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.

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.

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..

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.