How Football Sparks Philosophical Inquiry in Academic Podcast
At Lincoln Bishop University, two academics have transformed casual conversations into a compelling intellectual resource. Dr. Adam Foxon, Programme Lead for Theology, Philosophy and Ethics, and Professor Jack Cunningham, Professor of Ecclesiastical History, created Fast Football and Philosophy – a podcast that demonstrates how everyday sports discussions can evolve into profound philosophical explorations.
Listen to Fast Football and Philosophy on Spotify
From Classroom Discussions to Global Airwaves
The podcast’s origins trace back to Foxon’s undergraduate days at Lincoln Bishop University (formerly Bishop Grosseteste University), where Cunningham served as his mentor. Their shared passion for examining life’s big questions through unexpected lenses led to a unique teaching approach that now reaches international audiences. The ten-episode first season has attracted listeners from five continents, demonstrating the universal appeal of combining popular culture with academic rigor.
The Educational Strategy Behind Unlikely Pairings
Foxon and Cunningham deliberately use football as an accessible entry point to complex philosophical concepts:
- Ethics in Action: Analyzing on-field decisions through moral philosophy frameworks
- Metaphysics of Competition: Exploring concepts of fairness, destiny, and human potential
- Social Philosophy: Examining fan culture as a model for community building
“Our goal isn’t to convert listeners into philosophy majors,” Cunningham explains, “but to demonstrate how philosophical thinking enhances understanding of everyday experiences – including sports fandom.”
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Academic Credentials Meet Relatable Content
Both hosts bring substantial academic credentials to their unconventional format:
| Dr. Adam Foxon | Prof. Jack Cunningham |
|---|---|
| Programme Lead, Theology, Philosophy & Ethics | Ecclesiastical History Specialist |
| Lincoln Bishop University alumnus | 35+ years academic experience |
| Research focus: Ethics in contemporary culture | Author of 8 philosophical texts |
Global Reach and Listener Engagement
Since its launch three months ago, the podcast has achieved:
- Listeners in 12+ countries including USA, Australia, and Sweden
- Consistent top-100 ranking in educational podcast charts
- Featured segments on community radio stations
The hosts attribute this success to their conversational approach that welcomes both philosophy scholars and casual football fans. New episodes in the second season address contemporary issues including:
- The morality of transfer market economics
- Existential aspects of sports fandom
- Epistemological questions in referee decision-making
Pedagogical Value for Students and Educators
Lincoln Bishop University’s Theology, Philosophy and Ethics programme frequently incorporates the podcast as a teaching tool. Students analyze episodes to understand:
- Practical application of theoretical concepts
- Effective communication of complex ideas
- Interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving
Foxon notes: “Our podcast demonstrates the employability value of philosophy training – showing graduates how to make specialized knowledge accessible and relevant to diverse audiences.”
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Accessing Philosophical Insights Through Sports Media
The Fast Football and Philosophy podcast exemplifies Lincoln Bishop University’s commitment to innovative knowledge dissemination. Available on all major platforms, the show offers:
- 45-60 minute episodes released biweekly
- Show notes with philosophical references and reading lists
- Listener Q&A segments addressing submitted questions
While independently produced, the podcast reflects the university’s educational values – demonstrating how academic expertise can engage public audiences without compromising intellectual depth.
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Future Developments in Academic Podcasting
With the second season underway, Foxon and Cunningham plan to:
- Invite guest academics from other disciplines
- Develop teaching resources for secondary educators
- Explore sponsorship opportunities to fund research scholarships
Their success story offers a model for academics seeking to expand their impact beyond traditional publication formats while maintaining scholarly integrity.
