I migrated from the essential tennis YouTube channel. Great content and insights

Love the episode where Kevin says bamdambam bamdambam. Hilarious! Love listening to the tennis banter!

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I started playing tennis three years ago. I have found a few podcasts about tennis techniques or about tour players. This is the first one that I found directed at players at my level. I am a 3.0 guy striving to get better. It is so nice to hear people talking to my level players and a bit above. In a realistic, honest, and straightforward manner. Great job, I look forward to more episodes in the future.

Really love listening to the tennis conversations from Ian and his Essential tennis group. They are on hiatus now at Indian wells or maybe Costa Rica and I’m suffering during my work commute without them. I’m in shankcast withdrawal! What I enjoy the most are the tennis topics that are really relevant to club level and amateur players. The tips and advice are helpful for every facet of the game like equipment, dealing with cheaters and how to get to the next level in your game! The group has great chemistry and I look forward to hearing more from them soon.

These are great! Love them!

I find myself laughing and thinking I am hanging out w friends who love tennis as much as me. Go Ian 💖🎾🔥 Just listened to 19 again I have started doing Yoga again. I feel so good!! Thank you

Great discussion on winning vs. losing as a driver. One thing that came to mind was something I heard Roger Federer say recently on a video clip: “It’s all about the silverware.” Totally supports that being back on top of the hill is his driver. I wonder if Rafa’s different? I think he might be. Steve T.

I’ve enjoyed Essential Tennis for a while now and just recently stumbled upon Shankcast. It’s nice to hear real world stories in a light-hearted tone. As a 3.0 (aspiring 3.5) club-level player, it’s good to know everyone has struggles. Keep up the good work and entertaining banter! JM Columbia SC

Love it. You guys really went down the rabbit hole on this one. Great discussion - thanks for taking up my topic suggestion. And special thanks to Kevin for the “LET’S GOOO!” at the tail end. 🤣 Lori

Funny/true conversations and informative

Up your game plus a little entertainment

Guys, u guys are rambling. Great topics. Horrible convo. Please tighten it up. How to quit a coach....u guys started with country club pro stuff. Heard it. Know if. Move on faster. Tell us how we can get what we want from a lesson tell us how to pick a coach. They are different. I’m trying hArd to like this podcast but guys, bottom line some of this stuff.

I’m so glad to see that Essential Tennis continues to push the envelope with its latest Shankcast offering. While it is great to see the ever-growing collection of as-expected online instruction, such as how to hit a bigger forehand or serve, this is the first time that I’ve seen an outlet dare take on outside-the-box tennis topics such as “Confronting a Tennis Sandbagger” and “Why Tennis Drives You Crazy”. Shankcast is what the tennis world needs right now.

I’ve enjoyed the Essential Tennis podcast for years. This new offering by Ian and the essential tennis staff (and guests) takes a light hearted look at the game from coaches and players at a high level of tennis but is not just focused on the astronomical level pro game or technique. It most often comes with a nod to amateur players and competitors and what they can learn from each other’s journey, from the perspective of three coaches, and a bit from the pro tour as well. I appreciate the semi structured approach so it isn’t too free form. I look forward to slightly shorter and tighter episodes especially ones that might profile a VIP student or two.

Fun trio of tennis professionals having an informative gabfest! Will share to friends in the MALT.

Great to hear these guys just sitting & talking. So much of my tennis podcast listening is about serious instruction & learning, which I love. But It’s nice to take a break and feel like I’m just in the middle of a bunch of friends talking.

Great podcast! Keep it up.

I’m a new tennis player (about a year into my new obsession/addiction) who first found Essential Tennis on YouTube then have since been soaking up the great info from all the the Essential Tennis podcast episodes.... Getting a chance to really hear the personalities of all three ET coaches on the Shankcast has been a fun change of pace, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the episodes thus far!

This podcast is not only funny and entertaining but it is also a great exploration into the mental, emotional and social aspects of tennis. Kevin, Megan and Ian fill that conversational void. I’m subscribed!

Love the show, keep it up. A light hearted look at the things in tennis that drive us crazy from multiple points of view.

I love this new podcast! I listen while driving, and it is like having my tennis friends along for the ride for a lively debate. The interplay between Ian, Megan, and Kevin is provocative but always fun and mutually respectful. You guys give me something to think about without telling me how to think. Keep it coming!

There’s tennis podcasts about how to play and there’s tennis podcasts that cover the pro tour. But Shankcast goes to a whole new place. Shankcast covers all of the topics you talk about with your friends: - Could you score on Serena Williams? - How do you deal with cheaters? - Is the underhand serve legit? - Is Kyrgios good for tennis? ...and much, much more... Your gateway episode is episode 8 about Tanking and Sandbagging with special guest Ira (we need more Ira on the Shankcast) Bottom line - If you love geeking out on tennis, you’ll love Shankcast! Get some!!

This show is entertaining and that is exactly what Ian, Kevin and Megan want. Yet, it really makes you think deeply about each topic. It tackles some of the most relevant, controversial, and thought provoking topics in tennis. The show starts off with a great question to get the conversation going and then it’s on. No one holds back on their opinions and I have caught myself interjecting my opinions, only to myself in the car. If you are an avid tennis fan then this podcast is for you. My favorite episode was about Serena, at first I thought heck yeah I could get a point off her, at the very least she would double fault once during the match. After listening to the show, I think differently. It’s obvious our hosts really know tennis. I would encourage you to subscribe to the show! It’s fun, very enjoyable and even insightful. Keep up the good work.

I’m enjoying your podcast. This is my first time to review a podcast. I feel I should be recording my response instead of typing it. I’m new to tennis ( playing 5 years). I think your show is good for beginners and veteran players.

Really enjoy listening to you all talk about the various topics, and getting your perspective. It helps reinforce the things I already do (such as set goals before a match, and during of things I want to accomplish) and ways I can continue to improve not only in my physical game but also mental game. It is great to hear not only from someone who is similar to me (Megan) but also from the perspective of Kevin and Ian as well. Great job! Looking forward to listening to many more.

My kids really started liking tennis after going to the Western Southern Open this year. Then we saw the reaction of Mr Kyrigios. We learned about the importance of sportsmanship and how not to act! We were pretty divided as a family as to is it ok to accidentally hit a doubles player! Your podcast cleared it up for us. At our next tennis match my son had one of his balls go to the feet of the net man and hit his foot. He simply raised his hand the other player raised his hand and my son returned back to serve the next point. Well done Ian.

So I listened to episodes # 1 # 5 # 6 #7 # 8 and am about to listen to # 9 the Megan & Kevin being married dynamic is interesting, they seem to think in 2 different directions with most things. Kevin makes detailed if meandering arguments, while Megan just flatly states the underhand serve is immoral without any rational. They must really be in love to drive each other crazy on such a regular basis, and Ian Is smack dab in the precarious middle. Anyway. I think that you all have found your groove and the show has improved since the 1st episodes. I feel like I’m right amongst some of my own friends having the same kind of conversations we have on the courts, and playfully arguing our own tennis world view. Keep it up, I’ll keep listening.

I often don’t like banter-based podcasts but with this one I kept laughing out loud. I’ve been listening to back episodes of the Tennis Essentials podcast for the past few months and will continue listening to those, but now I can mix these in when I want something lighter, and still keep learning about tennis! This podcast is a great addition!

Lots of fun! It can rarely drag but great overall. I especially enjoyed the ones about hitting your doubles opponent at the net, why Tennis makes us crazy and dealing with cheaters. It’s great having “male” and “female” perspectives as well as 2 different guys with different opinions. Carolyn

I am picky about my Podcasts, but this one is worth listening to. There is fun interaction among the three or more participants. You get some good insights into the game of tennis and some interesting anecdotes to highlight those insights. I highly recommend the program.

Great stuff gang. I love the fact you all have so much knowledge and can break it down so well and keep it entertaining. I do think Kevin hitting a ton of spin at Serena and running down a lot of balls could cause her fits. Next time how would you all do against John Isner ;)

Ian and the crew know how to keep it interesting. Great perspectives on topics that are on everyone’s mind!

A great compliment to the direct, concise skills education provided by Essential Tennis. Shankcast is an open honest discussion with varying opinions of all aspects surrounding tennis–physical, mental, social, ethical and much more.

You can tell the presenters know each other well and like each other. But they have different opinions, which makes the discussion fun. I like the conversation instead of a lecture and the topics picked have no easy answers. My only criticism is that one discussion kind of glossed over the impact of sandbagging on your opponent. If I beat you and I really shouldn’t have, you have cheated me out of a proper match.

I love Essential Tennis. If you love playing tennis then you really need their video and podcast content in your life. Shankcast takes a different approach to podcasts than the Essential Tennis podcast. It's more conversational and free flowing. Good topics. The rapport with Ian, Megan, and Kevin is great. I'd like it more if they edit out some bloat. One hour and fifteen minutes to discuss the place of the underhand serve in the game is excessive. Great conversation about cheating in the game, but not an hour's worth. I'm sure they'll figure out this new format, but sometimes less is more.

What a show, it's fun, relatable, informative and up to the minute on issues and news in the tennis world. A great cash to characters, who tell it like it is without having to be politically correct, but also in a way that we can relate too. Keep it up!

Every episode Ive heard so far has been extremely captivating and also humorous. Love all that you do there at Essential Tennis. Keep it coming! All The Best, Dave McPhearson P.S. Hate to say it though gentlemen, theres no way you would fair THAT well against Serena...sorry, just wouldnt happen. :)

I didn’t expect to laugh as much as I did listening to these podcasts. I like the mix and how they try to give each other their say. Also, helped me to appreciate difference in higher level play!

I’ve listened to 2 shankcast episodes (serena, and hitting dbls opponent) and thoroughly enjoyed them both! I’m hooked and can’t wait for more.

Finally...tennis conversation for the average club player! Most tennis podcasts are aimed at discussing the Pro Tour (which is fine and good) but the discussions here are much more relatable and I look forward to each new release. If you love all things tennis...check this podcast out!

Interesting topics presented in a fresh way! Well, fresh when it comes to podcasts! Unpolished in a very good way! Not a lesson or preplanned presentation. Unlike most podcasts on tennis where you can predict where the topic or conversation may go (which isn’t bad), this is just good fun unrehearsed, unpredictable, and opinionated conversations between friends and colleagues that is informative and fun to listen to! Think the old YouTube videos of conversations between Ira and Ian, but now on podcasts with 3-4 people instead. Great job Essential Tennis!

I love the topics, they are very interesting.Essential tennis become a part of my learning curve... I truly enjoy all your videos on YouTube.

The Shankcast is tennis banter at its best. It takes a look at the conversational side of tennis. If anyone is looking to enter into tennis conversations that you would find at the club locker room or your local public courts this is the stop. I have been a long time fan, listener, and follower of Essential Tennis. They are doing a great job with this new platform. Don’t miss it!!

Very insightful and fun podcast!

The episodes have been interesting so far. The Essential Tennis team have given so much to the Tennis community already with the detailed video lessons. I am excited that they have decided to do a podcast. The topics have been fun. The podcast is promising and has got a lot of potential. I’d love for these guys to talk about the lesser known stuff like the competition in college tennis, the challenges faced by pros outside the top 100 to make a living, etc. Good luck Team ET!

Great concept and well executed. I would never discourage someone from the joys of a donut but theres nothing worse than listening to someone chewing in your ear. For future episodes, lets leave the snacking for off-mic. :) Will Kirby ever make an appearance?

Candid opinions and views. Direct and refreshing. The Essential Team made the topic applicable to club players - I truly enjoyed this one!

This Podcast really rounds out the offerings of Ian and team at Essential Tennis. The online instruction is top notch and has been a key driver helping me to improve my game. The Shankcast podcast is fun to listen to and helps with my Tennis IQ. It’s a great way to spend time thinking about tennis when you are off court.

This podcast talks about the “hot takes” of the tennis world which is hard to find elsewhere.