Sounders FC Pod-Cast With Brad and Zak

Latest Episodes:

Change Champions -- Megan Karch Jun 04, 2026

Show notes

What does it take to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders? In this episode, Steve Zakuani and Brad Evans sit down with Megan Karch, CEO of IslandWood, an innovative environmental education organization helping young people build meaningful connections with the natural world. Megan shares her journey from leading Seattle-based nonprofit FareStart to guiding IslandWood’s mission of creating transformative learning experiences for students, educators, and communities. Zak and Brad talk about the importance of access to nature, environmental stewardship, and how hands-on learning can shape not only future careers, but a lifelong commitment to caring for our planet.

Episode 249 Jan 14, 2026

Show notes

Sounders FC Pod-Cast returns with a must-listen episode as hosts Steve Zakuani and Brad Evans sit down with Seattle Sounders Head Coach Brian Schmetzer for a wide-ranging, candid conversation.

Schmetzer takes listeners behind the scenes of last season’s Club World Cup and Leagues Cup, sharing stories and insights you won’t hear anywhere else. He opens up about his coaching journey — from his early days as an assistant to leading the Sounders from the top — and dives into the intense competition for starting spots across the current roster.

The conversation also spotlights Cristian Roldan, with Schmetzer praising his performances, leadership, and character, and explaining how those qualities have elevated his standing as a potential 2026 USMNT World Cup contributor. Plus, Schmetzer doesn’t shy away from tough moments, revealing why the playoff loss to Minnesota stands out to him as the most painful defeat in Sounders history.

Insightful, honest, and full of perspective — this is an episode Sounders fans won’t want to miss.

Behind The Shield -- Paul Arriola and Dr. Ty Jones Jan 09, 2026

Show notes

Hosts Steve Zakuani and Brad Evans bring you a special Behind the Shield edition of the Sounders FC Pod-Cast, featuring powerful stories of impact both on and off the pitch. First, they sit down with Dr. Ty Jones, Medical Director at Regence, who was honored as a Community Hero at a Sounders match last season for his dedication to serving public employees and their families. Then, Sounders midfielder Paul Arriola joins the show to reflect on his road back from the ACL injury he suffered last season in CONCACAF play against Cruz Azul, sharing insight into his recovery, mindset, and return to action. An episode that highlights resilience, community, and the heart of the club—don’t miss it.

Episode 247 Nov 14, 2025

Show notes

This week on the Sounders FC Pod-Cast, host Brad Evans is joined by Sounders FC Director of Broadcasting Keely Dunning for a quick but insightful recap of the Sounders’ dramatic playoff exit against Minnesota United. Seattle fell in penalties after a wild 3–3 draw in regulation, and Keely brings her firsthand perspective from the sideline—sharing what she saw, heard, and felt during one of the most intense matches of the season.

Later in the episode, host Steve Zakuani sits down with Pam Teal and Damien Pattenaude from the Renton Schools Foundation. Together, they explore the Foundation’s essential work in the community, how they support students and families, and why their partnership with the club matters.

Another episode packed with match insight, storytelling, and impactful community conversations. Tune in!

Episode 246 Nov 07, 2025

Show notes

Co-hosts Brad Evans and Steve Zakuani are back — with Steve calling in from sunny Hawaii — to break down the Sounders’ first two matches of their Round 1 playoff series against Minnesota United. The guys dig into what they’ve seen so far in terms of style of play, how the 4-2 home win proved Seattle can crack open even the most frustrating defensive setups, and what it means to see Jordan Morris and Danny Musovski starting side by side up front.

Tune in to watch on Apple TV, or catch the broadcast on 950 KJR AM (English) and 1360 El Rey (Spanish).

Behind The Shield -- Kalani Kossa-Rienzi and Kelly Hipchen Oct 31, 2025

Show notes

In this special episode of the Sounders FC Pod-Cast, Brad Evans sits down with rising Sounders star Kalani Kossa-Rienzi. The two dive into Kalani’s journey from his standout career at the University of Washington to being drafted by the Sounders, his steady progression onto the first team, and the powerful role his family and friends play in his success.

Plus, Steve Zakuani speaks with Kelly Hipchen, Chief of Staff at Darigold and this week’s Regence BlueShield Community Hero. Kelly was recognized for her leadership within the Northwest Dairy Association cooperative, including her work supporting Darigold’s first Dairy Dash 5K in Seattle — an event that raised funds and awareness for Food Lifeline.

Tune in for an inspiring look at determination, community, and the people making a difference on and off the pitch.

Episode 244 Oct 25, 2025

Show notes

The Sounders are playoff-bound! Brad and Steve relive the thrilling Decision Day win over NYCFC and break down how the squad is shaping up for the postseason. They dive into the team’s place in the playoff bracket and preview the first-round showdown with Minnesota United.

Plus, don’t miss a special guest appearance from Patrick D’Amelio, CEO of FareStart, as he joins the show to talk about FareStart’s incredible community impact and partnership with the Sounders.

Watch on: Apple TV, FS1 & Fox Deportes
Listen on: 950 KJR AM & 1360 El Rey

Episode 243 Oct 17, 2025

Show notes

Decision Day has arrived, and the Seattle Sounders are gearing up for the MLS Cup Playoffs! Steve Zakuani and Brad Evans break down the Sounders’ statement win over Real Salt Lake and preview the final regular-season clash on the road against New York City FC. Plus, special guest Mitsu Iwasaki, Northwest Director and Associate Vice President of the Trust for Public Land, joins the show to share how the organization is working to expand access to parks and preserve public lands across our region.

Don’t miss the action as the Sounders close out the 2025 regular season — tune in on Apple TV+ / MLS Season Pass / 950 KJR AM / 1360 El Rey.

Episode 242 Oct 11, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back for a quick-hitter from Zak and Brad, just ahead of the Sounder's rescheduled home match against Real Salt Lake. The guys preview that one, go through the limited list of players available and try and predict how the team will line up at Lumen. Some major retirement announcements to discuss as well, including Steve's old Akron friend and MLS star Darlington Nagbe. For fans attending the October 11th match, head over to Olympic Hall for a live podcast experience with both Brad Evans and Steve Zakuani!

Episode 241 Oct 02, 2025

Show notes

It’s rivalry week, and there’s no bigger stage than Seattle vs Portland. Zakuani and Evans preview Saturday night’s clash with the Timbers (7:30p PT – Apple TV/MLS Season Pass, 950 KJR AM, SiriusXM FC 157, El Rey 1360 AM).

The guys break down Cristian Roldan’s USMNT call-up and what might be his best season yet, plus a look at the razor-thin Western Conference playoff race — could LAFC or Minnesota be waiting in Round 1? And speaking of LAFC… they’re heating up at just the wrong time for everyone else.

We’ll also rewind to Men in Blazers’ night at Showbox Sodo featuring Jimmy McAllister, Brian Schmetzer, the Roldan brothers, and Paul Rothrock.

And to close, a special conversation with Dionna Washington from STEM Paths Innovation Network (SPIN) — a Change Champion making a difference through high-quality STEM+Arts programs for King County youth who need it most.

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