Above 180.com Bowling Podcast

Today on the show, I'm joined by PBA star Tom Smallwood, the current leader in the Regular Division at the USBC Open Championships in Reno. Tom breaks down what went right during his tournament run, his mindset heading into the event, and how his team approached the lane conditions to put together an impressive performance. He also discusses what clicked during singles competition that led to his...

Del Warren, longtime Head Men’s Bowling Coach and Director of Bowling at Webber International University, joins the podcast to reflect on building the program since its start in 2008–09 and why now was the right time to step down. Del also discusses the growth of Webber bowling, what could be next for him, and shares some of his favorite memories from coaching.

I catch up with five-time USBC Eagle winner Matt Mcniel to talk about his trip to Reno for the USBC Open Championships. Matt breaks down this year’s team pattern, why he believes it’s very similar to last year’s, and what bowlers should expect when they hit the lanes. Matt and Storm Products 1 Team put together a strong performance, posting a 3151 team score, while Matt himself rolled an impressiv...

Joining me on the podcast today is Chris VanAkkeren. Chris and his Nicholas J's Pro Shop team rolled an impressive 3250 team series at the USBC Open Championships in Reno. Chris breaks down the team’s game plan and preparation heading into the tournament, what they saw once they got on the lanes in Reno, and how they adjusted as the event unfolded. He also explains one key factor he believes many...

Patrick Dombrowski joins the show after capturing the 2026 Go Bowling! U.S. Open, earning his first career PBA Tour title and major championship in dramatic fashion. Dombrowski defeated Anthony Simonsen 197–195 to claim the coveted green jacket and $100,000 first prize. In this conversation, Patrick walks us through the journey that led to this breakthrough moment, including the years spent grindi...

On this episode, I’m joined by former collegiate All-American bowler Mike Hardesty to break down the 2026 PBA season from a gambling perspective. We dive into the types of bowling bets available, the players we’re watching closely this year, and how bettors can approach PBA matchups with a smarter strategy. We also discuss whether common matchup lines like -118 can be beaten long term, the traps t...

This week I catch up with Bowling This Month contributor and Team Canada Head Coach Tyrel Rose to break down how bowlers can improve their game in 2026. Rose shares why the mental game remains the true foundation of success on the lanes and explains how developing stronger focus, confidence, and consistency can immediately elevate performance. We also discuss why bowlers shouldn’t overlook proper...

On this episode, I sit down with pro shop operator, Silver-Certified Coach and ball reviewer for the Bowlers Journal International Vernon Peterson to discuss the latest trends shaping today’s bowling equipment market. Vernon shares insights on why brand loyalty still runs deep among many bowlers, what the new urethane rule really means for the average player, and how to achieve a similar reaction...

On this episode, we sit down with Brooke Green, head bowling coach at Clarke University. Coach Green shares what her team has been focusing on after the first two events of the season and outlines her expectations moving forward. She also discusses her approach to recruiting, what she looks for in future bowlers, and gives us a glimpse into what a typical practice looks like for her teams.

On this episode, I sit down with Craig Spencer — owner of Virtue Bowling Supply and a USBC Silver Certified Coach. We dive into what bowlers should keep in mind as they return to league and tournament play after a summer break. Craig also shares the vision behind StrikeTutor, where he serves as Chief Product Officer, and explains how both bowlers can use it to to sharpen their game.

Marc McDowell is back on top — and he’s doing it in his 60s. In this episode, we dive into how he claimed his third Eagle at the 2025 USBC Open Championships and why this victory feels extra special. Marc opens up about his mindset heading into doubles and singles after a tough final team game, and how he’s maintained elite performance over decades of competition. He shares the training, preparati...

On this episode, I’m joined by Jeff Richgels, Five-Time USBC Eagles winner and owner of 11thFrame.com, to break down this year’s USBC Open Championships and to make sense of the urethane discussion taking place. We dive into what led to the noticeably lower scores, including lane topography, oil patterns, and the chatter surrounding them. Jeff also shares his insights on the USBC's recent urethane...

On this episode, Tim sits down with six-time PWBA titleist Jordan Snodgrass for a deep dive into her journey from college lanes to the pro tour. Jordan reflects on her college bowling experience, shares smart advice for high school athletes choosing a program, and opens up about the biggest adjustments she faced transitioning to the PWBA. Plus, she reveals the one powerful word every player should...

I catch up with the voice of the PWBA Tour, Emil Williams Jr., for a fast-paced rundown of all things women’s pro bowling. We break down the season opener in Kansas, preview the USBC Queens, and look ahead to the biggest storylines of the year. Emil names the rising stars to watch, gives the latest on Shannon O’Keefe’s return, and reflects on some of the most unforgettable moments from the past de...

This week on the show, I’m joined by two-time USBC Eagle winner Ronnie Sparks Jr.! We dive into his incredible performance at the USBC Open Championships in Baton Rouge, where he and Jay Lang surged into the lead in the Doubles event. Ronnie shares the full story—from how the lanes played, to the mindset that powered his crew, to the game-changing advice Jay gave him during practice. We also break...

This week, we sit down with 900 Global staffer and former collegiate bowling standout Andrew Anderson. He shares insights into his college bowling experience and the journey that led him to the PBA. We also break down the first third of the PBA Tour, discussing key moments and his goals for the rest of the season. Andrew reflects on the impact of the Tour’s talented rookies and how their presence...

In this podcast, I’m joined by former collegiate bowling standout Mike Hardesty to dive into the world of PBA betting. We discuss the PBA Delaware Classic from a gambling perspective, analyzing our wagers and how they played out. Mike and I share tips and advice for betting on the PBA Tour, including key bowlers to watch this season. We also take a deep dive into handicapping the U.S. Open, which...

This week, I spoke with accomplished bowler Ryan Barnes about his journey in the sport and his aspirations for the future. He shared how his college bowling experience at Wichita State University helped him refine his skills and build a strong competitive foundation. Ryan discussed the challenges and lessons he encountered while being part of the renowned program and how it shaped his game. He als...

This week, we sit down with Hayden Stippich, a two-time Collegiate All-American from Tennessee Southern University, who recently secured his exemption on the PBA Tour for the 2025 season. Hayden shares how his experience at TN Southern was instrumental in his success at trials and reflects on the pivotal coaching session with Mike Shady that helped him achieve his dream of joining the tour. We als...

This week, I catch up with 2002 ABC (now USBC) Masters Champion Brett Wolfe to dive into his coaching philosophy and his insights on how bowlers can improve their averages. Wolfe, the head coach at B3 Performance in Tempe, AZ, also shares common mistakes bowlers make in league play that can lead to lower scores. We wrap up with a discussion on the future of string pin bowling and why he believes i...

This week I catch up with PWBA Star and USBC HOF Member Missy Parkin. Parkin was inducted into the hall of fame back in April in Las Vegas. Missy also goes into detail regarding her long road back to bowling after a wrist injury sidelined her and where things are at now regarding her wrist. We discuss her future plans and also what advice she has for bowlers heading into college.

I catch with Storm Booth Manager and Storm Brand Ambassador Wes Pye to discuss how things went for the Storm booth in Las Vegas at the USBC OC. Wes also shares some tips for folks who bowl the OC and how his team looks to help bowlers when they visit the booth. Wes discusses why surface is key when bowling the tournament and how small changes to the surface of a ball can make a big difference. We...

I catch up with one of the latest bowlers to win a USBC Eagle Tim Pfeifer. Pfeifer is part of the Higgy's Aquarium team that won the Team All Events title at the Open Championships in Las Vegas. We discuss the game plan they had heading into the event and the sweat after posting 10,226 in late June. Pfeifer, who manages two centers also discusses string pinsetters and why he believes they could sa...

On this can't miss podcast I am joined by six-time PBA title winner Chris Warren. We discuss his season on the PBA50 Tour, what went right and what he can learn from his two second place finishes. We also discuss a recent post by Dick Allen fueling the when to use urethane debate once again and Chris shares his thoughts on Bowlero buying up centers and them owning the PBA Tour.

This week I am joined by Valerie Bercier who is a registered Dietitian at Berberry Health & Wellness LLC. We discuss how what you put into your body plays a major role in your success on the lanes. Valerie also shares some tips on what bowlers can eat before, during and after competition to keep them performing at their best.