Crossing The Pond

In part 2 of our episode with Richard Smith, we talk further about his foray into the hip-hop industry and reflect on his time as he moves into his self-proclaimed '2nd phase' of his life. This episode concludes with what could be the longest 'quick fire' round to date.

Richard Smith joins Gary this week to talk about his initial move from London to the Midwestern US, before his migration to NYC in 2006. They talk about Richard's love for sport, celebrity encounters and the projects that have driven him into various roles ranging from youth sports all the way to the music industry.

Jay Jefferies moved to the US in July 2004 after his dream of a career in football was stunted by a series of knee injuries. Early on he was coaching in the youth soccer industry, before taking it upon himself to apply to study at university here in the states. After graduating, he worked in multiple roles and fields until 2022, when he finally began his journey as the founder of Brit Force Training, offering affordable fitness options for everyone. He talks on his motivations, inspirations and a genuine passion in helping people achieve their fitness goals.

Gary’s guest this week is Toby Stupples, who came to the US in ‘03 to work in Youth Soccer and has made the move that many expats may have contemplated during their time in the US, that being the move home. Since his return home in 2013, he has found himself in a the role of Client Delivery Director for the marketing company, Gekko. He talks about ‘starting again’ on the employment ladder, the traits he learned in the US and took back with him and the happiness he and his wife have found in their new hometown in Hampshire, England. #crossingthepond #returninghome #returning #fullcircle #startingover #friendship #overton

Kelly Adair almost made a U-turn on her way to the airport before she came to New Jersey in 2007. A self-confessed introvert, she talks about the close support network that got her through her first few months. More recently, she points to ways of improving her mental health, a newfound love of working out and her time spent volunteering to foster rescue dogs for Joyrides Rescue in Jersey City, NJ. Kelly also speaks to the patience, understanding and confidence she has developed over her time. In particular with her husband, CTP host, Gary. #crossingthepond #understanding #confidence # patience #marriage #marriageguidance #dogs #rescuedogs #fosteringdogs #adoptdontshop #expat

When Feargal Gleeson landed in the US in 2009, he knew this was where he wanted to be. He began working as a bartender in Manhattan until 2016, when he started his journey on the NYC realtor ladder. He currently holds a role as a residential broker at Brown Harris Stevens. Feargal talks about his love for NYC, the importance of the day to day relationships he’s developed and his relentless drive to succeed in the real estate industry. #crossingthepond #irishabroad #irishinnyc #tipperary #nycbartender #nycbartenders #blarneyrocknyc #brownharrisstevensnewyork #brownharrisstevens #nycrealty #nycrealtybrokers #focus #drive #careerfocus #proudirish

This week’s bonus episode sees Gary talking to the cofounders of OVO Vodka, Jon Dunnington and Anthony Packwood. They discuss the origins of the brand, the working as expats through the ups and downs of the US beverage market and navigating the fine line between business and friendship, while all the striving to achieve OVOs message of vodka without compromise and oceans without plastic.

Since the day Gary’s guests, Jon Dunnington & Anthony Packwood, met at University their friendship has navigated the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. It brought them both to the US in 2016 working in various roles until a recent foray into the US beverage market has seen them embark on their latest venture as co-founders of OVO Vodka. They discuss managing the line between business and friendship, the attraction of living and working in the US and their unwavering attachment to their home city of Liverpool. #crossingthepond #ovo #ovovodka #expat #expatlife #scousers #liverpool #workingabroad #leavinghome #smallbusiness #smallbusinesssupport #johnmooresuniversity #opportunity #businessopportunity #friendship

CTP visited Mulligans Pub in Hoboken, NJ this week for a chat with owner Paul Dawson about his time in the US since arriving in 1990. He gives a great insight into his humble beginnings, love for football and his daily mindset to provide a ‘taste of home’ for anyone who enters the pub. One of the many reasons it has become one of the most popular ‘soccer bars’ in the NY/NJ Metro area Since he began his ownership journey in 2000, Paul’s love for the relationships the bar has fostered, the characters that it draws and the impact it has had on him and his family is still strong to this day #crossingthepond #expat #footballfanatic #chelseafc #irishabroad #dublincity #hobokenbars #mulliganshoboken #community #expatcommunity #hobokennj

This week Gary is joined by Joe Melvin, who came to the US in 2007 to continue his work with the Wall St Journal. He documents the challenges of adapting to new surroundings, the joys of being a father and the steps he is now taking to improve his outlook on day-to-day moments moving forward. He talks specifically about his personal struggle with his mental health and the affects it has had on himself and those close to him. References in this episode: 🍻 'Sloppy Joes' was one of many home-built bars in the suburbs: https://www.garbarnation.com/episodes/sloppy-joes/ #crossingthepond #britsabroad #expat #depression #mentalhealth #itsgoodtotalk

BONUS SHORT In the first effort at a mini spin-off, Gary was able to record an extra bonus segment from my recent episode with Dave Simpson, talking about his endeavors, along with Co-Founder Bob Gibson, to form the Leeds United LA supporters club (LULA). He talks about the initial ideas, the search for a bar to host them and how far they have come since its inception in 2017. Dave talks about its importance, not only as a community where people can watch the game, but also its significance of a ‘soft landing’ for those moving to the area in search of a touch of home. References in this episode: 🏟️ Leeds United LA (LULA) - Supporters club currently based in Santa Monica 🍺 O’Briens on Wiltshire, in Santa Monica, the current home of LULA. It’s a great venue with friendly staff, showing most live sporting events from around the globe #lula #leedsunitedla #community #expat #expatlife #crossingthepond #workingabroad #obriensonwiltshire

Dave Simpson joined Gary on his final leg of the recent west coast trip to talk about his career in the fire service that has led him to his new role as an Investigator for the LA Coroners office. They talk about how his new role came about and how the intensity of his job offers a great deal of perspective when he returns to his regular family life. Dave shares stories of his initial thoughts after moving to LA, early misunderstanding’s, his lifestyle changes and not to mention setting the record for the longest CTP ‘quick fire’ round so far. #crossingthepond #britsinla #fireservice #royalairforce #careerabroad #workingabroad #expat #expatlife #livinginamovie #shermanoaks #communication #empathy #personality

This week's guest is Gavin Quirk, who moved to the US in 2010 to work in marketing for Disney and recently moved to a role at Netflix. Gary talks to Gavin about his shift to the west coast from London, England, the decision-making processes that gave him the confidence to make what was a life changing move into a new role. Gavin also gives his own perspective on how juggling with what an optimal level of structure is and how it helps (or hinders) his everyday life. References in this episode: Brits in LA - Community group welcoming multiple expats to the city. Instagram: @crossing_the_pond_podcast #friendship #crossingthepond #risk #structure #disney #netflix #prosandcons #friendshipcircles #expat #britsinla #britsabroad #workingabroad #scottishabroad #westhollywood #

The Podcast goes on the road to sunny California this week for the first episode recorded in Los Angeles. Pat McCarthy joins Gary to talk about his journey in the world of acting and modelling. which ultimately brought him to the US in 2010. From early auditions to being the face of a German aftershave, Pat's stories provide an excellent insight into navigating the cutthroat industries and the toll it can take on friendships, relationships and future plans. References in this episode: 💻 Brits in LA - Community group welcoming countless expats to the LA area. 🕴️ David Attenborough - British broadcaster, biologist, natural historian and author 📍 Aldershot - Town in Hampshire, England. 'Home of the British Army' 🛍️ Bruno Banani Frangrance - 'Distinctive men's scents, not for everyone' Instagram: @crossing_the_pond_podcast #friendship #crossingthepond #risk #ambition #actor #pride #humility #friendshipcircles #expat #britsinla #britsabroad #workingabroad #brunobanani

Gary hosts Matt Walker this week, who has made significant strides since his early foray to the US in 2004 and is now the Head of Performance Services for the Academy at Manchester United Football Club. Regardless of if you have a football/soccer affiliation or not, this episode talks a lot about creating the right environments to foster success for others. Matt's insight into his processes, the 'pivots' he has made in his career and his genuine personality is something that everyone can draw inspiration from to apply in their respective careers. References in this episode * 🎙️ 'Authentic Resilience’ with Gary Peters Instagram: @crossing_the_pond_podcast #friendship #crossingthepond #professionalstandards #friendshipcircles #expat #cambridgeunited #manchesterunited #friendsreunion #britsabroad #workingabroad #authentic #authenticresilience

Andy Ralphs joins Gary in the studio this week as they recount all of the experiences that they’ve had and how it’s shaped them during their time in the US, since they arrived here on the same plane back in 2003. Andy reflects on the people he’s met, the places he’s been and everything else from food, sports and culture in between. The discussion moves to how the search for different experiences has evolved over time. It’s almost a certainty that anyone who knows Andy will love his trip down memory lane as much as they did. To anyone who doesn’t know him will no doubt get a great insight into the varied experiences of an ‘Englishman abroad’. References in this episode: 🎙️ ‘Serial’ is a popular podcast that talks to a lot of different events **Gary was so wrapped up in talking to Andy about the thought of driving alone listening to podcasts about killers, he neglected to mention it** 📍 Wallace, Idaho ‘The Center of the Universe’ 🍽️ Ahri’s Kitchen is a popular Korean BBQ restaurant in Jersey City, NJ Instagram: @crossing_the_pond_podcast #friendship #crossingthepond #risk #friendshipcircles #expat #traveling #foodie #jerseycity #roadtrip #newjersey #britsabroad #workingabroad #twentyyearsandcounting

Gary is joined this week by an old friend from his early days in the US, Ray Gallagher. Ray first came to the US from Co. Cork, Ireland after completing his English/Sociology degree in 2004. After 3 1/2 years working in the service industry in Manhattan, he returned home in early ‘08. He is currently working at a high school in the Southeast of England, holding the roles of Assistant Headmaster and Head of English. Just goes to show that friendships can easily be picked up after a long time, they spent a good 2 hours outside of the recording catching up. References in this episode: 🎙️ ‘Help I sexted my boss’ is a podcast hosted by William Hanson & Jordan North in the UK 📺 ‘Allo Allo’ was a ‘90s sitcom based in wartime France. Instagram: @crossing_the_pond_podcast #friendship #crossingthepond #reflection #jonevisastories #friendshipcircles #expat #irishabroad #irishbartending #workingabroad #twentyyearsandcounting #visas

Gary hosts Andy Roderick this week, who first came to the US after completing his studies at Loughborough University in 1988. For the past 36 years he has worked in the Youth Sports industry, recently transitioning into a role as a Head of Business Development for 3 Step Sports. The constant theme throughout this episode is the significance of connection and networking. We discuss it’s professional and social benefits, along with the situations we have found ourselves in as a result of fostering strong connection. References in this Episode: 🌐 3Step Sports is youth sports club and event operator, who’s mission is to enhance life experiences through sport. 🌐 UKElite Soccer was a Youth Soccer Training organization co-founded by Roderick and his partners in 1992 🏟️ 'The Treble' refers to Manchester United’s Champions League victory in 1999, which completed their quest for 3 major trophies in one season. Instagram: @crossing_the_pond_podcast #friendship #crossingthepond #connections #maintainingnetworks #powerofnetworking #friendshipcircles #expat #edpsoccer #britsabroad #workingabroad #twentyyearsandcounting #pioneers

In this episode Gary talks to Sue Page about the topic of Resilience. Sue came to the US in 2005 and having worked in the corporate sales structure for 25 years, she is currently forging her own path in the health and wellness field. The self-confessed, "recovered yo-yo dieter, lifter of heavy things and champion and advocate for menopausal women everywhere" has founded 'FortyFiftyFabulous", working with businesses and individuals as a health and nutrition coach. References in this episode 💻: www.fortyfiftyfabulous.com 📸: @fortyfiftyfabulous Instagram: @crossing_the_pond_podcast #friendship #crossingthepond #resilience #friendshipcircles #expat #womenempowerment #womeninbusiness #femaleentreprenuers #britsabroad #workingabroad #womenatwork #menopause #lifecoach

Jason Grubb joins Gary this week to talk about decision and moves that have been made during their time in the US and what exactly is sacrificed in order to progress. Grubb began his coaching journey with UKElite Soccer in 2004, rising through the ranks of youth, college and professional soccer to him in his current role as a member of the 1st team coaching staff at Major League Soccer side Austin FC. It is clear from this episode that Jason's humble personality does not let him forget where he has come from and the people who have helped him along the way. References in this episode: UKElite Soccer was a youth soccer t5raining organization formed in the 1990's, providing a platform for many young coaches to explore careers in the US. Soccer Plus is an academy that specialized in goalkeeper training. It was founded by former US Women's World Cup and Olympic Gold medal winning coach, Tony DiCicco IMG Academy is a preparatory boarding school and sports training destination in Bradenton, Florida. You can find Jason on Instagram: @jasongkgrubb Instagram: @crossing_the_pond_podcast #friendship #crossingthepond #sacrifice #sacrificesforwork #expat #austinfc #britsabroad #workingabroad