The Dink Tank

In this episode, we sit down with Joel Clark, a rising star in the Cincinnati pickleball scene who recently achieved a triple crown victory at Dink Cincy. With a background as a collegiate tennis player, Joel shares his fascinating journey from picking up his first paddle just two and a half years ago to competing in APP tournaments today.  Episode Highlights:   Joel's pickleball origin story...

In this episode of the Dink Tank podcast, host Ben sits down with Terry Helmer, who recently won silver in the Dink Cincy tournament at the Pickle Lodge. Terry shares his fascinating pickleball journey from beginner to tournament competitor, offering valuable insights for players of all levels. Starting in 2021, Terry quickly progressed from community play to competitive tournaments. He reveals ho...

In this episode of the Dink Tank, host Ben sits down with Todd Jungling, co-founder of Pickleball Max. Todd and his wife Teresa have become fixtures in the Cincinnati pickleball community, providing instruction, tournament direction, and valuable content through their long-running blog. Todd shares his fascinating 40-year pickleball journey, beginning with middle school gym class in Wisconsin and...

In this episode of Dink Tank, chat with Carolina Lopez (via phone), a former professional tennis player turned pickleball pro. With a duper rating of 5.75, Carolina shares her remarkable journey from Argentina to becoming a tennis instructor at Quail Tennis Club in Dayton, Ohio, and now competing professionally in pickleball tournaments across the country. Episode Highlights: Carolina's tenni...

In this episode, we're joined by Ali and Ike from Ali and Ike Adventures, certified pickleball coaches and competitors who have made a significant impact on the Cincinnati pickleball scene. From their chance meeting at Middletown Pickleball Association to Ike's national bronze medal, they share insights that will benefit players of all levels. Episode Highlights: [00:01:30] How Ali and I...

In this episode, we talk with James "J Smooth" Lawson, a pickleball player, coach, and instructor sponsored by Crush Pickleball. James shares his 7-year pickleball journey, coaching philosophy, tournament experiences, and technical advice for players of all levels. Guest Bio James Lawson (aka J Smooth) provides pickleball instruction at multiple facilities including: Pickleball Plex Linc...

In this episode of The Dink Tank, we speak with Kevin Turain, Treasurer of the Middletown Pickleball Association (MPA), about the remarkable growth of their organization from humble beginnings to a thriving community with 27 courts and 600+ members. Kevin shares insights on tournament organization, ladder leagues, beginner programming, and the social dynamics that make pickleball so addictive. Key...

In this episode, Mitch shares the fascinating origin story of Pickle Lodge, Cincinnati's premier pickleball facility. As a self-described "masochist" who values volunteering, Mitch founded the Cincinnati Pickleball Club in January 2020 to grow the sport locally. His online visibility led to a fateful connection with Joe Frank, owner of the Fowling Warehouse, in July 2020. Though the...

The podcast features an interview with Chip and Mikala (via phone), a father-daughter pickleball team who recently won a tournament called the Battle of the Paddle. They discuss their individual journeys into the sport—Mikala began playing in 2023 after a spontaneous practice session with her father, while Chip started after knee replacement surgery in 2021 as a way to stay competitive without the...

Note: corrected email contacts below. leagues.deerfield@fiftywestbrew.com Leagues.wooster@fiftywestbrew.com  Moe and I discuss the companies history, beer and food selection and sports offerings! Pickleball Leagues Starts March 17th! Type: Beginner to Advanced Format: 2v2 Co-ed, Men’s, and Women’s Duration: 8 Weeks of League Play Available Days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 

Jeff and I sit down and discuss the upcoming tournament at the Countryside YMCA in Lebanon, Ohio.  This is a Double Elimination Pickleball Tournament and Fundraiser to support the Veterans Connect program at Countryside YMCA!  Four different ways to play; Men's Flight, Women's Flight, Mixed Flight, or 60+ Men's Flight (all doubles).