{"href":"http://player.captivate.fm/services/oembed?url=http%3A%2F%2Fplayer.captivate.fm%2Fepisode%2F12df9a8d-0f38-4fba-9348-ce859f61185c","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Captivate.FM","provider_url":"https://www.captivate.fm","width":600,"height":200,"type":"rich","html":"<iframe style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px;\" title=\"Mark O\u2019Brien on Losing Football, Finding Himself & Life After the Game\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allow=\"clipboard-write\" seamless src=\"http://player.captivate.fm/episode/12df9a8d-0f38-4fba-9348-ce859f61185c\"></iframe>","title":"Mark O\u2019Brien on Losing Football, Finding Himself & Life After the Game","description":"<p>What happens when everything you\u2019ve worked for disappears overnight?</p><p>In this deeply honest conversation, former professional footballer\u00a0<strong>Mark O\u2019Brien</strong>\u00a0shares his journey from debuting in the Championship at 16, to undergoing open-heart surgery\u2026 and eventually being forced to retire at just 27 years old.</p><p>We explore:</p><ul><li><p>His early career at Derby County</p></li><li><p>The physical and emotional toll of injury</p></li><li><p>Mental health and identity after retirement</p></li><li><p>That unforgettable goal at Newport County</p></li><li><p>What it really takes to rebuild your life</p></li></ul><p>Recorded live at\u00a0Rodney Parade, this is a story of resilience, vulnerability, and what comes after the dream ends.</p><p>\ud83d\udc49 If this episode resonates, follow the podcast \u2014 it helps more people find conversations like this.</p>\n","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://artwork.captivate.fm/9eb28f48-53f0-42ba-9877-795eb6b120a8/42190208-1749746773537-c97a25f10e607.jpg"}