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Northside Polo Podcast

Northside Polo Podcast

By Northside Polo Podcast

Gavin, Alex, and Liam talk about Bike Polo in the Northside region and beyond!

Email us at northsidepolopodcast@gmail.com
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46: Talking Defense with Olsen Aviles

Northside Polo PodcastFeb 26, 2023

00:00
01:07:39
46: Talking Defense with Olsen Aviles

46: Talking Defense with Olsen Aviles

This week Liam couldn't make it but Olsen Aviles on Boston Bike Polo stepped up to join the team. Olsen brings some awesome energy and insightful conversation to the pod. The team goes over the latest news and tournament results before settling into a in depth conversation around defensive philosophy and Olsen's NAHBPC team "Moon Druid." Give this one a listen. It's a good one.
Feb 26, 202301:07:39
45: 2022 Polo Season Review

45: 2022 Polo Season Review

Surprise! We blew the dust off our mics and talked about 2022! and we are testing the question function in Spotify so check it out for the beer point!

Jan 07, 202355:41
44: Connect Bike Polo

44: Connect Bike Polo

We back!!! sorry for the delay but we've been hella busy playing polo and working on Connect Bike Polo. "What's Connect Bike Polo?" you ask. Well listen to this episode to find out! Also check out the YouTube page to watch the trailer! In this episode the team goes over some of the recent news in Bike Polo land, explains about Gavin and Alex's new polo project, and of course Liam leads us through the Mail Bag. We all hope you enjoy big time!

Jul 27, 202257:39
43: Off the Hook with Joe: new rule proposal discussion

43: Off the Hook with Joe: new rule proposal discussion

We've seen the memes and banter online. Let’s take a dive into the proposed rule changes. This is the much awaited discussion with Joe Rstom.

Huge thanks to Joe for putting up with us, online and off!

Jun 15, 202202:12:46
42: Aaron Hand of Enforcer Bikes

42: Aaron Hand of Enforcer Bikes

This week on the pod the team speaks with Aaron Hand about what went into making the most popular polo frame in North America. Aaron regales us with the enforcer origin story and all the bumps the brand faced along the way. This is an extra long one but it's worth the listen. Save it for your next polo road trip if you want to make the drive enjoyable. I mean if you can wait that long to listen that is.

May 19, 202202:11:53
41: Smack in the Thaw à Scoop. Spring Tournament Recap.

41: Smack in the Thaw à Scoop. Spring Tournament Recap.

This week on the pod the team breaks down the action from the past two weekends of tournaments. Alex shares stories from Smack in the Middle, Liam describes the drama at Eastside Thaw, and then the team engages around Cabane à Scoop. Each tournament seemed more exciting than the last. One thing is certain, Bike Polo is in a great place right now.
May 01, 202201:12:49
40: Filling up Rookie Night in Philly! with MamaDrew and The Big Cheese Charlie

40: Filling up Rookie Night in Philly! with MamaDrew and The Big Cheese Charlie

This week we had a last minute change of plans, so Liam couldn't make it. But Alex and Gavin talk to MamaDrew and The Big Cheese Charlie from Philly Bike Polo about the success they've had using social media to recruit new players. Gavin successfully dismisses all attempts to discuss esports in this episode, and Alex explains why he can't have nice gloves.
Apr 12, 202201:23:46
39: Spring Tournament Preview

39: Spring Tournament Preview

Holy Moly! Tournament season is in full swing and selling out fast! The Polo starved people of North America are traveling far and wide to play some good old fashioned stick bike ball. This week on the podcast the team sits down with 4 different organizers of notable spring tournaments to get a sense for what each of these events have to offer.  14:02 James Eftee with East Side Thaw Pt 2, 34:16 Pedal Junkies with Smack in Da Middle, 57:22 Mark Aseltine with No Fun City. We also have time to do the Mailbag and Beer Point segments...Don't Panic. 

Mar 27, 202201:48:44
38: Birdie

38: Birdie

This week on the pod the team welcomes world renowned cycle sport athlete Bernadette "Birdie" Watts. She talks the team through her personal journey in bike polo and gives some great advice as to what attitude to bring with you onto the court. Also included in the episode is some news, the mailbag, and a quick guest appearance from Robbie Boards.

Mar 13, 202202:18:13
37: TropiClassic with Alex

37: TropiClassic with Alex

TropiCalssic was too awesome! We wanted to bask in it some more. So we brought TropiClassic 2022 champion Alex from Seattle on this episode to regale us all with tales from Puerto Rico. The Team and Alex break down the tournament and go over a few iconic plays that decided the podium on Sunday. Here at the Pod we have big love for Alex, San Juan Bike Polo, and everyone else the participated and organized this amazing event. We hope you all enjoy listening to this episode!

Feb 27, 202201:23:60
36: Worlds is Back!

36: Worlds is Back!

This week on the pod the team gushes over the recent announcement that Worlds may be just about a year away. The team unpacks this news as well as some other important stories from around the polo world. They then shift their attention to a few random polo related subjects and of course the mailbag.
Feb 13, 202201:10:20
35: Polo Camp with Pete Abram

35: Polo Camp with Pete Abram

We broke the 2 hour barrier! and we only covered half the topics on the outline. Pete has so much to share and discuss, and we hope you enjoy our discussion! Time stamps as follows:

1:53 - News/Bike Polo Calendar

12:08 - Interview with Pete/ Polo Camp

52:28 Fakes and Trickery

1:06:10 PBP Rotor Guards

1:19:52 Competitive vs Casual Player Tensions

1:37:39 Future of Polo

1:58:42 Mail Bag

2:16:28 Beer Point


Jan 29, 202202:20:14
34: Injuries (and how to avoid them)
Jan 17, 202256:39
33: What makes a good Offence, with Bruce Furlong

33: What makes a good Offence, with Bruce Furlong

No offence, but Gavin's no pass offence has peeked and this week we talked to 2 time NA champion Bruce Furlong about what an actually good offence should look like, and what it takes to join a championship winning team like The Control.
Dec 31, 202101:40:01
32: Scoops 'n Cranks!

32: Scoops 'n Cranks!

This week on the Pod the team has two blockbuster topics on hand. First, the age old discussion, "are scoops even good?!" followed by a spirited argument about the optimal length of crank arms. Don't you worry though we close everything up with a Mail Bag segment to be remembered with submissions from the chairman of Yukon bike polo and a certain world champ who will remain nameless. Listen and find out!

Dec 04, 202101:00:52
31: Back to back to back to back to back with Diego!

31: Back to back to back to back to back with Diego!

Deigo got it! He got it 5 times in a row with back to back tournament wins and we had to ask how, and hear about his approach to bike polo.
Nov 20, 202101:18:51
30: Chats with Dave from Lightfoot

30: Chats with Dave from Lightfoot

This week on the Pod we sit down for some a nice long chat with Lightfoot Dave. That's right, this is the Dave who owns Lightfoot. You've probably heard of it. We cover so much good stuff in this episode here are some time stamps to check out: 

12:54 Interview begins, 34:50 Training and competitive tips, 42:38 Knee cups, 46:37 Lightfoot/Geo discussion, 1:28:40 Rule change ideas, 1:55:22 Interview ends / Mailbag, 1:59:28 Beer point / Polo rap song. 

Keep slaying, we hope you enjoy.

Nov 06, 202102:04:34
29: Canadian Season Review

29: Canadian Season Review

Sorry for the wait! This week on the Pod Liam, Alex, and Gavin recap and discuss the 3 late summer / fall tournaments that took place in Canada in 2021. They share their highlights their lowlights and of course all the results. Tune in and follow along as they remember a memorable 2021 season. 

Oct 16, 202159:20
28: Interview with Julia from Montreal

28: Interview with Julia from Montreal

On this looong awaited (sorry - polo's back!) episode of the Northside Polo Podcast, we invited previous guest Christina to join us in an interview with Julia from Montreal, an all-around slayer and founder of @mtlqueerbikepolo! We talk about inclusivity, gender and sexism in bike polo, what is was like playing in the Crown Classic (fka Ladies Army), how Montreal has the best polo nights around, and more! Plus we got the now-outdated news and read some mail!

Sep 01, 202101:14:53
27: Rumble By the River Tournament Review (Spoiler: It was awesome)

27: Rumble By the River Tournament Review (Spoiler: It was awesome)

This week on the Pod the team regales you with stories from Rumble by the River 1. The first 3v3 tournament of the year in the Northside region. The team goes through everything and they talk about all the most important aspects of the tournament. Each host then tips their cap to the tournament organizers. Finally the team closes the episode with a quick word from the mailbag. Listen!
Jul 26, 202101:11:56
26: Ashes to Ashes, and Dust to Rust: Ashwin of Whitehorse

26: Ashes to Ashes, and Dust to Rust: Ashwin of Whitehorse

This week we talk to friend of the pod Ashwin, currently of Whitehorse, inventor of moves such as "The Peg Leg" and "The Lobster Trap". He has a unique brand of enthusiasm which has help start Canada's most northern polo club. He talks about new moves still in development, and his influence on modern polo. He also brought game that YOU can play along from home, and WIN PRIZES for participating in.
Jul 11, 202101:01:13
25: No Re-Bretts: Terminator Talks

25: No Re-Bretts: Terminator Talks

The Bretts came out of the woodwork this week with Spicy emails and lots of topics. We talk some polo, say goodbye to some friends and 2/3 of the cast actually play polo! The team does a deep analysis of which terminator models would perform best on the polo court. It's a weird episode. 

Jun 15, 202101:03:08
24: A Conversation With Fixcraft’s Sean Ingram

24: A Conversation With Fixcraft’s Sean Ingram

This week the team had an amazing conversation with the former owner/operator of Fixcraft, Sean Ingram. Sean and the team discuss the Fixcraft brand. How it started? Why it ended? And the fun times along the way. It's a long episode, but it worth it. Enjoy!
May 30, 202101:52:29
23: Justin from the Mallets of Mayhem

23: Justin from the Mallets of Mayhem

In this episode, the gang chats with our own local ball-breaker Justin aka the man of many names... as he shares his opinions on big rips, wheel covers, basketball, sandwich orders, and much more. This guy has been around the Northside bike polo scene for awhile, and has given back to the club as an accomplished tournament organizer and prize-seeker. We also answer some mail as usual! Email us at northsidepolopodcast@gmail.com

May 20, 202101:00:28
22: Is Being Left Handed Better?

22: Is Being Left Handed Better?

This week on the podcast the team takes an in depth look into what advantages left handed players really have over their righty counter parts. Resident wrong hander Gavin breaks down some of his experiences being a left handed polo player. The team weighs the evidence, discusses strategy, and determines the truth behind lefty bullshit. We also got SO MUCH mail. the team takes the time to read through each email and respond as best they can. Email us your thoughts and questions at northsidepolopodcast@gmail.com! 

May 02, 202150:27
21: Pedal Junkies in the House!

21: Pedal Junkies in the House!

In this episode, we finally get to chat with Tea and Sara, who together are the polo-world-famous Pedal Junkies of Fresno, CA! We talk about Smack in da Middle, Jack the Dish, the Cali polo scene, getting involved in the community and more! And as always, we answer the mail and talk about polo news. Check out @pedal_junkies on Instagram!

Apr 22, 202101:10:21
20: World Championship Match Review

20: World Championship Match Review

In this episode, the gang takes a look at one of the most storied bike polo matchups in recent years - the WHBPCVII final between Call Me Daddy and Outlawz Birds. We also talk scoops, answer some emails, and Alex starts us off with some polo ASMR. Get in touch with us at northsidepolopodcast@gmail.com! We want to hear from you!

Apr 05, 202101:03:57
19: Bike Packing with Christina

19: Bike Packing with Christina

This episode we talk to Christina from the Ottawa polo club, about her journey to polo... her literal journey around the world to polo. We talk: Bike Packing, New rules from Europe, and the upcoming 2021 season.  

Mar 22, 202101:05:57
18: Retro Game Rewind and How to Goalie

18: Retro Game Rewind and How to Goalie

This episode, we talk about playing goalie, how to approach it, and how to improve at it. We also have a new segment, watching old Bike Polo games, and hope you'll join us. This week we breakdown The Means vs Clobber Politics in 2012.
Mar 02, 202159:49
17: The Illustrious Mr. John Hayes

17: The Illustrious Mr. John Hayes

In this episode, our friend John Hayes from BPTO joins us to talk about getting his start in bike polo overseas, being part-owner of a polo equipment company, organizing a ninety-team tournament (yes that's right - 9-0!) and much more!

Feb 14, 202101:05:24
16: Talking Gear Bringing Cheer

16: Talking Gear Bringing Cheer

This week on the polo pod the guys chat about polo gear and pads. We read an email, crack some jokes, and have a good time. Send us your questions and conversation topics to Northsidepolopodcast@gmail.com

Jan 31, 202143:52
15: The Art of Recruitment with Brett from MTL

15: The Art of Recruitment with Brett from MTL

In this episode, Alex slept while Gavin and Liam interview Brett B. from Montreal Polo, well-known alleycat organizer, meme-maker and #messfam extraordinaire. He's been involved in the MTL polo scene for a number of years, and tells us about "the dark days" - we also talk about art, sneaky strategies to recruit players, and settle the Time vs SPD debate. Alex did join us beforehand to play a little game and afterwards to answer your emails, so there's that too.
Jan 17, 202101:10:33
14: Squad vs 3v3

14: Squad vs 3v3

In this episode, we delve into the topic of play format - Squad vs 3 on 3. Also we think up new ways to cheat at polo (NAH is listening...) and talk about favourite team names.

Jan 10, 202101:09:03
13: Hosting a Worlds Tournament with Mike of Timaru Bike Polo

13: Hosting a Worlds Tournament with Mike of Timaru Bike Polo

In this episode, we interview Mike B. from Timaru, NZ and teams such as The Huntsmen and 3-Up. We talk about bike polo in NZ, specifically what went into hosting the 2016 World Hardcourt championships and how it has changed the scene. We also answer some email, listen to some great tunes and get into the festive spirit!

Dec 24, 202001:32:26
12: Passing is overrated

12: Passing is overrated

Do you know someone who doesn't pass enough? Is it Gavin? Its probably Gavin. This week Gavin explains why he hates passing, Alex talks about his fork and Liam eats a shawarma.
Dec 13, 202049:36
11: Neilan from MTL and #MESSFAM

11: Neilan from MTL and #MESSFAM

In this episode we interview Neilan from Montreal Bike Polo, a club that is bourgeoning this year. We talk the Lobster Trap, squad and 3v3, and life as a NAH rep. We also answer some more of your emails and discuss our off-season training regimes for the beer point.
Dec 07, 202001:27:17
10: What Fence? Defense!
Nov 14, 202001:08:33
09: Starting a bike polo club w/ Jenna of Talkeetna Bike Polo
Oct 27, 202001:16:22
08: What is a good shot?
Oct 15, 202001:12:49
07: OBSTRUCTION! with Alias Tagami, of DC Bike Polo

07: OBSTRUCTION! with Alias Tagami, of DC Bike Polo

In this episode, we interview former NAH President and all-around polo ambassador Alias Tagami on the state of bike polo, rules of the game, and what the heck obstruction/interference is all about. Also listen to the end - we get a firsthand account of an infamous chapter in Mallets of Mayhem history.
Oct 02, 202001:35:20
06: Robbie Boards of East Van Bike Polo

06: Robbie Boards of East Van Bike Polo

Gavin & Liam interview the one and only Robbie Boards of EVBP, and Alex... Alex?... where'd he go? Check out The Rawbie Boardz Show on Youtube and Facebook!

Sep 23, 202048:15
05: Is Bike Polo a Sport?!

05: Is Bike Polo a Sport?!

Gavin gets us to list our top 3s, Liam reads off Wikipedia and Alex comes last. Sorry Alex. 

Sep 13, 202001:00:41
04: Jenni from Twin Cities Bike Polo

04: Jenni from Twin Cities Bike Polo

This week Gavin steps down, Alex reads some news and Liam plays goalie.

Also Jenni talks to us about grass polo, almost coming to Northsides, and some real talk about community in 2020.
Sep 07, 202001:01:56
03: The Wheel Size Debate: 26 vs 700

03: The Wheel Size Debate: 26 vs 700

This week Alex quizzes the crew about team names, Gavin calls Alex Fat, and Liam surfs Kijiji.

But mostly we talk about what is the best wheel size for bike polo!



Aug 29, 202059:46
02: How NOT to introduce new players

02: How NOT to introduce new players

This week we forget to discuss the news, debate "overrated/ underrated", Ideal pick up games, and how not to introduce new players to bike polo.

Aug 21, 202039:51
01: Polo in the Pandemic
Aug 20, 202050:16