Podcast · Sport

Pod Laver Arena

by Tennis Australia · English · Sport

What happens when tennis and fun collide at high speeds? The answer is: Pod Laver Arena. It’s tennis news, hot gossip and a bevy of unforced errors, hosted by comedians Mike Goldstein and Lizzy Hoo. We chat to the world’s best players, explore the AO with an ‘all access pass’, and probably get int

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 43 min
Latest: 14 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

14 Oct 2026 · 44 minNew

THE AO 2027 OYSTER INCIDENT

In this hurly-burly ep, Mike reveals he was force-fed an oyster while blindfolded at the AO 2027 launch and Lizzy examines the deep parallels between Alexander Zverev's rise to world No.1 and Steven Bradbury's baffling gold medal victory at the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. They talk about what makes a great tennis 'celly', which players smashed their racquets in the most convincing manner, and perform a mind-bending analysis of all the hectic moustaches we're seeing lately (Carlos Alcaraz, we're looking at you). Also, there's a quiz question if you're into that sort of thing. AusOpen.com…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S1 · E57 · 8 Oct 2026 · 44 min
ALL EYEZ ON MEDVEDEV
This bumper edition of Pod Laver Arena features our first ever Crimestoppers Edition of Watch Watch and a comprehensive look at Daniil Medvedev's disqualification from the China Open for smacking a ball into a spectator's eyeball. Fun! Also, Mike pokes the bear by suggesting Aryna Sabalenka posts on Instagram too much and it's therefore affecting her game. I'm sure nothing bad will come of that. Also, come marvel at Terance Atmane chucking a wobbly, which in turn leads to him chucking his racquet. But did he damage a spectator's eyeball? Lend us your ears to find out. See…
S1 · E56 · 30 Sep 2026 · 34 min
A BANANA FOR EALA
In this episode, Mike freely admits to dropping Alex Eala's name at a Filipino wedding to win people over and Lizzy sees the milky beauty in Morgan Riddle's perfume bottle. Andre Agassi reminds everyone why he is still the tennis world's favourite drunk uncle, Andrey Rublev turns on the charm for his Chinese fans, and André the Giant didn't play tennis, but if he did, I bet he'd be hard to pass at the net. This is Pod Laver Arena, and we hope you like it. Stay fresh. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E55 · 23 Sep 2026 · 29 min
ALEX EALA'S WANDERING DAD
Lizzy is back and falls into line immediately. She and Mike discuss how Andy Murray has sewn up the lucrative shortbread market and reminisce about the time Alex Eala's dad came into the PLA studio just to have a 'sticky beak'. Against all odds, they hit on a winning formula for a new themed Australian Open cocktail, and they trial a bold new segment called Game, Set, Hats! It was actually passable! And you can't ask for anything more than that. Download it and shove it in your ears. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E54 · 17 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 2 min
SAUSAGE ZVEREV SLIPS UP
As Alexander Zverev lifts high the US Open trophy, our hosts Mike and Sam call him out on a few things like: Why didn't he know he'd won? Why did he give away his gameplan secrets in the presser? And why did someone refer to him as 'Sausage'? They also lament the loss of oversized novelty cheques - remember those?! It's tennis chat, with several code violations. This is Pod Laver Arena. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E53 · 10 Sep 2026 · 47 min
TEARS FOR TIAFOE
Grand Slam tennis has finally its toll on perennial hardman Mike Goldstein, as he admits that Frances Tiafoe and the US Open have reduced him to a blubbering mess. Today, he's joined by crooner and cocktail aficionado Oliver Clark, who's also on the verge of tears but for very different, very personal reasons. The pair talk about how this year's US Open is capturing hearts with a robust display of on-court play and how it's also raising eyebrows with an equally robust display of drinking and weed-smoking from rowdy but loveable fans. Sports, man! AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify…
S1 · E52 · 3 Sep 2026 · 52 min
NOVAK vs FATHER TIME
The US Open is underway, but that's nothing compared to the news that... MIKE IS IN THE NOVAK DJOKOVIC 'The Wolf in Winter' DOCUMENTARY (albeit for 3-4 seconds)! Which means he's now an Amazon Prime star, which means he's now in the running to be the next 007, obviously. Also, tennis chat includes but is not limited to subjects such as: gee it's great have Carlos Alcaraz back and to see his nipples, gee it's great to see Aryna Sabalenka getting salty at a journalist, and why oh why is the US Open selling six nuggets for $100 and CAN I HAVE SOME?! AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify…
S1 · E51 · 26 Aug 2026 · 40 min
RAFA JODAR & THE ABOMINABLE GARBAGE GRAVY
Tennis tragic Mike and baseline brawler Sam rip into all the news and shocking moments from the tennis-sphere, with erotic results. Is global warming affecting Novak's current fitness? Rather than entering official tournaments, would a nice WhatsApp group chat between players be a better way to schedule matches? Also, we go where no other pod would go: a full analysis of Rafa Jodar's constantly-snapping shoelaces and his pathway to a full Velcro solution. This is what greatness looks like. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E50 · 20 Aug 2026 · 52 min
GIMME SHELTON
Tennis-head Mike is joined by professional agitator, Sam Taunton as they break down Canada, and also break down emotionally. We celebrate Ben Shelton's win, and laud Brandon Nakashima's excellent ability to throw shade on entire cities. We also marvel at Iga Świątek because she just bossed the final in Toronto and called out the haters. We hope to find the courage to do the same one day. Hey, this is our 50th episode! So, if you missed us the first 49 times or just thought we sucked, you should definitely tune in now as we've finally gotten it right! Love you. See omnystudio.com/listener for…
S1 · E49 · 13 Aug 2026 · 51 min
THE NOTE EPISODE
Mike and Sam (now mad with power) delve into what makes great tennis trash talk and how a player apologising after hitting the net cord is dumb. They also chat about actual tennis stuff - which might appeal to you, if you're into that sort of thing. Mike also freely admits that he would play in a match against Alex Eala just for the bump he'd get in Insta followers. What a pathetic man. Anyway, it was Rod Laver's birthday recently and so we sang him a lovely song. He requested something from the Backstreet Boys, so we obliged. Onya Rod! AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See…
S1 · E48 · 6 Aug 2026 · 53 min
CORNROWS FOR M'LADY?
While Lizzy is off pursuing her dreams or something, Sam Taunton graces us with his presence and sassy mouth. He and Mike get lost in a labyrinth of cornrows, fedoras and tennis adjacent ramblings. We marvel at Alex Eala's recent victory and whet our whistles at the impending triumphant return of Bernie Tomic and some guy named Alcaraz. Oh, and Sam freely admits he violated the terms of his Tennis Australia contract by speaking directly to players (namely: Taylor Fritz) in the corridors after their AO matches. All his wages are henceforth garnished. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify…
S1 · E47 · 30 Jul 2026 · 43 min
MILO AND IBIZA
In the last show before Lizzy embarks on a stint at the Edinburgh Fringe, she and Mike share stories of fans in the wild, questionable opinions on Milo and Ibiza, plus plenty of laughs. They break down the latest on-court drama, where a match point is spoiled and then saved, discuss live results from DC, US Open predictions and wander off on a few hilarious musical tangents along the way. With giant phones replacing novelty cheques and rumours swirling about Matteo Berrettini and Peggy Gou, this episode has it all. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener…
S1 · E46 · 23 Jul 2026 · 49 min
TENNIS AND THE LORD OF FASHION
Mike and Lizzy go rogue with some top of the pod beats. Lizzy dared to 'dis' the Carlos and his long locks. How dare she! She wants him to get a haircut. The pod pair continue to champion Bernie Tomic's challenging journey and drill down on the Karolina Muchova 'mystery' procedure. It was hard to miss the GOAT! Novak Djokovic goes wild with his Lone Wolf 'cry for help'. And, Mike and Lizzy get some fashion tips from in-house and in-vogue 'Lord of Fashion' Jonathan Lee. If you want to elevate a tracksuit, he's your guy (well him and Novak). He spoke about the 'Big Five' when it comes to AO…
S1 · E45 · 15 Jul 2026 · 43 min
THAT'S TENNIS!
Wimbledon is Wimble-dover! So, our hosts crack open a JD can and chomp into a Chiko Roll while dissecting the entire tournament. Is Novak done? How did Noskova come back like that? Why do they keep making Jannik Sinner dance against his will? Also did you see the hat that Jennifer Lopez wore? It's almost like she cares for no one but herself. There's also an admission from Mike that he did indeed spend $400 on an Andre Agassi pickleball paddle. What a chump. It's the podcast that - time and time again - reminds you of that phrase to live by: "That's tennis!" AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts…
S1 · E44 · 9 Jul 2026 · 55 min
HOT TAKES AND WARM CREAM
Mike and Lizzy are running on adrenaline and courage - and a little bit of whisky - as they slice into the biggest moments to come out of Wimbledon so far. There's also a scorching hot take on the tournament's ridiculous 11pm curfew, some chatter about excessive post-win celebrations (think: bicep kissing) and a full analysis of Flavio Cobolli's trips to the dunny. Also, our hosts make a great case for Alex de Minaur to exorcise his demons by dancing on stage with Bad Bunny. You know it makes sense. Listen now! AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for…
S1 · E43 · 2 Jul 2026 · 36 min
PARISIAN NIGHT SUITS
A Wimbledon preview with slam poetry, tennis adjacent stories and the long-awaited return of Watch Watch. The guys try to read the mind of Jannik Sinner and also marvel at the bold rapping stylings of Dominic Thiem. Also is Novak's yoga pose as strong as it could be in the new Lacoste commercial? It's a valid question and we attempt to answer it in everyone's favourite tennis pod (if you don't count the like, 18 that are ahead of us), Pod Laver Arena! AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E42 · 25 Jun 2026 · 40 min
WILD THINGS
Serena Williams has a Wimbledon wildcard and the news is sending us all loopy. Mike takes the opportunity to vent about a stranger sitting too close to him on a plane. And Lizzy questions the necessity of naming an asteroid after Jannik Sinner. Was Corentin Moutet's $40,000 fine too harsh? Is Aryna Sabalenka tweaking? We answer none of these questions and more! Come for the Indiana Jones reference, stay for the Chiko Roll chaser. It's Pod Laver Arena, people. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E41 · 18 Jun 2026 · 33 min
TENNIS ADJACENT
Comedians Mike Goldstein and Lizzy Hoo talk all things grass season and try to solve the bone-chilling mystery of 'Why Were There Loose Coins in the Shower?' Watch in disgust as the butcher the pronunciation of the names of several international tournaments, and then decide once and for all which sport is harder to play: Tennis or Golf? The answer, will shock you. It definitely shocked me. It's Pod Laver Arena! The only podcast that's been asked to record on the lawn of the White House (we declined the offer)! AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for…
S1 · E40 · 11 Jun 2026 · 40 min
FROZEN TOMATOES
Mike and Lizzy reflect on Roland Garros and compare Flavio Cobolli's overhead smash technique to that of Mike's aunty Linda. They then effortlessly transition into offending the entire Kingdom of Great Britain with some dubious accent work and cultural digs. But you simply have to listen to hear Mike's very special idea to ask tennis players to let him stay in their hotel rooms once they're eliminated from a tournament. It's goofball stuff and, like most things in this tennis podcast, it's not well thought-through. Come and get bagel'd by us. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube…
S1 · E39 · 4 Jun 2026 · 43 min
A NET POSITIVE
Sam and Lizzy cannot get enough of the spicy affair that is: Roland Garros 2026! Dodgy line calls, soiled shorts, and a player whose frenetic legs have reached the coveted 'Quick Sticks' power rating. It's everything we ever dreamed. Plus, we have an extra delicious helping of Bernie Tomic hijinks, and we make a pitch for Tennis Australia's new CEO to send us to Vegas. Will he do it?! Either way, it's all a net positive. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E38 · 29 May 2026 · 36 min
TEENY TINY SMILES
Comedians Mike Goldstein and Lizzy Hoo are on the scene to blubber about Roland Garros drama, and brag about their recent viral video success (dissing Pickleball/Mike's mile-high drunken run-in, etc). They examine Naomi Osaka's recent fashion choices, the beauty of allowing humans to make contentious line calls in the French, and the creepy little smile that Jannik Sinner does in his new Gucci commercial. It's tennis news, commentary and fun - and it's big in Sweden for some reason! AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E37 · 21 May 2026 · 42 min
HUGHESY, WE HAVE A PODCAST
At first, we thought a vagrant had got past security, but the more he spoke, we realised... IT WAS NONE OTHER THAN COMEDY LEGEND/TENNIS AFICIONADO DAVE HUGHES! He joins hosts Mike and Lizzy to talk about his red-hot love of the game, and to brag about all the times he's sat front row at Australian Open finals. Hear about the time he was part of Roger Federer's hype crew, and also about the time he saw Adam Hills' foot melt while playing a set in 42-degree heat. You know what? It's actually really quite entertaining. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See…
S1 · E36 · 14 May 2026 · 44 min
COURTNEY TENNIS LATELY?
Tennis journalist and all-round lovely bloke, Courtney Walsh sits down the Pod Laver crew before he flies to Roland Garros. It's a French Open preview that asks all the big questions! Who's in form? Who's not doing so great? What's with the panama hats? How do you pronounce "Jodar"? If you love to French, then so do we. Or should that be oui oui?! No, just checked, oui oui means yes yes. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E34 · 7 May 2026 · 46 min
SABA THE HUTT
Mike and Sam are back, and many people are now saying these two knuckleheads are culturally more important to tennis than The Woodies and Rod Laver combined. Not me though, I would never say that. They talk Madrid, Sinner's dominance and the appropriateness of Marta Kostyuk's celebratory backflip. There's also wild Alcaraz wrist injury speculation, blatant ethnic stereotyping, and a May the Fourth-themed guessing game that will leave the whole family horrified. All jokes aside, it's actually pretty funny. So stop reading this slop and go listen! AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify…
S1 · E33 · 27 Apr 2026 · 39 min
HUNKY PIRATES AHOY
Join Pinder Award-winning comedian Lizzy Hoo, as she passes judgement on fellow comedian Mike Goldstein's deplorable on-court behaviour. The guys also dig into the fallout from Flavio Cobolli telling his girlfriend she is not welcome back to his games, and question why no one has yet noticed that giant American Patrick Kypson resembles a hunky pirate. Oh, and did you see that photo of Trump standing in front of the Georgia women's team? Yes, we go there... then seamless pivot to shining a spotlight on Nick Kyrgios's bald head (not literally - though that is a cool segment idea). There's also…
S1 · E32 · 18 Apr 2026 · 41 min
MONTE CARLO INSANE WINNRS
Join comedians and tennis-loving freaks Mike Goldstein, Lizzy Hoo and Sam Taunton as they slice up the week's tennis. The guys have - quite understandably - lost their minds at the year's first matchup of Sinner v Alcaraz in the Monte Carlo final. We also marvel at the ferocious tennis racquet-smashing abilities of Daniil Medvedev. Man, that guy can really mangle a Tecnifibre! Oh, and the gang once again takes extreme pleasure in exposing fellow comedian Dave Hughes as a complete tennis fraud. We thank you for listening, and - just like Mirra Andreeva would - we also thank ourselves. You're…
S1 · E31 · 8 Apr 2026 · 35 min
IT AIN'T STOSUR 'TIL IT'S STOSUR
OMG, the humanity! Mike and Sam become quivering wrecks in the presence of Aussie tennis greatness. In this very special edition of Pod Laver Arena, they talk to the heroic captain of Australia's Billie Jean King Cup team — none other than Samantha Stosur! Watch in awe, as Sam moves from genuine pity of our hosts to a general acceptance of their vapid buffoonery. The former world #4 spills all the beans on the upcoming BJK Cup clash and reveals whether local hero, Talia Gibson will embrace the nickname 'Gibbo' (can confirm it's no, no she will not). Oh, and Sam also harks back to the…
S1 · E30 · 3 Apr 2026 · 40 min
BADDIES AND BALL DADDIES
What happens in Miami... is up for full and frank discussion! Such as: why did Coco Gauff wear a hat? Also, in this bombastic episode, host Lizzy Hoo reveals that Monte Carlo — the place — is actually, a sh*thole. Hot take, Lizzy! We marvel at the tennis-themed wizardry of Jannik Sinner, and dive headfirst into the murky world of 'ball daddies' (fully grown ball kids). What we find will shock you. We also discuss Dr Rafael Nadal's impressive cloak, and chat in-studio to American gun, Jessica 'the JPEG' Pegula. Cancel your plans, stay in, and listen to this! You can use the skip…
S1 · E29 · 26 Mar 2026 · 49 min
LAUGH EMOJI LAUGH EMOJI
In this bone-rattling episode, we dig down dangerously into the Miami Open, at the exact same time of making fun of Mike's little moustache. We give a laser-focussed analysis of the Danielle Collins and Corentin Moutet SHORT KING DRAMA, and it ends with Lizzy speaking in a dubious French accent that no one enjoys. Sam gets bold and attacks the rat-like features of Alex de Minaur (game recognise game), comparing him to that of the bogan varietal. Oh, and Mike's Anagrams cements itself as the most dogsh*t segment we could ever dream up. Look... if you had a podcast, we'd listen to yours.…
S1 · E27 · 20 Mar 2026 · 45 min
IS SINNER THE BEST?!
Pod Laver Arena — the only tennis podcast in the world (please don't Google) — is back! Hosts Lizzy, Mike and Sam dive racquet-first into the week's tennis news, and also into things that are barely tennis news. Mike's been to Indian Wells and he crosses to us from a dingy room to talk about it (spoiler alert: Tommy Haas did not return his calls). The guys also examine Aryna Sabalenka's wonderful, heavenly, love-filled week that saw win a big tournament and get a little dog. Also Mike does his weekly anagram and it's every bit as rage-inducing as you can imagine. Oh, and Elina…

About Pod Laver Arena

Pod Laver Arena is a English sport podcast from Tennis Australia. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Tennis Australia
Language: English
Category: Sport
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 43 min
Latest episode: 14 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1447078646
Rights: 2026 Tennis Australia

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