Mike Panozzo - Part 4 (Preserving Pool History and Imagining the Future of Cue Sports)

100th Episode Show - Part 2 (The Stories That Built Cue Sports)

In Part 2 of the Legends of the Cue 100th Episode Special, Mike Gonzalez, Allison Fisher, and Mark Wilson continue their celebration of the podcast’s first 100 episodes by focusing on what makes cue sports history so powerful: the stories, the storytellers, and the legacy they leave behind. The hosts reflect on some of the best storytellers to appear on the show, from Billy Incardona’s unforgettable road stories to Mitch Laurance’s journey through acting, broadcasting, and pool, and Mary Kenniston’s memories of Buddy Hall and the colorful characters of the game’s golden era. Mark discusses why storytelling mattered so deeply in the pre-cell-phone, pre-YouTube era, when reputations were carried by word of mouth and great poolroom stories became part of the sport’s mythology. This episode also revisits some of the most poignant moments from past interviews, including reflections on family, loss, addiction, resilience, regret, and redemption. The discussion turns to the three closing questions asked of every guest: what they would do differently, which shot they would like to have over, and how they would like to be remembered. Looking ahead, the hosts discuss the future of Legends of the Cue, including upcoming guests such as Jeanette Lee, Jorgen Sandman, Darren Appleton, Alan McManus, and Jimmy White, plus possible future episodes on iconic venues, tournaments, brands, promoters, and lost legends of the game. The episode closes with heartfelt messages from past guests and final reflections from Mike, Allison, and Mark on preserving pool history for future generations. This is more than a podcast milestone. It is a celebration of cue sports, memory, legacy, and the people who built the game. Give Allison, Mark & Mike some feedback via Text. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2510864/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2510864/support] Follow our show and/or leave a review/rating on: Our website: https://www.legendsofthecue.com [https://www.legendsofthecue.com] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-of-the-cue/id1820520463 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-of-the-cue/id1820520463] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Za0IMh2SeNaWEGUHaVcy1 [https://open.spotify.com/show/4Za0IMh2SeNaWEGUHaVcy1] Music by Lyrium. About "Legends of the Cue" is a cue sports history podcast featuring interviews with Hall of Fame members, world champions, and influential figures from across the world of cue sports—including pocket billiards, snooker, and carom disciplines such as three-cushion billiards. We highlight the people, places, and moments that have shaped the game—celebrating iconic players, memorable events, historic venues, and the brands that helped define generations of play. With a focus on the positive spirit of the sport, our goal is to create a rich, engaging, and timeless archive of stories that fans can enjoy now and for years to come. Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher and Mosconi Cup player and captain Mark Wilson, Legends of the Cue brings these stories to life—told in the voices of the game’s greatest figures.  Join Allison, Mark and Mike Gonzalez for “Legends of the Cue.”

100th Episode Show - Part 1 (Preserving Pool History, One Story at a Time)

In this special milestone episode of Legends of the Cue, co-hosts Mike Gonzalez, Allison Fisher, and Mark Wilson look back on the first 100 episodes of their podcast and reflect on how a simple idea became a growing oral history of cue sports. What began as a conversation after a pool clinic evolved into a mission: to preserve the voices, memories, struggles, triumphs, and personalities of the greatest players and influencers in pool, billiards, snooker, and cue sports history. Allison and Mark share what they hoped the podcast might become, while Mike reflects on learning the game and discovering the extraordinary human stories behind the legends. This episode revisits some of the unforgettable guests who have helped shape the show, including Mike Panozzo, Mike Massey, Billy Incardona, Keith McCready, John Schmidt, Nick Varner, Kelly Fisher, Shaun Murphy, George Ashby, Mitch Laurance, Pat Fleming, LoreeJon Ogonowski-Brown, Gerda Hofstatter Gregerson, Mary Kenniston, and others. The hosts discuss the emotional depth, humor, resilience, and grit that have emerged across these interviews. They also explore how cue sports have evolved over the decades, from the gambling culture of old-school poolrooms to televised events, streaming, social media, modern equipment, template racks, carbon fiber shafts, and the global growth of the game. Part 1 of this 100th Episode Special is a celebration of the people, places, and stories that make cue sports so compelling. It is also a tribute to the champions and characters whose lives deserve to be remembered in their own words. Give Allison, Mark & Mike some feedback via Text. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2510864/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2510864/support] Follow our show and/or leave a review/rating on: Our website: https://www.legendsofthecue.com [https://www.legendsofthecue.com] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-of-the-cue/id1820520463 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-of-the-cue/id1820520463] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Za0IMh2SeNaWEGUHaVcy1 [https://open.spotify.com/show/4Za0IMh2SeNaWEGUHaVcy1] Music by Lyrium. About "Legends of the Cue" is a cue sports history podcast featuring interviews with Hall of Fame members, world champions, and influential figures from across the world of cue sports—including pocket billiards, snooker, and carom disciplines such as three-cushion billiards. We highlight the people, places, and moments that have shaped the game—celebrating iconic players, memorable events, historic venues, and the brands that helped define generations of play. With a focus on the positive spirit of the sport, our goal is to create a rich, engaging, and timeless archive of stories that fans can enjoy now and for years to come. Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher and Mosconi Cup player and captain Mark Wilson, Legends of the Cue brings these stories to life—told in the voices of the game’s greatest figures.  Join Allison, Mark and Mike Gonzalez for “Legends of the Cue.”

Mike Panozzo - Part 4 (Preserving Pool History and Imagining the Future of Cue Sports)

In the final part of our Legends of the Cue conversation with Mike Panozzo, we turn to history, legacy, media, governance and the future of professional pool. After more than four decades at Billiards Digest Magazine, Mike has not only reported on cue sports — he has helped preserve its record, recognize its legends and frame many of the sport’s most important debates. Mike discusses his work with the Billiard Congress of America, the BCA Hall of Fame, and the United States Billiard Media Association. He humbly reflects on his own induction into the HOF and what makes someone worthy of Hall of Fame recognition, why meritorious service matters alongside playing greatness, and how difficult it can be to separate myth from fact in a sport built on road stories, poolroom legends and oral history. The conversation also examines the evolution of billiards media. Mike offers a candid look at the transition from print magazines to websites, streaming, social media and instant online commentary. He explains what print did uniquely well, what has been lost in the rush for speed, and why long-form storytelling still matters in cue sports. From there, the hosts and Mike discuss the modern professional landscape, including Matchroom, the WPA, player opportunity, international competition, event promotion and the sport’s continuing search for structure. Mike shares his thoughts on what pool needs to grow, what gives him optimism, and what still worries him about the future. The episode closes with lighter reflections, including Mike’s favorite event, favorite Billiards Digest cover, the rule he would change, the tournament he wishes still existed, and why every young pool fan should know Allison Fisher. A fitting conclusion to a four-part life story with one of cue sports’ most influential chroniclers. Give Allison, Mark & Mike some feedback via Text. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2510864/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2510864/support] Follow our show and/or leave a review/rating on: Our website: https://www.legendsofthecue.com [https://www.legendsofthecue.com] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-of-the-cue/id1820520463 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-of-the-cue/id1820520463] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Za0IMh2SeNaWEGUHaVcy1 [https://open.spotify.com/show/4Za0IMh2SeNaWEGUHaVcy1] Music by Lyrium. About "Legends of the Cue" is a cue sports history podcast featuring interviews with Hall of Fame members, world champions, and influential figures from across the world of cue sports—including pocket billiards, snooker, and carom disciplines such as three-cushion billiards. We highlight the people, places, and moments that have shaped the game—celebrating iconic players, memorable events, historic venues, and the brands that helped define generations of play. With a focus on the positive spirit of the sport, our goal is to create a rich, engaging, and timeless archive of stories that fans can enjoy now and for years to come. Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher and Mosconi Cup player and captain Mark Wilson, Legends of the Cue brings these stories to life—told in the voices of the game’s greatest figures.  Join Allison, Mark and Mike Gonzalez for “Legends of the Cue.”

Mike Panozzo - Part 3 (Building Billiards Digest and Watching Pool Go Global)

In Part 3 of our Legends of the Cue interview with Mike Panozzo, the story moves from covering the game to owning one of its most important publications. By the mid-1990s, Mike and Keith Hamilton had purchased Billiards Digest Magazine, giving Mike the chance to devote himself fully to the sport he had spent years chronicling. This episode explores what it meant to become publisher, how the magazine grew, and how Billiards Digest tried to serve players, fans, room owners, manufacturers and the broader billiard industry. Mike discusses the changing business of print media, the importance of cover art, headlines, photography, tournament coverage, player profiles and industry reporting. The conversation also captures one of the most important eras in modern pool: the rise of the women’s professional game. Mike, Allison Fisher and Mark Wilson discuss the days when men and women played in the same venues, the formation of the women’s Classic Tour, and the emergence of stars such as Jeanette Lee, Allison Fisher, Gerda Hofstätter, Ewa Mataya Laurance and other international champions. Mike reflects on why the women’s tour succeeded, how it marketed itself, and how it changed the image of professional pool. The discussion broadens into the globalization of cue sports, the arrival of European and Asian players, and the changing depth of American professional pool. Mike also offers insight into pool’s long-running challenges with governance, amateur leagues, Olympic aspirations, public image, and the relationship between the recreational billiard business and the professional sport. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in how pool evolved from a largely American, room-based culture into a more international, media-driven and commercially complex sport. Give Allison, Mark & Mike some feedback via Text. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2510864/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2510864/support] Follow our show and/or leave a review/rating on: Our website: https://www.legendsofthecue.com [https://www.legendsofthecue.com] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-of-the-cue/id1820520463 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-of-the-cue/id1820520463] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Za0IMh2SeNaWEGUHaVcy1 [https://open.spotify.com/show/4Za0IMh2SeNaWEGUHaVcy1] Music by Lyrium. About "Legends of the Cue" is a cue sports history podcast featuring interviews with Hall of Fame members, world champions, and influential figures from across the world of cue sports—including pocket billiards, snooker, and carom disciplines such as three-cushion billiards. We highlight the people, places, and moments that have shaped the game—celebrating iconic players, memorable events, historic venues, and the brands that helped define generations of play. With a focus on the positive spirit of the sport, our goal is to create a rich, engaging, and timeless archive of stories that fans can enjoy now and for years to come. Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher and Mosconi Cup player and captain Mark Wilson, Legends of the Cue brings these stories to life—told in the voices of the game’s greatest figures.  Join Allison, Mark and Mike Gonzalez for “Legends of the Cue.”

Mike Panozzo - Part 2 (Minnesota Fats, Buddy Hall and The Color of Money Boom)

In Part 2 of our interview with Mike Panozzo, Legends of the Cue steps into the pool world of the early 1980s — a time when the billiard industry was struggling, professional pool was still searching for stability, and a young journalist from Chicago was learning the game one tournament, one poolroom and one unforgettable character at a time. Mike describes what Billiards Digest Magazine looked like in 1980: a small, mostly black-and-white, bi-monthly publication covering tournaments, players, room owners, retailers and manufacturers. He recalls how the industry operated, how closely bowling and billiards were once connected, and how the magazine became a window into every corner of cue sports. This episode features Mike’s memories of legendary players including Mike Sigel, Buddy Hall, Irving Crane, Willie Mosconi, Luther Lassiter, Joe Balsis, Jimmy Caras, Lou Butera, Jim Rempe, Jimmy Mataya and Minnesota Fats. His story about traveling to interview Fats in southern Illinois is classic pool history — funny, revealing and slightly exhausting. Mike also shares his first impressions of Buddy Hall’s effortless cue ball control, Mike Sigel’s flair and star quality, and the early tournament rooms where regional and national talent collided. Mark Wilson adds perspective from inside that same era, recalling the Illinois Billiard Club and the deep fields of elite American players. The episode then turns to the seismic impact of The Color of Money, Martin Scorsese’s 1986 film starring Paul Newman and Tom Cruise. Mike explains how the movie created a national pool boom, sparked new room openings, boosted manufacturers, lifted magazines, and changed the commercial landscape of billiards for more than a decade. Give Allison, Mark & Mike some feedback via Text. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2510864/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2510864/support] Follow our show and/or leave a review/rating on: Our website: https://www.legendsofthecue.com [https://www.legendsofthecue.com] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-of-the-cue/id1820520463 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-of-the-cue/id1820520463] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Za0IMh2SeNaWEGUHaVcy1 [https://open.spotify.com/show/4Za0IMh2SeNaWEGUHaVcy1] Music by Lyrium. About "Legends of the Cue" is a cue sports history podcast featuring interviews with Hall of Fame members, world champions, and influential figures from across the world of cue sports—including pocket billiards, snooker, and carom disciplines such as three-cushion billiards. We highlight the people, places, and moments that have shaped the game—celebrating iconic players, memorable events, historic venues, and the brands that helped define generations of play. With a focus on the positive spirit of the sport, our goal is to create a rich, engaging, and timeless archive of stories that fans can enjoy now and for years to come. Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher and Mosconi Cup player and captain Mark Wilson, Legends of the Cue brings these stories to life—told in the voices of the game’s greatest figures.  Join Allison, Mark and Mike Gonzalez for “Legends of the Cue.”