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The Pickup Game

The Pickup Game

By: JC
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The Pickup Game podcast is about street football or soccer in New York City. It's a portrait of a rich, diverse community that transcends societal divisions and politics. We're reaching out to players and communities everywhere to share their voices with us. Please write to us at info@pickup.nycJC Football (Soccer)
Episodes
  • David Briggs

    David Briggs
    Jun 25 2026

    In Episode 21 of The Pickup Game, I sit down with David Briggs, an architect, a painter, and a player aiming to still be on the pitch at 70. David takes us through his love of radio, the spaces between buildings, Milan Kundera, the power of religion and Caravaggio's use of prostitutes as models for his figures.
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    33 mins
  • Johnny Gandelsman

    Johnny Gandelsman
    Jun 18 2026

    In Episode 20 of The Pickup Game, I chat with Johnny Gandelsman, a violinist, producer, MacArthur Fellow, and founding member of Brooklyn Rider. Our conversation ranges from the World Cup and Marjane Satrapi's views on two countries at war, to the love of New York and lifting people up in times of need.
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    39 mins
  • Mark O'Brien

    Mark O'Brien
    Jun 11 2026

    In Episode 19 of The Pickup Game, I chat with Mark O'Brien, a pickup game player for the past 62 years. We talk about Bob Marley's pickup game at Battersea Park, the politics surrounding the World Cup, and his recommended summer read, Home and Away by Karl Ove Knausgård @karl.ove.knausgard and Fredrik Ekelund, a captivating book told through email exchanges about the beautiful game. Mark also co-founded Scale Justice, a digital tool aimed at making legal power more accessible.
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    37 mins
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