The 1st Half Culture Show
by The 1st Half
The 1st Half Culture Show is a unique podcast series that explores the profound impact of football on North American culture. Hosted by restaurateur and footy culture junkie Paul Desbaillets, this series unites football enthusiasts to discover how the beautiful game influences fashion, art, music, and food. Featuring visits to local neighborhoods and businesses, and interviews with chefs, athletes, artists, and tastemakers, it delves into street art and local scenes. The show provides a vibrant glimpse into how futbol merges with daily life and creativity. Join us for a unique North American perspective on football. Available in video format exclusively on YouTube: @the1sthalf_ All Things Soccer Culture — Our Game, Our Spin! #acertianstyleoflife
Episodes
-
Stephanie Hill: A Homegrown Champion | TSN690 on iHeartRadio
A champion from DDO! 🏆⚽️🌹We had the pleasure of sitting down with NSL champion Stephanie Hill of Roses de Montréal for a special conversation about life on and off the pitch. From balancing academics and football to navigating the challenges of becoming a professional athlete, Stephanie shares...
-
VINCENT WHITE: SPORTS, POUTINE & PASSION | TSN 690 ON IHEARTRADIO
From being drafted into the MLB to making his mark in Québec’s vibrant culinary scene! ⚾🍟 Vincent White, Director of Marketing at Ashton and involved with Montréal’s iconic La Banquise, joins us for another episode of 1ST HALF on TSN 690 and iHeartRadio! 🎙️ From his early days pursuing a career...
-
DANNY SMILES: A LIFE OF FOOD, PASSION & FOOTBALL | 1ST HALF AT MAISON PRINCIPALE
In this episode of 1ST HALF at Maison Principale, host Paul Desbaillets sits down with Danny Smiles, renowned Montreal chef and culinary personality, for an engaging conversation about food, football, and the experiences that shaped his journey.From his early days in the kitchen to making his…
more -
Grant Needham: A Lifetime Dedicated to the Beautiful Game | TSN690 on iHeartRadio
A lifetime dedicated to the beautiful game. ⚽️🎙️From his playing days with Montreal Supra and Montreal Impact to sharing his knowledge and experiences beyond the pitch, Grant Needham has witnessed the evolution of soccer in Montreal firsthand.He joins Paul Desbaillets on 1ST HALF to reflect on…
more -
Beyond the Pitch: Marco Masucci on Football, Business & Global Impact | 1ST HALF M
In this episode of 1ST HALF, Paul Desbaillets welcomes back Marco Masucci, who previously joined us on our TSN radio show, for an even deeper conversation about his journey, experiences, and the impact he continues to make on the football community, both in Québec and internationally. After his...
-
Growth, Vision & the Pursuit of Greatness | Roc Nation's Michael Yormark
“Greatness is a process.” 🎙️🔥We had the privilege of sitting down with Michael Yormark, President of Roc Nation Sports International, for an insightful conversation about growth, leadership, and the continuous evolution of the sports industry.From building opportunities to expanding Roc Nation...
-
Daniel Scocco: Beyond The Decks | TSN690 on iHeartRadio
In this episode of 1ST HALF, Paul Desbaillets sits down with Daniel Scocco, Montreal-based entrepreneur, DJ, and Music Director for FC Supra du Québec, for an insightful conversation about his journey through music, business, and sports. From discovering his passion for music at a young age to...
-
Marco Masucci's Football Journey Around the World | TSN690 on iHeartRadio
In this episode of 1ST HALF, Marco Masucci sits down with Paul Desbaillets for an insightful conversation about his journey, experiences, and the impact he continues to make.From his involvement with Donna Roma to his career in St. Lucia and everything he has built here in Québec, Masucci takes…
more -
He Quit Football… Then FC Supra Changed Everything | Charles Auguste
Football almost ended for Charles Auguste. In this episode of The 1st Half Culture Show, the FC Supra du Québec midfielder opens up about the highs, setbacks, and turning points that shaped his journey — from Québec youth football and NCAA soccer to Houston, injuries, stepping away from the game,...
-
Matty Longstaff Opens Up on Newcastle, MLS & Premier League Dreams
From the academy at Newcastle United F.C. to Premier League nights and now life in MLS, Matty Longstaff joins The 1st Half Culture Show for an honest conversation about the highs and realities of professional football. Matty opens up about growing up in one of football’s most passionate cities,...
-
From Athletic Therapist to Football Media Voice | Karim Mehdi on FC Supra, Culture & Storytelling
Football doesn’t grow on the pitch alone — it grows through stories, voices, and community. In this episode of The 1st Half Culture Show, Karim Mehdi shares his journey from athletic therapist to becoming a rising voice in football media, covering the game where it lives — at the grassroots and...
-
Laurent Ciman on Football Mentality | From Champions League to Coaching
What does it really take to perform at the highest level — and stay there? In this episode of The 1st Half Culture Show, Laurent Ciman, former MLS Defender of the Year and current assistant coach at FC Supra du Québec, shares a raw and honest look into the mentality behind professional football....
-
From Cobbler to Pizza Master | Richie Ourichian’s Roman Pizza Story (Segreta Montreal)
Step inside the world of Roman-style pizza with Richie Ourichian, founder of Segreta in Montreal. From his early days as a cobbler to becoming a master pizzaiolo, Richie shares his incredible journey, passion, and philosophy behind authentic pizza al taglio.Discover how 72–96 hour fermentation,...
-
Patrice Bernier & Alex Kenol |Canada World Cup Dreams, Football, Business & Impact
n this exclusive interview, former CF Montréal captain Patrice Bernier and entrepreneur Alexandre Kénol dive deep into football, community impact, and the future of Canadian soccer.From World Cup excitement to building opportunities for youth through the Patrice Bernier Foundation, this...
-
Chloe Minas Story 🇨🇦 | From Sweden Pro to Montréal Roses Star
Meet rising Canadian talent Chloe Minas, a defensive midfielder for the Montréal Roses, as she shares her incredible journey from Montreal to professional football in Sweden and back home.From her early days playing in Montreal to captaining at the University of Pittsburgh, Chloe built her path...
-
From Small Town to World Tours | PY Letellier on Music, Football & Community
Musician, sports fan, and community advocate PY Letellier joins the show to talk about the powerful connection between music, football, and community.Growing up in the small Québec town of La Tabatière, PY spent his childhood hunting, fishing, and playing hockey before eventually touring the…
more -
From Montreal to Trinidad 🇹🇹 | Anthony Corneli’s Football Journey with FC Supérieur
Montreal football culture runs deep — from Italian family Sundays to the ultras of Europe.In this powerful interview, Anthony Corneli, assistant coach at FC Supérieur, joins TSN 690 to share his incredible football journey. From growing up in Montreal’s Italian community to coaching in Trinidad’s...
-
Inside the Business of Canadian Soccer | Laura Armstrong on Media, Growth & World Cup Momentum
Canadian soccer is entering a defining era — on the field and behind the scenes. In this episode of The 1st Half Culture Show, Laura Armstrong, Vice President of Communications & Business Integration at Canadian Soccer Media & Entertainment, joins us in studio to break down the rebranding of…
more -
Felicia Roy on Turning Pro, Montreal Roses & the Growth of Women’s Football in Canada
Midfielder Felicia Roy joins The First Half to share her journey to professional football, her rise with the Montreal Roses, and the rapid growth of women’s soccer in Canada through the NSL.From dreaming of becoming a professional at a young age, developing in the CF Montréal Academy, competing…
more -
Sean Rea on Pro Football, Quebec’s New Era & Life Inside the Game ⚽
⚽ From Laval to the Pro GameSean Rea shares his journey from growing up in Laval to signing for his boyhood club, CF Montréal. From kicking a ball around the backyard to making his MLS debut, Rea reflects on what it means to represent home at the highest level.🔥 Life Lessons From the PitchRea...
-
David Choiniere Returns Home 🇨🇦 | CPL Champion on FC Supra, Forge FC & Football Obsession
From obsession to silverware, this is the story of a player who lived and breathed the game. David Choiniere joins us in studio to talk about his journey through the Canadian Premier League, winning multiple championships with Forge FC, and his return to Quebec with FC Supra. David opens up about...
-
Football Is Culture. This Is The 1st Half | Music, Food, Art & the Road to World Cup 2026
Football is more than a game.It’s music, food, fashion, community — and the stories that connect it all.The 1st Half is where football culture lives.From intimate conversations with artists, chefs, musicians, and athletes, to street-level voices in Football in the City, this channel explores how...
-
Quebec Football Mentality 🇨🇦 | Forge FC Coach Kyt Selaidopoulos on CPL, Futsal & World Cup Growth
Quebec has a different football mentality, and that mindset is helping shape the future of the game in Canada.In this in-depth episode of The First Half, we sit down with Kyt Selaidopoulos, Assistant Coach and Director of Youth Football at Forge FC, Head Coach of Canada’s National Futsal Team…
more -
Nick Razzaghi on Ego, Culture & Building FC Supra | Canadian Premier League Coaching Mindset
In this exclusive in-studio interview, FC Supra head coach Nick Rosati shares his journey, philosophy and vision ahead of the club’s 2026 Canadian Premier League debut. From starting on the sideline at 17 to learning from the NFL, NBA and hockey, Rosati explains why humility, ego management and…
more -
“I Thought It Was Over”: Zorhan Bassong on His Shocking Return to Team Canada
From Belgium’s academy system to the World Cup stage — resilience defined. Team Canada defender Zorhan Bassong, now with Sporting Kansas City in MLS, joins Paul Desbaillets for a powerful conversation about sacrifice, identity, and rebuilding a career across continents. Bassong opens up about:...
-
From Refugee Camp to Football: The Inspiring Journey of Novello Yoseke | South Sudan to CF Montréal
From sleeping in an abandoned church to sharing the pitch with Didier Drogba — this is the powerful, emotional, and inspiring true story of Novello Yoseke, a refugee turned professional footballer.Born in South Sudan, raised in a refugee camp in Egypt, and sponsored to Canada, Novello’s story is...
-
Mathieu Choinière on Hard Work, Family & Football | Team Canada x The 1st Half (Breville Special)
From the backyard to the big stage. Team Canada and CF Montréal midfielder Mathieu Choinière joins The 1st Half Culture Show for a special Breville collaboration ahead of the Canada vs Ecuador friendly on November 12. He opens up about his journey from Montreal’s academy to the national team, the...
-
Prince Owusu on Talent, Faith & Football | From Stuttgart to CF Montréal’s Top Scorer
From the streets of Stuttgart to the spotlight in Montreal. CF Montréal striker Prince Owusu joins Paul Desbaillets to talk about his journey — from Germany’s academy system to finding purpose, perseverance, and family through football. The Guinean-German forward opens up about his early days in...
-
The Chef Who Built a Roma Shrine in Montreal | Chef Stephen Marcone, Bistro Amerigo
From kitchens to curveballs, food and football are never far apart.Chef Stephen Marcone, owner of Bistro Amerigo and longtime Roma supporter, joins Paul Desbaillets to talk about cooking, culture, and the Italian soul of Montreal. From his journey through Italy’s kitchens to opening Café Figata,...
-
Last Week in Football: Messi Stays in Miami, Managers Fall, MLS & UEFA Make Major Moves
From Miami to Manchester, the football world never sleeps.Paul Desbaillets unpacks a wild week: - Lionel Messi signs on with Inter Miami until 2028, a deal that could redefine MLS. - A full-blown manager shuffle as Ange Postecoglou, Sean Dyche, Nuno Espirito Santo and Graham Potter all switch...
-
Snoop & Martha Buy a Football Club?! Beckham, Barça & Cape Verde Make History | One-Man Midfield
From Miami to Swansea, last week in football culture has everything. Paul Desbaillets breaks down how Beckham’s Inter Miami is becoming England’s 2026 World Cup base, why Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart now own a piece of Swansea City, and how Ed Sheeran ended up on the Barça shirt.He wraps with…
more -
Jason Dery on Community, Music & Montreal: Why Giving Back Matters More Than Fame
From weddings to the Wu-Tang afterparty, and now the borough ballot. Jason “Jace” Dery, better known as Monsieur Notre Dame, joins The 1st Half to talk about community, creativity, and the real meaning of giving back. An entrepreneur, entertainer, and now political candidate for Montreal’s...
-
Ali Gerba on Legacy, Resilience & Giving Back | From Cameroon to Team Canada
From the streets of Cameroon to the Canadian national team, Ali Gerba’s story is pure football culture.Paul Desbaillets sits down with the former striker to talk about his rise from humble beginnings, his time in Europe and MLS, and why he believes Canadian football is still just getting...
-
Ronaldo Is Football’s First Billionaire & Man United for Sale?! | One-Man Midfield on The 1st Half
This week on One-Man Midfield, Paul Desbaillets dives into some wild headlines that hit deeper than just the pitch: 💰 Cristiano Ronaldo becomes football’s first billionaire player — $1.4B net worth and counting 🏟️ Manchester United may be changing hands… again. Rumors suggest a Saudi sale in…
more -
Spurs Fan Runs for Office | Shane Thompson on Football, Community & MTL Politics
What happens when a football-loving, Tottenham-supporting local runs for city council in one of Montreal’s most dynamic boroughs? We sat down with Shane Thompson, candidate for city councillor in the Sud-Ouest (Little Burgundy, St-Henri, Griffintown & Pointe-St-Charles), to talk about the...
-
FIFA World Cup Tickets are Outrageous | One-Man Midfield with Paul Desbaillets
The First Half Culture Show is back, now with two drops every week.🎙️ Wednesdays: Football Culture with Paul Desbaillets🎤 Thursdays: Special Guest ConversationsThis week’s solo drop? Paul’s sounding off on the biggest stories in the game right now:FC Supra shaking up Quebec footballEA’s $55...
-
Tyrell Richards | Inside a CFL Athlete’s Recovery Routine & Why Community Matters
From early-morning training to late-night recovery, CFL pro Tyrell Richards ( Alouettes de Montreal ) opens up about the realities of life as a professional athlete—how sleep, food, mindset, and community shape everything from performance to personal growth.Presented by Birckenstock in support of...
-
Abdul Mohamed | Pro Hoops, Somali Roots & Football Culture That Raised Him
6’7” forward Abdul Mohamed of the Montréal Alliance joins The 1st Half Culture Show to talk hoops, heritage, and how football culture shaped him off the court. From growing up in a Somali-Canadian household to playing pro basketball across Germany, England, and Norway, Abdul unpacks how sport…
more -
George Stroumboulopoulos on Football, Culture & Speaking Out
Canadian media icon and cultural connector George Stroumboulopoulos joins The 1st Half Culture Show presented by Breville, in collaboration with evenko and CULTMTL, for a no-holds-barred conversation about football, music, media, and community. We talk Spurs heartbreak and Bob Marley, why…
more -
Emi Jeen | How a Small-Town Singer Took Over F1, Osheaga & Stages Worldwide
Canadian alt-pop artist Emi Jean joins The 1st Half Culture Show to talk about her journey from singing opera at age 7 in Quebec bars to touring Asia, going solo, and performing on the grid at the Canadian Formula 1 Grand Prix.We dive into her love of football, her Osheaga 2025 stage debut, why...
-
Taking Over the Internet: Gion on Music, Identity & Football Culture
In this week’s episode of The 1st Half Culture Show, we sit down with Italian-Canadian independent artist Gion, a rising voice in North America’s alt-pop and R&B scene. From charting with “Je Ne Veux Personne” to consulting for major brands, Gion shares how football culture shaped his creative...
-
How Bossa Reinvented Italian Food Culture in Montreal | Fabio & Dan
Fabio & Dan of Bossa MTL join The 1st Half Culture Show to share how their modern Italian café and market became a cultural landmark in Montreal. From their fresh take on Italian street food to building a warm, vibrant community hub, they talk about staying authentic while creating something…
more -
Robert Rositoiu | Building Montreal’s Next Generation of Football Talent
From Romania to Montreal, Robert Rositoiu has dedicated his career to developing young football talent and shaping the future of the game in Canada. As head coach of the Montreal Roses FC, Robert talks about winning in Ligue1 Québec, his time at CF Montréal, and what it takes to build players who...
-
Chef Paul Toussaint | Food, Football & Community Vibes
From the markets of Haiti to the kitchens of Montreal, Chef Paul Toussaint has never stopped bringing culture, community, and soul to the table. In this week's episode, Paul opens up about why he chose food over football, his deep love for the Haitian community, and how he built a BBQ concept...
-
From NDG to Netflix: Nir Guzinski on Football, Acting & Finding His Lane
🎭⚽ From house league heroics to Netflix screen time — Montreal-based actor, writer, and sketch comic Nir Guzinski joins The 1st Half Culture Show to talk football, acting, and how the city shaped his creative hustle.He opens up about:Getting his start in football with the NDG PanthersDealing…
more -
Schuyler Mota | Sports Illustrated, F1 Weekend, and Football Roots
From university parties to Paris Fashion Week, Schuyler Mota has helped shape Canada’s experiential marketing scene. As President and Co-Founder of CRUEL, he’s led cultural campaigns and branded activations that stretch across Canada and beyond.In this episode of The 1st Half on TSN690, Schuyler...
-
Tom Pearce | Liverpool, Full English Breakfasts & Playing for England
🇨🇦⚽ From Wigan to CF Montréal, Tom Pearce shares the ride: growing up near Liverpool, switching academies, getting capped for England, and embracing the poutine life. In this exclusive sit-down, Tom reflects on culture shock, surviving relegation, and how Montreal is reshaping his game. From…
more -
Rocco Placentino | Building Canada's Football Future
Rocco Placentino’s story is a journey through passion, grit, and grassroots football power. From playing professionally in Italy to becoming Technical Director at CS Saint-Laurent, Rocco is now helping rewrite Canadian soccer's trajectory—one player, one pitch at a time. In this episode of The…
more -
From Street Food to Football Obsession: Satay Brothers’ Journey
This week, Paul Desbaillets sits down with Fred and Marco — the beloved faces behind Montreal’s Satay Brothers. From slinging Southeast Asian street food at the Atwater Market to becoming culinary legends on Notre-Dame Street, the boys dish out their origin stories and how football has been a...
-
How Emilio Zaga Mendez Built Canada's Biggest Latin Music Festival | Fuego Fuego
This week, Paul Desbaillets sits down with Emilio Zaga Mendez, the Senior Branding Manager at evenko and the creative force behind Canada's premier Latin music festival, Fuego Fuego. From his Peruvian roots and football heritage to shaping the visual identity of major festivals like OSHEAGA…
more
About this show
The 1st Half Culture Show is a unique podcast series that explores the profound impact of football on North American culture. Hosted by restaurateur and footy culture junkie Paul Desbaillets, this series unites football enthusiasts to discover how the beautiful game influences fashion, art, music, and food. Featuring visits to local neighborhoods and businesses, and interviews with chefs, athletes, artists, and tastemakers, it delves into street art and local scenes. The show provides a vibrant glimpse into how futbol merges with daily life and creativity.
Join us for a unique North American perspective on football.
Available in video format exclusively on YouTube: @the1sthalf_
All Things Soccer Culture — Our Game, Our Spin!
#acertianstyleoflife
Hosted by
The 1st Half