In this powerful episode of Behind the Paddle, Rob Nunnery sits down with Karen Mitchell, co-founder and chair of Pickleball England, to explore how a local village game turned into a nationwide movement—and what’s next on the global stage. They cover:

• Karen’s unexpected journey into pickleball (tea, cake & a paddle!)
• The grassroots origins of Pickleball England
• How England is setting the tone for international growth
• Behind-the-scenes politics of international pickleball governance
• The unification efforts to get pickleball into the Olympics
• Why sovereignty matters for the sport’s future

If you care about the future of pickleball, this is one you don’t want to miss.

Pickleball is catching fire in the Middle East—and Andreas and Thomas Neuert are at the center of it. In this episode, Rob Nunnery sits down with brothers Andreas and Thomas to talk about how they brought pickleball to Dubai, how they're building community, and why the sport is positioned to skyrocket across the GCC. From four courts to hundreds of players in months, Pickle Turf is just the beginning.

🔥 How the Dubai pickleball scene started

🏟️ Building premier indoor facilities

🌍 Why the GCC and India are keys to international growth

👶 The importance of junior programs and university adoption

🎯 The vision for floating courts and stadium experiences

🌐 Collaborations with Global Sports and Sania Mirza

Welcome to Episode 13 of the Behind the Paddle pickleball podcast! In this episode, Rob Nunnery welcomes Jordan Wick and Michele Spahr, hosts of the "Mom, You're Embarrassing Me" podcast. Rob shares his experiences of being a pro pickleball player after being diagnosed with Crohn's disease and Michele shares her experiences after an MS diagnosis. They both share how important community support is to maintaining your mental health during a difficult situation. Rob also shares the challenges of competing at a high level while managing health issues — and the significance of advocacy for those facing similar struggles. He is looking to the future and is excited about upcoming partnerships and tournaments in the APP tour. Rob, Jordan, and Michele discuss the challenges of handling criticism when you are playing at a high level, the transition from tennis to pickleball, and the strategic shifts in gameplay, particularly the trend of players stepping back from the kitchen line.

Welcome to Episode 12 of the Behind the Paddle pickleball podcast. In this episode, Rob Nunnery welcomes Carl Schmits, chief technology officer at USA Pickleball. Carl shares his journey from a systems engineer to a pro pickleball player. He discusses his involvement in the development of pickleball equipment standards, the challenges faced in the pro pickleball scene, and the importance of viewer engagement through broadcasting. Carl and Rob also discuss the evolving landscape of pickleball, the impact of these changes on amateur players, and the importance of maintaining the sport's integrity, especially with so many organizations running the game. Schmits emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach to ensure the pickleball's sustainability.

Welcome to Episode 10 of the Behind the Paddle pickleball podcast! In this episode, Rob Nunnery welcomes Kyle Yates, owner of The Picklr. Kyle shares his journey from professional pickleball player to business owner, with the goal of building indoor pickleball facilities in Colorado. He shares his experiences, challenges, and surprises of running a pickleball business and the importance of community engagement through membership models. He also discusses the evolving landscape of pro pickleball, both in the U.S. and internationally, the potential for growth in amateur pickleball, the importance of structured training for young players, and the growing opportunities in pickleball around the world, especially in Asia.

Welcome to Episode 9 of the Behind the Paddle pickleball podcast. In this episode, Rob Nunnery welcomes Matt Nola, founder of Lunar Pickleball. Matt shares his journey from discovering pickleball during the pandemic to establishing Lunar Pickleball, a pickleball paddle brand aimed at providing resources for players in Asia. He discusses the vibrant culture of Thailand, the need for better infrastructure for pickleball in the area, and his plans to build a premium facility in Bangkok. Rob and Matt also discuss the potential for growth in pickleball globally and the importance of community and support for players.

Welcome to Episode 8 of the Behind the Paddle pickleball podcast. In this episode, Rob Nunnery welcomes Erik Tice, a content writer for the Dink Pickleball. Erik shares his journey into the world of professional pickleball analysis, including his analytical approach to player performance and the importance of statistical data in understanding team dynamics. There is a need for better statistical tracking and analysis to enhance the understanding of pickleball player performance and team strategies within all professional pickleball leagues. Rob and Erik also discuss the evolving landscape of professional pickleball, team formats, the future of Major League Pickleball (MLP), and the impact of player contracts on motivation and competitiveness. As pickleball expands, there are new talents emerging from all over the world, especially from countries like India and China.

Welcome to Episode 7 of the Behind the Paddle pickleball podcast. In this episode, Rob Nunnery welcomes Ryler DeHeart as he shares his journey from tennis to becoming a professional pickleball player. They discuss the challenges (and joys) of transitioning from one sport to another, the importance of family in his pickleball journey, and the exciting growth of pickleball internationally. Ryler and his family have adopted an "RV lifestyle" with the goal of balancing pickleball competition with family life. He is also passionate about coaching and inspiring youth in pickleball.

Welcome to Episode 6 of the Behind the Paddle pickleball podcast. In this episode, Rob Nunnery welcomes pickleball pro Susannah Barr. Rob and Susannah discuss her journey into pickleball, her background as an adjunct professor and military linguist, and the challenges of being a pro athlete in a growing sport. Susannah also shares her experience of parenting a young athlete, how professional pickleball has evolved over the years, her experiences as a co-owner of a pickleball club in Boise, Idaho, and her plans to continue coaching and be involved with her community.

Welcome to Episode 5 of the Behind the Paddle pickleball podcast. In this episode, Rob Nunnery welcomes pickleball pro Dylan Frazier to talk about his journey in pickleball, playing in college, and the future of pickleball. Pickleball is growing exponentially among college students — Dylan sees a lot of potential for it to become a varsity sport. He also talks about pro pickleball formats, player dynamics, and how they can make the game more exciting for spectators. Plus, his future plans in pickleball and how he wants to stay involved in the sport even after his pro days.