Lucky Breaks Podcast

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

Every rack has a story! Passionate amateur pool players Sue, Erin, Beth, and Michelle explore pool stories with coaches, captains, teammates, and opponents to learn about the challenges of the game and how to build incredible mental toughness.

  1. What You Feel is What You Get with Noel Flannery

    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

    54 min

  2. Apr 17

    Dont Forget to Have Fun with Alex Pagulayan

    Alex Pagulayan on Mindset, Hard Work, and How Amateurs Can Improve at Pool On the Lucky Breaks Podcast, Alex Pagulayan discusses what matters most for amateur pool players, emphasizing mindset—enjoying the game, learning, and reducing pressure after losses. He weighs hard work as more important than raw talent, saying dedication can overcome obstacles even without being a uniquely gifted player. Pagulayan shares goals for his Alex Pagulayan business, focusing on leaving a legacy through quality products, and explains how travel baggage fees inspired him to create his own cue case. He also promotes a live giveaway raffle that requires scanning a code to join. For improving, he advises amateurs to be honest about weaknesses and learn one skill at a time rather than trying to master everything at once. 00:00 Podcast Welcome 00:25 Mindset After Losses 01:08 Talent Versus Hard Work 02:04 Building a Legacy Brand 02:32 Why I Made a Case 03:05 How to Enter Giveaway 03:44 Amateur Improvement Tips 04:36 Closing Thanks Where you can find our guest: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pagulayancues https://www.facebook.com/alex.pagulayan.1426 https://www.instagram.com/alexpagulayan 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 #alexpagulayan

    5 min

  3. Apr 10

    Find Your Line: 3 Words to Winning with Max Adams

    Max Adams on Playing Your Game, Mental Focus, and Better Warmups | Lucky Breaks Podcast On the Lucky Breaks Podcast, host interviews Alaska pro pool player Max Adams about learning pool as a toddler in his mom’s bar, early mentors in a hustler-heavy scene, stepping back to focus on family, and returning to serious competition around 2016. Adams discusses how Alaska players tend to be “gunslingers,” why choosing higher-percentage safeties often beats low-percentage shots, and how to face top opponents through mental focus, breathing, meditation, rhythm, and a short memory—forgetting mistakes in the moment while reviewing them later in practice. He shares a major comeback at the US Open 10-Ball, rallying from 8–3 down to win, and advises playing within your own skill set. The episode includes sponsor thanks and a brief draw-shot lesson and warmup drill for table speed and cue-ball control. 00:00 Safety Over Ego 00:30 Meet Max Adams 00:54 Pool Since Toddlerhood 01:55 Barroom Mentors 02:24 Going Pro Later 04:02 Alaska Pool Scene 04:37 Traveling From Fairbanks 05:14 Mental Game Vs Giants 07:25 Meditation In Matches 10:40 Winning Ugly Lessons 14:21 Play Your Game 16:42 Rhythm And Tempo 17:58 Biggest Comeback Story 20:24 Improving Later In Life 24:45 Short Memory Mindset 25:32 Magic 8 Ball Predictions 26:18 Sponsor Shoutouts 29:58 Alaska Roots and Barrow Pool (This segment is a video demo on draw shots that can be found on YouTube in the links below) 31:15 Draw Shot Fixes 35:14 Mini Draw Adjustments 35:46 Cloth Speed Drill 39:00 Warmup Mindset and Routine 42:07 Final Thanks and Wrap Where you can find our guest: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MaxAdams1974 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Maxadams-alaskapool9750 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alaskamaxpoolplayer/ Max’s Sponsorshttps://www.facebook.com/TheBreakRoomFairbanks Www.Jocues.com Outsville.com Digitalpool.com Facebook.com/gilleathergoodscastillo 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

    31 min

  4. Apr 3

    Calm Your Cue with Gabrielle Fields

    Calm Your Cue: Gabrielle Fields on Yoga, Breathwork & the Pool Player’s Mental Game | Lucky Breaks Podcast Recorded at the BCA USAPL Nationals in Las Vegas, this Lucky Breaks podcast episode features Gabrielle Fields, who shares how yoga and breathwork improved her pool performance, emotional control after misses, endurance, and overall health after having back-to-back babies and recovering from a torn ACL. She explains bringing wellness into the pool community through “Calm Your Cue,” hosting yoga and breath sessions in a pool room followed by a tournament to feel immediate benefits. Gabrielle and the hosts discuss treating the body as a key tool, using breath rhythms and simple poses for balance, shoulder and neck relief, and focus, plus mental strategies like reset breathing, self-talk, and grace after mistakes. She previews a planned app with breathing guides, stretches, flows, journaling, and match-play features, then leads a short pre-tournament yoga routine and closes with a testimonial from pro player Teruko Macklin. 00:00 Body as the Tool 00:21 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:55 Gabrielle Pool Origin 02:01 Yoga Journey and Recovery 03:21 Bringing Yoga to Pool Halls 06:53 Grace and Responsibility 09:53 Physical Yoga for Pool 15:19 Breathwork for Mental Game 19:20 Mantras and Self Talk 22:01 Grace Over Perfection 23:15 Winning Over Skeptics 27:39 Pool Wellness Mindset 29:03 Meditation Like Misses 29:59 Calm Your Cue Vision 33:34 Magic Eight Ball Picks 35:18 Tournament Warmup Flow 37:59 Breath With Movement 44:16 Try It Daily 46:44 Player Testimonial Where you can find our guest: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/gabrielle.fields.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 #podcast #poolpractice #amateurpool #poolplayers

    40 min

  5. Mar 27

    Learn Better, Play Better with Larry Nicholson

    Pool Coach Larry Nicholson on Fundamentals, Practice, and the Learning Journey What makes pool such a great game isn’t just making balls—it’s the life lessons you learn along the way. In this episode of the Lucky Breaks Podcast, Sue sits down with longtime PBIA/CSI instructor and trick-shot artist Larry Nicholson, who shares how a childhood belt buckle and a target drill shaped his cue-ball control, why performance anxiety is part of every competitor’s journey, and how real improvement starts with humility and solid fundamentals. Larry explains the difference between playing and true practice, why focused 10-minute sessions can beat hours of casual play, and how decision-making and strategy expand once mechanics are sound. He also points listeners to PBIA resources for finding qualified instruction and reflects on pool’s welcoming community for all players. 00:00 Resilience Lessons 00:16 Meet Larry Nicholson 00:53 Belt Buckle Origin 02:07 Position Play First 03:02 Trick Shots Warning 03:53 League Nerves 05:51 Failure Builds Greatness 07:04 Learning Without Coaches 08:41 Fundamentals Before Strategy 11:30 Humility To Improve 14:19 Thinking Outside Box 17:19 Practice With Purpose 19:50 Playing Versus Practice 21:26 Building Evaluation Plan 22:29 Remote Coaching Follow Ups 24:20 Adult Learning In Layers 25:03 Drills Versus Skills 27:01 Building Your Lesson Plan 27:48 Testing With BU Exam 30:09 Side Spin Comfort Zone 31:03 Embracing Discomfort Wins 34:03 Pool Is Lifelong Mastery 34:46 Finding Certified Instructors 38:18 Magic Eight Ball Jeanette 40:04 Why Pool Community Matters 41:17 Final Thanks And Sign Off Scientific American Article: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-works-what-doesn-t/ Dr. Dave’s Billiard University Exam: https://billiarduniversity.org/testing/exams/ Where you can find our guest: Official Website - https://TrinityBilliards.com  YouTube - Trinity Billiards - YouTube FaceBook - Trinity Billiards School - FaceBook Email:  larry@trinitybilliards.com Professional Billiards Instructor Association (PBIA) - www.playbetterbilliards.com American Cue Sports (ACS Instructors) - https://americancuesports.org/find-an-instructor 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

    42 min

  6. Mar 20

    Smooth Operators: Bylaws, Boards, and the Future of the APA

    From Players to League Operators: Scot and Liza on Running the San Diego APA On the Lucky Breaks Podcast, San Diego APA league operators Scot and Liza discuss APA’s origins as an amateur-focused league founded by pros Terry Bell and Larry Hubbard, with rules designed to welcome beginners through handicaps, coaching, and an “anyone can win” model. They share how they started playing and joined APA, then transitioned together into league operators after years as players, first rebuilding South Orange County and later buying the San Diego. They explain league-operator support networks, the role of a Board of Governors, and how bylaws work versus the official team manual, including examples like replay/double-posting and attempts denied by APA. They address long match nights, tournament signup issues, player communication, safety marking, championship skill-level locks and appeals, the 23-rule rationale, and upcoming app and tournament scoring technology. 00:00 APA Origins 00:40 Meet Scot and Liza 02:17 How They Found Pool 03:25 What APA Is About 07:39 Handicaps and Team Caps 09:38 Becoming League Operators 11:53 League Operator Network 13:13 Rules Versus Bylaws 17:26 Board of Governors 21:01 Faster Match Nights 24:05 Helping Operators Help You 27:53 Tournament Signup Tips 29:49 San Diego Pool Culture 31:17 Taking Over the League 33:13 APA Welcoming New Players 39:50 App Upgrades and AI 45:02 Rules and Skill Level Q&A 51:33 Safeties and Scorekeeping 55:28 Payouts and Captain Duties 58:11 Magic Eight Ball Finale Harry the Pool Fairy Faster League Nights Video: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=10152964005279366 Where you can find our guest: San Diego APA Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SanDiegoAmericanPoolplayersAssociation San Diego APA Team Building Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1391768620848642 San Diego APA YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@sandiegoapa San Diego APA Website: https://sandiego.apaleagues.com/Default.aspx Member Services (APA app) News: https://league.poolplayers.com/sandiego/news Hairy the Pool Fairy “Home By 11” Video: https://youtu.be/RACr8av1cxI?si=StqBNzFTA87oJwE6 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

    58 min

  7. Mar 13

    The Next Superstar: Making Pool Kid Friendly with Coach Sean

    This episode of the Lucky Breaks Podcast host Sue Lueder interviews Coach Sean, a Las Vegas-based PBIA and ACS Level 1 instructor who is dedicated to both the local and junior pool scenes. Sean shares his remarkable "origin story," transitioning from a truck driver to a professional instructor after deciding to take the game seriously only a year and a half ago. Despite being a self-described "infant" in the sport at the time, he tells the incredible story of how he accidentally entered a pro event and took second place in Scotch doubles alongside 15-year-old phenom Savannah Easton. We dive deep into the Las Vegas pool community, exploring the unique "chip tournament" scene and the famous venues that make the city a global hub for the sport. Sean also opens up about his mission to transform the future of pool by working with the Billiards Education Foundation (BEF) to create collegiate scholarship opportunities and a path to the Olympics. He advocates for expanding access to the game by moving equipment into community centers and schools, ensuring the next generation can learn outside of the traditional bar environment. 00:00 Welcome And Intro 00:39 Sean Pool Origins 02:04 Science Of Pool 02:45 Moving To Vegas 03:22 Accidental Pro Event 07:00 Rio Westgate Awakening 11:02 Vegas Pool Culture 13:24 Leagues And Ratings 15:41 Ultimate Pool Format 17:05 Juniors Scene Spark 17:59 Teaching Kids Pool 18:32 Commentary Booth Nerves 19:10 Juniors Inspire Passion 20:10 Olympics and Paralympics Push 21:34 College Pool Scholarship Path 22:40 Changing Pool’s Image 23:39 Access to Tables 26:01 Starting Young Players 28:37 Vegas Junior Qualifier 31:40 Lessons and Coaching 33:43 Magic Eight Ball Finale https://www.texaspoolmovie.com/ Hey Play Billiards toy billiard table for kids Where you can find our guest: Register for the 2026 Nevada Junior 10 Ball State Championships - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSebWM3aEWoOkQCtwI5VQCjErx5_h48w7nX5Eft7jlug21iHIQ/viewform Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PoolPlayersAcademy Youtube - https://youtube.com/@poolplayersacademy Inquire about Pool Instruction (702) 720-6364  Book a Lesson: https://calendly.com/poolplayersacademy/bookalesson 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

    36 min

  8. Feb 13

    Pool for Good with Rocky

    In this episode of the Lucky Breaks Podcast, the host Sue interviews Rocky, a longtime friend and ardent tournament director known for her charity pool events. Rocky shares her journey from learning to play pool in Monterey to organizing community-driven tournaments in San Diego. She highlights her work raising money for good causes, such as Baja Rescue and Miracle Ear Foundation. Rocky discusses the logistical challenges of setting up these events, the community support she receives, and her motivations. Listen to how pool tournaments can serve the greater good and unite people for charitable ends. 00:00 Introduction to the Lucky Breaks Podcast 00:44 Rocky's Journey into Pool 03:15 Running Charity Tournaments 05:44 Fundraising and Community Support 07:38 Challenges and Future Plans 08:49 Ladies' Tournaments and New Ideas 09:20 Charity Focus and Tournament Rules 09:45 Organizing and Promoting Events 12:27 Advice for Starting Charity Tournaments 14:03 Magic Eight Ball Fun 14:55 Future Plans and Closing Remarks Donate to Baja Rescue: https://bajadogrescue.org/donate/ Where you can find our guest: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/raquel.dickinson.50 Event - https://www.facebook.com/events/1244742861022941/ 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

    17 min
See All (38)

Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Every rack has a story! Passionate amateur pool players Sue, Erin, Beth, and Michelle explore pool stories with coaches, captains, teammates, and opponents to learn about the challenges of the game and how to build incredible mental toughness.

Information

  • Creator
    Sue Lueder
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    38
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Sue Lueder
  • Show Website
    Lucky Breaks Podcast

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