Crossing The Pond

This week’s guest Daniel Wagstaff left the UK in 2006 to pursue life in the U.S. After finally discovering his purpose in the States, unexpected visa challenges ultimately led him to Mexico . An experience that further shaped his outlook and perspectives. Now back in the South of England, he brings with him a global perspective and a deep commitment to helping others. After facing his own mental health challenges, he’s now focused on paying it forward. Speaking to what it means to bridge cultures, to find clarity in connection, and to turn adversity into action.#crossingthepondpodcast #clarity #coaching #family #learning #teaching #challenges #personality #process #commitment #parenthood

This week’s guest Joe Quigley first arrived in the US in 2008 to work in the youth sports industry. After his decision to return home to the UK in 2016 he was presented a new opportunity to own and operate his own coaching franchise in his hometown of Manchester. He opens up about early life in the US in ‘08, his reasons for returning home and the lessons he has learned as he and his family embark on part 2 of his American journey #crossingthepondpodcast #standards #leadership #opportunity #enjoyment #fun #footballfunfactory

This week we welcome Mark Simpson, founder of Boostly.Before building one of the most recognized direct booking platforms in the short-term rental world, Mark spent several years in the U.S, coaching soccer and learning the art of leadership and teamwork firsthand.When he returned to his hometown of Scarborough in 2008, he brought with him a playbook of ideas that would eventually fuel the creation of Boostly. Mark talks about how he’s managed to scale his business while building a high-performing team and creating a solid work-life balance. Ultimately supporting his own success and well-being, whilst enabling him to build a flourishing business on his own terms.

It’s a pleasure to welcome Sabrina Flores to the podcast this week as she talks through her soccer journey that began and ended in NJ. She talks through her pathway through the club, college, international and professional ranks. Showcasing her relentless drive to succeed and her selfless attitude to her teammates throughout her playing careerSabrina also speaks to how she plans to instill the same levels of determination and focus, both on the eve of parenthood and also her into her new business venture as the founder of FLO2.0, a training and mentoring program for aspiring soccer players.#crossingthepondpodcast #sabrinaflores #empowerment #womenssoccer #embracethejourney #drive #motivation #nynjgotham #teamplayer #twins #siblingrelationships #thegreatergood #nwsl #parenthood #workouts #wellness #mentorship #jerseygirls #njgirlssoccer

This week we take a look into the world of Vinny Valente, better known as @vincenttheowl . A Jersey City performing artist and storyteller who’s words echo both the struggle and the soul of city life.Vinny opens up about his humble beginnings, the creative influences that shaped his sound and how he channels it all into his music.We’ll talk about 9-to-5 hustle, late-night performances, staying true to his artistic vision and all while providing for his family. #Crossingthepondpodcast #performing #hustle #rapping #commitment #drive #family #daddydaughter #operatewithliquor #vincenttheowl #jerseycity #jerseycitymusic #jerseycityartist

We welcome Vasily Yurenkov to the show this week. Who tells the story of leaving his home country of Russia in 2022, after his original plan to relocate was somewhat accelerated by the conflict with Ukraine. He talks of the strategies he used to make the move and how it has ultimately influenced him to start his journey as the founder of Greener Relocation. A service offering a combination of his vast travel experiences with data driven advice, to people who are looking to make a career or personal shift by moving to a new country.#crossingthepondpodcast #relocating #relocation

An absolute pleasure to welcome our two guests for this week. John O’Rourke and Enda Crehan, who between them have over 50 years of experience in the soccer industry, are currently helping to spearhead the North American Irish Coaches Association. Providing opportunity and support to Irish immigrants through their soccer journeys here in the US.John and Enda share their own stories and what they value most out of creating a network. Along with the benefits of having an association to help people feel more prepared for their career and social paths, while all the time maintaining a connection to their heritage.#crossingthepondpodcast #northamericanirishcoachesassociation #naica #connection #association #support

In this week’s episode will take a look back to the early summer of last year and episodes 21 through 30. Some top guests with plenty stories and different perspectives.Hope these reflection on past episodes will jogs memory of the guests we’ve had, or to our newer listeners, maybe sparks an interest to dig into the back catalog.Guests/times in order of appearance0:41 - Genny Dunnington - #24 'Lifestyle'9:00 - Paul Gerald - #25 'Culture'22:27 - Alan McClintock - #22 'Balance'33:13 - Maggie Devine-Inman - #23 'Support'44:12 - Steve Broomhead - #26 'Longevity'52:08 - Liz Lord-Gibson - #21 'Understanding'1:00:55 - David Prager - #28 'Pivoting'1:13:33 - Sal Eppolito - #29 'Comparisons'1:23:22 - Peter-John Falloon - #30 'Hustle'1:32:56 - Steven Mazzaro - #27 'Acceptance'#crossingthepondpodcast #understanding #lifestyle #support #culture #pivoting #comparisons #hustle #accceptance #balance #longevity #expats

For today’s episode, we’re joined by Jim Whelan and his wife, Maira Gorozabel—a couple whose story spans continents and cultures. Jim first met Maira in Ecuador while traveling through South America, and after 16 months living in Quito, their journey together truly began. From Ecuador to England, and now the U.S., each move has brought its own challenges and triumphs. Over the years, their relationship has been rooted in deep respect and a commitment to growing together through change. As parents of two, they’ve built a life that blends traditions, holds tight to what matters most and keeps evolving without losing its foundation.#crossingthepondpodcast #juntos #together #ecuador #family #watfordfc #sacrifice #languagebarriers #travel #intensity #passion #fuego

We welcome Bob Gibson back this week as a guest host, asking Gary questions on his 'why' for starting the podcast. They talk about the learning experiences in the 18 months of CTP to this point and they talk about the roads that Gary would like to see the podcast take as it works its way through 2025 and beyond.*Recorded in Feb 2025#crossingthepondpodcast #why #findyourwhy #listeningskills #amateurpodcaster #podcasting #passionprojects #friendships #superpowerswithdownsides

We welcome a good friend to the microphone this week in Marc McKelvie, a Scotsman who first landed in the U.S. in 2009.He talks about gaining his confidence early on, rebounding from a 14-month setback after his visa was declined and what the power of connection and relationships have done to help him work around tough momentsMarc also opens up about his ability to be honest with himself and how it has broadened his mindset on what it means to be happy.#crossingthepondpodcast #honesty #scottish #scottishcoaches #visaissues #relationships #friendship #football #soccer #mulliganshoboken #hobokenNJ

This weeks guest is Madison Gilmore a rising filmmaker, director, and producer currently studying at NYU’s prestigious Tisch School of the Arts.Madison’s journey began in Newark, New Jersey, where she faced profound loss at just eight years old with the passing of her mother. An emotional turning point that shaped the young woman she is today.Beyond her creative talent is a deep well of resilience. She’s faced grief, anxiety, and depression and yet, through it all, she’s learned to stand on her own, to grow, to connect, and to stay grounded.Madison opens up about the highs, the heartbreaks, and the healing and shares what it really means to pursue a dream while staying humble, building relationships, and honoring where you come from.#crossingthepondpodcast #grief #process #nyutisch #trusttheprocess #resilience #womeninfilm #stayhumble #creativevoice #filmstudent #griefjourney #chasingdreams

This week’s guest has recently began a new chapter of his life in the US after a coaching and playing career in professional football, spanning from the mid-eighties to the present day and covering 4 continents.Dylan Kerr gives us insight into the ups and downs of his career, from club initiations in South Africa, to successes during his more notable spells at Leeds United, Reading and Kilmarnock. His journey is a testament to the importance of building and nurturing relationships, as well as being ready to seize the opportunities that come your way.#crossingthepondpodcast #dylankerr #sheffieldwednesday #LeedsUnited #readingfc #kilmarnock #scottishcup #hamiltonacademicals #scotland #howardwilkinson #gordonstrachan #garyspeed #davidbatty #vinnyjones #ericcantona #pieceofthepuzzle

When Elvir Prasovic was forced to leave his Sarajevo home in 1992 after war broke out in his native Bosnia, he embarked on a refugee journey that eventually brought him to the US in 1999.Elvir talks candidly of his memories as a child and teenager and how his experiences has shaped his perspective and outlook in his life as a husband, father and educator in his home state of New Jersey

This week we welcomed Emmet Brennan. An Irish boxing champion and Olympian who is fresh off his most recent victory in Madison Sq Garden on March 16th. He talks about his journey through the boxing ranks to this point, what the energy that fighting in NYC has done to enhance his desire to win and how his newfound focus and preparation to the sport he loves is fueling his commitment to become a champion again.#crossingthepondpodcast #emmetbrennan #discipline #dublinboxing #madisonsquaregarden #irisholympian #tokyo2020 #amiyeah#kevinggroganconsulting #boxing