9-Ball — Episodes — Chalk Is Cheap

Pro Ep 2: Kelly Fisher

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.

Pro SeriesNick OlsonMarch 17, 2021Kelly Fisher, Matchroom Championship Series, Snooker, 9-BallComment

Pro Ep 1: Rodney "Rocket" Morris

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.

S2 EP 2: Thorpe, Saez & Slow Play

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.

Season 2Nick OlsonFebruary 7, 2021Billy Thorpe, Robb Saez, 9-Ball, 8-ballComment

TPS EP 1: Brian Baker

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.

Twin Ports SeriesNick OlsonJanuary 20, 20218-ball, 9-Ball, Duluth Pool League, Top Hat Tavern, Break RoomComment

DC EP 6: Sam "Ryno" Henderson

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.

Diamond Cutters SeriesNick OlsonDecember 23, 20208-ball, 9-Ball, McDermott, Mosconi CupComment

DC EP 3: Vincent Rusnell of Pool Stats

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.

Diamond Cutters SeriesNick OlsonJuly 10, 2020Pool Stats, 8-ball, 9-Ball, 10-BallComment

DC EP 2: Ryan Klinger of Isolation Pool Tournaments

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.

Diamond Cutters SeriesNick OlsonJune 24, 2020Isolation Pool Tournaments, 8-ball, 9-Ball, 10-BallComment

DC EP 1: Salotto's Reed & Colby

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.

Diamond Cutters SeriesNick OlsonJune 19, 2020Salotto, 9-Ball, 8-ball, 10-Ball Comment

EP 10: Darell Fredrickson

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.

Local Legends SeriesNick OlsonJune 6, 2020iCue, ACS, VNEA, 9-Ball, Eveleth 8-Ball Shootout, Horseshoe Billiards, Diamonds BilliardsComment