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.
Read MoreOn 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.
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.
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.
Read MoreOn 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.
Read MoreOn 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.
Read MoreOn 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.
Read MoreOn 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.
Read MoreOn 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.
Read MoreOn 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.
Read MoreOn 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.
Read MoreOn 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 Horseshoe Billiards, he tells stories about many pool players from the area including a great story about the late Gary Galiford.
Read MoreOn 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.
Read MoreOn 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.
Read MoreOn the first-ever episode of Chalk Is Cheap, Host Nick Olson welcomes his good friend, teammate and 2019 Superior Trailblazers MVP Tom Wasserman.
Read More
