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The Paradox of Language: Forgetting Russian After Learning English
Fedor shares his experience learning English, finding it easier than French, but now facing the challenge of forgetting his native Russian due to prolonged exposure to English and lack of practice, joking about becoming 'a man of no country.'
Wild vs. Methodical: The Best Playing Styles in Professional Pool
Fedor Gorst discusses the two main playing styles in professional pool: wild and exciting players like Muhammad Sufi, and the methodical, consistent approach. He explains that while wild players are fun to watch, a uniform, smooth delivery is essential for winning and dominating difficult tables, especially under extreme pressure.
Why Hard Breaks in Pool Captivate Audiences (and Joe Rogan)
Joe Rogan discusses the importance of hard breaks in pool for spectator engagement, referencing the iconic 'sledgehammer break' from 'The Color of Money.' He expresses a newfound understanding of the skill and control required for powerful breaks after Fedor Gorst's explanation, contrasting it with the 'no fun' approach of simply hitting the ball as hard as possible without control.
How the Shot Clock Intensifies Pressure in Professional Pool
Fedor Gorst and Joe Rogan discuss the immense pressure introduced by the shot clock in professional pool. They explain the strict rules of 30 seconds per shot with one extension, highlighting how it forces quick decision-making and can lead to 'brain dead' moments, with Joe recalling a nerve-wracking last-second shot by Fedor.
Why Lifting Weights is Bad for Pool Players
Fedor Gorst explains how lifting weights can negatively impact a pool player's muscle tightness and game, offering specific advice on how to manage it.
How Matchroom & Social Media Are Making Professional Pool Boom
Joe Rogan and Fedor Gorst discuss the significant role of Matchroom in elevating professional pool, highlighting how their numerous events and accessible platforms (like World Nineball Tour and YouTube) combined with the viral nature of social media (TikTok, Instagram) are causing a massive boom in the sport's popularity.
Joe Rogan on Why Methodical Pool Play is NOT Boring
Joe Rogan passionately defends Fedor Gorst's consistent and methodical pool playing style against critics who might call it 'boring' or 'robotic.' He argues that such criticisms are rooted in jealousy and a lack of appreciation for the pursuit of perfection and optimal performance under pressure.
Joe Rogan: Why Today's Pool Players Are the Greatest of All Time
Joe Rogan argues that modern pool players are the most skilled of all time due to the incredibly tight playing conditions of 9-foot tables with 4-inch pockets, contrasting them with older, easier conditions and highlighting recent drastic rule changes that make the game even harder.
Joe Rogan: America's Unique Identity as a Nation of Immigrants
Joe Rogan articulates his view on America's unique national identity as a 'nation of immigrants,' contrasting it with other countries where belonging is tied to rigid nationality. He suggests that in America, people are welcomed if they come and contribute 'the right way,' highlighting a different kind of patriotism.
Beyond Rankings: What Defines a True Pool Champion?
Fedor Gorst explains that while official pool rankings are based on two years of prize money, the real measure of a champion lies in grueling, multi-day 'races to 40' matches, sharing his personal experience of an epic comeback victory against Shane Van Boening.
Joe Rogan & Fedor Gorst on the Wild, Unruly Mosconi Cup Crowd
Joe Rogan and Fedor Gorst detail the unique and intense atmosphere of the Mosconi Cup, where traditional pool etiquette is abandoned. They describe how partisan crowds actively 'shark' players by screaming and then suddenly going silent during crucial shots, creating an unparalleled pressure environment that makes the tournament special.
Joe Rogan & Fedor Gorst on How Modern Tech Accelerates Skill in Sports
Joe Rogan and Fedor Gorst discuss the phenomenon of continuous improvement in sports, highlighting how today's abundance of accessible data, online videos, and tournament footage empowers young players to learn and refine their game much faster than previous generations who lacked such resources.
Joe Rogan & Fedor Gorst on the Power of Cold Plunges for Recovery
Fedor Gorst mentions how persistent pain can hinder consistent practice, leading Joe Rogan to enthusiastically endorse cold plunges as a powerful tool for alleviating inflammation and aiding recovery. Rogan highlights the benefits of incorporating cold plunges, especially first thing in the morning, despite the initial discomfort.
The Pool Legend Who Refused to Drive a Car for His Game
Learn about Willie Hoppe, a famous billiards player from the early 1900s, who was so dedicated to his craft that he wouldn't even drive a car to protect his arm mechanics.
Is Shane Van Boening's Deafness an Unfair Advantage in Pool?
Joe Rogan provocatively suggests that Shane Van Boening's ability to turn off his hearing aids during play might be an 'illegal' advantage, sparking a humorous debate about fairness in professional pool.
How Pool is Transforming into a Professional Sport
Fedor Gorst explains how the culture of pool is evolving from a casual bar game to a disciplined sport, with younger generations adopting a more methodical and healthier approach to their training and lifestyle.
Why Pool is Unique: The 'Ball Hitting a Ball' Challenge
Joe Rogan shares an insight from John Schmidt about how pool is uniquely difficult compared to other ball sports because it involves one ball hitting another to control subsequent shots, rather than an external object (like a bat) hitting a ball.
The 5% Difference: How Custom Cues Elevate Pro Pool Play
Joe Rogan recounts a conversation with Fedor Gorst about a 5% improvement in his game with a new cue. Fedor then explains how he customized his cue with a longer taper for his long arms and fingers, which significantly impacts specific shots, particularly off the rail.
The Feel Factor: Wood vs. Carbon Fiber Cues in Different Environments
The discussion explores the debate between wood and carbon fiber cues, emphasizing the 'superior feel' and feedback that wood cues provide, which some players prefer over the 'dull' feel of carbon. Fedor explains how environmental conditions like humidity in China versus dry conditions in Saudi Arabia influence his preference for one material over the other.
The Golf Bag Approach: Pro Pool Players Using Multiple Cues
Fedor speculates that in the future, pool players might use different cues for different shots, much like golfers. He then reveals that some professional players, like Mario, already do this, bringing two different cues to tournaments—one for center ball shots and another for side spins.
Why Jump Cues are Essential for Modern Pool's Excitement and Growth
Joe Rogan and Fedor Gorst defend the use of jump cues, arguing against traditionalists who 'hate' them. They highlight that jump shots are beautiful, skillful plays that add excitement and attract new audiences to the sport, comparing them to different golf clubs or break cues for varied shots.
Fedor Gorst to Launch His Own Jump Cue Brand Next Year
Fedor Gorst reveals he was involved in designing the popular Q-Tech jump cue and is now working on launching his own personal jump cue brand, with an anticipated release in the first quarter of next year.
Ephine's Secret: The Power of Unwavering Positivity in Pool
Fedor shares an anecdote about a fellow pool player, Ephine, who consistently attributed his success to 'luck' while maintaining an incredibly positive attitude, even after missing shots, suggesting a link between mindset and outcomes.
The 'Mucci Effect': Why Fans Buy Gear of Winning Pool Players
Joe Rogan explains the strong marketing phenomenon in pool where fans want to buy the equipment used by top players, likening it to tennis fans wanting Roger Federer's racket. He cites Mucci Cues' past success in sponsoring players as an example of this 'copycat' effect driving sales.
Why Fedor Gorst Started Showing Emotions on the Pool Table
Fedor Gorst explains his shift from suppressing emotions (which he learned in his childhood coaching) to openly showing them during play. He realized that hiding emotions felt like a weakness, and now, feeling 'fully Americanized,' he embraces expressing himself, acknowledging that showing frustration can empower opponents.
Fedor Gorst's Hype-Up Playlist: Russian Gangster Rap for Pool Matches
Fedor shares his unexpected choice for hype-up music before pool matches: Russian gangster rap. He explains how it gets him in the zone, even if the lyrics are nonsensical or 'not great music,' providing a glimpse into his unique preparation.
If You Don't Have Haters, You're Not Doing Anything Right
Fedor discusses the 'heat' he receives from 'keyboard warriors' for moving to America and playing for them, sharing the common sentiment that if you're not facing criticism, you're likely not making an impact.
Fame as a Goal vs. Fame as a Consequence
Joe Rogan distinguishes between achieving fame through talent or work and actively pursuing fame as a primary goal. He notes that many wealthy individuals seek fame as 'the thing they can't buy,' often driven by ego.
High Stakes: Negotiating a Multi-Million Dollar Pool Match with Joshua Filler
Fedor discusses the potential for a massive, multi-million dollar pool match against Joshua Filler. He details the negotiation points, including the proposed 120-game, three-day format, the choice of venue, and Filler's strategic demand for a tighter 4-inch table to gain an edge.
The WPA/Matchroom Conflict: How Joshua Filler Broke the Player Boycott
Fedor explains a significant conflict between two competing pool organizations, WPA and Matchroom, which led to a player boycott over bans. He details how Joshua Filler controversially broke ranks and played in a WPA event, causing widespread backlash among top players.
Joshua Filler: The Fearless Talent Who Feeds Off Hate
Fedor describes Joshua Filler as an 'unbelievable' and 'fearless' player, highlighting his incredible mental game under pressure. He notes Filler's ability to maintain composure, play fast, and even feed off negative crowd energy, comparing his temperament to Jason Statham.
From Financial Need to Grandkid Stories: A Champion's Evolving Motivation
Fedor reflects on his shifting motivations as a world champion. Initially driven by financial necessity, then by the dream of winning a world title, his current motivation has evolved into building a legacy he can share with his grandkids.
Joe Rogan & Fedor Gorst on Pool's 'Romantic' but Shady Gambling Scene
Joe Rogan expresses his excitement for the 'romantic' and historically significant gambling aspect of pool, even when streamed online. Fedor Gorst acknowledges the potential for 'shady characters' in high-level pool gambling but clarifies that his own high-stakes matches are private and controlled, ultimately stating his personal gambling days are over in favor of tournament play.
Fedor Gorst's 4-Count Breathing Technique for Pre-Shot Calm
Fedor Gorst shares his personal pre-shot mental preparation, which involves a specific breathing technique: breathing in for four counts, holding for four or five, and breathing out for seven or eight seconds to calm himself down, sometimes even a loud exhale at the table.
Why Consistency Matters More Than 'By-the-Book' Pool Technique
Fedor Gorst explains that in pool, unconventional techniques like a sidearm stroke can be effective as long as they are consistent, emphasizing that practice hours are more important than following strict rules.
Joshua Filler: The 'Jake Paul' of Pool Who People Watch to See Him Lose
Fedor reveals that, unlike other beloved pool heroes, Joshua Filler has developed a 'Jake Paul' like public perception, where many people watch him primarily because they want to see him lose, largely due to his social media interactions and past controversies.
From Sniper to Pool Table: Joel Turner's Pre-Shot Routine for High Pressure
Joe Rogan shares the story of Joel Turner, a sniper and bow hunter, who developed a pre-shot routine to combat anticipation and anxiety. Turner's method involves a loud, internal dialogue with specific steps and affirmations, which Joe suggests has significant crossover to pool for maintaining focus under pressure.
Fedor Gorst & Joe Rogan's Tips for Preventing Back & Neck Pain in Sports
Fedor Gorst and Joe Rogan discuss the physical toll of one-sided sports like pool, with Gorst sharing his personal struggle with a bulging disc and how he developed a daily stretching and resistance band routine to manage it. Rogan strongly advocates for decompression techniques like inversion tables to prevent age-related back problems and maintain vigilance in physical wellness.
I'm Gonna F***ing Make This Ball: Fedor Gorst's Anti-Miss Mantra
Fedor Gorst reveals his personal struggle with a 'demon' in his head that tells him he's going to miss a shot. To combat this, his pre-shot routine involves a powerful, positive self-talk mantra: 'I'm gonna [ __ ] make this ball. I'm making this ball, [ __ ]' which he says works for him to maintain confidence.
Joe Rogan & Fedor Gorst on Why Russian Athletes Were Banned From Sports
Fedor Gorst shares his experience of being banned from professional pool tournaments due to his Russian nationality, explaining how a blanket ban by WADA affected all Russian athletes before the war. Joe Rogan expresses his strong disagreement with punishing individual athletes for political conflicts, contrasting it with UFC's approach of celebrating Russian fighters.
The Subconscious Miss and Learning from High-Stakes Losses
Fedor Gorst emphasizes the powerful psychological truth that 'if you think you're going to miss, you will miss,' explaining how the subconscious can lead to anticipated errors. He shares two personal anecdotes from high-stakes matches (European Open quarterfinals and a Saudi tournament) where he missed crucial nine-balls because he *knew* he was going to miss, even while being a big favorite.
The Problem with Lying About Steroids as an Influencer
Joe Rogan explains why it's problematic for influencers to lie about steroid use, particularly when selling supplements or a lifestyle. He emphasizes that the issue isn't the use itself, but the deception and lack of accountability that misleads an audience.
Joe Rogan's Radical Solution to Pool's Controversial 'Soft Break' Rule
Joe Rogan and Fedor Gorst discuss the subjective and contentious 'soft break' rule in pool, with Gorst recounting a personal incident that led to fan backlash. Rogan proposes a simple, objective solution: using a radar gun to measure break speed, which they then discuss in detail, including minimum speeds and exceptions for different player categories, highlighting its potential to enhance fairness and push players to practice harder.
Vietnam's Unprecedented Pool Boom: Computer Cafes & 2000 Pool Rooms in Hanoi
Fedor Gorst explains how Vietnam uniquely marketed pool by integrating massive pool rooms with computer clubs, leading to an explosive growth in popularity over the last 3-4 years. He shares his amazement at finding 2,000 pool rooms in Hanoi alone, making Vietnam perhaps the most pool-playing country in the world.
'Nineball Perfection': The Hypnotizing Smoothness of Ko Ping Chung
Joe Rogan highly recommends watching Ko Ping Chung's legendary 'nineball perfection' match on YouTube, highlighting the Taiwanese player's incredibly smooth, effortless, and hypnotizing stroke.
The Unmeasurable Science of Luck and Positive Energy in Pool and Life
Joe and Fedor discuss the mysterious role of luck in sports and life, suggesting that positive energy, generosity, and being 'in the zone' can attract good fortune, drawing parallels between pool and real-world experiences.
Fedor Gorst's Pre-Shot Routine: Shutting Down Negative Thoughts
Fedor Gorst reveals his mental strategy for high-pressure pool matches, emphasizing the difficulty and importance of shutting down negative thoughts and focusing only on what he can control, especially when opponents are playing well or getting lucky.
Don't Feed the Trolls: Sean Strickland's Unique Approach to Haters
Joe Rogan advises against letting external negativity from haters and trolls affect your mental state, drawing parallels across various professions. He humorously recounts how UFC fighter Sean Strickland deals with online trolls by inviting them to his gym and beating them up.
The Proposed Fedor Gorst vs. Josh Filler Mega-Match: Disciplines, Stakes, and Vegas Venue
Fedor Gorst discusses plans for a high-stakes match against Josh Filler, revealing that Filler's backer wanted a half-million-dollar bet in Vegas. Fedor, however, proposed a $50,000 bet across multiple disciplines (8-ball, 9-ball, 10-ball, one pocket, banks) to make it an 'all-around' event that would be exciting for viewers and good for the sport.
Joe Rogan Shares Unbelievable Obama Disguise Story & Modern Makeup Tech
Joe Rogan recounts a fascinating story about advanced CIA disguises, claiming President Obama once unknowingly had a meeting with someone in disguise. He then shares his personal experience witnessing hyper-realistic special effects makeup on the Kill Tony podcast, where Kyle Dunigan played Elon Musk so convincingly that Rogan didn't recognize him.
The Golden Age of Pool: Systematic Training and Exploding Growth
Joe and Fedor discuss the current 'awesome time for the game' of pool, highlighting how modern players are more systematic and disciplined in their training, treating it as a professional sport. They note the increasing popularity and financial growth, predicting an explosion in the sport's future, exemplified by players like Niels Feijen.
Fame is Not What You Think: The Liver King Example
Joe Rogan discusses the harsh reality of fame, using the 'Liver King' controversy as an example of how public scrutiny intensifies under the spotlight, making life harder, not easier, and the importance of personal accountability.
The Power of Visualization: Nick Vandenberg Practiced Pool from His Couch
Fedor Gorst shares an incredible story about former pro Nick Vandenberg, who would practice pool for hours by simply visualizing shots from his couch without touching a cue. Joe Rogan then highlights scientific studies showing that real visualization can be as effective, or even more effective, than physical practice, though the reasons why remain unknown.
Pool: The Ultimate Mental Game and Escape from Reality
Fedor Gorst emphasizes that believing you can win a tournament through visualization is crucial. Joe Rogan then describes pool as the 'most mental of games,' where the intense focus required makes the 'world goes away,' offering a unique form of escapism from daily worries and distractions.