Best Non Player Conversations Podcasts (2025)

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Ep 380: USMNT Gets Steamrolled 0-4 by Switzerland – the Real Story and Lessons 1:38:54

2h ago1:38:54

1:38:54

In this episode, Kirk and Gary dive into the recent US Men’s National Team friendlies against Switzerland and Turkey. They analyze the performances of the team, different players, and debate the potential implications for the future. The conversation also critically touches on the broader underlying issues like the impact of MLS and how much of the…

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Ep 379: Christian Pulisic Controversy Mirrors the Soft Fanbase, and Your MLS Academy Question Answered 1:19:55

7d ago1:19:55

1:19:55

In this episode, we discuss Christian Pulisic’s controversial decision to skip national team duty citing fatigue. We address the pervasive softness in American soccer culture compared to other footballing nations. We also tackle questions from the audience on training compensation, solidarity payments, and highlight video best practices for aspirin…

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Ep 378: Five Technical/Tactical Key Indicators a Pro Player is “Amateur” 1:00:03

7d ago1:00:03

1:00:03

In this episode, we discuss the telltale signs of amateurism in soccer, inspired by a recent professional game. We outline key indicators, such as a specific type of poor first touch and specific bad decisions that expose players as amateurs. We also emphasize the importance of high-quality training and maintaining focus to avoid these pitfalls. We…

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Ep 377: Personal Training in American Soccer: A Conversation with Miguel of Grande Sports Training 1:23:22

19d ago1:23:22

1:23:22

Unlocking Player Potential In this episode, we invite the founder of Grande Sports Training to discuss his journey in soccer and personal training. Miguel shares insights on his training methods, the importance of technique and mentality, and the challenges of navigating the American soccer ecosystem. We also touch on his experiences with high-leve…

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Ep 376: The Art of Losing Your Man – Identify it, Understand it, Train it, Execute it 1:01:21

28d ago1:01:21

1:01:21

Elevating American Soccer: Mastering ‘Losing Your Man’ and More In this episode, we focus on the concept of ‘losing your man’ and how this technique differs from the traditional ‘get open’ mantra often heard in American recreational soccer circles. Learn how this skill is vital at every level of play, not just for wingers, but midfielders and defen…

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Ep 375: Building Out of the Back in America – Insights, Challenges, and Lamine Yamal 1:16:28

1M ago1:16:28

1:16:28

In this episode, we dive into the evolution and importance of ‘building out of the back’ in American soccer. We examine its historical context in the U.S. and compare it to international practices. The discussion also highlights the influence of global talents like Lamine Yamal on the soccer world. Additionally, we provide insights on training meth…

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273: Publishing to EdTech: The Unlikely Road to Evolution Labs with Founder Peter Kraft 1:26:53

29d ago1:26:53

1:26:53

Peter Kraft is the Founder and President of Evolution Labs. Prior to founding Evolution Labs, Kraft was instrumental in forming and re-envisioning two educational software companies that led the industry in recruitment, enrollment and retention of college students. He co-founded GoalQuest in 2000 and served as its CEO until 2007 when he spearheaded…

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Ep 374: Why Rondos are a NON-NEGOTIABLE for Proper Development 1:06:10

1M ago1:06:10

1:06:10

Getting Back to Basics: Rondos and Receiving Across the Body In this episode, we dive into the importance of training rondos and the fundamental skill of receiving across the body in soccer. We address the misconceptions about these training methods and explain why they are crucial for developing players at all levels. We also share personal experi…

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Ep 373: European Club Owner, Joe Funicello, On a Multi-Decade Soccer Odyssey 55:20

1M ago55:20

55:20

Inside SoccerViza with Joe: Club Ownership Challenges and Success Stories In this episode, we have a special guest, Joe Funicello, the founder of SoccerViza and owner of a third division professional Romanian club. Joe shares his journey from aspiring professional soccer player to club owner, discussing the challenges and rewards along the way. We …

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Ep 372: Your Emails Answered – Q&A Episode 1:05:13

2M ago1:05:13

1:05:13

In this episode, we dive into a Q&A session addressing various questions from the audience. We cover challenges like differentiating between recreational and professional player development, handling difficult conversations with parents about their children’s soccer involvement. The discussion also includes advice for new coaches on the importance …

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Ep 371: Insights Only Come with Experience – A Chat with Paul Spacey 1:19:45

2M ago1:19:45

1:19:45

Join me and experienced coach Paul Spacey as we dive into the nuances of soccer training and development. We discuss how 80% of David Beckham’s training can be done unopposed, the importance of understanding opposed vs. unopposed training, and the role of repetition in player development. With insights from Paul’s extensive coaching background in S…

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Ep 370: Navigating the Pathway to Pro Soccer in America 1:16:19

2M ago1:16:19

1:16:19

In this episode, we dive into the pathway to professional soccer in the United States. This is crucial information for parents and coaches of youth players, even if they don’t believe their player will go pro. The pathway to pro shapes the entire soccer system, affecting everything from youth league battles to higher education decisions and profess…

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Ep 369: How to Best Think About Defending, Defenders, and How to Train it. 1:11:44

2M ago1:11:44

1:11:44

In this episode, we shift our focus to the defensive side of soccer, following a previous discussion about offense. We go into the nuances of training defenders, the importance of defense in comparison to offense, and practical defensive training exercises from the 3four3 coaching program. We emphasize the concept of ‘thinking defense while on offe…

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Ep 368: The MILLION DOLLAR Question – How to Solve Scoring Issues with Your Teams and Players 1:15:27

2M ago1:15:27

1:15:27

Breaking the Final Third Conundrum in Soccer In this episode, we discuss one of the most common challenges possession-based coaches face: dominating possession but struggling to score goals. We dive into various strategies to improve our finishing in the final third, including the importance of rehearsing attacking patterns, working on individual s…

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Ep 367: US Coaching Licenses – Another Credentialism Scam or Education? 1:43:11

3M ago1:43:11

1:43:11

Debate on the Value of US Soccer Coaching Licenses with Rory O’Neill In this episode, we discuss the intricacies and controversies of soccer coaching licenses in the U.S. We go into our personal experiences, comparing U.S. and UEFA coaching licenses, and discuss the impact of licensing on both youth and professional coaching. We highlight the high …

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272: From Selling Phones Out of a Van to Leading a 9-Figure Empire | Brett Beveridge of T-ROC 1:13:10

2M ago1:13:10

1:13:10

Brett Beveridge is the President of The Revenue Optimization Companies. Brett is an entrepreneurial, results-driven executive with over 20 years of experience and success in the wireless and technology industries. He has hands-on success in start-ups, profit turnarounds, mergers and acquisitions, IPOs and fundraising and is the driving force behind…

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Ep 366: What a Week! The USMNT Loses Again, and USL Wins With Pro/Rel. 1:12:05

3M ago1:12:05

1:12:05

Per usual, the mainstream narratives are all wrong. In this episode, we discuss US Men’s National Team’s lack of attendance and ultimate loss. We then jump into our first comments regarding USL’s promotion and relegation announcement. Is it truly pro/rel, or a gimmick? And how will this likely impact the MLS monopoly and US Soccer corruption? Lastl…

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Ep 365: TOXIC Comments Episode! Your Anon Criticisms Answered 1:01:26

3M ago1:01:26

1:01:26

In this unique episode, we tackle toxic comments received across our various social media platforms. We respond to criticisms about U.S. soccer coaching licenses, player development, coaching strategies, and more. 00:00 Intro 04:40 1st Comment – Random Brazil Kid is Better any Player We’ve Developed 11:51 2nd Comment – Stereotype of American Soccer…

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Ep 364: Insights into Game Management – Balancing Tactics, Team, and Individual Dynamics 1:04:02

3M ago1:04:02

1:04:02

The episode is a discussion on game management principally in the youth game, focusing on pregame, in-game, halftime, and postgame strategies. The hosts recount specific instances from their experiences, particularly highlighting a match against FC Barcelona’s youth team. They emphasize the importance of structured training, professional conduct, a…

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Ep 363: Team Captains – Who and How Important Are They Really? 1:09:08

3M ago1:09:08

1:09:08

In this episode, we discuss the importance of captains in soccer teams, debating whether leadership qualities are innate or can be developed. We explore what makes a good captain, using real-life examples from both professional and youth soccer. The conversation later transitions to the political nature of sports, emphasizing how soccer serves as a…

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Ep 362: Insights into Youth Scouting and Recruiting, Plus is USL Doing Pro/Rel? 1:09:13

4M ago1:09:13

1:09:13

In this episode, we go into scouting and recruiting practices in American soccer, offering tips and insights from our 20 years of experience. We start by addressing the recent news about USL’s ambitions for Division 1 status and the potential implementation of promotion and relegation. We emphasize the significance of understanding these developmen…

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Ep 361: Crafting Team Culture – The Role of Coaches and Monkey Wrenches 1:06:11

4M ago1:06:11

1:06:11

In this episode we discuss the intricacies of establishing a strong team culture in American youth soccer, emphasizing the importance of clear communication, accountability, and commitment from both coaches and players. The episode covers practical ways to handle star players and toxic parents, stressing the role of parents in supporting team dynam…

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Ep 360: Balancing the Bench – Equal Playing Time vs. Competitive Reality in Soccer 1:13:30

4M ago1:13:30

1:13:30

Balancing Playing Time and Sideline Conduct in Youth Soccer In this episode, we dive into the contentious topic of equal playing time in youth soccer. We explore when playing time should be evenly distributed and under what conditions it should be earned, stressing the importance of a player’s age and competitive level. We also get into sideline be…

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271: How to Breathe Life into a Business... Dr. Dan Cohen of Breathe Right Strips 55:39

4M ago55:39

55:39

Dr. Dan Cohen is the former Chairman of CNS, Incorporated. Dr. Cohen was the driving force behind the meteoric rise of Breathe Right nasal strips, acquiring the rights to manufacture and sell the product for the medical equipment company he founded in 1982. In 2006, GlaxoSmithKline acquired CNS, including its Breathe Right nasal strips and FiberCho…

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Ep 359: Unpacking Pay-to-Play And Playing Time – Myths, Realities You Are Not Told, and More 1:19:13

4M ago1:19:13

1:19:13

In this episode we go into the unspoken realities of the ‘pay to play’ system in American soccer. We explore its consequences at the youth and professional levels, while also debunking the common perception that it is the root problem in American soccer. The discussion also extends to the pressures faced by coaches, both from parents and club manag…

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Ep 358: The Golden Rule to Player, Team, and Coach Development 58:39

4M ago58:39

58:39

The Golden Rule of Soccer Development: Do Less, Not More In this episode, the focus revolves around the principle of ‘doing less, not more’ in soccer coaching. We emphasize that unlike common beliefs, effective team and player development doesn’t require an extensive range of activities but rather a focused and consistent approach. We discuss techn…

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Ep 357: The Story of 3four3 – Challenging the Norms of American Soccer 59:21

5M ago59:21

59:21

Today, we are recapping the origin story of 3four3 itself. Usually, I avoid discussing our accomplishments, but after receiving an email from a coach on January 7th, suggesting that we share our history and the brainchild behind our pioneering training methodology, I decided to oblige. This episode explores the beginnings of 3four3, our reluctance …

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