Everything But The Kitchen Dink Pickleball Podcast

Back from the Rota trip and straight into a scorching UK heatwave, the guys catch up on all the latest from the pickleball world, including the unreal experience of playing against the UK’s no. 1 male and female pairing. They also dive into team trials, Robert’s inclusion in the UK Premier Pickleball League — the top tier of pickleball in Britain — and first impressions of a stack of new paddles t...

Join us as we review the 2026 Reballution Cup in Rota, Spain, one of the biggest pickleball tournaments outside the USA and our second year covering this fantastic event. We talk through the standout matches, the atmosphere, the people who made the tournament memorable, and the result of the first-ever tournament meeting between the co-hosts in mixed doubles. We also dive into how the conditions a...

In this episode, we sit down with one of pickleball’s true pioneers, Melissa McCurley, the Hall of Famer, trailblazer, and behind-the-scenes force who helped shape the modern game. From her early life and military service to building the systems that powered tournament pickleball, breaking barriers in broadcast media, and helping grow the sport at every level, Melissa shares the story of how pickl...

This week's episode features a deep dive into DUPR killer VAIR with founder Mike Barker, who discusses the frustrations that led him to create a new approach to ratings. We unpack what VAIR is, how it works, and why it was built to tackle some of the biggest issues in the sport, from sandbagging and bad matchups to the growing distrust around rating systems. There’s also plenty of debate about...

Rob and Andy return with another packed episode, starting with the usual catch-up before diving into Andy’s rough week of illness and antibiotics, and Robert’s hectic run of filming, travel and tryouts. From there, the lads break down the week's play with the usual tips & banter, and how one player literally helped save a life on court. There’s also a DUPR email exchange, all wrapped up wi...

This week on Everything But The Kitchen Dink, Rob & Andy break down their latest tournament at the Shropshire Open, talk overconfidence, regression as well as a great tip if you're getting grief from home for playing too much, followed by more DUPR talk and cinnamon buns! Packed with laughs, banter, tips and content for players of all levels.

Rob and Andy return with another packed episode, starting with injuries updates, a week of on court stories stories, and a new “let the magic happen” mindset as they talk through progression, drilling, and Robert’s tweener. They dive into some important news in the wider world of pickleball, and throw in plenty of court-side banter. It’s a lively episode full of insight, humour, and plenty for pic...

In this week's episode, Rob and Andy return with another packed episode, starting with a catch-up on this weeks on- court sessions, a surprise illegal serve, and what recordings are revealing about their games. They break down some no-nonsense drilling advice, debate lobs, drop serves and whether pickleball is getting smarter or just more chaotic, then dive into the latest DUPR updates, Andre...

Rob and Andy return after a missed week to catch up on illness, injury, and some much-needed court time before diving into a packed pickleball episode. They break down JOOLA’s major lawsuit against 11 paddle brands, unpack the eternal drive-or-drop debate, and explore the tactics of playing against lefties without losing the plot. There’s also thoughts on filming your own games to improve, and so...

This week's episode is all about getting back into the rhythm: a tough week on court and some honest reflections. We get into tournament prep - including and interesting journey, safety on court, add in paddle chat, pickleball news and the usual mix of blunt honesty and barely controlled chaos, and you’ve got a solid episode for players of all levels.

In this week's episode of  Everything But The Kitchen Dink  where we spill the chaos of our pickleball week, tournament nerves ahead of our first comp since October's Nationals, and the 2026 English Open registration. We tackle the burning question: Is it the paddle or the player? followed by updated reviews on some of our recent paddles, all all this and so much more.

In this week’s episode of  Everything But The Kitchen Dink , Andy and Robert catch you up on lack of court time, before diving into the wild story of fraud that proves our sport’s boom really has gone mad. From there we tackle some of the biggest myths in pickleball & why blaming your partner probably isn’t the winning strategy you think it is—before talking tactics, mindset and so much more....

In this week's Everything But The Kitchen Dink , Robert's new puppy is wreaking havoc on his pickleball game, while the boys finally visit a local(ish) purpose-built court that's got them buzzing about the sport's UK growth. They unpack the latest pickleball headlines, from PPA's fines for dodgy line calls cracking down on cheats, to a must-listen interview with a special guest...

This week on  Everything But The Kitchen Dink , we unpack DUPR's explosive new paid rating reset—does it fix real problems or undermine the game's integrity?—before discussing the current top-selling paddle brands and models. We finally give our straight-talk review of the hot Six Zero Black Opal power paddle, plus loads more laughs, practical tips, and help for players at every level. Whe...

This week on Everything But The Kitchen Dink, we’re back from our two-week holiday and full of fresh energy! We share our incredible pickleball experiences from Mexico and the USA, how those trips helped us rediscover our passion for the game after a tough spell both mentally and physically, and why we’re now more motivated than ever. It’s a jam-packed episode full of tips, laughs, and stories tha...

This week on Everything But The Kitchen Dink, we sit down with one of Europe’s premier pickleball talents, Richard Love, for an inspiring and insightful conversation you won’t want to miss. Richard takes us through his incredible journey to the top of the sport, offering a candid look into the mental side of competitive pickleball, how he trains to stay at peak performance, and why mental health m...

This week Rob and Andy catch up on their week of court time, injuries, and pickleball obsession before unpacking the 2026 USA Pickleball rule changes, smaller-court drama, and why racket sports might add a decade to your life (knees pending). They drool over some more paddles plus some useful listener advice. Packed with news, gear, and banter you won't want to miss!

Andy and Bob kick are back with their weekly pickleball fix, catching up on a packed week of court time, injuries, and the existential question of what do we actually want from pickleball. They debrief their recent chat with Pickleball England's Karen Mitchell, diving deep into the thorny issue of  qualification for major tournaments. A  massive new global deal  threatens to catapult picklebal...

Andy and Robert welcome back Pickleball England’s Karen Mitchell for a packed catch‑up on the state of the sport in England, from rapid growth and the realities of being the official governing body to whether padel is genuinely poaching pickleball players. They dig into what really happened at the 2025 English Open in Telford, ask if the Nationals have now outgrown the venue, and tackle the hot‑bu...

Everything But The Kitchen Dink is back from an unintentional “off-season,” and Andy and Robert have plenty to unpack as they return from work stress, injuries, and a brief breakup with their paddles. They debrief their candid chat with DUPR CEO Tito Machado, wrestle with whether “playing up” is the only sane way to live with ratings, and respond thoughtfully to some listener feedback. The guys al...

In this captivating episode of the weekly pickleball podcast, Tito Machado, CEO of DUPR, speaks openly and honestly about the recent criticism and bad press facing DUPR. He addresses the concerns head-on to reassure the community, emphasizing transparency and the company's commitment to accuracy and fairness in pickleball ratings. Tito unpacks the reasons behind controversial algorithm changes...

In this episode, we sit down with Brodie Smith — Senior Community Manager at CRBN — for an inside look at one of the fastest-rising and most innovative brands in pickleball. From CRBN’s early beginnings and the paddle that put them on the map, to the company’s rapid evolution into a tech-driven industry leader, Brodie walks us through the milestones, the challenges, and the breakthrough ideas shap...

After the highs & lows of the 2025 English Nationals, Andy and Rob sit down to unpack a rollercoaster weekend of mixed and men’s doubles drama. From banned paddles and sandbaggers to folding under pressure and finding their stride again, this episode dives into the mental game, tournament lessons, and the fine line between frustration and fun. Plus, first impressions of the new Six Zero Black...

Rob & Andy are back and ready for the English Nationals — armed with Guinness, gear, and a suspiciously detailed bag checklist. In this episode they share their pre-tournament nerves and practical prep (what to pack, whether to bring your own chair), run through research-backed warm-ups for long days and quick turnarounds. All the practical, evidence-based advice you need — plus a bit of bante...

In this episode, Rob and Andy raise a pint of Guinness and serve up a golden recap of their Sheffield tournament triumph — from a shaky start to a 15–0 pickle and a hard-fought final victory. They dive into how lobs are becoming a serious tactical weapon, why some rec players might need to chill, and the surprising wave of pickleball facility closures in the U.S. Plus, they explore DUPR’s new “For...