#291 - Pete Hooley - The Pressure of Pro Sport, Buzzer Beaters & the Decision to Walk Away

Feb 22, 2026

Ask episode

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

Pete Hooley is an NBL broadcaster, former NBL champion, 2 x America East MVP, host and media personality.

Despite being at the peak of his career and going into his athletic prime, Pete retired from Basketball early due to his ongoing battle with anxiety.

This story is incredible...highs, lows and everything in between!

Pistol joined us on the show for an incredibly open view into the pressures of being a professional athlete and the battles we don't see as consumers away from the court.

Pete shares the heartbreaking story of losing his Mum to Cancer and the emergency flight from New York to Australia to be with her in her final days and moments.

Pete opens up about what he went through during that time and the difficulty to return to America to play the game he loves...one that has a triumphant ending with one of the most memorable college buzzer beaters of all time!

And of course we dissect that play, what life was like at college post that and a deeper look into overall lifestyle...plus, how much athletes get paid for college in 2026! A figure that will blow your mind.

We hear about him living off almost nothing while playing professionally in England, the eventual return to Australia and the battles he faced with anxiety. Which ultimately led to an early retirement.

Pete tells us the fear he played with when there's money on the line, contracts and external pressure that no one knows you're facing...from someone who looked so calm on the court.

Nowadays, Pistol has transitioned into a media rising star as we hear about how great the NBL is going today, the balance of being harsh on players and thinking of their wellbeing, why NBL is moulding into a feeding pool for the NBA & more.

Plus, his love of footy, Triple M boundary riding, his family & some hidden gems of basketball gold.

This is a refreshing, humble and eye-opening chat. You're going to love it.

Here is the great, Pete Hooley!

Follow Pete on Instagram @pistolpeter_

This episode is brought to you by Fleet Plant Hire Solutions. Head to www.fph.com.au for all your earth moving needs!

Buy Bitcoin and over 500 cryptocurrencies for as little as $1 with Australia's most trusted Crypto trading platform, CoinSpot! Australian Crypto & Bitcoin Exchange, Crypto Trading | CoinSpot

Look good, smell good, feel good through Milkman's grooming products! www.milkmanaustralia.com (Use the code "Dosandd" for 20% off your first order)

Taste an Italian summer with Tommy's Booze - www.tommysbooze.com.au - use code tommys01 for 10% off!

Shop all the big brands with the lowest prices guaranteed at https://www.golfclearanceoutlet.com.au

Watch & Subscribe to our YouTube Channel here - Dos and D - YouTube

Questions & Enquiries - thedosanddshow@gmail.com