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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!
#acertianstyleoflife
87 Episodes
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Canadian soccer is entering a defining era — on the field and behind the scenes.In this episode of The 1st Half Culture Show, Laura Armstrong, Vice President of Communications & Business Integration at Canadian Soccer Media & Entertainment, joins us in studio to break down the rebranding of CSME, the evolution of the Canadian soccer ecosystem, and what this moment means with the World Cup on home soil.A former Toronto Star journalist who covered major milestones including the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup and Canada’s men’s qualification for 2022, Laura shares her journey from newsroom to executive leadership — and why storytelling, media rights, and strategic alignment are essential to growing the game nationally.We dive into:The CSME rebrand and realignment with Canada SoccerBuilding a “soccer content ecosystem” in CanadaBundesliga & WSL media rights strategyThe growth of women’s football and 95,000 at WembleyWhy CPL moments matter culturallyJournalism lessons that shaped her leadershipWhy football is more than sport — it’s familyIf you care about where Canadian soccer is headed — this episode is essential listening.
Midfielder Felicia Roy joins The First Half to share her journey to professional football, her rise with the Montreal Roses, and the rapid growth of women’s soccer in Canada through the NSL.From dreaming of becoming a professional at a young age, developing in the CF Montréal Academy, competing at the collegiate level with Champlain College, and breaking through in League1 Québec, Felicia opens up about discipline, mentality, and what it truly takes to succeed at the pro level.She also reflects on the impact of supporters, building chemistry in a brand-new league, balancing football and education, and inspiring the next generation of Canadian women footballers.⏱️ Video Segments (Chapters)00:00 – Dreaming of Becoming a Pro00:45 – Introduction: Felicia Roy & the Montreal Roses02:18 – What the NSL Means for Women’s Football in Canada03:20 – Team Chemistry in a New League04:12 – Supporters, Fans & Matchday Energy05:13 – Football Roots & Development Pathway06:08 – Expectations for Season Two07:30 – Key Matches & Rivalries08:09 – Grassroots Football & Youth Development09:21 – CF Montréal Academy Experience11:18 – Balancing School & Professional Football12:28 – Community Impact & Representation14:05 – Overcoming Challenges as a Pro Athlete16:00 – Best Performance & Career Highlights16:30 – Quick Fire Questions with Felicia Roy#FeliciaRoy #MontrealRoses #WomensFootball #NSL#CanadianSoccer #WomensSoccerCanada #ProFootballer#CFMontreal #SoccerInterview #WomenInSports#FootballJourney #NextGenFootball #SoccerCulture
⚽ From Laval to the Pro GameSean Rea shares his journey from growing up in Laval to signing for his boyhood club, CF Montréal. From kicking a ball around the backyard to making his MLS debut, Rea reflects on what it means to represent home at the highest level.🔥 Life Lessons From the PitchRea opens up about the realities of professional football — including a rare moment of being subbed off just minutes after coming on. He explains how tough moments shape mentality, resilience, and long-term growth in the pro game.🏆 Breakthrough Moments & ConfidenceWinning the CPL U21 Canadian Player of the Year during his loan spell with Valour FC marked a turning point. Rea discusses consistency, discipline, and what it takes to perform over an entire season as a young professional.👥 Fans, Community & Quebec FootballThe importance of supporters, community involvement, and building football culture in Quebec takes center stage. With the launch of FC Supra and CPL expansion, Rea highlights why local talent and fan connection matter more than ever.🌍 World Cup Dreams & Football IdentityFrom supporting Canada on the global stage to sharing thoughts on World Cup contenders, Rea talks about football identity, inspiration, and why the sport remains life itself.#SeanRea #CanadianSoccer #QuebecFootball #CFMontreal #CanadianPremierLeague #CPL #FootballCulture #ProFootballer #SoccerJourney #FootballLife
From obsession to silverware, this is the story of a player who lived and breathed the game. David Choiniere joins us in studio to talk about his journey through the Canadian Premier League, winning multiple championships with Forge FC, and his return to Quebec with FC Supra. David opens up about becoming obsessed with turning pro, the sacrifices required to make it, the importance of academies, supporter culture in the CPL, playing against world-class players like Mo Salah, surviving the altitude at Estadio Azteca, and overcoming major injury setbacks.We also dive into the excitement around a new club project in Quebec, World Cup dreams, and what it truly means when players say: football is life.#DavidChouiniere #CanadianPremierLeague #CPL #FCSupra #ForgeFC #QuebecFootball #CanadianSoccer #SoccerJourney #FootballMentality #TSN690
Football is more than a game.It’s music, food, fashion, community — and the stories that connect it all.The 1st Half is where football culture lives.From intimate conversations with artists, chefs, musicians, and athletes, to street-level voices in Football in the City, this channel explores how the game shapes — and is shaped by — culture around the world.Featuring guests like James Bay, George Stroumboulopoulos, Enter Shikari, Antonio Park, and voices from Team Canada including Mathieu Choinière, Zorhan Bassong, and Nathan Saliba — this is football told through real experiences, not hot takes.With World Cup 2026 coming to North America, the game is about to get bigger than ever. And we’ll be right here — documenting the culture, the people, and the moments that define this era.🎙️ New conversations.🌍 Global voices.⚽️ Football as a way of life.Subscribe now and take your seat for what’s coming next.#The1stHalf #FootballIs #ACertainStyleOfLife #WorldCup2026 #FootballCulture #SoccerLifestyle #CANMNT
Quebec has a different football mentality, and that mindset is helping shape the future of the game in Canada.In this in-depth episode of The First Half, we sit down with Kyt Selaidopoulos, Assistant Coach and Director of Youth Football at Forge FC, Head Coach of Canada’s National Futsal Team, and one of the most respected football minds in the country.Kyt shares insight on the culture of football in Quebec, the evolution of the Canadian Premier League, the impact of the 2026 World Cup, and what it truly takes to build winning programs, from youth development to the professional level.From his playing days with Montreal Impact to building championship culture at Forge FC, this conversation covers mentality, leadership, preparation, and long-term growth in Canadian football.
In this exclusive in-studio interview, FC Supra head coach Nick Rosati shares his journey, philosophy and vision ahead of the club’s 2026 Canadian Premier League debut.From starting on the sideline at 17 to learning from the NFL, NBA and hockey, Rosati explains why humility, ego management and man management are at the heart of his approach. He breaks down how to build a winning culture from day one, how to develop players the right way and what the growth of the Canadian Premier League means for the future of the game.⚽ The 1st Half Culture Show with Paul Desbaillets.Watch the full video here and listen wherever you get your podcasts.#The1stHalf #acertainstyleoflife #footballis #NickRosati #FCSupra #CanadianPremierLeague #CPL #CanadianSoccer #SportsLeadership #FootballCulture
From Belgium’s academy system to the World Cup stage — resilience defined.Team Canada defender Zorhan Bassong, now with Sporting Kansas City in MLS, joins Paul Desbaillets for a powerful conversation about sacrifice, identity, and rebuilding a career across continents.Bassong opens up about:leaving Canada at 14 to pursue elite development in Belgiumnavigating the challenges of European football as a teenager abroadfighting through setbacks in Romania and finding his way back in MLSearning a national team recall after four yearswhy mindset and gratitude shape every part of his journeyand what the rise of North American football means before World Cup 2026⚽ The 1st Half Culture ShowPresented by Breville in collaboration with evenko and CULTMTL.Watch the full video here & listen wherever you get your podcasts.#The1stHalf #acertainstyleoflife #footballis #ZorhanBassong #TeamCanada #SportingKC #MLS #CanadaSoccer #WorldCup2026 #Breville #NorthAmericanFootball #FootballCulture #Resilience #SportsMindset
From sleeping in an abandoned church to sharing the pitch with Didier Drogba — this is the powerful, emotional, and inspiring true story of Novello Yoseke, a refugee turned professional footballer.Born in South Sudan, raised in a refugee camp in Egypt, and sponsored to Canada, Novello’s story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and passion. He went from playing barefoot to representing South Sudan’s National Team in World Cup and AFCON qualifiers, and later became a coach and head scout after a career with CF Montréal (Montreal Impact).In this exclusive in-studio interview, Novello opens up about:His journey from war-torn South Sudan to professional footballHow he overcame poverty and homelessnessPlaying alongside football legends like Didier DrogbaThe emotional moment he touched a real soccer ball for the first timeHis mission to inspire the next generation through coaching🔥 Watch the full episode to discover how determination and faith can turn pain into purpose.
From the backyard to the big stage.Team Canada and CF Montréal midfielder Mathieu Choinière joins The 1st Half Culture Show for a special Breville collaboration ahead of the Canada vs Ecuador friendly on November 12.He opens up about his journey from Montreal’s academy to the national team, the lessons he learned from multi-sport training, and why “hard work beats talent” has guided every step of his career.⚽ The 1st Half Culture Show — Presented by Breville in collaboration with evenko and CULTMTL.Watch the full video here & listen wherever you get your podcasts.#The1stHalf #acertainstyleoflife #footballis #MathieuChoiniere #TeamCanada #CFMontreal #CanadaSoccer #Breville #evenko #CULTMTL #FootballCulture #CanadianSoccer
From the streets of Stuttgart to the spotlight in Montreal.CF Montréal striker Prince Owusu joins Paul Desbaillets to talk about his journey — from Germany’s academy system to finding purpose, perseverance, and family through football.The Guinean-German forward opens up about his early days in Stuttgart’s academy, lessons from Europe, and how he became one of CF Montréal’s most exciting players — finishing his first season with 17 goals across all competitions.⚽ The 1st Half Culture Show with Paul Desbaillets — new episodes every Wednesday.Watch the full video here & listen wherever you get your podcasts.#The1stHalf #acertainstyleoflife #footballis #PrinceOwusu #CFMontreal #Bundesliga #Stuttgart #FootballCulture #SoccerPodcast #MLS #CanadianSoccer
From kitchens to curveballs, food and football are never far apart.Chef Stephen Marcone, owner of Bistro Amerigo and longtime Roma supporter, joins Paul Desbaillets to talk about cooking, culture, and the Italian soul of Montreal.From his journey through Italy’s kitchens to opening Café Figata, Marcone shares stories of football fandom, family, and building restaurants that bring people together.⚽ The 1st Half Culture Show with Paul Desbaillets Watch the full video here & listen wherever you get your podcasts.#The1stHalf #acertainstyleoflife #footballis #ChefStephenMarcone #BistroAmerigo #CafeFigata #Roma #ItalianCuisine #MontrealRestaurants #FootballCulture #ASRoma #ItalianFood #Montreal
From Miami to Manchester, the football world never sleeps.Paul Desbaillets unpacks a wild week:- Lionel Messi signs on with Inter Miami until 2028, a deal that could redefine MLS.- A full-blown manager shuffle as Ange Postecoglou, Sean Dyche, Nuno Espirito Santo and Graham Potter all switch seats.- MLS and Apple drop Season Pass fees for the playoffs to make the game more accessible.- And UEFA eyes a €5.9 billion Champions League deal with Netflix, Disney and Amazon.
From Miami to Swansea, last week in football culture has everything. Paul Desbaillets breaks down how Beckham’s Inter Miami is becoming England’s 2026 World Cup base, why Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart now own a piece of Swansea City, and how Ed Sheeran ended up on the Barça shirt.He wraps with the incredible story of Cape Verde, the island nation of just 525 000 people qualifying for the World Cup, proof that passion always beats the odds.⚽ One-Man Midfield, new every week.#The1stHalf #acertainstyleoflife #footballis #footballculture #WorldCup2026 #Beckham #InterMiami #SwanseaCity #MarthaStewart #SnoopDogg #FCBarcelona #EdSheeran #CapeVerde #FootballNews
From weddings to the Wu-Tang afterparty, and now the borough ballot. Jason “Jace” Dery, better known as Monsieur Notre Dame, joins The 1st Half to talk about community, creativity, and the real meaning of giving back.An entrepreneur, entertainer, and now political candidate for Montreal’s Sud-Ouest borough with Futur Montréal, Jace opens up about his journey from raising over $25K for Sun Youth to spinning records for Wu-Tang and building a business that connects people across the city.It’s a conversation about purpose, music, football, and the power of showing up for your community.⚽ The 1st Half Culture Show with Paul Desbaillets, new episodes every Wednesday.Watch the full video here & listen wherever you get your podcasts.#The1stHalf #acertainstyleoflife #footballis #Jace #MonsieurNotreDame #Montreal #Community #WuTangClan #FuturMontreal #SunYouth #GoalInitiatives #FootballCulture #MontrealStories
From the streets of Cameroon to the Canadian national team, Ali Gerba’s story is pure football culture.Paul Desbaillets sits down with the former striker to talk about his rise from humble beginnings, his time in Europe and MLS, and why he believes Canadian football is still just getting started.Gerba opens up about his foundation work, his training centre Complete Striker, and the resilience that shaped his career , on and off the pitch.⚽ The 1st Half Culture Show with Paul Desbaillets : new episodes every Wednesday.Watch the full video here & listen wherever you get your podcasts.#The1stHalf #acertainstyleoflife #footballis #AliGerba #CompleteStriker #FootballCulture #CanadianSoccer #MontrealFootball #SoccerLife #GoalInitiatives
This week on One-Man Midfield, Paul Desbaillets dives into some wild headlines that hit deeper than just the pitch:💰 Cristiano Ronaldo becomes football’s first billionaire player — $1.4B net worth and counting🏟️ Manchester United may be changing hands… again. Rumors suggest a Saudi sale in the works🐐 World Cup mascots unveiled: Maple the Moose (Canada), Zazú the Jaguar (Mexico), and Clutch the Bald Eagle (USA)🌎 20 of 48 teams are already locked for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including Canada, USA, Mexico, and more🔥 Just Paul. No guest. Just the culture, the chaos, and the real talk.🎥 New drops every Tuesday. Subscribe to The 1st Half Culture Show for the solo segment you didn’t know you needed.#The1stHalf #OneManMidfield #FootballIs #CristianoRonaldo #ManUnitedSale #FIFA2026 #SoccerBusiness #WorldCupMascots #MapleTheMoose #SaudiFootballTakeover #GlobalGame
What happens when a football-loving, Tottenham-supporting local runs for city council in one of Montreal’s most dynamic boroughs?We sat down with Shane Thompson, candidate for city councillor in the Sud-Ouest (Little Burgundy, St-Henri, Griffintown & Pointe-St-Charles), to talk about the intersection of football and politics — and why he believes the beautiful game builds better communities.In this episode:Growing up in MTL as a Spurs fanFootball as a unifier in urban lifeWhat makes the Southwest so culturally richShane’s plans for more public sports spacesThe role of football in mental health, youth identity & inclusion📥 Watch the full convo now — new episodes every Thursday.#The1stHalf #FootballIs #MTLPolitics #SouthwestMontreal #ShaneThompson #SpursFan #SoccerAndSociety #FootballForAll
The First Half Culture Show is back, now with two drops every week.🎙️ Wednesdays: Football Culture with Paul Desbaillets🎤 Thursdays: Special Guest ConversationsThis week’s solo drop? Paul’s sounding off on the biggest stories in the game right now:FC Supra shaking up Quebec footballEA’s $55 billion takeover 💰$6,730 World Cup Final tickets — yep, that’s real 🎟️Canada’s historic FIFA ranking 🏆Early-season chaos in the Premier League 🔄New football voices emerging in Quebec 🎤CFM’s rebuild & why hope still lives ⚽Real Madrid gets name-dropped in a Taylor Swift track 🤯📣 No guest. Just Paul. Just soccer culture. 🎥 Watch now & subscribe to The 1st Half Culture Show.#The1stHalf #FootballIs #FCSupra #EASportsFC #CanadaSoccer #WorldCup2026 #PremierLeagueDrama #MontrealFootball
From early-morning training to late-night recovery, CFL pro Tyrell Richards ( Alouettes de Montreal ) opens up about the realities of life as a professional athlete—how sleep, food, mindset, and community shape everything from performance to personal growth.Presented by Birckenstock in support of the GOAL Initiatives Foundation, this special episode is about more than just football, it’s about building a lifestyle around wellness, resilience, and giving back.🧠 What does recovery really look like for a CFL player?🍽️ How does food fuel performance and community?🏘️ Why does community matter now more than ever?🎙️ Recorded at Entre Deux in Montreal’s NDG, this episode blends sport, lifestyle, and culture in the way only The 1st Half can.🔔 Subscribe for more interviews with athletes, artists, chefs & cultural leaders.#TyrellRichards #Footballplayer #CFL #RecoveryMatters #Birkenstock #The1stHalf #ACertainStyleOfLife #FootballCulture #MentalHealthInSports #MontrealAthletes #GoalInitiatives #LifestyleOfAnAthlete #Football #Soccer #gunners #arsenalfans #montrealalouettes
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