Upfront: The football podcast is back for the new women’s season

From Issue #023 of the Pod Bible magazine, the Breaking Bread column from Stak celebrated football coming home with the definitive women’s football podcast…

After a seismic summer for the Lionesses – culminating in England’s first trophy for nearly sixty years – more eyes are on domestic women’s football than ever before. And, after their debut season ended with an episode underneath Wembley arch hours after England’s win, weekly women’s football podcast Upfront is back – and bigger than ever!

From the studio behind the ever-present Football Ramble podcast, Upfront has returned on its own brand new feed this season after it took over the Ramble’s sister feed earlier this summer. With that comes more amazing stories, sharp insight and hilarious tales from the heart of the women’s game – which is something hosts Chloe Morgan and Rachel O’Sullivan can’t wait for.

“There’s a lot of new talent in the league and I’m excited to see how they adapt and impact their respective teams. I’m also hoping to see growth and an impact from such a successful Euros with more bums on seats,” says O’Sullivan, founder of famed women’s football outlet, GirlsontheBall.

It was a hugely successful debut season for the team, with the show’s insight and infectious energy earning numerous placings in Best Of lists across Euro 2022. The show marked itself apart as sharp, opinionated and fun, something Rachel is proud of. “I loved it, not least because I got to talk about women’s football on the regular but I really enjoyed building an awesome relationship with the team. I really enjoyed exploring lots of different areas of the game with them.” And, even though they covered England’s win from Wembley, it still hasn’t set in. “I’m still thinking about it, still processing it, and still can’t believe it happened! It will stay with me forever!”

In the other big piece of news of the summer for the team, Chloe announced her retirement from football after a decade at the very top level for Tottenham Hotspur and latterly Crystal Palace, where she has taken the reigns as the club’s Media Manager and Presenter. “Retirement has been really bittersweet. You always feel like you might have one last game or season left in you but it also felt like the right time to move aside and let the next generation of talent come through. I’m passing on the gloves to two incredible keepers who I know will do an epic job of taking the club to the next level. I’m really excited to stay with the club and my teammates this year and highlight all the achievements and memories we’ll create. Plus, it means I’ll get a bit more time to dive into Upfront! Rachel will be sick of the sight of me!”

Even more listeners will be tuning in for that chemistry this season. With the Women’s Super League season well underway, the game’s huge rise in popularity is clear to see – Arsenal have already seen record-breaking crowds at the Emirates Stadium, while the Lionesses face the USA in front of a sold-out Wembley this weekend.

So, if you’re just getting into women’s football and want an insightful, inclusive guide for the season – or you’re a seasoned pro who’s after big opinions and big laughs – Upfront has got you covered! Every Tuesday, Rachel and Chloe will be joined by a special guest to discuss the biggest stories from across the women’s game; from WSL and international superstars through to its cultural heartbeat. Other episodes on the feed will feature full-length guest interviews, immersive on-location match audio and fascinating documentaries. There’s something for everyone from all corners of the game.

For the latest from the world of women’s football, search ‘Upfront’ in your podcast app to subscribe and listen now! New episodes are released every Tuesday.

Listen to Upfront on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other popular podcast apps.

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This column was created with Stak. Stak produces podcasts that entertain and inform, including some of the UK’s biggest and most popular shows – boasting a combined 4 million monthly listen and over 45 years of podcasting experience. Whether recording remotely or in our broadcast-grade London  studio, we special in every stage of the podcasting process. To find out more or get in touch, visit our website at stak.london.