The Snooker Hall Podcast
Unpopular opinions on snooker, analysis of the latest tournaments, correspondence from The Snooker Hall Community and a string of fantastic guests from all corners of the snooker world; journalists, referees, players, coaches, superfans and more.
Episodes
Episode 80 - Neal Foulds discusses the World Championship
After some time for reflection, Neal Foulds returns to The Snooker Hall Podcast to analyse the key talking points of the recent World Championship in Sheffield.
Episode 79 - Debutants, legends, drama and mobile phones
Analysis of key talking points of the early rounds at The Crucible, including Kyren Wilson’s comeback win mixed attitudes of debutants, selfish audience members not switching off their phones and the battle between youth and experience. Discussion on the news that the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters will not be continuing and the impact it could have on the sport.Get in touch: contactus@thesnookerhal
Episode 78 - Chris Downer joins the podcast
Chris Downer joins me to discuss the first round draw at the Snooker World Championship, the festival vibe around Sheffield at this time of year and of course, the story behind The Crucible Almanac.To order your copy of the 50th anniversary edition, you can contact Chris at chrisdowner@live.co.uk
Episode 77 - Judgement Day review with Gary Moss
The incomparable Gary Moss returns to the podcast to review Judgement Day and preview some first round matches at the World Championship . We both reveal our predictions to lift The Old Lady in a few weeks.
Episode 76 - Dave Tindall joins the podcast
Sports journalist Dave Tindall joins me to discuss the Snooker World Championship as a sporting event and its place in British culture. Dave shares stories about Steve Davis style wigs, childhood trips to The Crucible, a strange incident involving Hazel Irvine in Augusta and he shares some statistics based predictions on who could clinch glory in Sheffield this year. The results are not as you may
Episode 75 - Taylor Wilson joins the podcast
Snooker manager extraordinaire Taylor Wilson joins me to chat about a host of topics: the recent World Open in Yushan, a glorious victory for Thepchaiya Un-Nooh, The Sopranos, the snooker season so far, travelling with the snooker tour, Ancient Greek poetry and the legacy of the top players in the sport.
Episode 74 - Barry Hawkins wins the Welsh Open!
Nigel Slater from Snooker Chat joins me to celebrate Barry Hawkins' win in Llandudno, a profitable week for Jack Lisowski and the form of John Higgins. We also chat about Mark Selby's poor results and the emergence of wristwatches in snooker before looking back at some fond memories of John Virgo.
Episode 73 - Berlin review with Phil Seymour
Phil Seymour joins me to talk about the German Masters, the season so far and what is still to come. We tackle some correspondence and Phil teases an exciting announcement for snooker fans!
Episode 72 - The Masters preview with Kellie Barker
Snooker superfan and now snooker player Kellie Barker returns to the podcast to talk about her upcoming matches before we analyse the draw for The Masters and make our predictions for the first round and we reveal our picks to lift the Paul Hunter trophy.
Episode 71 - The season so far, with Phil Yates
Snooker commentator Phil Yates joins me to analyse the first half of the 25/26 season and we celebrate Mark Selby's fantastic contribution to snooker after his triumph at the UK Championship.
Episode 70 - Jack and Wu enjoy success, Champion Of Champions preview
Tom, the host of Baize Breakdown on YouTube, joins me to celebrate historic wins for Wu Yize and Jack Lisowski. We take a look at the Champion Of Champions draw before we tackle some correspondence from The Snooker Hall Community.Get in touch: contactus@thesnookerhall.com
Episode 69 - Liam Pullen joins the podcast
Liam Pullen talks about his transition from the junior game to the pro tour, the rigours of life as a snooker player, the state of snooker in 2025 and his recent run to the last eight in Xi'an.Email: contactus@thesnookerhall.com
Episode 68 - Allan Taylor joins the podcast
Snooker pro Allan Taylor discusses his career so far, coaching in the modern era, player etiquette, the state of snooker in 2025 and the mental and emotional sides of snooker.Share your stories and opinions: contactus@thesnookerhall.com
Episode 67 - The Magician wins the British Open
Rob Francis returns to the podcast to celebrate Shaun Murphy lifting the Clive Everton trophy in Cheltenham. The Magician looked imperious this week.We also look at the opening chapter of the season and before tackling some correspondence on Judd Trump, future success for Chinese players on the tour and Mark Allen's win at the English Open.Get in touch: contactus@thesnookerhall.com
Episode 66 - An epic battle in Brentwood
Discussion on Mark Allen's hard fought victory at the English Open in Brentwood, some thoughts from fans, Leo Scullion and the referee for the final, Kevin Dabrowski.Get in touch: contactus@thesnookerhall.com
Episode 65 - Jeddah review, Wuhan preview
Analysis of Neil Robertson’s victory in Jeddah. Are we are seeing a concerning pattern emerge with him in high profile matches? Comments on other notable performances, including some praise for Ronnie O’Sullivan!!I also take a look ahead to the Wuhan Open and some of the more intriguing first round matches.Email: contactus@thesnookerhall.com
Episode 64 - Shanghai review and Jeddah preview
Quick analysis of the 2025 Shanghai Masters and a few talking points around the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters in Jeddah.If you have any thoughts or stories to share, get in touch via email: contactus@thesnookerhall.com
Episode 63 - Season preview with Michael Day
Michael Day of Totally Snookered pops into The Snooker Hall to look ahead to the new season. Topics under discussion are the new world champion, which players from China are most likely to continue that success, Mark Selby's illustrious career to date, the longevity of the Class Of '92 and much more!
Episode 62 - Ian Burns joins the podcast
Pro player Ian Burns pops into The Snooker Hall to talk about his successful visit to Q School, life on the pro tour and his recent foray into snooker coaching.
Episode 61 - Neal Foulds joins the podcast
Neal Foulds joins The Snooker Hall Podcast to talk about his commentary career, the highlights of the 24/25 season and we look ahead to a new snooker campaign.
Episode 60 - Michael Holt joins the podcast
The incomparable Michael Holt speaks about a potential revolution in snooker coaching and his own experience as a coach. The Hitman also shares some strong opinions on a range of topics including his own return to the pro tour, the future of the Snooker World Championship, the impact of Zhao Xintong's Crucible triumph, the evergreen Mark Williams and of course, an upcoming European adventure f
Episode 59 - Andres Petrov returns to the podcast
Estonia's first snooker pro, Andres Petrov shares his thoughts on last season's Q Tour, the batlle to return to the pro tour and he opens up regarding his struggles with mental health.
Episode 58 - Jackson Page joins the podcast
Double maximum man Jackson Page speaks about his career, his relationship with Mark Williams and his history making match against Allan Taylor, when he knocked in those two 147 breaks.
Episode 57 - Analysing the Snooker World Championship 2025
A look back at the historic 2025 World Championship, won by Zhao Xintong. Some obligatory rants about bad commentary and punditry, but lots of praise for an incredible tournament.
Episode 56 - 2025 World Championship draw reaction
I take a quick look at each of the matches in the first round of the 2025 World Championship and make my predictions. I think we will see some upsets.
Episode 55 - Judgment Day preview with David Caulfield
Despite both us feeling less than 100%, David Caulfield, writer for SnookerHQ, returns to the podcast to look at the standout matches in the final round of qualifying for the 2025 Snooker World Championship.
Episode 54 - Tour Championship review with Nigel Slater
The man behind SnookerChat returns to The Snooker Hall Podcast to look back at the 2025 Tour Championship in Manchester. Nigel and I both make our predictions for who will win the World Championship.
Episode 53 - Florian Nuessle joins the podcast
After winning a Q Tour Global Playoff and qualifying for the main snooker tour next season, Florian Nuessle takes his career to even loftier heights by making a guest appearance on The Snooker Hall Podcast. I jest, of course!Florian opens up about his journey through The Q Tour to WST and his high stakes showdown with Andres Petrov in Antalya. We also talk about the state of snooker in mainland Eu
Episode 52 - The Players' Series events and Q Tour Playoffs
The Snooker Hall Podcast is back! I share my experience of the World Grand Prix final in Hong Kong and what this victory means for Neil Robertson. Analysis of the Q Tour Playoffs in Antalya, Kyren Wilson’s dramatic win at the Players’ Championship and a small moan about the snooker calendar and the Tour Championship draw.
Episode 51 - World Open analysis and preview of World Grand Prix
I look back at John Higgins' victory at the 2025 World Open and I single out some highlights from the upcoming World Grand Prix in Hong Kong. To end the episode, I share some correspondence from The Snooker Hall Community.
Episode 50 - Kevin Dabrowski joins the podcast
I spoke with snooker referee Kevin Dabrowski about his journey to the pro tour, his career to date and several other aspects of the snooker world. Of course, we discuss the much publicised Hossein Vafaei incident too!!
Episode 49 - Welsh Open review, various rants and a new idea for a snooker game show
A look back at the 2025 Welsh Open, won by "The Jester" Mark Selby. I analyse other narratives which ran through the event, leading to a few trademark rants and I share correspondence from The Snooker Hall community.
Episode 48 - Welsh Open preview with Martin O'Donnell
2024 Welsh Open finalist Martin O'Donnell joins me to talk about the history of the event and his run to the showpiece match last year.
Episode 47 - Analysing the German Masters final
A quick look back at the final of the 2025 German Masters at the Tempodrom in Berlin, comments on the arena and the performances of both finalists.
Episode 46 - Preview of the German Masters
A quick look ahead to the German Masters in Berlin. Predictions for the first round action, standout fixtures and thoughts on who could lift the trophy.
Episode 45 - Live at Alexandra Palace and post Masters reaction
I spoke to snooker fans at Ally Pally and I analyse some prominent narratives from The Masters 2025, won by The Magician Shaun Murphy. The episode ends with some emails from The Snooker Hall Community.
Episode 44 - Predictions for The Masters
A preview of the first round matches at Alexandra Palace. Recorded about 40 minutes before the announcement of Ronnie O’Sullivan’s withdrawal 😩
Episode 43 - Louis Heathcote joins the podcast
Louis Heathcote opens up about his career as a pro snooker player and his new relationship with Taylor Wilson and TW Sports Management.
Episode 42 - John Hunter joins the podcast
I spoke with the head of CueStars, John Hunter, about the junior game and the journey youngsters follow to the pro tour.
Episode 41 - Kellie Barker joins the podcast
Kellie Barker and I overcome internet issues and sore throats to discuss the Snooker Shoot Out, the Scottish Open and qualifying for the German Masters. We answer correspondence from The Snooker Hall Community and I try my hand at some Shakespeare/snooker puns.
Episode 40 - Elliot Slessor joins the podcast
Elliot Slessor speaks candidly about the relationship between players and coaches, life on tour and his opinions on the modern game.
Episode 39 - Paul Collier joins the podcast
Paul Collier joins me to discuss his role as Tournament Director for WST and his transition from refereeing. Paul also pays tribute to Terry Griffiths and shares a doozy of a story which showcases Griff’s wonderful sense of humour.
Episode 38 - Snooker Shoot Out preview with Steven Hallworth
What's the secret to snooker's fastest format? Steven Hallworth returns to The Snooker Hall Podcast to tell us more about the Snooker Shoot Out.
Episode 37 - UK Championship review with Michael Day
Michael Day from Totally Snookered joins me for an in depth discussion on the UK Championship, Judd Trump's ruthless streak, controversy on the table and in the commentary box. Also, we reflect on the sad passing of the great Terry Griffiths.
Episode 36 - Ryan Thomerson joins the podcast
Australian snooker player Ryan Thomerson joins me to talk about his journey to the pro tour, the incredible support offered by Neil Robertson, this season's Q Tour and the snooker scene down under.
Episode 35 - Fergal O'Brien joins the podcast
Fergal O'Brien opens up regarding his work in the commentary box, his role in bringing through the rising stars of Irish snooker and the prestige of the UK Championship.
Episode 34 - Chris Hammer joins the podcast to celebrate Mark Williams' victory in Bolton.
Cue the celebration! Chris Hammer, snooker writer for Sporting Life, joins me to bask in the glory of Mark Williams' Champion of Champions triumph. Chris shares some surprising stories from his career in sports journalism and reflects on his snooker memories.
Episode 33 - Your views, Ding's triumph in China, a Champion Of Champions preview and a Q Tour update
I answer emails from The Snooker Hall Community, plus a look back at the International Championship, won by the incomparable Ding Junhui, the latest from the Q Tour and a quick look ahead to The Champion Of Champions in Bolton.
Episode 32 - Are we seeing the dawn of a new era in snooker? Belfast review with Nigel Slater.
Award winning journalist Nigel Slater joins the podcast to analyse the recent Northern Ireland Open and discuss the potential passing of the torch to a new generation of leading snooker players.
Episode 31 - Wuhan review, Belfast preview with WPBSA coach Fin Ruane
Snooker coach Fin Ruane joins me to talk about his journey in snooker and his career as a snooker coach. We also analyse Xiao Guodong's maiden ranking title in Wuhan and we look ahead to the Northern Ireland Open in Belfast.
Episode 30 - WPBSA coach Colin Matty joins the podcast
Colin Matty joins me to talk about the world of snooker coaching and I offer my thoughts on the passing of Clive Everton.
Episode 29 - Rob Francis joins the podcast
I am joined by snooker superfan Rob Francis to discuss what's going on in the sport right now and we tackle correspondence from The Snooker Hall community.
Episode 28 - Live from the English Open
I spoke with snooker fans live at The Brentwood Centre to see what people thought about the event and to get some predictions from the audience.
Episode 27 - Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters analysis
Recap and analysis of the key action from Riyadh and the consequences for the coming season. I also address the low live attendances and the PR around hosting an event in Saudi Arabia.
Episode 26 - Ajeya Prabhakar joins the podcast
Ajeya Prahbakar, the President of the United States Snooker Association and the Pan American Billiards and Snooker Association joins me to talk about his role and to discuss the development and growth of snooker across the Americas.
Episode 25 - Xi'an Grand Prix review and Riyadh preview
Analysis of the inaugural Xi'an Grand Prix, won by Kyren Wilson. I also look ahead to the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters in Riyadh and I share your correspondence.
Episode 24 - Xi'an preview and your views
A look ahead to the inaugural Xi'an Grand Prix, a round up of snooker news and your correspondence, which caused me to rant a bit.
Episode 23 - Ben Williams joins the podcast
Snooker referee Ben Williams pops into The Snooker Hall to talk about his career so far and to discuss some memorable moments in the arena. Ben also answers your questions!
Episode 22 - World Women’s Snooker President Mandy Fisher joins the podcast
WWS President and former Women’s World Champion Mandy Fisher pops into The Snooker Hall to chat about her role in shaping and growing the women’s game. We also speak about the logistics of running the circuit and Mandy answers your questions.
Episode 21 - The season so far and your correspondence
A look back at the Championship League and the Shanghai Masters, then I catch up with your correspondence.
Episode 20 - Steven Hallworth joins the podcast
Steven Hallworth pops into The Snooker Hall to chat about his work in the commentary box and we quickly discuss the early rounds of the Shanghai Masters.
Episode 19 - Leo Scullion joins the podcast
Legendary snooker referee Leo Scullion joins the show to talk about his career, how he got started, the daily life of a professional referee and some of his fondest memories in the arena. To finish, Leo answers some questions from The Snooker Hall community.
Episode 18 - Snooker writer Michael Day joins the podcast
Michael Day joins me to talk about his role as Chief Writer for Totally Snookered. We also chat about his lifelong love for the sport, the new snooker season and we share some theories on the future of The Crucible. You can follow Michael on X @ViewCue.
Episode 17 - Robbie McGuigan joins the podcast
New snooker pro Robbie McGuigan joins the show to talk about his snooker journey so far. We also chat about some memorable moments in his fledgling career and to finish, Robbie answers some questions from The Snooker Hall community.
Episode 16 - David Caulfield from SnookerHQ joins the podcast
Snooker writer David Caulfield, creator of SnookerHQ, joins me to discuss how he got started in snooker journalism, the realities of reporting on snooker from a country with little snooker history, the state of snooker in Ireland and beyond and of course, David shares his thoughts on The Crucible debate.
Episode 15 - Pre-season chat with Gary Moss
Snooker blogger Gary Moss joins the show to discuss the coming snooker season. Talking points include Kyren Wilson’s role as world champion, the big events this season, our personal snooker calendars and, of course, a Ronnie O’Sullivan controversy. You can follow Gary on X @GaryOnCue.
Episode 14 - Joe Perry joins the podcast
I had a chat with a very welcome guest, Joe Perry. The Gentleman spoke about his work in the commentary box, offering some fascinating insight into how he got started, how his playing career might influence him on the mic and how else he is involved with snooker off the table.
Episode 13 - Catching up with correspondence
Listen to some strong opinions from The Snooker Hall community on the recent World Championship and the future of snooker. Also, a new listener gets in touch with a snooker dilemma…
Episode 12 - Andres Petrov joins the podcast
I had a chat with Andres Petrov about a range of snooker topics: the recent World Championship, The Crucible theatre, practice routines, the exhibition circuit and how the tour works for players based outside the UK.
Episode 11 - The Snooker Hall season awards and a season review.
I gallantly battle through a cold to look back at some key moments in the 23/24 snooker season. The episode concludes with the inaugural Snooker Hall Podcast season awards. Email the show: contactus@thesnookerhall.com
Episode 10 - The last eight and how they got there.
A preview of the World Championship quarter finals and the big talking points so far.
Episode 9 - First impressions of the World Championship. Hossein Vafaei embarrasses himself again.
Analysis of the first three days of action from The Crucible. There is a lot to talk about! Also, I share some recent emails from The Snooker Hall community.
Episode 8 - The World Championship is here!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. GaryOnCue joins the podcast today to look at the first round at The Crucible. We make some predictions and chat about some underlying narratives. Check him out on X @GaryOnCue
Episode 7 - Judgement Day is upon us
I’m delighted to say that James’ Snooker Nation joins the podcast for a chat about the final round of qualifying for The World Championship in Sheffield. We make our predictions for every match and then we respond to correspondence from The Snooker Hall community. Check out James’ Snooker Nation on X @jamessnooker.
Episode 6 - Tour Championship recap, potential retirements, grunge music and sucking up to the fans.
A look back at the highlights of the Tour Championship, including Mark Williams’ glorious run to victory, then I share some correspondence from The Snooker Hall community. Is the crowd pandering getting a bit too “pass me the bucket”?
Episode 5 - Tour Championship preview and predictions. Mixed Doubles exhibition.
A look ahead to one of the premier events of the season: the Tour Championship. Predictions, pre-analysis and what we can look ahead to and what we should ignore. A few words on why the World Mixed Doubles might not be as positive as it seems.
Episode 4 - World Open chat, fan behaviour, Judd Trump is quite good at snooker and is Robbo back?
Analysis of the World Open, which was a fantastic event. I share some correspondence about women in snooker, a topic we discussed last week and finally, I talk about etiquette at a snooker event. What is acceptable behaviour among snooker fans?
Episode 3 - Why women are not succeeding on the main tour and is Bai Yu Lu’s victory a false dawn?
Analysis of the Women’s World Championship final, the Q Tour finals and the early rounds of the World Open. I read some correspondence and during “We Need To Talk About…”, I discuss the harsh realities of how women are performing in snooker, why results are so bad and how this could be improved.
Episode 2 - Championship League review, your emails and is the GOAT debate really that simple?
We will look back at the Championship League Invitational and what it means for the players involved. I share some listener correspondence about the recent event in Riyadh, Ronnie O’Sullivan and Jack Lisowski and as always, we wrap up with “We Need To Talk About…”, where we will look at who really is the greatest snooker player of all time. Maybe there are other factors to consider in this debate.
Episode 1 - Riyadh review, World Open preview and why Ronnie’s fist bumps mean more than we think.
Opinions on the recent World Masters of Snooker event in Riyadh and some predictions for the big event coming up in Yushan, China. Plus, we talk honestly about Ronnie O’Sullivan and the big problem with his fist bumps!
