A Spice on the Hill

The second and final serving of the Season Review turns up the heat as host Johnny Hourigan, Helen Bellfield and Emily Auld look back at the end-of-season awards for both the First Team and the Spicy Reserves.There are celebrations, standout moments and plenty of recognition for those who made their mark throughout the campaign. Johnny also delivers his own unfiltered shoutout awards, giving credit to the people and moments that caught his eye during the season.The episode also features an important announcement as Helen reflects on a change in her role, before the trio round off the season with one final spicy discussion.As summer rolls in, the curtain comes down on another memorable campaign, but the chilli flames won't be cooling for long. The season may be over, but A Spice on the Hill will be back with more stories, more guests and plenty more spice when the new season arrives.Editor's Note: I feel incredibly blessed to bring the debut season of A Spice on the Hill to a close on such a positive and spicy note. None of this would have been possible without the amazing people who supported, participated in, and encouraged the podcast from the very beginning. Hearing how much people have enjoyed listening has made every episode worthwhile and has only added more fuel to the chilli flames.This may be the end of Season One, but it's only the beginning of the journey. There is a promise to come back stronger, hotter and spicier than ever for Season Two, with more guests, more stories and even bigger flavours to serve up from Champion Hill.WATCH THIS SPACE FROM THE HILLS! - Johnny Hourigan

The season review is here, and as always, it comes in two spicy servings!In Part One, host Johnny Hourigan is joined by Dulwich Hamlet Women Reserves Manager Helen Bellfield and Spicy Reserves player Emily Auld for a deep dive into the stories behind the season. From their journeys before football and the jobs they do away from the pitch, to the fascinating "what if?" moments that could have changed everything, this episode uncovers the people behind the pink and blue.The conversation also reflects on the Spicy Reserves' final match of the campaign, looking back on the challenges, achievements and memories that helped shape the season.A thoughtful, honest and flavour-packed first half, served with plenty of spice and good vibes.Editor's Note: I'm really excited to finally dive into the Season Review and reflect on just how far everyone has come throughout the campaign. This first half of our two-parter is already bringing plenty of heat, great stories and thoughtful reflections, making it a real treat to look back on. It's been brilliant hearing the journeys, memories and moments that helped shape the season, and it's a reminder of just how much spice, passion and hard work has gone into getting to this point. The chilli flames are burning nicely already, and there's still plenty more flavour to come. - Johnny Hourigan

The second half of A Spice on the Hill episode in GK Spicy Union Surprise Catch shifts focus to the present, bringing the gloves back on for a closer look at recent results across both squads. With the Dulwich Hamlet Women first team wrapping up their 2025/26 season, the conversation reflects on how it all played out, the highs, the challenges and what it means heading into the next chapter.Attention then turns to the Spicy Reserves, who still have one final game left to play, keeping the season alive with something still to fight for. There’s a sense of anticipation, determination and unfinished business as the final whistle hasn’t quite blown just yet.A special spotlight also falls on Saskia Reeves-Priestly, who shares insight into her four-month spell with Brentford Women on a dual registration. From new experiences to personal growth, she reflects on what the opportunity has meant and how it’s shaped her journey between the sticks.A more present-day, reflective and forward-looking round, keeping the energy high, the gloves ready and the chilli flames burning right through to the final whistle.Editor’s Note:As the season edges closer to its final whistle, there’s a clear sense of where things stand. The first team may have wrapped things up and can now look ahead to the next chapter, but the Spicy Reserves still have unfinished business, one last game, one final 90 minutes, and a push for those all-important points.It’s also great to hear how Saskia’s four-month spell with Brentford Women has gone on a dual registration, opening doors to new experiences and giving her the chance to face fresh challenges, saving shots from all angles and growing with every moment between the sticks. It's incredible all the shots being saved and bet the sheets are clean as it should be. - Johnny Hourigan

What started as a Belated Easter Spicy Surprise* turns into a full-on goalkeeping special titled GK Spicy Union Surprise Catch as A Spice on the Hill unveils its hidden treat, bringing together Champion Hill’s legendary shot-stoppers Saskia Reeves-Priestly, Gwyn West and Zahra Chessman.In Part One, the focus goes back to where it all began. The trio share their journeys into goalkeeping, from first pulling on the gloves to finding their path to Dulwich Hamlet. Along the way, they open up about life beyond football, the jobs they balance alongside the game, and the moments that shaped them into the players they are today.There’s also a playful dive into the “what ifs”, imagining a world where the gloves were never worn. Unthinkable, perhaps, but it brings out just how important that choice has been in shaping their stories.A thoughtful, grounded and insightful first half, with plenty of heart, personality and a steady build of spice between the sticks.Editor’s Note:It’s incredible to have three legendary goalkeepers share their beginnings, from first fitting on the gloves to saving those firing shots, both literally and metaphorically. Hearing about their lives beyond the pitch adds another layer, and the “what if” is almost impossible to picture. How could any of them not be in goal? It’s something that simply can’t be imagined beyond the world between the sticks. - Johnny Hourigan

The second round of A Spice on the Hill turns up the heat, shifting focus to the present with a lively, in-depth look at recent action. Host Johnny Hourigan, alongside Richie Byrne, Joe McGin, and Big Al, dive into the March of Madness, unpacking a run of matches that brought both big wins and tough losses, like a rollercoaster ride of fortune and fire.Despite the ups and downs, the Spices stay locked in, showing resilience, grit, and a bit of that Irish fighting spirit as they push toward the final stretch. The Reserves also come into the spotlight, adding more depth to the discussion and keeping the pot of performance bubbling nicely across the squad.With honest reflections and forward-thinking energy, this round looks ahead to April and the final games to come, all about finishing strong, chasing that bit of St. Paddy’s luck, and keeping the momentum rolling like a well-poured pint.Editor’s NoteThis second round definitely brings more to get stuck into than the first half, and it’s clear everyone is focused and determined to achieve together towards the end of the season. Results, whether wins or losses, haven’t taken away from the main objective, keeping the chilli flames burning strong and alive, with just a pinch of Irish luck still simmering in the background. - Johnny Hourigan

Love, football and fiery chat collide in this Valentine’s edition of A Spice on the Hill. Host Johnny Hourigan welcomes a trio of special guests to the Valentine’s firing hot seats: Dulwich Hamlet’s Spicy No.2 Jodie Lodge, her Valentine boyfriend William Cave, and the club’s social media maestro Kian Ward.From on-pitch stories and memorable moments to off-pitch laughs and personal insights, the conversation is packed with heart, humour and plenty of spice. This episode serves up warmth, cheeky confessions, and bold takes that prove the love of Hamlet football is always a little bit hot, on and off the pitch.Editor’s NoteI am thrilled that love is truly all around us, especially with the chilli flames burning so hot! This Valentine’s Hot Special is a dish best served spicy football, packed with extra heat that kicks in just right. - Johnny Hourigan

The chilli flames explode back into life in the fourth episode of A Spice on the Hill, “New Year Spice Back with a BANG!”, as host Johnny Hourigan kicks off 2026 with maximum heat and zero easing in. This episode marks a full-throttle return, stacked with fresh voices, bold chat and New Year energy turned all the way up.Joining Johnny are Dulwich Hamlet Women’s new signing Lauren Heria, her sister Emily, and her friend and Foudys colleague Laura, who together bring a lively mix of memorable moments, working life, and football stories from both on and off the pitch. From personal journeys and career paths to life around the game, the conversation is seasoned with insight, warmth and plenty of spice.The panel also digs into Dulwich Hamlet Women’s recent matches, reflecting on a promising start to the year and the collective New Year resolutions driving the team forward. Informative, energetic and packed with flavour, this episode doesn’t just tiptoe back into the New Year, it crashes in with a BANG, keeping the heat high and the chilli flames burning hotter than ever.Editor’s Note:Delighted to have A Spice on the Hill back for the New Year, with a promise to turn up the heat even more in 2026. Expect extra flames of hotness, bolder voices and fiery chilli energy burning brighter and hotter as the year rolls on. 

The festive flames are fully lit in the third episode of A Spice on the Hill, a special chilli-hot Christmas edition packed with warmth, wit and plenty of Dulwich spirit. Host Johnny Hourigan welcomes a trio of Spicy legends to the mic: Brit Saylor, former first-team captain; Lucy Monkman, better known behind the decks as DJ Monki; and returning guest David Rogers.Together, they turn up the heat and jingle the bells as they dive into Christmas past, Christmas present and Christmas yet to come, sharing stories from their Hamlet journeys, festive memories, and hopes for what lies ahead. It’s a joyful mix of nostalgia, laughter and community, wrapped in tinsel and served with a serious kick of spice.Editor’s Note:I’ve brought plenty of treats and cheer for this one, delivering a mega-hot, chilli-packed festive special that’s guaranteed to leave you sweaty, smiling and hungry for more. Here’s to many more episodes in the New Year — with extra sauces of guests and even more exciting things ready to roll out. - Johnny Hourigan