Episodes

  • S2:E17 Practice First, Play Hard, No Mercy
    Sep 12 2025

    In this edition of the Lucky Breaks Podcast, we explore the experiences of the Cobra Kai pool team, captained by Abhilash and Shekhar, as they prepare for and participate in the APA 9-Ball World Championship event in Las Vegas. The episode delves into the origins of the team name, Cobra Kai, and the changes made to overcome past challenges. Key moments and strategies from their tournament journey are shared, highlighting both successes and setbacks. The episode also covers their preparation methods and team dynamics, emphasizing the importance of practice, mental fortitude, and team support. The hosts and guests discuss the competitive environment, the emotional highs and lows, and the camaraderie that helped shape their experience. The episode concludes with a hopeful look towards future competitions and the potential for another shot at APA World Championship.

    00:00 Welcome to the Lucky Breaks Podcast

    01:05 Meet the Team: Cobra Kai

    05:13 The Journey to Las Vegas

    05:59 Tips and Strategies for Success

    10:19 Excitement and Concerns for the Tournament

    18:37 Magic 8-Ball Predictions before APA Worlds

    19:49 Team's Performance Recap

    21:01 Vegas Tournament Experience

    22:11 Highlights and Turning Points

    24:45 Team Dynamics and Support

    25:41 Captain's Tournament Insights

    30:41 Preparation and Strategy

    35:33 Magic 8-Ball Predictions and Looking Ahead to Next Year

    36:58 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

    Where you can find our guest:

    Instagram - Abhilash Gopinath, Shekhar Jindal

    Where you can find us:

    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/luckybreakspodcast

    YouTube - www.youtube.com/@luckybreaks-podcast

    📧Email - luckybreakspodcast@gmail.com

    ✅Guest Sign Up - Apply To Be A Guest or Suggest A Topic

    https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeai_jCboxj2P-p1Qol3KjSaMqFbUvJLCBSql_5kPJOg0Y4Rw/viewform

    #luckybreakspodcast #pool #billiards

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    37 mins
  • S2:E16 Born to Run Racks
    Sep 5 2025

    Join us in this captivating episode of the Lucky Breaks Podcast as host Sue Lueder delves into the fascinating world of pool hall family dynamics with Tan and TP Tran, a talented father-son duo. Learn about Tan's early addiction to pool strategizing and TP's late blooming interest in the sport. Discover how their different paths have converged, diving deep into their insights on strategy, pressure, and the unique dynamics of high-stakes matches. Plus, hear about their preparation for the US Amateur Tournament, the lessons learned from each other, and the impact of Lucky Shot Billiards on their relationship. Perfect for pool enthusiasts, this conversation is a blend of personal growth, competitive spirit, and family bonds. Don't miss it!

    00:00 Introduction

    01:13 Tan's Origin Story in Pool

    02:51 TP's Journey into Pool

    04:45 The Challenges and Skills in Pool

    06:23 Engineering and Creativity in Pool

    10:36 Upcoming US Amateurs Qualifier

    17:08 Handling Pressure in Competitive Pool

    18:15 Balancing Expectations and Practice

    18:46 Preparing for the US Amateurs

    19:17 Lessons from Teaching Pool

    24:47 The Role of the Pool Hall

    27:17 Memorable Pool Moments

    32:49 Life Lessons from Pool

    37:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Where you can find our guest:

    Facebook - Lucky Shot Billiards - https://www.facebook.com/LuckyShotBilliards

    Facebook - TP Tran - https://www.facebook.com/tp.tranthien.3

    𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝘀:

    Linktree: https://linktr.ee/luckybreakspodcast

    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/luckybreakspodcast

    YouTube - www.youtube.com/@luckybreaks-podcast

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luckybreakspodcast/#

    Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luckybreakspodcast

    📧Email - luckybreakspodcast@gmail.com

    ✅Guest Sign Up - Apply To Be A Guest or Suggest A Topic

    https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeai_jCboxj2P-p1Qol3KjSaMqFbUvJLCBSql_5kPJOg0Y4Rw/viewform

    #luckybreakspodcast #pool #billiards

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    36 mins
  • S1:E15 Season One Racked Up
    Aug 8 2025

    In the season 1 finale of the Lucky Breaks Podcast, hosts Sue Lueder and Erin Shulman reflect on their journey of launching the show while recapping highlights from their pool careers. They share details about their recent tournament experiences and achievements, discuss the process of producing the podcast, and offer a glimpse into what's coming in Season 2. Stay tuned until the end for a special Magic 8 Ball segment and thank you to all of the guests from this season! Plus, find out how you can contribute to future episodes and what to expect as they expand their reach to new locations and guests.

    00:00 Season Finale Introduction

    00:43 Recap of Personal Pool Careers

    02:29 Tournament Highlights and Wins

    08:03 Learning from Podcast Production

    11:57 Challenges and Community Support

    12:52 Listener Feedback and Community Engagement

    13:25 Guest Participation and Episode Planning

    15:15 Future Plans and Expanding the Podcast's Reach

    19:58 Call to Action for Audience

    22:16 Magic Eight Ball Fun

    24:21: Thank you video montage to Season 1 Guests

    Where you can find us:

    ➡️Linktree: https://linktr.ee/luckybreakspodcast

    ➡️Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/luckybreakspodcast

    ➡️YouTube - www.youtube.com/@luckybreaks-podcast

    ➡️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luckybreakspodcast/#

    ➡️Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luckybreakspodcast

    📧Email - luckybreakspodcast@gmail.com

    ✅Guest Sign Up - Apply To Be A Guest or Suggest A Topic

    https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeai_jCboxj2P-p1Qol3KjSaMqFbUvJLCBSql_5kPJOg0Y4Rw/viewform

    #luckybreakspodcast #pool #billiards

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    23 mins
  • S1:E14 Filling the San Diego Cup
    Aug 1 2025

    In this week's episode of the Lucky Breaks Podcast, we sit down with Steve Kwon, Michael Fernandez, and Josh Watson, the dedicated team behind the revitalized San Diego Cup Pool Tournament series. They discuss their journey from taking over the series from its previous owner, Clint, to envisioning a competitive and inclusive multi-day pool event for the San Diego community. Learn about the diverse tournament formats, exciting future plans, and the growing regional pool scene. The episode also covers insights from their most recent event and teases upcoming changes and surprises. Tune in to hear about the challenges they faced, the community's response, and their passion for the game.

    00:00 Introduction to the Lucky Breaks Podcast

    00:31 Meet the San Diego Cup Organizers

    01:18 History of the San Diego Cup

    02:19 Tournament Formats and Inclusivity

    03:03 Transition from Library Cup to San Diego Cup

    08:47 Qualifying for the SoCal Cup

    15:45 Highlights and Successes of the San Diego Cup

    22:42 The Reward of Organizing Tournaments

    23:02 Ensuring Fairness and Legitimacy

    25:02 Adapting and Improving

    25:17 Registration and Venue Changes

    26:58 Acknowledging Helpers and Volunteers

    33:36 Expanding the Community and Future Plans

    43:12 Promoting and Thanking Sponsors

    43:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts


    Where you can find our guests:

    ➡️Facebook - San Diego Cup - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575735668114

    ➡️San Diego Cup Stop #2 Event Page - https://www.facebook.com/events/1289535936119187


    ➡️Facebook - Awesome SD Pool Player - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558076536227#

    ➡️YouTube - Awesome SD Pool Player - http://www.youtube.com/@AwesomeSDPoolPlayer


    ➡️Facebook - Josh Watson - https://www.facebook.com/jwat8457?mibextid=wwXIfr

    ➡️Facebook - San Diego Central BCA - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563538802917

    ➡️Facebook - Steve Kwon - https://www.facebook.com/steve.kwons


    𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝘀:

    ➡️Linktree: https://linktr.ee/luckybreakspodcast

    ➡️Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/luckybreakspodcast

    ➡️YouTube - www.youtube.com/@luckybreaks-podcast

    ➡️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luckybreakspodcast/#

    ➡️Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luckybreakspodcast

    📧Email - luckybreakspodcast@gmail.com

    ✅Guest Sign Up - Apply To Be A Guest or Suggest A Topic

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    #luckybreakspodcast #pool #billiards

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    42 mins
  • S1:E13 The Prequel
    Jul 25 2025
    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 Nationals provide personal experiences and advice on handling the pressures of competitive play. The episode also highlights the importance of community, preparation, and the mental aspect of the game, featuring interviews with players like CJ Robinson, Josh Watson, and others.The original Lucky Breaks episode from Sue Lueder’s original audio only podcast is available here.00:00 Introduction to The Lucky Breaks Podcast00:28 Target Audience and Podcast Focus with Josh Watson & CJ Robinson01:37 Podcast Content Ideas and Strategies04:58 Gathering Data and Player Insights09:05 Mental and Physical Preparation18:17 Introduction to BCA Nationals with Mike Holt from @MothlikeTV20:34 Dealing with Pressure in Tournaments22:27 Learning from Losses25:44 Streaming and YouTube Channel Insights27:15 USAPL with Brian Levesque & Bret Verdrager30:15 Team Building and Sponsorship TipsWhere you can find our guests:▶️Facebook - Josh Watson - https://www.facebook.com/jwat8457▶️Facebook - CJ Robinson - https://www.facebook.com/Poolaholic▶️Facebook - Brian Levesque - https://www.facebook.com/brianlevesquecrx▶️Facebook - Bret Verdrager - https://www.facebook.com/bret.verdrager▶️Facebook - Mike Holt - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573178579695▶️YouTube - Mothlike TV - https://www.youtube.com/@mothlikeTV▶️Website - Mothlike - https://www.mothlike.com/▶️Mothlike 9-Ball Series Tournament - Stop #5 - https://www.facebook.com/events/759157493354280/𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝘀: ▶️Linktree: https://linktr.ee/luckybreakspodcast▶️Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/luckybreakspodcast▶️YouTube - www.youtube.com/@luckybreaks-podcast▶️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luckybreakspodcast/#▶️Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luckybreakspodcast📧Email - luckybreakspodcast@gmail.com✅Guest Sign Up - Apply To Be A Guest or Suggest A Topic https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeai_jCboxj2P-p1Qol3KjSaMqFbUvJLCBSql_5kPJOg0Y4Rw/viewform#luckybreakspodcast #pool #billiards
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    31 mins
  • S1:E12 Dynamic Duo
    Jul 18 2025

    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 recent tournament experiences, their strategies for maintaining fun and comfort under pressure, and their advice for other doubles teams. Don't miss their insights into maintaining trust and communication both on and off the pool table.

    00:00 Welcome to Lucky Breaks Podcast

    00:35 Priscilla's Pool Journey

    01:36 Reuben's Pool Beginnings

    02:22 Playing Scotch Doubles Together

    05:52 Trust and Communication in Pool

    06:17 Recent Tournament Experiences

    07:11 Advantages of Established Partnerships

    12:11 Skill Levels and Strengths

    14:11 Advice for Doubles Competitions

    15:43 Comfort in Team Events

    18:59 High-Level Tournaments Experience

    20:44 The Vegas Run as Scotch Doubles Partners

    23:49 Magic 8-Ball Predictions


    Where you can find our guests:

    Facebook - Priscilla Duffy - https://www.facebook.com/PriscillaJaneMarquez

    Facebook - Reuben Duffy - https://www.facebook.com/reuben.duffy.3


    Where you can find our GUEST HOST:

    Facebook - Awesome SD Pool Player - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558076536227#

    YouTube - Awesome SD Pool Player - http://www.youtube.com/@AwesomeSDPoolPlayer


    Where you can find us:

    Linktree: https://linktr.ee/luckybreakspodcast

    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/luckybreakspodcast

    YouTube - www.youtube.com/@luckybreaks-podcast

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luckybreakspodcast/#

    Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luckybreakspodcast

    📧Email - luckybreakspodcast@gmail.com

    ✅Guest Sign Up - Apply To Be A Guest or Suggest A Topic

    https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeai_jCboxj2P-p1Qol3KjSaMqFbUvJLCBSql_5kPJOg0Y4Rw/viewform

    #luckybreakspodcast #pool #billiards #scotchdoubles

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    25 mins
  • S1:E11 Dancing Queen
    Jul 11 2025

    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 collaborative, pressure-free coaching style, and gain valuable insights into effective coaching methods. Plus, get a glimpse into Kai's exciting new venture, 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐊𝐚𝐢. Don't miss this engaging conversation about pool, coaching, and personal growth!

    00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests

    00:49 Kai's Journey into Pool

    02:22 Demetrius' Background and Entry into the League

    04:07 Kai's Coaching Philosophy

    05:48 Demetrius' Growth and Challenges

    08:38 Effective Coaching Techniques

    14:19 Communication in Coaching

    20:01 Handling Mistakes and Staying Calm

    20:34 Timeout Strategies in High-Stakes Matches

    22:18 Coaching Styles and Player Independence

    23:17 Balancing Nerves and Support During Competitions

    29:54 Coaching Lower Skill Levels

    32:40 Introducing Purple Queen Kai

    36:12 Magic Eight Ball Predictions


    Where you can find our guest:

    Linktree - https://linktr.ee/PurpleQueenKai


    Where you can find us:

    Linktree: https://linktr.ee/luckybreakspodcast

    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/luckybreakspodcast

    YouTube - www.youtube.com/@luckybreaks-podcast

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luckybreakspodcast/#

    Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luckybreakspodcast

    📧Email - luckybreakspodcast@gmail.com

    ✅Guest Sign Up - Apply To Be A Guest or Suggest A Topic

    https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeai_jCboxj2P-p1Qol3KjSaMqFbUvJLCBSql_5kPJOg0Y4Rw/viewform

    #luckybreakspodcast #pool #billiards


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    37 mins
  • S1:E10 You're the Captain Now
    Jul 4 2025

    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 manages his team, from player attendance to aiming for Vegas, all while maintaining a jerk-free environment. Don't miss this engaging episode that highlights the trials and triumphs of being a team captain in the APA pool league.

    00:00 Introduction to the Lucky Breaks Podcast

    00:43 Jesse's Journey to the Pool World

    01:19 Joining the APA and Early Challenges

    02:39 Finding the Right Team and Learning Etiquette

    04:34 Becoming a Team Captain

    06:25 Captain's Philosophy and Team Management

    09:35 Challenges and Performance Management

    15:22 Adding and Removing Team Members

    20:04 Tournament Drawbacks and Tactical Decisions

    02:48 Team Dynamics and Personal Critiques

    22:13 Captain's Tournaments and Strategies

    25:55 Benefits and Challenges of Being a Captain

    30:00 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

    30:57 Jesse’s Magic 8-Ball Prediction

    Where you can find us:

    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/luckybreakspodcast

    YouTube - www.youtube.com/@luckybreaks-podcast

    📧Email - luckybreakspodcast@gmail.com

    ✅Guest Sign Up - Apply To Be A Guest or Suggest A Topic

    https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeai_jCboxj2P-p1Qol3KjSaMqFbUvJLCBSql_5kPJOg0Y4Rw/viewform

    #luckybreakspodcast #pool #billiards

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    32 mins