A New Poker Podcast!

Poker Villains Devoid of Remorse! The Two Fish at the Table Podcast #96: Poker Night + Poker Chips

This episode, we review poker criminals as represented in horror cinema and educational television; with the help of our special guest Void (also known as Aiuner on Twitch)

Topics discussed:
-Chasing Vegas; four different story of Vegas criminals (starts at 0:55)
-Poker Night; a convoluted blend of cops and horror villains; recap and discussion (Starts at 19:33)
-MSO medal unboxing (starts at 1:15:20)

Share your thoughts in the comment section on your opinion of the content we discussed, and let us know if you want to a future guest or any media you want us to review!

Void’s twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/aiuner

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBzM9n51...

Time Traveling Around The World Poker Tour! The Two Fish at the Table Podcast #97: WPT seasons 1-7

This episode, we discuss the slightly older brother of the ESPN WSOP broadcast; the World Poker Tour hosted by Vince Van Patten & Mike Sexton. We review the first event of the first 7 seasons, to compare and contrast the WPT to the WSOP as well as the progression/evolution of the WPT over the years.

Topics Discussed:
-Worst Mike Sexton and Vince Van Patten impressions ever (Starts at 0:02)
-Our background with the World Poker Tour Brand (Starts at 0:32)
-Our initial general thoughts on the WPT TV coverage (Starts at 3:00)
-Season 1 discussion: The overly busy/messy editing ruins some Gus Hansen action (Starts at 15:06)
-Season 2 recap: The weakness of the "Fold & show" move (starts at 33:30)
-Season 3 review: Echoes of 2007 WSOP main event and bizarre beer sponsors (starts at 53:26)
-Recent viewer comments discussed (starts at 1:04:00)
-Season 4 reviewed: Table antics make for entertaining poker (starts at 1:08:22)
-Season 5 discussed: Harry Demetriou's A++ poker acting make for an amazing hand and rivalry. (Starts at 1:20:03)
-Season 6 summary: Phil Ivey becomes roadkill (starts at 1:34:07)
-Season 7 overview: The biggest buy in at the WPT yet, but mediocre action (starts at 1:44:18)
-Conclusion thoughts on WPT & comparing to WSOP: (Starts at 1:53:00)

As always, share your thoughts in the comments and let us know what you want us to review next or if you want to be a guest in a future episode!

Watch here: https://youtu.be/4lVbuWzSY-4

The Poker Streaming Wars! The Two Fish at the Table Podcast #98: Live Cash Streams + 2025 WSOP preview

This episode, we review 3 different live cash game streams; discussing their appeal and what makes each one unique from other shows. Additionally, we discuss new rule changes coming to the 2025 WSOP and a notable recent “angle shoot” at the 2025 EPT.

Topics Discussed:
-Overview of live poker streams (1:12)
-“The Fold”: “Comedians” and way too much underwear discussion (9:15)
-Cash Flow: Dogs, pointless gimmicks from the Mini Wheel; and dull poker (21:53)
-Hustler Casino Poker: May 12, 2025; even David Tuchman found it dull! (34:05)
-2025 WSOP rule changes: do we agree? (54:35)
-2025 EPT controversy; was it an angle shoot? (1:05:43)

Share your thoughts in the comments, let us know what you want to review/discuss next, or if you want to be a future guest!

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abSFssrS...

The End of Poker As We Know It? The Two Fish at the Table Podcast #99: 2025 WSOP Check In

This episode we recap the biggest stories of the 2025 WSOP long with the headlines that have dominated the summer. Additionally, we preview future podcast topics as well as give our takes on the whether or not Martin Kabrhel is good for poker.

Topics Discussed:
-The slow start to the 2025 WSOP (1:25)
-Millionaire Maker controversy: Promotions gone wrong, collusion, and how we would have fixed the issue (3:53)
-Is Martin Kabrhel good or bad for poker: Sam and Ben disagree! (20:38)
-The Main Event Day 1s recap (26:10)
-Saying goodbye to Michael Madsen (33:30)
-The Big Beautiful Bill: How different players will be affected (36:13)
-Previewing episode 100 and future content to be discussed (46:24)

Share your thoughts on this year’s WSOP below, if there is anything you want us to review/discuss, or if you want to be a guest on a future episode!

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhO3uBHE...

Thanks for sharing ............. Watching!😀

The Highest Rated Poker Show of All Time? The Two Fish at the Table #101: Million Dollar Challenge

This episode, we reflect on our recent fun Rec.Poker interview with Jim Reid, the conclusion of the 2025 Main Event, and discuss the short lived TV show “Million Dollar Challenge”. We recap each episode and compare it to his rival program “Face the Ace”

Topics Discussed:
-Aftermath of Episode 100 (0:53)
-Discussion of the ending of 2025 Main Event; how our predictions fared, our stance on the Kassouf drama, and does the Main Event need a shot clock? (2:02)
-The return of the NBC Heads Up Championship and the rise of The Fold (14:15)
-Format of Million Dollar Challenge compared to Face the Ace (15:55)
-Episodic breakout of each episode of MDC (29:00)
-Future podcast topics (1:15:15)

Share your thoughts in the comments, did you like Face the Ace more or less than Million Dollar Challenge? Let us know what you want us to review next or if you want to be a guest in a future episode!

Watch here: https://youtu.be/PhrMISTiQ-o

The Poker Literature Universe! The Two Fish at the Table Podcast #102: Poker Book Club 2

This episode we discuss 4 more poker books; discussing poker strategies, poker origin stories, as well as chip tricks at the table. Additionally, we discuss recent poker happenings in the news.

Topics Discussed:
-All in by Jerry Yang; a Hmong story told with genuine emotion and triumph (1:22)
-Making the Final Table by Eric Lindgren; step by step poker tournament strategies with questionable page filler (12:00)
-In the Money by Antonio Esfandiari; cash game and magic tricks with a bizarre DVD (26:00)
-Harrington on Hold’em; detailed poker problems broken down (41:40)
-AVclub’s review of Tilt (56:09)
-Rec.poker interview preview (1:02:30)

As always, share your comments below on your stance on poker books, if there is anything you want us to review next, or if you want to be a guest on a future episode!

Watch here: https://youtu.be/xGkNFrVr-hg

A Great Night of Poker! The Two Fish at the Table #102.5: Rec Poker Aftermath

Short episode this week; discussing our experience being interviewed by Rec Poker, playing in their home game, and future topics to be covered!

Topics discussed:
-The interview experience with the Rec Poker crew
-Talking with Rob Gardner about Chase the Dream and its upcoming season 2
-Playing in the Rec Poker home game with surprising results
-The end & new "beginning" of Game of Gold

Watch the Rec Poker interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEeMrKFk...

As always, share your thoughts below, let us know if there is anything you want us to review next, or if you want to be a future guest!

Watch here: https://youtu.be/uCboTMxaMWY

Good episode, I liked it, although I only watched half of it. I'll continue after work.

Good to hear, next episode coming this week!

The Rise and Fall of Game of Gold with Aaron Robertson! The Two Fish at the Table Podcast Ep. #103: Game of Gold Rewatch

This episode, we look at back the short lived series Game of Gold from the lens of the reality show fanatic; does it work as a program to non-poker aficionados or is it too much too soon for the poker uninformed? We are joined by RHAP contributor Aaron Robertson to provide a fresh perspective on where Game of Gold fits into the world of “Reality Game Shows” like Survivor, The Genius, and Big Brother.

Topics Discussed:
-“New intro song” (0:01)
-What makes a good reality show and what is Aaron’s background with podcasting and poker (2:40)
-Round 1: Who were the cast standouts? (9:55)
-Round 2: was 6 episodes too much? (26:32)
-Round 3: Indian Poker; fair or foul compared to The Genius? (53:10)
-Round 4: Too much poker and not enough costumes? (1:05:55)
-How Game of Gold failed and how we would have improved the show in a “season 2” (1:13:55)
-Does the Game of Gold ultimately work as entertainment to reality show fans? Does Aaron want to dabble in poker now? (1:17:35)
-Recent poker headlines; The Mob and cheating! (1:23:30)

Share your thoughts below, did you like Game of Gold, would you show it to your family who don’t play poker?

Also let us know any topics you’d want us to review/discuss next, or you want to be a guest in a future episode!

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnyupPuj...

Wii Do Not Like The Big Game on Tour! The Two Fish at The Table Episode #105: Poker Sequels

This episode we cover two distinct poker sequels; WSOP Tournament of Champions 2007 Edition on Wii and the first 2 tables of The Big Game on Tour season 2. We breakdown what makes a successful/poor sequel, how these efforts attempt to improve upon the first iterations and where they fall short.

Topics Discussed:
-Sam-approved theme song (0:00-1:00)
-What is a Sequel? (1:20)
-Review of WSOP Tournament of Champions for Wii (2007 Edition): Marginal but often superfluous improvements with more structure (3:03)
-The Big Game on Tour Audition Episode; American Idol meets poker? (17:45)
-Big Game on Tour Season 2 Episodes 1-5; Small stakes plus weak loose cannon = trouble (39:00)
-Episode 6-10: More money and Alan Keating makes for slightly better action (1:04:50)
-The overall failures of season 2 of The Big Game on Tour, will there be a season 3 and should there be one? (1:27:32)
-Future podcast topics discussed (1:32:26)

Share your thoughts in the comments about your favorite poker sequels, and let us know what you want us to review next or if you want to be a guest in a future episode!

Watch here: https://youtu.be/tbuxlax1XpY

Ducks, roommates, and AI controversy?! The Two Fish at the Table Podcast #105: 2024 WSOP Main Event

This episode, we turn our attention to the 2024 WSOP 15 episode broadcast from CBS SportsNetwork. A Main Event with prominent deep runs by Kristen Foxen, Brandon Cantu, Brian Rast, and the best online player in the world Niklas Astedt. We express why this installment is the best season of the CBS Sportsnetwork era despite too many ad breaks, and also discuss future poker content for 2026.

Topics Discussed:

-Overview of the 2024 Main Event (2:34)
-Final Table breakdown (59:36)
-Overall thoughts on the 2024 episodes (1:16:25)
-AI Controversies and future podcast topics (1:18:55)

As always share your thoughts in the comments section, do you think Tamayo deserved the win? What content would you like us to review next? And let us know if you want to be a guest on a future episode!

Watch here: https://youtu.be/okGEfHM3PPQ

The Celebrity Ghosts of Poker’s Past! The Two Fish at the Table Podcast #106: Celebrity Poker Showdown

This episode we review Celebrity Poker Showdown, the BravoTV channel’s attempt at combining poker with various big names in Hollywood. We discuss the slight changes between each season as well as the horrible poker on display in each game.

Share your thoughts on Celebrity Poker Showdown below, and let us know if you want to be a guest in a future episode!

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AYIY5l2...

What a Year It’s Been! Two Fish at the Table Podcast Episode #107: 2025 Year Recap

This episode we break down everything we watched/read/played/reviewed this year, decide on our favorites, least favorites, and everything in between! Then, we discuss our goals and expectations for 2026.

Share your thoughts on 2025 in the comments, what you want us to review next, and let us know if you want to be a guest in a future episode.

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70sBuLGN...

Poker Documentary Battle! The Two Fish at the Table Podcast #108: Galfond vs Bracelet Hunt

This episode, Ben and Sam each picked a piece of poker content and debate which one is better. Both selections are multipart documentary series available for free on Youtube. Afterwards, they preview the 2026 Mind Sport Olympiad.

Topics Discussed:
-Galfond: A four part series detailing the lives of Farah and Phil Galfond (1:54)
-Bracelet Hunt: A six part series covering 6 players attempts at 2022 WSOP bracelet glory! (16:56)
-Which series wins the battle? (40:19)
-Previewing the 2026 Mind Sport Olympiad (42:52)

Let us know your thoughts in the comments, or if you want to be a guest in a future episode!

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xzCXipF...

Being “Lucky” in the Mind Sport Olympiad? The Two Fish at the Table Podcast #110: Lucky TV Series Review

This episode, we discuss the opening act to the Mind Sport Olympiad poker competition; and detail how many horses we have in the race. Afterwards, we do a deep look into the short-lived FX TV series “Lucky”; a one season dark comedy that brought forth much cringe and groans during our watch of the 13 episodes. Afterwards, we discuss what to look forward to in the early goings of 2026.

Topics Discussed:
-Previously on segment (0:00)
-Event 1 of 2026 Mind Sport Olympiad Recap: 5 Card Draw and the performance of the podcast + associates in the event (1:19)
-Overview of Lucky (2003 FX TV series): Background and overall premise (12:00)
-Comprehensive breakdown/review of each episode: Lots of scams/cons and the worst subplots in television comedy history; that made Sam go on the most expletive-filled rant of his life! (24:14)
-Concluding thoughts on Lucky; what worked, what failed, and what show is worse: Tilt or Lucky? (2:04:01)
-Looking ahead to 2026 and thanking RecPoker for their support of our previous episode (2:15:18)

As always, share your thoughts on Lucky in the comments, and let us know if you want to be a guest in a future podcast episode!

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1wVSkHw...

The Sam Poker Dynasty! The Two Fish at the Table Podcast #111: 2025 Heads Up Championship

This episode, we discuss the return of the Heads-Up Championship; with the 2025 edition featuring a variety of different poker players/celebs squaring off for 500,000 dollars. Afterwards, Sam discusses his run in the first half of the 2026 Mind Sport Olympiad, while Ben and Sam discuss the 2nd half of the schedule.

Topics Discussed:
-Analysis/review of the 2025 Heads Up Championship; the good, the bad, and is it better than 2013 (0:52)
-2026 MSO Events #2 and #3 recap; Stud misplays and the power of sitting out. (57:03)

As always, share your thoughts in the comments and let us know if you want to be a guest in a future episode!

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78UyuNIO...

Two Fish Bubbling Around in the Shark Cage? The Two Fish at the Table Podcast #112: The Shark Cage

This episode, we discuss events 4-6 of the 2026 Mind Sport Olympiad; including 3 final table runs and the most update to date standings. Then we discuss the short lived program “The Shark Cage” presented by Pokerstars; breaking down the structure, how it compares to other poker programs, and whether or not it’s worth watching. Then, we discuss various recent poker happenings and headlines.

Topics discussed:
-2026 Mind Sport Olympiad update: Ben and Sam’s best poker play of the year so far? (1:35)
-Pokerstars’ The Shark Cage Season 1 review: Episodic breakdown and analysis (34:16)
-Overall thoughts on the Shark Cage: Is the show worth watching? (1:30:10)
-2026 WSOP preview: new changes coming? (1:35:25)

As always, share your thoughts in the comments, did you like Shark Cage? Let us know if you want to be a guest in a future episode, or if you have any poker content you want us to review next!

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0xwWRCP...

The Bronze Brothers Strike Again! The Two Fish at the Table Podcast #113: 2026 Mind Sport Olympiad Conclusion

This episode, we are joined again by Aaron Robertson to discuss the 2026 Mind Sport Olympiad; including Sam’s attempt at finishing in 3rd along with the never ending quest to score more medals. We recap the final event; Pot Limit Omaha, and reflect on our overall performance in the 7 events. Then we discuss our hopes and expectations for next year, along with one unfortunate death in the poker world.

Topics Discussed:
-Event #7 recap; can Sam squeeze into 3rd overall, or will another medal surprise take place? (1:07)
-How did Aaron find his experience overall, as a new poker player? (11:45)
-Grading our performance in 2026 (20:44)
-Looking ahead to the 2027 MSO (27:10)
-The Passing of David Sklandsky (31:55)

If you have any topics/poker media you want us to cover next, let us know in the comments! If you want to be a guest in a future episode, we are eager to have you!

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8LdYWwU...

Always looking for new guests for the podcast, if there's a topic you want us to discuss either with or without you as a 3rd co-host, let us know!

Gambling into a Ghostly Void! The Two Fish at the Table Podcast Episode #114: Gambling/Blackjack Movies

This week we are joined again by Void,of the Omega Republic, to discuss a duo of gambling/blackjack movies; including The Haunted Casino, and a critical re-evaluation of 21 with the added context of the original book “Bringing Down The House”.

Topics Discussed:

-The Haunted Casino/Dead Man’s Hand: Goosebumps for adults done poorly with the worst ending ever?! (2:14)
-21: Is it better on rewatch with the context of the original book? (38:46)
-What was better: Poker Night or The Haunted Casino? (1:10:35)

Share your thoughts on the movies below, and let us know if you have any content you want us to review next!

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wcAMzzf...

Gronk catches an Ace on the River! The Two Fish at the Table Episode #115: Gronk & Greenstein

This episode, Ben and Sam shake off the mediocrity of poker media past, having found some enjoyable poker content; Barry Greenstein’s book “Ace on the River” and the finale of season 2 of The Big Game On Tour; featuring Phil Hellmuth, Phil Laak, Antonio Esfandiari, Nick Wright, Rob Gronkowski, and Rania Nasreddine! Afterwards, they discuss various poker headlines, followed by Ben unveiling his most recent MSO poker medal!

Topics Discussed:
-Ace on the River; a comprehensive well-written work (1:55)
-The Big Game on Tour season 2 finale; Gronk’s wild plays, a friendship mended, and classic Hellmuth rants! (17:01)
-Poker headlines; Sports cards, the Heads-Up championship returns & more! (51:30)
-Ben unboxes his 2026 MSO Medal (1:01:58)

Share your thoughts in the comments, and let us know if you want to be in a future podcast episode!

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMttTJ4w...

The Fyre Fest of Poker?! The Two Fish at the Table Podcast #116: Second Chances

This week, we run it twice with The Fold, The Super High Roller Bowl, and the Epic Poker League. Seeing if they deserve a 2nd chance, after their unsuccessful first seasons. Afterwards, we cover the 2026 WSOP’s beginning and whether or not PokerGo and ESPN are out of their minds!

Topics Discussed:
-The Fold season 2: Can Doug Polk save this show from disaster? Probably not! (1:52)
-Epic Poker League: The league’s structure reviewed, the “allure” of the Global Poker Index”, and 3 episodes of high level poker (18:46)
-The mess that the EPL created; what did Sam’s research uncover about their ethics? (40:26)
-Super High Roller Bowl 2: Crazy Hellmuth and a better commentating booth make for television worth watching (47:40)
-Pokernews; the new coverage so far, and the horrible choices by ESPN for the Main Event (1:24:00)

As always, share your thoughts on these poker endeavors and let us know if you want to be a guest in a future episode! Do you agree with ESPN’s decision on broadcasting the Main Event?

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkTZjUZi...