What began as Jed's pandemic hobby turned into a family obsession that Stacy initially resisted. Now she's the one who has to be peeled from the courts! The Gants reveal how pickleball became more than just a sport — transforming into Stacy's escape from her packed schedule, Jed's solution to making new friends midlife, and even a competitive battleground with their teenage son Oliver. From heated league disputes to cross-country road trips with pickleball buddies, this episode uncovers how three yellow balls changed everything for one family.

Highlights

• Jed's COVID beginnings turned pickleball obsession
• Stacy's journey from "isn't that for retirees?" to being a huge enthusiast
• How pickleball became Stacy's escape valve while juggling teenagers, career, and PhD studies
• Jed's candid take on male friendships after 40 and how pickleball has enriched it
• The unexpected deep bonding during a cross-country road trip with a pickleball buddy
• The complete family bonding that sport has brought, even with their daughter who doesn't play
• Son Oliver joins to share the satisfaction of beating his parents on the court
• How tempers flaring during competitive league play over an "out" call
• How pickleball transformed from a casual hobby to the family's social lifeline

Chapters

00:52 Introduction

04:37 The family dynamic while just Jed was playing

06:14 Stacy joins the pickleball fun after FOMO

10:44 Balancing their schedules and squeezing in pickleball

14:37 Why they jokingly call their kids "pickleball orphans"

19:33 The role of pickleball as a coping mechanism

23:12 Discovering playing styles and how to be a supportive partner

29:46 When others give unsolicited advice on the courts

30:47 Their embarrassing moments on the courts

32:11 Opponents who really want to win and competitive leagues

37:49 Oliver's own take on pickleball and how it has bonded their family

43:48 Future goal of playing pickleball in all 50 states

46:43 The surprise of amazing new friendships and deep bonds