Episodes
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In this episode of Stone by Stone, host Lauren gets an update from GM and club co-founder Andrew Swanson on the state of the club ahead of our USL debuts.
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Missing episodes?
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Andrew is joined by none other than avian op-ed columnist Chad the Bird to discuss Chicago, pinball and Malort!
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Andrew is joined by CJ Brown, a legend in the local soccer space in Chicago, playing for Chicago Fire FC for 13 years, and now coaching and focusing on youth development. The two talk about iconic Chicago soccer moments, as well as CJ's journey to the top.
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Lauren Hall is joined by Will Quam, an architecture photographer based in Chicago, who founded Brick of Chicago, an increasingly-popular Instagram account that highlights Chicago architecture. The two discuss Will's growth as a photographer, his love of architecture, and increasing knowledge of the sport of soccer.
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Andrew sits down with Chris Mueller, Chicago native and Chicago Fire FC player. The two talk about Mueller's upbringing and what led him down the path of professional soccer, what being a Chicago native means to him, and more!
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Andrew is joined by Tobi, Sebastian, and Michael Wimmer to discuss their influence on Edgewater Castle FC as players and fans alike, their time abroad in Germany, and the community that they're helping build here in Chicago. Tobi and Sebastian play for ECFC, while their youngest brother, Michael, has played club soccer locally in Chicago and abroad in Germany. The Brothers talk about their parents' influence as part of the ownership group, and their development playing for various clubs in Chicago, MLS Next, and Germany.
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Andrew is joined by John Carruthers of Crust Fund Pizza, known for "Charitable pizza in a secret Chicago alley" that makes Chicago tavern style pizza. The two discuss Chicago Fire FC's 2025 season, pizza, going on Chopped, the World Cup influence, and so much more in this week's episode of Stone by Stone.
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Andrew is joined by Patrick Infurna, co-founder of current USL League Two champions, Vermont Green FC. The two discuss growing in USL, and Vermont Green's unique approach to operations.
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Stone by Stone headed to the Chicago Fire FC wildcard playoff match to talk to supporters about the evolution of soccer culture in Chicago, and with Jake Payne to explore multi-national soccer fandom.ā Websiteā | https://www.edgewatercastlefc.com/ā LinkTreeā | https://linktr.ee/edgewatercastleāā Like this episode? Don't forget to subscribe, leave a comment, and share your own experiences with international soccer.š Turn on notifications so you donāt miss future conversations!#chicagofire #SoccerFandom #bundesliga #AmericanSoccer #mls #SoccerPodcast #StoneByStone #RedLineSG #mlsplayoffs #ecfc #GoRooks #VamosRooks šš°
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In this episode of Stone by Stone, host Andrew Swanson sits down with longtime friend and coaching leader Tom Roe, Director of Coaching at Northwind Soccer Club. From his childhood in Scarborough, England to building a youth soccer culture in Chicago, Tom shares insights on coaching philosophy, youth development, and how his background in psychology helps shape his approach on and off the field.
š¬ Topics covered include:
Growing up around soccer in Northern EnglandMemories of following Manchester UnitedThe evolution of youth soccer in the U.S. vs the UK- Building technically skilled, decision-making playersThe role of education and communication in American club soccerTechnology and mediaās impact on how kids learn the game- Balancing competition with development and enjoymentWhether you're a coach, parent, player, or just love the game, find out what it really takes to grow soccer stone by stone.ā
Websiteā | https://www.edgewatercastlefc.com/
ā LinkTreeā | https://linktr.ee/edgewatercastle
ā
ā Like this episode? Don't forget to subscribe, leave a comment, and share your own experiences in youth sports or coaching.
š Turn on notifications so you donāt miss future conversations!
#YouthSoccer #CoachingPhilosophy #ManchesterUnited #AmericanSoccer #SoccerPodcast #StoneByStone #NorthwindSoccer #SoccerDevelopment #GrassrootsSoccer #GoRooks #VamosRooks šš°
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Local artist Kadin McGreevy talks about his late blooms into art and soccer, two things that now play major roles in his life. Learn the story behind the Idaho-native responsible for ECFCās beautiful matchday posters and exclusive merch on this episode of Stone by Stone, presented by Tightrope Recording.
Website
LinkTree
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
Shop
#GoRooks #VamosRooks šš°
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In the most recent episode of Stone by Stone podcast, Andrew Swanson sits down with Lamont Lynn and Senad Drpljanin, the co-founders of Chicagoās PXM Fitness. The pair share how they transformed an Edgewater CrossFit box into todayās thriving full-service gym.
Listeners hear the foundersā inspiring backstories: Lamont, a lifelong Chicago athlete, recalls playing football and running track through high school and channeling early childhood hardships into the drive to support others.
Senad describes moving from Macedonia in 2012 to chase a fitness career, leaving law school, and even earning the title ā2020 Fittest in Macedoniaā after qualifying for the 2020 CrossFit Games.
Find out more about them at pxmfitness.com
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Andrew Swanson welcomes former pro soccer player David Abidor to Stone by Stone. They discuss Davidās childhood in Lincolnwood as the son of Ukrainian immigrants, his introduction to soccer through his father's influence, and his development as a youth player in Chicago. David recounts his college soccer career at Dayton and Creighton, and the rollercoaster ride of his professional career, including playing in the U.S., Sweden, Finland, and Israel. Now a coach at the Chicago Fire Academy, David shares insights on youth development, coaching philosophies, and how his playing days inform his approach to mentoring young athletes. The episode wraps up with Davidās predictions for the 2026 World Cup and what the future holds for U.S. soccer.
Key Topics:
Growing up as a Ukrainian-American in Chicago
Transitioning from youth soccer to college and professional play
Experiences playing in Sweden, Finland, and Israel
The challenges and rewards of a journeyman soccer career
Moving from playing professionally to coaching
Youth development in the U.S. and the Chicago Fire Academy
2026 World Cup predictions
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In this insightful episode of Stone by Stone, host Andrew Swanson welcomes Sean Phillips, the Head Coach of the UIC Flames men's soccer program. Journey with Coach Phillips as he recounts his formative years in the heart of Texas, tracing his early passion and development through the youth soccer landscape. From the fields of his childhood to the sidelines of a prominent NCAA Division I program in Chicago, Phillips shares the pivotal moments and experiences that shaped his career. Discover the dedication and vision that have defined his long-standing leadership of one of the city's top collegiate soccer programs, and learn more about his perspective on the game as a whole in our country in this engaging conversation.
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