I’m James Parkinson, host and producer of By Association, a narrative podcast about football and the human connection behind the beautiful game. It’s World Cup time and if football and podcasts are two things you enjoy, you’re in luck! There are a ton of soccer podcasts on offer – including my new series, World Cup Stories. But here are some of my favourites that cover a range of styles, with an emphasis on independent shows.
Howler Radio
When people ask me for football podcast recommendations,Howler Radio is always at the top of my list. Produced by Howler Magazine, it combines narrative, monologue and audio diary styles across several seasons. Seasons 1 and 2 are a particular highlight, full of heart, soul and a genuine passion for the game. The stories were a real inspiration for me in my own work.
I’m always interested to find others who are trying to doing something different in this niche, outside of the typical roundtable format. Who Are Ya? documents a different football club in each episode, focusing squarely on the fan perspective. While much of the mainstream media can often portray certain narratives in the press, this show is literally going out to the fans and giving them a platform to share their stories. It offers a nice overview of each club and their current situation, very much letting the supporters speak for themselves.
Full disclosure: I have collaborated with The Blizzard in the past, but I was also a listener (and reader) long before that. From the football quarterly magazine by the same name, comes this audiobook style presentation, featuring some wonderful stories of the world game. Every episode is read straight from a Blizzard article and there’s now a nice back catalogue to get through. It’s simple and straightforward but a really smart way to highlight some incredible long form football writing.
There are countless (and perhaps too many) podcasts covering English and European football. It’s refreshing then to hear a genuine focus on the fastest growing region in the game in Asia. I love Asian football and it’s an area that always demands more coverage. The Asian Game gives you just that, keeping you up to date on the latest news, results, interviews and developing stories from around the region. Scott and Paul are two of the most knowledgeable and passionate people I know when it come to football in Asia, and they always provide great insight and perspective.
A brand new show from Australian network Nearly, World Cup Road Trip follows journalist/broadcaster Francis Leach and author Tony Wilson on their journey at Russia 2018. This show is very much the Australian perspective of following the national team in the world’s biggest sporting event. But it’s also about the people and culture that the guys encounter on their trip, as they take in all the sights, football or otherwise. The audio diary style really puts you in the moment and is accompanied by some excellent interviews to give you a full picture of the Russian World Cup experience.
Another Australian slant here but a real dose of lighthearted fun and smart comedy. All three guys have been part of this team since they came together for the 2010 World Cup. What begun as a TV show on Australian screens every night of the tournament has since evolved into various iterations. These days it retains the visual element via catch-up television as well as being produced as a podcast. The podcast started a few years ago and now thrives under the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation). It’s a real contrast to some of the more serious football discussion out there, but Santo, Sam and Ed are also genuine fans which makes for a great combination.
James Parkinson is the host and producer of By Association, a narrative podcast about football (soccer). James is fascinated by football history, fan culture and the human connection behind the world's most popular sport. He lives in Melbourne, Australia where he follows the game both locally and abroad.
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