Kitchen Talk: Pickleball Edition

This week on Kitchen Talk: Pickleball Edition, I sit down with Chris Muller, the creator of Prickled, an animated sitcom about the people and stories that make pickleball what it is off the court. Chris explains why the sport’s highly engaged community made it the perfect first project, and how the show mixes the comedy of Curb Your Enthusiasm and Seinfeld with the heart of Ted Lasso. We get into how an episode gets made, from character development to how long production actually takes, and why animation allows for storytelling that real-world filming can’t pull off. Chris also...

Russ Johnson and Deb Cohen’s pickleball journey began with Pickleball Citi, a smaller club that gave them the experience and insight to dream bigger. After selling their first facility, they’re taking everything they learned and putting it into Rally Haus Sports, a much larger, community-focused pickleball destination coming this winter. We talk about how their backgrounds in higher education and golf led them to pickleball, the lessons they learned from their first club, why they decided to make a bigger bet on the sport, the challenges of opening a new facility, and their vision for creating a welc...

Mark Stephens leads the Pickleball Ministry for SportsLife Leadership, an organization dedicated to building sports communities for kingdom impact and infusing life into sports leaders around the world. Mark shares how he is using pickleball as a platform for ministry, bringing professional players, collegiate athletes, coaches, and others together through worship, fellowship, events, and shared faith. With professional pickleball players spending much of the year traveling from tournament to tournament, Mark is working to create a stronger sense of community and connection for athletes who can often experience loneliness on tour. Through SportsLife Pickleball, he is helping unite players...

What happens when a two-sport Division I athlete at Harvard with an accomplished career in finance discovers pickleball for the first time and sees an opportunity to completely change the game? Mary Cannon, co-founder of CityPickle, shares the story of how one game sparked an idea that would bring pickleball to some of New York City’s most iconic locations. From launching the first-ever pickleball pop-up at Hudson Yards in October 2022, when many New Yorkers were still just discovering the sport, to winning the bid to operate Wollman Rink in Central Park for the next 20 years and opening a fl...

Pickleball Hall of Famer and global ambassador Wesley Gabrielsen returns to Kitchen Talk: Pickleball Edition to share how the sport is creating connections far beyond the court. From leading the Dilli Dilwale to a World Pickleball League Team Championship in India, to participating in the Oregon-China Pickleball Exchange and launching his newest venture combining Willamette Valley wine and pickleball experiences, Wesley discusses the exciting opportunities emerging around the world. He also opens up about why he believes pickleball’s greatest strength is its ability to bring people together even during times of global tension. This episode explores the magic be...

Dill Dinkers CEO, Will Richards, shares how a love for pickleball turned into one of the fastest-growing pickleball franchises in the country. With 27 clubs open across 13 states and rapid expansion underway, Dill Dinkers has also achieved the highest court revenue per court in the industry. Before launching the brand, Will gained franchise experience working with Domino's Pizza and later worked in government contracting before entering the pickleball world. In this conversation, he breaks down the keys to building a successful franchise, the importance of community and culture, thoughts on market saturation, strategic growth, and where he believes the future...

Tito Machado, CEO of DUPR, gets real about the highs and lows of building the world’s leading pickleball rating system. From nearly going out of business and facing intense backlash, including death threats, to helping establish DUPR as the clear global standard in pickleball, now used in more than 183 countries. In this candid episode, Tito shares the journey behind unifying ratings across MLP, PPA, and APP, the latest DUPR updates including mixed ratings, age-specific ratings, and AI-powered features, and how community feedback continues to shape the platform’s evolution and the future of pickleball. Follow us if you like...

Vaibhav Verma, founder of Aero AI, explores how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing pickleball content creation. From his background as a competitive tennis player and Y Combinator-backed founder to building a tool now used by the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball, Vaibhav shares how he identified the inefficiency of editing match footage and created AI technology that automatically removes dead time, detects key moments, and generates highlight reels in minutes. Verma discusses the growing role of AI in sports, the impact of social media on pickleball’s rise, and why starting with a real problem, not just the technology, is...

Roger BelAir is using pickleball to bring together inmates, including violent offenders, from places like Chicago’s Cook County Jail, where even individuals convicted of murder are finding common ground on the court. What were once deeply divided groups, including rival gang members who would not speak, are now playing side by side, competing, communicating, and even laughing and hugging one another. Through structure, accountability, and a clear incentive, “Don’t behave, don’t play,” the program gives these men a sense of purpose and belonging while helping reduce violence and disciplinary issues inside. What started as one bold experiment...

Brad Robbins, founder of Kitchen Blockers, the lensless protective eyewear brand talks about redefining safety in pickleball After suffering an eye injury on the court Brad was inspired to create a solution that players would actually want to wear eliminating common issues like fogging glare and discomfort He shares the story behind Kitchen Blockers rapid growth into more than 40 countries the brands partnerships with USA Pickleball and PPA Juniors and why eye protection remains one of the most overlooked aspects of the sport Brad also offers insight into building a mission driven company emphasizing passion community and creating products...

You probably know Evan Slaughter aka Fit2Serve as the hilarious guy behind the pickleball reels that make us all laugh but his story goes far deeper than social media. An Army veteran, Evan faced PTSD after his service and struggled with addiction, weight gain, and ultimately found himself in rehab searching for a way to rebuild his life. It was there that he discovered pickleball a sport that became not just an outlet but a turning point. Through the game, Evan found healing, community, and a renewed sense of purpose. Today, he uses humor and content to make...

Daren Hornig brings his real estate and marketplace expertise to pickleball with Courts App, a new platform designed to simplify court booking across racquet sports. Often described as the “Expedia for racquet sports,” Courts App allows players to book available court time nationwide while helping facilities fill unused courts during off-peak hours. The app creates a win-win ecosystem for players and clubs and is already partnering with major names in the industry. With upcoming integrations to find players and shop within the platform, Courts App is positioning itself as a central hub for how people play, connect, and access racq...

The US Open Pickleball Championships is celebrating its 10-year anniversary, and with the competition lottery opening this week, we’re taking a closer look at what makes this event one of the most anticipated tournaments in the sport. Often called the Biggest Pickleball Party in the World, the US Open is expected to welcome more than 3,400 athletes from all 50 states and over 40 countries, along with 55,000+ spectators. Owner and President Ben Weinberger shares what sets the tournament apart, from the energy and camaraderie to the player village, live music, and social atmosphere. Ben also previews what’s ahead this year, incl...

When an injury forced former rockstar Gordon Gebert to step away from the stage, he found himself searching for the energy, connection, and purpose that had once fueled his life. Everything changed when he discovered pickleball, a sport that not only reignited his passion but transformed his future. Now the CEO of the National Pickleball League, Gordon shares how he turned personal adversity into a mission to build an affordable, inclusive league for players of all ages and skill levels. In this inspiring conversation, he reveals how pickleball brought him back to community, confidence, and a brand-new calling. Follow...

Forrest Smith, founder of Kineon Labs, breaks down why recovery is the key to playing pickleball for life. We dive into how red light therapy and trigger point therapy help reduce inflammation, protect your joints, and keep your body moving at a high level as the wear and tear of the sport adds up. Forrest also explains how Kineon’s travel-size red light therapy goes beyond injury recovery to support gut health, deeper sleep, reduced stress and anxiety, and a stronger immune system. Plus, with Kineon’s pickleball campaign launching soon, listeners can use code KAITLIN for 20% off all Kine...

CourtReserve cofounder Ashley Owens shares the remarkable growth story behind one of the leading platforms in racquet and paddle sports. What began as an idea at a kitchen table has scaled into a company serving more than 2,000 clubs and five million players worldwide and recently secured a 54 million strategic growth investment from Mainsail Partners. Ashley opens up about building the business alongside her husband, combining complementary skill sets to create a strong team marriage, assembling the right team, and modernizing an industry still often relying on pen and paper. This conversation is packed with insight for founders, club operators...

In a historic moment for the sport, professional pickleball players have come together to launch the World Pickleball Players Association (WPPA), the first-ever player-led organization dedicated to uniting athletes and advancing the game. Board member and pro player Dekel Bar joins the show to share what this milestone means for the future of pickleball. From demanding time off to recover to advocating for fair schedules and better player conditions, Dekel opens up about the movement to bring balance, professionalism, and longevity to the sport we all love. Remember to follow this podcast if you like hearing the untold stories...

Scott Brown is now leading one of the top pickleball apparel brands, partnering with the biggest names in the sport and getting their products featured in national television commercials on ESPN and Fox Sports. His path here was anything but ordinary. After spending 20 years at Nike, Scott moved into the software consulting world but missed working with product. Then one day, a random email landed in his inbox that he almost deleted, thinking it was spam. It turned out to be from the investors of Centerline. He decided to respond, and that single decision set him on the path...

Joe Sexton, Co-Founder and President of Ace Pickleball Club, never imagined franchising would become his long-term career path. After more than 20 years working with top brands like Sky Zone, Joe entered the pickleball world and it changed everything. Inspired by his mom’s life-changing story, he launched Ace with a mission to build community through the sport he grew to love. In this episode, Joe shares how he created a scalable franchise model that’s fueling one of the fastest national expansions in pickleball, what sets Ace apart from other clubs, and how strategic partnerships like DoorDash are taking the...

Three-time Olympian and national champion in freestyle skiing, Tracy Evans, has always been a trailblazer both in sport and in life. After revolutionizing aerial skiing with groundbreaking jumps, she turned her passion toward creating impact off the slopes by founding Kids Play International, a nonprofit promoting gender equality and education through sport in post genocide communities.In this episode, Tracy shares how her program has transformed lives, with 90 percent of children involved going on to pursue higher education. Now she is introducing pickleball to Rwanda and Cambodia, leveraging the sport’s accessibility, inclusivity, and social nature to continue breaking do...

Casie Caldwell and Lauren Vosbein, hosts of the podcast Dinks on Tap, are proof that pickleball can change your life in the best way. Casie shares how losing her hospitality career became the spark that helped her finally find work life balance and a new sense of purpose. Lauren talks about moving to Dallas without knowing anyone and how pickleball opened doors to new friendships, competition, and joy. Together, they play in a semi-pro league, toast to victories after matches, and use their podcast to celebrate the connections this sport creates. Their story is about more than just the...

Brian Harper, the visionary behind Pickle & Social, shares how he’s blending pickleball with the wildly successful eatertainment model he helped grow at Topgolf. He explains why combining food, fun, and the fastest-growing sport in America is a winning formula, and how the concept’s adaptability allows it to evolve with market demands. Brian also answers one of the industry’s biggest questions—is it too late to open a pickleball facility?—and lays out the smartest path forward for those looking to enter the space. Be sure to follow to this page!

What happens when love and pickleball collide? In this episode, we chat with Anneliese Niebauer, co-founder of PickleMatch, the first pickleball dating app built for pickleball players. Born out of her own post-breakup journey, Anneliese turned the not-so-fun world of dating apps into something playful, active, and community-driven. PickleMatch connects singles by skill rating, favorite courts, and age, then encourages them to meet on the court instead of swiping for weeks. With over 500 people already on the waitlist and a launch party that drew 120 players, the app is set to open to the public this August. Anneliese shares the...

Singer, songwriter, and pickleball poet David Francis joins the show to debut his country & western comedy song about Anna Leigh Waters, the number one pickleball player in the world. Packed with golden pickles, body bags, ATPs, and punchlines, this song captures the spirit of the game and the legend herself. David also shares plans for a full-blown line dance to go with the tune and hopes to perform it live at tournaments. Plus, we talk about his life near the birthplace of pickleball on Bainbridge Island and how the local scene continues to honor the sport’s roots.A sp...

Pamela DeLoatch, a writer turned athlete from Raleigh, North Carolina, never saw herself as a competitor until a spontaneous pickleball match with a friend changed everything. That moment led to the founding of Black Girl Magic Pickleball, a vibrant and growing community of more than 120 Black women learning to play and love the game. Despite making up less than 8 percent of players nationwide, this group is building representation and joy on the court. Pamela was recently selected as one of only 10 Humana Game Changers from 12,000 athletes at the 2025 National Senior Games, an honor that recognizes senior athletes who exemplify...

Curt Carbaugh, founder of C2 Performance, joins the show to break down how his innovative band system is helping pickleball players train smarter and prevent injuries. After years of training Olympic athletes and top-tier pros, Curt developed C2 bands to target muscle imbalances, improve mobility, and boost performance on and off the court. With mobile kits you can use anywhere from hotel rooms to courtside, C2 is now making waves in the pickleball world. Curt explains what makes his bands different, shares how teams are training with them, and offers tips to stay powerful, pain free, and pickleball ready...

Twin sisters and fashion founders Ashley Cornil and Sara Brady turned their love of racquet sports and style into Le Pickle Club, one of the most buzzed about clothing brands blending comfort, elegance, and pickleball flair. After selling their successful women’s accessories line, KIN THE LABEL, the sisters launched Le Pickle Club to capture the social and playful spirit of the fastest growing sport in America. In this episode, they share how French family roots inspired the brand’s aesthetic, how they are redefining the pickleball uniform for both on and off the court, and what it takes to b...

We're joined by the woman behind one of the biggest pickleball booms in the country, Emily Akradi. As the founder of the Life Time Foundation and wife of Life Time CEO Bahram Akradi, Emily is the driving force behind bringing pickleball to Life Time clubs nationwide. What started as her personal love for the game has sparked a movement. In over 18 months, Life Time has built over 700 courts across the U.S., setting the gold standard for fitness clubs everywhere. Emily shares how it all began, the sport’s power to connect communities, and how the Life Time Foundation is...

Sarah Bowman and John Braun went from pickleball opponents to an unstoppable duo in business and competition. After reconnecting off the court, they hit the road, traveling the world by car, co-hosting a podcast, and building their brand along the way. Sarah is now chasing a spot in the National Pickleball League, the first pro league for players 50 and over, with John by her side as her trainer. Together, they launched Pickle Box, a boutique consulting agency offering outsourced business services to companies in the paddle and racquet sports world. The journey keeps getting better for this duo!

Randall Bedwell is a passionate advocate for junior pickleball development. Randall shares his mission to grow the sport among youth through his organizations Pickleball Kids USA and the Tennessee Junior Pickleball Association. From integrating pickleball into after-school programs and PE curricula across Tennessee schools to championing a proposed state pickleball license plate, with profits directly supporting youth programs, Randall is working tirelessly to ensure the next generation has access to this fast-growing sport. Tune in to learn how he's building a movement to get more kids on the court, one paddle at a time.

The 2025 Minto US Open Pickleball Championships in Naples is bringing the heat like never before. With over 3,400 players from all 50 states and 40 countries, it’s the biggest pickleball party in the world. US Open Owner, Ben Weinberger, talks about the brand-new wellness center, a beachside Margaritaville hangout, an enhanced Zing Zang Championship court, and more sponsors and vendors than ever before. Tennis legend Andre Agassi is making headlines as he teams up with world No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters for his highly anticipated pro pickleball debut. If you're not planning to go to Naples yet, you're going to want to be...

Chong Kim, better known as CK, is on a mission to break the Guinness World Record for the longest pickleball marathon, aiming to play for an incredible 36 consecutive hours with three of his friends. The current record stands at 34 hours and 5 minutes, and CK is pushing past it not just for the thrill, but for a meaningful cause. The entire event will raise awareness and funds for Taylor’s Gift Foundation, which supports organ donation and families impacted by loss. You can watch the livestream and donate at ⁠www.taylorsgift.org/pickleball⁠ starting April 12 at 6 AM. CK also shares his un...

Jose Moreno is the Chief Marketing Officer of USA Pickleball, which is the national governing body for the sport in the United States. Jose dives into the excitement of USA Pickleball’s golden ticket events, which give players a chance to qualify for the prestigious national championships. But beyond the competition, Jose shares the heart of their mission—giving back. Through USA Pickleball’s nonprofit initiative, Pickleball Serves, the organization is using the sport to uplift communities across the country. From building courts to providing lessons for kids and supporting charitable causes, USA Pickleball is proving that the game isn’t...

Jose Moreno is the Chief Marketing Officer of USA Pickleball, which is the national governing body for the sport in the United States. Jose dives into the excitement of USA Pickleball’s golden ticket events, which give players a chance to qualify for the prestigious national championships. But beyond the competition, Jose shares the heart of their mission—giving back. Through USA Pickleball’s nonprofit initiative, Pickleball Serves, the organization is using the sport to uplift communities across the country. From building courts to providing lessons for kids and supporting charitable causes, USA Pickleball is proving that the game isn’t...

Forrest Smith set out to build a mission-driven company that truly helps people—and that’s exactly what he did with Kineon. In this episode, we dive into how Kineon is making advanced light therapy accessible and affordable with the Move+ Pro, a compact yet powerful device delivering clinical-level therapy without the $50,000 price tag. Used by PGA golfers, NFL players, and everyday individuals, this device is changing lives by reducing joint pain, speeding up recovery, and enhancing overall wellness. Tune in to learn how this cutting-edge technology is keeping people healthier for longer. Plus, get $100 off your own Move+ Pro...

In just four months, 12-year-old Rocco Monteleon has skyrocketed from pickleball beginner to medaling in 4.0 tournaments and winning two bronze medals at his first national junior tournament. A former USTA tennis player, Rocco made the switch to pickleball and hasn’t looked back—so much so that his family is moving to Florida so he can train year-round and chase his dream of going pro. With a natural talent, fierce dedication, and a big personality that shines on and off the court, Rocco is a rising star you need to know. Tune in for an episode full of passion, ener...

For the first time ever, an 11-year-old is joining the podcast! Ethan Lefkowitz is one of the youngest rising stars in pickleball, competing on the junior tour and already making a name for himself. Growing up in New York City, he learned the game by playing against adults, facing challenges and proving that age is just a number. Now a Selkirk-sponsored athlete, Ethan shares what it’s like to be the youngest player on the court, how he handles expectations, and his dreams of going pro. This episode is a glimpse into the future of pickleball.

What does it take to thrive in the fastest-growing sport in America? Evan Specht, Co-Founder of Diadem Sports, knows firsthand. Starting in his garage, Evan built a tennis brand that quickly pivoted into pickleball, driven by his love for innovation and the challenge of a fast-paced industry. In this episode, he unveils Diadem’s latest breakthrough: BLUCORE Technology, the first solid-core paddle made with aerospace-grade materials and backed by a lifetime warranty. Get an insider look at the future of paddle design and an exclusive preview of Diadem’s 2025 product lineup, including their cutting-edge footwear collection. Give us a foll...

In this heartfelt episode, Stephen Jones shares his deeply personal journey with Stage 4 cancer and how the pickleball community has shown up for him in extraordinary ways. While he’s no longer able to play the sport he loves during his chemotherapy treatments, Stephen’s connection to the pickleball world has remained stronger than ever. He reveals how this community has inspired him, lifted him up, and even performed what he calls “miracles” during one of the most challenging times of his life. Tune in to hear an inspiring story of resilience, hope, and the power of community both on and o...

Christine and Peter Burrows started PB-CB to provide corporate teams the opportunity to learn and play the fastest-growing sport while also enjoying some cohesion, communication, collaboration and fun! Whether you’re a small team or an enterprise organization that wants to build departments or cross-functional teams, PB-CB provides a unique and engaging experience. By integrating the camaraderie of sport with the nuances of professional development, they've crafted a holistic approach to team building that uses the pickleball court as our whiteboard.