Modern Soccer Coach Podcast

Επεισόδια

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  How To Build a Game Model in a New Football Culture with Andy Thomson 20.07.2026 53λ

  New MSC Training Session Resources: https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/shop What does it really take to build a game model from in a new culture? In this episode of the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast, Gary Curneen sits down with Andy Thomson, First Team Coach at Beijing Guoan, to explore how he and Nick Montgomery have built a clear football identity in one of the most demanding environments in world football. We dive deep into: Building a game model in a completely new culture Creating simple, repeatable playing principles Why coach behaviour shapes team identity High pressing and possession without overcomplicating the game Session design that reinforces your playing philosophy Why "the best fitness coach is the football coach" Balancing tactics, physical preparation and player development The importance of brilliant basics over coaching jargon Advice for coaches looking to reach the professional game This is a practical conversation for coaches at every level who want to build a team with a clear identity and understand how elite coaches turn ideas into performances. 👍 If you'd like Andy to return and break down one of his training sessions, make sure to LIKE this video and leave a comment below. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations with the world's leading football coaches and performance experts.
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  The Player Development vs National Identity Debate in Football | Drew Taylor 14.07.2026 1ώ 3λ

  What should a national team actually stand for? Following Australia's 2026 World Cup campaign, one of the biggest debates in football resurfaced: should national teams have a clear identity, and how much responsibility do federations have in shaping the next generation of players? In this episode of the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast, Gary Curneen is joined by Drew Taylor, Director of Football at Newington College in Australia, coach educator, and one of the country's leading voices in player development. Together they explore: ⚽ Why "golden generations" are the wrong way to measure success ⚽ Whether national playing philosophies help or hinder player development ⚽ How Australia can develop more elite players ⚽ The balance between team identity and individual creativity ⚽ Why youth football often rewards systems over exceptional players ⚽ The role of coaches, parents and football culture in long-term development This isn't just a conversation about Australia. It's a discussion every coach, academy, club and federation can learn from as they try to develop players capable of competing at the highest level. If you enjoyed this conversation, please like the video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with your coaching community. 📚 Coaching Resources: 👉 https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/shop 🎓 Free Coaching Content: 👉 https://www.modernsoccercoach.com 🎙️ Listen to the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast for more conversations with leading coaches, technical directors and player development experts from around the world. #FootballCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #YouthFootball #CoachEducation #ModernSoccerCoach #SoccerCoaching #WorldCup #Australia #FootballDevelopment #DrewTaylor
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  The US Is Winning... But Here's What Really Matters (World Cup Thoughts) 02.07.2026 16λ

  Check out MSC World Cup Breakdowns below: https://www.youtube.com/@ModernSoccerCoachTV What should success at the World Cup actually mean for US Soccer? Following the USA's impressive knockout victory over Bosnia, Gary Curneen steps back from the tactics to explore a bigger question: what kind of legacy could this World Cup leave behind? Is success simply about more kids playing the game, or should it be measured by something deeper—a stronger football culture, better coaching, improved player development, and a growing tactical identity? In this episode, Gary discusses: Why participation alone isn't enough The difference between growing the game and improving the game What has impressed him most about Mauricio Pochettino's US team Why tactical flexibility could become the defining legacy of this generation What coaches can do to build on the momentum of the World Cup Watch our full tactical breakdown of USA vs Bosnia on the Modern Soccer Coach YouTube channel and join the conversation. What do you think should be the legacy of this World Cup for US Soccer? Let us know in the comments.
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  Game Rhythm: The Most Overlooked Tactical Concept in Football with Bernat Mosquera 24.06.2026 20λ

  Click here for MSC New YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ModernSoccerCoachTV You can join Bernat's 7-Day Coaching Accelerator for free here: https://modern-coach-hub.teachable.com/purchase?product_id=6638723 What separates the best teams in the world from everyone else? According to coach educator Bernat Mosquera, it might not be possession, pressing, or formations—it might be their ability to control the rhythm of a game. In this episode, taken from our Modern Soccer Coach TV World Cup livestream, Bernat and Gary dive into one of the most overlooked concepts in football: tempo management. They discuss why some teams thrive in chaos, why others need control, and how coaches can help players recognize when to speed the game up and when to slow it down. The conversation also explores: ⚽ Why Argentina, Spain, and Brazil manage tempo so effectively ⚽ The balance between risk and control in possession ⚽ How culture influences playing style and decision-making ⚽ Why England may be better in transition than against a low block ⚽ The impact of substitutions and game rhythm in youth and college soccer ⚽ Practical ideas for coaches looking to develop more intelligent teams If you're interested in the tactical side of the game beyond formations and systems, this is a fascinating discussion on one of football's most important—and least discussed—topics. #modernsoccercoach #garycurneen #footballideas #coachdevelopment #tacticalanalysis #worldcup #soccercoaching #footballcoaching
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  World Cup Hydration Break Debate: Are Coaches Taking Over the Game? With Ashley Gumbrell 22.06.2026 46λ

  Join us for bonus MSC World Cup content: https://www.youtube.com/@ModernSoccerCoachTV Are hydration breaks helping the game... or hurting it? At the 2026 World Cup, hydration breaks have become much more than player recovery. Coaches are using them to deliver tactical information, adjust game plans, and influence momentum in ways we've never seen before. In this episode, Ashley Gumbrell joins Gary Curneen to discuss: ⚽ The rise of "tactical timeouts" in football ⚽ What coaches are actually doing during hydration breaks ⚽ The balance between coaching and player autonomy ⚽ Lessons from Tuchel, Pochettino and other World Cup coaches ⚽ Whether more information is really helping players perform As coaching behaviours continue to evolve, are these interventions improving decision-making—or taking too much responsibility away from the players?
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  The Tactical Themes Defining World Cup 2026 (So Far) 16.06.2026 16λ

  Join our World Cup YouTube coverage on MSC TV below: https://www.youtube.com/@ModernSoccerCoachTV What tactical themes are emerging from the opening week of World Cup 2026? In this episode of the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast, Gary Curneen shares three coaching lessons that have stood out so far from the tournament. Drawing on reports from the MSC analysis team and observations from matches across the competition, we explore why the mid-block is becoming the defensive strategy of choice, how the best teams are finding multiple solutions to break it down, and why in-game adaptation may be the most important coaching skill in tournament football. Featuring examples from Brazil, Morocco, the Netherlands, Japan, Australia, and more, this episode is packed with practical insights for coaches looking to improve their understanding of both attacking and defending at the highest level. ⚽ Why the mid-block is defining the tournament ⚽ Different ways teams are defending without the ball ⚽ How top teams create new attacking solutions when Plan A stops working ⚽ The importance of tactical adaptation during games ⚽ Key coaching takeaways from the opening matches Watch our daily World Cup tactical breakdowns on MSC TV and join the conversation as the tournament unfolds.
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  Why America Struggles to Develop Creative Soccer Players with Benny Feilhaber 10.06.2026 42λ

  Former US Men's National Team midfielder Benny Feilhaber joins the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast for an in-depth conversation on creativity, player development, and the future of soccer in the United States. Growing up in Brazil before moving to America, Benny offers a unique perspective on why creative players emerge in certain environments, the role of futsal and unstructured play, and whether the United States can develop more technically gifted players without replicating other football cultures. We also discuss: ⚽ The creativity debate in American soccer 🇧🇷 Lessons from Brazil's player development system 🇺🇸 MLS Academies, USL, and college soccer pathways 🎓 Benny's surprising journey from UCLA walk-on to World Cup player 📈 How US player development has improved over the last 20 years 🌍 American coaches working abroad 🏆 Expectations for the US Men's National Team at the FIFA World Cup This is one of the most honest and thoughtful conversations you'll hear on where the American game is today—and where it could be headed next. 🔗 Learn more about our episode sponsor, Zone 14: https://zone14soccer.com #modernsoccercoach #garycurneen #footballideas #bennyfeilhaber #ussoccer #playerdevelopment #soccercoach #footballcoach #worldcup
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  Scotland's World Cup Reality: Why Haiti Could Be Their Toughest Test - John Walker's Preview 04.06.2026 30λ

  Subscribe to MSC World Cup coverage: https://www.youtube.com/@ModernSoccerCoachTV Check out John's World Cup work here: https://patreon.com/JohnWalkerFootballAnalysis?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Scotland are back on the World Cup stage, but what should coaches and fans expect from Steve Clarke's side? In this World Cup preview, Gary Curneen sits down with analyst John Walker to break down Scotland's chances, key players, tactical approach, and the challenges they will face in a fascinating group featuring Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti. We discuss: ⚽ Why Scotland remain one of the most organized teams in international football ⚽ Can Scott McTominay deliver another tournament-defining moment? ⚽ Why Haiti could be one of the surprise teams of the World Cup ⚽ The importance of Tierney, Robertson, and Scotland's wing-back system ⚽ Concerns around injuries, squad depth, and player availability ⚽ How Scotland can navigate a difficult group and reach the knockout stages ⚽ John's prediction for Scotland's World Cup campaign John is also producing detailed analysis on every team and every game throughout the tournament, making him one of the best follows for coaches looking to deepen their understanding of the World Cup. Subscribe for more MSC World Cup content, including: 🎥 Tactical breakdowns 📊 Live match analysis streams ⚽ Training session ideas inspired by World Cup teams 🎙️ Interviews with coaches and analysts from around the game #Scotland #WorldCup2026 #SteveClarke #ScottMcTominay #FootballAnalysis #SoccerCoaching #ModernSoccerCoach #TacticalAnalysis #WorldCupPreview #CoachingEducation #FootballTactics #JohnWalker #ScotlandNationalTeam #garycurneen #soccertactics
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  Stop separating technique from decision-making with Bas Van Baar (FC Twente Academy) 03.06.2026 57λ

  Check out MSC Online Courses this summer: https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/analysis Dutch football has long been admired for its ability to develop intelligent players, but Gary Curneen's recent conversation with FC Twente and Heracles Academy Head of Football Development Bas van Baar offered a fascinating insight into how that process actually works. Rather than focusing on patterns, formations, or rehearsed movements, their academy is built around developing players who can recognize situations, make decisions, and solve problems independently. It is a philosophy rooted in principles rather than prescriptions. One of the most thought-provoking ideas from the discussion was the belief that technique should never be separated from decision-making. Bas describes football as a constant cycle of taking information, making a decision, executing an action, and evaluating the outcome. As a result, much of FC Twente's training takes place through games rather than isolated drills, ensuring players are continually exposed to the realities of football. Even their youth development pathway reflects this approach, with younger players focusing on individual principles before gradually progressing towards more complex tactical understanding. The conversation also explored player development beyond the training ground, including managing late developers, individual development plans, parent education, and building an academy culture that prioritizes long-term growth. Whether you coach in a grassroots environment, high school soccer, or an elite academy, there are practical lessons throughout this discussion that challenge conventional thinking and offer a fresh perspective on developing smarter footballers.
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  Why Australia Is Producing Better Players Again with Cam Jones 28.05.2026 52λ

  In this episode of the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast, Gary Curneen sits down with Cam Jones — former professional player, current Western Sydney Wanderers academy coach, and founder of Spark Football — to explore the current state of player development in Australia. From coming through the Australian “golden generation” era alongside names like Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka to now helping shape the next wave of talent, Cam brings a unique perspective on where the Australian game has been and where it is heading. This conversation dives deep into: Individual development within team environments Why 1v1 training alone is not enough Technical vs intellectual player development Pattern recognition and decision-making The role of culture in producing elite players Australia’s changing development landscape Mindset, resilience, and modern player behavior How elite academies can better develop the next generation Cam also discusses the emergence of Australia’s newest talents, the lessons learned from the 2006 generation, and why he believes the country is beginning to produce more intelligent and adaptable footballers again. A brilliant discussion for coaches interested in youth development, academy football, football intelligence, and the future of the game. Subscribe for more elite coaching conversations, tactical breakdowns, and World Cup content on Modern Soccer Coach TV.
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  10 Years at City: Pep Guardiola’s Legacy on Modern Coaches 26.05.2026 36λ

  Check out MSC Online Courses below: https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/analysis For 10 years, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City became one of the defining teams of modern football. But beyond the trophies and performances, Pep’s greatest impact may have been on the coaches watching from the sidelines. In this MSC Breakdown, Gary Curneen looks back at Guardiola’s legacy through interviews, press conference moments, reflections, and soundbites from his time at Manchester City. Organized into key themes and ideas, this episode explores how Pep influenced coaching conversations around positional play, leadership, player development, intensity, creativity, and the evolution of the modern game. This is not a tactical clip breakdown. It is a reflection on the ideas, philosophy, and moments that shaped a coaching era. Topics include: Pep’s philosophy and leadership The evolution of modern coaching Building elite standards and culture Creativity, control, and positional play Pressure, intensity, and expectations Pep’s influence on a generation of coaches Subscribe for more coaching conversations, tactical analysis, and elite football content from Modern Soccer Coach.
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  Brazil Legend Silas on Maradona, Creativity & the World Cup 25.05.2026 40λ

  Follow MSC World Cup coverage here: https://www.youtube.com/@ModernSoccerCoachTV Check out Silas' book here: https://beyondsuccess.info/book Brazil legend Silas joins Gary Curneen for an incredible conversation on Brazilian creativity, Maradona, the pressure of wearing Brazil’s famous #10 shirt, and why modern football has changed the game forever. Silas reflects on playing for Brazil at the 1986 and 1990 FIFA World Cups, facing Diego Maradona, life at Sampdoria during the golden era of Serie A, and what made Brazilian players different from the rest of the world. We also discuss: The truth behind Brazilian creativity Why football in Brazil feels like a religion Maradona’s iconic moment against Brazil in 1990 The evolution of the #10 role Why modern football has become more tactical and physical Carlo Ancelotti and Brazil’s World Cup chances Coaching, player freedom, and youth development The pressures of coaching in Brazil This is a fascinating insight into Brazilian football culture from one of the game’s great playmakers. #Brazil #WorldCup #Maradona #FootballPodcast #SoccerPodcast #BrazilFootball #SerieA #ModernSoccerCoach #Ancelotti #Ronaldinho #FootballCoaching
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  Game Day Coaching Behaviors with Ashley Gumbrell | Touchline Culture, Emotion & Player Development 20.05.2026 45λ

  Check Out ‘Performance Football Coaching’ at St Mary’s University below: https://www.stmarys.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/performance-football-coaching What impact do coaching behaviors really have on players during competition? In this episode of the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast, Ashley Gumbrell joins us to discuss one of the most overlooked areas in coach education — game day coaching behavior. From emotional touchlines and sideline personas to silence, instruction, referee interactions, and player development, this conversation dives deep into how coaches influence the game from the sidelines. We also discuss: Why touchline behavior becomes contagious The difference between grassroots, academy, and elite environments Emotional control and self-awareness for coaches Should coaches sit in the stands instead of the bench? How clubs are beginning to code and analyze coaching behaviors The influence of elite coaches on youth environments Ashley’s groundbreaking PhD research into in-game coaching behavior A fascinating conversation for coaches at every level of the game. Huge thanks to Ashley for joining us again on the podcast
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  Inside PSV: Why Dutch Development Still Leads the World with Aloys Wijnker 18.05.2026 43λ

  What does one of Europe’s most historic development clubs actually believe about player development in 2026? In this episode of the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast, Gary Curneen travels to the Netherlands to sit down with PSV Academy Director Aloys Wijnker for an in-depth conversation on the philosophy, methodology, and environment behind one of football’s great talent factories. From Ronaldo Nazário and Romário to Arjen Robben and Cody Gakpo, PSV has produced and developed generations of elite players. But this conversation goes far beyond history. Aloys breaks down: Why PSV prioritizes autonomy and decision-making The danger of over-coaching young players Why youth development is not about winning games How coaches can create ownership and responsibility The balance between tactics, creativity, and technique Why isolated technical training misses the point The role of psychology, video, and data in modern academies What he learned from coaching in the United States How PSV structures development from U10 to the first team Why great academies start with a clear football identity This is one of the deepest conversations we’ve had on modern player development and coach education. If you’re a youth coach, academy director, technical leader, or simply passionate about football development, this episode is packed with ideas that will challenge the way you think about coaching. Subscribe for more episodes in our Netherlands Football Development Series.
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  Stop Copying Pro Environments | John Murphy on Coaching Challenges, High School & Player Development 14.05.2026 1ώ 2λ

  Check out MSC online courses below: https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/analysis What happens when coaches try to copy elite professional environments without understanding the players actually in front of them? John’s coached across multiple levels of the game, including more than a decade in Major League Soccer, over fourteen years as a collegiate head coach, and extensive work as a U.S. Soccer coach educator. But what makes this conversation really fascinating is the work he’s now doing away from the touchline. In this episode of the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast, Gary Curneen sits down with longtime coach educator and former professional coach John Murphy for a deep discussion on modern coaching, high school soccer, player development, coach education, and the changing realities of working with today’s athletes. The conversation explores: Why coaching feels harder today The danger of copying pro environments High school soccer in America Coach education and player understanding Periodization and modern methodology Parenting culture in youth sports American vs European coaching culture The importance of context, empathy, and communication Why coaches must “coach the players they have” John Murphy also discusses his doctoral research examining modern coach education and how coaches can better support players beyond simply tactics and performance. This is one of the most honest and thought-provoking coaching conversations we’ve had on the channel.
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  Didier Chambaron: Why Coaching Courses Aren’t Enough 07.05.2026 1ώ 4λ

  Check Out ‘Performance Football Coaching’ at St Mary’s University below: https://www.stmarys.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/performance-football-coaching Director of Coach Education at U.S. Soccer, Didier Chambaron joins Gary Curneen on Modern Soccer Coach Podcast for one of the most important conversations we’ve had around coach education, player development, and the future of coaching culture in the United States. As Director of Coach Education at U.S. Soccer, Didier shares his thoughts on: - Why attending coaching courses alone is not enough - The difference between coach education and coach development - Creating player-centered environments - Building learning cultures inside clubs - The role of humility in elite coaching This conversation goes far beyond licenses and curriculum. It gets into identity, leadership, environment design, and what truly impacts player development. A huge thank you to Didier for such an open and thoughtful discussion. Make sure you subscribe for more elite coaching conversations, tactical breakdowns, and player development content. A huge thank you as well to St Mary’s University for supporting the episode. Their fully distance learning Master’s in Performance Football Coaching gives coaches the opportunity to continue developing at a high level while still working in the game day-to-day.
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  The Mental Side of Coaching Starts on the Grass with Dan Abrahams 05.05.2026 59λ

  Download MSC FREE Attacking Final 3rd PDF here: https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/product-page/msc-6-final-third-attacking-exercises In this episode of the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast, Gary Curneen sits down with Dan Abrahams to explore one of the most important — and often misunderstood — areas in coaching: performance psychology. Dan also talks about his new book: Compete and get into into what really drives player performance under pressure, why elite players can still struggle mentally, and how coaches can actually develop mindset within their training sessions — not in meetings, not in classrooms, but on the grass. We also dive into: – Why fear and pressure are part of elite environments – How mindset impacts decision-making and execution – The difference between performance and mentality – Practical ways to coach psychology during sessions – Why engagement is the starting point for everything This is a conversation for coaches who want to move beyond just tactics and start developing players who can truly compete.
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  Aaron Danks - From FA to Bayern Munich: Success Leaves Clues 04.05.2026 40λ

  This week on the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast, we revisit a 2019 conversation with Aaron Danks — now an assistant coach at Bayern Munich. This episode was recorded years ago, but when you listen back, what stands out is how early these ideas were being discussed. We get into specialist coaching, collaboration across staff, and how top environments are designed to develop players — not just run sessions. Aaron also breaks down his thinking around clarity vs chaos in training, and why the best players thrive when they’re given both structure and freedom. There’s also a strong focus on coach development — challenging norms, thinking differently, and being willing to step outside traditional methods to move forward in the game. This isn’t just about tactics. It’s about how elite coaches think. Inside the episode: – The rise of specialist coaching and why roles matter – How top environments break down silos between staff – Clarity vs chaos: finding the right balance in training – Why enjoyment and environment still drive elite performance – Talent needs perspective: managing modern players – Using analysis and data to challenge coaching ideas If you’re serious about developing as a coach, this is a conversation that will make you think. Make sure to subscribe for more weekly coaching content from Modern Soccer Coach.
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  Glenn Crooks - Inside Elite US Coaching & Culture: What Top Coaches Do Differently 30.04.2026 50λ

  This week on the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast, Gary Curneen is joined by Glenn Crooks. A former Division 1 college coach, MLS commentator for New York City FC, and host of the Coaching Academy on SiriusXM, Glenn brings a unique perspective shaped by years inside the game. His new book, Put It on Frame, draws from conversations with some of the top coaching minds and forms the foundation for a discussion that goes well beyond tactics. This episode gets into the reality of coaching at a deeper level — what actually separates top coaches, how they think, and how they lead. It’s a conversation about clarity, personality, and managing people in environments that are constantly evolving. Gary and Glenn also explore the current state of US coaching and player development — a landscape that continues to grow, but is still searching for a clear identity at the highest levels of the game. In this episode, we cover: What top coaches really do differently Why coaching is more about managing than tactics The biggest challenges in US player development Key trends shaping MLS right now What success should actually look like for the US national team If you’re serious about your coaching, this episode will challenge how you see the role and what it really demands. If you’d like to win a copy of Glenn’s book, comment “book” below. Make sure to like and subscribe for more weekly coaching content.
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  The Truth About High School Soccer in the U.S. with Jim Harte 29.04.2026 41λ

  Check out MSC High School Course below: https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/post/msc-launches-online-high-school-game-model-course High school soccer is often overlooked in the U.S. development landscape — but are we getting this completely wrong? In this episode of the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast, Jim Harte shares a powerful perspective on the role of high school soccer, why it continues to thrive, and what the game might be missing by shifting too far toward club structures. We dive into: Where high school soccer sits in today’s landscape The rise of the High School Champions League Player experience vs “development” models Community, identity, and why the game still matters What coaches can actually take from this This is a conversation that challenges assumptions — and forces us to rethink what development really means. If you’re a coach working in high school, club, or both, this is one you need to hear.