The 1st Half Culture Show is a unique podcast series that explores the profound impact of football on North American culture. Hosted by restaurateur and footy culture junkie Paul Desbaillets, this series unites football enthusiasts to discover how the beautiful game influences fashion, art, music, and food. Featuring visits to local neighborhoods and businesses, and interviews with chefs, athletes, artists, and tastemakers, it delves into street art and local scenes. The show provides a vibrant glimpse into how futbol merges with daily life and creativity.
Join us for a unique North American perspective on football.
Available in video format exclusively on YouTube: @the1sthalf_
All Things Soccer Culture — Our Game, Our Spin!
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He Quit Football… Then FC Supra Changed Everything | Charles Auguste
Football almost ended for Charles Auguste.
In this episode of The 1st Half Culture Show, the FC Supra du Québec midfielder opens up about the highs, setbacks, and turning points that shaped his journey — from Québec youth football and NCAA soccer to Houston, injuries, stepping away from the game, and finding unfinished business back home.
Charles shares the reality behind the professional pathway, including the difficult moments nobody sees: a year-long injury recovery, questioning football entirely, and rebuilding confidence after feeling disconnected from the game.
We also dive into:
⚽ Growing up in Québec football culture
⚽ The move to Creighton University and culture shock in the U.S.
⚽ Recovering from a major injury
⚽ Houston Dynamo and difficult career moments
⚽ Why FC Supra felt like unfinished business
⚽ Building a cinematic football content brand
⚽ Why storytelling matters to athletes today
This is a conversation about identity, setbacks, creativity, and finding your way back.
⏱️ Video Segments
Early football beginnings and family influence
Québec football development and coaching
Moving to the U.S. and college football journey
Major injury and one-year recovery
Houston and stepping away from football
Joining FC Supra and unfinished business
Creating football content and storytelling
The future of football and personal branding
12 Questions rapid fire
27 May 2026
Matty Longstaff Opens Up on Newcastle, MLS & Premier League Dreams
From the academy at Newcastle United F.C. to Premier League nights and now life in MLS, Matty Longstaff joins The 1st Half Culture Show for an honest conversation about the highs and realities of professional football.
Matty opens up about growing up in one of football’s most passionate cities, family influence, the pressure that comes with academy football, and his unforgettable debut goal against Manchester United F.C..
We also dive into:
⚽ Growing up in Newcastle football culture
⚽ Academy life and family support
⚽ The influence of his brother Sean Longstaff
⚽ Moving from England to North America
⚽ MLS vs European football culture
⚽ Recovering from ACL injuries
⚽ England, World Cup talk & football pressure
⚽ Why supporters are everything to clubs
Whether you're a Newcastle supporter, MLS fan, or simply love football stories, this episode dives into the mentality and journey behind the game.
21 May 2026
From Athletic Therapist to Football Media Voice | Karim Mehdi on FC Supra, Culture & Storytelling
Football doesn’t grow on the pitch alone — it grows through stories, voices, and community.
In this episode of The 1st Half Culture Show, Karim Mehdi shares his journey from athletic therapist to becoming a rising voice in football media, covering the game where it lives — at the grassroots and community level.
As host of On S’en Foot and commentator within Quebec’s football scene, Karim breaks down how media, storytelling, and digital platforms are helping shape the next era of the game in Canada.
We dive into:
Building a football media platform from scratch
The growth of Quebec’s football ecosystem
The role of storytelling in growing the sport
Behind the scenes of FC Supra du Québec
Taking risks and creating your own path in football
This is a conversation about culture, community, and why football is more than just a game.
💬 “Football is more than a game… it’s a feeling.”
Who has been a guest on The 1st Half Culture Show
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Fabio
Dan
Robert Rositoiu
Chef Paul Toussaint
Nir Guzinski
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
84,692
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 59 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
61
Social presence
0
YouTube
72
Engagement
68
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