Advertise on podcast: Pod Laver Arena

In a sickening display, @comedymikegoldstein gushes over the Paris Masters like he's in love or something, while Lizzy marvels at the traditional Kazakhstani garb worn by Almaty winner, Daniil 'The Real Deal' Medvedev. The two also heap praise on Elena Rybakina, say goodbye to Stan Wawrinka, and examine the decision to declare Ayna Sabalenka 'The World's Most Marketable Athlete' for 2026. Also, Lizzy admits she has never eaten a chicken parma and — in all honesty — I hate her for that. There's also a heap of harking back/reminiscing in this one, most likely because Mike is drunk. AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yeah, so... we're back! And it feels like we never left. Ahem. So, sit back and listen to Mike adroitly explain how PLA has risen from the albeit non-existent ashes. Along with co-host Slammin' Sam Taunton, the two knuckleheads discuss Fed's return to coaching, a weird Alex Eala statue, and ask the burning question: 'are male tennis players actually soy boys'? It's a serve of tennis, with a volley of jokes, followed by long, demoralising injury timeouts. Huge thanks to everyone who jammed Tennis Australia's switchboard with breathtakingly irate calls demanding our reinstatement. We see you. AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this harrowing episode, Mike and Lizzy tease the end of Pod Laver Arena as we know it. But... is there a shocking twist on the horizon? (spoiler alert: yes). The two tennis tragics analyse Rafael Jodar's hot temper, discuss the pitfalls of buying tennis balls from Temu, and lament the end of Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils' marriage. There are robots, that Quizzy Hoo thing we do, a Roger Federer-themed nod to the coronavirus and exclusive pics of Elena Rybakina's new puppy. And by "exclusive", I mean: widely available. But it's fun to imagine! Download and cram it in your ears. AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 privacy information.

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.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.