The GreatBase Tennis Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

On the 211th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith has a conversation with Mike Valentine and Mike McLaughlin. The three old men all worked for the late Vic Braden. 

Mike and Mike recently made the journey to the Wintergreen Resort in Wintergreen, Virginia to observe and contribute to Steve's students. They left assured that Steve and his students are still honoring the work of the late Vic Braden. 

The trio reminisce and reflect upon the genius of Braden. By listening, one is assured of laughing and learning.

The life story of Arnaud Guillemard is definitely different. Be ready to go from island living to Paris, college tennis to the oil fields, education to being a young parent, and directing junior and high school tennis tournaments.

Arnaud is Steve Smith's guest on the 210th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast. Ironically 210 is the area code of San Antonio, Texas, the place where Arnaud resides with his wife and two children. 

By listening one will collect more golden nuggets for their tennis treasure chest. Just as important as the pearls of wisdom learned from life lessons are the laughs enjoyed and the perspectives gained.

Thanks for listening.

Tribute to Jim Poling
1949-2024

Our condolences to Jim's wife, Marianne, and their children, Matthew, Lilian, and Karl. Our thoughts also go out to their family members and their close friends.

On the 201st episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith discusses his connection with Jim.

Roger Federer Retires

On the 111th episode of the GreatBaseTennis podcast, Steve Smith and Andres Barbosa discuss Roger Federer's remarkable tennis career. Words cannot sufficiently define the class, elegance and beauty of Roger the person and Roger the player.

His life, both on-court and off-court, has truly been an inspiration. Thank you, Roger. 

On the 110th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith has a conversation with John Posey.

Posey was the kid that every tennis program needs. He was cut from his college tennis team and returned a year later after having dedicated endless hours to   improve and, fortunately, earned a spot in line-up. 

One of the best compliments for parents to hear is that their kid is low maintenance. Google low maintenance and a photo of Posey should pop up. His shoulder bag was a garbage bag. He would hit balls until both his shoes and socks had holes and his toes were bleeding. On his day off, he would hit the backboard from sun-up to sun-down. 

To make an understatement, we feel our listeners can find great value by listening to Steve and John reminisce. 

On the 109th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith has an in-depth conversation with Patrick Geoffrion-Amorim. Steve's guest, Patrick, is a passionate and dedicated tennis teaching professional based in Quebec, Canada.

As a junior player, Patrick trained at numerous academies in both Florida and Spain as well as in his native Canada. Patrick played college tennis at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Currently he works at CDL tennis club in Montreal.

Patrick speaks from the heart and tells a story that should be heard by players, parents and coaches.

On the 108th episode of the GreatBase Tennis (GBT) podcast, Steve Smith and Austin Krajicek have a tennis conversation. The two have known each other for twenty-five years. A couple of weeks before Austin turned 8 years old, Steve produced a narrated slow-motion analysis for Austin and his parents, Rob and Sherry. Austin was on his way to a national event (Little Mo). Steve suggested that the family wait until they return from the tournament for Austin to begin the process to re-building his technical base. 

 To make an understatement, Austin has an extremely impressive resume. He is a Kalamazoo (US national 18's) champion, a six time All-American, a member of the Texas A & M Hall of Fame and a US Olympian. In singles, Austin earned a top 100 ranking. In doubles, he currently is ranked 15 in the world. Most recently, he and his partner (Ivan Dodig) reached the French Open finals.

We are confident that our audience will thoroughly enjoy listening to this podcast. Austin certainly knows his way around the tennis world and has an abundance of tennis and life experiences to share.

On the 107th episode of the GreatBase Tennis (GBT) podcast, Steve Smith interviews Henry Park.

Henry discovered our free educational content by surfing the Internet. He immersed himself in the information starting at the age of thirteen. Now a little more than three years later, he has a story to tell.  

Self-learning and peer teaching are cornerstones of the GBT tennis curriculum. A quote from the late Vic Braden applies, "Never underestimate the capacity of the learner."  We are confident that our listeners will find Henry and his story to be refreshing and inspiring.

On the 106th episode of the GreatBase Tennis (GBT) podcast, Steve Smith talks tennis with Dave Secker.

Dave Secker and his boss, head coach Simon Earnshaw, are orchestrating a tennis success story that is getting better and better. Dave updates and reports on the North Carolina State women's tennis team. The team's climb has been fast and fabulous. 

Dave, who was previously a guest on the GBT podcast, shares invaluable tips, insightful wisdom and a few laughs. We are confident that our listeners will thoroughly enjoy a second-go-around with Dave.

 On the 105th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith interviews Ed Weiss.

To make an understatement, Ed is a passionate and dedicated student of tennis. He shares his experiences from his lifetime journey in tennis. He learned the game from accomplished instructors and observed others. Ed was part of a national championship program as a college player and was honored as an All-American. He has had an instrumental role in building a program for underprivileged children, coached high school tennis, read hundreds of tennis books and written a fabulous book on Welby Van Horn.

With great humility, Ed wondered why I would want to interview him? After talking with Mr. Weiss on the phone for years and then working with his associates and him in Connecticut, I knew his story would be enjoyable for our listeners and that his wisdom would prove to be more golden nuggets for one's tennis treasure chest.