The Sideline Live Podcast

The Sideline Live Podcast brings you closer to the world of sport through in-depth conversations with athletes, coaches, and experts. From high-performance insights to the untold stories, host Orla Keeling dives into the moments that shape successful careers, coaches and teams. Whether you’re a player, coach, parent, or passionate fan, this podcast offers real perspectives on success, resilience, and the ever-evolving world of sport.Social platforms: @thesidelineliveEmail - thesidelinelive@gmail.com

The Sideline Live Podcast is a sports podcast hosted by The Sideline Live, with 215 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

The Sideline Live hosts The Sideline Live Podcast, a sports show with 215 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #244

  #244 Eamon Fennell // Finding Success On & Off the Pitch

  Aug 14, 20261h 17m

  On episode 244 I am joined by former Dublin and St. Vincent's footballer Eamonn Fennell. From Dublin football to business, setbacks, and everything in between, Eamon shares his evolution and journey not only as a footballer but also off the pitch in education and professional career. Eamon opens up about the experiences that shaped him; growing up in a football-mad family, the setbacks that fuelled his ambition, his transfer from O’Toole’s to St Vincent’s, and the unforgettable 2011 All-Ireland win. He also reflects on being dropped from the Dublin panel by Jim Gavin in 2013, how that disappointment drove him to reach another level, and ultimately winning a Club All-Ireland with St Vincent’s in 2014. Eamon opens up about being expelled from school at 17, the difficult impact that had on him, and how he turned things around to complete his Leaving Cert before eventually going on to study an MSc and MBA at UCD — despite not following the traditional route into third-level education. He has continued his entrepreneurial spirit building ventures of his own including a coffee shop in Donaghmede,⁠ and previously a bar on Camden street with Michael Darragh McCauley and Ross McConnell. He talks honestly about finding time to do it all including work, coaching, business, training & family, and that it’s not about finding “balance”, but learning how to juggle your priorities. Find Eamon here https://www.instagram.com/eamo_fennell/ This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sport Expo Ireland⁠⁠⁠⁠, a brand-new event taking place at the Sport Ireland Campus on April 21st and 22nd, 2027. Designed to connect stakeholders from every corner of the Irish sporting landscape. Attendees will hear from leading voices in sport, take part in interactive workshops, explore the latest developments in elite performance, business and technology. Whether you’re involved in elite performance, grassroots, business, or simply passionate about where Irish sport is heading, ⁠⁠⁠ Sport Expo Ireland ⁠⁠⁠is set to become one of the most exciting gatherings on the sporting calendar. To learn more, register your interest, and explore opportunities, visit https://qrco.de/bgrRu3 Follow The Sideline Live Social Media channels and the host Orla here: https://linktr.ee/TheSidelineLive Recorded using Samson Q2 microphone, Edited using GarageBand Intro music, Watered Eyes by a talented Irish artist, Dillon Ward check him out ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ . If you are looking to set up your own podcast get in touch with the Prymal Productions team ⁠⁠⁠www.prymal.ie⁠⁠⁠

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  Episode #243

  #243 Ange Kelly // Building championship teams

  Aug 6, 202651 min

  This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sport Expo Ireland⁠⁠⁠⁠, a brand-new event taking place at the Sport Ireland Campus on April 21st and 22nd, 2027. Designed to connect stakeholders from every corner of the Irish sporting landscape. Attendees will hear from leading voices in sport, take part in interactive workshops, explore the latest developments in elite performance, business and technology. Whether you’re involved in elite performance, grassroots, business, or simply passionate about where Irish sport is heading, ⁠⁠⁠Sport Expo Ireland ⁠⁠⁠is set to become one of the most exciting gatherings on the sporting calendar. To learn more, register your interest, and explore opportunities, visit https://qrco.de/bgrRu3 Follow The Sideline Live Social Media channels and the host Orla here: ⁠https://linktr.ee/TheSidelineLive⁠ Recorded using Samson Q2 microphone, Edited using GarageBand Intro music, Watered Eyes by a talented Irish artist, Dillon Ward check him out ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ . If you are looking to set up your own podcast get in touch with the Prymal Productions team ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prymal.ie⁠⁠⁠⁠

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  Episode #242

  #242 Stephen Smith // Sole in One

  Jul 30, 202641 min

  On episode 242 I sit down with entrepreneur and previously intercounty footballer Stephen Smith, founder of Sole in One—an innovative product transforming any footwear into golf shoes. What started as a solution to the frustration of travelling with bulky golf shoes, and a college project has become a business tackling one of golf’s biggest barriers to entry. But this conversation goes far beyond business. Smith opens up about the reality of entrepreneurship—the highs of making global sales, the lows of entrepreneurship, and why building a strong network of mentors has been a key part to his journey. Stephen shares the process and work behind the brand, the lessons he has learned and plenty of movie references throughout. We also dive into the difficult decision to step back from inter-county football to pursue his business. Rather than losing his identity, Smith found a new perspective, discovering that football became an escape from work instead of another source of pressure—ultimately improving his performances on the pitch. Along the way, he shares his advice for anyone building a brand, so if you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, an athlete navigating life beyond their sport, or someone looking for inspiration to back yourself, this episode is packed with honest insights, practical takeaways, and a reminder that every successful journey starts by solving a real problem. Find Sole in one here https://www.instagram.com/soleinone1?igsh=MTFicmY2b2Q0OTAyaA== https://soleinone1.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoouHc9rMLGUzKkC34sYSL8v5ejFOBaQKnPlj1hx1o0UrJp_H_GV Stephen’s LinkedIn https://ie.linkedin.com/in/stephen-smith52 This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sport Expo Ireland⁠⁠⁠⁠, a brand-new event taking place at the Sport Ireland Campus on April 21st and 22nd, 2027. Designed to connect stakeholders from every corner of the Irish sporting landscape. Attendees will hear from leading voices in sport, take part in interactive workshops, explore the latest developments in elite performance, business and technology. Whether you’re involved in elite performance, grassroots, business, or simply passionate about where Irish sport is heading, ⁠⁠⁠Sport Expo Ireland ⁠⁠⁠is set to become one of the most exciting gatherings on the sporting calendar. To learn more, register your interest, and explore opportunities, visit https://qrco.de/bgrRu3 Follow The Sideline Live Social Media channels and the host Orla here: ⁠https://linktr.ee/TheSidelineLive⁠ Recorded using Samson Q2 microphone, Edited using GarageBand Intro music, Watered Eyes by a talented Irish artist, Dillon Ward check him out ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ . If you are looking to set up your own podcast get in touch with the Prymal Productions team ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prymal.ie⁠⁠⁠⁠

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  Episode #241

  #241 Gemma McGuinness // Retirement & Reflection in sport

  Jul 23, 202647 min

  On episode 241 I sit down with former footballer Gemma McGuinness for a thoughtful conversation about retirement, identity, maximising performance and the lessons that come from taking an unconventional path. Gemma reflects on her career from navigating the changing landscape of women’s football to finding opportunities when the traditional route wasn’t always clear. We explore her journey, the moments that shaped her perspective, the value of embracing uncertainty, and why some of the biggest opportunities happen away from sport. Gemma highlights the the role and importance of self-reflection, why perspective matters as much as preparation, and how the pursuit of excellence doesn’t have to come at the expense of enjoying the journey. We also discuss the realities of retirement from professional sport—how athletes can prepare for such a significant transition, why identity is such an important part of the conversation, and what support can look like during periods of change. What happens when the final whistle blows on a career you’ve dedicated your life to? How do you prepare for life beyond elite sport? For coaches, parents and young athletes, Gemma offers valuable perspectives and insights on creating environments, supporting others and able to develop both as performers and as individuals. We talk about confidence, communication, leadership, and why the conversations happening off the pitch are often just as important as the ones taking place on it. Whether you’re involved in sport, facing a career transition, or simply interested in maximising your performance, this episode is packed with honest reflections, and practical insights that extend far beyond football. Follow Gemma here: https://www.instagram.com/gemmcguinnness?igsh=ZHZiOGU5a2x0ZmE3 https://verusperformance.com This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Sport Expo Ireland⁠⁠⁠⁠ , a brand-new event taking place at the Sport Ireland Campus on April 21st and 22nd, 2027. Designed to connect stakeholders from every corner of the Irish sporting landscape. Attendees will hear from leading voices in sport, take part in interactive workshops, explore the latest developments in elite performance, business and technology. Whether you’re involved in elite performance, grassroots, business, or simply passionate about where Irish sport is heading, ⁠⁠⁠Sport Expo Ireland ⁠⁠⁠is set to become one of the most exciting gatherings on the sporting calendar. To learn more, register your interest, and explore opportunities, visit https://qrco.de/bgrRu3 Follow The Sideline Live Social Media channels and the host Orla here: ⁠https://linktr.ee/TheSidelineLive⁠ Recorded using Samson Q2 microphone, Edited using GarageBand Intro music, Watered Eyes by a talented Irish artist, Dillon Ward check him out ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ . If you are looking to set up your own podcast get in touch with the Prymal Productions team ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prymal.ie⁠⁠⁠⁠

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  Episode #240

  #240 Aoife Wafer // The Power of Curiosity

  Jul 14, 20261 hour

  On episode 240 I am delighted to be joined by back to back Six Nations player of the championship winner, Irish rugby international, Harlequins professional Aoife Wafer. At just 23 years of age Aoife has cemented herself as one of the best players in the game. However to 10 year old Aoife this was all part of the plan. Ambition, work ethic, and the power of curiosity are the pillars to the success of Wafers’ career. It has been far from smooth sailing with multiple injuries including a 2 year gap from her first to her second international cap thanks to a serious hanstring injury which not only tested her but her passion for rugby driving her to nearly give up the sport. Thankfully she took a few steps back and found her love for the game and her passion again. Since then she has taken off on a new found trajectory and was named as the first ever back to back recipient of the 6 nations players of the tournament event. We discuss her career, the power of curiosity, being a role model, the sacrifices, injuries, and ambition to be the best in the world. Aoife also shares insights into the power of visualisation, connecting with fans and more. This was a very honest and insightful chat with one of the great athletes and people of this generation… and she is certainly no where near finished yet! This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠ Sport Expo Ireland⁠⁠⁠ , a brand-new event taking place at the Sport Ireland Campus on April 21st and 22nd, 2027. Designed to connect stakeholders from every corner of the Irish sporting landscape. Attendees will hear from leading voices in sport, take part in interactive workshops, explore the latest developments in elite performance, business and technology. Whether you’re involved in elite performance, grassroots, business, or simply passionate about where Irish sport is heading, ⁠⁠⁠Sport Expo Ireland ⁠⁠⁠is set to become one of the most exciting gatherings on the sporting calendar. To learn more, register your interest, and explore opportunities, visit https://qrco.de/bgrRu3 Follow The Sideline Live Social Media channels and the host Orla here: ⁠https://linktr.ee/TheSidelineLive⁠ Recorded using Samson Q2 microphone, Edited using GarageBand Intro music, Watered Eyes by a talented Irish artist, Dillon Ward check him out ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ . If you are looking to set up your own podcast get in touch with the Prymal Productions team ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prymal.ie⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Recent guests on The Sideline Live Podcast. Study who booked and why before you pitch.

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