Best Ray Lyle Podcasts (2025)

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The Power of Purpose: Alev Kelter on Resilience, Rugby, and the Magic of Paris 47:47

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8d ago47:47

47:47

From Olympic Bronze to Parisian Rings: The Unstoppable Alev Kelter In this high-energy episode of US Rugby Happy Hour, hosts Bill Baker and John Fitzpatrick welcome one of the most decorated and versatile athletes in American rugby: triple-Olympian and USA Eagle #256, Alev Kelter. Alev opens up about her remarkable journey from the elite ice rinks …

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Eagle #597: Nafi Ma'afu on the Top 14 Grind, Injuries, and His Long-Awaited USA Debut 49:35

15d ago49:35

49:35

This week, US Rugby Happy Hour welcomes newly capped USA Eagle Nafi Ma'afu (Eagle #597) for a candid conversation about finally achieving his lifelong goal. After years of anticipation from USA rugby fans, the Top 14 forward—who is currently playing with Montauban in France after stints with Perpignan and Grenoble—details his remarkable journey fro…

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MLR Strategy & The Road to RWC 2031 with Alex Magleby 36:00

21d ago36:00

36:00

This special episode of US Rugby Happy Hour welcomes a major figure in the American game: Alex Magleby, Co-President of Major League Rugby (MLR). Magleby offers an unparalleled, candid look inside the business and strategy driving the nation's premier professional rugby competition. Dive deep into the mission to stabilize and professionalize the sp…

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3 Rugby Things Bill & Fitzy are Thankful For - Happy Thanksgiving! 24:49

28d ago24:49

24:49

On this special Thanksgiving episode, Bill and Fitzy share 3 Rugby Things They're Thankful For! ⭐️ MLR 2026 Season ⭐️ MLR 2026 Player Signings ⭐️ USA Men’s & Women’s Eagles ⭐️ Dedicated Youth Rugby Volunteers/Coaches ⭐️ The People of American Rugby Like, follow, and subscribe and please leave a comment!! Check out eaglesoverseas.com for the latest …

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Anthem Rugby Club, Worst to First? - GM Mark Carney 39:53

1M ago39:53

39:53

In this episode of the US Rugby Happy Hour, hosts Bill and Fitzy welcome Anthem Rugby Club’s General Manager, Mark Carney to the show to discuss Anthem’s off season and future. Have Anthem’s goals changed? Did we give away a signing before Anthem did? What is the team doing to better themselves, will they have enough to not just win, but make it to…

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The State of American Rugby 58:20

2M ago58:20

58:20

In this episode of the US Rugby Happy Hour, hosts Bill and Fitzy discuss the State of American Rugby. How is it going, has it stalled, has the game taken 2 steps back with the Eagles massive loss to Scotland? Did the poor showing at the Ireland vs New Zealand match in Chicago do good for America’s RWC31 hosting or damage it? Bill & Fitzy break all …

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From MLR Player to MLR GM, Chicago Hounds’ Will Magie 45:33

2M ago45:33

45:33

In this episode of the US Rugby Happy Hour, hosts Bill and Fitzy MLR’s hottest new general managers, Will Magie, of the Chicago Hounds. The guys dive into the electric atmosphere surrounding the massive Ireland vs. New Zealand rematch at Soldier Field, with Will sharing what it's like to host the Irish national team at the Hounds' facility and what…

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“Fight and Don’t Cry”, Eagle #319, Erica Jarrell-Searcy 52:32

2M ago52:32

52:32

In this US Rugby Happy Hour episode, USA Eagle #319, Erica Jarrell-Searcy, one of the breakout Rugby World Cup 2025 stars, recaps her RWC experience, taking it all in, and we dig deep in how she got there! Perhaps one of the only equestrian to rugby crossover athletes we know of. How competitive is her family and how did a "friendly" game of ‘Fight…

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RWC25 Belle of the Ball, Eagle #316, Freda Tafuna 35:37

3M ago35:37

35:37

RWC25 Belle of the Ball, Eagle #316, Freda Tafuna In this US Rugby Happy Hour episode, Rugby World Cup 2025 Belle of the Ball, Freda Tafuna joins Bill & Fitzy to talk about her breakout performance, scoring 6 tries in two matches, and how a wakeup call from coach Sione Fukofuka helped her secure her RWC roster spot. Also, what’s next for her after …

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USA Men Qualify for RWC27! Will Hooley Breaks it Down 1:04:42

3M ago1:04:42

1:04:42

In this US Rugby Happy Hour episode, Rugby Commentator, The Rugby Rundown’s Co-Host, and Eagles #517, Will Hooley joins Bill and Fitzy to talk about USA Men finally qualifying for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, and what it means for American rugby fans. Also, Will shares his opinions on USA Men’s Head Coach, Scott Lawrence’s comments about Canadian rugb…

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ARP’s Newest Side, Atlanta Premier Rugby - Daemon Torres & Francesco Balsas 39:21

4M ago39:21

39:21

ARP’s Newest Side, Atlanta Premier Rugby - Daemon Torres & Francesco Balsas In this US Rugby Happy Hour episode, Bill welcomes two members of the newest American Rugby Premiership side, Atlanta Premier Rugby, Daemon Torres, who many of you may remember from his Rugby ATL and Dallas Jackal playing days, and ARP’s Head Coach, Francesco Balsas to talk…

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Thin UCLA Freshman to MLR #1 Overall Draft Pick, Will Sherman 39:05

4M ago39:05

39:05

In this US Rugby Happy Hour episode, Bill and guest host, MLR Sideline Reporter, Thomas “Wheels” Grant are joined by this year’s Major League Rugby’s Number 1 overall draft pick, Will Sherman to talk about his rise at UCLA and becoming the 2nd player ever from UCLA to be drafted No. 1 overall, also what is he learning while playing for Randwick Rug…

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From Wrestler and Defensive Tackle, to Internationally capped Prop, Tonga Kofe 40:50

4M ago40:50

40:50

In this US Rugby Happy Hour episode, Bill and Fitzy gave a fun and informative conversation with USA Eagle Tonga Kofe about his meteoric rise in rugby, going from American football players and wrestler to an international capped rugby player in merely a couple years, his success thus far resulting in a professional contract with Prem club, Leiceste…

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RWC England Preparations, USA Women’s Head Coach, Sione Fukofuka 38:36

4M ago38:36

38:36

RWC England Preparations, USA Women’s Head Coach, Sione Fukofuka In this US Rugby Happy Hour episode, Bill and Fitzy welcome back to the show, USA Women’s Head Coach, Sione Fukofuka, as he and the team prepare for the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England. Sione talks about the team’s performance against Fiji and Canada, and what will it take to defeat E…

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USA’s Trampolining Flanker - Georgie Perris-Redding 54:39

5M ago54:39

54:39

In this US Rugby Happy Hour episode, Bill and Fitzy cover the latest in MLR news, specifically the news of NOLA Gold folding, perhaps just for the season, and the merger of both California’s teams. Then USA Women’s Eagle, No. 303, comes on the show to talk about her recovery from major knee injury, facing Canada this weekend and her World Cup preps…

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Quins to Eagles - Newly Capped, Makeen "Makka" Alikhan 30:58

6M ago30:58

30:58

In this US Rugby Happy Hour episode, Bill and Fitzy welcome USA Eagle, Makeen Alikhan to talk about making his debut. Did Canada ever come calling? Will Anthem win a game next season? And what will it mean to take the field against his former Quins teammates when USA faces England in DC. All that, and more! Be sure to tune into the 2nd half of the …

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New England Free Jacks Head Coach, Ryan Martin 34:42

6M ago34:42

34:42

On this episode of US Rugby Happy Hour, New England Free Jacks and Northland Taniwha Head Coach, Ryan Martin, joins Bill & Fitzy to talk about the Free Jacks 3-Peat and all the players who made it possible, including Pala Balakana, Brock Webster and how impactful Harrison Boyle was to the team, leaving his attorney job to return to rugby. Be sure t…

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2025 MLR Finals Recap - Bill & Fitzy recaps the ups and downs on the weekend 35:37

6M ago35:37

35:37

In this episode of US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE, Bill and Fitzy breakdown last weekend's actions in Pawtucket, where the New England Free Jacks defeated the Houston SaberCats to win their record breaking 3rd straight championship. An achievement no other professional team in the US has done in 23 years! Who were the game changers and stars? How did the…

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ARRxTFR Live at MLR Championship Fan Festival 2025 1:01:38

6M ago1:01:38

1:01:38

In this special live podcast, Bill Baker of American Rugby Rising, teams up with Ryan Ye and Matt Ye, of The Fantasy Ruckers, to bring you a live broadcast from the Major League Rugby Championship Fan Festival in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Bill, Ryan and Matt breakdown the matchup between the defending MLR Champs, New England Free Jacks, and the Hous…

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2025 Championship Weekend! WER & MLR Finals Previews 1:03:33

6M ago1:03:33

1:03:33

In this US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE episode, Bill and Fitzy return after a short sabbatical just in time to preview the MLR Championship match with the help of The Fantasy Ruckers’ Ryan Ye and the WER Legacy Cup with YSC Rugby’s Wendy Young! Who has the upper hand in Rhode Island, New England Free Jacks or Houston SaberCats? Can the New York Exiles up…

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From Baby Blacks to USA Eagle, Hooker Shilo Klein 34:15

9M ago34:15

34:15

On this episode of US Rugby Happy Hour Podcast, Bill returns alongside Fitzy to interview USA Eagle and San Diego Legion Hooker, Shilo Klein. We discuss Shilos climb in New Zealand rugby, staring with the Baby Blacks in their U20 Champions runs, then moving his way through provincial and Super Rugby, on his way to Major League Rugby and USA Eagles.…

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A Crossover Success, USA Eagle, Pono Davis 39:50

9M ago39:50

39:50

In this US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE episode, Bill returns alongside Fitzy to interview Houston SaberCats and USA Eagle Prop Pono Davis. Pono is that rare crossover athlete success story, going from college football to pro football, to test rugby in a mere 5 years. Pono talks about making the move to rugby, trying out for American Raptors and eventuall…

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The Year Ahead with USA Rugby Men’s Head Coach, Scott Lawrence 59:34

9M ago59:34

59:34

In this US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE episode, Fitzy and guest host, filling in for Bill, New England Free Jacks Director of Communications and Entertainment, and MLR Sideline Reporter, Thomas “Wheels” Grant, welcome USA Rugby Men’s Head Coach, Scott Lawrence. Scott, Fitzy and Wheels dive into the recently announced rugby calendar for both the men’s and…

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From Leicester to Boston, Foundational Banshee, Emily Henrich 34:12

10M ago34:12

34:12

In this US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE episode, Fitzy and guest host, filling in for Bill, YSC Rugby’s Wendy Young, welcome USA Eagle and Boston Banshee Foundational Member, Emily Henrich. Emily, deep into Banshee trainings, talks about her time in the PWR with Leicester Tigers and now a member of the inaugural WER Boston Banshee’s team, her teammates an…

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WER President and Co-Founder, Dr. Jessica Hammond-Graf 39:29

10M ago39:29

39:29

On this episode of US Rugby Happy Hour Podcast, Fitzy and guest host, filling in for Bill, YSC Rugby’s Wendy Young, welcome WER President and co-founder, Dr. Jessica Hammond-Graf as part of an hour long show including Boston Banshee and USA Eagle, Emily Henrich. In this half of the show, Fitzy and Wendy talk to Jessica about the inaugural season ki…

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“Quest For The Shield” Producers, Deirdre & Justin LePera 23:44

10M ago23:44

23:44

In this US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE episode, Fitzy sits down with the producers of the Amazon Prime rugby documentary, “Quest For The Shield” Producers, Deidre and Justin LePera. Deirdre and Justin share how the doc was made, getting great access to the players and getting them to open up to the camera about the team’s struggles, successes, and the fa…

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2025 Trialed Laws - MLR Director of Match Officials, David Wilkinson 50:31

10M ago50:31

50:31

In this US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE episode, Bill and Fitzy welcome Major League Rugby Director of Match Officials, David Wilkinson on to talk about what is making the entire rugby world abuzz, new 2025 MLR Trialed Laws. Are they turning union into league? Will scrums suffer? Why these implementations and why in Major League Rugby? Also, who sets thes…

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A Junior, Who Wants to be a Senior… Eagle, Anthem Rugby’s Junior Gafa 48:47

10M ago48:47

48:47

In US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE, 2024 Major League Rugby Rookie of the Year, Junior Gafa joins Bill and Fitzy to talk about signing full time with Anthem Rugby Club, his new teammates, the influence Coach Al (Alama Leremia) has on his life and career, 2025 hopes for the team’s success, and his future Eagles goals, hoping to cap for USA sooner than late…

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USRHHL INTRO JUNGLE: Major League Rugby 2025 Season Preview Show 1:53

10M ago1:53

1:53

BONUS EPISODE: US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE Intro Jingles! For Season 5, Episode 5, we introduce The Rugby Rants’ Rob “The Hammer” Hammerschmidt, North American Rugby Database curator, James Deeley, and The Fantasy Ruckers’ Ryan Ye in a powerful way… it will make you want to punch someone in the face! . LYRICS: And now, The M-L-R two thousand twenty-fi…

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2025 MLR Season Preview Show with Rob Hammerschmidt, James Deeley and Ryan Ye 1:41:08

11M ago1:41:08

1:41:08

In US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE’s annual Major League Rugby Season Preview Show, Bill and Fitzy welcome The Rugby Rants’ Rob “The Hammer” Hammerschmidt, North American Rugby Database curator, James Deeley, and The Fantasy Ruckers’ Ryan Ye to break down each MLR team leading into the season. Who’s the cream of the crop, and who’s not? And, which teams a…

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USRHHL INTRO JUNGLE: World Rugby GM US Operations, RWC31 - Ross Young 1:42

11M ago1:42

1:42

BONUS EPISODE: US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE Intro Jingles! For Season 5, Episode 5, World Rugby GM US Operations, RWC31 - Ross Young is introduced in a very dramatic, broadway-esque, cartoon superhero way. Oddly enough, another guest who has never been introduced with a jungle. We are so futuristic! HA! . LYRICS: Let's welcome back to the show, Former …

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RWC31 & 33 Preparations Update, World Rugby GM US Operations, RWC31 - Ross Young 58:43

11M ago58:43

58:43

Bill and Fitzy kick off what hopefully will be an annual show about the preparations of the 2031 and 2033 Rugby World Cups, hosting by USA Rugby by welcome World Rugby GM or US Operations, RWC31, Ross Young. We dive deep into the current status of their preparations, site surveys, what are they looking for in locations, any conflicts with NFL and C…

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Wendy Young Intro Jingle - A toast to women’s rugby 4:15

11M ago4:15

4:15

BONUS EPISODE: US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE Intro Jingles! For Season 5, Episode 3, guest Wendy Young… YSC Rugby’s leader is introduced with this instant Top 40 hit! LYRICS: Hey, hey, it’s time Let's bring on the leader in women’s rugby coverage Your Scrum half Connection, The mastermind behind We’re assuming she once played scrum half Or has a thing f…

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Sione Fukofuka, a newbie to being introduced via a jingle! 3:55

11M ago3:55

3:55

Sione Fukofuka, a newbie to being introduced via a jingle! BONUS EPISODE: US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE Intro Jingles! For Season 5, Episode 4, USA Women’s Head Coach, Sione Fukofuka is introduced with this gem… also, Sione has never been introduced this way! A good thing? Maybe… Listen to our interview with Sione and Wendy Young on the latest up and co…

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2025 and beyond, USA Women’s Head Coach, Sione Fukofuka 36:23

11M ago36:23

36:23

Bill and Fitzy welcome USA Women’s Head Coach, Sione Fukofuka, back to the show, nearly a year since his first appearance on any podcast in America. How did 2024 go, did the team reach their goals? What does 2025, a huge year, look like for the team? Pacific Four, RWC Warm-ups, and what they all play for, the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England. Be sur…

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Up and Coming Women’s Eagles - YSC Rugby’s Wendy Young 34:02

11M ago34:02

34:02

On this episode of US Rugby Happy Hour Podcast, YSC Rugby’s Wendy Young joins Bill and Fitzy to discuss the future of the USA Women’s Eagles and the current stars. The future looks bright as Wendy brings us down the road of some of the newest players to look out for, and how the game has grown in the US of late. The USRHHL Jingle writing team whipp…

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Will Hooley Intro Jingle - England Goes Country 2:55

11M ago2:55

2:55

BONUS EPISODE: US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE Intro Jingles! For Season 5, Episode 2, guest Will Hooley… Will is now full America, dropping the country hits on his regular playlist. Listen to our interview with Bryan Ray and Will Hooley on the latest up and coming USA Eagle stars. LYRICS: Hey Bill and Fitzy, let me take it from here.... And now, we intro…

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Bryan Ray Intro Jingle - Canada meets Billy Ray Cyrus 2:09

11M ago2:09

2:09

BONUS EPISODE: US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE Intro Jingles! For Season 5, Episode 2, guest Bryan Ray, Americas Rugby News, is introduced with a touch of Canada and a sober Billy Ray Cyrus… Listen to our interview with Bryan Ray and Will Hooley on the latest up and coming USA Eagle stars. LYRICS: America Rugby News Canadian rugby fan Tonight we have the …

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Up and Coming Eagles - Bryan Ray & Will Hooley 1:16:36

11M ago1:16:36

1:16:36

Bill and Fitzy welcome Bryan Ray from Americas Rugby News, and Co-host of The Rugby Rundown and former rugby international, USA Eagle 517, Will Hooley to talk about the future of the Men’s Eagles. Who should we keep an eye on, who’s exciting and do we think will be the most impactful Eagles down the road. Will, Bryan, Bill and Fitzy dive into how t…

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Philippa Tuttiett Intro Jingle - Motown meets Funk and Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch 1:00

11M ago1:00

1:00

Introducing, US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE Intro Jingles! For Season 5, Episode 1, guest Philippa Tuttiett is welcomed by this gem inspired by Motown, Funk and possibly some Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch! It’s a good vibration… Listen to our interview with Philippa about Ilona Maher. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

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The “Ilona Maher Effect” with Rugby Analyst, Philippa Tuttiett 56:26

11M ago56:26

56:26

The “Ilona Maher Effect” with Rugby Analyst, Philippa Tuttiett We kick off US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE Season 5 talking about one of the world’s biggest rugby stars, Ilona Maher. And no one better to have one than Rugby Analyst, former Welsh International in 7s and 15s, and the owner of her own building company, Philippa Tuttiett. We discuss the arriv…

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BEST OF Season 4: The Cursing Dubliner; USA Flyhalf, AJ MacGinty 44:58

1y ago44:58

44:58

On this BEST OF SEASON 4 episode of US Rugby Happy Hour Podcast, Bill & Fitzy welcomed USA flyhalf, AJ MacGinty while in preparations to face Tonga. Funny moments ensued, including a new jingle written just for this podcast episode, AJ on his cursing ways to motivate, the physicality of these test matches, and, AJ talks about the exciting style of …

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7s superstar Maddison Levi has met her match… Her name is Nia Toliver 46:35

1y ago46:35

46:35

7s superstar Maddison Levi has met her match… Her name is Nia Toliver On this episode of US Rugby Happy Hour Podcast, Bill & Fitzy welcome the newest sensation to hit the Rugby Sevens scene, USA Eagle, Nia Toliver! Fresh off her star-worthy performances on debut in Dubai and Cape Town, turning rugby fans heads around the globe, Toliver talks about …

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BEST OF SEASON 4 - Exit Interview with Former USA 7s Men’s Head Coach, Mike Friday 1:03:17

1y ago1:03:17

1:03:17

On this BEST OF SEASON 4 episode of US Rugby Happy Hour Podcast, Mike Friday, who announced he was stepping down as the USA 7s Men’s Head Coaching role after a decade at the helm joined Bill and John to talk about his time building the men’s programs, the difficulties of doing so and the high’s he experienced. Mike also talked about the side’s diff…

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Your mother’s favorite Scrummager, USA Eagle and Old Glory DC Prop, Jack Iscaro 42:53

1y ago42:53

42:53

On this episode of US Rugby Happy Hour Podcast, Bill & Fitzy welcome USA Eagle and Old Glory DC Prop, Jack Iscaro. Jack shares his thoughts on the Eagles successful Autumn tour thus far and preparations for Spain. What would it mean to finish out the tour with another win? And, Jack shares his thoughts on the 2025 Major League Rugby schedule and th…

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Great Customer Experience is in the Details - Steven Van Belleghem 39:21

1y ago39:21

39:21

In this week’s episode of the SIMPLE brand podcast, I talk with Steven Van Belleghem. Steven is one of the top customer experience thought leaders in the world. He’s helped world-leading companies like Disney, Mastercard, Mercedes, and Salesforce learn how to be more customer-centric. And Steven is the author of six bestselling books including his …

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The Cursing Dubliner; USA Flyhalf, AJ MacGinty 47:36

1y ago47:36

47:36

On this episode of US Rugby Happy Hour Podcast, Bill & Fitzy welcome USA flyhalf, AJ MacGinty while in preparations to face Tonga this weekend. Funny moments ensure, including a new jingle written just for this podcast episode, AJ on his cursing ways to motivate, the physicality of these test matches, and, AJ talks about the exciting style of play …

1
USA Rugby Charges into November, MLR Sides Recharging for 2025 - Bryan Ray 1:12:58

1y ago1:12:58

1:12:58

On this episode of US Rugby Happy Hour Podcast, Bill & Fitzy cover USA Men’s November Test Series, their chances, and who will step up the most. Which reserves do we wish would get the call up? And, America’s Rugby News’ Bryan Ray joins to update us on all the off-season moves Major League Rugby clubs have made, and what’s to come. Which team has m…

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Align All of Your Teams Into a Customer-centric Organization - Michael Hinshaw 34:34

1y ago34:34

34:34

In this week’s episode of the SIMPLE brand podcast, I talk with Michael Hinshaw. Michael’s the founder and president of customer experience consultancy McorpCX where they help brands make customer experience easier for their leadership, their people, and their customers. He’s recognized on over a dozen "Top Global CX Influencers" lists. And Michael…

1
Free Jacks to Anthem, We Salute Mitch Wilson! 49:24

1y ago49:24

49:24

On this episode of US Rugby Happy Hour Podcast, USA Eagle No. 555 Mitch Wilson joins Bill and Fitzy to talk Major League Rugby, USA Rugby, and to officially announce his move to Charlotte Anthem Rugby. We also go deep into his days with the New England Free Jacks, the club he has called home since the organization’s very first MLR match back in 202…