What a Load of Bowls

74 | Barrie Lester, Ocean Grove & Glasgow 2026

🎙️ EPISODE 74 - BARRIE LESTER, OCEAN GROVE & GLASGOW 2026 In Episode 74 of What a Load of Bowls, DJ and Simon are joined once again by the always-entertaining Barrie Lester for a wide-ranging chat about the current state and future of the sport. Barrie shares his thoughts on being selected for commentary duties at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, his experience at the World Bowls Indoor Championships at Ocean Grove, and why the event was such a strong showcase for the sport. The boys also discuss the continued growth of World Bowls, the emergence of new bowling nations, the importance of world ranking events, and whether the calendar could become too crowded for elite players. After Barrie jumps off, DJ and Simon break down the major results from the World Bowls Indoor Championships, including Australia’s success in the mixed pairs, Allison Merrien’s singles victory, Ian McLean’s men’s singles win, and Corey Wedlock’s continued rise as one of the best players in the world. There is also discussion around Jack McShane’s Commonwealth Games Australia Emerging Talent Award, upcoming events including the Australian Open, Queensland Premier League, state championships, and a classic Northern Ireland bowls story to finish.   PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY 🏆 The Bowls Academy Unlock Your Bowls Potential.  Play With Confidence 👉 https://www.thebowlsacademy.com [https://www.thebowlsacademy.com] 🎽 SSA (StarSub Apparel) Australian-made custom apparel for clubs, teams, and events. 👉 https://www.starsub.com.au  [https://www.starsub.com.au%20] Follow on Instagram: @starsubapparel  [https://www.instagram.com/starsubapparel] 🏟️ MakMax Australia The leaders in architectural shade and canopy structures — including iconic bowling club canopies across Australia. 👉 https://www.makmax.com.au [https://www.makmax.com.au]  Bowling Canopies: https://www.makmax.com.au/projects/bowling-club-canopies [https://www.makmax.com.au/projects/bowling-club-canopies]  🚗 Newcastle Car & Truck Rental Locally owned and operated, providing affordable and reliable vehicle hire for individuals and businesses. 👉 https://www.newcastlecarrental.com.au [https://www.newcastlecarrental.com.au]    📧 CONNECT WITH US Got a question, topic idea, or want to get involved in the show? We’d love to hear from you! 📩 Simon Lyttle – simon@thebowlsacademy.com  📩 DJ – dj@thebowlsacademy.com  Explore our full range of coaching content, blogs, and gear: 🌐 https://www.thebowlsacademy.com  🛒 https://shop.thebowlsacademy.com    💬 HELP US GROW THE SHOW! If you enjoy What a Load of Bowls: ⭐ Rate and review us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts 📢 Share the episode with your teammates and bowling friends 💌 Send us an email or tag us with your feedback — we might read it on the next episode!

73 | World Bowls President Brett O’Riley Returns

🎙️ EPISODE 73 - GUEST: BRETT O’RILEY – PRESIDENT OF WORLD BOWLS World Bowls President Brett O’Riley joins us again for a massive update on the global game. In this episode, Brett chats about the ongoing push to get bowls into the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, the rapid growth of World Bowls member nations, the importance of para bowls, and why data, AI and better digital systems could play a huge role in the future of the sport. We also discuss the World Bowls Hall of Fame inductees, the World Bowls Series, new events including the Northern Rivers Open and World Bowls Prime, the growth of bowls in countries like Turkey, India and Brazil, and the World Indoor Championships at Ocean Grove. This is a big-picture episode about where bowls is heading and why the sport might be in a stronger position than many people realise. We dive into: * Brett O’Riley gives an update on the ongoing push to have bowls included in the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. * World Bowls has grown from 43 member nations in 2021 to 87, with a target of reaching 100. * Bowls is expanding into new regions, including Middle Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America. * Para bowls is a major focus, with World Bowls aiming for every member nation to be para-capable by 2032. * The World Bowls Series continues to grow, with close to 60 events expected this year. * New events like the Northern Rivers Open and World Bowls Prime are helping create more opportunities for players. * Brett believes data, AI and better digital platforms can help bowls attract sponsors, improve administration and present the game better. * The World Indoor Championships at Ocean Grove has one of the strongest fields ever assembled. * Pro-Am style events are highlighted as a brilliant way to connect everyday bowlers with elite players. * The episode shows that bowls is changing, growing and thinking more globally than ever before.    PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY 🏆 The Bowls Academy Unlock Your Bowls Potential.  Play With Confidence 👉 https://www.thebowlsacademy.com [https://www.thebowlsacademy.com] 🎽 SSA (StarSub Apparel) Australian-made custom apparel for clubs, teams, and events. 👉 https://www.starsub.com.au  [https://www.starsub.com.au%20] Follow on Instagram: @starsubapparel  [https://www.instagram.com/starsubapparel] 🏟️ MakMax Australia The leaders in architectural shade and canopy structures — including iconic bowling club canopies across Australia. 👉 https://www.makmax.com.au [https://www.makmax.com.au]  Bowling Canopies: https://www.makmax.com.au/projects/bowling-club-canopies [https://www.makmax.com.au/projects/bowling-club-canopies]  🚗 Newcastle Car & Truck Rental Locally owned and operated, providing affordable and reliable vehicle hire for individuals and businesses. 👉 https://www.newcastlecarrental.com.au [https://www.newcastlecarrental.com.au]    📧 CONNECT WITH US Got a question, topic idea, or want to get involved in the show? We’d love to hear from you! 📩 Simon Lyttle – simon@thebowlsacademy.com  📩 DJ – dj@thebowlsacademy.com  Explore our full range of coaching content, blogs, and gear: 🌐 https://www.thebowlsacademy.com  🛒 https://shop.thebowlsacademy.com    💬 HELP US GROW THE SHOW! If you enjoy What a Load of Bowls: ⭐ Rate and review us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts 📢 Share the episode with your teammates and bowling friends 💌 Send us an email or tag us with your feedback — we might read it on the next episode!

72 | Gallow Bowls & Beyond – Growing the Game Off the Green

🎙️ EPISODE 72 - GALLOW BOWLS & BEYOND – GROWING THE GAME OFF THE GREEN Episode 72 of What a Load of Bowls brings a fresh perspective to the game as we’re joined by Dean Rudling - a passionate English bowler who’s making waves off the green. Dean might not be a household name (yet), but through his work with the Gallow Bowls social media pages and his own venture, Perfect Line Graphics, he’s showing just how powerful modern content can be in growing the sport. We dive into: * How Dean turned memes and relatable content into viral bowls engagement * The stark differences between bowls in the UK vs Australia * Why social media is the biggest untapped opportunity in the sport * The problems with traditional formats and how short-form content (like BPL) is changing attention spans * The reality of coaching, funding, and development pathways * Why bowls needs more honesty, innovation, and people willing to step up This is a must-listen for anyone who cares about the future of bowls - whether you're a player, coach, or club administrator. 👉 If you’ve ever thought “bowls needs to change”… this episode is for you. Check Out.... Perfect Line Graphics - get in touch perfectlinegraphics@gmail.com Gallow Bowls - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579110352285 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579110352285] Don’t forget to check out the TBA Purposeful Practice Drill Pack to take your training to the next level. https://www.thebowlsacademy.com/offers/AZ93HGyw/checkout [https://www.thebowlsacademy.com/offers/AZ93HGyw/checkout]   PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY 🎽 SSA (StarSub Apparel) Australian-made custom apparel for clubs, teams, and events. 👉 https://www.starsub.com.au  [https://www.starsub.com.au%20] Follow on Instagram: @starsubapparel  [https://www.instagram.com/starsubapparel] 🏟️ MakMax Australia The leaders in architectural shade and canopy structures — including iconic bowling club canopies across Australia. 👉 https://www.makmax.com.au [https://www.makmax.com.au]  Bowling Canopies: https://www.makmax.com.au/projects/bowling-club-canopies [https://www.makmax.com.au/projects/bowling-club-canopies]  🚗 Newcastle Car & Truck Rental Locally owned and operated, providing affordable and reliable vehicle hire for individuals and businesses. 👉 https://www.newcastlecarrental.com.au [https://www.newcastlecarrental.com.au]    📧 CONNECT WITH US Got a question, topic idea, or want to get involved in the show? We’d love to hear from you! 📩 Simon Lyttle – simon@thebowlsacademy.com  📩 DJ – dj@thebowlsacademy.com  Explore our full range of coaching content, blogs, and gear: 🌐 https://www.thebowlsacademy.com  🛒 https://shop.thebowlsacademy.com    💬 HELP US GROW THE SHOW! If you enjoy What a Load of Bowls: ⭐ Rate and review us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts 📢 Share the episode with your teammates and bowling friends 💌 Send us an email or tag us with your feedback — we might read it on the next episode!

71 | Bowls at Its Brutal Best – PP3 Finals Recap

🎙️ EPISODE 71 - PP3 FINAL CAME DOWN TO ONE BOWL Episode 71 is all about Platinum Pennant 3 (PP3) and what a finals series it delivered. Simon and DJ break down: * A dramatic finals weekend full of tight matches * The grand final that came down to the last bowl * Warilla’s third time lucky after back-to-back heartbreaks * Raymond Terrace’s dominant season… and devastating finish * Key moments, turning points, and tactical decisions * Which teams overachieved, underachieved, and why * A full 3-season review of Platinum Pennant * And a bit of fun comparing bowls clubs to English Premier League teams This episode highlights exactly why Platinum Pennant is becoming one of the most exciting formats in the sport - elite competition, big moments, and high drama. 👉 Plus: where to next for PP4 and how the competition can keep growing. Don’t forget to check out the TBA Purposeful Practice Drill Pack to take your training to the next level. https://www.thebowlsacademy.com/offers/AZ93HGyw/checkout [https://www.thebowlsacademy.com/offers/AZ93HGyw/checkout]   PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY 🎽 SSA (StarSub Apparel) Australian-made custom apparel for clubs, teams, and events. 👉 https://www.starsub.com.au  [https://www.starsub.com.au%20] Follow on Instagram: @starsubapparel  [https://www.instagram.com/starsubapparel] 🏟️ MakMax Australia The leaders in architectural shade and canopy structures — including iconic bowling club canopies across Australia. 👉 https://www.makmax.com.au [https://www.makmax.com.au]  Bowling Canopies: https://www.makmax.com.au/projects/bowling-club-canopies [https://www.makmax.com.au/projects/bowling-club-canopies]  🚗 Newcastle Car & Truck Rental Locally owned and operated, providing affordable and reliable vehicle hire for individuals and businesses. 👉 https://www.newcastlecarrental.com.au [https://www.newcastlecarrental.com.au]    📧 CONNECT WITH US Got a question, topic idea, or want to get involved in the show? We’d love to hear from you! 📩 Simon Lyttle – simon@thebowlsacademy.com  📩 DJ – dj@thebowlsacademy.com  Explore our full range of coaching content, blogs, and gear: 🌐 https://www.thebowlsacademy.com  🛒 https://shop.thebowlsacademy.com    💬 HELP US GROW THE SHOW! If you enjoy What a Load of Bowls: ⭐ Rate and review us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts 📢 Share the episode with your teammates and bowling friends 💌 Send us an email or tag us with your feedback — we might read it on the next episode!

70 | Holiday Stories, Platinum Pennant Finals Preview & A Big Announcement

🎙️ EPISODE 70 - HOLIDAY STORIES, PLATINUM PENNANT FINALS PREVIEW & A BIG ANNOUNCEMENT Episode 70 is packed with everything happening on and off the green. Simon’s back from Bali (thankfully avoiding Bali Belly), with a surprise catch-up with former World Champion Mike Nagy and a sneak peek at a developing bowls club overseas. From there, we dive straight into the action: * Results from Champion of Champions events * The $100K Everest wrap-up * Big performances in the UK and Victoria * A rising 15-year-old star making headlines Then it’s all eyes on the Platinum Pennant Finals — with a full breakdown, predictions, and why Raymond Terrace might just be too strong at home. We also unpack a controversial story out of Queensland involving a bowls club sale — and what it means for the future of clubs as businesses. And to top it all off… Simon drops a huge personal announcement 👀 Whether you're here for the bowls insight, the banter, or what’s happening behind the scenes — this episode delivers. Don’t forget to check out the TBA Purposeful Practice Drill Pack to take your training to the next level. https://www.thebowlsacademy.com/offers/AZ93HGyw/checkout [https://www.thebowlsacademy.com/offers/AZ93HGyw/checkout]   PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY 🎽 SSA (StarSub Apparel) Australian-made custom apparel for clubs, teams, and events. 👉 https://www.starsub.com.au  [https://www.starsub.com.au%20] Follow on Instagram: @starsubapparel  [https://www.instagram.com/starsubapparel] 🏟️ MakMax Australia The leaders in architectural shade and canopy structures — including iconic bowling club canopies across Australia. 👉 https://www.makmax.com.au [https://www.makmax.com.au]  Bowling Canopies: https://www.makmax.com.au/projects/bowling-club-canopies [https://www.makmax.com.au/projects/bowling-club-canopies]  🚗 Newcastle Car & Truck Rental Locally owned and operated, providing affordable and reliable vehicle hire for individuals and businesses. 👉 https://www.newcastlecarrental.com.au [https://www.newcastlecarrental.com.au]    📧 CONNECT WITH US Got a question, topic idea, or want to get involved in the show? We’d love to hear from you! 📩 Simon Lyttle – simon@thebowlsacademy.com  📩 DJ – dj@thebowlsacademy.com  Explore our full range of coaching content, blogs, and gear: 🌐 https://www.thebowlsacademy.com  🛒 https://shop.thebowlsacademy.com    💬 HELP US GROW THE SHOW! If you enjoy What a Load of Bowls: ⭐ Rate and review us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts 📢 Share the episode with your teammates and bowling friends 💌 Send us an email or tag us with your feedback — we might read it on the next episode!