PB: Tell us about your podcast! What’s the idea behind it?

DS: When I was first approached about doing a podcast I was intrigued to learn about the format and potential to reach the fans, and now after a few seasons I’m loving it. My co-host Lynsey Hooper and I chatting on topical football matters, as well as reminiscing about the game and it’s characters. We do predictions every week (which is very competitive!) and I nominate a ‘Save of the Week’. Guests also pop up. Matt Lucas, Russell Brand, Tony Adams, Ian Wright, Anita Asante, Frank le Boeuf and Mo Farah to name a few. It’s brilliant putting questions to the guys and finding out more about them.

How do you find podcasting in comparison to other media work?

When I was first approached, I had no idea what a podcast was! But now after a few seasons, I’m really enjoying it. It’s relaxed, we have the freedom to discuss what appeals to us, guests open up and things are fiercely competitive with our Seaman Says Fantasy Football League!

You have a rotating cast of guests on the podcast. Can you tell us about some of them?

We’ve been lucky to have on a wide variety of guests. It was great to actually be the one asking Piers Morgan the questions for a change! Robbie Williams is so knowledgeable about football with great stories, therefore him coming on twice was brilliant. Really eye opening to chat with fellow keepers such as Peter Schmeichel, Joe Hart, David James and Aaron Ramsdale. We’ve had high profile names from other sports such as Sir Ian Botham. Although he loves his football, he’s also big into his fishing, so I think we spoke more about that than football!

Can you tell us about the live show you have coming up?

With Perry Groves hosting and Ray Parlour as a guest, we’re descending on the Clapham Grand on Monday 24th April. It’s set to be a lively evening with the opportunity for fans to participate and win giveaways. In the first half, I’ll be doing a Q&A, covering starting as a youth player at Leeds United, through to lifting the FA Cup as Arsenal captain as well England highlights including Euro ’96. In the second half, we’ll be recording an episode of the podcast along with Ray.

Normally we record the podcast virtually as the team are based all over the country, so will be great to be there in front of a live audience. Really looking forward to it. Tickets still available; www.seamansays.co.uk/live

What’s the plan for the podcast moving forward?

Keep doing what we’re doing. Keep enjoying ourselves and continue to grow the number of fans tuning in (as long as they don’t beat me in our Fantasy League!).

Hear the England & Arsenal legend as you’ve never heard him before across the season. Chatting about the ups and downs of the league alongside some of the biggest names in the worlds of sport & entertainment, join David Seaman throughout the season.

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Photo via @IanWright0 on Twitter

What instantly stands out is his willingness to share stories that give the listener a better understanding of the person as well as the player and pundit. Tales of his mother and his community growing up give us a better understanding of his respectful manner when engaging with others. He shares his experiences of being a father and grandfather to two sons and a grandson that have all played (or currently play) professionally. There’s words of wisdom only an ex-professional can instil laced with the emotions of his journey of discovery. This display of openness, and in some cases vulnerability, about his own experience is incredibly refreshing and in turn encourages his guests to do the same.

During a live episode in London, Wright expertly balanced entertaining a live audience with highlighting the strengths of his guest, Chelsea manager Emma Hayes. Amongst the playful back and forth between the two, Hayes identified the weaknesses of her up and coming opponents in a piece of analysis from a top level coach so rarely shared for public consumption. (Hayes’ Chelsea side would go on to beat Manchester City 4-0 a week later, exploiting those aforementioned deficiencies). This is just one example of the environment that Wright has created on the podcast for his peers. It’s hard to think of another place where Héctor Bellerín would speak so freely about his homesickness during the pandemic and his move away from Arsenal, or where Jamie Carragher could talk frankly about his own abilities and the career he had as a player. “The House”, as it is affectionately known, genuinely feels like a place where open-heartedness is applauded – not scoffed at. That environment has much to do with Ian’s regular collaborators as much as the main man himself.

The other tenants of Wrighty’s House are no supporting cast, contributing far more than just their bed and board. The duo behind Stadio bring with them their special brand of football podcasting. Ryan Hunn adds his ability to steer and drive a conversation, weaving and opening space for other collaborators to shine. His co-host, Musa Okwonga, utilises that space to create verbal imagery with a touch as deft as Wright’s former strike partner Dennis Bergkamp. Carl Anka and Flo Lloyd-Hughes add an exceptional understanding of the game, effortlessly giving in-sight with impressive clarity and the poise of an Arsenal offside trap. Jeanette Kwakye brings years of broadcast experience, not to mention those spent as an Olympian, covering every blade of grass with her multisport knowledge. Rounding out an impressive 6-a-side team, Mayowa Obiagu adds a broad viewpoint of modern football with an unmatched knowledge of the beautiful game on and off the pitch. 

Photo via @RyanHunn on Twitter

The Wrighty’s House team regularly champion the concept of giving someone their flowers while they can still smell them and no one deserves those flowers more than Ian Wright. As a player of a past generation, he could have so easily slipped into his peers’ apparent need to hammer home archaic viewpoints and bemoan anything new or different. Instead Wright embraces his colleagues’ contributions, taking the time to understand before using his platform to shine a light on their expertise. His own experiences in the game are never used to talk down to others, instead he uses them as a way to empathise and as a chance to form a connection. Wrighty’s House sits in the middle of modern football culture’s street, glowing with a sense of love and community. Their door is always open and everyone’s welcome. 

Ian Wright is the cover star and lead interview for Issue #019 of Pod Bible.
Read the magazine here or order a copy to your door here. 

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