In this compelling second installment of our five-part Legends of the Cue conversation with renowned player, teacher, and former Mosconi Cup Captain Mark Wilson, we dive deep into the crucible of commitment and the hard-earned lessons that shaped his extraordinary career.

From his earliest days at Jerry Briesath’s legendary pool room in Madison, Wisconsin, Mark recalls the struggles of being the worst player in the room—and the obsessive drive to change that. He shares vivid, often humorous stories of self-imposed discipline, like spending hours working on a single shot or denying himself access to the pool hall as punishment for a lack of focus. His unflinching honesty reveals what it truly takes to master a craft, including isolation, sacrifice, and resilience.

Mark opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of his early years, from losing 40 straight tournament matches to the elation of his first breakthrough win. Through brutal losses, sleepless nights, and cue sticks nearly snapped in frustration, he never lost his love for the game—or his belief in the process.

This episode also introduces some of the colorful characters who shaped Mark’s evolution: mentors, fellow grinders, and road warriors who left an indelible mark on his development. From lessons in grit to cue maintenance, every experience added another layer to his deep respect for the sport.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to transform raw passion into professional prowess, this episode is a blueprint in perseverance. Mark’s journey is not just about pool—it’s about pursuing excellence with your whole heart.

Stay tuned for Episode 3, where Mark's game begins to rise and the Mosconi Cup enters the frame.

Give Allison, Mark & Mike some feedback via Text.

Support the show

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/game, 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.”

Legends of the Cue’s Allison Fisher and Mike Gonzalez sit down with their podcast co-host and one of the sport’s most passionate and respected figures—Mark Wilson—for the first of a compelling five-part conversation that explores a life devoted to the game of pool.

From his early days in Moline, Illinois, Mark shares a vivid portrait of growing up in a Midwestern family that valued structure, sportsmanship, and discipline. While baseball was his first love, a chance visit to a local bowling alley—and a glance at the pool tables—would quietly alter his course forever. What started as a curiosity soon became a consuming passion, even as his initial attempts at the game were, as he puts it, “sub-horrible.”

Listeners are treated to Wilson’s self-deprecating humor and honesty as he recalls formative experiences: Latin classes, transistor radio nights listening to Cardinals games, and his first encounter with legendary coach Jerry Briesath—who would deliver the stinging but pivotal feedback that launched Wilson’s serious study of the sport.

Allison and Mike draw out reflections that are heartfelt and humorous, uncovering the mindset of a man who turned down the conventional path in pursuit of mastering a game few truly understand. Along the way, we’re reminded of how transformative mentorship, discipline, and sheer enthusiasm can be.

With anecdotes of high school friends lost to beer runs, hours spent alone in the pool hall, and life lessons gleaned from every missed shot, this episode sets the stage for a remarkable series chronicling the journey of one of the game’s great ambassadors. Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to cue sports, Mark Wilson’s story will capture your imagination and your heart.

Give Allison, Mark & Mike some feedback via Text.

Support the show

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.”

In this compelling second installment of our five-part conversation with World Snooker and Billiard Hall of Famer Allison Fisher, we dive into the powerful personal journey that shaped her into one of the most decorated cue sport champions in history.

Allison opens up about her early life in England, painting a vivid picture of her upbringing, her parents’ profound influence—both inspiring and complex—and how a dramatic family shift ultimately set her on a path to greatness. From backyard tetherball showdowns with her father to her relentless determination to prove doubters wrong, we uncover the grit and resilience behind her success.

Listeners are treated to behind-the-scenes stories from Allison’s early snooker days, including her historic matchroom experience playing against the top male players in the world—Steve Davis, Stephen Hendry, Jimmy White, and more. She candidly reflects on the challenges of competing in a male-dominated sport and the mental toughness required to not just belong—but to win.

Allison also shares insights into her breakthrough sponsorship as a teenager, her early media appearances, and what it meant to represent women in cue sports on the biggest stages, from TV studios to packed snooker halls. With honesty, wit, and humility, she recounts legendary victories, character-building losses, and the impact of iconic figures like Barry Hearn.

This episode is rich with storytelling, history, and inspiration—whether you’re a fan of snooker, pool, or the journey of a pioneer who never stopped pushing boundaries.

Subscribe and follow Legends of the Cue to hear the next chapter in the remarkable life and career of Allison Fisher—“The Duchess of Doom.”

Give Allison, Mark & Mike some feedback via Text.

Support the show

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.”