Thomas Pheby, a Dover resident and long-time Arsenal fan (his love began as a kid at a football game) started his fun and informative Arsenal podcast, ‘It’s an Arsenal Thing’ last December and it has gone from strength to strength; having interviewed some fantastic names including, Thomas Gronnermark, Tom Watt, Glen Oglaza and Alan Hudson, all of whom Tom considers friends of the show.
Tom was working at Applecroft Care Home in River as a health care assistant when the COVID outbreak began; with the schools closed as a result, Tom decided to stay at home with his two children, whilst his wife (also a keyworker) went to work.
Tom has contributed weekly blogs about Arsenal to the Arsedevils.com website for many years and was approached by an American company last October, about starting an Arsenal podcast; a contract was sent but, in the meantime, Tom spoke to the head guy at Arsedevils.com and asked him why they hadn’t started their own and that’s how the podcast came about. They cover all things Arsenal with news, views, strong opinions, match previews and analysis in the company of weekly guests.
Tom records the show with his fellow co-hosts, Silent Dave, Jay and Isaiah. Tom calls them collectively the four Podkateers, the other three are the heart and soul of what they do. Silent Dave (Dave Hutchinson) is an old friend of Tom’s; he turned down appearing on the podcast as it’s just not his thing, but he’s Tom’s Andrew Ridgeley and he’s crucial to the show. Tom met Jay and Isaiah on Twitter and now considers them both as friends. Isaiah is a football coach in America so he brings a tactical point of view to American Arsenology which is a cross between the match of the day, the BBC newsroom and Monty Python.
CommunityAd chatted with Tom to hear more about the podcast and his excitement about the game.
What was your aim with the podcast?
Initially, the podcast was to keep fans in the loop because they couldn’t go to games and give a balanced and objective perspective on what was going on, but we wanted a different format. I wanted it to reach a wider audience of men and women, Arsenal fans and non-Arsenal fans and to look for guests that were interesting to talk about their careers as well as football and hopefully, the listener finds something either interesting or amusing; we’re just like four kids in the adventure playground having fun and hopefully, that comes across.
What’s your favourite part of making and recording the podcast?
I love the writing and creative element, less so the editing but it’s getting easier. I’ve had to learn to use various apps to make the show and explore ways to make it better but editing can take up an evening; thank God I’ve got a patient family.
What has the response from listeners been like?
Great; really encouraging and patient. People have messaged me from all over the world or made comments about the show/emailed in. The listeners have begun to join in on the features which is excellent; it’s their show, we’re open to suggestions and will include what they want if we can.
Do you have a favourite interview?
I’ve really enjoyed them all but it was a thrill to speak to Alan Hudson. It was also incredibly fascinating speaking to Heidi Haigh, an author and lifelong Leeds fan, who discussed how dangerous and intimidating it was being a female fan back in the ’70s as well as, James Chiffi, the founder member of Beyond The White Line which is an organisation that helps sportsmen and women to find a new career path when retired, injured or released. It also helps those suffering from mental health issues, gives advice and help and in any way possible. Both great stories from brilliant people.
With the recent #Superleague announcement, how important are fan communities and podcasts like yours?
Podcast 16 was amazing because the story unfolded as we were recording. There I was talking to Jay about the proposal, the next minute I’m discussing its collapse with Tom Watt. Nothing in football is viable without fans and the six clubs misjudged the mood terribly by trying to break away. I think collectively the podcast community can help people understand what’s going on away from the likes of Sky, listeners can come to hear unbiased opinions from a fan’s perspective who aren’t on anyone’s payroll.
It was great to see the unity between the fans of rival clubs and communities to fight for the history and futures of their clubs. As a football fan I joined in by releasing a few videos on Facebook outside the show and as part of the show to voice my resistance and objection to the plan, that’s the beauty of today’s media, instant contact and reaction.
Tom is hoping to release an occasional YouTube video pod version of the show in the future; however, he would love to get the podcast better known in Dover, get more listeners and become important to the local community. He has John McNicholl, a Dover resident on the show, author of a book called ‘An Ode to Four Four Two’; the book examines how coaches in Europe, and particularly England, settled on the 4-4-2 formation to build iconic teams.