Ep 12 | FTP Origins: Mike's Origin Story

This episode is a special one, as we turn inward and dive deep into co-host Mike's beautiful mind, pulling out his own origin story. From growing up in rural New Hampshire, to cementing himself in podcast history as one of the founding Footy Travelers, Mike walks us through his upbringing and explains how the sport influenced him from an early age. With great mentors along the way, Mike navigated the world of a young soccer player while fighting high school awkwardness, cancer, college decisions, and everything in between. In this episode, Mike gets profound, coming to the realization that both soccer and travel were contributing factors in some of his most significant decisions. Foot(y) notes:

• Want to support kids and young adults battling cancer? Check out these two organizations near and dear to Mike's heart:
  • Ulman Foundation
  • Craig Willinger Fund
• Learn more about the great Shawn Griffin: https://athletics.plymouth.edu/honors/plymouth-state-athletic-hall-of-fame/shawn-griffin/3
• Nostalgia Alert!! Relive one of Mike's most influential soccer memories in the '94 World Cup Final penalty kick shootout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLPM_JSbGvI
• Mike's a huge footy kit nerd (we know!). Check out some of our favorite vintage and custom footy kit accounts from Insta:
  • SaturdaysFootball
  • ClassicFootballShirts
  • IcarusFootball