Lucky Breaks Podcast

Sue Lueder
  • 4.6 (7)
  • Sports
  • Updated Biweekly

Listen. Learn. Play. Repeat. 🎱 Join host Sue and the Lucky Breaks Podcast team as they break down smart strategy, mental toughness, and competitive grit for the obsessed amateur pool player. Stop hoping for a lucky roll; start playing a smarter game. #LuckyBreaksPodcast Subscribe now for episodes, shorts, and livestreams!

  1. 2d ago

    The Pleasures of Small Motions: Why We Fall in Love with Billiards | Bob Fancher

    Bob Fancher on Pool’s Mind-Body Game, Sensory Imagery, and the Pleasures of Small MotionsOn the Lucky Breaks podcast, host interviews Bob Fancher, author of The Pleasures of Small Motions, about pool psychology as embodied performance. Fancher recounts his path from a conservative Mississippi upbringing that forbade pool to taking up the game seriously in New York during a divorce, hiring instructor Fran Crimi, playing extensively, writing for The American Cueist, and eventually self-publishing the book before expanding it for Lyons Press. He argues motivation should center on the game’s aesthetics, precision, and “small motions,” not simply winning, and that players need multiple motivations. Emotions are necessary and bodily; the “right” level keeps you engaged without distraction, supported by body awareness. Good play relies on sensuous imagery and unconscious wiring built through systematic drills and practice journaling, with words used mainly for labels. He distinguishes focus from concentration, critiques bravado versus well-founded confidence, and frames competition as status-driven, requiring self-knowledge to manage.00:00 Mental Game Basics00:15 Meet Bob Fancher00:56 Pool Origins Story02:57 NYC Divorce to Pool04:17 Learning and Writing05:34 Psychology Career Context11:23 Why We Play Pool15:35 Beauty Over Winning19:11 Emotions and Arousal25:29 Body Awareness First31:59 Sensuous Imagery35:39 Words Into Pictures39:41 Feel the Shot Center41:14 Match Night Body Check42:09 Conscious vs Unconscious Wiring45:56 Focus vs Concentration52:04 Quiet Confidence Not Bravado55:49 Practice Drills and Journaling01:02:39 Tracking Emotions and Awareness01:05:08 Competition Status and Mindset01:12:49 Magic 8 Ball Wrap UpWhere to Find The Pleasures of Small Motions: https://a.co/d/03vgmU2dWhere you can find our guest:Dr. Fancher's Therapy Website: Therapypdx.com𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝘀: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/luckybreakspodcastFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/luckybreakspodcastYouTube - www.youtube.com/@luckybreaks-podcastInstagram: 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 #podcast #poolpractice #amateurpool #poolplayers

    The Pleasures of Small Motions: Why We Fall in Love with Billiards | Bob Fancher

  2. Oct 3

    Play Through It All: Healing, Mental Toughness, and Pool with Gloria Jean

    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, 2007 after meeting top women players at WPBA events. They discuss playing pool across a lifetime, including older players like Ron Richardson, and coping with aging, injury, and illness. Gloria explains her student assessment process and emphasizes calm, neutral mindset, nutrition, avoiding alcohol before matches, meditation, breathing (4-2-6), and progressive muscle relaxation. She also describes building community through Women in Pool (launched Jan. 17, 2022), Resilient Rack Warriors, pandemic-era virtual tournaments, and the Kelly Fisher Challenge.Gloria Jean also has accomplished:New England Pool & Billiards Hall of Fame 2018Contributing Author "Good Days Bad Days Advanced"Longest running tour by a Female in RI - 19 years November 1 - est 2007Blending PBIA & ACS Educator with over 2 decades of hands on work in hospitals in approximately 12 fields and as a first responder I want to make an all inclusive approach to Billiards from aim/angle, spin & spin to nutrition, sleep, stamina, mental fortitude, mindset, mantras, and yes, humor.00:00 Find a Way Mindset00:22 Meet Gloria Jean01:02 First Time Playing Pool02:03 Loss and New Purpose02:47 Flow State and Competition03:48 Tour Beginnings05:11 Pool as Healing Community07:01 Playing for Life08:20 Coaching Whole Player12:18 Meditation and Breathing15:14 Progressive Relaxation17:20 Neutral Mindset Wins19:32 Health Battles and Limits21:57 How to Keep Going25:18 Women in Pool Community26:31 Virtual Tournaments Era29:23 Authenticity and Identity32:30 Closing Advice and Thanks33:29 Magic 8 Ball Finale35:51 Wrap Up and GoodbyeWhere you can find our guest:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GloriaJean121Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gloriajean121RT9T.COMYouTube - 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝘀: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/luckybreakspodcastFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/luckybreakspodcastYouTube - www.youtube.com/@luckybreaks-podcastInstagram: 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/viewformGloria's Sponsors:https://www.vikingcue.com/https://taombilliards.com/https://iwansimonis.com/https://www.bosbarandbilliards.com/https://triple-60.com/https://aramith.com/#luckybreakspodcast #pool #billiards #podcast #poolpractice #amateurpool #poolplayers

    Play Through It All: Healing, Mental Toughness, and Pool with Gloria Jean

  3. Sep 26

    From Zambia Street Market to the World with Chileshe Mubanga

    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 national title after 15 years. She discusses mentors like Patrick Banda, Nkole Matanga, and others, emphasizing discipline, focus, respect, training, and learning from failure by recording and reviewing both good and bad play. Chileshe explains balancing offense and defense, offers guidance on mentoring youth through time and fundamentals, and reflects on competing in China at the 2024 Heyball World Championships, the shift from blackball to heyball, sponsorship gaps in Africa, and advocating for pool as a serious sport.00:00 Meet Chileshe Mubanga00:14 Origin Story in Zambia00:54 Discovered at Kabwata03:33 Mentors and Mindset05:38 Training and Self Review07:49 Pool Is a Sport09:22 Offense vs Defense11:34 Coaching the Youth14:57 Bouncing Back From Loss15:40 China and Heyball Dream21:55 Growing Pool Worldwide27:08 Tell the Sport’s Story31:12 Magic 8 Ball Finale32:07 Closing ThanksWhere you can find our guest:https://www.facebook.com/chileshe.mubanga.161https://www.tiktok.com/@UC5jJ5wBfN5n4PhsVurDNW5Q Sponsors:𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝘀: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/luckybreakspodcastFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/luckybreakspodcastYouTube - www.youtube.com/@luckybreaks-podcastInstagram: 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 #podcast #poolpractice #amateurpool #poolplayers

    From Zambia Street Market to the World with Chileshe Mubanga

  4. Sep 19

    Straight Shooting: Building a Sober Billiards Community with Kristyn Sweeney

    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 bars to pool halls. Kristyn discusses nerves and confidence without alcohol, suggesting breathing, mantras, practice, recording yourself, and tools like cinnamon gum or sour candy. The group, 1.5 years old with nearly 3,000 members, shares advice, videos, tournament flyers, local connections, and supportive milestones, and testimonials highlight improved focus, recovery, and long-term sobriety.00:00 Sober Around Drinkers00:18 Meet Kristyn Sweeney00:51 How She Fell for Pool01:32 The Turning Point02:50 Creating Sober Pool Player04:06 Early Sobriety at the Table05:10 Triggers Like Vacations06:36 Changing Pool Environments07:39 Culture Shift and Growth08:39 Group Milestones and Support11:36 Mocktails and Celebrations13:36 Nerves Without Alcohol15:52 Practice Under Pressure17:41 Community Impact Stories18:53 Magic Eight Ball Fun20:57 Closing Thanks and Links21:27 Member Testimonials OutroWhere you can find our guest:https://www.facebook.com/kmizyhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/995393225542272/𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝘀: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/luckybreakspodcastFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/luckybreakspodcastYouTube - www.youtube.com/@luckybreaks-podcastInstagram: 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 #podcast #poolpractice #amateurpool #poolplayers

    Straight Shooting: Building a Sober Billiards Community with Kristyn Sweeney

  5. Sep 5

    The Coach’s Lens: Diagnosing Your Stroke and Trusting the Process with Chris Reinhold

    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 individualized adjustments, starting with a straight-in stop shot to assess fundamentals, and using video to spot issues like a shoulder coming out and a stiff wrist that affected unintended english and cue-ball path. Reinhold explains that draw problems often stem from tip position and accelerating smoothly through the ball, and he encourages students to prepare goals, research coaches, communicate preferred feedback style, and stay process-focused by “gathering information” from misses. They cover cue-ball control drills using various right-side spins and a rail-ball drill involving stepping back and slight cue elevation, plus Reinhold’s mentors, ongoing coaching, mental coach Tom Cavanagh, upcoming tournaments, and how to book lessons.00:00 Episode takeover intro00:30 Chris returns to Lucky Breaks01:18 Why Chris started coaching02:07 Lesson starts with stop shot03:08 Fixing draw shot mechanics04:27 US vs Europe training debate06:03 Preparing for a lesson07:54 Process over results mindset09:20 Cue ball control rail drill11:52 Coaching style and confidence13:46 Rail ball drill and tips14:27 Coaches who shaped Chris16:15 Mental coaching and resources17:17 Booking lessons and travel18:35 Sponsors and closing thanksWhere you can find our guest:Website: www.chrisreinhold.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisreinholdpool?igsh=b2JhZWlsYTZobGt1&utm_source=qrFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16jXdNSupF/?mibextid=wwXIfr𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝘀: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/luckybreakspodcastFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/luckybreakspodcastYouTube - www.youtube.com/@luckybreaks-podcastInstagram: 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 #podcast #poolpractice #amateurpool #poolplayers

    The Coach’s Lens: Diagnosing Your Stroke and Trusting the Process with Chris Reinhold

  6. Aug 29

    The Viral Creator Behind Pool’s Funniest Memes | Jim Muschetti

    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, TikTok, YouTube, and Shorts. Jim explains that his ideas come from bar pool culture, team dynamics, APA frustrations, rules like double hits, and rotating themes like arrogance and players who think they’re better than they are. He shares how consistent posting—even during a long Facebook restriction—helped him grow to about 60,000 followers, how he edits quickly using CapCut and AI for writing, and how audience messages and tournament invites showed him memes can have real emotional impact and keep people connected to pool.00:00 Meme Impact Stories00:17 Podcast Welcome00:48 Pool Origin Journey01:42 Joining APA Fast02:06 Pool For Fun Begins02:52 Platforms And Shorts03:23 Growth And Consistency04:15 Finding Meme Ideas05:00 APA Team Breakup Meme07:38 Balancing Meme Topics09:15 Filming And Editing Workflow11:04 Audience Comments And Community13:54 Reacting To Memes14:47 APA Matches Too Long15:31 Double Hit Meme Explained16:54 Calling Your Fouls17:10 Pain of Losing19:08 Leveling Up Fast19:41 Backseat Pooling21:08 Women in Pool23:11 Daughters and Practice23:57 Creator Growth Tips25:50 Memes Grow the Game28:12 Copycats and Credit28:51 Lucky 8 Ball29:33 Final ThanksWhere you can find our guest:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MuschettiInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/pool4funfunTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pool4fun1𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝘀: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/luckybreakspodcastYouTube - www.youtube.com/@luckybreaks-podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/luckybreakspodcast/#Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luckybreakspodcastFacebook - https://www.facebook.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 #podcast #poolpractice #amateurpool #poolplayers

    The Viral Creator Behind Pool’s Funniest Memes | Jim Muschetti

  7. Aug 22

    Raising the Cue: Insights from a lifetime of pool | Emilyn and Eleanor Callado

    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 young players who take the game seriously, and the character-building lessons of composure, resilience, and sportsmanship. Emilyn explains creating and rebuilding her junior program through the pandemic, including virtual tournaments and later scholarship-added youth events, plus a weekly Tuesday tournament at California Billiards. They also cover the West Coast Women’s Tour’s evolution (format changes, inclusivity, and growth), returning to WPBA competition, and a new Fargo-capped semi-pro series. The episode closes with a Magic 8 Ball segment and advice on getting a 16-year-old interested in pool. 00:00 Seedy Pool Hall Stigma 00:19 Meet the Callado Twins 00:53 How They Started Playing 01:53 Philippines and Junior Tournaments 04:43 Spotting the Pool Bug 07:18 Teaching Mindset and Character 12:16 Returning to Pro Competition 13:48 Buying an APA League 16:51 Growing Junior Pool Events 19:06 Pandemic Pivot and Scholarships 24:13 Making Pool Spaces Welcoming 24:56 West Coast Womens Tour Origins 28:03 Handicaps and Player Feedback 31:24 Resilience Through Competition 31:59 Losing and Growth 32:55 Learner Mindset in Matches 34:32 Teaching a New Player 37:02 Juniors Events and Motivation 38:35 Upcoming Tours and WPBA 42:16 Women’s Tour Culture 44:22 Local Tournaments and Practice 45:34 Sponsor Shoutouts 50:19 Cue Stories and Support 52:50 Magic Eight Ball Goals 54:45 Wrap Up and Farewell  Where you can find our guest: West Coast Women’s Tour: https://www.facebook.com/twcwtour Emilyn Callado: https://www.facebook.com/emilyn.callado Eleanor Callado: https://www.facebook.com/eleanor.callado Sponsors: https://www.castilloleathergoods.com/ https://rjhcustomcues.com/ 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 #podcast #poolpractice #amateurpool #poolplayers

    Raising the Cue: Insights from a lifetime of pool | Emilyn and Eleanor Callado

  8. May 8

    What You Feel is What You Get with Noel Flannery

    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 your emotional state directly dictates your physical technical execution.Key Takeaways:The 50% Rule: Technical skill is only half the battle; the other 50% is mindset and how you feel at the table.Cause and Effect: Your body responds to your emotions. If you feel frustration or anxiety, your cue action will physically suffer.Emotional Replacement: Noel shares techniques for replacing negative emotions (like tournament pressure) with positive ones to maintain performance.Perception is Reality: How you perceive a situation—whether it's a "failure" or a learning opportunity—dictates your next result.Episode Highlights (Timestamps):[00:00] Intro: Meeting Noel Flannery and his "non-player" background in elite sports coaching.[05:30] The transition from F1 and high-performance environments to Cue Sports.[12:45] Why players "choke": Understanding the link between emotion and physical cue action.[22:15] The "Dylan" story: A powerful anecdote on using positive emotional replacement to overcome pressure.[35:00] Finding your "Nirvana" on the table and the importance of the "Reset Button".[48:20] The Magic 8-Ball Segment: Will Cue Sports make it into the Olympics?.Mentions & Resources:Cue Sport Hub: Learn more about Noel’s coaching programs and mindset work.Edinburgh, Scotland: Noel's home base (and yes, Sue pronounced it correctly!).The Magic 8-Ball Says...Noel asked the Magic 8-Ball a big question for the industry: "Will Cue Sports make it onto the Olympics?" The 8-Ball's answer: "YES".Noel believes 8-ball and Chinese Pool are the prime candidates to lead that charge.Don't forget to subscribe to Lucky Breaks on YouTube and your favorite podcast platform for more insights into the mental and technical side of the game!Where you can find our guest:Cue Sport Hub - https://www.cuesporthub.com/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553799358422YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Cuesporthub1𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝘀: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/luckybreakspodcastFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/luckybreakspodcastYouTube - www.youtube.com/@luckybreaks-podcastInstagram: 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 #podcast #poolpractice #amateurpool #poolplayers

    What You Feel is What You Get with Noel Flannery
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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Listen. Learn. Play. Repeat. 🎱 Join host Sue and the Lucky Breaks Podcast team as they break down smart strategy, mental toughness, and competitive grit for the obsessed amateur pool player. Stop hoping for a lucky roll; start playing a smarter game. #LuckyBreaksPodcast Subscribe now for episodes, shorts, and livestreams!

Information

  • Creator
    Sue Lueder
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Sue Lueder
  • Show Website
    Lucky Breaks Podcast

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