Phil and Rob are lifelong Leeds United fans; and complete opposites when it comes to following the club. Rob’s the optimist. Phil’s the pessimist, shaped by years of Leeds-induced damage.
Over a pint, they chew over the latest Leeds chaos team selections, dodgy decisions, last-minute drama, and the emotional toll of following this club. Follow them through the season as they ride the wins, survive the losses, and overthink the draws.
Written by Chris O’Connor (Through It All Together, Inside Elland Road), performed by lifelong Leeds fan Paul Fox and Dean Smith of The Square Ball and produced by Bielsa widow Ed Heaton.
A pint-fuelled podcast comedy drama about hope, fear, friendship — and sticking with Leeds through the ups & downs.
Rob pops over to Phil’s to watch Leeds’ last game of the season against West Ham. Determined to put “The Incident” behind him, Phil decides it’s finally time to sell the van. Rob agrees it’s probably for the best. There’s just one problem. Ruby, Phil’s daughter, has plans of her own. As ideas begin to take shape, Phil and Rob are forced to confront a difficult truth: some things can be changed, and some things can’t.
16 May 2026
Can We Get Through This?
In the aftermath of “The Incident”, Rob is wracked with regret and fears Phil may have finally cut ties for good. Hoping that Leeds United’s Premier League survival might help rebuild bridges, Rob tries to make contact — but is there more behind Phil’s mysterious absence?
1 May 2026
There & Back
Rob and Phil drive down to Wembley, full of anticipation and excitement as Leeds United take on Chelsea FC in the FA Cup semi-final. But the journey home becomes a race against time, as the revelations of the night before begin to surface — and something threatens to soil Phil and Rob’s friendship
24 Apr 2026
We're Off To Wembley?
Phil celebrates getting a ticket to the FA Cup semi-final, while things are looking far less promising for Rob. With desperation setting in, Rob begins considering one or two dodgy connections. And amid all the jubilation, there’s still time to celebrate Leeds United’s precious away draw against Bournemouth.
16 Apr 2026
One Hell Of A Beating Part II
Phil and Rob celebrate Leeds United’s historic and heroic win over the devilish Manchester United. They marvel at the team, cautiously contemplate Premier League survival, and hail Daniel Farke. As they muse on whether they’re slowly turning into each other, they also try to make sense of the strange mysticism of “the cycle”.
10 Apr 2026
One Hell Of A Beating
Rob and Phil celebrate Leeds United’s FA Cup quarter-final glory and remember why football actually matters. Phil also takes the chance to share the ins and outs of his latest relationship woes — with Rob, as always, lending a friendly ear.
28 Mar 2026
Home & Away
With the international break in full swing, Rob and his wife Gemma seize the chance for a rare night out — good food, a few drinks, and Rob quietly hoping the evening goes his way. Back at home, Phil’s on babysitting duty, dusting off a few old childcare tricks, with his daughter Ruby trying best to assist.
20 Mar 2026
The Truth is Out There
Rob and Phil are back in the pub, picking apart Leeds United’s trip to Crystal Palace and the hidden truths that might just explain some truly terrible refereeing. Rob unveils his best Sean Dyche impression, while Phil shares a few of his questionable babysitting secrets.
11 Mar 2026
Plumbing Parenting and Puffins
Phil pops round to sort out Rob’s plumbing. Rob is also hoping for a bit of alone time with his wife, which Phil enthusiastically offers to help with by babysitting. While he’s there, Phil can’t resist showing off his new AI skills and explaining his accidental new‑found veganism. Somewhere in the middle of it all, they also find time to sing the praises of Leeds’ FA Cup win over Norwich.
5 Mar 2026
Houses & Sh!#thouses
Rob and Phil pick over Leeds United’s back-to-back losses and wonder whether the modern game has fallen foul of… well, fouling. Meanwhile, Phil is facing a crisis closer to home: his daughter is moving in. And Rob considers joining the dark side.
25 Feb 2026
"Is She Coming?!"
Phil bemoans his missed opportunity to become a sporting great, while Rob spots the perfect chance to wind him up mercilessly. Somewhere in between the self-pity and the ribbing, they also find time to talk about Leeds United, obviously. Listen to the end for some bonus Rob and Phil.
18 Feb 2026
The Game That We Love
Phil and Rob discuss Leeds United conspiracy theories, bone temples and have a go at a pub quiz! The song at the end of the episode is 'The Game That We Love' written and performed by Stuart Bryne Listen to Stuart's music TRIGGER WARNING: This episode deals with themes of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help or advice here are some places we hope will help: Andy's man Club The Samaritans
12 Feb 2026
Gruev, Firesticks and a Taxi for Palmer
Phil and Rob argue over Farke’s approach to the Chelsea game, discuss Gruev’s masterclass against Forest. Rob’s morals are brought in to question and there’s an update on Phil’s lovelife...
4 Feb 2026
Arsenal, Unitards and Dancing with Rosenio
After getting over the shock of spotting Rob in a unitard on the street, Phil gives him a lift and reflects on the Arsenal drubbing. As the journey unfolds, the conversation drifts , chants, trasnsfer chat into dangerous toilet-related territory, leading Phil to realise that he needs a small but urgent favour from Rob.
29 Jan 2026
Everton, Strand Larsen and Jamie Oliver.
Phil and Rob reflect on Leeds United's 1-1 draw with Everton, Leeds' pursuit of Strand Larsen and whether Leeds are going to be dragged into a relegation battle. Plus the lads discuss Phil's entry into the world of online dating..
20 Jan 2026
Goalkeepers, Gruev and Grinder
Phil and Rob catch up in the pub and reflect on Leeds United's 1-0 win over Fulham, Farke's turn of fortune and what's really behind Brendan Aaronson's renaissance. Ups and Downs is an audio series following the lives of two Leeds United fans.
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Contact Ups and Downs - A Leeds United Audio Series
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