Episodes

177
Aug. 6, 2025

Developing Winners with Becky Burleigh, Co-Founder of What Drives Winning and Former University of Florida Women’s Soccer Head Coach (RECAST)

In Episode 177, we are recasting our episode with Becky Burleigh, Co-Founder of What Drives Winning, former University of Florida Women’s Soccer Coach (for 27 years), and Methodist College Hall of Famer, who talked with Phil and Paul about the life and leadership lessons she learned over the course of her playing career and her extensive coaching career at University of Florida and Berry College, the story behind What Drives Winning, some great WDW principles, her personal why, a defining moment...
176
July 23, 2025

College Recruiting 201 with Paul Jobson, Director Atletico Dallas Youth-Central TX and and Former Baylor Soccer Coach (RECAST)

In Episode 176, we are recasting our recruiting episode with our very own Paul Jobson, who now is Director of Atletico Dallas Youth-Central Texas after his retirement from coaching at Baylor Futbol, when he talked with Phil about how players, parents, and coaches can navigate the recruiting process with more excellence. Specifically, he covers: · How the recruiting process should be a fun “get-to” · The parallels of the college recruiting process and job searches · The coach’s and assistant c...
175
July 9, 2025

The Power of Futsal and Indoor Soccer with Keith Tozer, Commissioner of the Major Arena Soccer League and Hall of Fame Player/Coach

In Episode 175, we are recasting our conversation with Keith Tozer, Commissioner of the Major Arena Soccer League, Coach of the US Futsal National Team, MISL coach and player in five decades, the first-ever pick in the MISL Draft, and a Hall of Famer in multiple hall of fames, who talked with Paul and Phil about what he has learned over the course of his five-decade long career playing and coaching indoor and outdoor soccer and futsal, why all teams should use futsal/indoor soccer as part of the...
174
June 25, 2025

Mindset Hacks with Andrew Simpson, Mindset & Performance Coach and Author - RECAST

In Episode 174, we are recasting our interview with Andrew Simpson, Mindset Coach, Author of Athlete! I’m Talking to You: 7 Mindset Hacks to Dominate in Sports and Life and The Youth Truth: Coaching & Parenting in Today’s Crazy Youth Sports World, and Founder of Player’s Fitness & Performance (“PFP”), who talked with Paul and Phil about some mindset hacks that can help us develop and rebuild, if necessary, a healthy mindset in ourselves and our athletes, some mistakes that 98% of parents of athl...
173
June 11, 2025

Season 12 Post-Match Show with Phil and Paul

In Episode 173, Phil and Paul discuss their highlights from the second half of HSEL’s Season 12, which included Frank Kelly, Sean Miller, Roman Khripunov, and Paul Caliguiri, as well as some other topics they have been pondering lately. You don’t want to miss some great leadership nuggets on vulnerability, perseverance, humility, hard work, integrity, and creativity. If you’re loving the show (or if you don’t love it ; )), please subscribe, give us your feedback, rate and review the show, and, ...
172
May 28, 2025

Faith, Perseverance, and National Team Glory with Paul Caligiuri, OCFC Manager and US Nat’l Soccer Hall of Famer

In Episode 172, Paul Caligiuri, OCFC Manager, US Nat’l Soccer Hall of Famer, Former USMNT defender/midfielder and pro player in US and Germany, one of the first Americans to play professionally in Europe, and the unlikely scorer of the “shot heard ‘round the world,” talks with Phil and Paul about his remarkable journey from a passionate young soccer enthusiast to a defining figure in U.S. soccer history. He also recounts his serendipitous connection with Phil relating to a World War II era famil...
171
May 14, 2025

Know Your Role with Roman Khripunov, Executive Director of Revival Sport

In Episode 171, Roman Khripunov, Executive Director of Revival Sport and Facilitator for the North American Sport Movement, talks with Phil and Paul about his incredible journey from Uzbekistan to the United States, navigating the challenges of being a refugee and how he developed his passion for using soccer as a tool for ministry and community building. Roman shares personal stories of coaching, breaking down cultural barriers, and the impact of vulnerability and discipleship. The conversation...
170
April 30, 2025

Power in Vulnerability with Sean Miller, Upper90HQ Founder

In Episode 170, Sean Miller, founder of Upper 90 HQ, talks with Phil and Paul about his entrepreneurial journey that started with filming soccer games, leading to the creation of his video company that serves soccer teams and players around the US....
169
April 16, 2025

The Only Thing That Matters with Frank Kelly, CEO of Kelly Benefits, Former Cornell Athlete, and Author

In Episode 169, Frank Kelly, CEO of Kelly Benefits, Former Cornell Lacrosse and Football player, and Author of Influence and the Creator’s Game, talks with Phil and Paul about his extensive experience in sports, business, leadership, and ministry,...
168
April 2, 2025

Season 12 Halftime Show with Phil and Paul

In Episode 168, Phil and Paul discuss their highlights from the first half of HSEL’s Season 12, as well as some personal and professional updates. They talk about their conversations with Wells Thompson, Don Williams, and Brad Kenney, as well as...
167
March 19, 2025

Music, Soccer, and Leadership with Pete Kipley, Founder of Bolta Soccer and Music Producer - RECAST

In Episode 167, we are recasting our interview with Pete Kipley, Founder of Bolta Soccer, Music Producer and Songwriter, in which he talks with Phil about his journey from being a music producer to opening a soccer training facility in Nashville. He...
166
March 5, 2025

Priorities, Values, and Player Development – HSEL Extra Time with Paul and Phil

In Episode 166 of How Soccer Explains Leadership, hosts Phil Darke and Paul Jobson discuss the intersection of youth soccer, leadership, priorities, and family values. Through personal and professional experience, they address the importance of...
165
Feb. 20, 2025

From Performance to Purpose and Calling with Brad Kenney, Soccer Chaplains United Founder and Colorado Rapids Chaplain

In Episode 165, Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Colorado Rapids Chaplain, talks with Phil about he has blended his passion for soccer, ministry, and leadership. Brad shares his personal story of his...
164
Feb. 6, 2025

Finding the Right Fit with Don Williams, SRUSA Head of Operations (Americas)

In Episode 164, we have another great interview with Don Williams, SRUSA Head of Operations for the Americas and former college coach at every level. He talks with Paul and Phil about modern trends impacting youth soccer and college recruitment. They...
163
Jan. 23, 2025

What Makes a Leader? with Wells Thompson, Co-Founder of Soccer Resilience and Former MLS Midfielder

In Episode 163, we are kicking off Season 12 with a conversation with Wells Thompson, Former MLS midfielder and 1st Round Draft Pick, Co-Founder of Soccer Resilience, husband, and father. He talked with Paul and Phil about his journey from childhood...
158
Nov. 14, 2024

College Recruiting 101 with Don Williams of Sports Recruiting USA - RECAST

In Episode 158, we are re-casting our conversation with Don Williams, Head of Operations for the Americas for Sports Recruiting USA and former coach at all levels of soccer, who talked with Phil about the #1 tool college coaches use to find recruits,...