In this episode, we’re joined by Mike Shade from the wildly popular podcast Chasing Scratch, where he and co-host Eli chronicle their journey to (some day) becoming scratch golfers. We talk to Mike about the emotional and practical challenges of long-term improvement, the biggest misconceptions he’s faced, and what he might do differently if he could start from scratch (pun intended). We also discuss the surprising complexity of golf, his favorite moments from eight seasons of podcasting, and how he structures his practice now. Erik and Jayson are on the mics — and as Mike’s coach, Jayson is particularly interested in some of the answers! — as we dig into the reality of chasing big goals in golf, and why the journey matters just as much as the outcome.

Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol

Sponsor: The Stack System (https://thestacksystem.com/) – Use the code “SPINAXIS” to save 10%!

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In this episode, we dive into the HackMotion training aid — a device that provides real-time data on wrist mechanics in the golf swing. We discuss how we primarily use it to monitor flexion and extension, radial and ulnar movement, and the timing of both throughout the swing and putting stroke. HackMotion helps students understand and refine their wrist positions from setup to impact. We also explore how HackMotion’s audio and vibrational feedback makes it ideal for home practice and online lessons, and how effective it can be used to take your lesson home and continue to work away from the instructor. Along the way, we share lessons from our students that highlight the practical value of accurate wrist data in both full swings and short game work.

Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins

Sponsor: HackMotion (https://hackmotion.com/) – Use the code “SPINAXIS” to save 5%!

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In this episode, Tyson takes the lead and interviews Jayson and Erik about their own golf swings, how they practice, and how those personal efforts shape the way they coach others. We dive into our specific swing tendencies — like crossing the line, poor trail side loading, left wrist position, and rate of closure — and how we tackle them with limited time. The conversation covers everything from exaggerated practice feels to practical applications for our students who share the same challenges.

Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins

Sponsor: The Stack System (https://thestacksystem.com/) – Use the code “SPINAXIS” to save 10%!

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In this episode, we break down how the approach to practice and swing changes shifts depending on the time of year. Should you chase big technical changes mid-season? Or save them for the off-season grind? We talk about when to focus on skill versus mechanics, how to layer in pressure and speed, and the importance of developing feels that last. We also discuss balancing “play mode” with “practice mode” and why your priorities as a golfer might look very different in January compared to July.

Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins

Sponsor: HackMotion (https://hackmotion.com/) – Use the code “SPINAXIS” to save 5%!

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If you enjoyed this episode, please share that with us and your friends on Instagram @thespinaxis or Twitter/X @thespinaxis. You can also share or visit our site at https://thespinaxis.com/.

Changing a golf swing isn’t just about knowing what to do — it’s about how you go about learning it. In this episode, we talk motor pattern learning: how golfers internalize new movements and build lasting change. We cover common pitfalls like rushing drills, under-using feedback, and expecting it to feel “normal” too soon. Erik shares his five S’s of effective practice, Tyson talks about the value of exaggeration, and Jayson reminds us that a student’s goals and work ethic shape everything. If you’ve ever struggled to make a change stick, this one’s for you.

Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins

Sponsor: Fit for Golf (https://fitforgolf.app/) – Use the code “SPINAXIS” to save 20%!

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In this episode, Erik surprises Jayson and Tyson with a list of ten golf training aids — from the classics to the quirky — and they rank each one live, tier list–style. With no prep and no hints, their honest, unfiltered reactions lead to some debate, a few laughs, and plenty of practical insights into what actually works, what’s overhyped, and what might just belong in the trash.

If you’ve ever wondered whether that gadget you saw on Instagram is worth your time (or money), this one’s for you.

The training aids are:

Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins

Sponsor: The Stack System (https://thestacksystem.com/) – Use the code “SPINAXIS” to save 10%!

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If you enjoyed this episode, please share that with us and your friends on Instagram @thespinaxis or Twitter/X @thespinaxis. You can also share or visit our site at https://thespinaxis.com/.

Mike Granato of Athletic Motion Golf returns to join us for a discussion centered around Erik’s book, Lowest Score Wins. We take a closer look at the “Pro Tips” chapter — practical advice for golfers who want to lower scores without overhauling their swings. From managing wind like a pro (hint: it’s not just “one more club” across the board) to the truth about par threes and tournament play, this episode dives into the strategic side of scoring better. We also talk about the power of short, focused rounds, reframing “bad shots,” and how to act like you belong below a scoring barrier — because you’ve already broken that barrier (or can!).

Whether you’re a serious competitor or a weekend warrior, these are the kinds of small shifts that can add up to big gains.

Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Tyson Deskins

Sponsor: Glo Pro Golf (https://gloprogolf.com/). 

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This episode features a conversation with Mike Granato of Athletic Motion Golf, where we dive deep into how GEARS 3D motion capture helps instructors and players better understand — and improve — the golf swing. We talk about how to prioritize data when you’re measuring dozens of swing variables, and how to bridge the gap between elite-level movement patterns and the needs of everyday golfers.

Mike also helps tackle a common objection: “A Tour player’s swing isn’t realistic for amateurs to copy.” We unpack where that statement holds truth — and where it becomes a limiting belief. Finally, we explore how golfers can continue to make meaningful progress on their own after working with advanced tech like GEARS, force plates, or launch monitors, and how to convert measurement into actionable, sustainable change.

Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Tyson Deskins

Sponsor: HackMotion (https://hackmotion.com/) – Use the code “SPINAXIS” to save 5%!

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If you enjoyed this episode, please share that with us and your friends on Instagram @thespinaxis or Twitter/X @thespinaxis. You can also share or visit our site at https://thespinaxis.com/.

In this episode, we dive into some of the most misunderstood ideas that golfers — of all levels — tend to get backward. We break down why your arms shouldn’t do much in the backswing but are crucial in the downswing, why the hands and club don’t just move straight toward the ball from the top, and how “lateral force” is not the same as swaying (and might actually help prevent it). These aren’t just swing tips — they’re deeper concepts that, when understood correctly, can change the way you move and improve.

Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins

Sponsor: Fit for Golf (https://fitforgolf.app/) – Use the code “SPINAXIS” to save 20%!

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If you enjoyed this episode, please share that with us and your friends on Instagram @thespinaxis or Twitter/X @thespinaxis. You can also share or visit our site at https://thespinaxis.com/.

In Episode 9 of The Spin Axis, the crew goes draft-style again — this time picking the most common swing issues they see in lessons (excluding grip and setup). From over-the-top swings and open clubfaces to tension-filled postures and chicken-winged finishes, Erik, Jayson, and Tyson break down the problems they coach most often—and how they fix them. You’ll hear practical insights on backswing rotation, arm structure, and why what feels right is often what’s holding you back. If you’ve ever wondered what pros actually work on with everyday golfers, this episode gives you a front-row seat.

1. Tyson: Over the top, open face
2. Erik: Pelvis thrust in the backswing
3. Jayson: Not rotating in the backswing
4. Jayson: Grip/body tension
5. Erik: “Ulnar throwing” instead of twist/roll to square face
6. Tyson: Chicken wing/poor arm structure

Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins

Sponsor: The Stack System (https://thestacksystem.com/) – Use the code “SPINAXIS” to save 10%!

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If you enjoyed this episode, please share that with us and your friends on Instagram @thespinaxis or Twitter/X @thespinaxis. You can also share or visit our site at https://thespinaxis.com/.