Cleats Off

Liz Bhandari

Cleats Off is the show that brings you closer to the game you love. Hosted by Liz Bhandari (the founder of NFLGirlUK.com), each episode features a new story in American Football by interviewing players, legends, coaches, media personalities and more. read less

The American Football revolution - How Britain fell in love with the NFL, with Ben Isaacs
Sep 7 2023
The American Football revolution - How Britain fell in love with the NFL, with Ben Isaacs
In this episode of the Cleats Off podcast Liz Bhandari is joined by Ben Isaacs, a journalist and broadcaster. From his co-hosting role on talkSPORT’s NFL coverage to his avid passion for American football, Ben shares details from his latest book, 'The American Football Revolution: How Britain Fell In Love With The NFL'. From Channel 4's pivotal role in introducing the NFL to British homes, to touching stories of fans who've gone to great lengths for their love of the game, Liz and Ben navigate the evolving relationship between the UK and American football.The two discuss the impact of gambling and fantasy sports on the sport's UK popularity, the changing broadcasting landscape, and the cultural shifts driven by the NFL. They also dive into Ben's personal journey with the NFL, exploring the unique intersection of hip hop and American football in the UK context.The Cleats Off Podcast, is a show that brings you closer to the game you love. Liz Bhandari, aka NFLGirlUK, interviews NFL legends, players, and media figures on life in the NFL, what makes them tick as people, and more in this series. Listen to the podcast on Apple, Spreaker, Spotify, or anywhere else you get your podcasts!Social Links:•Follow Liz Bhandari on Twitter @NFLGirlUK (https://twitter.com/nflgirluk).•Find out more about Liz Bhandari at https://www.nflgirluk.com/about/about-liz-bhandari/.•Find out all you need to know about the podcast at http://www.cleatsoff.com/.
Amy Trask, Former CEO of NFL team, the Los Angeles Raiders
Oct 25 2021
Amy Trask, Former CEO of NFL team, the Los Angeles Raiders
In this episode Liz Bhandari interviews the multi-talented Amy Trask, a writer, CBS Sports analyst, former Raiders CEO, and BIG3 Board Chairperson. Amy interned with the Los Angeles Raiders shortly after graduating, and 14 years later, after obtaining experience elsewhere, she was named CEO, becoming the NFL's first female CEO, a feat she never dreamed possible. Trask is also known as the "Princess of Darkness" among Raiders fans.Amy's journey to the NFL is a fascinating one since it was never something she sought out. This episode delves into her parallel legal and football careers, as well as how one led to the other.We look at how Amy became the NFL's first female CEO in a male-dominated industry. Despite the fact that she was the first CEO, ‘women in the NFL’ is still a topic of debate today. We talk to Amy about this and attempt to figure out how we can make the game even more inclusive in the future. The pair discuss Liz’s suggestion of having a rule similar to the Rooney Rule that is expressly to promote female inclusion. Since Amy joined the league, a lot has changed, so this episode doesn't simply focus on the future. It also honours the achievements made thus far, including a mention of Sarah Thomas, the first female to officiate a bowl game.We draw on Amy's two decades of expertise to get her thoughts on the ‘taunting’ and ‘personal foul’ regulations, and the two debate whether they're helping to improve the game. Finally, Amy discusses her book, the technique she used to write it, and if she has any intentions to write more in the future!In this episode we discuss:1.Amy Trask’s career in law and football. (01:05)2.Barriers women face in the NFL. (04:00)3.Shifting women’s inclusion from conversation to commonplace. (08:40)4.The future of the NFL (12:40)5.Recent rule changes to the league. (14:15)6.Amy’s book ‘You Negotiate Like A Girl’ and plans for the future. (15:50)The Cleats Off Podcast, is a show that brings you closer to the game you love. Liz Bhandari, aka NFLGirlUK, interviews NFL legends, players, and media figures on life in the NFL, what makes them tick as people, and more in this series. Listen to the podcast on Apple, Spreaker, Spotify, or anywhere else you get your podcasts!Social Links:•Follow Amy Trask on Twitter @AmyTrask (https://twitter.com/AmyTrask).•Follow Liz Bhandari on Twitter @NFLGirlUK (https://twitter.com/nflgirluk).•Find out more about Liz Bhandari at https://www.nflgirluk.com/about/about-liz-bhandari/. •Find out all you need to know about the podcast at http://www.cleatsoff.com/.
Scott Hanson, Presenter of NFL Red Zone
Oct 11 2021
Scott Hanson, Presenter of NFL Red Zone
In this episode of Cleats Off, Liz Bhandari speaks to Scott Hanson, presenter of NFL RedZone. Before NFL RedZone, Scott was working as a roving reporter, and they would fly him to practice, new conferences, or games in one of the 32 NFL cities. Scott was a guy in a press box, and he would be in one game, but be interested in what was happening in all the other games in other stadiums. When he heard that the NFL was planning to start NFL RedZone, which would show every touchdown from every game, he called them, did an audition, and now he’s doing season 13.In this episode, Scott shares his experience and aspirations as a presenter, his enthusiasm in football, and some of the fantastic things that NFL Redzone brings to the space. IN THIS EPISODE: YOU WILL LEARN: [00:14] How Scott became a football presenter in NFL Redzone [02:45] The inspiration behind Scott’s enthusiasm for football[04:23] Scott’s favourite moment in the games[06:10] How Scott and his team broadcast the games at NFL Redzone[07:48] NFL colleague Scott would recommend stepping in if he missed a game[09:50] The advantages that NFL RedZone has over other football broadcasts[14:04] How Scott joined Simpsons show through Matt Simon [16:29] What makes Los Angeles unique for games and entertainment[18:56] The brand new facility of NFL media in Los Angeles. Notable Quotes: “What you’re delivering is a highlight for someone out there.”“Imitation is the highest form of flattery.”CONNECT WITH USScott HansonTwitter: https://twitter.com/ScottHanson?refInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/scotthanson1Liz BhandariWebsite: https://www.nflgirluk.com/Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/NFLGirlUK/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/NFLGirlUK/Twitter: https://twitter.com/NFLGirlUKYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/NFLGirlUK/ABOUT THE CLEATS OFF PODCAST Cleats Off is the show that brings you closer to the game you love. Hosted by Liz Bhandari, each episode features a new story in American Football by interviewing players, legends, coaches, media personalities and more. Liz Bhandari is a blogger and podcaster. She founded NFLGirlUK.com in 2014 and is an active member of the NFL UK Community. She is the creator behind the weekly ‘NFLUKChat’ hour on Twitter, and is the event organiser behind ‘NFLUKFanMeetUp’.
Hannah Wilkes, Presenter of Overtime on Sky Sports NFL
Oct 14 2020
Hannah Wilkes, Presenter of Overtime on Sky Sports NFL
In this episode of Cleats Off, Liz Bhandari speaks to Hannah Wilkes, presenter of Overtime on Sky Sports NFL which you can catch at 9pm every Tuesday. Hannah has a strong background in journalism and sports broadcasting and works for Sky Sports and Talk Sport. Not only is she a regular on our screens talking about the game, but she’s fallen for the sport the same way we all have… Liz and Hannah discuss…•Pursuing a career in sports journalism•Her passion for sports and choosing her NFL team•Her new show Overtime on Sky Sports NFL•Plus being in the studio with the likes of Neil Reynolds, Jeff Reinebold, Rob Ryan and more.// About The Cleats Off Podcast //Cleats Off is the show that brings you closer to the game you love. Hosted by Liz Bhandari, each episode features a new story in American Football by interviewing players, legends, coaches, media personalities and more. // About your host, Liz Bhandari //Liz Bhandari is an American Football writer and podcaster. She founded the NFLGirlUK.com blog in 2014 and is an active member of the NFL UK Community. She is the creator behind the weekly ‘NFLUKChat’ hour on Twitter, and is the event organiser behind ‘NFLUKFanMeetUp’. As well as hosting Cleats Off, Liz is also a co-host of End Zone Scoop, the UK’s only all-female cast discussing the sport.// Recommended Resources //Follow Liz via @NFLGirlUK on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, and visit her blog at www.nflgirluk.com Follow Hannah at @hannahjwilkes on both Twitter and Instagram.
Jen Welter, the NFL's first female coach
Oct 7 2020
Jen Welter, the NFL's first female coach
In this episode of Cleats Off, Liz Bhandari speaks to Dr Jen Welter, a woman of many firsts, and both a pioneer and trailblazer for women in professional football. She was the first female coach in the NFL, having joined the Arizona Cardinals as line backers coach. She was the first female to play in a men’s professional football league where she played running back. AND She even has two gold medals having played for Team USA.Liz and Jen discuss…•her career journey so far•the amazing memories along the way•developing a winning mindset•her children’s book series on coronavirus// About The Cleats Off Podcast //Cleats Off is the show that brings you closer to the game you love. Hosted by Liz Bhandari, each episode features a new story in American Football by interviewing players, legends, coaches, media personalities and more. // About your host, Liz Bhandari //Liz Bhandari is a blogger and podcaster. She founded NFLGirlUK.com in 2014 and is an active member of the NFL UK Community. She is the creator behind the weekly ‘NFLUKChat’ hour on Twitter, and is the event organiser behind ‘NFLUKFanMeetUp’.// Recommended Resources //Follow Liz via @NFLGirlUK on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, and visit her blog at www.nflgirluk.com Follow Jen at @jwelter47 on both Twitter and Instagram.Don’t forget to check out ‘Play Big: Lessons in Being Limitless from the First Woman to Coach in the NFL’ and her Critter Fitter series of children’s books. All are available on Amazon for delivery anywhere around the world.
Matthew Sherry, founder of Gridiron Magazine
Sep 16 2020
Matthew Sherry, founder of Gridiron Magazine
In this episode of Cleats Off, Liz Bhandari speaks to Matthew Sherry, the founder and editor of Gridiron, the UK's only NFL magazine. Over the course of his journalistic career, Matthew has reported on a wide variety of major sporting events, including the Olympic Games, the Ashes, Premier League football and, of course, the NFL.Liz and Matthew discuss:•His passion for American Football and how it all started•The inspiration and motivation behind creating Gridiron Magazine and the journey it’s taken him on.•And of course, his new book ‘Any Given Sunday: The NFL's Epic 100-Year History in 20 Games’.// About The Cleats Off Podcast //Cleats Off is the show that brings you closer to the game you love. Hosted by Liz Bhandari, each episode features a new story in American Football by interviewing players, legends, coaches, media personalities and more. // About your host, Liz Bhandari //Liz Bhandari is a blogger and podcaster. She founded NFLGirlUK.com in 2014 and is an active member of the NFL UK Community. She is the creator behind the weekly ‘NFLUKChat’ hour on Twitter, and is the event organiser behind ‘NFLUKFanMeetUp’.// Recommended Resources //Follow Liz via @NFLGirlUK on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, and visit her blog at www.nflgirluk.com Follow Matthew on Twitter @MatthewGridiron and for all things Gridiron Magazine, head to www.gridiron-magazine.com where you’ll find more information on his new book Any Given Sunday.
Coach Quincy Avery, President of Quarterback Takeover
Aug 26 2020
Coach Quincy Avery, President of Quarterback Takeover
In this episode of Cleats Off, Liz Bhandari speaks to the legendary quarterback trainer Quincy Avery. Coach Avery is the guru behind QB Takeover, America’s elite quarterback training program, which is designed to give young athletes the mental toughness needed to lead a team, the skills necessary to execute and the mindset to make the right calls when the game is on the line.Liz and Quincy discuss…•His journey to this moment, the hurdles faced and how he kept on track to his dream.•Setting the course for some of the game’s best quarterbacks, and the qualities needed for success.•Being not just a coach but a big brother, and the journeys this has led him on.// About The Cleats Off Podcast //Cleats Off is the show that brings you closer to the game you love. Hosted by Liz Bhandari, each episode features a new story in American Football by interviewing players, legends, coaches, media personalities and more. // About your host, Liz Bhandari //Liz Bhandari is a blogger and podcaster. She founded NFLGirlUK.com in 2014 and is an active member of the NFL UK Community. She is the creator behind the weekly ‘NFLUKChat’ hour on Twitter, and is the event organiser behind ‘NFLUKFanMeetUp’.// Recommended Resources //Follow Liz via @NFLGirlUK on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, and visit her blog at www.nflgirluk.com Follow Quincy on Instagram at @quincyavery and at quincy_avery on Twitter. And of course, you can learn more about his work at QBtakeover.com