The Jack Murley Sports Show

How do you change a law that has stood for generations?
For Ethan Spibey, the answer was simple: keep pushing until someone listened.
This week on Off The Pitch, we're joined by Ethan Spibey, founder of the FreedomToDonate campaign, whose advocacy helped change UK blood donation rules and remove a long-standing barrier preventing gay men from donating blood.
What began with a deeply personal desire to help a family member grew into a national campaign for equality—one that ultimately helped change the law and will have an impact for generations to come.
Ethan's work was recognised with an OBE in 2025, but behind the honour is a story of determination, campaigning and refusing to accept that something couldn't be changed.
In this episode, we discuss:🩸 The story behind FreedomToDonate🏳️‍🌈 Why gay men were historically prevented from donating blood📣 How Ethan built a campaign for change💪 The challenges of campaigning and advocacy❤️ The personal motivation that started it all🏆 Receiving an OBE for his contribution to equality🙌 How ordinary people can create extraordinary change
Off The Pitch is our weekly podcast celebrating extraordinary LGBTQ+ people and remarkable human stories. Every episode shines a light on the people challenging inequality, changing communities and making the world a better place.
This is a conversation about perseverance, equality and what can happen when you refuse to stop fighting for what you believe is right.
🎧 Listen now and hear the story of how one campaign helped change the rules for an entire community.
👉 Follow, subscribe and share to help amplify LGBTQ+ voices and stories that deserve to be heard.
Find out more about Ethan:LinkedIn: Ethan Spibey
Get in touch with the podcast:Instagram: @jack_murleyEmail: jack@jackmurley.com
🎧 Listen via the link in bio / stories📱 Follow for a brand-new LGBTQ+ conversation every week⭐ Rate & review to help more people discover the podcast
#EthanSpibey #FreedomToDonate #LGBTQPodcast #LGBTQCommunity #BloodDonation #GiveBlood #LGBTQEquality #QueerVoices #Equality #Activism #Campaigning #LGBTQActivist #HumanStories #SocialChange #RepresentationMatters #Pride #PodcastUK #OffThePitch #AwardWinningPodcast #ListenNow

What if the gym was a place where you could truly be yourself?
At a time when gym culture can sometimes feel intimidating, overly competitive or dominated by toxic ideas around masculinity, Georgina Hall is creating something very different.
This week on The Jack Murley Sports Show, we're joined by Georgina – owner and coach at The Backyard Gym in Newcastle, a proudly LGBTQ+ inclusive fitness space designed to help people feel comfortable, confident and empowered.
With more than 15 years of experience in the fitness industry, Georgina has taught everything from spinning and boxing to boot camps, and has experienced the world of fitness from both sides of the coach's bench.
But The Backyard is about much more than exercise. It's about creating an environment where LGBTQ+ people can feel visible, welcome and supported while working towards becoming their best selves.
In this episode, we discuss:🏋️ Building an LGBTQ+ inclusive gym from the ground up🌈 Why inclusive fitness spaces matter💪 Challenging toxic and intimidating gym culture🥊 Georgina's own experience of boxing and fitness❤️ The importance of authenticity and visibility🙌 Helping people feel confident in their own bodies and abilities🐶 And, of course, Georgina's four-legged gym regular, Patch!
As an award-winning LGBTQ+ sports podcast, The Jack Murley Sports Show celebrates the people creating more inclusive spaces across the world of sport and fitness.
🎧 Listen now for a brilliant conversation about fitness, community, authenticity and what it really means to be your best self.
👉 Follow, subscribe and share to help amplify LGBTQ+ voices in sport.
Find out more about The Backyard Gym:Instagram: @thebackyardnclInstagram: @backyardgeorgina
Get in touch with the podcast:Instagram: @jack_murleyEmail: jack@jackmurley.com
🎧 Listen via the link in bio / stories📱 Follow for weekly LGBTQ+ sports stories⭐ Rate & review to help more people discover the podcast
#GeorginaHall #TheBackyardGym #LGBTQFitness #InclusiveFitness #LGBTQSport #InclusiveGym #FitnessPodcast #GymCulture #QueerFitness #FitnessCommunity #WomenInFitness #Boxing #Newcastle #LGBTQCommunity #RepresentationMatters #InclusiveSport #SportsPodcast #TheJackMurleySportsShow #AwardWinningPodcast #ListenNow
 

Off The Pitch: Rhys the Nightchurch Pianist on Homelessness, Music, Queer Survival & Hope
What happens when a viral moment changes your life—but doesn't immediately change your circumstances?
This week on Off The Pitch, we're joined by Rhys, better known as Rhys the Nightchurch Pianist, for one of the most powerful and personal conversations we've ever shared.
Rhys became an internet sensation after a video of him playing piano inside a Cornish night church while experiencing homelessness went viral. Suddenly, the man who had been living on the streets found himself in the spotlight, receiving national recognition including a Pride of Britain Award and being named one of The Big Issue's inspirational Changemakers.
But behind the viral video and the awards is a much more complicated story.
Rhys speaks openly about homelessness, the realities of life on the streets, finding fame while still struggling to find somewhere to live, and the role that music played in helping him survive some of the darkest moments of his life.
As a gay man, Rhys also discusses the particular challenges faced by LGBTQ+ people experiencing homelessness, and why being part of the queer community can make an already devastating situation even more difficult.
In this episode, we explore:🎹 The story behind the viral Nightchurch piano video🏠 Rhys' experience of homelessness and life on the streets🌈 The additional challenges facing LGBTQ+ people experiencing homelessness🏆 Winning a Pride of Britain Award and becoming a Big Issue Changemaker🎵 The power of music during the darkest moments❤️ Finding hope, happiness and a way forward🙌 Turning extraordinary adversity into a story of resilience
This isn't an easy conversation. There are tears, pain and difficult truths—but there is also music, hope, laughter and the possibility of a better tomorrow.
Off The Pitch is our weekly podcast celebrating extraordinary LGBTQ+ people and remarkable human stories. Sometimes those stories are joyful. Sometimes they're difficult. And sometimes they're both.
🎧 Listen with an open mind and an open heart to Rhys' extraordinary story.
👉 Follow, subscribe and share to help amplify LGBTQ+ voices and stories that deserve to be heard.
Find out more about Rhys:Instagram: @thenightchurchpianist
Get in touch with the podcast:Instagram: @jack_murleyEmail: jack@jackmurley.com
🎧 Listen via the link in bio / stories📱 Follow for a brand-new LGBTQ+ conversation every week⭐ Rate & review to help more people discover the podcast
#RhysTheNightchurchPianist #RhysThePianist #Homelessness #LGBTQHomelessness #LGBTQPodcast #OffThePitch #QueerStories #PrideOfBritain #BigIssueChangemakers #NightChurch #Cornwall #Piano #Pianist #MusicAndMentalHealth #HomelessnessAwareness #LGBTQCommunity #QueerVoices #HumanStories #Resilience #Hope #Storytelling #PodcastUK #AwardWinningPodcast #RepresentationMatters #ListenNow
 

What happens when football gives you the freedom to finally be yourself?
This week on The Jack Murley Sports Show, we're joined by Yuta Shirai – footballer with Mersey Marauders and Stonewall FC – for a powerful conversation about identity, belonging and the life-changing impact of inclusive sport.
Originally from Japan, Yuta moved to the UK and began a journey that would see him embrace both his sexuality and his love of football, finding a community where he could finally live as his authentic self.
Yuta recently shared his story with OutSports, alongside journalist Jon Holmes, explaining how his move to the UK and his involvement in inclusive football helped transform his life. Now, we're delighted to welcome him onto the podcast to hear more about that journey in his own words.
In this episode, we discuss:⚽ Yuta's journey into football and moving from Japan to the UK🌈 Understanding his sexuality and embracing his authentic self❤️ The difference inclusive football has made to his life🏳️‍🌈 Finding community through Mersey Marauders and Stonewall FC🙌 Why LGBTQ+ inclusive football can be so powerful🌍 The importance of belonging, representation and being yourself
Having first met Yuta when he played for Mersey Marauders at the GFSN Cup Day at St George's Park, it's brilliant to finally have him on the show.
As an award-winning LGBTQ+ sports podcast, The Jack Murley Sports Show shares powerful stories from athletes, fans, clubs and changemakers who are making sport more inclusive for everyone.
🎧 Listen now for an inspiring conversation about football, identity, community and finding somewhere you belong.
👉 Follow, subscribe and share to help amplify LGBTQ+ voices in sport.
 
Find out more about Yuta:Instagram: @yutas_1990
Get in touch with the podcast:Instagram: @jack_murleyEmail: jack@jackmurley.com
 
🎧 Listen via the link in bio / stories📱 Follow for weekly LGBTQ+ sports stories⭐ Rate & review to help more people discover the podcast
 
#YutaShirai #MerseyMarauders #StonewallFC #LGBTQSport #InclusiveFootball #LGBTQFootball #FootballForAll #ComingOut #QueerAthletes #InclusiveSport #FootballCommunity #GFSNCup #JapaneseFootball #FootballPodcast #SportsPodcast #RepresentationMatters #QueerVoices #LGBTQCommunity #TheJackMurleySportsShow #AwardWinningPodcast
 

What happens when drag becomes more than performance?
For Roxie Moron, drag is a way of life – a creative escape, a chance to embody something completely different, and a powerful way to challenge the world around them.
This week on Off The Pitch, we're joined by Roxie Moron – the drag persona of Rowland Bray – for a deeply personal conversation about creativity, identity, representation and resilience.
Inspired by everyone from Marilyn Monroe to Miranda Priestly, Roxie's unique style and larger-than-life character have become a celebration of artistry and self-expression. But behind Roxie is Rowland, whose mother remains one of the biggest inspirations for the character they've created.
After a Drag Queen Story Session Rowland was due to perform was cancelled following a huge wave of hate, drag has also taken on a new role: a vehicle for challenging prejudice, standing up to intolerance and pushing for progress.
In this episode, we explore:👠 The origins of Roxie Moron and Rowland's journey into drag🎭 The relationship between Rowland and Roxie🌈 Finding identity, confidence and belonging through drag❤️ The inspiration behind Roxie's iconic fashion and character💪 Dealing with hate, harassment and hostility towards drag queens🏳️‍🌈 Using drag to represent and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community✨ Why creativity and authenticity can be powerful forms of resistance
Off The Pitch is our weekly podcast celebrating extraordinary LGBTQ+ people and remarkable human stories. Every episode shines a light on the people challenging perceptions, celebrating identity and making their communities a better place.
This is a conversation about drag, identity, resilience, creativity and the courage to keep being yourself when the world tells you not to.
🎧 Listen now and meet the person behind Roxie Moron.
👉 Follow, subscribe and share to help amplify LGBTQ+ voices and stories that deserve to be heard.
 
Find out more about Roxie:Instagram: @theroxiemoron
Get in touch with the podcast:Instagram: @jack_murleyEmail: jack@jackmurley.com
 
🎧 Listen via the link in bio / stories📱 Follow for a brand-new LGBTQ+ conversation every week⭐ Rate & review to help more people discover the podcast
 
#RoxieMoron #DragQueen #Drag #LGBTQPodcast #QueerVoices #DragCommunity #LGBTQCommunity #DragArtist #DragPerformance #QueerStories #LGBTQRepresentation #Pride #Authenticity #SelfExpression #DragStory #DragQueenStorytime #RepresentationMatters #HumanStories #PodcastUK #OffThePitch #AwardWinningPodcast #ListenNow
 

What does it take to make it to the very top when the odds are stacked against you?
This week on The Jack Murley Sports Show, we're joined by Jess Clarke – England international, Lionesses legend, Liverpool and Notts County star, Olympian and passionate advocate for inclusion and diversity in football.
Jess's journey to the top of the game is anything but conventional. Raised by a single parent on benefits, she faced significant barriers throughout her childhood and football career, including gender and racial inequalities. Yet through determination, resilience and an incredible belief in herself, Jess went on to become one of the most respected players of her generation.
After making her senior debut in 2008, Jess made more than 100 appearances for Notts County, alongside spells with Liverpool and Leeds United. On the international stage, she earned more than 50 England caps, represented Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics, and competed at two UEFA Women's European Championships and the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup.
Now working as a football commentator and advocate for inclusion, Jess continues to use her voice to inspire others and challenge the barriers that still exist within the beautiful game.
In this episode, we discuss:⚽ Jess's journey from grassroots football to England international🏆 Representing England at major international tournaments🇬🇧 Being selected for Team GB at London 2012❤️ Overcoming poverty, racism and gender inequality💪 Developing the mindset and determination to succeed🌈 Using authenticity and positivity to inspire the next generation🙌 Why inclusion and diversity matter in football
As an award-winning LGBTQ+ sports podcast, The Jack Murley Sports Show brings you inspiring stories from athletes, pioneers and changemakers who are helping to make sport better for everyone.
🎧 Listen now for an extraordinary conversation about resilience, ambition, positivity and what it takes to overcome the odds.
👉 Follow, subscribe and share to help amplify inspiring voices in sport.
 
Find out more about Jess:Instagram: @jaclarke11
Get in touch with the podcast:Instagram: @jack_murleyEmail: jack@jackmurley.com
 
🎧 Listen via the link in bio / stories📱 Follow for weekly LGBTQ+ sports stories⭐ Rate & review to help more people discover the podcast
 
#JessClarke #Lionesses #EnglandWomen #WomensFootball #Football #LiverpoolFC #NottsCounty #TeamGB #London2012 #WomensFootballPodcast #FootballPodcast #InclusionInSport #DiversityInSport #WomenInSport #RepresentationMatters #GrassrootsFootball #LGBTQSport #SportsPodcast #TheJackMurleySportsShow #AwardWinningPodcast

What does it take to become one of the brightest stars on the UK independent wrestling scene?
This week on The Jack Murley Sports Show, we're joined by Tony Wright – one of the most exciting names in British professional wrestling and the self-proclaimed "Leading Man."
Fresh from his headline-making Pride Championship match with Adam Bolt, Tony is helping redefine what LGBTQ+ representation looks like in professional wrestling, while building a reputation as one of the standout performers on the UK independent circuit.
But where did his love of wrestling begin? What does it take to make it in one of the world's toughest industries? And what does it mean to represent one of British wrestling's most exciting Pride divisions?
In this episode, we discuss:🤼 Tony's journey into professional wrestling💪 Building a career on the UK independent wrestling scene🏳️‍🌈 Competing in one of British wrestling's leading Pride divisions🎭 Creating "The Leading Man" persona⭐ His ambitions for the future of his wrestling career🙌 Why representation matters inside and outside the ring
As an award-winning LGBTQ+ sports podcast, The Jack Murley Sports Show celebrates the athletes, performers and changemakers making sport more welcoming, more inclusive and more representative for everyone.
🎧 Listen now for a behind-the-scenes look at life as a professional wrestler and one of the UK's rising stars.
👉 Follow, subscribe and share to help amplify LGBTQ+ voices in sport.
 
Find out more about Tony:Instagram: @tony_wright97
Get in touch with the podcast:Instagram: @jack_murleyEmail: jack@jackmurley.com
 
🎧 Listen via the link in bio / stories📱 Follow for weekly LGBTQ+ sports stories⭐ Rate & review to help more people discover the podcast
 
#TonyWright #ProfessionalWrestling #BritishWrestling #IndependentWrestling #LGBTQSport #PrideWrestling #WrestlingCommunity #ProWrestling #RepresentationMatters #SportsPodcast #InclusiveSport #TheJackMurleySportsShow #AwardWinningPodcast #ListenNow

What if the sport you've never heard of turned out to be the most inclusive one you've ever played?
This week on The Jack Murley Sports Show, we're introducing you to floorball – one of the world's fastest-growing sports – and the incredible people behind Scotland's only LGBTQ+ inclusive floorball club, the Perth Parrots.
Joining us are founder and President Frazer Robertson, Secretary Claire McKenzie and Head Coach Rhuaraidh Fleming to share how the club has become so much more than a place to play sport.
From competing at EuroGames showcasing floorball at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the Perth Parrots are proving that sport is at its very best when everyone feels welcome.
Whether you've never heard of floorball before or you're already a fan, this is a fascinating conversation about inclusion, community and the power of trying something new.
In this episode, we discuss:🏑 What floorball is and why it's growing so quickly🌈 Building Scotland's only LGBTQ+ inclusive floorball club🏆 Representing the club at the Gay Games in Valencia🏟️ Showcasing floorball at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow❤️ Creating a sporting community built on pride, purpose, inclusion and play
As an award-winning LGBTQ+ sports podcast, The Jack Murley Sports Show celebrates the athletes, clubs and changemakers making sport more welcoming for everyone.
🎧 Listen now and discover why floorball could be the next sport you fall in love with.
👉 Follow, subscribe and share to help amplify LGBTQ+ voices in sport.
Find out more about the Perth Parrots:Instagram: @perthparrots (update if needed)
Get in touch with the podcast:Instagram: @jack_murleyEmail: jack@jackmurley.com
🎧 Listen via the link in bio / stories📱 Follow for weekly LGBTQ+ sports stories⭐ Rate & review to help more people discover the podcast
#Floorball #PerthParrots #LGBTQSport #InclusiveSport #Scotland #GayGames #CommonwealthGames #FloorballUK #SportForAll #CommunitySport #RepresentationMatters #SportsPodcast #QueerAthletes #ScotlandSport #TheJackMurleySportsShow #AwardWinningPodcast #ListenNow

Off The Pitch: Lucy Luck on Queer Ecology, Nature & Finding Belonging Outdoors
What if nature has always been queer?
It's a question that opens the door to one of the most fascinating conversations we've ever had on Off The Pitch.
This week, we're joined by Lucy Luck – wildlife enthusiast, science communicator and passionate advocate for queer ecology – to explore the incredible relationship between LGBTQ+ identities, the natural world and the stories we've been told about both.
For as long as they can remember, Lucy has loved wildlife and the great outdoors. But discovering queer ecology transformed the way they saw nature, opening up a world of overlooked stories, hidden histories and a new understanding of the incredible diversity that exists all around us.
In this episode, we explore:🌿 What queer ecology actually is🦋 Lucy's lifelong passion for wildlife and conservation🌈 The hidden LGBTQ+ stories found throughout the natural world🔬 Challenging gatekeeping in science and conservation❤️ Why representation matters—even in nature🌍 Finding belonging through the outdoors
Off The Pitch is our weekly podcast celebrating extraordinary LGBTQ+ people and remarkable human stories. Every episode introduces you to inspiring people whose experiences challenge perceptions, spark curiosity and encourage us to see the world a little differently.
Whether you're passionate about nature, fascinated by science or simply love discovering new perspectives, this is a conversation unlike any other.
🎧 Listen now and discover why queer ecology might completely change the way you look at the natural world.
👉 Follow, subscribe and share to help amplify LGBTQ+ voices and stories that deserve to be heard.
 
Find out more about Lucy:Instagram: @lucyluck_ (update if needed)
Get in touch with the podcast:Instagram: @jack_murleyEmail: jack@jackmurley.com
 
🎧 Listen via the link in bio / stories📱 Follow for a brand-new LGBTQ+ conversation every week⭐ Rate & review to help more people discover the podcast
 
#LucyLuck #QueerEcology #LGBTQPodcast #Nature #Wildlife #Conservation #ScienceCommunication #QueerVoices #LGBTQCommunity #Ecology #Biodiversity #NatureLovers #Science #EnvironmentalEducation #Storytelling #HumanStories #PodcastUK #AwardWinningPodcast #ListenNow

As everyone takes a quick summer break, we're doing the same here on The Jack Murley Sports Show - and revisiting some of the inspiring conversations we've shared over the past few months with Olympians, Paralympians, sporting pioneers and LGBTQ+ changemakers.
Whether you're catching up on episodes you've missed or discovering the podcast for the first time, this special Summer Collection showcases the powerful stories, remarkable journeys and unforgettable conversations that make sport so much more than the final score.
Featuring highlights from:🥈 Greg Slade on winning Paralympic silver and coming out as gay🏳️‍🌈 Jess Williams on bringing EuroGames to Cardiff and creating inclusive sporting spaces🏟️ Phil Batty on delivering Glasgow 2026 and making the Commonwealth Games more inclusive than ever🇦🇺 Daniel Kowalski & Mathew Helm on Olympic success, coming out and life after elite competition🏀 Jude Hamer on Paralympic sport, motherhood and using her platform to champion LGBTQ+ inclusion
From the Olympic and Paralympic Games to grassroots clubs and major international events, these conversations celebrate the athletes, leaders and trailblazers making sport more welcoming, more inclusive and more representative for everyone.
If you've been meaning to catch up with The Jack Murley Sports Show, this is the perfect place to start.
🎧 Listen now and hear some of our favourite conversations from the summer.
👉 Follow, subscribe and share to help us continue championing LGBTQ+ voices in sport.
Get in touch with the podcast:Instagram: @jack_murleyEmail: jack@jackmurley.com
🎧 Listen via the link in bio / stories📱 New episodes return after our summer break⭐ Rate & review to help more people discover the podcast
#TheJackMurleySportsShow #LGBTQSport #SportsPodcast #Olympics #Paralympics #CommonwealthGames #EuroGames #InclusiveSport #RepresentationMatters #QueerAthletes #WheelchairBasketball #GregSlade #JudeHamer #PhilBatty #DanielKowalski #MathewHelm #JessWilliams #SportForAll #AwardWinningPodcast #ListenNow