The Back Stick Podcast

Jamil Roberts & Dom Okus
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The Back Stick Podcast

Welcome to The Back Stick Podcast! Hosted by Jamil Roberts & Dom Okus, this is your weekly source of banter, professional soccer insider stories, and behind-the-scenes scoops from the MLS, USL, and all levels of the US Soccer pyramid. The Back Stick is all about authentic, funny and insightful soccer interviews that highlight the careers and personalities of pro players in the US. While also bridging the gap between passionate soccer fans and the professional soccer players they support week in, week out.  Whether you’re a lifelong soccer or a football fan eager to get to know the players you cheer for, a lover of behind the scenes stories in professional sports, or just someone who loves soccer in the US at all levels from college to the pro’s, The Back Stick is the show for you! Expect unfiltered conversations, pro soccer insights that you won’t hear anywhere else, and plenty of laughs along the way. 

  1. 10 JUN

    Charlie Adams - From Brentford to Colorado Springs & The Untold Truths of USL Soccer - E27

    Send us a text This week on The Back Stick Podcast, we sat down with Charlie Adams, current midfielder for Colorado Springs Switchbacks and former Brentford FC academy graduate. We delve into Charlie’s fascinating football journey, from his days at Brentford and loan spells at Stevenage, to making the leap across the Atlantic with clubs like Louisville City FC, Real Monarchs, San Diego Loyal, Las Vegas Lights, and FC Tulsa. Charlie shares honest insights into the realities of life in the USL Championship, the challenges players face with club professionalism, and the vibrant soccer culture growing in the U.S. We also discuss: The explosion of football in America, Wrexham’s rise, and celebrity ownership. Life in Las Vegas: Footballing distractions and realities. Why professionalism in USL needs major improvements. His recent move to Colorado Springs Switchbacks and aspirations for the 2025 season. Hilarious stories from his loan at Stevenage under Graham Westley. Reflections on what young footballers really need to succeed. Packed with laughs, real talk, and behind-the-scenes stories, this episode is a must-listen for any football fan curious about the realities of playing professionally in the U.S. and abroad. 🌟 Make sure to subscribe and stay tuned for more player stories and football insights every week! 00:00 Intro: Welcome Charlie Adams! 02:56 Professional Football Clubs In London 06:02 The True Landscape of American Sports 07:40 Wrexham, Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney 12:00 Charlie's Journey in Professional Football 18:00 Life in Las Vegas and Professionalism in Soccer 24:17 The Lack of Player Care in USL 32:27 Charlie's Journey to America: A New Chapter 40:30 Hilarious Stevenage Loan 51:57 Extra Time: Subscribe - https://www.youtube.com/@TheBackStickPod For more of The Back Stick Podcast! - linktr.ee/thebackstickpod @TheBackStickPod - On All Socials

    1 h y 9 min

  2. 3 JUN

    Premier League 2024/25 End of Season Awards: Player, Young Star, Manager, Team Of The Season & More! - E26

    Send us a text This week on The Back Stick Podcast, we bring you the ultimate breakdown of the 2024/25 Premier League season with our End of Season Awards! 🏆 We dive into: Our Player of the Season picks Rising talents in the Young Player of the Season The best signings that transformed teams like Bournemouth and more Our Most Improved Player awards featuring breakout stars A deep dive into Manager of the Season candidates (Did Arne Slot get the nod?) Our highly debated Team of the Season, with stars from Liverpool, Arsenal, Newcastle United and more.PLUS: We preview what’s ahead for Manchester City, Manchester United, and West Ham in 2025/26, after an indifferent season for all! 🔥 This episode is packed with insights, debates, and plenty of hot takes on the best and brightest from the Premier League season. 🎯 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on all things football! Subscribe - https://www.youtube.com/@TheBackStickPod For more of The Back Stick Podcast! - linktr.ee/thebackstickpod @TheBackStickPod - On All Socials

    53 min

  3. 27 MAY

    Mitch Osmond - NAIA To The MLS, & Leading Forward Madison To USL Glory - E25

    Send us a text This week on The Back Stick Podcast, Dom and Jamil welcome Forward Madison FC captain Mitch Osmond to the studio for a truly inspiring episode. We delve into Mitch's footballing journey—from growing up in Australia and playing for historic club Sydney United, to his transition into the U.S. college system, fatherhood, and his incredible path from NAIA soccer to getting drafted by Minnesota United in the MLS SuperDraft. Mitch opens up about the grind of USL Championship football at Indy Eleven and OKC Energy, how he battled through major injuries, and what it means to now wear the armband for Forward Madison. He also reflects on the passionate fanbase in Madison, his goals for the club in 2025, and how Head Coach Matt Glaeser has helped change the club’s culture. Whether you're a USL League One supporter, a Forward Madison fan, or just love a great underdog football story, this episode is packed with honesty, laughs, and football insight. 00:00 Tribute To Gadi Kinda 01:02 Welcome Mitch Osmond! 03:42 Early Season Injury Troubles At Forward Madison 06:44 A Word For Madison's Incredible Fans 12:15 Experiences in Australian Football & USA Transition 19:47 NAIA Soccer, Raising A Child & Battling Injuries In College 27:58 Getting Drafted To Minnesota United From NAIA 35:00 USL Championship: Signing For Indy & OKC Energy 39:02 Do Foreigners Ever Get Used To Playing In The US Heat? 43:03 A Word For Chaney! 44:45 The Future of Forward Madison 48:01 Matt Glaeser's Impact On Forward Madison 52:52 Extra Time: Rapid Fire Questions Subscribe - https://www.youtube.com/@TheBackStickPod For more of The Back Stick Podcast! - linktr.ee/thebackstickpod @TheBackStickPod - On All Socials

    1 h y 1 min

  4. 20 MAY

    John Pulskamp - Sporting KC’s No.1 on Zlatan, Premier League Trials & MLS Life - E24

    Send us a text This week on The Back Stick Podcast, Jamil Roberts and Dom Okus welcome Sporting Kansas City’s starting goalkeeper, John Pulskamp, for a deep dive into his remarkable journey from LA Galaxy’s academy to becoming the No.1 at SKC. We discuss what it takes to be a top MLS goalkeeper, learning from club legend Tim Melia, and adapting to the pressures of being the starter. John shares stories from training with Zlatan Ibrahimović, his eye-opening trial with Premier League side Bournemouth, and the heartbreak of a denied UK work visa that could’ve changed his career. We also delve into the rigors of an MLS schedule, navigating setbacks in Europe, and what the future holds for Sporting KC following Peter Vermes' departure. A must-listen for football fans, aspiring goalkeepers, and anyone curious about the realities of professional soccer life in the US and abroad. 00:00 Welcome John Pulskamp   02:13 Sporting KC's New Number 1   11:19 No.1 vs No.2 - Difference In Preparation   15:19 The Rigors of an MLS Schedule   18:59 The Pressure of Performance   21:38 What Do Keepers Actually Do In Training?!   30:12 LA Galaxy: Sharing a Building With Zlatan   34:20 Bournemouth Trials & Tribulations   42:07 Portugal & Germany Trials   49:24 Finding a Home in Kansas City   58:23 Extra Time with John Pulskamp  Subscribe - https://www.youtube.com/@TheBackStickPod For more of The Back Stick Podcast! - linktr.ee/thebackstickpod @TheBackStickPod - On All Socials

    1 h y 16 min

  5. 13 MAY

    The Story So Far - Champions League Debuts, Locker Room Banter, USL Journeys & Premier League Dreams | The Back Stick Best Bits - E23

    Send us a text This week on The Back Stick Podcast, we’re hitting pause on the usual format to bring you a jam-packed Best Bits Episode featuring some of the most unmissable moments so far. From Kazaiah Sterling's Champions League debut at Tottenham, to Pedro Dolabella reflecting on life at Union Omaha, to Jaylin Lindsey facing off against Leo Messi—we’re revisiting stories that made us laugh, think, and appreciate the incredible journeys behind US pro soccer. 🎧 We dive into: Locker room banter with Declan WattersGrit and leadership with Jordan SkeltonAlex Greive’s wild ride from New Zealand to San AntonioPaco Craig’s journey from West Ham academy to USL stalwartAlex Bamford on ambition and the mental side of the gameWhether you're new to the pod or a day-one listener, this episode is your perfect catch-up. Thanks for sticking with us—new weekly episodes return next week with some very special guests. Enjoy the highlights and we’ll see you soon! 00:00 - Intro From Jam 01:33 - Alex Greive 07:55 - Alex Bamford 20:34 - Declan Watters 26:25 - Kazaiah Sterling 36:31 - Pedro Dolabella 43:00 - Paco Craig 48:47 - Jordan Skelton 01:02:45 - Jaylin Lindsey Subscribe - https://www.youtube.com/@TheBackStickPod For more of The Back Stick Podcast! - linktr.ee/thebackstickpod @TheBackStickPod - On All Socials

    1 h y 8 min

  6. 29 ABR

    Matt Bentley - MLS Draft Day Chaos, Non-League Grit At Maidstone & USL Comeback - E22

    Send us a text This week on The Back Stick Podcast, Dom Okus and Jamil Roberts are joined by Chattanooga Red Wolves striker Matt Bentley! We delve into Matt’s incredible football journey, from a whirlwind MLS Draft experience with Minnesota United to battling through the chaos of non-league football in England with Dover and Hornchurch. Matt opens up about his time at Richmond Kickers, his return to the UK with Maidstone, and how he found his way back to the United States to chase new dreams with Chattanooga in USL League One. In this episode, we discuss: Settling into Chattanooga and bonding with a young squadThe madness of draft day and why the MLS Draft system needs major changesLife grinding in non-league football, balancing work at Amazon, and never giving upSigning his first professional contract and the emotional highs and lowsHow community, culture, and opportunity brought him back to the USAMatt’s story is an inspiring reminder of resilience, persistence, and chasing your passion despite all odds. ⚽ Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review – it helps more people find incredible football stories like Matt's! 🎧 Available now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify & everywhere you listen to podcasts! 00:00 "Warm Welcome" For Matt... 03:14 Settling into Chattanooga and Team Dynamics 06:06 Crazy MLS Draft Story! 08:27 Is The MLS Draft A Flawed System? 17:11 Non-League Football With Dover & Hornchurch 21:57 San Diego Stories 29:58 Transitioning to Professional Football 32:57 Signing Your First Professional Contract 38:59 Perceptions of USL Football 43:51 Reflections on Richmond and Moving Back to the UK 50:58 Returning to the US and New Opportunities 56:21 Chattanooga Rivalry 01:01:00 Community and Soccer Culture in Chattanooga 01:02:50 Extra Time Subscribe - https://www.youtube.com/@TheBackStickPod For more of The Back Stick Podcast! - linktr.ee/thebackstickpod @TheBackStickPod - On All Socials

    1 h y 15 min

  7. 15 ABR

    Paco Craig - West Ham Roots, Louisville Legacy & A New Chapter at North Carolina FC - E21

    Send us a text This week on The Back Stick Podcast, Dom Okus and Jamil Roberts are joined by Paco Craig, former West Ham Academy standout and current North Carolina FC defender, for a conversation packed with stories, insights, and laughs. We delve into Paco’s incredible football journey, from his early days in London to lifting multiple USL Championships with Louisville City, finding love and leadership with Miami FC, and now writing a new chapter in the USL Championship with North Carolina FC. Paco opens up about: The move from West Ham to college soccer in the U.S.D2 vs D1 in American college footballThe reality of USL contracts and salariesSpecial memories from Louisville’s golden eraCoaching aspirations and how he sees the game from a manager’s lensLife beyond football: family, love, and personal growthThe impact of COVID-19, aging as a pro, and what’s still to come at NCFCChapters 00:00 Intro & Welcome Paco! 04:30 Paco's Journey in Football 05:56 The Influence of Family and Background 08:55 West Ham To Young Harris 12:20 The Reality of D2 Soccer vs D1 Soccer 15:09 Football Development in England vs US 17:52 Making the Jump to Louisville City 21:00 Salary Disparities in the USL 25:30 Navigating the USL Transfer Market 27:33 Special Memories from Louisville 31:49 What Kind Of Manager Would Jam & Dom Be? 33:58 Paco Craig: A Future Manager? 37:54 The Impact of COVID-19 on Paco's Career 43:42 Finding Love and Life in Miami 47:30 Transitioning to North Carolina: A New Chapter 50:47 Adapting With Age 53:42 Early NCFC Expectations 01:00:22 Extra Time Subscribe - https://www.youtube.com/@TheBackStickPod For more of The Back Stick Podcast! - linktr.ee/thebackstickpod @TheBackStickPod - On All Socials

    1 h y 13 min

  8. 8 ABR

    Football's Dark Side: Napoli, Serie A Dreams & Union Omaha Success – Marco Milanese’s Untold Truth - E20

    Send us a text This week on The Back Stick Podcast, the boys welcome former Napoli and current Union Omaha defender Marco Milanese to the studio. We delve into Marco’s incredible football journey — from training with Napoli’s first team and witnessing Dries Mertens' magic up close, to the heartbreak of a fallen Serie A contract due to agent drama, and the leap to the American college system. We discuss his experiences with Italy’s youth national teams, how a bold move to Akron kick-started a whole new career path, and what it’s really like to defend in the USL. Marco also reflects on a huge 2024 season with Union Omaha and opens up about his future ambitions in American soccer. We Cover: Early days in Italy and coming through youth academies like Napoli, Torino & ParmaTraining with Napoli's first team & what made Dries Mertens so specialRepresenting Italy at U15 & U17 levelWhy Marco's agent cost him a pro deal in Serie ATransitioning from Europe to NCAA D1 with Akron & UNCGBehind the scenes of US college soccer (including shaved head traditions)Pedro Dolabella appreciation momentOmaha’s playoff run, team culture, and future ambitionsMarco's mindset on leadership, growth, and going pro in the US00:00 Intro & Shoutout Friends Of The Pod 03:58 Early Football Days In Italy 09:10 Napoli: First Team Training Nightmares 11:54 Mertens Influence On The Young Players 14:35 Italy Youth National Team Experiences 16:03 Reece James' 'Grumpy Celebration' For England 17:46 Why Akron & Why Not Continue In Italy? 18:54 "Napoli Contract Fell Through Because Of My Agent?!" 24:25 Transitions & Adjustments To US College Soccer 27:38 Akron Shaving Heads Tradition... 31:02 Pedro Dolabella: A Word For The Legend 31:58 Reflecting on a Special 2024 Season for Omaha 36:12 Omaha & Chattanooga Players Watching The Game Highlights Together 37:34 Future Ambitions With Union Omaha 44:00 Extra Time Subscribe - https://www.youtube.com/@TheBackStickPod For more of The Back Stick Podcast! - linktr.ee/thebackstickpod @TheBackStickPod - On All Socials

    58 min
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Welcome to The Back Stick Podcast! Hosted by Jamil Roberts & Dom Okus, this is your weekly source of banter, professional soccer insider stories, and behind-the-scenes scoops from the MLS, USL, and all levels of the US Soccer pyramid. The Back Stick is all about authentic, funny and insightful soccer interviews that highlight the careers and personalities of pro players in the US. While also bridging the gap between passionate soccer fans and the professional soccer players they support week in, week out.  Whether you’re a lifelong soccer or a football fan eager to get to know the players you cheer for, a lover of behind the scenes stories in professional sports, or just someone who loves soccer in the US at all levels from college to the pro’s, The Back Stick is the show for you! Expect unfiltered conversations, pro soccer insights that you won’t hear anywhere else, and plenty of laughs along the way. 

Información

  • Creador
    Jamil Roberts & Dom Okus
  • Años de actividad
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodios
    28
  • Clasificación
    Explícito
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Back Stick Podcast
  • Mostrar sitio web
    The Back Stick Podcast

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