chance to bring the new material to audiences alongside songs from across her career. 

We finished with something considerably less musical. 

If Gabriella had the power to permanently abolish one household chore, what would she choose? 

You'll have to listen to find out. 

🎧 Hear my full conversation with Gabriella Cilmi now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts. 

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From courage and resilience to kindness and confidence, generations of children have grown up watching Disney Princesses. But how much can those characters actually teach young girls today? 

In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I caught up with Motsi Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing as part of Disney Princess Week to talk about the lessons children can take from some of Disney's most famous characters. 

Our conversation came as research highlighted the qualities parents and grandparents most want young girls to develop, including confidence and resilience. 

We talked about how Disney Princesses have evolved over the years and the different characteristics they can demonstrate, whether that's having the courage to take on a challenge, believing in yourself or showing kindness towards others. 

As a mum herself, Motsi also revealed which Princesses are favourites with her own daughter and what she thinks children can take away from the stories they watch. 

Naturally, having a Strictly Come Dancing judge in front of me presented an opportunity I couldn't resist. 

If the Disney Princesses swapped their castles for the Strictly ballroom, which one would receive a perfect 10 from Motsi? 

There are certainly plenty of contenders, but her answer might not be the Princess you're expecting! 

It's a fun conversation about parenting, confidence, childhood favourites and what some of Disney's most famous characters can still teach the next generation. 

🎧 Hear my full conversation with Motsi Mabuse now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts. 

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There's being a tribute to one of the world's biggest country stars, and then there's getting the seal of approval from the man himself. 

UK country artist Liam Price has experienced both. 

In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I caught up with Liam, who many country fans will also know as Luke Combs UK, to talk about the extraordinary journey that's seen him perform Luke's songs to audiences across the country while simultaneously developing his own career as an original artist. 

One of Liam's biggest recent moments came at Wembley Boxpark, where he performed ahead of Luke Combs' huge Wembley shows. 

We talked about what it feels like to be warming up thousands of fans for the artist whose music you've spent years performing, as well as Liam's experiences of actually spending time with Luke and receiving recognition from members of his team. 

It also raised an interesting question. Has spending so much time studying another successful artist actually made Liam better at his own craft? 

Liam explained what he's learned from performing Luke's songs and how those experiences have influenced him as a singer and live performer, while still ensuring his own music has its own identity. 

And Liam's original career is certainly gathering momentum. 

We spoke about his experience performing at CMA Fest in Nashville, what it's really like arriving in the home of country music as a British artist and what he took away from performing there. 

Then there's the new music. 

His latest single, Two Horse Town, showcases Liam Price the artist rather than Liam Price the tribute performer, and we discussed the story behind the track and where he wants to take his music next. 

It's a fascinating conversation about two sides of the same career. One celebrates the music of a global superstar, while the other is about Liam stepping forward and telling his own story. 

🎧 Hear the full conversation now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts. 

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Breaking into the creative industries has never been easy. 

But for many young artists, musicians, performers and filmmakers, the financial barriers are becoming higher than ever. 

In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I caught up with Phil Edgar-Jones, Director of Sky Arts and Trustee of The Sky Foundation, to discuss why talented people are increasingly being priced out of pursuing careers in the arts. 

We talked about how the industry has changed over recent years. Rising living costs, training expenses and the realities of freelance creative work mean that many aspiring artists face significant financial hurdles before they've even had the chance to prove themselves. 

That's where the Julia Rausing Sky Arts Bursaries come in. 

Phil explained how the scheme is designed to support emerging creative talent, helping people with genuine ability overcome some of the financial obstacles that might otherwise prevent them from achieving their ambitions. 

Of course, I couldn't resist pointing out that receiving a bursary still requires one very important thing... talent. Unfortunately for me, that probably rules me out! 

Humour aside, the conversation highlighted just how important initiatives like these are for ensuring that creativity isn't limited by someone's financial circumstances. 

Whether your passion is music, acting, film, writing or another artistic discipline, it's a reminder that investing in future talent benefits all of us. 

🎧 You can hear the full conversation now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts. 

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Some live shows follow a script.

Others make it up as they go along.

Wot Italian? proudly falls into the second category.

In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I caught up with comedian Boothby Graffoe and internationally renowned guitarist Antonio Forcione to talk about their unique collaboration, which blends comedy, storytelling and astonishing musicianship into one unforgettable evening.

Before we got onto the show itself, there was one important issue to clear up...

No, their names are not "Gruffalo" and "Fettuccini."

Once we'd all stopped laughing, we explored how two performers from very different worlds first came together. The chemistry clearly worked, and they've continued surprising audiences ever since, including fellow comedian and musician Bill Bailey.

One of the things that makes Wot Italian? so special is that no two performances are exactly alike. Improvisation sits at the heart of the show, allowing Boothby and Antonio to react to each other, the audience and whatever unexpected moments happen along the way.

Of course, improvising alongside one of the world's finest guitarists brings its own challenges. Boothby admitted it's almost impossible to catch Antonio out, although that's all part of the fun.

We also discussed songs capable of waking the dead... or perhaps just the deaf... proving that the humour continues long after the guitars start playing.

If you're looking for an evening that's equal parts comedy, music and beautifully unpredictable entertainment, Wot Italian? might just be one of the most unique shows you'll see this year.

🎧 You can hear the full conversation now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts.

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Every group holiday seems to have one person who quietly does all the hard work. 

They're the one comparing flights, researching hotels, setting up the WhatsApp group, chasing everyone for money and making sure nobody forgets their passport. 

In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I caught up with Holiday Expert Chelsea Dickenson to celebrate these often-overlooked organisers, or as we decided to call them... the Holiday Heroes. 

Chelsea explained that while everyone enjoys the holiday, not everyone appreciates the amount of planning that goes into making it happen. From finding the best deals to coordinating dates and keeping everyone organised, it's often a thankless task. 

Of course, not everyone wants to be the organiser, and that's absolutely fine. But if someone else is taking on the responsibility, there's one important rule... 

Don't be a Holiday Zero. 

Turn up on time, make sure your passport is valid, pay your share when you're asked and avoid creating unnecessary stress for the person who's already done the hard work. 

During our conversation, I also shared a holiday accident of my own and asked Chelsea for her verdict. Was I simply unlucky, or should I have known better? You'll have to listen to hear what she thought! 

It's a fun conversation that anyone who's ever travelled with friends or family will instantly relate to. 

So, the next time someone volunteers to organise your holiday, perhaps the least they deserve is a heartfelt thank you. 

🎧 You can hear the full conversation now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts. 

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For Ant Anstead, restoring classic cars isn't just about turning a profit. It's about the challenge, the craftsmanship and the stories behind every vehicle. 

In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I caught up with Ant to discuss the new series of Born Mechanic, where viewers once again follow his latest automotive adventures. 

One question I had to ask was whether the projects are finally making financial sense. Restoring old cars is rarely straightforward, so I was keen to find out if experience is helping the numbers add up this time around. 

While Ant is clearly at home in a workshop, things are a little different when it comes to DIY around the house. We laughed about how fixing a classic car can sometimes feel easier than tackling jobs at home, proving that being a brilliant mechanic doesn't automatically make you a handyman. 

Away from the garage, we also talked about family. Ant spoke proudly about his daughter renewing her professional rugby contract, and the satisfaction that comes from watching your children carve out successful careers of their own. 

Finally, I was curious about the television side of his work. With Born Mechanic proving popular, does another series eventually become an expectation, or is every renewal still met with relief? Ant gave an honest insight into the uncertainty that comes with making television, where nothing is guaranteed until the commission arrives. 

It's a conversation about classic cars, television, family and why every new opportunity is still worth celebrating. 

🎧 You can hear the full conversation now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts. 

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The UK country music scene has never been stronger, and Olivia Lynn is one of the exciting new artists helping lead the way.

In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, Olivia joined me to talk about her latest single, Little Miss Nightmare, and her recent appearance at C2C, Europe's biggest country music festival.

One of the first questions I had to ask was whether Little Miss Nightmare was actually inspired by her own life. The answer? Absolutely. Olivia explained why she's happiest writing songs rooted in real experiences rather than trying to fit into country music stereotypes.

That led us into a fascinating conversation about songwriting. While country music is often associated with pickup trucks, whiskey and dusty backroads, Olivia believes authenticity matters far more than ticking lyrical boxes. She'd much rather write about the life she's lived than someone else's version of country.

We also talked about the remarkable growth of UK country music over the last few years. More artists are emerging, audiences are growing, and there's a genuine sense of community developing across the scene.

One of the things Olivia values most is the support between female artists. Rather than competing against one another, musicians like her close friend Emily Steel are helping build a welcoming and encouraging environment that's allowing the genre to flourish.

It's an uplifting conversation about staying true to yourself, writing with honesty and why the future of UK country music looks brighter than ever.

🎧 You can hear the full conversation now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts.

Find me on all social media @paulswampymarsh