In squash - The Podcast

SJ Perry is off to a flyer this 2018/19 campaign, defending her San Fran Netsuite title and reaching the final of the Carol Weymuller Open. After a successful 2017/18 season, she didn't rest on her laurels; knuckling down over the summer with a few tweaks here and there have laid the groundwork for this season. SJ also talks to us about the impact that her coach Robert Owen has made on her game over the past few years, and an unfortunate incident that she came home to after spending over a month across the pond.

From US child prodigy, to US collegiate squash national champion with Princeton, to a world ranking of 48 and rising, Todd Harrity has sunk his teeth into life on the PSA tour. The 2018/19 campaign has gotten off to a very promising start for Todd, but that's not without plenty of groundwork, hardwork, and changes to his game along the way. Todd seems ready to take that next step in his rise up the PSA rankings, and we talk about what it took to get to where he is today, and the changes he believes are needed to take that next big step.

The winningest coach in collegiate squash history, US Squash Hall of Fame inductee, and US National Squash Team head coach, Paul Assaiante's squash journey has been nothing short of impressive. For the past 20 years he's led the Trinity Bantams to countless national titles and mind-blowing unbeaten streaks whilst having to compete against the Ivy powerhouses. Equally as impressive is the current upsurge in US men's and women's squash in which he has played a leading role in. His look back at this and his squash insight comes through a great deal in this episode. Enjoy!!

The Canadian sun rises first in Cape Spear, the eastern most point in North America, and home to a place that we should all take the opportunity to visit, Newfoundland. Today's episode takes a look at Newfoundland's unique squash history which dates back to shortly after it entered confederation with Canada in 1949. Its squash history is rich and well told by Steve Gardner and Dave Feder in a nostalgic, light-hearted look back at the game in this beautiful province.

Proud resident of Paderborn (not Paderhorn), Simon has a lot to look forward to both at home and on the PSA tour. Recently married and expecting a baby boy in December, he'll be relishing time at home. Meanwhile, he's also playing squash of the highest level, and that bodes well for a great 2018/19 campaign. Simon gives us his thoughts on all of the above in what was a very enjoyable conversation.

With a victory in Nantes under his belt and a very respectable 3rd round showing at the US Open, Declan James is out of traps with the bit between his teeth at the start of the 2018/2019 campaign. His recent rise into the world's top 20 seems a fitting way to kick off the 2018/19 season, but he's under no illusions that the rest will take care of itself. Declan discusses his recent run of form, what he needs to do to keep on top of things, his relationship with coach Philip Whitlock, and he pays homage to some of the players that he looked up to over the years.

Sharif Khan was instrumental in developing the broad appeal that squash had in North America back in the late 70s and early 80s, and without question he's in the greatest of all time conversation. Sharif dominated the North American professional squash scene throughout the late 70s and early 80s, and Rob Dinerman's new book (co-authored by Karen Khan) looks back at his life and legendary career. Rob goes into Sharif's backstory including the family's shock decision to send him to boarding school in the UK, his relationship with his father Hashim (a legend himself), and so much more.

Jesse Englebrecht and Gary Nisbet (ep. 28) lit it up in a big way on our first dual guest episode. The questions for this episode came from the In Squash listeners and they spawned one of our best episodes to date. Jesse hit the ground sprinting and didn't look back with great intel on everything from junior development, the evolution of ghosting patterns, and how to teach deception, and then Gary joined in to tackle such things as the importance of the pre-game warm-up and dealing with in match fatigue. Not to be missed, episode 48.

The proof is in the pudding, Jenny Duncalf is without question a super talent both on and off the court. Having reached and spent several years at world #2 behind the recently crowned GOAT of ladies squash Nicol David, Jenny continues to play at the highest level and looks to return to the court soon following a summer hip surgery. Jenny took us inside her life on tour which is three-pronged these days as a player, women's president of the PSA, and as MC for several major PSA events.

Daryl Selby has remained one of the most exciting players on the pro tour for over 15 years, and at age 35 he's got his sites set on playing more great squash and enhancing his brand along the way. Father of 3 youngsters, Daryl expounds on his career to date, the joys of parenting while playing professionally, and we have a great discussion on the variables in play that dictate our best squash, a topic he and Cameron Pilley dove into on their own podcast, Comments from the Couch. Enjoy!!