Episodes

  • Megan Rapinoe: When soccer gets political

    Megan Rapinoe: When soccer gets political
    Nov 21 2024
    Megan Rapinoe is one of soccer’s most talented players, yet has an influence and legacy that extends far beyond the pitch. How did one American sportswoman become such a central figure in conversations about homophobia, feminism, and racism? This episode tracks Rapinoe’s life, from growing up in a relatively poor working-class background to becoming the GOAT of women’s soccer. Mehreen and Simon examine how witnessing severe drug abuse and her family upbringing shaped her understanding of privilege and injustice. This episode unpicks the polarising views of Megan, which are often at the centre of wider cultural wars. The episode discusses Rapinoe being the first top soccer player to come out (which was actually not too controversial), to being one of the first sportspeople to take the knee in 2016 (which was). On one hand, Rapinoe is hated by president Donald Trump (“Woke equals failure”) and was once called the “most annoying sportsperson ever” by Piers Morgan. On the other hand, she is celebrated as a figure with a strong moral compass – standing up for injustices, unfair pay, and archaic power structures. Is Rapinoe the new model for the next generation of sports stars? Or should politics be kept off the pitch? Time stamps: 0:36: Introduction 4:43: A child of Trump’s America 9:45: A growing childhood interest in soccer 11:42: Recognising privilege and witnessing fentanyl addiction 17:17: College scholarship and move to Oregon 20:25: Discovering her sexuality 25:59: A poorly-paid pro, viral moments, and coming out 29:45: Intersectionality, homophobia, and equal pay 33:23: Racism and taking the knee in 2016 38:39: Trump vs. Rapinoe (with a father that votes for him) 44:27: Class action lawsuit for equal pay 47:10: Rapinoe’s legacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    53 mins
  • Cristiano Ronaldo’s battle for longevity

    Cristiano Ronaldo’s battle for longevity
    Nov 14 2024
    No footballer in history has had a career at the top for as long as Cristiano Ronaldo. Nearing his 40th birthday, when will it be time for Ronaldo to finally retire? And will he bow out gracefully—or cry? This is the second and final episode on Cristiano Ronaldo. Simon and Mehreen track Ronaldo’s life from 2009 onwards, detailing his transition to family man, his atmospheric rise on social media, and his footballing career after Manchester United. This episode covers Ronaldo’s rivalry with Messi, his fear of decline and irrelevancy, and his dedication to football at every stage—whether it’s the Euros or in the Saudi league. Is it because of Ronaldo that football has reached a fetishisation of high performance? This is the finale of the highest-paid athlete on earth who rose from nothing—a person who embodies hustle culture but whose self importance is so grandiose one can’t help but mock it. Time stamps: 0:36: Ronaldo joins Real Madrid 5:05: Rivalry with Messi 9:11: Perfect life, perfect child, perfect wife? 17:01: Global icon and social media superstar 22:41: Euro 2016 29:13: Manchester United and Juventus 34:28: Humiliation and personal tragedy 37:55: Joining the Saudi pro league 41:36: Decline in the Portuguese national team 44:11: GOAT status or pipped to the post? 49:17: The Muslim conspiracy and ongoing legacy Join the Heroes and Humans Supporters Club! Are you a fan of Heroes and Humans and can’t wait for the next episode? Why not become part of our exclusive community and get even closer to the action? By joining our official H&H Supporters Club on Patreon, you’ll unlock access to behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, bonus content, and special Q&A sessions with your hosts, Mehreen and Simon. Whether you're looking for deeper insights into football’s biggest personalities or just can’t wait for the next episode, we’ve got something for you. Don’t miss out! Support us and get more from your favourite podcast. Join us today at patreon.com/heroesandhumans Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere. Instagram TikTok Facebook X Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    54 mins
  • Cristiano Ronaldo: The alcoholic's son who became a workaholic

    Cristiano Ronaldo: The alcoholic's son who became a workaholic
    Nov 7 2024
    Vain, disciplined, consistent: Cristiano Ronaldo is a football legend like no other. How did this hyper-athletic, prone-to-cry Portuguese player become such a dominant force—not only in football but on the world stage? This episode is the first of two on the legendary football player and covers Ronaldo’s early life. The episode chronicles Ronaldo’s childhood, growing up as an unwanted child in relative poverty in Madeira, and his move to the Portuguese mainland, where he became determined to work harder, better, and faster than everyone else. Simon and Mehreen paint a picture of Ronaldo’s ascent to international fame and superstardom, giving insight into his relationship with Alex Ferguson and Ronaldo’s tendency to always be an individual rather than a team player. This is the first part of a story of the man who takes himself so seriously he has become a meme—and how his egocentric, strict discipline and routine helped to propel him to the top. *Trigger warning: Mentions of sexual assault allegations, marked in the timestamps* Time stamps: 0:36: Introduction and stats 4:01: Growing up in poverty in Madeira 9:22: Arrival to the mainland and showing fierce discipline 15:13: Youth career and rising competition for fame 20:40: Arrival at Manchester United 26:36: UEFA 2004 and a teenager’s determination for greatness 30:20: Controversies and acclaim at Manchester United 39:00: Ronaldo’s first Ballon D’Or (but not the last) 46:22: Alex Ferguson’s infantilisation of Ronaldo at Manchester United 50:25: Sexual assault allegations in Las Vegas *TW: contains mentions of alleged sexual violence that some listeners may find upsetting* 56:12: Wrap up and look towards part two Join the Heroes and Humans Supporters Club! Are you a fan of Heroes and Humans and can’t wait for the next episode? Why not become part of our exclusive community and get even closer to the action? By joining our official H&H Supporters Club on Patreon, you’ll unlock access to behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, bonus content, and special Q&A sessions with your hosts, Mehreen and Simon. Whether you're looking for deeper insights into football’s biggest personalities or just can’t wait for the next episode, we’ve got something for you. Don’t miss out! Support us and get more from your favourite podcast. Join us today at patreon.com/heroesandhumans Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere. Instagram TikTok Facebook X Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    59 mins
  • Pogba: Brilliant, Betrayed, Banned.

    Pogba: Brilliant, Betrayed, Banned.
    Oct 31 2024
    Paul Labile Pogba is, according to host Simon, one of the most gifted players of all time. How did an international, record-breaking superstar become embroiled in a mess of conspiracy, extortion and doping bans? And will we see a comeback for Pogba in 2025? This episode covers Pogba’s life and career, from growing up in France and flying under the radar at Manchester United to a rise to dominance at Juventus and becoming the ‘Churchillian leader’ of the French National Team. An incredibly gifted player whose play style can dominate all parts of the pitch, Simon and Mehreen also cover the dark downfall of Pogba’s late 20s. In Shakespearean fashion, Pogba's brother betrayed him (including a bizarre West African witch doctor story), only for him to fail a doping test after his comeback. Will one of football’s most interesting main characters be able to take the centre stage ever again? Returning to football aged 32, will Pogba see a redemption, or is it all over for this tragic hero? And what hairstyle will we see next? Time stamps: 0:36: Introduction and stats 3:31: Growing up and finding religion 9:02: Underestimated at Manchester United (and fights with Ferguson) 14:22: Success at Juventus 20:20: Dreams of total dominance 25:58: A leader is born 31:20: Racism and the ‘Karen’ of football 36:39: Complacency at Manchester United 39:09: Betrayal by his brother 46:28: The witch doctor conspiracy 40:28: Doping ban 52:08: Pogba’s legacy and future Join the Heroes and Humans Supporters Club! Are you a fan of Heroes and Humans and can’t wait for the next episode? Why not become part of our exclusive community and get even closer to the action? By joining our official H&H Supporters Club on Patreon, you’ll unlock access to behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, bonus content, and special Q&A sessions with your hosts, Mehreen and Simon. Whether you're looking for deeper insights into football’s biggest personalities or just can’t wait for the next episode, we’ve got something for you. Don’t miss out! Support us and get more from your favourite podcast. Join us today at patreon.com/heroesandhumans Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere. Instagram TikTok Facebook X Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com
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    59 mins
  • Maradona: Downfall

    Maradona: Downfall
    Oct 24 2024
    By his late-20s, superstar footballer Maradona had it all: copious wealth and record-breaking transfer fees, a rockstar lifestyle, and a glittering presence at the World Cup. So what soured? This is the tragic tale of Diego Maradona, from his late 20s until his death in 2020 at just 60 years old. This is the story of Maradona’s decades-long decline, from being (briefly) hated in Italy and failing drug tests on the international stage to unsuccessful tenures as a football manager. Simon and Mehreen chronicle Maradona’s later years, including sought-after peace in the United Arab Emirates and constant returns to his country of Argentina. They reflect on Maradona’s legacy among the greats, and Simon gives his own insights into meeting Maradona—the polite man who often seemed a ‘performing seal’. Above all, this episode covers Maradona’s intrinsic links to Argentina—the country that both revered and celebrated him but may also have been the cause of his demise. The episode paints a picture of Maradona as a resistance hero, a victim of racism, and a person who lived under the pressures of both extreme fame and famine. This is the second part of a two-part podcast. Listen to ‘Maradona: From the slum to world champion’ before this one. Time stamps: 1:44: The Napoli ‘cult’ starts to sour 6:57: The most hated man in Italy (briefly) 9:07: World Cups and failed drug tests 16:54: Simon meets Maradona 20:58: The ‘little man’ worldview of Argentinian politics and race 30:41: Maradona becomes the Argentine football manager 36:42: Move to the UAE—peace at last 43:25: Back in Argentina, and fatal heart attack 49:09: Maradona’s legacy Join the Heroes and Humans Supporters Club! Are you a fan of Heroes and Humans and can’t wait for the next episode? Why not become part of our exclusive community and get even closer to the action? By joining our official H&H Supporters Club on Patreon, you’ll unlock access to behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, bonus content, and special Q&A sessions with your hosts, Mehreen and Simon. Whether you're looking for deeper insights into football’s biggest personalities or just can’t wait for the next episode, we’ve got something for you. Don’t miss out! Support us and get more from your favourite podcast. Join us today at patreon.com/heroesandhumans Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere. Instagram TikTok Facebook X Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com
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    54 mins
  • Maradona: From the slum to world champion

    Maradona: From the slum to world champion
    Oct 17 2024
    Only a few people can say they carry the weight of a nation on their shoulders – and football superstar Diego Maradona was one of them. This episode, the first of a two-part series, covers the ‘glory’ years of Diego Maradona, the pocket rocket who became the face of Argentina and Argentinian football. Named as one of the greatest players in the history of sport, this episode covers Maradona’s younger years—from rising success after growing up in the slums of Argentina, to stints at Barcelona, success at Napoli, and World Cup glories (and controversies). In this episode, Mehreen and Simon also cover the dark side of Maradona—from routine drug taker and serial womaniser to mafia run-ins, military coups in Argentina, and the imprisoning effect of global fame. What is the real story behind ‘el pibe de oro’ (the golden boy)? Timestamps: 00:36: Introduction and career statistics 04:58: Growing up poor and ostracised in Argentina 12:06: Pro debut and lift from poverty 16:18: The cage of global fame and war in the Falklands 21:39: Drugs, drinking, and stardom 26:14: Napoli comes calling 29:45: Maradona and the mafia 34:52: The 1986 world cup and the ‘hand of god’ goal 50:23: The symbolic defeat of the imperial master (England) 56:19: Private life gets complicated Join the Heroes and Humans Supporters Club! Are you a fan of Heroes and Humans and can’t wait for the next episode? Why not become part of our exclusive community and get even closer to the action? By joining our official H&H Supporters Club on Patreon, you’ll unlock access to behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, bonus content, and special Q&A sessions with your hosts, Mehreen and Simon. Whether you're looking for deeper insights into football’s biggest personalities or just can’t wait for the next episode, we’ve got something for you. Don’t miss out! Support us and get more from your favourite podcast. Join us today at patreon.com/heroesandhumans Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere. Instagram TikTok Facebook X Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Johan Neeskens: A Silent Legend in Total Football

    Johan Neeskens: A Silent Legend in Total Football
    Oct 15 2024
    In this special bonus episode, Simon and Mehreen pay tribute to the legendary Dutch footballer Johan Neeskens, who passed away suddenly at the age of 73. They reflect on his footballing career, starting from his humble beginnings in post-war Netherlands to becoming a key player in Ajax’s dominant European team of the 1970s and a cult figure at FC Barcelona. Johan Neeskens was known as the ultimate "hard man" on the pitch, with a football style rooted in toughness, brutal tackles, and the ability to slide in for a tackle like no one else. Despite his rough nature on the field, Neeskens was beloved for his humility and the passion he brought to every match. In this episode, Simon shares personal memories of Neeskens and highlights the emotional impact of his passing on the football world. This episode captures the duality of Johan Neeskens: the fighter on the field and the humble coach who spent his later years giving back to underprivileged children in refugee camps around the world. Timestamps: 00:36: Welcome and introduction 03:14: How Johan Neeskens’ death resonated across the football community 06:21: Johan Neeskens’ rough childhood and early career struggles 10:45: The rise of Johan Neeskens at Ajax and his defining role in total football 15:32: World Cup 1974 – Sliding into legend with a goal against Brazil 19:18: Neeskens’ move to FC Barcelona and the friendship with Johan Cruyff 23:42: Neeskens’ post-playing career and the heart-warming coaching roles with kids 27:48: His sudden death while on a coaching trip in Algeria 34:00: A legacy of humility, toughness, and lasting impact on the world of football Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere Instagram TikTok Facebook X Visit our website for news & updates: heroesandhumans.com
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    36 mins
  • Mauricio Pochettino: A new face for US soccer

    Mauricio Pochettino: A new face for US soccer
    Oct 10 2024
    Argentine football manager Pochettino has always been the type to fly under the radar – both as a player and a coach. Is it his time for the spotlight by bringing the US men’s team to glory? In this episode, Simon and Mehreen cover nice guy Pochettino’s life, from growing up on a farm in Argentina to a football career in France—where he’s more motivated by the food and wine of Bordeaux than the club itself. They cover his managerial career, and the story of a Spanish speaker who managed teams in England and France, yet could never communicate to his players except through translators. How, despite this, did he become arguably one of Tottenham Hotspurs most successful managers? This episode covers a deeply spiritual man and ‘aura reader’ who rises to the heights of football (but never the pinnacle) by being a family-orientated nice guy—in stark contrast to other authoritarian, manipulative football managers. Timestamps: 00:36: Introduction 3:07: First thoughts and career statistics 5:45: Growing up in rural Argentina 10:51: Scouting by Bielsa and a weird knock on the door at 2am… 17:31: A good-but-forgettable footballing career—the ultimate footballer NPC 27:53: Football’s good, but Pochettino’s about the food and wine (playing in Paris and Bordeaux) 34:33: Pochettino’s spiritualism. Simon’s not a fan. 43:09: Move to Southampton, with no knowledge of English 50:35: Non-verbal communication and call to Spurs 58:36: Rise and fall at Tottenham Hotspur 1:04:31: Move to Paris Saint Germain and a hollow victory 1:08:30: Chelsea comes calling 1:10:57: Move to the US men’s team – what will happen? Join the Heroes and Humans Supporters Club! Are you a fan of Heroes and Humans and can’t wait for the next episode? Why not become part of our exclusive community and get even closer to the action? By joining our official H&H Supporters Club on Patreon, you’ll unlock access to behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, bonus content, and special Q&A sessions with your hosts, Mehreen and Simon. Whether you're looking for deeper insights into football’s biggest personalities or just can’t wait for the next episode, we’ve got something for you. Don’t miss out! Support us and get more from your favourite podcast. Join us today at patreon.com/heroesandhumans Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere. Instagram TikTok Facebook X Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com
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    1 hr and 21 mins