Ep 22 - Aussie Millions Returns with Danny McDonagh, APT / PlayLive, Crown Melbourne

Australian poker is entering a new era and Episode 22 of Poker Pulse dives right into one of the biggest stories in the game.

We open the episode with a discussion on the recent APT and PlayLive situation, including the Poker Media Australia article, the broader implications for the industry, and how regulatory conversations in Australia compare to developments overseas.

From there, we shift into the return of the Aussie Millions, which is officially back in 2026 after a six-year hiatus.

We're joined by Danny McDonagh, Head Tournament Director of the Aussie Millions and Australian Poker Hall of Fame member, for an insightful and engaging conversation about his journey, the craft of being an elite TD, and what players can expect from the return of Australia's premier poker event.

Episode Topics:

• 2026 Nouméa Poker Series wrap up and giveaway winner

• APT Champs wrap up with Cathy

• The APT and PlayLive situation and recent developments

• Regulatory discussions including the VGCCC and global comparisons

• The return of the Aussie Millions for the first time since 2020

• Melbourne and Crown as a world-class poker destination

• What makes the 2026 series unique with its new April schedule

• Player experience including buy-ins, logistics and travel tips

• The role of a tournament director and pathways into the industry

• Behind the scenes of running a major international poker series

• The importance of dealers, staff and growing the poker ecosystem

• A recap of the Noumea Poker Series and recent Australian results

• What's ahead on the national schedule

A huge thank you to our growing audience for the continued support. If you're enjoying the show, please like and subscribe. It helps us grow Australian poker media and continue bringing you the stories that matter.

Hosted by Australian Poker Schedule founder Craig Abernethy.

Co-host - Poker Dealer, Player & Poker Media creato- Catherine Young

Co-host - Professional live and online poker player Troy Mclean.

The content and topics we discuss in this episode are all on the pulse!

Ep 21 - Aussie Poker Commentary with Liam Murray, PlayLive Melbourne Millions, APT / Aussie Millions

Australian poker is on fire right now and Episode 21 of Poker Pulse covers it all.

From a powerful zero tolerance stance on player behaviour, to the huge PlayLive Melbourne Millions, to major Aussie Millions news, this is one of our biggest episodes yet.

We're joined by Liam Murray, host of the 2025 APS Fans Choice Awards and one of the leading voices in Australian poker commentary, for a fun and honest chat about poker, media, big moments and the future of the game.

We also break down:

• The massive PlayLive Melbourne Millions series

• New PlayLive ownership and production upgrades

• AbbyPoker, Eric Baldwin, Alex Foxen and Jeremy Ausmus appearances

• An unusual final table payout situation

• Danny McDonagh returning as Head TD for the 2026 Aussie Millions

• APT Melbourne Poker Fest partnering with Crown

• Noumea Poker Series 2026 in Paradise

And we take a strong stand on behaviour in poker. There is no place in our game for harassment, intimidation or abuse toward players or poker staff including venue staff.

Thank you to the 6,000+ viewers who tuned into last episode and helping us pass 750 subscribers. The next target is 1,000. If you enjoy the show, please like and subscribe. It costs nothing and helps us grow Australian poker media.

Stay on the pulse.

Hosted by Australian Poker Schedule founder Craig Abernethy.

Co-host - Awesome poker dealer & player, 2024 APL Millions Young Gun champion - Catherine Young

Co-host - Professional live and online poker player Troy Mclean.

The content and topics we discuss in this episode are all on the pulse!

Chapters

0:00 - Intro, Cathy's USA adventures and travel, Australian Poker Schedule

6:00 - 2025 APS Fans Choice Awards, Liam on hosting the night

11:37 - Liam's big weight-loss and recent surgery

12:47 - Last Episode Wrap Up and Feedback and Thanks for Support

16:13 - A serious chat on player behavior, Zero Tolerance

21:12 - PlayLive Huge Melbourne Millions, new ownership, AbbyPoker, Baldwin, Foxen, Ausmus

28:50 - New PlayLive Stream Setup, Cash Game stream, Mixed Games Academy stream

31:57 - PlayLive Stream Commentary and Liam Murray on poker commentating

44:10 - PlayLive Unusual Payout Situation Final Table Bubble

50:30 - Liam Murray, getting into poker and career highlight

56:30 - Liam's experience with 2006 WSOP Main Event Champion Jamie Gold and controversy

59:36 - Liam high stakes cash games his good mate Jake

1:04:12 - Danny McDonagh returns as Head TD to 2026 Crown Aussie Millions

1:06:25 - APT Melbourne Poker Fest partners with Crown, Liam commentating & Cathy doing the media

1:15:33 - Adrian Attenborough is back grinding in Australia, playing Star shot-clock series

1:17:52 - 2026 Noumea Poker Series Mar 14th-21st - Poker in Paradise Promo APS Poker Pulse partnership deals

1:20:08 - Wrap up, Follow us on Socials, Please Like & Subscribe

Ep 20 - New Australian Poker Cheating Scandal, Facts, Admission, Bans, Poker Integrity & Trust

Episode 20 – Topics Guide

Overview of recent integrity issues impacting Australian poker

Confirmed cheating incident and actions taken by organisers

Detection processes and why transparency matters

Punishments, bans, and accountability in live poker

The role of public statements and admissions

Community impact when trust is broken

Jade Mitchell interview segment fully unchanged and unedited

Australian GPI Player of the Year discussion, Male and Female

APS Fans Choice Awards

Nouméa Poker Series 2026

Responsible reporting and ethics in poker media

Community feelings, opinion and broader integrity discussion

Wrap up and why protecting the game matters going forward

Please like, subscribe, and join the conversation live

Hosted by Australian Poker Schedule founder Craig Abernethy.

Co-host - Catherine Young

Co-host - Professional live and online poker player Troy Mclean.

The content and topics we discuss in this episode are all on the pulse!

Special Thanks

Jade Mitchell

Catherine Young

Troy McLean

Josh Mansell

Fred Braybon

Queen B's Poker

pokershop.com.au

Paid Partnership

Project SunRun

Casinos de Nouméa in New Caledonia

Edited & Produced by

Craig Abernethy

craigabernethy.com.au

Ep 19 - Shot Clocks & WSOP Paradise 50K PLO Vibes in Bahamas with Liam Jehu + Poker Pulse Wrapped!

Topics on this episode.

- Liam Jehu getting into poker, touring pro & considerations, Crown Poker Vic Champs Win

- WSOP Paradise Adventures, Hanging Out on a Super Yacht with the worlds best!

- Perfect Pairs with Poker Commentator and Friend Brayden Jinks

- 2025 Fans Choice Awards - Young Player of the Year nominee

- GTOish - Discussing a hand from new Sydney Poker Content Creator Zac Gay at Kings Poker

- Massive Slow-Roll at WSOP Paradise

- Shot-Clocks and upcoming Shot Clock Series at The Star

- Winding it back, set the record straight on Australian Poker Open and Poker Palace

- Transparency and why it matters!

- PlayLive, Melbourne's Poker Room

- 2025 Poker Pulse Wrapped

- Wrap Up, Project Sunrun, Please Like & Subscribe

Hosted by Australian Poker Schedule founder Craig Abernethy.

Co-host - Catherine Young

Co-host - Professional live and online poker player Troy Mclean.

The content and topics we discuss in this episode are all on the pulse!

Special Thanks

Liam Jehu

Brayden Jinks

Troy McLean

Catherine Young

Edited & Produced by

Craig Abernethy

craigabernethy.com.au

Australian Poker Schedule

https://australianpokerschedule.com.au

Project Sun Run

@projectsunrun on Instagram

www.projectsunrun.com

Chapters

0:00 - Intro

4:30 - Liam Jehu results 2025, getting into poker, turning pro

13:00 - Liam's WSOP Paradise Bahamas Experience, Busting the Pros, hanging out with Bryn Kenney, playing 50K PLO

29:04 - Perfect Pairs segment with Brayden Jinks

49:16 - Australian Poker Schedule 2025 Fans Choice Awards

53:23 - GTOish vlogger Zac Gay interesting hand and ruling

1:00:30 - Epic slow-roll at WSOP Paradise

1:04:00 - Shot-Clocks and The Star Shot-clock Series discussion

1:10:36 - Shot-Clocks and turbos versus Rake discussion

1:14:34 - Winding it back, We set the record straight on Australian Poker Open and Poker Palace transparency, all operators transparency, Kings & APL vs PlayLive

1:24:21 - Poker Pulse Wrapped

1:26:50 - Thanks to Liam, Poker Pulse Run Good

1:30:30 - Wrap up

Ep 18 - Raking Bad - 3x APL Centurion Champ Nathanial Hutton, The Rake, Host Banned, WSOPC, Hand Breakdowns, Star Brisbane Poker Room, and more!

Topis on this episode.

- Nathanial Hutton getting into poker, touring pro & considerations, Mystery Gold Chest, Vegas, APL Centurion wins

- Subscriber Uber Driver Story shoutout

- Tony G's horse wins Melbourne Cup

- APL/APS partnership ends

- Tay Tay parody "Rake it up!" gets Craig banned from APL!

- APL Rake Video comments, discussion, unbeatable rake

- Rake & Structures at WSOP Circuit - The Star Gold Coast

- The Star Brisbane Poker ceases tournaments

- Hand Review #1, Martin Finger 10K GG Millions

- Hand Review #2, Nathanial v Josh Foster APL Centurion $2.5K at The Ville

- Logo Guessing Game and a new game in Melbourne

- 2025 APS Fans Choice Awards

- Kings Newcastle Kingdom Championships

- Queen B's Poker new room in South East Queensland

- Wrap Up, Project Sunrun, Please Like & Subscribe

Hosted by Australian Poker Schedule founder Craig Abernethy.

Co-host - Catherine Young

Co-host - Professional live and online poker player Troy Mclean.

The content and topics we discuss in this episode are all on the pulse!

Special Thanks

Nathanial Hutton

Troy McLean

Catherine Young

Edited & Produced by

Craig Abernethy

craigabernethy.com.au

Australian Poker Schedule

https://australianpokerschedule.com.au

Project Sun Run

@projectsunrun on Instagram

www.projectsunrun.com

Chapters

0:00 - Intro

4:16 - Nathanial Hutton getting into poker, touring pro & considerations, Mystery Gold Chest, Vegas, APL Centurion wins

17:44 - Subscriber Uber Driver Story shoutout

20:25 - Tony G's horse wins Melbourne Cup

21:30 - APL/APS partnership ends

23:39 - Tay Tay parody "Rake it up!" gets Craig banned from APL!

25:20 - APL Rake Video comments, discussion, unbeatable rake

39:49 - Rake & Structures at WSOP Circuit - The Star Gold Coast

44:29 - The Star Brisbane Poker ceases tournaments

48:21 - Hand Review #1, Martin Finger 10K GG Millions

56:26 - Hand Review #2, Nathanial v Josh Foster APL Centurion $2.5K at The Ville

1:06:50 - Logo Guessing Game and a new game in Melbourne

1:10:00 - 2025 APS Fans Choice Awards

1:12:50 - Kings Newcastle Kingdom Championships

1:13:29 - Queen B's Poker new room in South East Queensland

1:16:17 - Wrap Up, Project Sunrun, Please Like & Subscribe

Ep 17 - Lydia Texas Grandma (Lydia Blair) from Netflix's Million Dollar Secret behind the scenes, Trivia and Poker

Hosted by Australian Poker Schedule founder Craig Abernethy.

Co-host - Catherine Young

Co-host - Professional live and online poker player Troy Mclean.

The content and topics we discuss in this episode are all on the pulse!

Special Thanks

Lydia Blair @lydiatexasgrandma

Troy McLean @5betbluf

Catherine Young @theofficialcathy

Edited & Produced by

Craig Abernethy

craigabernethy.com.au

Australian Poker Schedule

@australianpokerschedule

https://australianpokerschedule.com.au

Project Sun Rub

@projectsunrun on Instagram

www.projectsunrun.com

Chapters

0:00 - Cathy Secret Agenda

1:13 - Intro

4:37 - Meet Lydia Blair - Lydia Texas Grandma

5:28 - Lydia Answers our questions about Million Dollar Secret

26:37 - Lydia talks about her visit to Australia

27:52 - Lydia's Instagram, Southern slang and American vs Australian culture and content creation

31:25 - Lydia's poker story

34:43 - Poker Rooms & Poker Tournaments in Texas

41:00 - Lydia explains the benefits of playing poker

42:18 - Continuing to Learning poker with coaching

44:20 - Ladies & Seniors/Master Events

46:27 - Random Texas, Australia, Broncos, Dallas Cowboys.

49:55 - Secret Agenda and Texas/Australia/Poker/Million Dollar Secret Trivia

1:00:04 - Lydia's Socials & Content Creator

1:01:13 - Women's advantage at the poker table

1:02:38 - Celebrity Status getting recognised

1:05:41 - Poker Pulse Guest Run Good

1:06:22 - Wrap Up - Like & Subscribe, Follow our Socials

Ep 16 - Josh McSwiney - Spinning up his last dollar, High Rake, Bad Games, Why & How To Fix it!

Josh McSwiney's Story

APL Million Wrap

2025 APL Million Pros & Cons

Australian Gambling Regulation

Unregulated Online Poker in Australia

Pokies/Slot Machines Australia

Josh and Co-Hosts Fire Up and Debate:

- Rake

- Tournament Structures & Solutions

- Tournament Bubbles & Solutions

Jackstar Structure & Rake

The Star & Crown Rake

Operator Transparency

Upcoming Events

Hosted by Australian Poker Schedule founder Craig Abernethy.

Co-host - Catherine Young

Co-host - Professional live and online poker player Troy Mclean.

The content and topics we discuss in this episode are all on the pulse!

Special Thanks

Joshua McSwiney

Troy McLean

Catherine Young

Edited & Produced by

Craig Abernethy

craigabernethy.com.au

In Memory

Haydn Josling

(17 February 1991 - 8 July 2025)

Australian Poker Schedule

https://australianpokerschedule.com.au

Project Sun Rub

@projectsunrun on Instagram

www.projectsunrun.com

Chapters

0:00 - Intro

5:46 - Meet Josh McSwiney, his poker story, getting into poker, the lows, the highs, spin-ups and everything in between

19:34 - $15M APL Million Series Wrap - The big winners

23:20 - 2025 APL Million Pros & Cons

30:09 - Australian Gambling Regulation

31:35 - Pokies/Slot Machines Australia

33:39 - Australian Laws & Online Poker Ban/Tobacco Taxes creating other issues

36:15 - Unregulated Online Poker in Australia

38:02 - Unbeatable Poker Tournaments due to Rake and Structures

40:14 - Examples of Negative EV unbeatable tournaments and the data behind them.

42:29 - Best game under $200 in Australia, $180 Self-Dealt APL Million Classic

43:23 - Pushing back with examples of why rake is higher in Australia

44:52 - Rising Costs that players have to contend with

46:20 - Required Bankroll to play poker to reduce risk of ruin and going bust

47:17 - Possible solutions players/dealers and operators compromising

52:57 - How poker structures also affect ROI and win rate, final stages of tournaments

55:53 - Structure Solutions: Blind Level Roll-backs

56:45 - Unjustified rake for 1 day tournaments vs 3+ day tournaments

58:39 - Structure Solutions: Shot-clocks and the tournament money bubble

1:01:52 - Feedback: $2,500 APL Centurion new and improved structure

1:04:06 - Transparency: Some operators still not disclosing full details including structures, rake and everything.

1:05:20 - Bubble Frustration and Solution: Shot-clocks

1:06:35 - Australia's insane casino rake, cash games, No service or comps

1:07:15 - Australia's high rake on turbo's and satellites

1:08:17 - Josh McSwiney career highlights, most important wins, running hot

1:09:54 - Josh's Main Event win at Stacked Adelaide, the venue, and experience at great value cheaper than the big cities

1:13:16 - Other poker in Australia, WPT Australia, APLPT $300K GTD Kedron-Wavell (Brisbane), Poker in Paradise at APL The Ville 600

1:14:40 - Josh's pro tips and advice on how to pick your stops, organisation, accommodation, flights, rake-back incentives.

1:16:00 - Episode Summary and Wrap Up

1:16:52 - Feedback and credit for Josh and ambassadors speaking up!

1:18:35 - Please subscribe

Growing the Game, WSOP Gold, Aussie Millions, Scams

We talk to Aussie Poker's Golden Girl Jackie Glazier, the APL Ambassador, her career in poker and how it started, her role growing poker in Australia.

We talk to Joel Williams about his career as one of Australia's most well known Tournament Directors who ran the Aussie Millions at Crown Casino in Melbourne and then joining Australia's largest poker operator, growing the game and building a huge poker tour and the enormous annual APL Million series.

We also ask questions and seek clarification about the recent scam alert raised by poker pro and coach Corey Van Jaarsveldt from our last episode.

Huge Thanks to Australian Poker League, Jackie Glazier and Joel Williams.

Hosted by Australian Poker Schedule founder Craig Abernethy.

Co-host - Awesome poker dealer & player, media personality, 2024 APL Millions Young Gun champion - Catherine Young

Co-host - Professional live and online poker player Troy Mclean.

The content and topics we discuss in this episode are all on the pulse!