Claim OwnershipAbove 180.com Bowling Podcast
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The Above 180 Podcast is a bowling podcast designed to help you improve your bowling game. Tim Burg covers a wide variety of topics, including coaching tips, finding the proper pro shop, equipment layouts, and all the latest ball reviews.
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Marc McDowell is back on top — and he’s doing it in his 60s. In this episode, we dive into how he claimed his third Eagle at the 2025 USBC Open Championships and why this victory feels extra special. Marc opens up about his mindset heading into doubles and singles after a tough final team game, and how he’s maintained elite performance over decades of competition. He shares the training, preparation, and mental approach that keep him competitive against the best in the game — and what older bowlers can do to stay sharp. We wrap up with his unfiltered take on the team pattern and the grueling lane conditions in Baton Rouge that tested even the most seasoned pros.
On this episode, I’m joined by Jeff Richgels, Five-Time USBC Eagles winner and owner of 11thFrame.com, to break down this year’s USBC Open Championships and to make sense of the urethane discussion taking place.
We dive into what led to the noticeably lower scores, including lane topography, oil patterns, and the chatter surrounding them. Jeff also shares his insights on the USBC's recent urethane survey — what it reveals, what it might signal for the future, and what he thinks the USBC’s next move could be when it comes to urethane regulation.
On this episode, Tim sits down with six-time PWBA titleist Jordan Snodgrass for a deep dive into her journey from college lanes to the pro tour. Jordan reflects on her college bowling experience, shares smart advice for high school athletes choosing a program, and opens up about the biggest adjustments she faced transitioning to the PWBA. Plus, she reveals the one powerful word every player should remember when a coach or tour rep suggests a ball change or lane move.
I catch up with the voice of the PWBA Tour, Emil Williams Jr., for a fast-paced rundown of all things women’s pro bowling. We break down the season opener in Kansas, preview the USBC Queens, and look ahead to the biggest storylines of the year. Emil names the rising stars to watch, gives the latest on Shannon O’Keefe’s return, and reflects on some of the most unforgettable moments from the past decade on tour.
This week on the show, I’m joined by two-time USBC Eagle winner Ronnie Sparks Jr.! We dive into his incredible performance at the USBC Open Championships in Baton Rouge, where he and Jay Lang surged into the lead in the Doubles event. Ronnie shares the full story—from how the lanes played, to the mindset that powered his crew, to the game-changing advice Jay gave him during practice. We also break down tips to help you make the most of your USBC OC experience. Don’t miss this one—plenty of insight, stories, and winning mentality to help you succeed.
This week, we sit down with 900 Global staffer and former collegiate bowling standout Andrew Anderson. He shares insights into his college bowling experience and the journey that led him to the PBA. We also break down the first third of the PBA Tour, discussing key moments and his goals for the rest of the season. Andrew reflects on the impact of the Tour’s talented rookies and how their presence continues to push him to improve.
In this podcast, I’m joined by former collegiate bowling standout Mike Hardesty to dive into the world of PBA betting. We discuss the PBA Delaware Classic from a gambling perspective, analyzing our wagers and how they played out. Mike and I share tips and advice for betting on the PBA Tour, including key bowlers to watch this season. We also take a deep dive into handicapping the U.S. Open, which is set to take place this year at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or new to PBA gambling, this episode has something for everyone.
This week, I spoke with accomplished bowler Ryan Barnes about his journey in the sport and his aspirations for the future. He shared how his college bowling experience at Wichita State University helped him refine his skills and build a strong competitive foundation. Ryan discussed the challenges and lessons he encountered while being part of the renowned program and how it shaped his game. He also provided insights into his goals and strategies for the upcoming PBA Tour season, offering a glimpse into his preparation and mindset. Reflecting on his standout performance at the PBA Tour Trials, Ryan highlighted the key factors behind his success and the training that helped him perform at his best.
This week, we sit down with Hayden Stippich, a two-time Collegiate All-American from Tennessee Southern University, who recently secured his exemption on the PBA Tour for the 2025 season. Hayden shares how his experience at TN Southern was instrumental in his success at trials and reflects on the pivotal coaching session with Mike Shady that helped him achieve his dream of joining the tour. We also dive into the inspirations behind his game, discussing the two-handers he looks up to on tour, and his aspirations for the upcoming season.
This week, I catch up with 2002 ABC (now USBC) Masters Champion Brett Wolfe to dive into his coaching philosophy and his insights on how bowlers can improve their averages. Wolfe, the head coach at B3 Performance in Tempe, AZ, also shares common mistakes bowlers make in league play that can lead to lower scores. We wrap up with a discussion on the future of string pin bowling and why he believes it’s here to stay.
This week I catch up with PWBA Star and USBC HOF Member Missy Parkin. Parkin was inducted into the hall of fame back in April in Las Vegas. Missy also goes into detail regarding her long road back to bowling after a wrist injury sidelined her and where things are at now regarding her wrist. We discuss her future plans and also what advice she has for bowlers heading into college.
I catch with Storm Booth Manager and Storm Brand Ambassador Wes Pye to discuss how things went for the Storm booth in Las Vegas at the USBC OC. Wes also shares some tips for folks who bowl the OC and how his team looks to help bowlers when they visit the booth. Wes discusses why surface is key when bowling the tournament and how small changes to the surface of a ball can make a big difference. We also discuss Storm's involvement in the Military Bowling Championships taking place as well at South Point. We shares why he believes the tournament continues to grow and how the event is way more then just about bowling.
I catch up with one of the latest bowlers to win a USBC Eagle Tim Pfeifer. Pfeifer is part of the Higgy's Aquarium team that won the Team All Events title at the Open Championships in Las Vegas. We discuss the game plan they had heading into the event and the sweat after posting 10,226 in late June. Pfeifer, who manages two centers also discusses string pinsetters and why he believes they could save bowling in rural America.
On this can't miss podcast I am joined by six-time PBA title winner Chris Warren. We discuss his season on the PBA50 Tour, what went right and what he can learn from his two second place finishes. We also discuss a recent post by Dick Allen fueling the when to use urethane debate once again and Chris shares his thoughts on Bowlero buying up centers and them owning the PBA Tour.
This week I am joined by Valerie Bercier who is a registered Dietitian at Berberry Health & Wellness LLC. We discuss how what you put into your body plays a major role in your success on the lanes. Valerie also shares some tips on what bowlers can eat before, during and after competition to keep them performing at their best.
This week I catch up with USBC Hall of Famer & Silver-Certified Coach Mike Shady to discuss his trip to Vegas for the Open Championships. We talk about both patterns and what equipment, generally speaking he thinks will work will this year. Shady also shares why he believes scores this year may be a touch higher then years past, especially in Doubles and Singles. We also talk about that guy who uses urethane in league and how it changes the pattern. Finally we talk string pins and Mike shares why he believes they are here to stay and why he likes his students bowling on strings during a lesson.
This week we catch up with former college bowler and coach JJ Mastny to discuss his USBC OC Experience. Mastny's team is currently leading the team event with a score of 3363. We discuss his teams' preparation for the tournament and when he really feels the lanes opened up for his team. We discuss equipment, surface and how topography all played a part their success in Vegas.
This week I catch up with PBA Star Kyle Troup at the Phoenix Raceway. We discuss his first half of the 2024 season and what his expectations are for the rest of the year. We discuss some of the challenges he is facing off the lanes and why it made him rethink his entire process.
Two-Time PBA Star Matt Ogle joins me to discuss his journey to the PBA Tour and his goals for the upcoming season. We also talk about his relationship with Sean Rash and how they became doubles partners. We also discuss his thoughts on the US Open oil patterns and how he has learned to like urethane.
We kick of 2024 by interviewing 2024 former ASU Bowler Chase Nadeau. Chase talks about his time bowling at Arizona State and who he leaned on for advice when it came to picking a college and what advice he has for young bowlers. We also talk about how his game has changed over the years and what winning the Storm Utah Open means to him.
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