Lucky Breaks Podcast

Gloria Jean on Healing, Mindset, and Community in PoolOn the Lucky Breaks Podcast, host Sue interviews Gloria Jean, owner of Cue Sports Media and a PBIA/ACS instructor, about how pool became both a healing outlet and a community for her. Gloria shares starting at 16, returning to the game after her mother’s death in 2002, working at Boston Billiards, and launching the Ride the Nine Tour on Nov. 1,...

Chileshe Mubanga on Mentorship, Discipline & Growing Pool in Zambia | Lucky Breaks PodcastThis week on the Lucky Breaks podcast, professional Zambian pool player Chileshe Mubanga shares how she began playing at 15 in Kabwata market, was discovered by Cheelo Himanje, joined Wingo’s Pool Club, and shocked everyone by beating national player Milton Mwila in her first league match, later winning a...

On the Lucky Breaks podcast, Sue interviews Kristyn Sweeney, a pool player of 20+ years and creator of The Sober Pool Player Facebook community. Kristyn shares that a turning point came after her stepson died from cancer and she is now 20 months sober. She explains that being around drinkers was easier than expected, while vacations and bar environments were harder, leading her to shift from dive...

Unlocking the Draw Shot: Chris Reinhold on Mechanics, Cue Ball Control, and CoachingMichelle from the Lucky Breaks podcast hosts an episode featuring returning guest pro pool player and coach Chris Reinhold at On Cue Billiards in San Diego, focusing on coaching insights into draw-shot mechanics and cue ball control. They recap his background and discuss his coaching approach, emphasizing individua...

Pool Memes, APA Drama & Viral Shorts: Jim Muschetti (Pool For Fun) on Lucky BreaksOn this episode of the Lucky Breaks podcast, the hosts interview Napa Valley pool content creator Jim Muschetti (Pool For Fun) about how he got into pool, his return to the game in 2015, joining the APA last year, and how a single filmed kick shot sparked four years of videos and memes across Facebook, Instagram,...

Growing Up in the NorCal Pool Scene: Emilyn & Eleanor Callado on Junior Pool, Women’s Tour, and Building Community On the Lucky Breaks podcast, Emilyn and Eleanor Callado share how they started playing pool at age eight through their father, early kid tournaments at Town & Country, and inspiration from the Philippines where pool is huge. They discuss why junior pool matters, how to spot yo...

In this episode, we are joined by Noel Flannery , an elite performance coach from Edinburgh, Scotland, and the owner of Cue Sports Hub . Noel brings a unique perspective to the table—not as a professional player, but as a specialist in the mental game with a background in high-pressure environments like Formula One. We dive deep into why the mental game is at least 50% of your performance and how...

Alex Pagulayan on Mindset, Hard Work, and How Amateurs Can Improve at Pool On the Lucky Breaks Podcast, Alex Pagulayan discusses what matters most for amateur pool players, emphasizing mindset—enjoying the game, learning, and reducing pressure after losses. He weighs hard work as more important than raw talent, saying dedication can overcome obstacles even without being a uniquely gifted player. P...

Max Adams on Playing Your Game, Mental Focus, and Better Warmups | Lucky Breaks Podcast On the Lucky Breaks Podcast, host interviews Alaska pro pool player Max Adams about learning pool as a toddler in his mom’s bar, early mentors in a hustler-heavy scene, stepping back to focus on family, and returning to serious competition around 2016. Adams discusses how Alaska players tend to be “gunslingers,...

Calm Your Cue: Gabrielle Fields on Yoga, Breathwork & the Pool Player’s Mental Game | Lucky Breaks Podcast Recorded at the BCA USAPL Nationals in Las Vegas, this Lucky Breaks podcast episode features Gabrielle Fields , who shares how yoga and breathwork improved her pool performance, emotional control after misses, endurance, and overall health after having back-to-back babies and recovering f...

Pool Coach Larry Nicholson on Fundamentals, Practice, and the Learning Journey What makes pool such a great game isn’t just making balls—it’s the life lessons you learn along the way. In this episode of the Lucky Breaks Podcast , Sue sits down with longtime PBIA/CSI instructor and trick-shot artist Larry Nicholson, who shares how a childhood belt buckle and a target drill shaped his cue-ball contr...

From Players to League Operators: Scot and Liza on Running the San Diego APA On the Lucky Breaks Podcast , San Diego APA league operators Scot and Liza discuss APA’s origins as an amateur-focused league founded by pros Terry Bell and Larry Hubbard, with rules designed to welcome beginners through handicaps, coaching, and an “anyone can win” model. They share how they started playing and joined APA...

This episode of the Lucky Breaks Podcast host Sue Lueder interviews Coach Sean , a Las Vegas-based PBIA and ACS Level 1 instructor who is dedicated to both the local and junior pool scenes. Sean shares his remarkable "origin story," transitioning from a truck driver to a professional instructor after deciding to take the game seriously only a year and a half ago. Despite being a self-des...

In this episode of the Lucky Breaks Podcast, the host Sue interviews Rocky, a longtime friend and ardent tournament director known for her charity pool events. Rocky shares her journey from learning to play pool in Monterey to organizing community-driven tournaments in San Diego. She highlights her work raising money for good causes, such as Baja Rescue and Miracle Ear Foundation. Rocky discusses...

In this week's episode of the Lucky Breaks Podcast , host Sue chats with elite pool player CJ Robinson about his journey in the sport, the importance of self-discipline, and the techniques he uses to stay calm under pressure. CJ shares his origin story, from playing pool with his father to captaining his first APA team. The conversation dives into the significance of a pre-shot routine, managi...

In this episode of the Lucky Breaks Podcast , a diverse panel of APA team captains gathers to share their personal journeys and experiences in captaining. The captains discuss their motivations, the mechanics of leading an APA team , and divulge their strategies for building and managing successful teams. Key topics include the importance of team chemistry, balancing competition with fun, strategi...

In this episode of the Lucky Breaks Podcast , host Sue Lueder dives deep into the world of professional pool with Chris Reinhold , a former junior champion and Mosconi Cup player. Chris shares his journey from a young amateur to a top-level competitor, highlighting the importance of managing attitude, ego, and mental toughness. He provides valuable tips on playing and winning against elite opponen...

Thanks to our guests and host locations for season 2! We look forward to bringing you season 3 content in 2026. Send us your feedback and any guest or content ideas to luckybreakspodcast@gmail.com . Get notified when our merch store is up and running by filling out this form: https://forms.gle/QxdFQpPS2y5QNEMZA 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝘀:  Linktree: https://linktr.ee/luckybreakspodcast Facebook - https...

In this episode of the Lucky Breaks podcast, host Sue Lueder welcomes Nellie Del Rosario to discuss her impressive performance at the APA US Amateurs event in Las Vegas. Nellie delves deeply into the event's format, her strategies, and the highs and lows she experienced during her matches. The conversation covers the mental and physical aspects of competing, including the importance of maintai...

In this episode of the Lucky Breaks Podcast, host Sue Lueder and guest Clint Palaci dive into the controversial topic of sandbagging in the pool. Clint shares his origins in the sport, learning to play at the age of eight, and his journey through various skill levels. The discussion covers the definition of sandbagging, its prevalence and impact on the sport, and measures taken by tournament direc...

In this episode of the Lucky Breaks Podcast, host Sue Lueder sits down with PBIA master instructor Bob Jewett to explore the keys to improving at pool through practice, targeted drills, and feedback. Bob shares his journey from starting in 1964 to becoming a national champion and a respected coach. He discusses common mistakes, effective practices, and the importance of tailored instruction. Bob a...

This episode of the Lucky Breaks Podcast features an insightful conversation with Abraham Diaz, a renowned artistic pool champion known for his extraordinary trick shots and cue-making skills. Hosts Sue Lueder and Rich Nemcek explore Abraham's origin story, beginning with his self-taught practice inspired by an ESPN trick shot competition, and his progression to being mentored by champions Mik...

In this episode of the Lucky Breaks Podcast , host Sue introduces Hydred Goldberg, a two-time Heyball Parasport champion . Hydred shares her journey of getting into pool after a life-changing car accident, her ascent to semi-pro status, and balancing a career in special effects makeup. She elaborates on Parasport, touching on the unique challenges and different skill levels within the sport. Hydre...

In this episode of the Lucky Breaks Podcast , we are recording at On Cue Billiards in La Mesa, CA and are joined by three accomplished female pool players - Melinda, Yen, and Nellie . They share their experiences, preparation methods, and challenges leading up to the prestigious US Amateur Championship , hosted annually by the APA. Melinda delves into her relentless 20-year journey culminating in...

In this episode of the Lucky Breaks Podcast , host Sue Lueder sits down with Nicolas Ha to discuss various aspects of the mental game and lifestyle elements crucial to excelling in pool. Nicolas shares his journey from picking up a pool cue at a local bowling alley to playing competitively in leagues and tournaments, including his collegiate experience at UC Davis. They explore the technical, ment...