Kitchen Talk: Pickleball Edition

Maria and Len Dinoia are the dynamic duo behind The Tennis Store of Franklin, where they celebrate both tennis and pickleball. Maria, with her expertise in apparel buying, and Len, with his business acumen, share how their store caters to the growing pickleball community while still honoring their tennis roots. They discuss the rising interest in pickleball gear, the unique perspectives of their c...

Dr. Erik Korem is a pioneer in human performance, having implemented the NFL's first sports science programs and coached Olympic gold medalists. Now, as a leading authority in pickleball, he's revolutionizing the game with AIM7, a cutting-edge health and performance app. Endorsed by DUPR and pro players like Zane Navratil and Megan Fudge, AIM7 offers injury prevention, personalized warmups...

Ty Butson is a dynamic pickleball content creator and aspiring pro player. After a track injury in high school led him to discover pickleball, Ty's journey has been one of resilience and passion. He has turned his love for the game into engaging and educational content, quickly growing a following on social media. Despite initial setbacks, including a rejection from Selkirk, Ty's dedicatio...

Kendall Graves is a dynamic pickleball advocate and entrepreneur who turned his darkest days into a beacon of hope. Amidst a painful divorce, Kendall found solace and purpose in pickleball, eventually becoming a pivotal figure in the community. With his friend, he co-founded Elevate2Victory, a business dedicated to spreading the joy of pickleball and giving back. Tune in to hear about his upcoming...

Thomas Yelloweyes is a former pro Ultimate Frisbee player turned pickleball coach. Raised in a traumatic foster care environment with no support and constant adversity, Thomas defied all odds to rise above his past. His journey from a troubled childhood to becoming a beacon of hope and transformation is nothing short of inspiring. With a relentless spirit and an infectious smile, Thomas now dedica...

Landon Hallam witnessed the explosive growth of pickleball during the pandemic, transforming a GroupMe chat of a few hundred people into a thriving community of over six thousand members across Tennessee with Dinkville. By organizing leagues, tournaments, clinics, and celebrity events, Landon has not only created a special community for all ages and skill levels but also has raised significant fun...

Lee Whitwell better known as Lady Gibraltar is the number one ranked senior pro pickleball player in the world. As the first woman to transition from the pro level to senior pro with a distinguished career, Lee's story is filled with groundbreaking achievements, including being voted MVP for the inaugural Major League Pickleball season. Known for her dynamic personality and vibrant social medi...

19-year-old Miranda Cabieses is the visionary founder of the first-ever Pickleball World Games. Scheduled for October in Lima, Peru, this groundbreaking event is set to bring together pickleball enthusiasts and leaders from around the globe. Miranda shares her journey of organizing the World Games, the involvement of international players, and the participation of notable figures from the U.S. pic...

Honcho Pickleball League, a social pickleball league, started just eight months ago in a humble backyard court in Houston, TX. What began as a casual get-together among friends, organized via a simple Google Sheet, has rapidly expanded across 14 cities with plans to add another 10 this summer. This innovative league is not just about the game but also about fostering connections and building a vib...

Dereck Prince is one of the most well-recognized and respected referees on the pro pickleball tour. Dereck is a true jack of all trades in the pickleball world. Not only does he officiate matches for the top pros, but he also trains new referees, serves as an IPTPA certified instructor for professional players, develops his own software to track pickleball stats, and hosts tournaments. Dereck shar...

Mark Vermylen shares his journey from being laid off two years ago from his tech sales job to going off and starting his own pickleball paddle and lifestyle brand. Mark’s love for racquet sports led him to create House Pickleball, a brand born from the streets of Manhattan and now thriving as a lifestyle hub. From paddle designs inspired by the streets of NYC to building a community through events...

Meet the Walker sisters! Alex and Angie Walker are a powerhouse sister duo shaking up the pickleball scene. Former collegiate tennis stars turned pickleball pros, these sisters are a force to be reckoned with on the court. As best friends and sisters, they get to go through this journey together. And now, with Angie gearing up for her MLP debut with the Atlanta Bouncers, the excitement is real.

Brookes Jones went from preaching sermons to running the first dedicated pickleball facility in Chattanooga, TN. Brookes shares his unexpected journey of purpose and passion. For Brookes, the power of community takes center stage, proving that whether you're swinging a paddle or spreading a message, the goal remains the same: changing lives for the better. Don't miss out on this inspiring...

Sarah Lister’s life took a remarkable turn thanks to an unexpected hero: pickleball. Sarah bravely shares her struggles with hitting rock bottom and battling thoughts of ending it all, a dark period that seemed never-ending. But then, in 2019, she stumbled upon pickleball and everything changed. What started as a simple hobby quickly morphed into a passion that ignited Sarah's competitive spir...

Get ready to step onto the court with pickleball Hall of Famer and MLP coach, Wes Gabrielsen, as he shares his remarkable journey from middle school PE class to the professional circuit. In this episode, Wes opens up about his introduction to the game, his transition from tennis to pickleball, and his impressive accomplishments on the court. From competing in the inaugural pro tournament to securi...

We delve into the fascinating backstory behind the iconic Necker Island Pickleball Forum & Pro Am event, hosted on Sir Richard Branson's luxurious private island in the Virgin Islands. Join us as co-founder Casey Brown shares the incredible journey of how this star-studded event came to be, from its inception to its realization with stars like Drew Brees, Morgan Evans, Tyson McMuffin, and...

Kaitlyn Kerr better known as 'Pickleball Chick' is the owner of the Las Vegas Night Owls and a well-known MLP host. Kaitlyn shares her insights into the 2024 MLP Draft and discusses how it's different this year following the major merger between PPA and MLP. She delves into her recent adventure to the luxurious Necker Island Pickleball Forum alongside top pros, A-list celebrities, and...

Pickleball Channel was the pioneering force that transformed how we experience this rapidly growing sport. Since 2014, they've been at the forefront, capturing the excitement of professional matches, introducing innovative camera angles, and preserving the stories of pickleball's founding figures. The founders of Pickleball Channel share their vision, innovation, and dedication to showcasi...

Dan Maclellan is a true community champion who undertook the ambitious task of revitalizing old tennis courts into vibrant pickleball courts. Facing steep costs for professional renovation, Dan took matters into his own hands, diving into a project he'd never tackled before. Against the odds, Dan succeeded, attracting over 800 registered players to the newly renovated courts. Through his dedic...

Altaf Merchant is the undefeated sensation of the court! With a jaw-dropping 53-0 record in the 2023 season, Altaf's animated gameplay and signature celebratory move, the hip thrust, have made him a legend in the sport. But pickleball prowess is just one facet of Altaf's remarkable life – by day, he's a powerhouse Senior Vice President at UBS, seamlessly balancing corporate demands wit...

Dayne Gingrich is a mental performance and pickleball coach and Jill Martin is an attorney turned personal trainer, yoga instructor, and pickleball enthusiast. With their upcoming book, "Pickleball Mindset," set to hit the shelves, Dayne and Jill show through the lens of a coach and player what it takes to dominate the court both mentally and physically. From Dayne's insider tips on...

Tanner Tomassi went from a gaming sensation to instructional guru. With nearly half a million followers in the gaming world, Tanner now dominates pickleball instructional content with his infectious energy and invaluable lessons on social media. Tanner is not just another face in the crowd at tournaments anymore, he’s being recognized by fans as the go-to person for learning pickleball tips. 

Get ready to be blown away by Mac McCune's awe-inspiring journey from going from 447 lbs all the way down to 263 lbs in just three years! In this episode, we're diving into Mac's rollercoaster of a ride, from battling a spine stroke that had him relearning how to walk, to facing off with plantar fasciitis, which finally pushed him to kickstart his weight loss journey. But here's wh...

Michael Loyd is a guy who went from the corporate world of pickleball with Head Pickleball to lighting up the pro tour. A collegiate tennis player who's now ruling the center court in pickleball tournaments. But there's more to his game than just skill – Michael found something special when he picked up that paddle. Tune in as he shares his personal journey of growth, fueled by a deepening...

Petey Bruce was born with no hands and one leg. Petey dropped out of school and moved to Florida with no home, no job, and didn’t know many people. It was his pickleball community that ultimately saved his life. Petey's incredible story is a testament to the transformative power of community and the remarkable impact of sports in reshaping lives. An inspiring story you have to listen to. Follo...