Chalk is Cheap

On Episode Two of the Twin Ports Series, Nick tells listeners about his battle with Salmonella and his return to the show. Nick makes his statement regarding Ryan Klinger and Isolation Pool Tournaments including his opinion on the situation and making it clear that our show is no longer affiliated with Isolation. On the Around The Twin Ports segment Nick talks about the local players who placed at the WSPA Wisconsin State Pool Tournament, the Superior Trailblazers All-League Match, and the Duluth MPA Pool League. He also speaks about Top Hat Tavern’s 525 & Under Tournament.To finish the show, Nick calls out Gene Albright on his blaming of others for his failure to report to his match at Top Hat Tavern’s Pot ‘O Gold Event.

On episode two of our Pro Series, we are joined by World Champion “Kwikfire” Kelly Fisher. Nick and Kelly chat about her career and her start playing pool at her parents pub in England. She talks about the connections between kung fu and pool and how the discipline of martial arts can translate to the game. They also discuss the mental aspects of the game along with what it was like for Kelly to come to America with only $700 to her name. Kelly also answers some listener asked questions to finish off the conversation.All Pro Series Episodes are presented by Salotto App

On the first ever Pro Series Episode, Nick is joined by Rodney "Rocket" Morris. Nick and Rodney talk about The Social Pool Network, including how you can get started on the app. They talk about Saratoga the game that Rodney invented and how you can get his patented "Rocket Balls." They talk about the difference of playing in big gambling matches and big tournament matches and Rodney drops some breaking news about a new pool hall that he and Johnny Archer will be opening in Cartersville, Georgia.The Pro Series is Presented by Salotto App

On the third episode of season two, Nick is joined by Cue It Up Podcast host Neight Mindham. Nick and Neight talk about many of the projects that Neight is currently involved with including the VG10 and VG9 Virtual Events, Cut It Up Network, Supr Charged and the National Billiards League. Before Neight joins the show Nick talks about Jeanette Lee and how folks can donate to her family's go fund me page. He also talks about some of the funny things you come across in the world of billiards social media. To donate to Jeanette's go fund me go to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/jeanette-lee-legacy-fund

The seventh edition of Diamond Cutters is the very first Chalk Is Cheap Episode as a part of the newly formed Cue It Up Network. On this episode, Nick is joined by CJP Billiards Owner/Operator Calvin Post. Nick and Calvin discuss Calvin’s interest in the game of pool and how his grandfather showed him the game at an early age. They also discuss how Calvin’s 3D printing hobby has become a booming billiard accessory business in a market that has lacked creativity for quite some time. Nick brings up young pool sensation Sam “Ryno” Henderson and the two discuss the differences of learning the game now vs. 20 years ago.

On Episode 2 of Season 2, Nick discusses slow play in tournaments using a match between Michael Perron, Jr. and Gene Albright as an example. Nick talks about not allowing slow play or other sharking techniques to effect your psyche during matches. Then Nick talks about the incident between Billy Thorpe, Jr. and Robb Saez. Nick shares his thoughts on the incident and suggests solutions and ideas on how the sport of pool can learn and adapt from this moving forward. Nick also speaks on what pool might need to cross over into the mainstream and get pool back on national television.

On the first ever episode of the Twin Ports Series we are joined by long-time local Tournament favorite, 2020 Richie Rich Open Champion and 2015 Eveleth 8-Ball Shootout Champion Brian Baker. Nick and Brian chat about the mental side of the game including what NOT to do when you miss a shot during competition. They also chat about Brian’s dad and his influence on his game, his big tournament wins and what he has done to improve over the years.Before the interview, Nick takes you Around The Twin Ports and gives you the results of the recent Big Guns Tournament at Top Hat Tavern. Nick also gives an update about pool community member Jim Dalton.

On the sixth edition of Diamond Cutters, Nick is joined by Junior Pool Sensation and McDermott Pool Ambassador Sam "Ryno" Henderson. Sam and Nick talk about what it is like to compete against adults, how he got started playing pool, who his influences are and what his goals are for the near future. Sam is on track to becoming one of the next big players in the pool scene in the next few years. You can find Sam's Apparel line by visiting fastnloosedesigns.com

After a 4 month hiatus, Nick has returned to fill you in on why he was gone and what you can expect in the near future right here on Chalk Is Cheap. Nick talks about some recent events in the world of pool. Including his quick opinion of the Mosconi Cup, Predator's 10x4 Tournament and the National Billiard League.

On the fifth edition of Diamond Cutters Nick is joined by Wisconsin Billiards Hall of Fame Founder Jon Kramer. Jon and Nick chat about how the Hall of Fame came to be, the process of how to become a voting member, what happens at HOF events, and the current state of Billiards during the COVID pandemic.

On the 4th Diamond Cutters Edition of Chalk is Cheap, Nick is joined by YouTube Sensation and the Most Average Pool Player in the world Rollie Williams. Nick and Rollie leave no stone unturned as they chat for over an hour about Rollie's comedy career, how he got Kamui Brand's attention, his youtube channel and much more. This is one episode you won't want to miss.

On episode 14 of our Legends Series, we are joined by Tom George. Tom and Nick discuss why 3-cushion billiards was Tom’s game of choice, his family’s history in the Billiards business, how the way of life in Duluth, Minnesota was during the 1960s, and some great stories about the traveling hustlers of the era that found themselves looking for action in the Twin Ports. The names are some of the most recognized names in pool history. Tom tells a great story about his time spent in New York City in some high stakes games as well. This is one you do not want to miss!Nick gives his Clip of the Show and thanks new listeners and likers to finish things up

On the 13th installment of our Twin Ports Legends Series Nick is joined by VNEA National Champion 8-Ball player Mark Lachecki. Mark and Nick talk a lot about handicapping in the current pool world as well as comparing it to the 1960s and 1970s. They talk about Mark's National Championship victory in Las Vegas and talk at length about his time as a BCA Certified Billiards instructor. Mark also describes his time discovering the game and playing at The Place Pool Hall in Duluth, MN.Nick talks about the Superior Trailblazers All-League Event in this episode's "Around the Twin Ports" segment and Nick thanks new listeners at the end of the episode.

On the third installment of Diamond Cutters, Nick is joined by Vincent Rusnell of Pool Stats. Nice and Vince talk about Vince’s background and what led up to the creation of Pool Stats, the random way the idea started and some great conversation about how data analytics and advanced stats can be used surrounding the game of billiards.

On this bonus episode of Chalk is Cheap, Nick is joined by Twin Ports native, pool historian and billiards instructor Ben Gustafson. They chat about life in the pool room in the 1960's, the George family, the Williams brothers, and other great players of the time. Ben talks about what beginning players should work on and he and Nick discuss the differences between good individual players vs. good team players. Nick takes you through a Around the Twin Ports segment, gives his Clip of the Show and thanks new reviewers, likers, and followers.

On the second Diamond Cutters Edition of Chalk is Cheap, Nick is joined by the founder of Isolation Pool Tournaments Ryan Klinger. Nick and Ryan chat about the inception of Isolation, how it grew to a worldwide phenomenon in a matter of days, and where Isolation is headed from here. Ryan also talked about how he got started playing pool and about how his family loves the game as well. Isolation's new app is expected to come out some time in July.

On Episode 12, we are joined by Twin Ports Legend and 1989 Eveleth 8-Ball Shootout Champion Robbie Daugaard. Nick and Robbie talk about his start in pool at The Place Pool Hall in Duluth Minnesota. His experiences in Las Vegas at VNEA National Tournaments and much more. Nick talks about Cisero Murphy and his trailblazing start to become the first African-American to play in a BCA sanctioned Tournament in a segment of Pool History. Nick also gives his clip of the show following the conversation with Robbie and gives shout outs to new reviewers and listeners of the show.

On the first edition of Diamond Cutters presented by Salotto, we are joined by the co-founders of Salotto Reed Merschat & Colby Frontiero. Nick gets the 411 on their amazing app and it's great features including the differences between the free and pro version. They talk about what pro players are endorsing their product and what networking in the pool industry has been like. They talk about their revolutionary top spot and how it may be a game changer for local pool rooms across the nation.Reed and Colby also share their stories about what "hooked them" in the game of pool and their early experiences playing the game. For more information on the Salotto app, visit their facebook, instagram pages or visit salotto.app

On episode 11, Nick invites twin ports pool community members on the show to share memories and stories about the late local legend Billy Johnson. Nick replays Jeff Schelin's story about Billy's amazing tournament performance at Horseshoe Billiards. Sandy Vatalaro, Tom Wasserman, Jerry Fredrickson and Brian Baker also join the show to share some stories. To close the show Nick shares statements sent in from community members that didn't want to come on the show. We hope this episode tributes the legend of Billy Johnson to aid his memory to continue to live on in the community.

On the tenth episode of our Local Legends Series, we are joined by 2016 ACS 9-Ball National Champion Darrel Fredrickson. Nick and Darrel touch on numerous topics including, the Eveleth 8-Ball Shootout, his 2016 national tournament win, his feelings on vendors and the current game of billiards, and Diamonds Billiards.On our Diamond Cutters segment, Thomas Van Eck, creator of iCue Training Cue Ball joins the show to talk about his cue ball and how it can help players of all levels. To finish the show Nick gives thanks to folks who have recently left a review or liked the show page.

On a bonus episode of Chalk is Cheap, Nick is joined by fellow podcast host Neight Mindham. Nick and Neight talk about how his show Cue It Up was created, his beginnings in the game of pool, some great stories about his days playing junior national tournaments, his opinion on the state of junior pool and how he mingles (correctly and incorrectly) with today's top pool stars.

On Episode 9, Nick is joined by 2021 Wisconsin Billiards Hall of Fame nominee Rob Hovick. Rob talks about his time owning a pool hall in Marshfield, Wisconsin, his 1980 Collegiate National Championship run, the Hall of Fame, and his time playing pool in the twin ports at local pool halls: Helen's, Joe's and Ringside Billiards. The Around the Twin Ports, and Pool History Segments make their return and Nick gives shout outs to listeners of the show to cap off the episode.

On Episode eight, Nick is joined by local legend Jeff Schelin. Jeff and Nick talk about Top Hat Tavern, Jeff's days in the cue making business, his times at National Tournaments in Las Vegas, mental struggles juggling owning a business and playing the game at a high level and Jeff and Nick share stories about Billy Johnson, Irv Arseneau, and Gary Galiford. On the second edition of Diamond Cutters, Matthew Winfield and Joe Hernandez join the show to talk about their Pool Training Academy Short Road Billiards. They chat about their five week program and how you can enroll. They also talk about the newly founded NBL and their role as Colorado Tournament Directors. At the end of the show Nick shares the Clip of the Show and thanks those who have left a review or have liked the facebook page.

On the seventh episode of Chalk is Cheap, Nick is joined by VNEA Hall of Fame Referee Bill Beyer. Nick and Bill take about what it takes to become an official VNEA billiard referee, including what training needs to take place before you are certified. They also chat about the night Bill was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007 and BIll shares a fun story about that night. He also shares some stories about the late Gary Galiford and Irv Arseneau.Before Bill joins the show, Nick begins a new segment called DIamond Cutters. The first guest of the segment is Riley Schmidt of Riley's Trickshots. Riley tells us how he got into trick shooting and who his inspiration is. Nick presents the clip of the show and gives thanks to new likers and listeners at the end of the episode.

On the sixth episode of Chalk is Cheap we are joined by Bill Goldsworthy. Nick and Bill discuss Bill’s time at The Place Pool hall, the Glenshenn 3-Cushion Billiards tournament, the mental aspect of the game of pool, how other activities and sports translate to billiards, the "competitive edge" and much more. Nick names the winner of the Facebook T-Shirt giveaway, gives lesson three of pool history, and tells listeners this episode's clip of the show.

On the fifth episode of Chalk is Cheap we are joined by "The Man Who Saved Pool in the Twin Ports" Jerry Fredrickson. Nick and Jerry cover many topics including how he got into the pool hall business. He talks about Diamonds, Mr. Lucky's, and Horseshow Billiards, he tells stories about many pool players from the area including a great story about the late Gary Galiford. At the end of the conversation, he names his All-Time Twin Ports Top 5.This episode features Pool History with Mr. Olson. Nick explains how Pool was brought to North America. At the end of the episode, he reveals the episode's Clip of the Show.

On the fourth episode of Chalk is Cheap Duluth Pool League President Scott Orville joins the show. Nick and Scott talk about Joe's Pool Hall and why the North End Superior kids went to Joe's. He tells some great stores about shining shoes to make enough money to play and tells us his first pool hustle story. Scott also talks about his pool photography and his passion for it. Nick introduces a new segment on the show called "Pool History with Mr. Olson" in which he gives us the 411 on how pool was invented. To cap off the show he reveals this episode's Clip of the Show

On the third episode of Chalk is Cheap, former Minnesota State Pool Champion and local pool legend Sandy Vatalaro joins the show. Nick and Sandy talk about her beginnings in pool, including learning how to play the game from the legendary Willie Mosconi. She mentions that she has played leagues for 42 years straight and shares numerous stories about her time doing so. They also chat about her time tending bar and working for every pool hall in the Twin Ports since the mid 90's. Nick is also joined by Superior Trailblazers President Cole Schorr to talk about the 2019 season and about some possible fixes to league concerns. Cole also tells us how he got "hooked on the game." At the end of the show, Nick reveals this episode's pool video clip in the "Clip of the Show" segment.

On the second episode of Chalk is Cheap Twin Ports pool legend Mike Miller joins the show. Nick and Mike chat about Helen's Pool Hall in the 1970s, his infamous Assigned Team Tournament, and Mike fills us in on the 1980s 3-cushion billiard tournaments that finished with the finals at Glensheen Mansion in Duluth. Mike also lets us know why he all but gave up pocket pool. Nick gives some 411 on the status of ACS National Tournament in Las Vegas along with the current local pool news. At the end of the show, he reveals this week's pool video clip in the "Clip of the Show" segment.

On the first-ever episode of Chalk Is Cheap Host Nick Olson welcomes his good friend, teammate and 2019 Superior Trailblazers MVP Tom Wasserman. They chat about Helen's Pool Hall during the 1970s and how Tom started playing the game. Tom comments on the state of the game in the area today and makes the correlation of other sports to pocket billiards. Nick fills you in on all the local pool news including results from both the Duluth Pool League and the Trailblazers League. At the end of the show, he shares the "clip of the show" and reveals next episodes' guest.