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      Seven Dream Team stats that highlight Liverpool’s dominance this season

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      ARNE SLOT could not have wished for a better start to life as Liverpool head coach.With Christmas fast approaching, the Reds have a nine-point cushion at the top of the Premier League table; they’re also the only team to have won all their Champions League fixtures this season.Dream Team managers should back Liverpool to the hiltCredit: Dream TeamNaturally, this emphatic start to the campaign has translated to Dream Team success.Here are seven stats that underline Liverpool’s domination so far.1. Mohamed Salah, Double CenturionThe Egyptian superstar has taken on a new lease of life under Slot and is arguably playing his best football since his debut season at Anfield.After a 13-point haul against Man City on Sunday, Salah has become the first player to reach the 200-point mark in 2024/25.The 32-year-old has scored 13 goals and registered 11 assists across the first 12 and a half Gameweeks of the campaign.He also ranks in the top three for shots on target and big chances created.Salah’s double century of points is put into perspective by the fact just two other players, Erling Haaland (£8.6m) and Bukayo Saka (£6.6m), have passed 150.Most read in Dream TeamDream Team’s leading manCredit: AFP2. First The Worst, Second The Best?It’s easy to forget that Caoimhin Kelleher (£2.8m) is only Liverpool’s second-choice goalkeeper.The Irishman has deputised for the injured Alisson (£5.1m) with aplomb of late, evidenced best by his penalty saves against Southampton and Real Madrid in Gameweek 12.In fact, Kelleher is currently the most in-form asset in his position.He’s up to fifth in the keeper rankings, a remarkable achievement given he’s played just 11 of 20 available games.With the Brazilian No1 reportedly close to a return, Kelleher’s run of returns may be at an end but his backers couldn’t have hoped for a better outcome in recent weeks.Kelleher has excelled in recent weeksCredit: PA3. Christmas BonusThe reinvention of Ryan Gravenberch (£3.8m) has been a defining feature of Slot’s reign to date.Previously a bit-part player without a speciality, the Netherlands international has bossed the middle of the park third this term.As a consequence of his magnificent all-round performances, the former Bayern Munich midfielder has amassed 29 bonus points, three more than his closest rival in the metric, James Maddison (£4.7m).Gravenberch has made more interceptions than any other player this season.Midfield maestroCredit: EPA4. Go DutchVirgil van Dijk (£5.5m) has been a man mountain at centre-back and that’s reflected in the fact he’s contributed to 11 clean sheets – no other player has reached double figures.Add in two goals plus an assist and the imperious Dutchman has 120 points in total, putting him top of the defensive rankings.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW5. You Shall Not PassVan Dijk’s supremacy only tells part of the story about Liverpool’s back line.Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.7m) is joint-second among players in his position on 110 points while Ibrahima Konate (£4.8m) is joint-fifth with 100.The latter will slip down the rankings while sidelined with injury but the point is that there are ample points to be had backing the defenders.Joe Gomez (£3.1m) banked seven points from his meeting with Haaland and surely has to be considered a hugely tempting bargain option for upcoming Gameweeks while Konate recovers.Clean sheet collectorCredit: Reuters6. The 100 ClubSix Liverpool players have accumulated 100+ points at this stage, meaning they have more representatives in the exclusive 100 Club than any other team.The aforementioned Salah, Van Dijk, Alexander-Arnold and Konate are joined by Luis Diaz (£4.2m) and Cody Gakpo (£4.5m).For comparison, only one Man City player (Haaland) is into triple figures.Liverpool have at least one player among the top five performers in every position.Luis Diaz has raced to nine goals this seasonCredit: Getty7. Goals From EverywhereSo many of the headlines focus on Salah, understandably so, but it would be a mistake to view him as the be-all-and-end-all of Liverpool’s attack.Diaz has scored nine goals in all competitions at an average of one every 129 minutes while Gakpo has bagged eight at a rate of one every 123.6 minutes.In fact, Haaland, Salah and Brennan Johnson (£3.9m) are the only players who have scored more goals than the Colombia winger this season.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s telling that Liverpool haven’t missed Diogo Jota (£4.5m), who started the season in fine form before his injury.Dream Team bosses can expect more points to flow in Gameweek 14 when Liverpool face Everton and Girona.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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      Football’s 3pm blackout facing axe after more than 60 YEARS as EFL and Premier League chiefs believe concept is outdated

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      FOOTBALL’S Saturday afternoon TV blackout could be facing the axe after more than 60 years.While 3pm games across the Prem and EFL cannot be shown live on TV other than in specific circumstances, the UK is the last country in Europe with that policy in place.The new Premier League TV deal will see up to 270 matches per season shown liveCredit: GettyNo other country still has a 3pm blackout in placeCredit: AlamyAnd Sun Sport has been told of a growing belief among league chiefs that the concept is now out of date – and should be changed within five years.The new four-year Premier League TV deal, with up to 270 of the 380 matches being shown live, begins next term and will run to the end of the 2028-29 season.Sky’s £935m five year EFL deal, with more than 1,000 games per season being shown, will also run out at the same time, making way for a major rethink by the game’s authorities.And while the FA, which has policed the blackout since it was introduced to protect match attendances in the 1960s, had previously started its opposition to the policy being lifted, the wishes of the leagues could see a change of heart.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe existence of the blackout has been a factor in the number of illegal streams with decoder boxes being used to broadcast international TV feeds in the UK.EFL analysis of this season is understood to have demonstrated little significant impact on match-day attendances despite the extra number of Saturday lunchtime games being shown.European football for seven – potentially eight – top flight teams next season will also see even more matches moved from Saturday to Sunday TV slots.Ruben Amorim introduces rarely-seen pre-match training tactic ahead of 4-0 thrashing of Everton Last month Prem club bosses agreed “unanimously” to end its 20-year partnership with media giant IMG and build the League’s own in-house production centre.Most read in FootballThat opens the possibility of a future “Premflix” direct to consumer offer to fans, with the remaining Saturday 3pm matches an obvious option to raise even more cash for clubs. More

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      Former Premier League star turned non-league manager Tommy Widdrington, 53, rushed to hospital after falling ill

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      FORMER Premier League star-turned-manager Tommy Widdrington has been rushed to hospital after falling ill.The 53-year-old spent four years playing in England’s top flight for Southampton between 1992 and 1996.Aldershot Town manager Tommy Widdrington was rushed to hospital after falling illCredit: GettyWiddrington spent four years playing in the Premier League with SouthamptonCredit: RexHe is now manager of National League side Aldershot Town, having overseen 82 matches since joining them in April last year.And the club announced on Monday that Widdrington had been taken to hospital for tests due to an unspecified illness.Aldershot host Wealdstone in the third round of the FA Trophy on Saturday.Widdrington will not be in the dugout for the crunch clash, with a league trip to Solihull Moors coming just three days later.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd in his place, Aldershot will be led by assistant bosses Hugo Langton and Richard Dryden.A statement read: “Tommy is stable and in good spirits, and we shall provide updates when there is anything further to share.“In the meantime, we ask that Tommy and his family’s privacy is respected at this time.“Everybody at the club sends their best wishes to Tommy for a speedy recovery.”Most read in FootballNewcastle-born Widdrington made his name as a midfielder with Southampton, who he joined as a kid in 1987.After making his First Division debut in 1991, Widdrington become a big player for the Saints following their promotion to the Premier League a year later.In total, he netted three goals in 90 games at St Mary’s.And Widdrington went on to star at other clubs including Grimsby Town, Port Vale, Hartlepool United and Macclesfield Town.He retired from playing in 2005 after a second spell at Port Vale.But four years later Widdrington was back in business as a manager with Salisbury City.The gaffer has since taken charge of Hemel Hempstead Town, Eastbourne Borough and King’s Lynn Town – as well as two interim stints at Bristol Rovers.Widdrington has been at current club Aldershot for 21 months, winning 32 of his 82 matches at the helm.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis side finished eighth in the table last season, missing out on the play-offs by two points.But Aldershot are struggling to impress this term and are 17th with just five wins from 20 games. More

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      Ruben Amorim introduces rarely-seen pre-match training tactic ahead of 4-0 thrashing of Everton

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      RUBEN AMORIM surprised Manchester United fans before his first Premier League home match in charge.Amorim, 39, led United to a dominant 4-0 win over Everton at Old Trafford thanks to a brace by Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee.Manchester United players practiced corner-kicks before the match with EvertonCredit: XNew Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim introduced an unusual warm-up training sessionCredit: RexThe Red Devils looked evidently different under the Portuguese tactician but there were moments during the match that showed the players are still getting used to his preferred 3-4-3 formation.And Man Utd fans quickly found out how different things are under the ex-Sporting Lisbon boss the moment they took their seats at the Theatre of Dreams.United stars took to the pitch for the pre-match warm-up, as did their opponents.But then the home fans watched their favourite Premier League team practicing CORNER-KICKS.Read More on Man UtdAnd it seemed like Man Utd were actually focused on defending the set-piece.That is a very rare sight during the warm-up session before a competitive match kicks off.The Manchester giants ultimately didn’t have to worry about corner-kicks as they easily defeated a toothless Everton side.Nevertheless, Amorim refused to get carried away at full-time as he insisted there is still a lot of work to do, hinting there could be some more unusual tactics on the horizon.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe said: “The result was good but we were pragmatic. We were pragmatic and did our job. We can still adapt and have a long way to go.”In the right moments we had the goals and that changed the game. We don’t just focus on the result.Johsua Zirkzee’s gun goal celebration explained after Man Utd star’s double against Everton “We have so much to do but it is better to work with victories.”Let’s focus on the performance more. We have good moments but some where we suffer.”Man Utd ratings vs Everton as Zirkzee answers his critics in style… but one midfielder strugglesRUBEN AMORIM celebrated his first Premier League game at Old Trafford with a stunning 4-0 victory over Everton.Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee shook off questions over their recent form with two each at a thrilled Old Trafford – as the Red Devils won a Prem game by four goals or more since the opening day of the 2021-22 season.Here’s how SunSport’s Ken Lawrence rated the Red Devils…ANDRE ONANA – 6Called into action early and showed growing his growing composure as No 1.NOUSSAIR MAZROUI – 6Has rapidly become one of the United faithful’s favourites doing himself no harm again.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Stretched at first by bustling Beto but beginning to look like he’s settling down in a back three.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 6Once again looking like the master and commander of the United rearguard.AMAD DIALLO – 8Went from wasteful to the plundering terror of centre backs Branthwaite and Tarkowski.KOBBIE MAINOO – 6Quiet, calm, controlled, no panic, no loss of possession, no problem for the midfielder.CASEMIRO – 5Looked like his lack of pace might be a problem again in central midfield but ground it out.DIOGO DALOT – 6Enjoying life in his new left-side forward role and didn’t really put a foot wrong.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 8Transformed himself from headless chicken to tripling his whole United tally with two clinical strikes.MARCUS RASHFORD – 9Ruben Amorim has gone out of his way to big up the front man and he’s responding in style.BRUNO FERNANDES – 6Wasteful for a while but got his head down to have a real influence by the end.SUBSLUKE SHAW (Mazraoui 56) – 5Comfortably easing himself back.HARRY MAGUIRE (de Ligt 56) – 5Looked happy to be out there.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO (Fernandes 66) – 5Got bustling off the bench.MANUEL UGARTE (Casemiro 66) – 5Will be wanting more minutes than this.MASON MOUNT (Mainoo 80) – 5Sharp and up for it. More

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      England need to be ‘uncomfortable’ to get better, says Lionesses chief Sarina Wiegman ahead of Switzerland clash

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      SARINA WIEGMAN warns England stars must get used to feeling uncomfortable with their Euros title defence drawing nearer. Her remarks follow Leah Williamson reflecting on testing moments for the Lionesses in two intense end-of-year camps. Sarina Wiegman expects players to feel uncomfortable as England push to improve ahead of next year’s EurosCredit: ReutersThe Lionesses is planning to field a much changed England side against side Switzerland following a 0-0 friendly draw with the United StatesCredit: AlamyEngland skipper Leah Williamson told Sky Sports England’s most recent camps with games against Germany, South Africa, and the USA have been moulded to test themCredit: AlamyTomorrow the England skipper, 27, and her team-mates host Switzerland in an 8pm Bramall Lane clash in their last friendly before 2025.  The duel with next year’s Euros hosts comes seven months before the 2022 champs begin their quest to win the tournament back-to-back. Before then Wiegman’s side will resume their build-up with Nations League action in February with World Cup winners Spain among their group stage foes. And 51-capped Williamson reckons England’s recent camps have been moulded to test them.  Read More Football StoriesLionesses boss Wiegman, 56, said: “That’s what you need at moments. “At the end, before we go into a tournament, you want clarity and that everyone knows their role, which we know in top sport can also change very quickly. “But now you’re trying out things, you want everyone to compete at the highest level, compete against opponents, but also compete against each other. “That’s what you need to become better and that’s uncomfortable. Most read in Football”It’s also trying out new things and we’re not going to get everything right, but we’re learning and it gives us information.”With Wiegman due to whittle her squad down to 23 for the Euros, Jess Park expects the battle for squad spots to be more intense. The in-form Lioness forward, 23, added: “That’s the best way a team needs to be. “If there is no competition it’s never going to bring out the best in you.”Wiegman is likely to field a much-changed line-up to the team that drew with the USA on Saturday. However the England chief will be without the services of Chloe Kelly and Fran Kirby with injuries forcing the duo to return to their clubs. The Manchester City and Brighton forwards came on as second-half substitutes against the United States. However Kelly sustained concussion during the match while Kirby picked up a calf injury. With Lauren Hemp, Lauren James and Ella Toone also injured, England’s forward ranks are depleted. Among the up and coming stars vying to start is midfielder Grace Clinton who did not feature in the 0-0 draw at Wembley. Along with Jess Naz, Grace Clinton (left) and Ruby Mace (right) are vying for a tarting spot for England against SwitzerlandCredit: ReutersWiegman added: “What we want is consistency and what I talk with Grace about a lot is she needs to stay switched on at all times. READ MORE SUN STORIES”She’s tight on the ball but she also shows she can come into the box. “Defensively her understanding needs to be improved, the consistency and to know what the bigger picture is than only her own task.” More

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      Chester FC fan dies hours after ‘making racist gesture towards player during match’ with club reporting him to police

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      A MAN who allegedly made racist gestures towards a footballer has been found dead hours after the match. The Chester FC supporter was caught on camera allegedly performing a gesture towards a Warrington Town player during the National League North fixture at Cal.Delivery Stadium on Saturday.A Chester FC fan was found dead hours after a match on SaturdayCredit: X @ChesterFCChester FC announced they were “angry and dismayed at an alleged instance of racism” after the alleged action.The club said in a statement: “We have acted swiftly to obtain video and photographic evidence of the incident and have identified the individual in question.”The matter will now be subject to an FA investigation and this information will also be shared with Cheshire Police.”Racism has no place in sport or society, and anyone found to have displayed such behaviour will receive an indefinite ban from attending matches.”In an update this morning, a spokesperson shared on social media: “It is with sadness Chester FC has been made aware of the tragic death of the individual involved.”We have disabled comments out of respect and the immediate thoughts of everyone at the club are with his family and friends.”As reported by the MailOnline, Cheshire Police confirmed the man was “due to be spoken to at a later date” about a “racially aggravated public order offence”.He was found yesterday at a property in Flint, North Wales and there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. Most read in FootballA spokesperson for the force said: “During the match between Warrington FC and Chester FC on Saturday, November 30 police were made aware of a racially aggravated public order offence.”The suspect was identified and was due to be spoken to at a later date about the matter.”Sadly, the man was reported to have died at an address in Flint on Sunday, December 1. “There are no suspicious circumstances and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”The matter has been referred to the IOPC in line with standard procedure.”An IOPC spokesman added: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the man’s death.”We can confirm we received a referral from Cheshire Constabulary this morning (December 2) and we will assess the available information to determine if an investigation is required.”Chester FC was contacted for comment.Chester FC shared this announcementCredit: X @ChesterFC More

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      Inside EFL club’s stadium with police-seized LED lights from cannabis factory helping maintain pitch

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      POLICE have gifted LED lights to Crewe Alexandra after seizing them during a raid at a cannabis factory.The Christmas donation will help to maintain the League Two side’s pitch at their formerly named Gresty Road.Christmas lights of a different variety have arrived at Crewe Alexandra courtesy of Cheshire PoliceIt came after a police raid seized equipment at a local cannabis farmsCheshire officers arrived with a special delivery to Crewe’s ground last week, according to The Mail.LED grow lights are an efficient and sustainable option for illuminating stadium grass playing surfaces and reusing heat, according to HortiDaily.And Crewe’s snazzy new lights fit the bill for a fourth-tier side battling for promotion to League One.The sponsored Mornflake Stadium is currently kitted out with a set of modern-looking floodlights.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Crewe welcomed the extra utilities that could even be used on the training ground pitches.Multiple outlets have reported several successful million-pound police raids in the area of Crewe this year.And it seems they’ve run out of places to put the seized cannabis farm equipment.Items, including compost, garden canes, flower pots and fertiliser were donated to local gardening centres over the summer.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAuthorities have also donated some of the cultivation material to primary schools, including electric fans.Lighting was even provided to a pigeon flying club.If I was a painter or a builder I might not be here and now I’m back in EFL after open heart surgery saved my life In June 2021, the club agreed a £500,000 naming rights deal with its long-term shirt sponsor Mornflake.Dating back to 1906, the home of the Railway Men has a current capacity of 10,100 with a complete rebuild of all four stands occurring in the 1990s.Crewe dropped to third in the League Two table after drawing 1-1 away at Carlisle on Saturday. The club, managed by former EFL midfielder Lee Bell, confirmed the LED delivery to SunSport.Crewe have confirmed the delivery to SunSport More

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      Jorginho tells Arsenal star Bukayo Saka to become England’s fifth-ever Ballon d’Or winner and end 23-year wait

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      BUKAYO SAKA has been told to end England’s long wait for a Ballon d’Or winner.Since the award’s inaugural presentation in 1956, only four Englishmen have got their hands on the legendary golden ball.Bukayo Saka has become one of the Premier League’s most consistent playersCredit: GettyEnglishman Jude Bellingham came close to winning the Ballon d’Or this yearCredit: PAStanley Matthews claimed the very first one 68 years ago, followed by Sir Bobby Charlton in 1966, a Kevin Keegan double in 1978 and 1979 and Michael Owen in 2001.Others have come close over the years with top three finishes – Bobby Moore in 1970, Gary Lineker in 1986, Alan Shearer in 1996, David Beckham in 1999, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard in 2005.Arsenal’s Saka, 23, has made the Ballon d’Or top 30 in the last two years, finishing 24th in 2023 and 21st in 2024 – having established himself as a Three Lions regular and Premier League star.And Gunners midfielder Jorginho – who finished third in the 2021 Ballon d’Or with Chelsea – said: “[Saka] is unbelievable… world class. I said to him: ‘I want to see you win the Ballon d’Or’.read more arsenal“I said that because I believe in him. I hope he believes in himself as well.”In third place this year, Jude Bellingham became the first Englishman to nick a Ballon d’Or podium place for 15 years after a stunning debut season at Real Madrid with 23 goals and 13 assists in all competitions, winning La Liga and the Champions League.To make the next step, Saka needs a similar return and trophy haul.But Saka’s consistency is now setting him apart from the rest this season with five goals and 10 assists in the Prem in 12 outings – seeing him top the assist charts of Europe’s top five leagues above the likes of Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJorginho has also been impressed with the variety in left-footed Saka’s game. He added: “Before he was going the left foot, going the left foot. Now he’s going the right foot.“The thing he needs more of now is his hunger to get in the box when he’s on the weak side. I want to see headers from him.How Cucurella trapped Saka AGAIN with simple trick but Chelsea have critical Palmer problemENGLISH BALLON D’OR WINNERSONLY four Englishmen have lifted the famous Ballon d’Or since its inception in 1956:1956 – Stanley Matthews (Blackpool) Age: 411966 – Sir Bobby Charlton (Manchester United) Age: 291978 – Kevin Keegan (Hamburg) Age: 271979 – Kevin Keegan (Hamburg) Age: 282001 – Michael Owen (Liverpool) Age: 22“It’s the little things that he’s missing because sometimes the ball’s on the other side and I can see it coming. I am like: ‘Get in [the box]. And he’s not there. I’m like, no, man.”Jorginho admits he keeps Saka grounded by teasing him in training with a Brazil-based nickname ‘pesudo’ – which translates as ‘big foot’.It is used on the rare occasion Saka fluffs a finish or makes a mistake.Arsenal ratings vs West HamWEST HAM and Arsenal served up one of the finest London derbies in recent memory on Saturday night, with SEVEN goals in the first half alone.The Gunners sailed into a 4-0 lead in the opening 35 minutes before the Hammers reduced the deficit with two quickfire goals, including a sublime Emerson free-kick.Bukayo Saka’s penalty on the stroke of half-time made it 5-2, becoming only the fourth Premier League match in history to see seven goals before the break.A relatively lacklustre second half followed, with Mikel Arteta ringing the changes, particularly with Wednesday night’s showdown with Man Utd at the Emirates in the back of his mind.The result pulled the Gunners up to second in the Premier League table, six points behind Liverpool ahead of Sunday’s huge showdown between the leaders and a struggling Man City.Read how SunSport’s Charlie Pittock rated the Gunners stars.Jorginho – speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast – said: “He’s going mad, but it’s a joke because he’s completely the opposite, isn’t he?“He’s just an unbelievable player who is becoming like a machine for us and I hope he becomes like for England as well, you know, because his talent and his hunger and his quality is just so high.“And on top of that, the person he is, he just deserves like the world for him, like everything. I’m there cheering for him, honestly.”***Listen to the full Rio Meets Jorginho interview on Apple Podcasts and Spotify*** More