🎙️ Episode 114 – “Running the Show: A Sit-Down with Poker Boss Matt Savage”

In this exclusive episode of The Overlay, we sit down with the legendary Matt Savage — Executive Tour Director of the WPT, founder of the Poker Tournament Directors Association, 5-time Global Poker Index award winner and a 9-time Poker Hall of Fame nominee. 

From behind-the-scenes stories to the evolution of poker tournaments, Matt shares insights on what it takes to run the biggest events in the game, his role in the movie Lucky You, his other favorite game (beside poker of course) and how he’s helped shape modern poker.

Whether you’re a casual fan or a tournament grinder, this episode of the Overlay a poker podcast is a must-listen... it just might save your tournament life someday. ♠️♥️♣️♦️

Subscribe, rate, and share with your poker crew!

The Overlay a poker podcast ♧♢♡♤

If you enjoy our show, please subscribe and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. If you are listing on Spotify, please hit that follow button. Wherever you listen to our podcast please share us with your friends or enemies (however you see fit) and we thank you for supporting our poker podcast.

Do you have questions or suggestions for the show? Do you want Brandon to go over a hand you just played? Do you have a prop bet story for Ken? Please send us a tweet or direct message on Twitter.

Follow us on Twitter @theoverlaypod and check out our website at LinkTr.ee/theoverlaypod or search for and listen to The Overlay a poker podcast on all major podcast apps and platforms.

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
Are you in the Chicago area?
Check out CCGpoker.com for weekend charity poker events with great tournaments and cash game action.

Are you in the Central Illinois area?
Check out CICGpoker.com for local charity poker events brought to you by Central Illinois Charitable Games. Tournaments and Cash Games every Saturday in Central Illinois locations

The first rule of Fight Club is that you do not fight in a poker room. The second rule of Fight Club is you must be the master of chip stacks and bet sizing. 

Is your poker table starting to feel more like Fight Club? In this episode of The Overlay: A Poker Podcast, we talk about a wild "fight" that breaks out in a $2M prize pool tournament, with poker tables being flipped and players stacks all over the floor.  Then we dive into the art of chip stacking, the psychology behind bet sizing, and how knowing your stack inside and out gives you an edge. 

Plus, we break down our version of what the 2025 tournament rules should look like. Whether you’re a seasoned grinder or a tournament rookie, this episode will help you stay ahead of the curve.

🎧 Tune in now to the Everyman poker podcast and sharpen your strategy!

The Overlay a poker podcast ♧♢♡♤

If you enjoy our show, please subscribe and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. If you are listing on Spotify, please hit that follow button. Wherever you listen to our podcast please share us with your friends or enemies (however you see fit) and we thank you for supporting our poker podcast.

Do you have questions or suggestions for the show? Do you want Brandon to go over a hand you just played? Do you have a prop bet story for Ken? Please send us a tweet or direct message on Twitter.

Follow us on Twitter @theoverlaypod and check out our website at LinkTr.ee/theoverlaypod or search for and listen to The Overlay a poker podcast on all major podcast apps and platforms.

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
Are you in the Chicago area?
Check out CCGpoker.com for weekend charity poker events with great tournaments and cash game action.

Are you in the Central Illinois area?
Check out CICGpoker.com for local charity poker events brought to you by Central Illinois Charitable Games. Tournaments and Cash Games every Saturday in Central Illinois locations

“Tournament Directors’ Nightmares: The Wildest Floor Calls”

Ever witnessed a poker ruling so outrageous it left the table in shock? In this episode of The Overlay: A Poker Podcast, we dive into the craziest floor calls, the rules that don't fit nicely into the black and white version of the Tournament Directors handbook. 

When should (or shouldn’t) a player call the floor. 
Where is the line between rule exploitation and angle shooting? 
Are some players using the rules to their advantage?

Join us as we break down real-world examples of a tournament director's nightmare and discuss what every poker player needs to know to avoid costly mistakes—or gain a strategic edge.

🎙️ Listen now and never get caught off guard at the table!

The Overlay a poker podcast ♧♢♡♤

If you enjoy our show, please subscribe and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. If you are listing on Spotify, please hit that follow button. Wherever you listen to our podcast please share us with your friends or enemies (however you see fit) and we thank you for supporting our poker podcast.

Do you have questions or suggestions for the show? Do you want Brandon to go over a hand you just played? Do you have a prop bet story for Ken? Please send us a tweet or direct message on Twitter.

Follow us on Twitter @theoverlaypod and check out our website at LinkTr.ee/theoverlaypod or search for and listen to The Overlay a poker podcast on all major podcast apps and platforms.

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
Are you in the Chicago area?
Check out CCGpoker.com for weekend charity poker events with great tournaments and cash game action.

Are you in the Central Illinois area?
Check out CICGpoker.com for local charity poker events brought to you by Central Illinois Charitable Games. Tournaments and Cash Games every Saturday in Central Illinois locations

Episode 111: Almost a $15,000,000 Overlay at WSOP Paradise 💸💸💸

In this episode of The Overlay: A Poker Podcast, we dive into one of the most talked-about stories in the poker world: the would be staggering $15,000,000 overlay in the Super Main Event at 2024 WSOP Paradise. 

Episode Highlights:

🎯 The Power of Guarantees – How do guaranteed prize pools impact tournament attendance, player confidence, and the industry as a whole? Would you play a tournament without one?

📈 Viral Social Media OR "SUS" Marketing – Exploring the fine line between creative promotion and deceptive advertising in the poker world. Is all publicity really good publicity?

💻 Online/Live crossover? – the WSOP combined live flights with online flights on Day 3... good for the game to build a prize pool or too many problems combining online with live players? 

Join us as we unpack the poker buzz, break down the strategy behind guarantees in poker tournaments, and debate whether or not poker hybrid tournaments are the future. ♧♢♡♤

🔗 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your poker fix!

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Overlay: A Poker Podcast for weekly insights, debates, and stories from the felt.

#TheOverlayPodcast #PokerTalk #WSOP #PokerMarketing #PokerGuarantees

The Overlay a poker podcast ♧♢♡♤

If you enjoy our show, please subscribe and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. If you are listing on Spotify, please hit that follow button. Wherever you listen to our podcast please share us with your friends or enemies (however you see fit) and we thank you for supporting our poker podcast.

Do you have questions or suggestions for the show? Do you want Brandon to go over a hand you just played? Do you have a prop bet story for Ken? Please send us a tweet or direct message on Twitter.

Follow us on Twitter @theoverlaypod and check out our website at LinkTr.ee/theoverlaypod or search for and listen to The Overlay a poker podcast on all major podcast apps and platforms.

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
Are you in the Chicago area?
Check out CCGpoker.com for weekend charity poker events with great tournaments and cash game action.

Are you in the Central Illinois area?
Check out CICGpoker.com for local charity poker events brought to you by Central Illinois Charitable Games. Tournaments and Cash Games every Saturday in Central Illinois locations

“WSOP Rule Shake-Up: No Devices, No Apps, and a $500K High Roller with a Twist!”

In Episode #110 of The Overlay: A Poker Podcast, we dive into the latest World Series of Poker rule changes that are shaking up the game. Say goodbye to charts, apps, and electronic assistance in the tournament area. And when the field narrows to the final 27 players, even phones, iPods, and calculators are off the table—literally!

Plus, we break down the buzz around the new $500,000 buy-in high rollers event with a unique twist: each participant can invite their favorite poker pro to join the action. Who would you bring to the felt? Tune in for our picks, hot takes, and how this changes the dynamic of the poker world. Don’t miss it!

The Overlay a poker podcast ♧♢♡♤

If you enjoy our show, please subscribe and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. If you are listing on Spotify, please hit that follow button. Wherever you listen to our podcast please share us with your friends or enemies (however you see fit) and we thank you for supporting our poker podcast.

Do you have questions or suggestions for the show? Do you want Brandon to go over a hand you just played? Do you have a prop bet story for Ken? Please send us a tweet or direct message on Twitter.

Follow us on Twitter @theoverlaypod and check out our website at LinkTr.ee/theoverlaypod or search for and listen to The Overlay a poker podcast on all major podcast apps and platforms.

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
Are you in the Chicago area?
Check out CCGpoker.com for weekend charity poker events with great tournaments and cash game action.

Are you in the Central Illinois area?
Check out CICGpoker.com for local charity poker events brought to you by Central Illinois Charitable Games. Tournaments and Cash Games every Saturday in Central Illinois locations

🎙️ From Beginner to Champion: An Interview with Sara O’Connor 🎙️

In this episode, we sit down with rising poker star and author Sara O’Connor to discuss her incredible journey from poker novice to champion in just one year. Sara shares insights from her new book, A New Queen’s Guide to Poker, offering practical tips, strategies, and inspiration to help anyone conquer cash games like a pro. Don’t miss this empowering and engaging conversation! ♠️👑

Check out Sara on X (formerly Twitter) at @SaraSmartist or find her book on Amazon

#PokerPodcast #SaraOConnor #ANewQueensGuide #PokerJourney #FromNoviceToChampion

The Overlay a poker podcast ♧♢♡♤

If you enjoy our show, please subscribe and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. If you are listing on Spotify, please hit that follow button. Wherever you listen to our podcast please share us with your friends or enemies (however you see fit) and we thank you for supporting our poker podcast.

Do you have questions or suggestions for the show? Do you want Brandon to go over a hand you just played? Do you have a prop bet story for Ken? Please send us a tweet or direct message on Twitter.

Follow us on Twitter @theoverlaypod and check out our website at LinkTr.ee/theoverlaypod or search for and listen to The Overlay a poker podcast on all major podcast apps and platforms.

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
Are you in the Chicago area?
Check out CCGpoker.com for weekend charity poker events with great tournaments and cash game action.

Are you in the Central Illinois area?
Check out CICGpoker.com for local charity poker events brought to you by Central Illinois Charitable Games. Tournaments and Cash Games every Saturday in Central Illinois locations

Episode 108: Last Out Bets – The Ultimate Side Bet for Tournament Survival

In this episode of The Overlay, a poker podcast, we’re talking about one of tournament poker’s favorite side hustles: Last Out Bets. Forget about just winning the tournament—this side bet is all about endurance. Players wager against each other to see who can survive the longest in the tournament, with the last man or woman standing taking home the Last Out pot.

We’ll cover the dynamics, etiquette, and thrill of these survival bets, and why they add a whole new level of excitement (and trash talk) to tournament play. Whether you’re a seasoned Last Out pro or new to the side bet world, this episode will have you itching to outlast your buddies.

Show Notes:

•What is a Last Out Bet? How this popular side bet works and why players love it.

•Strategy for Lasting Long: Tips on playing it safe while waiting for others to drop.

•Trash Talk & Etiquette: The unspoken rules of side bets and how to keep it fun.

•The Best Last Out Wins: Some memorable Last Out bet stories that are almost as good as winning the tournament.

•Why Last Out Bets Are Popular: How these bets create camaraderie and make every hand more exciting.

Join us for the laughs, stories, and strategies that make Last Out Bets a unique part of the poker tournament experience. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your poker pals who are ready for a little side action!

The Overlay a poker podcast ♧♢♡♤

If you enjoy our show, please subscribe and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. If you are listing on Spotify, please hit that follow button. Wherever you listen to our podcast please share us with your friends or enemies (however you see fit) and we thank you for supporting our poker podcast.

Do you have questions or suggestions for the show? Do you want Brandon to go over a hand you just played? Do you have a prop bet story for Ken? Please send us a tweet or direct message on Twitter.

Follow us on Twitter @theoverlaypod and check out our website at LinkTr.ee/theoverlaypod or search for and listen to The Overlay a poker podcast on all major podcast apps and platforms.

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
Are you in the Chicago area?
Check out CCGpoker.com for weekend charity poker events with great tournaments and cash game action.

Are you in the Central Illinois area?
Check out CICGpoker.com for local charity poker events brought to you by Central Illinois Charitable Games. Tournaments and Cash Games every Saturday in Central Illinois locations

Episode 107: HORSE at the Horseshoe + a little PLO

In this episode of The Overlay a poker podcast, we dive into our experience at the WSOP Circuit event at the Horseshoe in Hammond! We share the highs and lows, including Brandon’s impressive run to the final table in the HORSE tournament and Ken’s surprisingly controlled session in the Pot Limit Omaha event, where he managed to lose only two buy-ins. Get the inside scoop on the challenges, strategies, and crazy moments that made this WSOP Circuit one to remember.

Whether you’re into mixed games like HORSE or the chaos of Pot Limit Omaha, this episode is packed with stories, tournament insights, and tips that every poker player can relate to.

Show Notes:

•Recap of the WSOP Circuit event at the Horseshoe in Hammond.

•Brandon’s journey to the final table in the HORSE tournament – key hands, decisions, and moments that made the run unforgettable.

•Ken’s experience in the Pot Limit Omaha tournament – how he avoided a bigger loss and what he learned from only losing two buy-ins.

•Thoughts on playing mixed games like HORSE vs. the volatility of PLO.

•Behind-the-scenes of tournament life – dealing with variance, bad beats, and the mental challenges of multi-day events.

•Tips for preparing for WSOP Circuit events and other major poker tournaments.

Tune in for some great poker stories and laughs as we break down our latest WSOP Circuit adventure!

The Overlay a poker podcast ♧♢♡♤

If you enjoy our show, please subscribe and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. If you are listing on Spotify, please hit that follow button. Wherever you listen to our podcast please share us with your friends or enemies (however you see fit) and we thank you for supporting our poker podcast.

Do you have questions or suggestions for the show? Do you want Brandon to go over a hand you just played? Do you have a prop bet story for Ken? Please send us a tweet or direct message on Twitter.

Follow us on Twitter @theoverlaypod and check out our website at LinkTr.ee/theoverlaypod or search for and listen to The Overlay a poker podcast on all major podcast apps and platforms.

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
Are you in the Chicago area?
Check out CCGpoker.com for weekend charity poker events with great tournaments and cash game action.

Are you in the Central Illinois area?
Check out CICGpoker.com for local charity poker events brought to you by Central Illinois Charitable Games. Tournaments and Cash Games every Saturday in Central Illinois locations

Episode 106: Poker Fact or Fiction: Debunking Common Poker Myths

In this episode of The Overlay, we tackle some of the most common misconceptions about poker and reveal the truth behind them. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, understanding these myths can help you improve your game and see poker in a whole new light. From the myth that poker is all about bluffing to the misconception that online poker is rigged, we’re here to set the record straight.

Poker Myths we Debunk!☑️

1.Poker is All About Bluffing

2.Poker is Pure Luck

3.Good Players Always Win

4.Reading Faces is the Key to Success

5.Online Poker is Rigged

6.Playing Tight is Always Better

7.Only Math Geniuses Can Succeed in Poker

8.Poker is Just Gambling

9.Aces Always Win

10.Tournaments are the Easiest Way to Make Money

Please tune in to hear us debunk these myths and level up your poker knowledge!

The Overlay a poker podcast ♧♢♡♤

If you enjoy our show, please subscribe and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. If you are listing on Spotify, please hit that follow button. Wherever you listen to our podcast please share us with your friends or enemies (however you see fit) and we thank you for supporting our poker podcast.

Do you have questions or suggestions for the show? Do you want Brandon to go over a hand you just played? Do you have a prop bet story for Ken? Please send us a tweet or direct message on Twitter.

Follow us on Twitter @theoverlaypod and check out our website at LinkTr.ee/theoverlaypod or search for and listen to The Overlay a poker podcast on all major podcast apps and platforms.

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
Are you in the Chicago area?
Check out CCGpoker.com for weekend charity poker events with great tournaments and cash game action.

Are you in the Central Illinois area?
Check out CICGpoker.com for local charity poker events brought to you by Central Illinois Charitable Games. Tournaments and Cash Games every Saturday in Central Illinois locations

Episode 105: "A New Era in Poker: GG Poker's $500M WSOP Purchase and the Evolution of the Game"

In this episode of The Overlay a poker podcast, we dive deep into the monumental acquisition of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) by GG Poker for a staggering $500 million. This deal has sent ripples through the poker community, and we’re here to break down what it means for the future of poker ♢♧♡♤ 

Episode Highlights:

• The Acquisition Breakdown: We discuss the details of GG Poker's massive $500M purchase of the WSOP, including what this could mean for the brand's global influence.
• New Tournaments and Formats???: GGpoker has always been an innovator in the online poker space. What will they do now that they are in control of the biggest poker series on the planet?
• The Future of Poker: How will these changes impact the future of poker, both online and live? We look at the potential long-term effects on the game’s growth, accessibility, and global reach.

Whether you’re a casual player, a dedicated grinder, or just love following the latest poker news, this episode is packed with all the details you need to stay ahead of the curve in the poker world.

Subscribe and Follow: Don’t miss an episode of The Overlay! Subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on social media for more updates and exclusive content.

The Overlay a poker podcast ♧♢♡♤

If you enjoy our show, please subscribe and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. If you are listing on Spotify, please hit that follow button. Wherever you listen to our podcast please share us with your friends or enemies (however you see fit) and we thank you for supporting our poker podcast.

Do you have questions or suggestions for the show? Do you want Brandon to go over a hand you just played? Do you have a prop bet story for Ken? Please send us a tweet or direct message on Twitter.

Follow us on Twitter @theoverlaypod and check out our website at LinkTr.ee/theoverlaypod or search for and listen to The Overlay a poker podcast on all major podcast apps and platforms.

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
Are you in the Chicago area?
Check out CCGpoker.com for weekend charity poker events with great tournaments and cash game action.

Are you in the Central Illinois area?
Check out CICGpoker.com for local charity poker events brought to you by Central Illinois Charitable Games. Tournaments and Cash Games every Saturday in Central Illinois locations