Welcome to NPLH Studio home of conversations with the creative minds shaping the world’s game.
From photographers and filmmakers to grassroots organisers and cultural storytellers, we go beyond the pitch to uncover the people moving the game forward.
I’m your host, Joseph Fordham, Thanks for tuning in — Let’s get into it.
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Welcome to NPLH Studio home of conversations with the creative minds shaping the world’s game.
From photographers and filmmakers to grassroots organisers and cultural storytellers, we go beyond the pitch to uncover the people moving the game forward.
I’m your host, Joseph Fordham, Thanks for tuning in — Let’s get into it.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ben Pagel is the founder and award-winning Creative Director of Brooklyn-based Astral Studio.
He takes on a tour of his inspiring career path, from humble beginnings in a London souvenir shop to leading an international creative studio in the Big Apple.
His journey is a testament to seizing opportunities and embracing the unknown. And with new venture, Kickback Soccer Media, on the horizon, Ben continues to push boundaries with passion and authenticity.
Aiming to reshape the North American soccer narrative, Ben and his teammates are creating a platform built by the American soccer community for the American Soccer community.
All, most importantly, whilst having some fun. Trying to anyway.
Enjoy!
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Nicolas Polo is a film photographer based in Washington DC.
Together we explore the multifaceted world of photography, discussing personal connections, the impact of film versus digital, and the emotional depth captured through the lens.
Nicolas shares his journey of becoming a photographer, the significance of cultural identity, and the balance between documenting moments and being present in them.
He reflects on his transition from a stable corporate job to pursuing his passion full-time, emphasising the importance of community engagement and teaching.
We also delve into the creative processes involved in photography, including the meditative aspects of darkroom work and the significance of storytelling.
Journalling, self-reflection, personal growth, we touch on all that too.
Enjoy!
Takeaways
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James Gamlin is founder and editor of Escapismo, the magazine capturing the beauty and romance of the game.
He discusses the magazine's evolution, from a one-off Father’s Day gift to its most recent form of a love letter to Real Betis and the joy of Spanish football.
James shares the struggles of wearing ‘all the hats’ in a magazine's production journey and his learnings from them, as well as the dedication to self-improvement for the good of the publication.
A new contender for ‘nicest guy in showbiz’, James’ enthusiasm and love for the game will reinforce yours.
Enjoy!
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Laura Gates is a freelance sport and events photographer based in the North West of England. Oh and an Evertonian!
We discuss her ongoing body of work around the club, the opportunities that have come from within it, and how it all started with an iPhone.
Laura talks of the value in women supporting women in a male-dominated space and the greater creative community in the Liverpool area.
We also run through her evolving career as a photographer, the importance of embracing new challenges and the ongoing relationship between her and her beloved Everton.
Enjoy!
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Dave Murray is an English guitarist, best known as a member of the heavy metal band Iron Maiden.
Wait, that’s not right.
Dave Murray is an award-winning, Toronto-based illustrator with a client list including, Major League Baseball, The National Hockey League, and FIFA.
He talks us through from the very beginning in a pulp and paper mill to becoming a renowned illustrator, as well as the intricacies that come with teaching the creatives of the future.
We also cover his passion for sports, art, and the impact of AI on the creative industry and how he might just be the most inked man in the field.
Enjoy!
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Pablo Maurer is a writer with a unique and encouraging back story: After failing high school, he became a mechanic before a career transition into writing during his 30’s.
Some pivot!
He discusses the therapeutic nature of solitude, the impact of his Spanish heritage on his love for the game, and the emotional complexities of working in sports journalism.
He also reflects on childhood interests, the value of retaining curiosity and adventure in life, and offers advice for the aspiring writers out there.
Enjoy!
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Hey team,
I'll be taking an extended break 'til August.
If you're new here there's plenty to keep you going across 92 episodes whilst I put the mic on ice, recharge the batteries, and butter up some more talent to talk about their work, feelings and sometimes football.
See you on the other side.
JF
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Brian Chorski is a Wisconsin-born, L.A-based photographer and film director.
Cutting his photography teeth on road trips with friends he experienced life, and the great outdoors, through a lens.
In his own words, his style and approach are a direct representation of his spirit - authentic, curious and colorful.
And it's that style that has attracted the likes of MLS, Puma, Ford and countless more to his work.
This one’s about being true to yourself and being ready when people notice.
Enjoy!
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Christine Cupo is a New York-based analyst, host and reporter.
AND maybe holder of the least likely background of any creative in the field; Finance!
Football was never far away, though – numbers on one screen, the game on another and when the pandemic hit, it was that passion, maybe obsession, which set her off on a path with CBS Sports.
But, what life gives, it often takes in turn and, though thriving in a career analysing the game, injury leaves her unable to play it. Christine’s vulnerability in sharing the emotional impact of that loss is something we can all relate to in some way.
Plenty of gold throughout from one of the wonderful personalities in the space.
Enjoy!
_______
Recoded 10 APR 25
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Tyler Dolph is a photographer, videographer, and Head of Production at CLUBELEVEN, the community of creators telling the untold stories of North American soccer.
Tyler joined back in April, me hours before his next stint on the CLUBELEVEN bus tour to talk about career choices; freelance over 9 to 5, democratising the game and the importance of teamwork over individual glory – the latter a hint at Tyler’s inspiring self-awareness.
He could also be the nicest guy in showbiz.
Enjoy!
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RaShauna Hamilton is Vice President of Fan Growth & Community at the Washington Spirit — and a woman who’s spent her career quietly shaping future fanbases across the NBA, NFL and NWSL, one meaningful connection at a time.
We talk about the power of voice — how RaShauna went from timid newcomer to confident leader, and how learning to share even the “bad” ideas can unlock a team’s creativity and collective impact.
She reflects on what she’d tell her younger self, how her kids have shaped her view of legacy, and why speaking up — even when it’s scary — might just spark the change we’re all waiting for.
This one’s about finding confidence, building community, and trusting that small actions can lead to big shifts.
Enjoy!
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Seb White is a multi-faceted creative and co-founder of MUNDIAL; the magazine that both redefined football culture and reminded you why you loved the game.
He talks us through the evolution of the mag, from a passion to project with his mates to, checks notes, a full time gig with his mates. One that inspired a new wave of independent football media, not least this platform.
Through ‘giving it a go’ and unwavering authenticity Seb created a body of work that spoke to countless fans across the world (and annoyed a few too).
What's next is up for grabs. Whatever it is, he'll do with heart and, if the past 10 years are anything to go by, you'll know about it.
Enjoy!
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The football podcast that isn't about football is clearing its congested fixture list and dropping to bi-weekly releases for a few months.
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Darian Jenkins is a retired pro turned analyst for CBS and DAZN.
Darian talks us through her discovery of the game during recess kick abouts to National Championships with UCLA and the injury that would ultimately curtail her career in the NWSL.
Easy to dwell on what might have been. Difficult to find a new direction. Unless the universe shows you one.
Off pitch she now finds herself in a stronger position to push change, challenging the narrative attached to players of colour and bringing a fresh perspective of the game.
We also touch on the meditative power of walking, the art of manifestation and 90’s ankle weights, teeing us up nicely for a part 2 down the line.
Enjoy!
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Dakota Fox Graf is a photographer with one of the less conventional routes into the industry, having swapped the front line of combat for the side lines of Major League Soccer.
With a big interest in health and fitness and little interest or involvement in the game beyond the odd kindergarten kick about and a few World Cup games on TV whilst serving in Afghanistan, the path he’s on could not have been on his radar.
But indifference towards the game evolved into infatuation when landing a performance coach internship at Columbus Crew.
Working with the Academy teams, he spotted an opportunity to document their games and, in a few short years, finds himself pitch side shooting the stars MLS.
Dakota shares his experiences in the military, evolving love for the game and the pride he feels as he again finds himself serving his country, this time as a Performance Coach with US Soccer’s youth teams.
With that full-time role, a burgeoning photography career and raising a young family, Dakota is a guy who thrives with a full plate.
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Tommie Battle is an NYC-based self-taught and published Black photographer specialising in portrait, photojournalism, and sports photography.
In this episode he opens up on life as a kid in a military family, how the experiences that came with it shaped his life and how, along the way, Roberto Baggio planted a seed that would bloom into not only a passion for the game but a career in it.
The NYCFC photographer also discusses the importance of tuning into your younger self, practicing self-care, and checking those around you are doing the same.
There’s also a bit in there about his photography career that’s well worth a listen.
Enjoy.
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Drake Ramberg needs little introduction, but I'll give him one anyway.
An Oregonian born and raised in the vicinity of Nike HQ, he would go on to spearhead the brand's drive into the football space, revolutionise kit design, and build a legacy over the next three decades.
Over to Drake.
Enjoy!
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Maya Stephen is the definition of a versatile creative with an appetite for change.
Born in Florida and made through her experiences in New England, California and now New York, Maya is a flowing tap of self-expression using football, fashion, poetry and photography as both a means to create and reinvent.
She also has a flagrant disregard for limits; those set by the self and imposed by others.
All in, the perfect example to follow for the young people of New York, where she is currently Director of Programs at America Scores, the organisation empowering youth through football and education.
There’s no telling how far Maya will go but right now she’s exactly where she’s meant to be. Making a change.
Enjoy!
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A break from the norm to share the work of a creative from another landscape.
Dan King is not a football photographer. But he is aware of the game and the quality of his work needs to be seen so we’re golden!
His route into photography will be familiar to some and inspiring to others. Unfulfilled in his day job as a website designer he set some intentions for change – ditch the boring stuff and focus on what he loved. Cycling.
So, he bought a ticket for an event, borrowed a camera and the rest? Well that’s the good part.
Dan now lists Nike, Adidas, STRAVA (I know we’re all logging our hearts out on that) and Oakley among his client list as well as editorial credits the BBC and one of the most beautiful magazines around, Rouleur.
His infectiously bold attitude of saying ‘Yes’ to anything has seen him move into cinematography as well as establishing himself as a pre-eminent documentarian in the worlds of Running and Cycling.
Over to Dan.
Enjoy!
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David Furzer-Jones is co-Founder of Cult Kits, the destination for football fans to find their favourite shirt.
David discusses the brands evolution, from a side-grind blog to the extensive archive of iconic jerseys we see today, as well as his own journey running parallel to it.
We touch on nostalgia and its role as one of the pillars of the brands identity and how walking your own path, with intention, delivers fulfilment and sets and example – he wanted a job in football so went out and made one!
Plenty of gold in here once you wade through 4 minutes of tales from the front line of fatherhood and male pattern baldness.
Enjoy!
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