PODCAST · sports
The ProPlayer Podcast
by David Gough
I created my podcast to connect people to some of the games most influential players and coaches. Sharing what it's really like, lessons learned from all around the world in the last 25 years. Aspiring players get to hear direct from the superstars themselves. Learn about how to play your position, what it takes to make it and how you stay there. Aspiring coaches will get inside knowledge that can only be found here, real life insight you can use yourself. straight from the elite coaches and players themselves. We will bring you people who have chosen to devote their lives to the dream of being in the game and have risen to the top. The hope is, it helps you in your journey, wherever you are. Then maybe it brings you strength if sometimes you cant always see the clear path to your dream. Why now? Because I know how hard it can be to struggle when you dont feel like you're where you belong and I dont want you to feel alone in that. Also as the coaching industry continues to evolve, m
Episodes
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Episode 80: Season 5: In Conversation with...Dr Mark McGuigan. Lecturer in Sport Coaching with a Ph.D in elite youth player transition to 1st team football
Welcome back to The Pro Player Podcast. I’m your host, David Gough, and today we’re getting into a subject that sits right at the heart of professional sport: What does it actually take to make it — and, perhaps even more importantly, to stay there? The journey from academy football into the…
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Episode 79: Season 5: In Conversation with Edward Gallagher, Director of Recruitment Boston Legacy FC (NWSL) National Women's Soccer League, USA.
Welcome to the Pro Player Podcast. I’m your host, David Gough, and this is where we go beyond the game to explore the people, decisions, ideas and experiences that shape women's football at the highest level. Every player has a story. Every team has a philosophy. And behind every successful club,...
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Episode 78: Season 5: In conversation with...Elliot Prost Assistant First Team Coach of the Colorado Rapids in USA Major League Soccer (MLS)
Welcome back to The Pro Player Soccer Podcast. Today’s episode is a special one because, for the first time in the history of this podcast, we’re joined by a coach currently working with an MLS first team. Our guest is Elliot Prost, assistant coach with the Colorado Rapids. His soccer journey…
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Episode 77: Season 5: In Conversation... with Emily Tillman What you need to know about Mental Performance for coaches and young athletes
The Pro Player Soccer Podcast | Emily Tillman – Unlocking Elite Performance Through the Mind What separates good players from great players? Is it talent, physical ability, or something much deeper? In this episode of The Pro Player Soccer Podcast, host David Gough sits down with Emily Tillman,...
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Episode 76: Season 5: In Conversation with...Rusell Earnshaw If you want to change what people do, change what they see. Coaching the future instead of coaching the present & the art of noticing...from one of the worlds best coach developers
Welcome to The Pro Player Podcast, the show where we go beyond the scoreboard to explore what it really takes to perform at the highest level. Every episode features conversations with the athletes, coaches, innovators, and leaders who are shaping the future of sport and high performance. Whether...
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Episode 75: Season 5: In conversation with...Dave Jones "Soccer after 40...and your chance to be involved in an over 40s World Cup in 2027
The Pro Player Podcast – Introduction Featuring Dave Jones Welcome back to The Pro Player Podcast, where we sit down with the people who have lived the game at the highest levels and are now shaping its future. Whether you're a current player, a former pro, a coach, or someone who simply loves…
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Episode 74: Season 5: In conversation with...Matthew Clement, Training Centre Manager FIFA
Welcome back to the Pro Player Podcast, the show where we explore the journeys, philosophies, and experiences of the people helping shape the future of elite sport. Today's guest is Matthew Clement, a football development leader whose work sits at the intersection of coaching, player development,...
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Episode 73: Season 5: In conversation with...Jake Lister "Who am I when..." (Youth Pathway Lead Sheffield United Women FC)
Welcome back to The Pro Player Podcast, the show where we explore the stories, experiences, and lessons from the people shaping the future of sport and performance. Today's guest is someone who represents the evolving face of modern coaching—where performance excellence and human development go...
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Episode 72: Season 5: In conversation with...Shelly Shrestha, Chief Operating Officer Coachbetter Ltd "Life in the C Suite"
Welcome back to the Pro Player Podcast — the show where we bring you the people, stories, and ideas shaping the future of the game on and off the field. Today’s episode is one that every coach, club leader, and ambitious football professional is going to take something from. Our guest today is...
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Episode 71: Season 5: In conversation with...Alexis Doss (Instagram's tough Love Coach) "Reinvention is about figuring out who you are when things fall apart"
Listener Warning: This episode of The Pro Player Podcast contains explicit language, strong opinions, and adult themes throughout the conversation. Listener discretion is advised. Welcome back to The Pro Player Podcast. Today’s episode is raw, honest, unfiltered, and packed with the kind of...
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Episode 70: Season 5: In conversation with Allie Mastrangelo "mental health in college soccer from the student athlete perspective"
Welcome back to the podcast — today’s episode is one I’m really excited about, because we’re diving into the real journey behind being a student-athlete, a goalkeeper, and someone who’s building something bigger than just sport. Today, I’m joined by Allie Mastrangelo — known online as...
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Episode 69: Season 5: In conversation with Bailey Stokes "Setting out in your sports industry career"
Welcome back to The Pro Player Podcast, where we dive deep into the journeys, the mindset, and the real stories behind the people building careers in the game. Today’s guest is someone who represents the next generation of football professionals working behind the scenes to shape environments,...
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Episode 68: Season 5: In conversation with...Cathy Gruss "Helping You Bring Your Vision To Life" - this special episode is dedicated to all members of our armed services around the world - "we will remember them"
Welcome back to The Pro Player Podcast, where we explore the journeys, mindsets, and stories behind high performers from every corner of the world. Today’s guest is someone whose work sits at the intersection of resilience, identity, and the power of the human spirit. I’m joined by Cathy Gruss—an...
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Episode 67: Season 5: In conversation with...Angela Crawford PHD "helping leaders and organizations unlock growth from the inside out."
Welcome back to The Pro Player Podcast, the show where we dive into the minds, journeys, and high-performance habits of individuals operating at the very top of their game. Today’s guest is someone who brings a completely different—but incredibly powerful—perspective on performance, leadership…
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Episode 66: Season 5: In conversation with...Georgia Evans Rugby Superstar "its about more than the bow"
Get ready for an inspiring kickoff to Season 5 of The Pro Player Podcast with our very special guest, Georgia Evans! 🌟 Georgia is a powerhouse of women’s rugby — a Welsh international playing for both the Wales women’s national rugby union team and Saracens in the Premier 15s. Born on January…
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Episode 65: Season 4: In conversation with...James Thomas Newcastle United Women Academy Manager
James Thomas joined Newcastle United to oversee our Professional Game Academy, having previously spent three years as Academy Manager at Bristol City Women. During his time with the Robins, they were noted as the most productive women’s academy in the game by an FA Productivity report, with a…
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Episode 64: Season 4: In conversation with...Samuel Fagerholm (Assistant Coach ACF Fiorentina Femminile in Serie A)
“Welcome to The Pro Player Podcast, where we dive deep into the journeys of elite athletes and coaches—those who’ve stepped into the spotlight, carved their paths, and now share their stories. I’m your host David Gough and today I’m thrilled to introduce someone who embodies transformation,...
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Episode 63: Season 4: In conversation with...Rob Porter "The Sunday Share".
Today on The Pro Player Podcast, we’re joined by a coach whose fingerprints can be found across every level of the English football landscape — from the first spark of a young player’s passion to the competitive fire of senior football. Rob Porter, Oxford United’s Advanced Programme Lead Coach,...
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Episode 62: Season 4: In conversation with...Pete Sturgess - "The Godfather of the Foundation Phase"
Today on The Pro Player Podcast, we welcome a true architect of modern player development—Pete Sturgess, a name that resonates with anyone who follows the evolution of youth football in England and beyond. Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the FA’s coaching system, Pete…
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Episode 61: Season 4: In conversation with...Larissa Mills - What you didn't know "YOU NEED TO KNOW" about our athletes and their cell phones
Welcome to this episode of The Pro Player Podcast, Where we dive deep into the mindset that sets champions apart—not just in sport, but in life. I’m your host David Gough and today I’m honored to introduce you to a woman whose work is redefining how we think about peak performance and holistic...
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Episode 60: Season 4: In conversation with...Michelle Betos "The first goalkeeper ever to score in the National Women's Soccer League" (NWSL)
Michelle Betos is a seasoned professional goalkeeper whose career reflects resilience, leadership, and a deep passion for the game. A standout at the University of Georgia, she quickly made a name for herself as a tenacious shot-stopper with sharp instincts and a commanding presence in the box....
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Episode 59: Season 4: In Conversation with... Derek Marinatos "The ever changing world of USA college athletics"
As the Associate AD Development Athletics at the University of North Florida, Derek' focus is on major gifts fundraising for athletics, a testament to his deep commitment to the institution and its sports programs. With 15 years of experience at the university, he has honed a keen eye for detail...
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Episode 58: Season 4...In Conversation with Chris Loxston - "The role of the modern Technical Director" San Diego Wave Football Club - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
This is a special episode from inside the industry as Chris currently sits as Technical Director at one of the United States biggest women's soccer clubs - San Diego Wave FC in the National Women's Soccer League. (NWSL). He not only shares his day to day life at the club with us but also fills…
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Episode 57: Season 4...In Conversation with..."The most successful women's soccer coach on the planet" Anson Dorrance
Albert Anson Dorrance IV (born April 9, 1951) is a retired American soccer coach. He was the head coach of the women's soccer program at the University of North Carolina from 1979 to 2024. He has one of the most successful coaching records in the history of athletics. Under Dorrance's leadership,...
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Episode 56: Season 4...In Conversation with Matthew Bishop - "The Critical Friend" patience, care and holding space for others to thrive - an expert mentoring masterclass
Matthew Bishop The Football Association (THE FA) Senior Professional Game UEFA A Diploma Lead A Mentoring Masterclass... Matt experience is off the chart. Currently, he is the Football Association (THE FA), Senior Professional Game UEFA A Diploma Lead, Former Assistant Manager Aldershot Town FC,...
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Episode 55: Season 4...In Conversation with Jonathan Jones " A week spent inside Real Madrid"
JJ is a highly ambitious and forward-thinking UEFA Pro Licence holder and he is still under 40. A father of 2, a husband and a man who has accumulated vast experience within coaching, at first team and Academy level, through roles in Wales in the UK. He possess diverse experience as head coach,...
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Episode 54: Season 4...In Conversation with Nate Baker " The ultimate word on Development vs Winning"
Over the last 35 years, I’ve lived every layer of American soccer — from youth standout to Division 1 captain, pro player, and coach at nearly every level: grassroots, college, and MLS academies.But along the way, something became painfully clear. Development — real, human-centered development —...
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Episode 53: Season 4...In Conversation with Annemieke Griffin "Player Performance Manager to the Star Players"
I am not a coach. I am a Player Performance Manager — working at the highest level of professional football to guide, protect, and evolve the mental side of elite performance.With over a decade of experience across the biggest leagues in the world — from the Premier League, Bundesliga, and Serie…
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Episode 52: Season 4...In conversation with Amber Brooks "A life at the top in Professional Soccer"
Amber Jean Wisner (née Brooks; born January 23, 1991) is an American professional soccer player who currently plays as a defender for USL Super League club Dallas Trinity. She has previously played for Adelaide United, the Houston Dash, OL Reign, the Washington Spirit, the Portland Thorns, Bayern...
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Episode 51: Season 4... In Conversation with Jason Carney "Saying what others won't in US Youth Soccer"
Jason the Director of Coaching at FC Portland in Oregon, United States of America. He is an A-Licensed coach with extensive professional experience, including time at Preston North End FC (1996–2002). Proven ability to develop players across all stages — from academy to first team — while…
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SPECIAL EPISODE 50 - Special Guest Hal DellaTorre - "Real Life and Going all in..."
This Historic episode marks the special 50th episode of the podcast and It couldn't be a realer, more authentic account of real life success and failure. No matter what industry your in or what your trying to get to the top of this is worth every second of your time spent... Hal DellaTorre is a...
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Episode 49: Season 3... In Conversation with...Premier League Referee Mark Halsey
"tired of never getting to hear from the Ref!!!" Well, that all changes right now... Mark R. Halsey is an English retired professional football referee who was born in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, later based in Bolton, Greater Manchester. Halsey primarily refereed in the Premier League…
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Episode 48: Season 3...In Conversation with...Stuart Mclaren..."Emotion (just like ego) is the enemy of the Coach"
Stuart McLaren is a Scottish-Australian football player and coach, who is currently assistant coach for the Northern Ireland national women's team. As a player Queensland Roar signed McLaren on a short-term contract in early November 2005. He was signed due to Josh McCloughlan's injury, playing…
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Episode 47: Season 3...In Conversation with...Rae Dower Football Australia Technical Director - Women's Football and Head Coach Women's U17 National Team
Football Australia is pleased to advise the appointment of highly regarded coach and women’s football specialist, Rae Dower, to the role of Technical Director – Women’s Football. Dower, who is also Head Coach of the Australian U-17 Women’s National Team – a position she will retain alongside this...
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Episode 46: Season 3...In Conversation with...Jade Moore "England Lioness & Cardiac Risk in the Young Ambassador"
Someone who needs no introduction. FA WSL legend and England Lioness great Jade Moore joins us on a very special episode of the Pro Player Podcast. Jade talks everything from her glittering career all round the world, representing England at Major tournaments like the FIFA Womens World Cup and…
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Episode 45: Season 3...UEFA Euro 2024 Special in association with Coachbetter - "Tournament football and implications for coaches"
We kick off our special episode series with this offering in partnership with "Coachbetter" Team management, performance tracking, educational resources, and more – our app will elevate your coaching skills to the next level. Reimagine soccer success with coachbetter and redefine your team's...
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Episode 44: Season 3...In Conversation with...Ellie Maybury "Life in the USWNT and High Performance Leadership"
Ellie is a high performance consultant with extensive experience in women's sports. Today she is the founder and owner of Soccer "her" formance. Website: soccerherformance.com Instagram: @Soccerherformance X: @soccerherform Ellie is highly endorsed by major names in the game including Laura…
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Episode 43: Season 3...In Conversation with...Dave Copeland Smith "Beast Mode Soccer"
"Daily meetings with Beast Mode Soccer to track my progress. Dave you are legit, thank you for the training" Alex Morgan - 2x World Cup Winner United States. Training with BMS since 2012 "Working with David has given my game another dimension. He is always pushing me to become better and add…
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Episode 42: Season 3...In Conversation with..Neil Moore "Experience, Interviews and Surviving in professional football"
Join us as we talk to the vastly experienced Neil Moore about everything from coming up, surviving in the game, the sacrifices you will make and what its like to balance learning and developing with professional competence as you climb the ladder yourself. A deep episode with a thinker who takes...
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Episode 41: Season 3...In Conversation with...Adam Streeter Head of Leadership & Culture at Primark
Adam Streeter Linkedin Profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamstreeter/?originalSubdomain=uk Adam Streeter on Team Culture is an absolutely must listen for anyone interested in high performing teams or managing people. Its literally as simple as that. If we achieve nothing else but provide a...
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Episode 40: Season 3...In Conversation with... Steve Guinan, Senior Professional Game Player to Coach Lead at The Football Association
Steve is an extremely experienced former professional footballer and coach, playing in excess of 500 Football League games for a variety of clubs including Nottingham Forest, Crewe, Plymouth, Burnley, Hereford United and Cheltenham Town. He possess nearly 25 years coaching experience across a…
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Episode 39: Season 3...In Conversation with...the amazing Chloe McBratney "Dont let anyone tell you that you cant"
The story of todays guest Chloe McBratney, is one that will inspire millions of people around the world in the coming. months and years. She has defied all expectations in her young life to date and continues to shine as a guiding light that your circumstances do not have to define your future.…
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Episode 38: Season 3...In Conversation with...Emma Dughan Women's Performance Analysis Pathway Lead at The Football Association (The FA)
Emma is so much more than her Job Role. This is a special one for me as she is such a huge part of my own story and I am adamant she is responsible for some of my life's best work. Her experience and expertise in the world of performance analysis are only eclipsed by her authenticity and…
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Episode 37: Season 3...In Conversation with... Jennifer Mildenhall - Academy Emerging Talent Manager - Manchester United
Manchester United have named an academy graduate in their matchday day squad for the last 88 years...yes thats right 88 years...It's a record that began on Saturday 30 October 1937, when Manchester United youngsters Tom Manley and Jack Wassall sported the famous red in an away clash against…
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Episode 36: Season 3...In Conversation with...Myles Smith Assistant Manager Al-Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Pro womens League
Myles Smith is assistant Manager of Al-Ittihad (al-Ittyhad) Ladies in the Saudi womens Pro League, Myles offers his insight and story so that you may draw strength and benefit for your journey in professional football. Today, he talks to us about his previous roles at West Ham United where he...
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Episode 35: Season 3...In Conversation with...David Garcia "Its just a sport"
David Garcia is the Owner and Founder of "its just a sport" (Ijas) https://www.itsjustasport.com The IJaS coaching academy is a collection of self-paced online courses to help you embark into coaching with confidence. The courses are developed to provide you with theoretical foundations alongside...
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Episode 34: Season 3...In Conversation with...the original genius Tosh Farrell,
Tosh Farrell, a UEFA 'A' licensed coach and member of the Professional Football Coaches Association is described by Craig Brown CBE the former mens national 1st team head coach of Scotland as arguably, to be one of the foremost exponents of youth coaching in the game. He is the former Head of...
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Episode 33: Season 3...In Conversation with...Paul McGuinness "The importance of a coaches technical expertise"
A man who needs no introduction...Paul McGuinness (born 2 March 1966) is an English former footballer who played as a midfielder in the Football League for Crewe Alexandra and Chester City. He is the current Head of Academy Player Development for Leicester City's under-18 team McGuinness is the…
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Episode 32: Season 3...In Conversation with...Rich Laverty Womens Football Writer "a Life asking the questions"
Richard is perhaps one of the most prominent Womens Football Writers of the last decade. He has serious experience of working in the women's game, published in outlets such as FourFourTwo, World Soccer Magazine, ESPN, The Athletic, The Guardian, The Times, The Independent, OPTUS Sport and more.In...
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Episode 31: Season 3 Kick off...In Conversation with...Professor Adam Nicholls "Bridging the gap"
Professor Adam Nicholls is Professor of Psychology at the University of Hull, England. He is with us today to bridge the gap between the academic research world and the professional world of coaching because we know how busy coaches are in their day to day, its impossible to stay up to date with...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
I created my podcast to connect people to some of the games most influential players and coaches. Sharing what it's really like, lessons learned from all around the world in the last 25 years. Aspiring players get to hear direct from the superstars themselves. Learn about how to play your position, what it takes to make it and how you stay there. Aspiring coaches will get inside knowledge that can only be found here, real life insight you can use yourself. straight from the elite coaches and players themselves. We will bring you people who have chosen to devote their lives to the dream of being in the game and have risen to the top. The hope is, it helps you in your journey, wherever you are. Then maybe it brings you strength if sometimes you cant always see the clear path to your dream. Why now? Because I know how hard it can be to struggle when you dont feel like you're where you belong and I dont want you to feel alone in that. Also as the coaching industry continues to evolve, m
HOSTED BY
David Gough
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The ProPlayer Podcast have?
The ProPlayer Podcast currently has 80 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The ProPlayer Podcast about?
I created my podcast to connect people to some of the games most influential players and coaches. Sharing what it's really like, lessons learned from all around the world in the last 25 years. Aspiring players get to hear direct from the superstars themselves. Learn about how to play your position,...
How often does The ProPlayer Podcast release new episodes?
The ProPlayer Podcast has 80 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The ProPlayer Podcast?
You can listen to The ProPlayer Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The ProPlayer Podcast?
The ProPlayer Podcast is created and hosted by David Gough.
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