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The Protagonist: Josh Hakala

Protagonist Podcasts

Release Date: 07/13/2026

The Soccer Romantics with Guest Ulrich Hesse show art The Soccer Romantics with Guest Ulrich Hesse

Protagonist Podcasts

This week on the Soccer Romantics, Josh is joined by renowned German Football Journalist, Ulrich Hesse. The Managing Editor of German Football Magazine 11Freunde and author of numerous articles and books regarding the history of the game, Uli takes the call while on holiday in the Netherlands. They talk about growing up a Dortmund supporter, being inspired to write about soccer by music journalists, and attending university in Bochum.

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The Super Show - Mid Season Madness show art The Super Show - Mid Season Madness

Protagonist Podcasts

It's the middle point of the USL Super League Fall Season and John and Dan are back to break down all the action from week 9, plus a discussion of the standings and what teams need to get hustling if they plan on playoffs!

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The Soccer Romantics with Guest Lee Nguyen show art The Soccer Romantics with Guest Lee Nguyen

Protagonist Podcasts

On this episode of The Soccer Romantics, Josh speaks with Lee Nguyen, Head Coach of Dallas Trinity, former USMNT player and former MLS star midfielder. Lee's love of the game comes from his father and his experiences playing in Scandinavia, Vietnam, and New England helped create a solid soccer philosophy which he has brought back home to Dallas. 

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The Soccer Romantics with guest Sissi show art The Soccer Romantics with guest Sissi

Protagonist Podcasts

Sisleide do Amor Lima, commonly known as Sissi, is a former Brazilian footballer and current coach who played as an attacking midfielder. She is a legend in a country of legendary soccer players and she sits down with Josh to discuss her love of the beautiful game.

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The Super Show - Jasmine Steals the Show show art The Super Show - Jasmine Steals the Show

Protagonist Podcasts

Dallas Trinity superstar Jasmine Hamid joins the show to talk about her move to Dallas and early success this season. Plus a full review of week 6 matches and how they impact the playoff picture.

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The Soccer Romantics with guest Lesley Ryder show art The Soccer Romantics with guest Lesley Ryder

Protagonist Podcasts

Dan is joined by Lesley Ryder, a writer, podcaster, and a social media creator that focuses on the women’s professional game, specifically the NWSL and her hometown Chicago Red Stars. You can find her work across the internet space, including Defector and Galpalsports, but especially on TikTok @itsleslieryder. 

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The Super Show - Another Week in the Books show art The Super Show - Another Week in the Books

Protagonist Podcasts

Josh covers for Dan with John Howard-Fusco as they break down the action in the USL Super League. Plenty to talk about as the the Fall season flies by!

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The Soccer Romantics with guest Chris Kessell show art The Soccer Romantics with guest Chris Kessell

Protagonist Podcasts

Chris Kessell, a grassroots soccer organizer in West Virginia, one of the biggest non corporate voices on the internet in American soccer, and the possessor of one of the most impressive beards in the sport joins the show.

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The Super Show - I have the POWER show art The Super Show - I have the POWER

Protagonist Podcasts

DC Power on the rise and we're believers! Week 4 review plus a look forward to the matches this weekend. Everything USL Super League!

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The Soccer Romantics with guest Moussa Seck of MoFutbolTV show art The Soccer Romantics with guest Moussa Seck of MoFutbolTV

Protagonist Podcasts

This week, Josh sits down with founder of MoFutbolTV to discuss his unique platform to share soccer stories from not only St. Louis, but also of the African Diaspora. The former Parisian academy product now lives in the Gateway City and serves soccer as a coach, an advocate, and most importantly as a father. Mo shares his story with us.

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More Episodes

Founder of theCup.us joins Dan to discuss his entry into soccer, his goals for covering the Open Cup, and how he'd change the competition to make it more viable for the future.