A Level Playing Field

A Podcast co-hosted by Scottish football journalists Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith. We chat all things women's football, including the latest SWPL action, as well as hot topics from across the globe.

A Level Playing Field is a sports podcast hosted by Cheryl Smith & Alison McConnell, with 28 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Cheryl Smith & Alison McConnell hosts A Level Playing Field, a sports show with 28 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

• 

  Episode #30

  From Ireland to Edinburgh: Scarlett Herron's full-time football journey I A Level Playing Field I Episode 30

  Oct 1, 202628 minS2

  On this episode of A Level Playing Field, we’re joined by Scarlett Herron to talk through her journey from Ireland to full-time football with Hibernian. Scarlett opens up on making the move across to Edinburgh, settling into a new club and city, and what it’s really like adapting to life as a full-time player in the SWPL. She reflects on Hibs’ season so far, her role within the squad, and the standards required to compete at the top end of the league. We also dive into the wider picture: representation for female athletes in Ireland and beyond, the visibility of the women’s game, and where progress still needs to be made. Away from the pitch, Scarlett discusses her ambitions in journalism, balancing football with media interests, and how she’s planning for life beyond playing. To get your first year of Nutmeg Magazine plus emails from Nutmeg FC for £40, including postage - that's a saving of £14. Go to nutmegmagazine.co.uk and choose print and digital subscription and use code ALPF .

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #29

  Replacing Eva Olid: Andy Thomson's new era at Hearts I A Level Playing Field I Episode 29

  Sep 24, 202632 minS2

  A Level Playing Field returns with Hearts manager Andy Thomson joining the podcast for an in-depth conversation on his first months in charge in Edinburgh. After making the switch from Rangers this summer, Thomson reflects on stepping into the role following title-winning boss Eva Olid, and the challenge of building on that success while shaping the team in his own image. He also takes us inside Hearts’ journey into European football, leading the side through Europa Cup qualifiers, and what that experience means for the club and the growth of the women’s game in Scotland. Drawing on a 19-year playing career, Thomson opens up on how his experiences on the pitch have influenced his management style, his approach to leadership, and what he believes is key to developing players in the modern women’s game. From adapting to the demands of management in a rapidly evolving landscape, to his ambitions for Hearts this season, it’s an honest and insightful look at one of Scottish football’s newest voices on the touchline. To get your first year of Nutmeg Magazine plus emails from Nutmeg FC for £40, including postage - that's a saving of £14. Go to nutmegmagazine.co.uk and choose print and digital subscription and use code ALPF .

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #28

  Joelle Murray on loyalty and life in the Hibs dugout I A Level Playing Field I Episode 28

  Sep 16, 202627 minS2

  On this week’s episode of A Level Playing Field, we’re joined by Joelle Murray as she opens up on stepping into the Hibernian Women manager’s role following Grant Scott’s exit and what it means to lead the club she’s always called home. From her emotional connection to Hibs, to being recognised with the prestigious One Club Award, Murray reflects on a journey that began at her dad’s side, learning the game from a player who shaped her love of football. That foundation still drives her today, both in how she sees the game and how she wants her team to play. She speaks candidly about never wanting to leave Hibernian as a player, and how that loyalty now fuels her ambition as a manager. We dive into her coaching identity, what type of manager she believes she is, and the values that matter most in building a successful environment. There’s also a look ahead to her plans for the future, her vision for the squad, and how she’s navigating the transition from dressing room leader to the dugout. A story of loyalty, identity and stepping into a new chapter with one club still at the heart of it all. To get your first year of Nutmeg Magazine plus emails from Nutmeg FC for £40, including postage - that's a saving of £14. Go to nutmegmagazine.co.uk and choose print and digital subscription and use code ALPF .

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #27

  SWF Chair Vivienne MacLaren on ambition, finance and the future of women's football I A Level Playing Field I Episode 27

  Sep 9, 202646 minS2

  In this episode of A Level Playing Field , we sit down with Vivienne MacLaren, the chairperson of Scottish Women’s Football, for an honest and insightful conversation about the game in Scotland. Vivienne reflects on her personal relationship with football and the journey that led her to one of the most influential roles in the women’s game. She opens up on what the position really entails behind the scenes, from leadership and governance to driving progress across all levels of the sport. We also delve into the challenges facing the women’s game, including the ongoing concerns around finances, sustainability, and how the sport can continue to grow in a competitive landscape. It’s a candid look at the realities of running the game and what still needs to change. Alongside the serious topics, Vivienne shares stories from her long-standing friendship with Scottish football icon Rose Reilly, offering a personal glimpse into the people who have shaped the sport’s history. A thoughtful and revealing episode that explores leadership, legacy, and the future of women’s football in Scotland. To get your first year of Nutmeg Magazine plus emails from Nutmeg FC for £40, including postage - that's a saving of £14. Go to nutmegmagazine.co.uk and choose print and digital subscription and use code ALPF .

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #3

  Changing the game: Mario Lapointe's plan for Dumbarton Women I A Level Playing Field I Episode 26

  Aug 28, 202642 minS2

  In this episode of A Level Playing Field , we sit down with Dumbarton owner Mario Lapointe to explore how his vision for the club extends far beyond the men’s game and why the women’s team is central to that future. Lapointe discusses the motivations behind his investment in Dumbarton and how he believes the club can become a platform for growth in the women’s game. From bringing the women’s side into the main stadium for matches, to creating greater visibility and parity within the club structure, he outlines how infrastructure and intent can drive meaningful change. We also delve into his background in sport and how that experience shapes his approach to leadership, alongside a candid look at the financial realities of developing a women’s team and why he sees that as an opportunity rather than a barrier. With a clear vision for progression, sustainability and raising standards, Lapointe shares where he believes Dumbarton’s women’s team can go next and what it will take to get there. This is a conversation about ambition, investment and the role clubs can play in pushing the women’s game forward. To get your first year of Nutmeg Magazine plus emails from Nutmeg FC for £40, including postage - that's a saving of £14. Go to nutmegmagazine.co.uk and choose print and digital subscription and use code ALPF .

  ListenShow Notes

Recent guests on A Level Playing Field. Study who booked and why before you pitch.

Based on semantic analysis of episode topics and host coverage, this show is a strong guest fit for executives in:

Industry fit is computed by PitchCentric using vector embeddings of the show's episode catalog.