74 | Barrie Lester, Ocean Grove & Glasgow 2026

77 | Ryan Bester, Corey Wedlock, Ali Forsyth & Kelly McKerihen | Road to Glasgow

EPISODE 77 - RYAN BESTER, COREY WEDLOCK, ALI FORSYTH & KELLY MCKERIHEN | ROAD TO GLASGOW Episode 77 of What a Load of Bowls continues our Commonwealth Games build-up with three brilliant interviews featuring Ryan Bester, Corey Wedlock, Ali Forsyth and Kelly McKerihen. Ryan Bester joins us ahead of his seventh Commonwealth Games, reflecting on his incredible longevity, what it still means to represent Canada, and his pursuit of a first Commonwealth Games gold medal. Corey Wedlock shares how he is preparing for Glasgow after a huge Australian Open, his partnership with Aaron Teys, the importance of BPL-style experience, and why the shot clock and short format could make this one of the most unpredictable Games yet. We also sit down with Ali Forsyth and Kelly McKerihen for a fascinating look at preparation from two elite bowlers representing different nations. They chat about selection, carpet preparation, adapting to the indoor surface, team-first mentality, and how they support each other while competing for New Zealand and Canada. Plus, Simon and DJ chat about the growth of The Bowls Academy delivery analysis, the NSW State Championships, and welcome DACA Architecture as a new partner of the podcast and The Bowls Academy. As always, keep that little disc on the inside and good luck in those greens.   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]  🏛️DACCA Architecture The experts when its comes to club renovations, re-fresh and new builds - Speak to Tony and the team 👉🏼 https://daccaarchitecture.com.au/ [https://daccaarchitecture.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!

76 | Ross Owen & Sam Tolchard Prepare for Glasgow 2026

EPISODE 76 - COMMONWEALTH GAMES SPECIAL: INSIDE THE WELSH AND ENGLISH CAMPS Episode 76 launches our build-up to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, with two of the Northern Hemisphere’s leading players joining DJ for an inside look at their preparations.  Welsh international Ross Owen is heading to his third Commonwealth Games, where he will contest the men’s singles and skip the pairs alongside two-time defending champion Daniel Salmon. Ross discusses the lengthy Welsh selection process, the sacrifices required to remain indoors during the UK outdoor season, the importance of competitive test matches and the responsibility of representing Wales across two disciplines. He also reveals how focusing heavily on singles over the past two years helped him secure one of the biggest opportunities of his career. England’s Sam Tolchard is preparing for an incredible fifth Commonwealth Games and another opportunity to claim the elusive gold medal missing from his collection. Sam explains England’s selection process, the challenge of stepping away from outdoor competition, learning to incorporate structured drills into his preparation and the difficulty of preparing for an unknown portable indoor surface. He also shares his thoughts on the brutal short format, set jack lengths, the shot clock and why every small moment will matter in Glasgow. Simon and DJ also recap all the major results from the 2026 Australian Open, including another remarkable tournament from Corey Wedlock, singles victories for Jamie-Lee Worsnop and Aaron Teys, and the outstanding performances across all 18 events. The boys discuss: -Simon’s player development weekend at Goulburn Railway Bowling Club -Delivery analysis for 40 club bowlers -The latest milestone in Maitland City’s new covered-green development -The Australian Open champions -Corey Wedlock’s extraordinary tournament record -The contrasting preparation of Australian and UK players -The challenges of limited practice on Glasgow’s portable rinks -Why the short Commonwealth Games format could produce some major surprises With unfamiliar surfaces, limited preparation time and some of the world’s best players competing under a cutthroat format, Glasgow 2026 is shaping up as one of the most unpredictable bowls events we have seen.   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!

75 | Aron Sherriff: Chasing Five in a Row at the Australian Open

EPISODE 75 - ARON SHERRIFF: CHASING FIVE IN A ROW AT THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN Episode 75 is here - three quarters of a ton - and it’s Australian Open time! This week DJ and Simon are joined once again by the legend himself, Aron “Omar” Sherriff, as he prepares for another huge Australian Open campaign at Broadbeach. Aron talks about his lead-in to the event, his preparation, stepping away from state and international duties, keeping his competitive fire burning, and what it would mean to continue one of the most incredible winning streaks in lawn bowls. At the time of recording, Aron was chasing a fifth straight Australian Open singles title and eighth overall - a record that is already hard to comprehend. He also gives his thoughts on Queensland’s latest selections, the Commonwealth Games format, Australia’s team chances, and the challenge of competing on carpet. DJ and Simon also cover the scale of the Australian Open, Daryl Clout’s honour, Ghana’s first national championships, Natasha Van Eldik joining Club Maitland City, and plenty more from around the bowls world.   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!

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!