Best Michael Leander Podcasts (2025)

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Boldness for Changing History: A Retrospective on Arthur Ashe, Althea Gibson and Dr. Robert Johnson 33:36

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4h ago33:36

33:36

75 years ago this week, Althea Gibson broke the color barrier at the U.S. National Lawn Tennis Championships, becoming the first Black player permitted to compete. Her boldness set the stage for continued change, opening the door for Arthur Ashe's groundbreaking Wimbledon title and her own three major titles in the years to come. We revisit several…

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Live from the Induction Celebration with Chris Evert 18:08

10d ago18:08

18:08

Patrick McEnroe and the TennisWorthy Podcast hosted Hall of Famer Chris Evert live in the Fame Fest village at the Induction Celebration: a weekend full of festivities celebrating the Hall of Fame induction of Maria Sharapova and Bob & Mike Bryan. The legendary player turned broadcaster chatted with her friend and colleague McEnroe on a wide range …

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The Bryan Brothers on Tennis Roots, Sustaining Excellence and Each Other 38:40

13d ago38:40

38:40

Three days before they're officially inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, Bob and Mike Bryan detail their incredible career as arguably the greatest men's doubles team of all time. Chris Bowers and the twins share stories from their upbringing, which was immersed in tennis due to their parents, Wayne and Kathy Bryan. From a young ag…

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Maria Sharapova on Commitment, Competitiveness and Drive 30:12

15d ago30:12

30:12

It's induction week at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, and the TennisWorthy Podcast is celebrating the Class of 2025, Maria Sharapova and Bob & Mike Bryan. This week, we highlight their careers and accomplishments before they receive tennis' ultimate honor on August 23. In this episode, Patrick McEnroe and Chris Bowers chart Maria's career, …

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Episode #175 - Keith Lamar & Albert Marques 53:19

23d ago53:19

53:19

In 1989, Keith LaMar (aka Bomani Shakur) was sent to prison at age 19 for murder. He had been living in Cleveland, Ohio, where he sold drugs as a means of survival in the Crack-infested streets he knew as home. On a day that would forever change his life, Keith was robbed at gunpoint and exchanged gunfire with his robbers. He was shot twice in his …

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John Lloyd on Tennis' Golden Age and What Separates Good from Great 58:22

29d ago58:22

58:22

Take a trip back to the "most exciting decade in tennis" - the 1970s - with former player and current commentator John Lloyd. In this episode of the TennisWorthy podcast, Chris Bowers sits down with Lloyd, a major single, an Australian Open singles finalist, to discuss what separates a "good" player from a "great" one. Lloyd shares his unique persp…

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Andre Agassi on Bravery | TennisWorthy Moments 2:17

1M ago2:17

2:17

Andre Agassi made bravery a key part of his game, learning to use his elite ball-striking abilities to make gutsy shots and keep his opponents on their toes. Andre details what bravery means to him, and how tennis can test character more than any other sport. This episode is part of the International Tennis Hall of Fame's TennisWorthy short-form se…

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Charlie Pasarell on Arthur Ashe | TennisWorthy Moments 1:50

2M ago1:50

1:50

In the aftermath of the 50th anniversary of Arthur Ashe's groundbreaking Wimbledon title, Charlie Pasarell remembers the champion. Before they were at the top of the game, they were friends and teammates. Charlie reflects on Arthur's impact beyond tennis. This episode is part of the International Tennis Hall of Fame's TennisWorthy short-form series…

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Leander Paes on Tennis Transcending Sport 59:04

2M ago59:04

59:04

In this insightful episode of the TennisWorthy Podcast, Chris Bowers interviews Class of 2024 Hall of Famer and 18-time major champion Leander Paes. Beyond his remarkable career as one of tennis's greatest doubles players, Paes shares profound life lessons that transcend the sport. Discover how a childhood dream of owning an ice cream factory led h…

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Episode #174: Charlie Rosen 41:30

2M ago41:30

41:30

Rosen has been hailed by The New York Times as “insanely ambitious,” “a sort of bridge between genres and generations, embracing Broadway standards, pop songs and the music of Tetris.” Broadway World hailed his orchestrations for “Some Like it Hot” — co-written with Bryan Carter — as “explosive… another first-rate team.” Opined JazzTimes of the 8-B…

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Michael Stich on Confidence | TennisWorthy Moments 2:04

2M ago2:04

2:04

In 1991, Michael Stich was a relative unknown, seeded sixth at Wimbledon where he powered through to meet three-time champion Boris Becker. The match was the first all-German major final in the Open Era. This episode is part of the International Tennis Hall of Fame's TennisWorthy short-form series. View more TennisWorthy stories at tennisfame.com/t…

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Roland-Garros Roundtable with Chris Bowers, Joel Drucker and Blair Henley 52:21

3M ago52:21

52:21

In a special roundtable edition, Chris Bowers, Blair Henley, and Joel Drucker relive the magic that was 2025 Roland-Garros. The panel dissects the "match for the ages" between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, highlighting its clash of styles and inherent drama. The trio discuss what Joel views as three key elements for a "magical" match: a high-st…

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Stan Smith on the rise of Björn Borg | TennisWorthy Moments 1:41

3M ago1:41

1:41

Stan Smith saw it coming. The world saw it coming. But no one knew it would happen that fast. In what felt like an instant, a 17 year old Björn Borg went from a promising young star to a dominating force in the sport. By 1974, the future of tennis had arrived. This episode is part of the International Tennis Hall of Fame's TennisWorthy short-form s…

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Justine Henin on Living Dreams | TennisWorthy Moments 1:42

3M ago1:42

1:42

Hall of Famer Justine Henin knew from a young age that her dream was to become a champion, in particular at Roland-Garros. She went on to win the tournament four times as part of a decorated career, making sacrifices and staying true to her dream all the while. This episode is part of the International Tennis Hall of Fame's TennisWorthy short-form …

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Celebrating Mary Pierce's Roland-Garros Title, 25 Years On 54:03

3M ago54:03

54:03

In the 25th anniversary year of her milestone Roland-Garros singles title, the TennisWorthy Podcast revisits one of its original episodes with Hall of Famer Mary Pierce. Mary discusses her remarkable career and personal journey with Chris Bowers. Pierce reflects on her early start in tennis, turning pro at 14, and attributes her success to persever…

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Rick Draney on Finding a Renewed Sense of Purpose through Tennis 1:01:52

3M ago1:01:52

1:01:52

Chris Bowers sits down for an inspiring interview with Rick Draney, a remarkable individual inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2023 as a wheelchair tennis champion and pioneer. Draney shares his powerful journey, which began with a car crash at 19 that left him in a wheelchair. He candidly discusses the struggles of adapting to a new life and how di…

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Michael Chang on Persistence | TennisWorthy Moments 3:17

3M ago3:17

3:17

As protestors insisted on their rights in Tiananmen Square, Hall of Famer Michael Chang persisted in one of the hardest matches of his career: battling defending champion Ivan Lendl through cramps and doubt in the fourth round at 1989 Roland-Garros. This episode is part of the International Tennis Hall of Fame's TennisWorthy short-form series. View…

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Episode #1 of "Umm... Make Money Online" podcast 3:27

3M ago3:27

3:27

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Episode #173: Gabriela Martina & Maxim Lubarsky 26:13

3M ago26:13

26:13

Gabriela Martina (CH) and Maxim Lubarsky (UA) have been playing together in different musical settings since 2009 and formed this duo officially back in 2019. They both are vivid performers who seek to approach music as a whole, defying any specific style or genre. The project “Explorations in Sound” aims at creating compositions in the moment from…

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Amit Sood on Preserving Tennis and Cultural Heritage with Google Arts & Culture 19:57

4M ago19:57

19:57

Patrick McEnroe welcomes Amit Sood, head of Google Arts & Culture, to discuss Google's partnership with the International Tennis Hall of Fame. McEnroe highlights Google's work in digitizing the "American Lawn Tennis" magazine from the early 1900s, making this valuable historical resource accessible online on Google Arts & Culture's platform. Sood e…

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Episode #172: Sean Imoden 48:51

4M ago48:51

48:51

Sean Imboden is an American saxophonist and composer. Sean has released three albums as a leader, the most recent being Communal Heart by the Sean Imboden Large Ensemble. His music pioneers forward-thinking, original compositions, and presents cutting-edge live performances. Sean has performed and recorded with GRAMMY-winning artists and jazz lumin…

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Dana Mathewson on Embracing Setbacks, and the Highs and Lows 32:13

4M ago32:13

32:13

Host Patrick McEnroe interviews Dana Mathewson, a celebrated wheelchair tennis player and the first American woman to win a major wheelchair title in doubles. Dana shares her journey into tennis, which began after a rare autoimmune disease left her paralyzed at age 10. The conversation explores themes of overcoming setbacks, the importance of resil…

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Dedication Defined: How Virgina Wade, Goran Ivanisevic and Justine Henin Overcame the Odds 45:59

4M ago45:59

45:59

This month, the TennisWorthy Podcast explores the theme of dedication, and how champions overcame various challenges in the lives and careers to reach the top. Hear inspiring stories of dedication from three Hall of Famers from the Open Era – Virginia Wade, Goran Ivanišević and Justine Henin – who faced significant journeys to achieve their major g…

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Esther Vergeer on Inspiration | TennisWorthy Moments 1:56

4M ago1:56

1:56

Hall of Famer and 48-time major champion Esther Vergeer shares her story of inspiration. After becoming paralyzed at age 8, Esther discovered a love of sport through her rehabilitation process. Following a record-setting wheelchair tennis career, Esther has found her mission in providing opportunities for children with a disability to access and pa…

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Conchita Martinez on Legacy | TennisWorthy Moments 2:19

4M ago2:19

2:19

Spanish tennis greats weren't necessarily known for their success on grass before Conchita Martinez made the final at Wimbledon in 1994. Conchita shares the emotions behind her Wimbledon title, and how establishing her legacy on Centre Court paved the way for her to make and impact in coaching some of the greats of the next generation. This episode…

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Episode #171: Lizzie Lee 35:22

4M ago35:22

35:22

Lizzie Lee is a genre-defying vocalist blending classical precision with the soul and spontaneity of New York’s jazz tradition. Her voice—praised for its rich color and “acrobatics and élan”—offers a bold reinterpretation of the American Songbook and beyond. Raised in Alaska and trained in Paris and New York, Lizzie brings a rare combination of glo…

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Testing Traditions and Tennis' Ever-Changing Landscape with Gigi Fernandez 27:56

5M ago27:56

27:56

Host Patrick McEnroe catches up with Hall of Famer Gigi Fernandez, discussing her career in the framework of tradition. Patrick and Gigi go behind the scenes at Wimbledon and the other Majors, sharing stories and memories of their favorite traditions in tennis, such as wearing white at Wimbledon, the evolution of night tennis, and the debate over b…

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Balancing Tradition and Progress: The Evolution of the Majors 33:58

5M ago33:58

33:58

In April, we explore the delicate balance between tradition and progress in the world of tennis, focusing on the four major tournaments: Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and US Open. Each tournament, while steeped in history, has had to adapt to the changing times. Chris Bowers delves into the decisions behind venue changes, like the Aust…

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Pioneering Women's Professional Tennis with Rosie Casals, Judy Tegart Dalton and Ann Jones 51:30

5M ago51:30

51:30

In 2021, the International Tennis Hall of Fame inducted the Original 9, pioneers who signed $1 contracts in 1970 to create the first women's tennis tour. Facing challenges, they paved the way for equity in sports. Rosie Casals, Judy Tegart Dalton, and Ann Jones reflect on those early years with Blair Henley, discussing their risks, timing, and behi…

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Episode #170: Elio Villafranca 53:46

5M ago53:46

53:46

Born in the Pinar del Río province of Cuba, Steinway Artist, Grammy Nominated, and 2014 Jalc Millennium Swing Award! recipient pianist and composer Elio Villafranca was classically trained in percussion and composition at the Instituto Superior de Arte in Havana, Cuba. Since he arrived in the U.S. in mid-1995, Elio Villafranca has been at the fore…

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Episode #169: Pritesh Walia 57:44

5M ago57:44

57:44

Pritesh Walia is a virtuoso jazz guitarist, accomplished composer, and dedicated educator hailing from the vibrant city of New Delhi, India. His musical journey began at the age of 13 when he immersed himself in the rich traditions of Indian Classical Music. Fueling his insatiable curiosity for music, Pritesh sought Western influences, pursuing a l…

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How the Original 9's Independence Revolutionized Women's Tennis 26:24

6M ago26:24

26:24

In celebration of Women's History Month, we dive into one of the most pivotal moments in tennis history—the story of the Original 9. In 1970, nine courageous women, led by Billie Jean King and Gladys Heldman, signed $1 contracts and risked their careers to revolutionize women’s tennis. Facing discrimination and a male-dominated tennis establishment…

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Episode #168: Michael Buckley 56:26

6M ago56:26

56:26

Regarded as the most important and influential musician on the Irish jazz scene, saxophonist/flutist and composer Michael Buckley has been playing professionally since the age of six when critics hailed him as a child prodigy. Born in Dublin city in 1971 Michael first came to prominence on an International level when, aged 10, he played flute with …

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Remembering Hall of Famer Fred Stolle 15:42

6M ago15:42

15:42

Chris Bowers hosts special episode of the TennisWorthy Podcast as we pay tribute to Australian tennis legend Fred Stolle, who passed earlier this week at 86. In an interview recorded at Roland Garros in 2018, Fred reflects on his remarkable career—his rise from humble beginnings, Grand Slam triumphs, clashes with the legendary Harry Hopman, and his…

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Cliff Drysdale's Insight into Professional Tennis' Past, Present and Future 37:42

6M ago37:42

37:42

Hall of Famer Cliff Drysdale joins the TennisWorthy Podcast ahead of Indian Wells to explore his legendary impact on the sport and talk current tennis happenings with host Patrick McEnroe. From his early days as a top-ranked player to his role in founding the ATP, Drysdale shares behind-the-scenes stories about the fight for player rights and the e…

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Episode #167: Aubrey Logan 45:36

6M ago45:36

45:36

Trombone-playing singer-songwriter Aubrey Logan hails from the picturesque surroundings near Seattle, WA. Raised by her two music-educator parents, she began her artistic endeavors as a child singing in theatre and in church, Thoughtful songwriters like Billy Joel & Carole King influenced her early childhood via her singing mother and trumpet-playi…

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Reliving Arthur Ashe's Barrier-Breaking 1975 Wimbledon Title with Richard Evans and Charlie Pasarell 44:50

6M ago44:50

44:50

February's theme of boldness continues with an insightful conversation surrounding Arthur Ashe's milestone Wimbledon title in 1975, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Host Patrick McEnroe relives the tournament and events surrounding it with two Hall of Famers who were there, Charlie Pasarell and Richard Evans. The discussion explores…

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Episode #166: Yaron Herman 49:40

7M ago49:40

49:40

Yaron Herman is a celebrated French-Israeli jazz pianist and composer, widely recognized for his innovative approach to the piano and his ability to blend jazz with influences from classical music, world music, and pop. Born on July 12, 1981, in Tel Aviv, Israel, he initially pursued a career in basketball before an injury led him to the piano at t…

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Introducing the TennisWorthy Podcast 1:00

7M ago1:00

1:00

What makes a Hall of Famer? What is that unique something that led to their historic success? Was it innate? Or did they need to cultivate a winning mindset? TennisWorthy, a podcast presented by the International Tennis Hall of Fame and hosted by Patrick McEnroe, seeks to answer these questions and uncover what it takes to become the greatest of ch…

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Episode #165: Russell Hall 54:28

7M ago54:28

54:28

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Russell Hall migrated to the United States in 2007 where his double bass studies progressed quickly through the rigorous programs of The Dillard Center for the Arts and The Juilliard School. Russell deeply understands the jazz tradition, having studied with many of the double bass world's most renowned artists including R…

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Pat Rafter on How His Tenacity Led to Career-Defining Moments 29:34

7M ago29:34

29:34

Host Patrick McEnroe caught up with newly appointed Laver Cup Team World Vice Captain and Hall of Famer Pat Rafter in Melbourne. On site at the Australian Open, the pair wasted no time delving into January's subject of tenacity, and how digging deep played a massive role in some of Rafter's biggest moments on court. McEnroe and Rafter discuss how R…

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Tenacity with Pete Sampras and Hana Mandlíková 17:51

8M ago17:51

17:51

Season 3 of the TennisWorthy Podcast is here, just in time for the Australian swing and welcomes a new host in ITHF President and ESPN commentator Patrick McEnroe. Patrick and Chris Bowers bring two stories from Hall of Famers Hana Mandlíková and Pete Sampras. In reliving two key moments from their careers, Mandlíková and Sampras focus on their men…

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The Psychology of Tennis 18:40

8M ago18:40

18:40

The TennisWorthy Podcast revisits Season 2 to close the year, featuring some of our favorite topics and legends. Today we're focusing on the psychology of tennis, which is not solely about psychology, but about dealing with pressure, keeping emotions at the right level, and generally looking after a player's mental health, which is becoming a more …

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Pivotal History Makers 24:54

9M ago24:54

24:54

The TennisWorthy Podcast revisits Season 2, featuring some of our favorite topics and legends. In this episode, we hear about making a different kind of history from Hall of Famers Ken Rosewall, Cliff Drysdale, Rosie Casals, Judy Tegart-Dalton and Ann Jones. Three of the interviews in Season 2 featured five history makers from that pivotal time in …

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Living a Balanced Life 13:51

9M ago13:51

13:51

The TennisWorthy Podcast revisits Season 2 to close the year, featuring some of our favorite topics and legends. Today we're going to take some excerpts from the interviews we launched this year on the theme of a balanced life. Hear from Hall of Famers Gabriela Sabatini, Jim Courier and Kim Clijsters on how they set priorities during their careers.…

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Episode #164: Donald Vega 1:02:41

9M ago1:02:41

1:02:41

Donald Vega was trained classically in piano in his native Nicaragua. He emigrated to the United States at age 14 and found a musical home with the Colburn School of Performing Arts (CSPA). He began his studies there in classical piano with Teresa de Jong Pombo and Dr. Louis Lepley. Vega started to learn the language of jazz from mentor Billy Higgi…

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Developing as Junior Players 15:51

9M ago15:51

15:51

The TennisWorthy Podcast revisits Season 2 to close the year, featuring some of our favorite topics and legends. Today, host Chris Bowers focuses on the development of champions as junior players. In most of our interviews with champions, we've asked the question, what were you doing as a junior that made you win matches against fellow juniors, who…

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Episode #163: Corey Bernhard 47:02

9M ago47:02

47:02

Keyboardist, producer, composer and house musician for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’s band, Corey Bernhard will release his sophomore solo full-length album exploring themes of faith, God, love, and loss, A Blessed Leap into Eternity via Birdbrain Records on January 24, 2025. The seven original songs on the album are a sprawling, experimental…

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Episode #162: Benjamin Makinen 1:04:34

9M ago1:04:34

1:04:34

Ben Makinen is an award-winning filmmaker, music producer, composer, and percussionist with over 40 years of experience in film, television, theater, and music production. A voting member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMYS), he is known for his compelling documentaries that explore the rich interplay between music and culture. Ben has produced two a…

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Episode #161: Koki Nakano 28:41

10M ago28:41

28:41

Koki Nakano is a composer and a pianist, born in 1988 in Fukuoka, Japan. After graduating Music High School at Toho Gakuen School of Music in Tokyo, he enrolled at the composition department of Tokyo University of the Arts. He has performed recitals at the Louvre and the Théâtre du Châtelet (Paris), Cadogan Hall (London), Lincoln Center (New York).…