Everything But The Kitchen Dink Pickleball Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with one of pickleball’s true pioneers, Melissa McCurley, the Hall of Famer, trailblazer, and behind-the-scenes force who helped shape the modern game. From her early life and military service to building the systems that powered tournament pickleball, breaking barriers in broadcast media, and helping grow the sport at every level, Melissa shares the story of how pickleball became not just a game, but a movement. This conversation is packed with insight, inspiration, and practical lessons for players, coaches, organisers, and anyone who loves the sport, plus a few memorable stories from a career that has helped define where pickleball has been — and where it’s going next.

This week's episode features a deep dive into DUPR killer VAIR with founder Mike Barker, who discusses the frustrations that led him to create a new approach to ratings. We unpack what VAIR is, how it works, and why it was built to tackle some of the biggest issues in the sport, from sandbagging and bad matchups to the growing distrust around rating systems. There’s also plenty of debate about how VAIR compares with DUPR and whether VAIR could genuinely become a serious challenger in the short and medium term. A must listen for all pickleballers!

Rob and Andy return with another packed episode, starting with the usual catch-up before diving into Andy’s rough week of illness and antibiotics, and Robert’s hectic run of filming, travel and tryouts. From there, the lads break down the week's play with the usual tips & banter, and how one player literally helped save a life on court. There’s also a DUPR email exchange, all wrapped up with the usual humour, honesty, and plenty for pickleball fans to chew on.

This week on Everything But The Kitchen Dink, Rob & Andy break down their latest tournament at the Shropshire Open, talk overconfidence, regression as well as a great tip if you're getting grief from home for playing too much, followed by more DUPR talk and cinnamon buns! Packed with laughs, banter, tips and content for players of all levels.

Rob and Andy return with another packed episode, starting with injuries updates, a week of on court stories stories, and a new “let the magic happen” mindset as they talk through progression, drilling, and Robert’s tweener. They dive into some important news in the wider world of pickleball, and throw in plenty of court-side banter. It’s a lively episode full of insight, humour, and plenty for pickleball fans to chew on.

In this week's episode, Rob and Andy return with another packed episode, starting with a catch-up on this weeks on- court sessions, a surprise illegal serve, and what recordings are revealing about their games. They break down some no-nonsense drilling advice, debate lobs, drop serves and whether pickleball is getting smarter or just more chaotic, then dive into the latest DUPR updates, Andre Agassi’s defence of the sport, and more news that shows how big pickleball is getting. Add in US Open drama and more world news and you’ve got a lively, opinionated episode with plenty of insight, laughs, and more than enough talking points for the week ahead.

Rob and Andy return after a missed week to catch up on illness, injury, and some much-needed court time before diving into a packed pickleball episode. They break down JOOLA’s major lawsuit against 11 paddle brands, unpack the eternal drive-or-drop debate, and explore the tactics of playing against lefties without losing the plot. There’s also thoughts on filming your own games to improve, and so much more — all delivered with the usual mix of insight, honesty, and humour.

This week's episode is all about getting back into the rhythm: a tough week on court and some honest reflections. We get into tournament prep - including and interesting journey, safety on court, add in paddle chat, pickleball news and the usual mix of blunt honesty and barely controlled chaos, and you’ve got a solid episode for players of all levels.

In this week's episode of Everything But The Kitchen Dink where we spill the chaos of our pickleball week, tournament nerves ahead of our first comp since October's Nationals, and the 2026 English Open registration. We tackle the burning question: Is it the paddle or the player? followed by updated reviews on some of our recent paddles, all all this and so much more.

In this week’s episode of Everything But The Kitchen Dink, Andy and Robert catch you up on lack of court time, before diving into the wild story of fraud that proves our sport’s boom really has gone mad. From there we tackle some of the biggest myths in pickleball & why blaming your partner probably isn’t the winning strategy you think it is—before talking tactics, mindset and so much more. We round things off with a paddle-of-the-week deep dive on the Enhance Duo Elongated and plenty of laughs, tips, and honest chat for everyone from brand‑new bangers to tournament grinders.