Chelsea didn’t just sack Enzo Maresca on New Year’s Day; they revealed what they really want to be.
In this episode of Shaft Sports, Erasmus breaks down why Maresca’s exit wasn’t simply about form… and why this keeps happening at modern clubs built on “systems” rather than managers.
We dig into:
- Why Chelsea’s model prioritises assets, youth, and resale value
- Why the head coach is not the centrepiece in this structure
- How recruitment, medical control, and squad planning can clash with winning now
- The “development paradox”: building a team while constantly reshuffling it
- Why Maresca’s exit felt inevitable, even after trophies + UCL qualification
The bigger question: Is Chelsea building the future of football — or a permanent experiment?
Because if Chelsea’s vision works, they become the smartest club in Europe.
But if it doesn’t… they become the club that’s always developing and never arriving.
👇 Drop your take in the comments:
Was Chelsea right to sack Maresca? And can this model actually win big titles?
Subscribe for weekly deep dives on the Premier League, club projects, ownership models, and the stories behind the headlines.
#chelsea, #cfc, #premierleague, #enzomaresca, #marescasacked, #chelseaowners, #toddboehly, #clearlake, #footballownership, #footballtactics, #footballanalysis, #chelseanews, #chelseaproject, #premierleagueanalysis, #footballbusiness, #sportingdirectors, #transferstrategy, #squadbuilding, #modernfootball, #managersacked, #footballdocumentary, #youtubefootball, #clubmodel, #footballculture, #chelseafans, #chelseadebate, #shaftsports, #theshaftconversations
Subscribe to our channels and enjoy this episode:
YouTube: @theshaftpodcasts. .
Spotify: https://spotify.link/oHwF5hicHDb
Appreciations for this Episode:
Host: Erasmus Segbefia
Video Production: Andrews Terkpertey
Video Editing: Samuel Okuadjo
Timestamps:
00:00 | Introduction & Why Maresca’s Exit Matters
03:58 | Chelsea’s Ownership Model: System over Manager (Clearlake, Sporting Directors, Player-Asset Logic)
07:54 | Where It Broke: Squad Balance, Recruitment Friction, Media/Medical Control, “Unworkable” Mandate
25:16 | What Chelsea Wants Next: The “Head Coach” Profile, Risks of the Model & Final Verdict
Premier League Christmas chaos is here — Arsenal vs Man City vs Aston Villa, the 115 charges cloud, relegation sleepers, January transfers, and the 10 hottest EPL questions everyone’s debating.
In this episode of Shaft Sports, we rank the Top 10 most controversial Christmas Premier League questions—from the City 115 saga, to which “big club” is drifting into danger, to the transfer move that could flip the title race.
We go 10 → 1 and end on the only question that matters: WHO wins the league from here?
Drop your answers below: which question decides the season?
Subscribe for weekly EPL breakdowns + bold predictions.
#PremierLeague, #EPL, #Arsenal, #ManchesterCity, #AstonVilla, #TitleRace, #ChristmasFootball, #FootballTwitter, #TransferNews, #JanuaryTransferWindow, #ManCity115, #115Charges, #RelegationBattle, #TopFourRace, #Arteta, #Maresca, #ShaftSports, #FootballPodcast, #MatchdayAnalysis, #PremierLeaguePredictions, #EnglishFootball, #SoccerDebate, #EPLTalk, #FootballNews
Subscribe to our channels and enjoy this episode:
YouTube: @theshaftpodcasts. .
Spotify: https://spotify.link/oHwF5hicHDb
Appreciations for this Episode:
Host: Andy Terku and Erasmus Segbefia
Video Production: Andrews Terkpertey
Video Editing: Samuel Okuadjo
Timestamps:
00:00 | Christmas Reality Check + The “Top 10 Questions” Setup
04:14 | Who’s in Danger + January Signings That Could Flip the Season
11:20 | Arsenal’s Striker Problem + Arteta vs Maresca (Who’s Really Better?)
26:56 | Title Race Heat Check: 3-Horse Race? City’s 2nd-Half Surge + Villa “Real or Run?”
38:57 | Are Arsenal Slipping? + Final Predictions: Who Wins the League?
2026 goals, habits, and consistency, this is the New Year episode that helps you increase your odds in 2026 by building a personal operating system. No recycled “wake up at 5am” advice, just what works for you.
Most people don’t fail because they’re lazy. They fail because they copy systems built for someone else, then blame themselves when it collapses by February.
In the first episode of 2026, I’m joined by Erasmus to break down how to stop “resetting” every month and start building momentum using something simple: pattern recognition.
In this episode, we cover:
1. Why your best seasons aren’t luck (they’re evidence)
2. How to study your wins and extract what actually works
3. Turning patterns into routines that survive real life
4. How to increase your odds without becoming robotic
5. The 2026 framework: design over motivation
2026 challenge: Pick 3 wins from last year → extract 3 principles → test them for 14 days.
💬 Question: What’s one condition that makes you perform at your best? (sleep? environment? pressure? routines?) Drop it below.
#2026, #NewYear2026, #NewYearReset, #2026Goals, #GoalSetting, #Habits, #HabitBuilding, #Consistency, #Discipline, #Productivity, #SystemsThinking, #Routines, #SelfImprovement, #PersonalDevelopment, #Mindset, #GrowthMindset, #SelfAwareness, #Focus, #Motivation, #LifeDesign, #HighPerformance, #Reflection, #Journaling, #DecisionMaking, #MentalHealth, #theShaftConversations, #Podcast, #PodcastClips, #LifeAdvice, #SelfMastery
For more engaging content and discussions, follow us on our social media platforms:
Twitter: https://x.com/theshaftpoddie_/status/...
Instagram: / theshaftpodcast. .
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
Subscribe to our channels and enjoy this episode:
YouTube: / @theshaftpodcasts. .
Spotify: https://spotify.link/oHwF5hicHDb
Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
Appreciations for this Episode:
Hosts: Andrews Terku & Erasmus Segbefia
Video Production: Andrews Terkpertey
Video Editing: Samuel Okuadjo
Social Media Management: Pearl Kwadade
Timestamps:
00:00 | Life Feels Random: Why Your “Good Seasons” Disappear
04:42 | Spot the Patterns: Reflection, Risk & Building Your Principles
19:49 | Control vs Chaos: Socialization, Environment & What Shapes Happiness
36:04 | Make Wins Repeatable: Your Personal System + Final 2026 Takeaways
December pressure is loud: “finish strong”, “new year, new me”… but real life is messy. In this episode, we break down how to reflect honestly without self-hate, process what didn’t happen, and end the year with clarity, self-compassion, and a plan that actually fits your life.
We cover:
- Why December triggers comparison + self-judgment
- How to review your year like data, not a verdict
- What to do with goals you didn’t hit (without shame)
- How to carry lessons forward without dragging guilt into January
Drop a comment: What’s one lesson you’re taking into the new year?
🎧 Listen to the full episode
📌 The Shaft Conversations — Real Dialogues for Real People
#yearendreflection, #newyearmindset, #selfcompassion, #personaldevelopment, #selfgrowth, #mindsetshift, #mentalhealth, #motivation, #productivity, #goalsetting, #growthmindset, #habits, #discipline, #consistency, #journaling, #clarity, #selfimprovement, #lifeadvice, #anxiety, #burnoutrecovery, #overthinking, #mindfulness, #confidence, #emotionalhealth, #theshaftconversations, #podcast, #podcastclips, #reflection, #reset, #2025goals
For more engaging content and discussions, follow us on our social media platforms:
Twitter: https://x.com/theshaftpoddie_/status/...
Instagram: / theshaftpodcast. .
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
Subscribe to our channels and enjoy this episode:
YouTube: / @theshaftpodcasts. .
Spotify: https://spotify.link/oHwF5hicHDb
Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
Appreciations for this Episode:
Hosts: Andrews Terku & Erasmus Segbefia
Video Production: Andrews Terkpertey
Video Editing: Samuel Okuadjo
Social Media Management: Pearl Kwadade
Timestamps:
00:00 | The December Dilemma (Pressure, Comparison & Emotional Accounting)
02:52 | Healthy Reflection (Wins vs Losses, Goals & Tracking What Matters)
07:20 | Self-Compassion + Learning From Setbacks (Honest Assessment, Better Questions)
23:05 | Clarity, Purpose & The New Year Plan (What You Want, Why You Want It, What It Takes)
Haaland Ascends, Salah Falls: Two Kings at a Crossroads
Right now in the Premier League, we are witnessing two legends heading in opposite directions.
🔥 Erling Haaland just became the fastest player ever to reach 100 Premier League goals, hitting the milestone in only 111 matches. His trajectory is historic — and he’s already on pace to challenge Alan Shearer’s all-time record.
🔥 Mohamed Salah, meanwhile, has publicly blasted Liverpool for “throwing him under the bus,” has been benched for three straight matches, and now hints his next game could be his last at Anfield.
In this episode of Shaft Sports, we break down:
• Haaland’s insane numbers and whether he can break Shearer’s 260-goal record
• Salah’s dramatic decline — on the pitch AND in his relationship with Liverpool
• Whether this is the beginning of the end for Salah
• How two Premier League icons arrived at opposite trajectories
• What happens next for both superstars
Let us know in the comments:
– Does Haaland stay long enough to break the record?
– Has Salah been disrespected or is Slot making the right call?
– Where does Salah play next season?
👊 This is Shaft Sports — football analysis done properly.
#ErlingHaaland, #MohamedSalah, #PremierLeague, #ManchesterCity, #LiverpoolFC, #HaalandVsSalah, #FootballAnalysis, #EPLDebate, #AlanShearerRecord, #SalahExit, #ShaftSports, #FootballPodcast, #SoccerDebate, #HaalandRecords, #SalahInterview, #PremierLeagueDrama, #ManCity, #LFC
Subscribe to our channels and enjoy this episode:
YouTube: @theshaftpodcasts. .
Spotify: https://spotify.link/oHwF5hicHDb
Appreciations for this Episode:
Host: Andy Terku and Erasmus Segbefia
Video Production: Andrews Terkpertey
Video Editing: Samuel Okuadjo
Timestamps:
00:00 – 06:42 — Haaland’s Rise & Historic Dominance
06:43 – 21:00 — Haaland vs Kane & Salah’s Decline Begins
21:01 – 36:07 — Salah’s Fallout, Two Futures, One Premier League Shift
Most people don’t fail because they lack discipline — they fail because they’re trying to copy routines that were never designed for their life.
On the internet, discipline looks like:
5AM mornings. Cold plunges. Two-hour routines. Perfect meal prep. Journaling. Gym sessions. Meditation. Deep work.
But for real people?
Life is noisy, stressful, unpredictable… and full of responsibilities.
In this episode, we break down the truth:
Discipline only works when it fits your reality.
🎙️ What we explore:
- Why “internet discipline” is unrealistic for real life
- Why people think they’re lazy (when they actually aren’t)
- How decision fatigue destroys motivation
- How to build routines that fit your current season of life
- Minimum Viable Routines: the secret to staying consistent
- Why internal feedback matters more than external validation
- How to stop punishing yourself & build sustainable habits
- The difference between necessary and unnecessary suffering
- Real-life strategies to design routines that actually work
If you’ve ever felt behind, undisciplined, or inconsistent, this conversation will free you.
You are not broken. Your routine just needs to be redesigned.
🎧 Listen to the full episode
📌 The Shaft Conversations — Real Dialogues for Real People
#discipline, #routines, #selfdiscipline, #productivity, #mindset, #habitbuilding, #consistency, #personalgrowth, #selfdevelopment, #mentalhealth, #decisionfatigue, #focus, #motivation, #realisticroutines, #lifeadvice, #mindsetshift, #growthmindset, #theShaftConversations, #podcastclips, #selfimprovement
For more engaging content and discussions, follow us on our social media platforms:
Twitter: https://x.com/theshaftpoddie_/status/...
Instagram: / theshaftpodcast. .
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
Subscribe to our channels and enjoy this episode:
YouTube: / @theshaftpodcasts. .
Spotify: https://spotify.link/oHwF5hicHDb
Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
Appreciations for this Episode:
Hosts: Andrews Terku & Erasmus Segbefia
Video Production: Andrews Terkpertey
Video Editing: Samuel Okuadjo
Social Media Management: Pearl Kwadade
Timestamps:
00:00 | The Myth of Perfect Routines & Hustle Culture
06:53 | Internal Feedback, Self-Judgment & Mental Resilience
22:54 | Decision Fatigue, Willpower & Why Routines Collapse
30:31 | Designing Realistic Routines for Changing Lives
44:37 | Focus, Systems, Planning & Final Reflections
The Premier League table at Christmas has a reputation: it never lies.
And right now… it’s telling Arsenal a painful truth.
A late defeat to Aston Villa.
Manchester City closing the gap.
Villa turning into a real contender.
In today’s episode of Shaft Sports, we break down:
🔹 How the Christmas picture exposes title challengers
🔹 Whether Arsenal’s lead is evaporating for real
🔹 Why Aston Villa are the most dangerous team in the league right now
🔹 Who we expect in the top four going into the New Year
🔹 Whether the Christmas table actually predicts the final standings
We also dive into 30+ years of Premier League data to answer the big question:
Does being top at Christmas really mean you’ll win the title?
Let us know in the comments:
– Who will be top at Christmas?
– Who finishes in the top four?
– Are Arsenal quietly losing control of the title race?
👊 This is Shaft Sports. Let’s talk football properly.
#PremierLeague, #Arsenal, #ManchesterCity, #AstonVilla, #PremierLeagueTitleRace, #ArsenalFC, #MCFC, #AVFC, #TopFourRace, #FootballAnalysis, #ShaftSports, #PremierLeaguePredictions, #ChristmasTable, #FootballPodcast, #EPLTalk, #SportsCommentary, #FootballInsights
Subscribe to our channels and enjoy this episode:
YouTube: @theshaftpodcasts. .
Spotify: https://spotify.link/oHwF5hicHDb
Appreciations for this Episode:
Host: Andy Terku and Erasmus Segbefia
Video Production: Andrews Terkpertey
Video Editing: Samuel Okuadjo
Timestamps:
00:00 – 05:03 — Setting the Stage & Arsenal Under the Microscope
05:04 – 30:11 — Tactics, Top Four Race & United’s Struggles
30:12 – 39:03 — The Christmas Table Myth & Final Takeaways
Who you become is not just about your talent, your personality, or your “true self.”
It’s about your environment — the people, spaces, cultures, beliefs, and conditions shaping you every day without your permission.
In this episode, we break down one of the most misunderstood forces in personal growth:
Your environment is not a background.
It is an architect.
It builds you. It bends you. It defines your limits — until you learn to define them yourself.
Together, we explore:
- Why there are no bad friends — only bad friendships
- How early environments shape who you think you are
- The science of phenotypic plasticity and how our minds adapt
- Why two equally gifted people end up in completely different lives
- How environments shape ambition, confidence, and belief systems
- Why many adults are still living out their parents’ early programming
- How to tell where your authentic self ends and your environment begins
- Why some people need adversity to grow — and others need stability
- How to choose (or escape) the environments that are shaping your future
This episode goes deep: biology, psychology, philosophy, and the messy realities of life.
If you’ve ever wondered why you struggle, why you evolve, or why you feel “stuck” in patterns you didn’t choose — this conversation will hit home.
🎧 Watch the full episode.
It might explain more about your life than anything you’ve heard this year.
This episode gets real, practical, and deeply human.
#environment, #personaldevelopment, #mindset, #psychology, #selfgrowth, #culture, #upbringing, #parenting, #identity, #motivation, #personality, #growthmindset, #philosophy, #mindsetshift, #selfawareness, #therapy, #emotionalintelligence, #theShaftConversations, #podcasttalk
For more engaging content and discussions, follow us on our social media platforms:
Twitter: https://x.com/theshaftpoddie_/status/...
Instagram: / theshaftpodcast. .
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
Subscribe to our channels and enjoy this episode:
YouTube: / @theshaftpodcasts. .
Spotify: https://spotify.link/oHwF5hicHDb
Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
Appreciations for this Episode:
Hosts: Andrews Terku & Erasmus Segbefia
Video Production: Andrews Terkpertey
Video Editing: Samuel Okuadjo
Social Media Management: Pearl Kwadade
Timestamps:
00:00 | The Power of Influence (Parents, Environment & Early Life)
05:10 | Understanding Environment: Internal vs External Forces
18:40 | Reframing, Resilience & The Psychology of Growth
26:55 | Parenting, Culture & The Narratives That Shape Us
38:40 | Navigating Mixed Environments & Final Reflections
Liverpool are in freefall, and calling it a “blip” is denial at this point.
From starting the season top of the table to dropping to 11th, losing six out of seven, and getting dismantled by teams sitting 19th… something deeper is going on. And today's episode breaks it down from every angle — tactical, emotional, psychological, and cultural.
This is not just about bad form.
This is about energy, grief, disconnect, recruitment, and reality.
In this episode we cover:
• Why Liverpool look lost, disconnected, and fragile
• How grief and emotional weight may be shaping the dressing room
• Why new signings are struggling to integrate
• What the stats, structure, and performances actually say
• Whether Slot is out of his depth — or deserves more time
• How Liverpool can recover THIS season
• And yes… whether Klopp returning (in any capacity) makes sense
We also break down the Spurs disasterclass, what Arsenal’s win means, Chelsea’s blueprint for big matches, and how the next few weeks will define the title race.
If you’re a football fan, this is one of the most layered, honest breakdowns you’ll hear.
Subscribe, share, and stay locked in.
The Shafts Sports is BACK.
#Liverpool, #PremierLeague, #LFC, #ArneSlot, #Klopp, #FootballAnalysis, #PremierLeagueNews, #SportsTalk, #FootballPodcast, #LiverpoolFC, #Arsenal, #Chelsea, #Spurs, #FootballBreakdown, #Tactics, #EPL, #SoccerAnalysis, #FootballDiscussion, #LiverpoolCollapse, #TheShaftSports
Subscribe to our channels and enjoy this episode:
YouTube: @theshaftpodcasts. .
Spotify: https://spotify.link/oHwF5hicHDb
Appreciations for this Episode:
Host: Andy Terku and Erasmus Segbefia
Video Production: Andrews Terkpertey
Video Editing: Samuel Okuadjo
Timestamps:
00:00 – 03:31 | Premier League Weekend Reactions
03:32 – 26:57 | Liverpool’s Collapse: The Deep Dive
26:58 – 35:30 | What Happens Next?
Fear doesn’t just stop us from danger — it stops us from discomfort.
It convinces us that familiar pain is safer than unfamiliar possibility.
And most of us build our entire adult lives around that lie.
In this episode, Erasmus sits down with Pearl, a brilliant thinker who breaks down human behaviour, emotional patterns, and the psychology behind why we do what we do.
🔥 What this episode uncovers:
• Why fear shows up as “being careful,” “not today,” or “maybe later”
• How trauma shapes our confidence and everyday decisions
• Why we overestimate future pain and underestimate our ability to bounce back
• How the fear of uncertainty drives most of our life choices
• Why people stay in jobs, relationships, and environments they hate
• How neuroplasticity helps us rewire fear into confidence
• How small actions build momentum, receipts, and self-belief
• The difference between fear, intuition, and avoidance
• Why facing small fears changes everything else in your life
From language anxiety to the fear of being judged…
From public embarrassment to fear of the unknown…
From workplace anxiety to the subconscious patterns we carry from childhood…
This episode gets real, practical, and deeply human.
#fear #confidence #selfgrowth #mindset #traumahealing #emotionalintelligence #neuroscience #uncertainty #personaldevelopment #psychologytalk #podcast #conversations #mentalhealth #humanbehaviour #selfbelief #neuroplasticity #confidencebuilding #motivation #growthmindset #theshaftsconversations
For more engaging content and discussions, follow us on our social media platforms:
Twitter: https://x.com/theshaftpoddie_/status/...
Instagram: / theshaftpodcast. .
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
Subscribe to our channels and enjoy this episode:
YouTube: / @theshaftpodcasts. .
Spotify: https://spotify.link/oHwF5hicHDb
Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
Appreciations for this Episode:
Host: Andrews Terku
Guest: Pearl Kwadade
Video Production: Andrews Terkpertey
Video Editing: Samuel Okuadjo
Social Media Management: Pearl Kwadade
Timestamps:
00:00 – 02:48 | Understanding Fear: The Starting Point
02:49 – 16:51 | How Fear Shapes Our Daily Lives
16:52 – 29:50 | The Psychology & Neuroscience of Fear
29:51 – 39:30 | Building Confidence and Rewiring Your Mind
39:31 – 51:25 | Breaking Free: Practical Advice & Final Lessons
The Premier League is officially mad. One-third of the season is gone and the table already looks chaotic. Arsenal are tough again. Chelsea are back in the mix. Sunderland are punching above their weight. Wolves still have zero wins. Forest look unrecognisable. And Pep is breathing down Arsenal’s neck… again.
In this episode of The Shafts Sports, we reset the entire season.
We revisit our predictions, challenge our old takes, and re-rank every major category:
We break down:
• Who really wins the Premier League
• City vs Arsenal — the real title favourite
• Whether Chelsea are genuinely back
• Sunderland’s unexpected climb
• Who sneaks into the Top 4
• Man United’s confusing season
• Surprise contenders to watch
• The three clubs most likely to get relegated
• Why this league is impossible to predict
If you love honest football debates, real analysis, and zero sugar-coating — this episode is for you.
👇 Drop your Top 4 & Relegation predictions in the comments.
We’ll revisit them on Gameweek 38… if you don’t delete them first. 😅
Subscribe, share, and stay locked in.
The Shafts Sports is BACK.
PremierLeague, EPL, Arsenal, ManchesterCity, Chelsea, Liverpool, ManUnited, Sunderland, AstonVilla, Tottenham, FootballAnalysis, FootballPodcast, TitleRace, PremierLeaguePredictions, RelegationBattle, TopFourRace, TheShaftsSports, FootballContent, SoccerTalk
Subscribe to our channels and enjoy this episode:
YouTube: @theshaftpodcasts. .
Spotify: https://spotify.link/oHwF5hicHDb
Appreciations for this Episode:
Host: Andy Terku and Erasmus Segbefia
Video Production: Andrews Terkpertey
Video Editing: Samuel Okuadjo
Timestamps:
00:00 Premier League Predictions Revisited
05:18 Liverpool's Title Chances
19:23 Arsenal vs. Manchester City: Who Will Win?
41:10 Chelsea's Dual Nature: Title Contenders or Inconsistent Performers?
56:07 Relegation Battle: Teams at Risk and Potential Survivors
In this deeply reflective episode of The Shafts Conversations, we confront one of the hardest topics in global politics — Gaza, Palestine, and the world’s moral responsibility.
Andrews Terku sits down with Faithfulness Okom to unpack the grief, politics, faith, justice, and human cost behind the war in Gaza. Together, they explore:
- What makes Gaza the defining moral test of our generation
- The meaning of “moral minimums” and why they matter
- The legal definition of genocide — and if Israel’s actions meet that threshold
- Why the world’s response to Gaza differs from Ukraine
- The blurred line between antisemitism and legitimate criticism of Israel
- What ordinary people can do to resist silence and uphold truth
This episode is not about division — it’s about truth, compassion, and moral courage.
Because silence in the face of mass suffering is complicity.
🔴 Listen. Reflect. Share.
The conversation the world needs — but few dare to have.
Subscribe for more honest, unflinching conversations about justice, humanity, and power.
#Gaza, #Palestine, #Israel, #GazaGenocide, #MoralCourage, #TruthAndJustice, #MiddleEastConflict, #InternationalLaw, #HumanRights, #FaithAndPolitics, #TheShaftsConversations, #FreePalestine, #GazaUnderAttack, #CeasefireNow, #WorldPolitics, #HistoryRepeats, #MediaBias, #Occupation, #HumanityFirst, #GlobalJustice
For more engaging content and discussions, follow us on our social media platforms:
Twitter: https://x.com/theshaftpoddie_/status/...
Instagram: / theshaftpodcast. .
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
Subscribe to our channels and enjoy this episode:
YouTube: / @theshaftpodcasts. .
Spotify: https://spotify.link/oHwF5hicHDb
Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
Appreciations for this Episode:
Host: Andrews Terku
Guest: Faithfulness Okom
Video Production: Andrews Terkpertey
Video Editing: Samuel Okuadjo
Timestamps:
00:00 – Setting the Framework: Context, Complexity & Moral Clarity
01:42 – History, Zionism & The Roots of the Conflict
19:52 – Genocide, Law & Global Power
56:19 – Double Standards, Hypocrisy & Global Inaction
01:31:02 – Resistance, Hope & The Future of Humanity
Xabi Alonso has returned to Real Madrid — not as a midfield metronome, but as the architect of a new era. His first months in charge have been a crash course in identity-building: tactical tweaks, shape-shifting systems, injury improvisation, and an evolving pressing philosophy.
In this episode, we break down:
- How Alonso is reshaping Real Madrid tactically
- What his Club World Cup run revealed
- Why flexibility is at the heart of “Xabi Ball”
- Early winners in the squad (Garcia, Güler, Hoeneß)
- Realistic expectations for Year One
- Whether this Madrid has the tools to dominate Europe again
Alonso’s Madrid is not just playing football, they are building a system. The question is whether this system can survive the pressure, the fixture list, and the Champions League.
Do you believe Alonso is the right man for this era? Comment below.
#XabiAlonso, #RealMadrid, #LosBlancos, #LaLiga, #FootballTactics, #SoccerAnalysis, #XabiBall, #RealMadridTactics, #TacticalAnalysis, #ClubWorldCup, #AlonsoEra, #FranGarcia, #ArdaGuler, #GonzaloGarcia, #ViniciusJr, #TrentAlexanderArnold, #FootballStrategy, #SoccerRebuild, #RealMadridNews, #FootballBreakdown
Subscribe to our channels and enjoy this episode:
YouTube: / @theshaftpodcasts. .
Spotify: https://spotify.link/oHwF5hicHDb
Appreciations for this Episode:
Host: Andy Terku
Video Production: Andrews Terkpertey
Video Editing: Samuel Okuadjo
Timestamps:
00:00: The King’s Return & Early Experiments
04:45: La Liga Form, Flexibility & Player Evolution
06:51: Challenges, Expectations & The Alonso Era Ahead
Every bad result at Manchester United instantly becomes a crisis story. Pundits pile on, headlines go nuclear, and the narrative shifts from football to theatre. One loss turns into “the club is finished,” “the manager must go,” or “United are clueless” , long before any project is allowed to breathe.
But when Arsenal, Liverpool or Chelsea struggle, the language becomes softer. “Transition,” “project,” “growing pains,” “give them time.” The tone shifts. The patience reappears. The benefit of the doubt is restored.
So is this just banter? A coincidence? Or does football media treat United differently on purpose?
In this episode we break down:
- Why crisis headlines sell more when it’s United
- How media outrage actually affects the stock price and investor panic
- Why United’s public corporate status magnifies every loss
- How repeated negativity destabilizes managers and squads
- Why other clubs are “rebuilding” while United are always “collapsing”
This is not just a story about narrative. It’s a story about economics, incentives, and the machine behind Premier League outrage culture.
Manchester United are not just a football club, they are a global business, and when bad press hits, it hits the balance sheet, not just the league table.
If you're tired of shallow hot takes and want actual context, this one is for you.
#ManchesterUnited, #MUFC, #FootballMedia, #MediaBias, #PremierLeague, #FootballPolitics, #SportsBusiness, #StockMarket, #PublicClub, #FootballAnalysis, #ManUnitedNews, #FootballNarratives, #Punditry, #SportsEconomics, #FootballDebate, #TheShaftSports
Subscribe to our channels and enjoy this episode:
YouTube: / @theshaftpodcasts. .
Spotify: https://spotify.link/oHwF5hicHDb
Appreciations for this Episode:
Host: Andy Terku
Video Production: Andrews Terkpertey
Video Editing: Samuel Okuadjo
Timestamps:
00:00 | Media Pressure and Double Standards
01:46 | How Reputation Turns Into Financial Damage for United
03:59 | The Crisis–Recovery Cycle and the Real Double Standard
Do you freeze in meetings or dread presentations? This episode of The Shaft Conversations will change how you see public speaking.
Our guest, Jeremiah Sekyi, a world public speaking champion who’s spoken in 13+ countries; wasn’t “born confident.” He learned it. He failed, practiced daily, and built a career helping others find their voice.
What you’ll learn:
- A practical way to turn anxiety into fuel
- The “evidence bank” method to build real confidence
- How to practice (daily, simple, repeatable) like a pro
- Authentic voice over speaking hacks (and how to find yours)
- Why communication is the bridge between talent and opportunity
- Career lessons: switching paths, staying accountable, and compounding skill
Who this is for: young professionals, founders, managers, creators—anyone who needs to be persuasive on camera or in the room.
📲 Connect with Jeremiah on LinkedIn: search “Jeremiah Sekyi 100 tips
If this inspired you, like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs the nudge.
#PublicSpeaking, #CommunicationSkills, #CareerGrowth, #WorkConfidence, #OvercomingAnxiety, #PresentationSkills, #YoungProfessionals, #PersonalDevelopment, #SelfImprovement, #Leadership, #Motivation, #Productivity, #InterviewSkills, #Meetings, #ProfessionalSkills, #TheShaftConversations, #Podcast, #CreatorCareer, #ImpromptuSpeaking, #ConfidenceBuilding
For more engaging content and discussions, follow us on our social media platforms:
Twitter: https://x.com/theshaftpoddie_/status/...
Instagram: / theshaftpodcast. .
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
Subscribe to our channels and enjoy this episode:
YouTube: / @theshaftpodcasts. .
Spotify: https://spotify.link/oHwF5hicHDb
Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
Appreciations for this Episode:
Host: Erasmus
Guest: Jeremiah Sekyi
Video Production: Andrews Terkpertey
Video Editing: Samuel Okuadjo
Social Media Management: Pearl Kwadade
Timestamps:
00:00 | Overcoming Speaking Anxiety + Meet Jeremiah & the 100-Day Challenge
04:17 | Early Struggles and First Breakthroughs
07:59 | Confidence by Reps: Community, Persistence & the “Evidence Bank”
33:46 | Career Pivot: Pharmacy to Communication (Passion, Prove-It Year, First Steps, Global Recognition)
39:32 | Lifelong Learning, Professional Responsibility, Coaching Wins & Final Advice
Before the promotions and glow-ups came the grind.
This episode dives into the unspoken early-career struggles that shape every success story — the sleepless nights, the broke seasons, the silent doubts.
We explore:
- Why everyone hides their early-career pain
- The reality of survival in today’s economy
- How to stay motivated when you’re stuck
- Why struggle builds resilience, not failure
If you’ve ever felt behind, this one’s for you.
👉 Subscribe for more real conversations that remind you: success isn’t instant, t’s built in silence.
#CareerGrowth, #EarlyCareer, #WorkStruggles, #LifeAdvice, #TheShaftConversations, #YoungProfessionals, #Motivation, #PersonalGrowth, #Resilience, #WorkLife, #SelfImprovement, #Entrepreneurship, #Inspiration, #PodcastClips, #RealTalk
For more engaging content and discussions, follow us on our social media platforms:
Twitter: https://x.com/theshaftpoddie_/status/...
Instagram: / theshaftpodcast. .
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
Subscribe to our channels and enjoy this episode:
YouTube: / @theshaftpodcasts. .
Spotify: https://spotify.link/oHwF5hicHDb
Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
Appreciations for this Episode:
Host: Andy
Video Production: Andrews Terkpertey
Video Editing: Samuel Okuadjo
Social Media Management: Pearl Kwadade
Timestamps:
00:00–02:50 | The Hidden Struggles of Starting Out
02:51–06:59 | Surviving the System
07:00–09:13 | Growth, Recovery, and Real Talk
The 2025 Ballon d’Or debate wasn’t about football, it was about hype.
In this episode, we unpack why fans were desperate for Lamine Yamal to win, how Barcelona’s marketing machine amplified the story, and how Raphinha’s world-class season got buried beneath the noise.
We’re asking the real question: Do fans still care about performance — or just the fairytale?
Listen as we break down:
- Why Yamal’s hype went too far
- The overlooked brilliance of Raphinha
- How social media shapes football awards
- The danger of “aura” over achievement
👉 Subscribe for more honest football analysis, where numbers matter more than narratives.
#LamineYamal,#BallonDor,#FootballDebate,#Raphinha,#Barcelona,#BarcaNews,#FootballAnalysis,#TheShaftSports,#FootballPodcast,#EuropeanFootball,#LaLiga,#FootballFans,#HotTakes,#ModernFootball,#FootballCulture
Subscribe to our channels and enjoy this episode:
YouTube: / @theshaftpodcasts. .
Spotify: https://spotify.link/oHwF5hicHDb
Appreciations for this Episode:
Host: Andy Terku
Video Production: Andrews Terkpertey
Video Editing: Samuel Okuadjo
Timestamps:
00:00–01:50 | The Rise of Lamine Yamal
01:51–06:20 | When Narrative Beats Performance
06:21–07:41 | The Real Ballon d’Or Question
One week Pep is a genius. The next he’s “overthinking.” The same tactic is either revolutionary or reckless depending on the result. This is punditry in 2025; outcome bias, tribal narratives, and entertainment over explanation.
We unpack:
- Why Amorim gets slammed for the same system Pep gets praised for
- How pundits flip-flop to feed the attention economy
- Why modern punditry blurs into fandom and banter
- How fans can cut through the noise and find real analysis
#FootballPundits, #SoccerAnalysis, #PremierLeague, #HotTakes, #FootballPodcast, #SportsMedia, #PepGuardiola, #ManchesterUnited, #Amorim, #SkySports, #TacticalAnalysis, #FootballFans
Subscribe to our channels and enjoy this episode:
YouTube: / @theshaftpodcasts. .
Spotify: https://spotify.link/oHwF5hicHDb
Appreciations for this Episode:
Host: Andy Terku
Video Production: Andrews Terkpertey
Video Editing: Samuel Okuadjo
Timestamps:
00:00 – 05:36 | The Flip-Flop of Football Punditry
05:37 – 11:12 | Incentives and Hot Takes
11:13 – 13:09 | Complexity and Independent Thinking
Chelsea entered the 2025/26 season with sky-high expectations after winning the Club World Cup and spending big on new stars. Reece James himself declared they should be challenging for the title. But just weeks in, Chelsea have lost back-to-back games, fans are chanting “Mariska Out,” and cracks are showing again.
In this episode, we dive deep into:
- Why Chelsea are struggling despite heavy investment
- Whether overachieving last season raised expectations too fast
- The role of individual errors vs deeper tactical and structural problems
- How injuries and questionable squad-building affect the project
- Why Chelsea’s ownership model may be doing more harm than good
We also ask the big question: Is this just a bump, or are Chelsea repeating the same old mistakes?
#ChelseaFC, #Chelsea, #PremierLeague, #EPL, #FootballPodcast, #ChelseaStruggles, #CFC, #StamfordBridge, #Mariska, #ReeceJames, #ClubWorldCup, #FootballAnalysis, #SoccerPodcast, #EnglishFootball, #TransferTalk
Subscribe to our channels and enjoy this episode:
YouTube: / @theshaftpodcasts. .
Spotify: https://spotify.link/oHwF5hicHDb
Appreciations for this Episode:
Host: Andy Terku and Erasmus Segbefia
Video Production: Andrews Terkpertey
Video Editing: Samuel Okuadjo
Timestamps:
00:00 – 04:26 | High Hopes and Early Struggles
04:27 – 11:03 | Mariska’s Position Under Pressure
11:04 – 19:58 | Performance, Consistency, and Costly Errors
19:59 – 26:50 | Deeper Problems: Injuries, Tactics, and Squad Management
26:51 – 37:23 | Ownership, Finances, and The Road Ahead
Manchester United fans are frustrated again. Eight wins in over 30 games, derby defeats, and yet another tactical reboot under Rúben Amorim. But is the problem really Amorim’s radical 3-4-3 system, or is the squad simply broken after years of failed projects?
We unpack:
- Why Sporting Lisbon’s blueprint worked but Old Trafford is different
- How constant reinvention has left United without an identity
- Why too much change too fast can mentally break players
- Whether this is just growing pains or the start of another dead end
Question: If you could change ONE thing at United tomorrow, would it be the tactics or the players?
#ManchesterUnited, #MUFC, #RubenAmorim, #OldTrafford, #PremierLeague, #FootballPodcast, #ManUtdNews, #Tactics, #UnitedStand, #SoccerAnalysis, #FootballFans, #EPL
Subscribe to our channels and enjoy this episode:
YouTube: / @theshaftpodcasts. .
Spotify: https://spotify.link/oHwF5hicHDb
Appreciations for this Episode:
Host: Andy Terku
Video Production: Andrews Terkpertey
Video Editing: Samuel Okuadjo
Timestamps:
00:00 – 03:13 | Setting the Record Straight
03:14 – 08:20 | Systems, Philosophy, and Criticism
08:21 – 10:45 | The Core Issue and Way Forward