12 Questions with Julian
With “Stimmen aus dem Rabenhorst”, Julian has built his own podcast format around the Munich Ravens and European football. In the EFA Talk he speaks about his path to football, the podcast, fan media, community projects and what football in Europe needs to keep growing.
Julian gives insight into his path to football, the idea behind “Stimmen aus dem Rabenhorst” and the importance of independent fan media.
How did you originally get into American football?
I got into American football in 2015. That was my first season with real contact to the sport, and I began to follow football more intensively.
What grabbed you about the sport and still fascinates you?
The special mix of power, strategy, team spirit and fight. Football has something very primal: fighting together, protecting each other and functioning as a team.
How did the idea for “Stimmen aus dem Rabenhorst” come about?
I listen to many podcasts myself. Football Bromance was one format I followed closely. At some point I thought that something like that could also work around the Munich Ravens. That was the starting point.
What makes a good football podcast?
It has to be entertaining, but it should also be made by people who understand the sport. For me the mix of knowledge, entertainment and real passion makes a strong podcast.
How do you see fan media and independent voices in European football?
I actually see fewer podcasts in European football because some projects have stopped. That also shows how hard it is to keep such a format alive. But exactly for that reason fan formats are important: they create attention and bring additional perspectives.
What has been your best moment with the podcast so far?
The interview with Joe Thomas was the highlight. From Germany it is not easy to get an interview with someone from that football environment, so that was very special.
Is there an episode or topic that stayed with you?
Again, the conversation with Joe Thomas stands out. It showed what a fan podcast can make possible and whom you can reach through such a format.
How do you see the development of European American football?
Very positively. The sport is growing steadily and becomes stronger every year. There is a fanbase in Europe and also a market for football. It takes time, but the direction is right.
What does football in Germany and Europe need to reach more people?
A better and more balanced product: fewer blowout games, more suspense, more competitive balance and more quality. If the product on the field improves, interest will grow too.
What role do fans, fanclubs and community projects play?
They are indispensable. Fans can move a lot, as we know from other sports. The Ravens Crowd shows how a shared passion can become a big family. Such projects keep the sport alive.
What do you wish for the EFA and European football?
I hope the EFA can build on the success of the ELF. It would be good if the different leagues in European football moved closer together again one day and maybe created a bigger common structure.
What message would you give to fans and listeners?
Tell other people how breathtaking this sport is. Take them to games, make them watch, explain the rules and show them why football is special. Every fan can help the sport grow in Europe.
A strong conversation with Julian about football, podcasting, fan media and the power of community. Formats like “Stimmen aus dem Rabenhorst” show how important independent voices are for European football.