Lucky Breaks Podcast

In this episode of the Lucky Breaks Podcast , we take a journey back to the discussions that sparked the podcast idea at the BCA Nationals in February 2025, targeting amateur and entry-level professional pool players. The discussion includes strategies for playing in national events, tips on mental resilience, and insights on improving through standard questions. Key interviews from the 2025 BCA N...

Join Michael Fernandez as he guest hosts on this episode of the Lucky Breaks Podcast . We welcome Priscilla and Reuben Duffy , life partners and dedicated pool players. They share their unique origin stories in the game, how they became a dynamic doubles team , and the advantages and challenges of playing pool with someone you have a deep personal connection with. Tune in to hear about their recen...

Join Sue Lueder and Erin Shulman from the Lucky Breaks Podcast as they chat with 𝑲𝒂𝒊 𝑭𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒔, an iconic figure in the San Diego APA, and 𝑫𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒔 𝑲𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒛𝒂𝒔, an up and coming pool player eager to learn. Discover their unique coaching dynamics, Kai's journey from a recreational player to a key figure in the pool community, and Demetrios’ transformation under Kai's mentorship. Learn about their colla...

Join us for an insightful episode of the Lucky Breaks Podcast , where host Sue Lueder sits down with Jesse Gallegos , a former bar pool player and intense athlete who has transitioned to being a laid-back APA pool team captain . Jesse shares his surprising journey into the pool world, the challenges he faced, and his philosophy of balancing competitive drive with a fun-first approach. Learn how he...

Join the Lucky Breaks Podcast as we follow the No Rolls Barred team on their thrilling journey at the APA World Qualifier , one of the biggest events of the year for the local APA teams. Despite pre-match nerves, challenging losses, and unexpected moments, witness their unwavering team chemistry and positive attitudes. Meet key players like Samantha, Brett, Richard, Gordon, Thea, and Steve as they...

In this episode of the Lucky Breaks Podcast , host Sue Lueder sits down with Mike Holt , a professional photographer, videographer, and avid pool player. Mike shares his fascinating journey from playing snooker in the UK to becoming an influential figure in the San Diego pool scene. They discuss Mike's transition from snooker to pool, his YouTube channel ' Mothlike TV ,' which aims to bring broadc...

Join host Sue Lueder on the Lucky Breaks Podcast as she sits down with APA pool champion Edward Arciniega to discuss his riveting journey from playing pool at local bowling alleys to competing at the APA Poolplayer World Championship. Ed shares insights into the importance of self-care, mental fortitude, and the invaluable support of coaches, family, and friends. He delves into his early days, his...

In this episode of the Lucky Breaks Podcast , host Erin Shulman interviews Sean Ahlers , a respected pool referee from the San Diego community. Sean shares his journey into the world of pool, starting at a local rec center and refining his skills both in the U.S. and during his military service in Japan. The discussion delves into the intricacies of being a pool referee, including the importance o...

S1:E5 Haunted by Matches Past In this episode of the Lucky Breaks Podcast , seasoned pool player Jared Pitts shares his journey into the world of pool, starting from his childhood interest cultivated in a pool hall to his participation in competitive tournaments. Jared recounts a challenging recent tournament in Vegas, emphasizing the mental strategies needed to cope with slow and defensive oppone...

Join us on the Lucky Breaks Podcast as we sit down with Michael Fernandez, creator of the Awesome San Diego Pool Player YouTube channel. Michael shares insights about his journey into pool, the impact of watching and analyzing your own gameplay, and how these methods have helped him reach new skill levels. Learn about the benefits of recording your matches, fostering a pool community, and making t...

S1:E3 Leaps of Faith In this episode of the Lucky Breaks Podcast, we sit down with Brandy Pamintuan and Keith Zeek, the new owners of San Diego’s iconic pool bar, The Break Room. Brandy, a seasoned pool player, and Keith, a veteran bartender, share their passion for maintaining the bar's family atmosphere and welcoming players of all levels. They discuss their backgrounds, the inspiration behi...

S1:E2 Get Ready, Get Lucky: Insights from semi-pro pool player Josh Watson | Lucky Breaks Podcast Welcome to the Lucky Breaks Podcast! In this episode we sit down with semi-pro pool player Josh Watson, fresh off his competition at the BCA Nationals in Las Vegas. Josh shares his experiences from the event, discusses the importance of team camaraderie, and gives us a sneak peek into how he's pre...

S1:E1 Pickup Games:  Pool Player Stories with Sue Lueder & Erin Shulman | Lucky Breaks Podcast  In the inaugural episode of the Lucky Breaks Podcast, hosts Sue Lueder and Erin Shulman introduce themselves and share their personal journeys in the game of pool. From childhood memories and bar games to joining leagues and striving for improvement, they discuss their experiences and why they are p...