Why does pickleball feel so different now than it did a few years ago?

In the first episode of 99% Pickleball, hosts Mari Humberg and Nikki Maldonado break down how they found the sport, what pulled them into it, and why they felt the pickleball world needed a different kind of conversation.

From Mari's journey from Brazil to professional pickleball to Nikki's perspective as a creator deeply connected to the everyday player experience, the two talk about the culture surrounding the sport, the divide between rec players and the pro scene, and what they hope this podcast becomes moving forward.

This episode is part introduction, part honest conversation about where pickleball is right now, and where it may be headed next.