Love Soccer Podcast is where we talk about our love for the beautiful game from youth all the way to adulthood.
Love Soccer is a nostalgia-driven, guest-focused podcast, bringing together amateur players to share and relive the moments that made them fall in love with the beautiful game. Each episode is about connection, early memories, and the unforgettable journey. The show’s heart lies in storytelling — documenting our relationship with the pitch as a gift to friends, family, and the wider community.
Carson Speight’s journey begins in the dew-soaked mornings of Raleigh fields and stretches through rivalries, state cups, and floodlit nights that made the game feel larger than life. Carson reflects on a career built on hustle, grit, and fun. He shares how growing up with the same teammates forged trust, why intramural soccer brought freedom back into the game, and how one perfectly timed run led to the only—and unforgettable—high school game winner of his life. As a dad, Carson sees the game through new eyes, passing on lessons of effort, respect, and joy to the next generation.
26 Nov 2025
Life Lessons and Legacy
From the pitches in Pakistan to lining up against West Point and the Naval Academy men—all before women were admitted, Dr. Cynthia Macri’s life in soccer reads like a hidden chapter of the game’s history. In this episode, Jonathan Janik interviews Cynthia, who shares how a misread “soccer tryout” flyer led her to play onto a men’s college team, and how Title IX and a $100 bill helped her found the very first women’s soccer team at Lehigh University—complete with hand-drawn logos and fundraiser frisbees. Now a Navy doctor turned over-65 national champion, Cynthia talks about soccer as “home,” a place of belonging that carried her through medical school, military service, and countless tournaments and medals. At the heart of it all is her philosophy that you need to give as much as you receive, to the community of soccer.
20 Nov 2025
Anytime, Anywhere
From refugee camp to Vermont’s endless green, Toutou Marsden discovers soccer—and never lets go. She bikes 10 miles each way to preseason, earns her place, and flips a men’s-league script from “go easy on her” to “play for real.” ODP tryouts, slide-tackle grit, and a Boston adult-league title (PKs, a Chastain-moment, pure joy). This episode is a heartbeat-loud tribute to resilience, drive, relentlessness, community, and the beautiful game—anytime, anywhere..
13 Nov 2025
Living the Dream
From chasing butterflies to Highbury on New Year’s Day, Preston Golson traces a fan’s pilgrimage that turns into a player’s rebirth. In episode 11 of the Love Soccer Podcast, Jonathan Janik speaks with Preston, who relives 2 a.m. World Cup watch parties, the birth of American Outlaws, and the orange-soaked streets of Amsterdam—soccer as community, ritual, and thunderbolt. As an Arsenal diehard—eight matches deep, supporters’ pubs across the map—he calls it what it feels like: living the dream.
6 Nov 2025
All About The People (Part 2)
In episode 10 of the Love Soccer Podcast, Jonathan Janik continues his conversation with Tedd Ogren. Part two of this interview dives into Tedd’s service-side soccer life—organizing base teams worldwide, forging friendships across ranks, and stewarding the Pentagon Soccer Club.
He recalls the Donovan Cup honoring Bill Donovan, complete with anthems, a gleaming new trophy, and a final British Embassy match capped by a catered Embassy Row celebration. From an appearance playing at the Samsung factory to his love of Dutch Total Football, Tedd shows how the game becomes diplomacy in boots.
28 Oct 2025
All About The People (Part 1)
In episode 9 (part 1) of the Love Soccer Podcast, Jonathan Janik speaks with Tedd Ogren. From fourth-string fullback to college starter, tracing a late-blooming love story; barefoot pickup; a powerhouse Ridgewood (NJ) high school program; and kicking around with neighbor and ex-Cosmos pro Dave Clement. Tune into Part II.
24 Oct 2025
Love for the Game
In Episode 8 of the Love Soccer Podcast, Jonathan Janik interviews Kevin Brown.
Kevin shares his journey playing soccer as a child in Maryland in recreational and travel soccer. He highlights the influence of his coaches, and the camaraderie built with teammates. Kevin reflects on his college soccer experience, his time in the military, and playing soccer internationally.
He emphasizes the importance of communication, teamwork, and the lifelong love of the game, which he hopes to pass on to his son. The conversation also touches on the sense of community within soccer and the personal growth it fosters.
2 Oct 2025
Unknown Underdog..Enforcer..Party
In episode 7 of the Love Soccer Podcast, Jonathan Janik sits down with Brendan Bartley, who shares his soccer journey from early days in Maine playing on the state team to club soccer at university and adult leagues in Florida, Georgia, and Massachusetts. Brendan discusses his perception as the unknown "new guy" on each team as well as his coaching influences and the importance of community in soccer. The conversation highlights the impact of soccer on personal growth and the lasting connections formed through the sport.
26 Sept 2025
Football is Life
In episode 6 of the Love Soccer Podcast, Jonathan Janik interviews Albes Gaona, who shares his journey from playing soccer in Colombia to his experiences in the U.S. and internationally. Albes discusses the organic nature of soccer in his youth, the influence of friends, and the transition to organized play. He reflects on the freedom of street soccer, the joy of scoring goals, and the importance of community in the sport. Albes emphasizes the love for the game and the lessons learned through persistence and teamwork, ultimately concluding that 'football is life.'
16 Sept 2025
Traveling Sage
In episode 5 of the Love Soccer Podcast, Jonathan Janik interviews his former high school coach Bruce Leader, who shares his extensive journey in soccer from his childhood in Buffalo, New York, to his coaching experiences in various international schools. Bruce discusses the pivotal moments in his youth that shaped his love for the game, his achievements in high school soccer, and the philosophy he developed as a coach. He reflects on the influences that inspired him throughout his journey and concludes with a heartfelt story about his travels and the impact of a beloved dog named Sage.
27 Aug 2025
Street Soccer in Lebanon
In episode 4 of the Love Soccer Podcast, Jonathan Janik asks Bernard Assily about the profound impact childhood friends have on the development of soccer players. Street soccer in Lebanon, a memorable coach, the influence of a daughter, and more. Join us as we delve into personal stories, revealing how these formative relationships can shape a player's journey to success. Tune in to discover the untold stories of friendship and football.
15 Aug 2025
The Grind: Learning Soccer at 40
In Episode 3 of the Love Soccer Podcast, host Jonathan Janik talks with Ben Carroll on the challenges of learning soccer as an adult in Germany. Ben shares the joy of playing alongside his son and learning the game together. Tune in to hear about Ben's experiences in the German club system, his coaching philosophy, and the inspiring figures who have influenced his soccer journey. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, Ben's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion.
8 Aug 2025
Think Differently: Top Guns and Everything After
In Episode 2, Jonathan Janik features fellow coach and soccer dad, Micah Porter, whose journey took him from California AYSO fields playing for the "Top Guns" to military bases across 10+ states. A fun personal connection through video gaming FIFA, and much more.
26 Jul 2025
Overcoming Adversity: Kicking Off the Love Soccer Podcast
In this inaugural episode of the Love Soccer podcast, host Jonathan Janik and Minnesota native Andreas Tempelis share their personal soccer journeys, from early memories of playing in youth leagues to experiences in high school and adult pickup games.
They discuss the evolution of soccer culture, coaching experiences, and the importance of overcoming adversity in their love for the game. The conversation highlights the joy of soccer, the connections made on the field, and the impact of coaching on their development as players.
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