Part three gets inside John Schmidt’s head, and it may be the most revealing episode of the series. John talks candidly about self-doubt, aging, criticism, pride, and the internal switch he flips when it is time to chase a giant number. He explains that for him, straight pool is no longer about trying harder or focusing harder. It is about seeing the game so clearly that entire racks begin to unfold almost automatically. Bob Keller confirms that point in unforgettable fashion, saying there are only a few players he has ever seen who can read a rack at that level, and that John is one of them.

The conversation also explores what separates players who flirt with big runs from those who can survive the emotional grind of repeated failure. John talks about missing a ball, not blinking, and getting right back into the next inning. He describes why experience matters more than pure shot-making and why, at 52, he may actually understand the game better than the younger version of himself ever did. It is a fascinating look at how mastery evolves.

There is humor, honesty, and vulnerability throughout, but the central theme is unmistakable: the run started long before 820. It started with the ability to withstand disappointment, block out noise, and keep coming back. If you have ever wondered what elite cue-sport confidence really sounds like, this episode gives you a rare and deeply human answer.

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Music by Lyrium.

About

"Legends of the Cue" is a cue sports history podcast featuring interviews with Hall of Fame members, world champions, and influential figures from across the world of cue sports—including pocket billiards, snooker, and carom disciplines such as three-cushion billiards. We highlight the people, places, and moments that have shaped the game—celebrating iconic players, memorable events, historic venues, and the brands that helped define generations of play. With a focus on the positive spirit of the sport, our goal is to create a rich, engaging, and timeless archive of stories that fans can enjoy now and for years to come.

Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher and Mosconi Cup player and captain Mark Wilson, Legends of the Cue brings these stories to life—told in the voices of the game’s greatest figures.

Join Allison, Mark and Mike Gonzalez for “Legends of the Cue.”