Northside Polo Podcast

This week Liam couldn't make it but Olsen Aviles on Boston Bike Polo stepped up to join the team. Olsen brings some awesome energy and insightful conversation to the pod. The team goes over the latest news and tournament results before settling into a in depth conversation around defensive philosophy and Olsen's NAHBPC team "Moon Druid." Give this one a listen. It's a good one. 

Surprise! We blew the dust off our mics and talked about 2022! and we are testing the question function in Spotify so check it out for the beer point!

We back!!! sorry for the delay but we've been hella busy playing polo and working on Connect Bike Polo. "What's Connect Bike Polo?" you ask. Well listen to this episode to find out! Also check out the YouTube page to watch the trailer! In this episode the team goes over some of the recent news in Bike Polo land, explains about Gavin and Alex's new polo project, and of course Liam leads us through the Mail Bag. We all hope you enjoy big time!

We've seen the memes and banter online. Let's take a dive into the proposed rule changes. This is the much awaited discussion with Joe Rstom. Huge thanks to Joe for putting up with us, online and off!  

This week on the pod the team speaks with Aaron Hand about what went into making the most popular polo frame in North America. Aaron regales us with the enforcer origin story and all the bumps the brand faced along the way. This is an extra long one but it's worth the listen. Save it for your next polo road trip if you want to make the drive enjoyable. I mean if you can wait that long to listen that is.

This week on the pod the team breaks down the action from the past two weekends of tournaments. Alex shares stories from Smack in the Middle, Liam describes the drama at Eastside Thaw, and then the team engages around Cabane à Scoop. Each tournament seemed more exciting than the last. One thing is certain, Bike Polo is in a great place right now. 

This week we had a last minute change of plans, so Liam couldn't make it. But Alex and Gavin talk to MamaDrew and The Big Cheese Charlie from Philly Bike Polo about the success they've had using social media to recruit new players. Gavin successfully dismisses all attempts to discuss esports in this episode, and Alex explains why he can't have nice gloves. 

Holy Moly! Tournament season is in full swing and selling out fast! The Polo starved people of North America are traveling far and wide to play some good old fashioned stick bike ball. This week on the podcast the team sits down with 4 different organizers of notable spring tournaments to get a sense for what each of these events have to offer. 14:02 James Eftee with East Side Thaw Pt 2, 34:16 Pedal Junkies with Smack in Da Middle, 57:22 Mark Aseltine with No Fun City. We also have time to do the Mailbag and Beer Point segments...Don't Panic.

This week on the pod the team welcomes world renowned cycle sport athlete Bernadette "Birdie" Watts. She talks the team through her personal journey in bike polo and gives some great advice as to what attitude to bring with you onto the court. Also included in the episode is some news, the mailbag, and a quick guest appearance from Robbie Boards.

TropiCalssic was too awesome! We wanted to bask in it some more. So we brought TropiClassic 2022 champion Alex from Seattle on this episode to regale us all with tales from Puerto Rico. The Team and Alex break down the tournament and go over a few iconic plays that decided the podium on Sunday. Here at the Pod we have big love for Alex, San Juan Bike Polo, and everyone else the participated and organized this amazing event. We hope you all enjoy listening to this episode!

This week on the pod the team gushes over the recent announcement that Worlds may be just about a year away. The team unpacks this news as well as some other important stories from around the polo world. They then shift their attention to a few random polo related subjects and of course the mailbag. 

We broke the 2 hour barrier! and we only covered half the topics on the outline. Pete has so much to share and discuss, and we hope you enjoy our discussion! Time stamps as follows: 1:53 - News/Bike Polo Calendar 12:08 - Interview with Pete/ Polo Camp 52:28 Fakes and Trickery 1:06:10 PBP Rotor Guards 1:19:52 Competitive vs Casual Player Tensions 1:37:39 Future of Polo 1:58:42 Mail Bag 2:16:28 Beer Point

This week Liam is is back! Hooray! The trio discuss their worst injury, gear new players should use to avoid being hurt and preventative measures to stop future injuries. BIKE POLO CAMP: bit.ly/polocamp2

No offence, but Gavin's no pass offence has peeked and this week we talked to 2 time NA champion Bruce Furlong about what an actually good offence should look like, and what it takes to join a championship winning team like The Control. 

This week on the Pod the team has two blockbuster topics on hand. First, the age old discussion, "are scoops even good?!" followed by a spirited argument about the optimal length of crank arms. Don't you worry though we close everything up with a Mail Bag segment to be remembered with submissions from the chairman of Yukon bike polo and a certain world champ who will remain nameless. Listen and find out!

Deigo got it! He got it 5 times in a row with back to back tournament wins and we had to ask how, and hear about his approach to bike polo. 

This week on the Pod we sit down for some a nice long chat with Lightfoot Dave. That's right, this is the Dave who owns Lightfoot. You've probably heard of it. We cover so much good stuff in this episode here are some time stamps to check out: 12:54 Interview begins, 34:50 Training and competitive tips, 42:38 Knee cups, 46:37 Lightfoot/Geo discussion, 1:28:40 Rule change ideas, 1:55:22 Interview ends / Mailbag, 1:59:28 Beer point / Polo rap song. Keep slaying, we hope you enjoy.

Sorry for the wait! This week on the Pod Liam, Alex, and Gavin recap and discuss the 3 late summer / fall tournaments that took place in Canada in 2021. They share their highlights their lowlights and of course all the results. Tune in and follow along as they remember a memorable 2021 season.

On this looong awaited (sorry - polo's back!) episode of the Northside Polo Podcast, we invited previous guest Christina to join us in an interview with Julia from Montreal, an all-around slayer and founder of @mtlqueerbikepolo! We talk about inclusivity, gender and sexism in bike polo, what is was like playing in the Crown Classic (fka Ladies Army), how Montreal has the best polo nights around, and more! Plus we got the now-outdated news and read some mail!

This week on the Pod the team regales you with stories from Rumble by the River 1. The first 3v3 tournament of the year in the Northside region. The team goes through everything and they talk about all the most important aspects of the tournament. Each host then tips their cap to the tournament organizers. Finally the team closes the episode with a quick word from the mailbag. Listen! 

This week we talk to friend of the pod Ashwin, currently of Whitehorse, inventor of moves such as "The Peg Leg" and "The Lobster Trap". He has a unique brand of enthusiasm which has help start Canada's most northern polo club. He talks about new moves still in development, and his influence on modern polo. He also brought game that YOU can play along from home, and WIN PRIZES for participating in. 

The Bretts came out of the woodwork this week with Spicy emails and lots of topics. We talk some polo, say goodbye to some friends and 2/3 of the cast actually play polo! The team does a deep analysis of which terminator models would perform best on the polo court. It's a weird episode.

This week the team had an amazing conversation with the former owner/operator of Fixcraft, Sean Ingram. Sean and the team discuss the Fixcraft brand. How it started? Why it ended? And the fun times along the way. It's a long episode, but it worth it. Enjoy!

In this episode, the gang chats with our own local ball-breaker Justin aka the man of many names... as he shares his opinions on big rips, wheel covers, basketball, sandwich orders, and much more. This guy has been around the Northside bike polo scene for awhile, and has given back to the club as an accomplished tournament organizer and prize-seeker. We also answer some mail as usual! Email us at northsidepolopodcast@gmail.com

This week on the podcast the team takes an in depth look into what advantages left handed players really have over their righty counter parts. Resident wrong hander Gavin breaks down some of his experiences being a left handed polo player. The team weighs the evidence, discusses strategy, and determines the truth behind lefty bullshit. We also got SO MUCH mail. the team takes the time to read through each email and respond as best they can. Email us your thoughts and questions at northsidepolopodcast@gmail.com!

In this episode, we finally get to chat with Tea and Sara, who together are the polo-world-famous Pedal Junkies of Fresno, CA! We talk about Smack in da Middle, Jack the Dish, the Cali polo scene, getting involved in the community and more! And as always, we answer the mail and talk about polo news. Check out @pedal_junkies on Instagram!

In this episode, the gang takes a look at one of the most storied bike polo matchups in recent years - the WHBPCVII final between Call Me Daddy and Outlawz Birds. We also talk scoops, answer some emails, and Alex starts us off with some polo ASMR. Get in touch with us at northsidepolopodcast@gmail.com! We want to hear from you!

This episode we talk to Christina from the Ottawa polo club, about her journey to polo... her literal journey around the world to polo. We talk: Bike Packing, New rules from Europe, and the upcoming 2021 season.

This episode, we talk about playing goalie, how to approach it, and how to improve at it. We also have a new segment, watching old Bike Polo games, and hope you'll join us. This week we breakdown The Means vs Clobber Politics in 2012. 

In this episode, our friend John Hayes from BPTO joins us to talk about getting his start in bike polo overseas, being part-owner of a polo equipment company, organizing a ninety-team tournament (yes that's right - 9-0!) and much more!

This week on the polo pod the guys chat about polo gear and pads. We read an email, crack some jokes, and have a good time. Send us your questions and conversation topics to Northsidepolopodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, Alex slept while Gavin and Liam interview Brett B. from Montreal Polo, well-known alleycat organizer, meme-maker and #messfam extraordinaire. He's been involved in the MTL polo scene for a number of years, and tells us about "the dark days" - we also talk about art, sneaky strategies to recruit players, and settle the Time vs SPD debate. Alex did join us beforehand to play a little game and afterwards to answer your emails, so there's that too.

In this episode, we delve into the topic of play format - Squad vs 3 on 3. Also we think up new ways to cheat at polo (NAH is listening...) and talk about favourite team names.

In this episode, we interview Mike B. from Timaru, NZ and teams such as The Huntsmen and 3-Up. We talk about bike polo in NZ, specifically what went into hosting the 2016 World Hardcourt championships and how it has changed the scene. We also answer some email, listen to some great tunes and get into the festive spirit!

Do you know someone who doesn't pass enough? Is it Gavin? Its probably Gavin. This week Gavin explains why he hates passing, Alex talks about his fork and Liam eats a shawarma.

In this episode we interview Neilan from Montreal Bike Polo, a club that is bourgeoning this year. We talk the Lobster Trap, squad and 3v3, and life as a NAH rep. We also answer some more of your emails and discuss our off-season training regimes for the beer point. 

In this episode, the gang talks defensive maneuvers in bike polo, as well as getting into some nerdy stuff. And we shout out some of our favourite non-polo podcasts!

In this episode we interview Jenna, the founder of Talkeetna Bike Polo to talk about what it's like starting a bike polo club in a small Alaskan town with 986 people and a former cat for mayor. Also, we do the usual news and mailbag, y'know, the good stuff! Follow Talkeetna Bike Polo - officially the Northern-most polo club we know of! And email us as always, northsidepolopodcast@gmail.com. 

In this episode, we debate the merits of a "good shot". And no - it's not the just ones that go in the net. Check out Bike Polo 101 on YouTube! And Liam's SoundCloud!

In this episode, we interview former NAH President and all-around polo ambassador Alias Tagami on the state of bike polo, rules of the game, and what the heck obstruction/interference is all about.  Also listen to the end - we get a firsthand account of an infamous chapter in Mallets of Mayhem history.

Gavin & Liam interview the one and only Robbie Boards of EVBP, and Alex... Alex?... where'd he go? Check out The Rawbie Boardz Show on Youtube and Facebook!

Gavin gets us to list our top 3s, Liam reads off Wikipedia and Alex comes last. Sorry Alex.

This week Gavin steps down, Alex reads some news and Liam plays goalie. Also Jenni talks to us about grass polo, almost coming to Northsides, and some real talk about community in 2020. 

This week Alex quizzes the crew about team names, Gavin calls Alex Fat, and Liam surfs Kijiji. But mostly we talk about what is the best wheel size for bike polo!

This week we forget to discuss the news, debate "overrated/ underrated", Ideal pick up games, and how not to introduce new players to bike polo.

Today we talked about: Who are we? Why make this Podcast? Update on Northsides Club activity Grand Rapids Skills Comp Speculation about Heckler's Ally Solo Polo tournament NAs 2020 and Worlds 2021 Qualification Links: Old Fixie Video: https://vimeo.com/30660135