Life Outside Poker is a podcast for PokerNews hosted by Connor Richards that seeks to pull back the curtain on poker players and allow viewers and listeners to get to know them on a personal level.

In the 26th episode, Connor speaks with chess streamer and GGPoker ambassador Alexandra Botez about learning chess and poker from her dad, getting into streaming at Stanford, dealing with online trolls, creating content with her sister Andrea Botez and the similarities between chess and poker.

Botez also talked about winning $456,900 in the legendary 2022 Hustler Casino Live Creator Game that included Phil Hellmuth, Mr. Beast and Ninja, as well as signing on as a GGPoker ambassador and securing a career-high cash at World Series of Poker (WSOP) Paradise.

This interview was filmed at WSOP Paradise in the Bahamas in December 2024.

The Life Outside Poker podcast is available on major streaming platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud and iHeartRadio. You can also watch the interview with Alexandra Botez by heading to the PokerNews YouTube channel.

Be sure to follow Alexandra Botez and Connor Richards on X.

Learn More About Life Outside Poker!

Timestamps
TIME	TOPIC
0:00	Intro
0:43	Learning chess from her dad
2:52	Studying international relations at Stanford
3:08	Chess streaming
5:50	Similarities between chess and poker
7:17	Getting into poker
8:34	Winning half a million in HCL creator game
9:39	Different poker experiences
11:22	Playing chess at WSOP Paradise
12:32	Queen's Gambit
13:57	Women in chess
16:33	Dealing with trolls
16:54	WSOP Paradise
19:18	Book recommendation
19:46	Advice for younger self
20:01	Favorite life lesson from poker

How Chess Streamer Alexandra Botez Won Half a Million Playing Poker

In the 902nd episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway and Mike Holtz do an emergency show to discuss the industry-shaking collusion controversy that stemmed from the heads-up match between Jesse Yaginuma and James Carroll in the 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Millionaire Maker. Not only were seven-figure prizes up for grabs, but there was also a $1,000,000 bonus if Yaginuma were to win thanks to an outside promotion.

That fact made a big impact on what allegedly went down. Find out what happened, what fans and players are saying, and whether or not ClubWPT Gold will award the $1,000,000 bonus. Also, the WSOP did issue a statement and has yet to finalize the results of the tournament. What might happen next is anyone's guess, but Chad and Mike discuss some potential scenarios.

A new PokerNews Podcast will drop twice a week during the 2025 WSOP every Thursday and Sunday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode!

Time Stamps
*Time | Topic*
00:00 | Welcome to the show
00:20 | Collusion controversy in 2025 WSOP Millionaire Maker
00:40 | Mike’s take on the situation
02:22 | Polarizing reactions
03:56 | Backroom deals happen all the time
05:15 | Reviewing every single heads-up hand
06:22 | WSOP releases statement
08:42 | Controversial PLO hand
10:10 | ClubWPT Gold is a disruptor 
13:20 | What could happen next?
16:00 | Protecting the allure of the bracelet
19:04 | Examples of bracelets being bought
23:16 | Should the WSOP allow deal-making?
28:14 | ClubWPT Gold to award $1,000,000
31:50 | Need to protect against cheating
32:52 | Be patient with the WSOP

Emergency Show After Collusion Controversy in 2025 WSOP Millionaire Maker

sports betting podcast. nba free agency, wsop poker.

Dream Podcast - NBA Free Agency + WSOP Chip Scandal & More

In the 904th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway, Kyna England, and Mike Holtz are joined by Grosvenor Poker Pro Jamie Nixon at Level 9 Studio in Las Vegas to talk about the latest from the 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP). That includes the WSOP's controversial decision regarding the alleged Millionaire Maker chip dumping between Jesse Yaginuma and James Carroll, which may or may not include lifetime bans. It's a lively debate that examines the situation from multiple angles, including the likely involvement of the Nevada Gaming Commission.

They then take a look at a controversial hand posted by Lexy Gavin-Mather where a dealer error that may have brought a much-needed seven out of the muck had the poker world talking. From there, the trio highlight the historic win by Shiina Okamoto, who successfully defended her Ladies Event title after finishing runner-up three years ago. She also had to put up with Phil Hellmuth Jr., for better or worse, as the crew debated. That wasn't the only historic win, as Michael "The Grinder" Mizrachi won the prestigious $50,000 Poker Players Championship for an unbelievable fourth time. Toss in the first gold bracelet won by Darren Elias, and there were some big winners to be celebrated.

Jamie Nixon then talks about Grosvenor Poker and the upcoming Goliath in Coventry, how his buddy is running a daily bracket of funny poker names, and then Chad explains why there's a giant cutout of Espen Jorstad's head on the set (Hint: it came from the recent GTOWizard party).

A new PokerNews Podcast will drop twice a week during the 2025 WSOP every Thursday and Sunday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode!

Time Stamps
*Time | Topic*
00:00 | Welcome to the show
00:18 | Grosvenor Poker’s Jamie Nixon joins the show
00:56 | WSOP decision causes controversy
01:15 | Rumors of a lifetime ban
02:32 | What do you think of no bracelet being awarded?
05:26 | Did Nevada Gaming Commission get involved?
08:35 | People have been banned for far less
19:56 | Lexy Gavin-Mather’s controversial hand
20:18 | Video of the controversial hand – was the 7 in the muck?
28:38 | Shiina Okamoto defends Ladies Event title
30:46 | Phil Hellmuth makes an appearance
33:48 | Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi wins $50K PPC for fourth time
39:30 | Interview with Michael Mizrach
41:15 | Sponsor: WSOP Free-to-Play App
41:45 | Darren Elias claims first gold bracelet
43:21 | Grosvenor Poker & upcoming Goliath 
51:40 | Bracket of wild & funny poker names
53:40 | Espen Jorstad & GTO Wizard

WSOP’s Controversial Chip Dumping Decision; Shiina Okamoto Makes Poker History

In the 906th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway, Kyna England, and Mike Holtz are back at Level 9 Studio in Las Vegas to discuss the latest news and highlights from the 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP), including Daniel Negreanu suggesting that poker players shouldn't hesitate to call the clock on other slow-acting players.

Other stories include Will Kassouf being back in the poker spotlight, for better or worse, as well as how the PokerNews Podcast crew did in the 2025 WSOP Main Event. Hint: Kyna, who is now representing Tilted Compass, did an interview with Jeff Platt while Chad got pulled up on the PokerGO live stream. They also highlight Shaun Deeb capturing his seventh bracelet and setting himself up to win POY, Nick Ahmadi taking down the PokerNews Deepstack Championship, PokerGO founder Cary Katz claiming his first bracelet, and Chris Moneymaker winning another Moneymaker Tour title.

Finally, Maria Ho talks about releasing Pokerriculum (viewers/listeners have a chance to win a free copy of the game), and an update on the PokerNews Podcast Fantasy League between Mike, Chad/Kyna, Joey Ingram, and Christina Gollins.

A new PokerNews Podcast will drop twice a week during the 2025 WSOP every Thursday and Sunday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode!

Time Stamps
*Time | Topic*
00:00 | Welcome to the show
01:29 | WSOP Main Event numbers
04:01 | Daniel Negreanu calls for normalizing the clock
06:23 | Should shot clocks be added to more tournaments?
08:49 | Will Kassouf back in the headlines
09:36 | Kassouf tanks for 10 minutes with second nuts
10:44 | Video of Kassouf’s speech play
12:51 | How did the PokerNews Podcast crew do in the Main Event?
13:16 | Kyna gets interview by Jeff Platt
15:01 | Kyna’s new Tilted Compass hoodie
15:23 | Mike’s Main Event demise
18:00 | Chad shouts out PokerGO sponsors; Big Hands
21:45 | What would you do with this hand in the Main Event?
27:28 | Sponsor – WSOP Free-to-Play App
28:00 | Sponsor – WPT Global
29:25 | Shaun Deeb captures bracelet No. 7; new POY favorite
31:23 | Nick Ahmadi wins PokerNews Deepstack Championship
33:03 | PokerGO founder Cary Katz claims first bracelet
34:11 | Chris Moneymaker claims another Moneymaker Tour title
35:05 | Tilt actor Michael Madsen passes away
36:30 | Phil Hellmuth’s Michael Madsen story
37:48 | Maria Ho’s Pokerriculum
39:00 | Maria Ho talks Pokerriculum
41:00 | PokerNews Podcast Fantasy Poker update

Daniel Negreanu Says No Shame in Calling Clock at 2025 WSOP; Love or Hate Will Kassouf?

In the 907th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway, Kyna England, and Mike Holtz are joined by PokerNews Pennsylvania Ambassador Keith Becker at Level 9 Studio in Las Vegas to discuss the latest news and highlights from the World Series of Poker (WSOP), including how a gold bracelet from 2011 found its way onto eBay, where it sold to an unknown buyer. As it happens, Chad knows the original owner of the bracelet, so he reached out and got the full scoop. It's an intriguing story you don't want to miss.

Plus, Chad talks to Nick Schulman, who was this year's inductee into the Poker Hall of Fame, and the crew discusses the 2025 WSOP Main Event bubble along with Josh Reichard's impressive call on it. Other stories include why a player went off-the-rails tilt crazy, the return of the WSOP Paradise from Dec. 4-18, and a huge $330K pot from the recent Venetian Poker Live $100/$200 NLH cash game.

Finally, Chad did a joint interview from the floor of the WSOP with the WSOP Free-to-Play App Marketing Director Nimrod Avron & Ambassador Samantha Abernathy, the latter of whom recently had her avatar debut on the app! Get a look at what it looks like, along with all the latest from the WSOP Free-to-Play app! 

Time Stamps
*Time | Topic*
00:00 | Welcome to show
01:18 | WSOP bracelet appears on eBay
04:36 | Matt Jarvis tells story of how he lost bracelet
13:30 | Keith’s alarm goes off
13:52 | Sponsor: WSOP Free-to-Play App
15:10 | Poker Hall of Fame Inductee
18:16 | Interview w/ Nick Schulman
19:35 | WSOP Main Event Bubble
20:50 | Video of Bubble Hand
22:15 | Video of Flip Out for $30K Bubble Prize
24:25 | Does the bubble prize compromise event like ClubWPT Gold?
28:40 | Josh Reichard makes world-class call for tournament life on bubble
29:47 | Interview w/ Josh Reichard
30:48 | Player tilts hardcore
33:10 | WSOP Paradise returns Dec. 4-18
37:15 | Interview w/ Nimrod Avron & Samantha Abernathy
40:16 | Huge $330K pot on Venetian Poker Live

How Much Does a WSOP Gold Bracelet Sell for on eBay? | PokerNews Podcast #907

In honor of the WSOP Main Event Final Table starting today, Mike and his brother Chuck break down the 1998 cult classic Rounders. The movie pre-dates, and arguably predicted, the 2003 poker boom. The guys dig deep on the rise of poker in the early 2000s and how Rounders helped shape the culture around it.

SoundCloud:   / movie-rebrew-podcast  


iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/m...


Outro music: Perennial Girl by Holy Smokes!   / holy-smokes-985380377  


All episodes can be found here:    / @movierebrewpodcast4674

ReWined: Rounders (1998)

In the 908th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway, Kyna England, and Mike Holtz are joined by 2006 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event champ Jamie Gold to wrap up the best and worst stories from the 2025 WSOP! That includes taking a look at attendance, offering up some fun facts, and honoring Leo Margets becoming the first woman since Barbara Enright 30 years ago to make the WSOP Main Event final table!

They then reexamine big stories such as the alleged chip dumping between Jesse Yaginuma and James Carroll to win an extra $1 million in the Millionaire Maker, the cancelled online bracelet event, Benny Glaser winning three bracelets, and big winners from the 2025 Wynn Summer Classic.

They also debate the pros and (many) cons of both Martin Kabrhel and Will Kassouf with Jamie Gold, the O.G. of speech play, offering his thoughts on the most dynamic duo from the 2025 WSOP. It's a take you might not expect. 

Finally, see an interview with Michael "The Grinder" Mizrachi, the winner of the 2025 WSOP Main Event and most recent inductee into the Poker Hall of Fame.

A new PokerNews Podcast drops every week on Thursdays at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode!

Time Stamps
*Time | Topic*
00:00 | Welcome to the show
00:20 | Jamie Gold joins the show
01:10 | Attendance up or down?
09:19 | Leo Margets becomes 1st woman to make ME final table in 30 years
13:21 | Interview w/ Leo Margets
14:35 | Millionaire Maker alleged chip dumping
18:54 | Martin Kabrhel becomes a breakout star
23:00 | Examples of Kabrhel & Kassouf behavior
34:55 | Poll: What do you think of Will Kassouf?
36:45 | Kenny Hallaert slays the WSOP Main Event
37:25 | Chad sits between Martin Kabrhel & Will Kassouf
37:50 | Remember the WSOP Online cancelled event?
41:43 | Sponsor: WSOP Free-to-Play App
42:26 | Benny Glaser wins three bracelets at the 2025 WSOP
47:37 | Winner interview with 2025 WSOP Main Event champ Michael Mizrachi
45:50 | Winners from the 2025 Wynn Summer Classic
49:35 | Winner interview with 2025 Wynn Summer Classic champ Michael Sklenicka
52:45 | What’s Jamie Gold been up to this summer?

Best & Worst Stories from the 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP) | PokerNews Podcast #908

This week we are joined by Pokerstars ambassador and WSOP Main event double final tableist Kenny Hallaert. We welcome to the show poker pro, vlogger, streamer and Partypoker ambassador Jamie Staples. For strategy, we analyse David's first hand of note from the WPT Global tables. Dara talks all about his decision to be financially transparent about his recent WSOP campaign. Plus, Barry Carter has the news round up.

SEASON 26 EPISODE 3 - Kenny Hallaert Jaime Staples

In the 909th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway, Mike Holtz & Kyna England wrap up coverage of the 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP) by highlighting Michael "The Grinder" Mizrachi, who not only won the 2025 WSOP Main Event for $10 million but was also snap-inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame. It was a historic summer for The Grinder, and the crew gave him his just deserts. 

They then talk about Shaun Deeb winning the WSOP Player of the Year for a second time, numbers from the summer, and late bracelet winners, including Andrew Ostapchenko, Daniel Zack, and Chad Eveslage. They also share final results from this year's 25K Fantasy Draft as well as the PokerNews Podcast draft involving Christina Gollins and Joey Ingram.

Meanwhile, news out of Las Vegas indicates poker chips can no longer be redeemed across competing properties, and there's a great high hand promotion at the Planet Hollywood Poker Room that players should know about. From there, it's over to the Venetian, including a big hand with Patrick Leonard from Venetian Poker Live, as well as Nico Betbese winning the WPT Venetian for $706K.

Finally, an update of all things PokerStars, including them parting ways with Barny Boatman, Silver Passes, Women's Summer Festival, and a look ahead to the EPT Barcelona.

A new PokerNews Podcast drops every week on Thursdays at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode!

Time Stamps
*Time | Topic*
00:00 | Welcome to the show
00:36 | Post-WSOP hangover
02:10 | Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi wins WSOP Main Event
05:10 | Winner interview w/ Michael Mizrachi
08:02 | Mama Grinder on the rail
08:26 | The Grinder inducted into Poker Hall of Fame
12:19 | Numbers from the 2025 WSOP
17:30 | Shaun Deeb wins 2025 WSOP POY
21:05 | Andrew Ostapchenko claims first bracelet
22:35 | Chad Eveslage captures fourth gold bracelet
23:28 | Daniel Zack also wins fourth bracelet
24:59 | 25K Fantasy & PokerNews Fantasy results
29:25 | High Hand promotion at Planet Hollywood
30:54 | Poker chip change-up in Las Vegas
32:25 | Heated hand from Venetian Poker Live
40:02 | Nico Betbese wins WPT Venetian for $706K
40:25 | Barny Boatman & PokerStars part ways
42:55 | Silver Passes to NAPT
45:08 | A look ahead to EPT Barcelona
45:33 | PokerStars Women’s Summer Festival

Is Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi the Best Poker Player in the World?

The 3-time GPI Global Poker Award Winning Poker Podcast hosted by David Lappin and Dara O'Kearney, with Barry Carter. Strategy Videos and Artwork by Tigerfruit.com. Sponsored by WPT Global.

The PokerNews Podcast is a one-hour weekly show hosted by Chad Holloway, Kyna England, and Mike “Brock Lesnar” Holtz. The show usually focuses on 3-4 of the hottest poker stories from the past week. Listen as our expert panel offers their take on the latest stories and gossip.

Two guys. One likes beer. Both like movies. Both things get reviewed.

Listen to highlights from Pregame.com's Dream Podcast and Snippets from Straight Outta Vegas on Fox Sports Radio (broadcast on Fox Sports Radio radio Las Vegas Monday through Friday at 3 pm PT) - the picks & tips sports bettors start with. Hosted by RJ Bell. Listen to entire shows at PregamePods.com. Return to this page directly using PregameRadio.com.

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