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:

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📧Email - luckybreakspodcast@gmail.com

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#luckybreakspodcast #pool #billiards #podcast #poolpractice #amateurpool #poolplayers

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 maintaining focus, handling pressure, and making quick adjustments in the heat of competition. Nellie also shares anecdotes about her training, the support from her friends and fans, and her aspirations for future tournaments. The episode concludes with a hopeful message about increasing tournament participation among women in San Diego.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 maintaining focus, handling pressure, and making quick adjustments in the heat of competition. Nellie also shares anecdotes about her training, the support from her friends and fans, and her aspirations for future tournaments. The episode concludes with a hopeful message about increasing tournament participation among women in San Diego.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:30 Understanding the APA US Amateur Format01:00 Nellie's Strategy and Match Experiences01:50 Challenges and Key Moments02:43 Training and Performance Insights03:25 Journey to the Finals06:01 Final Matches and Reflections11:27 Pep Talks and Support12:30 Strategizing the Tournament13:38 San Diego's Support14:12 Future Plans and Qualifiers17:16 Handling Pressure in Tournaments19:13 Break and Run Achievements20:22 Looking Forward to Next YearNellie’s Hot Seat Match: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6uSXsQFOyUNellie’s Semifinal Match: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4wSPx1-PAwNellie’s Final Match: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BP7TSqu2ntsWhere you can find our guest:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/nelford

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝘀:

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/luckybreakspodcast

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

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📧Email - luckybreakspodcast@gmail.com

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#luckybreakspodcast #pool #billiards #podcast #poolpractice #amateurpool #poolplayers

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 directors to curb it. The episode wraps up with a practical session on banking strategies, where Clint teaches specific techniques to improve bank shots in pool.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:34 Clint's Pool Origin Story

02:53 Defining Sandbagging

03:51 The Prevalence of Sandbagging

04:44 Regional Sandbagging Trends

07:50 Impact on Tournaments

10:00 Combating Sandbagging

20:47 Personal Experiences and Reflections

26:47 Discussing Sandbagging in Tournaments

29:58 The Role of Tournament Directors

30:33 Preparing for Upcoming Tournaments

31:18 Magic Eight Ball Segment

32:22 Bank Shot Techniques and Tips

Diamond Method Bank System videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUAtKQlRLoE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1C1lBAtYGiU

Where you can find our guest:

Facebook -

YouTube -

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝘀:

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/luckybreakspodcast

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

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📧Email - luckybreakspodcast@gmail.com

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#luckybreakspodcast #pool #billiards

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 also introduces various drills, such as the wagon wheel drill, to enhance mechanics and accuracy. This episode is essential for pool enthusiasts at any level looking to refine their game.

00:00 Introduction to the Lucky Breaks Podcast

00:39 Bob Jewett's Journey into Pool

02:49 Teaching and Coaching Techniques

04:28 The PBIA Instructor Program

07:09 Common Mistakes and Tips for Beginners

21:39 Addressing Common Mechanics Issues

22:29 Breaking Bad Habits

24:40 The Importance of Consistent Practice

26:34 Effective Coaching Techniques

29:38 The Growing Popularity of Pool

33:12 Practical Drills and Exercises

Where you can find our guest:

https://playbetterbilliards.com/

PBIA Instructor Page: https://playbetterbilliards.com/instructors/23

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bob.jewett.12

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BobJewett

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝘀:

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/luckybreakspodcast

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

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📧Email - luckybreakspodcast@gmail.com

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#luckybreakspodcast #pool #billiards #podcast #poolpractice #amateurpool #poolplayers

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 Mike Massey and Stefano Pinga. Abraham dives into the specifics of artistic pool categories, shares his rigorous practice routines, and discusses the physical and mental challenges of the sport. Additionally, he sheds light on his craft as a custom cue maker, the physics behind complicated shots, and the essential qualities pool players can learn from artistic pool techniques. The episode wraps up with Abraham's aspirations and his preparation for future competitions, emphasizing the artistry and dedication required in both playing and cue making.

00:00 Introduction to Abraham Diaz and Artistic Pool

01:07 Abraham's Journey into Artistic Pool

02:14 Early Mentorship and Training

03:25 Practicing and Competing in Artistic Pool

06:18 Understanding Artistic Pool Categories

08:11 Challenges and Achievements in Artistic Pool

18:05 Future of Artistic Pool

23:47 Understanding tools of the Trick Shot artist

26:15 The Physics Behind Masse Shots

29:33 Practical Tips for Pool Players

34:13 The Journey of a Cue Maker

41:46 Magic 8-Ball Prediction and Conclusion

Where you can find our guest:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/abram.diaz.33

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/artistic_pool_player/

YouTube - www.youtube.com/@abdiaz66

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝘀:

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/luckybreakspodcast

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📧Email - luckybreakspodcast@gmail.com

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#luckybreakspodcast #pool #billiards #podcast #poolpractice #amateurpool #poolplayers

#artisticpool #trickshots #artistic

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. Hydred also offers insights into the technical aspects of pool, including rail conditions and advanced techniques like using kick shots and mechanical bridges. The episode wraps up with Hydred discussing her camaraderie with other athletes, upcoming tournaments, and demonstrating advanced pool skills.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:49 Hydred Goldberg's Journey into Pool

01:54 Competitive Pool and Early Career

02:53 Makeup Career and Return to Pool

05:40 Parasport and Cue Sports

10:48 Challenges and Techniques in Parasport Pool

15:36 Team Dynamics and Mentorship

22:41 Upcoming Tournaments and Events

23:39 Magic Eight Ball Fun

24:29 Demo: Testing the Rails

25:31 Techniques for Using English

27:44 Kick Shots and Angles

34:56 Mechanical Bridge and Final Tips

Where you can find our guest:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hydred_usa1

Paralyzed Veterans of America Billiards https://pva.org/sports-recreation/billiards/

National Wheelchair Pool Players Association NWPA - https://www.facebook.com/p/National-Wheelchair-Poolplayers-Association-100068252264727/

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝘀:

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/luckybreakspodcast

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📧Email - luckybreakspodcast@gmail.com

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#luckybreakspodcast #pool #billiards #podcast #poolpractice #amateurpool #poolplayers #heyball #parasports

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, mental, and personal sides of pool, emphasizing the importance of mental focus, sportsmanship, and dealing with distractions both in and outside of the pool hall. Nicolas also touches on techniques for maintaining composure under pressure and the significance of having a balanced lifestyle. Tune in to gain valuable insights into the mental strategies of playing pool at a high level and hear about Nicolas's plans for taking a break from competitive pool.

00:00 Welcome to The Lucky Breaks Podcast

00:44 Nicolas Ha's Journey into Pool

01:13 College Pool Days and Competitions

03:05 Balancing Pool and Life

05:02 The Three Sides of Pool

09:48 Handling Performance Anxiety

12:52 Practice, League, and Tournaments

18:56 Recovering from Setbacks

19:43 Mental Techniques for Staying Focused

20:39 Respect and Etiquette in Pool

23:36 Dealing with Distractions and Unsportsmanlike Behavior

32:35 Taking a Break and Exploring Other Interests

34:55 Final Thoughts and Magic 8-Ball Prediction

References:

https://www.amazon.com/Four-Agreements-Practical-Personal-Freedom/dp/1878424319

Where you can find our guest:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ha.nicolas?mibextid=wwXIfr

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/salocinah321?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝘀:

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📧Email - luckybreakspodcast@gmail.com

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#luckybreakspodcast #pool #billiards #podcast #poolpractice #amateurpool #poolplayers