Mitch Laurance - Part 5 (From Hollywood to the Booth: Mitch Laurance, ESPN, and the Voices of Pool)
In Episode 5 of our six-part life-story series with Mitch Laurance, we pick up where his improbable second act really takes flight—behind the microphone, on the biggest stage pool had at the time: ESPN. Mitch takes us back to that first broadcast, when pool commentary was still being figured out in real time… and he was, too. With the opening and closing done live and much of the commentary recorded in post, Mitch describes the surreal learning curve of watching a match like a fan—only to hear a director in his headset reminding him, “Mitch, you have to talk!”
From those early WPBA broadcasts (including a memorable Robin Dodson vs. “Ewa” final) to years of working alongside top voices like Mark Wilson and Vicki Paski, Mitch shares what it’s like to grow into a role you never expected to have. The conversation opens up into the craft of commentary—how little formal guidance there was, how confidence is built on the fly, and why the best production teams are the ones you never notice.
Then, in classic Legends of the Cue fashion, we detour into a wild and wonderful story: Mitch at Woodstock. He paints the scene from a 1969 Rolling Stone ad to waking up on a blanket and realizing tens of thousands had arrived while he slept—before the weekend became the muddy, mythic event we all know today.
We close by looking forward: what happens to sports broadcasting when commentary moves off-site? Mitch, Allison Fisher, and Mark Wilson weigh the cost-saving trend against what you lose—atmosphere, insight, adrenaline… and authenticity. If you care about the soul of pool on television, this episode hits home.
Give Allison, Mark & Mike some feedback via Text.
Follow our show and/or leave a review/rating on:
Our website: https://www.legendsofthecue.com
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-of-the-cue/id1820520463
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Za0IMh2SeNaWEGUHaVcy1
Music by Lyrium.
About
"Legends of the Cue" is a pool history podcast featuring interviews with Pool Hall of Fame members, winners of major championships and other people of influence in and around pocket billiards. We also plan to highlight memorable pool brands, events and venues. Focusing on the positive aspects of the sport, we aim to create and provide an engaging and timeless repository of content that listeners can enjoy now and forever. Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher, Mosconi Cup player and captain Mark Wilson, our podcast focuses on telling the life stories of pool's greatest, in their voices. Join Allison, Mark and Mike Gonzalez for “Legends of the Cue.”