In this episode, we sit down with Elly Smith, a passionate pickleball player who has turned her love for the sport into a vibrant career in content creation and social media. Elly shares her journey from managing a coffee shop in Illinois to embracing the challenges and unknowns of the growing pickleball industry. Through candid discussions about personal growth, career transformation, and the courage to pursue the unconventional path, Elly unveils her creative process, the challenges of creating content that resonates, and the strategies behind forging meaningful collaborations with big names in the pickleball world. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, an aspiring creator, or someone seeking inspiration for navigating life's uncertainties, join us as Elly Smith delivers an insightful look into living life with passion and purpose on the Fail First Podcast.Find Elly here: Instagram: @its.elly.smithtiktok: @its.elly.smith00:00:00 Intro00:00:47 A plan, not a Bible.00:02:02 Elly Smith talks about turning pickleball into a career.00:02:31 Elly's fearless leap from coffee shop manager to pickleball.00:05:49 Elly opens up about the personal pain that drove her.00:07:41 Elly recounts how she stumbled into pickleball during the pandemic.00:10:15 The competitive spark and initial success in pickleball tournaments.00:11:31 Elly describes her evolution in the pickleball community.00:13:58 Transition from pickleball player to creator and influencer.00:15:02 Motivation and satisfaction in content creation.00:17:12 Perspective on failure and turning points.00:20:08 Elly discusses imposter syndrome throughout her creative journey.00:27:58 The challenges of recognizing and navigating burnout.00:32:20 Discussing strategies for growing as a creator.00:38:34 Elly shares her experience with burnout and recovery strategies.00:41:52 Advice for aspiring influencers reaching out to brands.00:47:00 The importance of authenticity in brand collaborations.00:49:27 When and how to balance free content with paid collaborations.00:55:23 Maintaining relevancy in the fast-evolving world of pickleball and social media.00:58:22 Elly's involvement with the Empower Her Pickleball Retreat and its impact.01:04:52 Elly reflects on adapting content to personal style and recognizing opportunities.01:07:49 A sneak peek into what Elly’s 2025 content may look like.01:10:24 Elly’s failures she's thankful for and the personal growth stemming from them.01:11:57 Greatest Fears and the pursuit of a life with no regrets.01:13:17 Concluding remarks and deep appreciation for Elly’s insights.

From Wall Street to Pickleball: Inside Gabe Tardio's $800K PPA Contract & Other Pickleball Industry SecretsDavid Hathaway (Co-Founder of Godfather Pickleball Agency) reveals the truth behind Gabe Tardio's viral contract, why leaked deals could be dangerous for players, and how the PPA's cash flow issues are reshaping pro pickleball 👀Learn: ✔️ Why paddle companies are pulling back from pro sponsorships ✔️ The REAL cost of being a pro pickleball player ($30-50K/year!) ✔️ How social media matters more than tournament wins ✔️ Why international pickleball leagues are becoming a threat💰 Plus: A former Wall Street trader's perspective on pickleball's business model problems and what it takes to fix them#pickleball #ppatour #sportsbusiness #pickleballproFind Godfather Pickleball Agency Here: https://godfatherpickleball.com

Instagram: @godfatherpickleballagency1. [00:00:00] Introduction and Background * [00:00:00] Postponement of the initial podcast * [00:00:00] The deal with Gabe Tardio * [00:00:00] Overview of the 800k deal over 3 years2. [00:01:15] Gabe Tardio's Deal and Negotiation Process * [00:01:15] Complexity and challenges of the contract * [00:01:15] Importance of leverage in negotiations * [00:03:30] Impact of international opportunities on the deal * [00:04:50] Confidentiality concerns and leak of deal terms3. [00:06:01] Incentives and Contractual Agreements in Pickleball * [00:06:01] PPA's business model and cash flow issues * [00:06:28] Incentive structures for players * [00:09:00] Market value and reassessment of player compensation4. [00:09:45] Implications and Impact of Leaked Deal Information * [00:09:45] Effects on baseline and player negotiations * [00:09:45] Potential missteps and business mistakes * [00:11:10] Leverage for players but challenges for the PPA5. [00:11:57] Alternative Tours and International Opportunities * [00:11:57] International tour wars and options for players * [00:12:09] Cash compensation models and trust concerns * [00:13:44] Consideration of international tours by Gabe Tardio6. [00:19:40] PPA Tour Policies and Player Contracts * [00:19:40] Recent PPA policy changes and main draw access * [00:19:46] Challenges for uncontracted players * [00:24:04] Financial viability and business model sustainability7. [00:39:25] Tour Wars and Historical Perspectives * [00:39:25] Experiences and challenges during tour wars * [00:39:29] Agent involvement and contract negotiations * [00:43:29] Merger implications and player experiences8. [00:45:06] Sponsorship Deals and Market Challenges * [00:45:06] Struggles for players to secure sponsorship deals * [00:46:06] Role of paddle companies and market dynamics * [00:50:55] Comparison with other sports and marketing opportunities9. [00:50:55] PPA’s Financial and Operational Challenges * [00:50:55] Costs and expenses of PPA events * [00:51:10] Overheads and player contracts impact * [00:52:19] Strategic outlook and financial sustainability10. [00:53:01] Future of Pickleball and Media Involvement * [00:53:01] Potential for documentaries and reality series * [00:54:22] Importance of engaging wider audiences * [00:55:02] Role of social media and influencer marketing11. [01:11:05] Role of Agents and Player Representation * [01:11:05] Criteria for adding players to rosters * [01:11:05] Player responsibilities and agency dynamics * [01:17:13] Marketplace and financial strategies for the agency12. [01:27:20] Personal Reflections and Future Outlook * [01:27:20] Personal fears and challenges * [01:27:58] Entrepreneurial endeavors and lessons learned * [01:28:46] Perspectives on the evolving pickleball landscape

In today's episode, we are joined by two exceptional guests, Richard Livornese Jr. and Eric Oncins, as they share their personal journeys through the world of sports, particularly focusing on the challenges and triumphs they've experienced on and off the pickleball court.Richard, candidly discusses the pivotal moment in his life when the pressures of competing in a major tournament led to a profound personal transformation. He is not only striving to be the best pickleball player he can be but also to become the best version of himself. Richard shares how adopting a stoic mindset has been instrumental in his journey toward mental resilience and personal happiness.Meanwhile, Eric reflects on his transformation from a college tennis player to a professional pickleball player. Originally from Brazil, he opens up about the turning points in his life, including working with a sports psychologist, which helped him overcome the detrimental effects of self-doubt and nerves during matches.Together, Richard and Eric discuss the importance of communication and partnership on the pickleball court, as well as the unique dynamics they have experienced with different teammates, including family. They delve into the mental aspects of the game, emphasizing the significance of staying present and maintaining a positive mindset.00:00 Overcoming Challenges03:49 Dad's Influence in Tennis09:35 Battling Self-Doubt in Sports10:54 "Be Kind to Yourself"16:09 Choosing Stoicism for Happiness17:44 Joy in Pickleball Challenges21:26 Tennis Frustration23:28 Tennis Struggles Lead to Brazil28:13 "Managing Nerves with Simplicity"32:27 "Winning's Fleeting Impact"33:52 Facing Fear of Failure37:16 No Regrets.40:00 Living in the Moment44:53 "Giving Back Through NextGen"48:45 "Underrated Role Model"49:18 Kids Love My Forehand

In this episode of the Fail First Podcast, we are joined by Riley Bohnert, a rising pickleball star, and her father, Chris Bohnert, as they dive into Riley's inspiring journey to professional success on the pickleball courts. Riley shares the pivotal moments that led her to choose pickleball over college, including a transformative tournament experience in New York. With the unwavering support of her family, especially her dad, who has been both coach and cheerleader, Riley speaks candidly about her fears of letting her family down and her determined resilience in overcoming challenges. We also explore the enriching community and competitive spirit found at Next Gen tournaments, where Riley has created a "family." Chris also dives into how he has learned to navigate being a Coach to Riley as well as a Father. Join us on this episode that has a little bit of everything.

1. Introduction to Riley Bohnert and Her Background [00:00:00] * Riley's relationship with her father as both a dad and coach. [00:00:00] * Riley's start in pickleball around the age of 16. [00:00:14] * Riley's fear of letting her family down. [00:00:28]2. Riley's Decision to Pursue Pickleball Professionally [00:01:29] * Her choice of pickleball over college. [00:01:35] * The pivotal moment of winning a bronze medal with Emily Ackerman. [00:01:46] * Discussion with her parents about not attending college. [00:02:53]3. Parental Support and Conditions Set by Her Parents [00:03:31] * Her parents’ realization of the importance of happiness over traditional paths. [00:03:31] * Conditions set for pursuing pickleball: structure and work ethic. [00:03:31]4. The Role of Family and Emotional Support [00:04:56] * Emotional support from her father and managing emotional lows. [00:04:56] * Riley’s father's approach of giving her space and recognizing her own skills. [00:09:13]5. Father-Daughter Relationship in Sports [00:06:29] * Playing various sports with her father as a coach. [00:06:29] * Learning discipline and having post-game discussions with her dad. [00:06:47]6. Experiences and Challenges in Sports [00:07:28] * Memories of comebacks and competitiveness in pickleball. [00:07:28] * The significance of team dynamics and overcoming challenges. [00:10:33]7. Triathlon Experiences and Building Confidence [00:11:15] * Riley’s experience in triathlons as a child. [00:14:48] * Overcoming the fear of swimming in lakes. [00:16:02]8. Next Gen Experience and Community [00:17:04] * Riley’s participation and experience with Next Gen tournaments. [00:17:04] * The community feeling and camaraderie among participants. [00:18:16]9. Riley's Reflections on Failure [00:21:45] * Reflecting on personal challenges during high school. [00:21:45] * Learning from failures to become stronger. [00:22:30]10. Parental Reflections on Coaching and Parenting [00:23:11] * Riley’s father's reflections on coaching and expectations. [00:23:11] * Adjusting coaching style to suit Riley’s needs and personality. [00:25:03]11. Greatest Fears and Moving Forward [00:25:34] * Riley’s fear of letting her family down with her decision. [00:27:27] * Her father's continuous concern for her well-being and choices. [00:25:52]12. Recent Success and Future Prospects [00:29:17] * Riley’s recent achievements in tournaments. [00:29:31] * Her parents’ pride in her progress and future potential. [00:29:17]

In this episode of the Fail First Podcast, we sit down with Tyler Glauser, the entrepreneurial mastermind behind Montis Pickleball. Tyler shares his intriguing journey from a light bulb moment in November 2021 to launching a business amidst the challenges of a crowded market. With a background influenced by a family of entrepreneurs and experience working as an analyst in the consumer industry, Tyler brings a unique perspective to the business world. Join us as we explore the ups and downs of founding a company, the ever-evolving journey of product development and manufacturing hurdles, and the power of influencer marketing. Tyler also delves into his passion for pickleball and his dedication to creating a brand that resonates with the sport's community.

1. Light Bulb Moment for Montis Pickleball [00:00:00 - 00:09:48] * The genesis of the idea in November 2021 [00:00:19 - 00:02:41] * Tyler Glauser's personal experience and need for pickleball shoes [00:02:41 - 00:05:14] * Shift in major brands towards lifestyle shoes [00:05:14 - 00:06:23] * Decision to start a pickleball shoe company [00:06:23 - 00:09:48]2. Company Naming Journey [00:09:48 - 00:13:16] * Initial choice of the name "Juice" [00:09:48 - 00:05:14] * Trademark issues with Wilson [00:05:14 - 00:06:23] * Transition to names like "Maven" and associated challenges [00:06:23 - 00:07:45] * Final choice of the name "Montis" and its significance [00:07:45 - 00:09:48]3. Transition from Idea to Execution [00:10:33 - 00:16:52] * Steps taken to execute the business idea [00:10:33 - 00:13:16] * Importance of having the right product [00:13:16 - 00:21:07] * Finding a footwear manufacturer [00:21:07 - 00:22:56] * Experiences with manufacturers in China and Mexico [00:22:56 - 00:23:07]4. Entrepreneurship and Background [00:23:07 - 00:40:28] * Influence of entrepreneurial family background [00:23:07 - 00:27:07] * Early entrepreneurial ventures in Glauser's life [00:28:42 - 00:29:42] * Full-time job parallel to starting Montis Pickleball [00:23:07 - 00:32:21]5. Challenges and Setbacks [00:32:21 - 00:48:03] * Setbacks during product development and manufacturing issues [00:32:21 - 00:39:03] * Competitive market growth during product launch phase [00:39:03 - 00:43:24] * Specific manufacturing issues in the second shipment [00:43:24 - 00:48:03]6. Business Growth and Marketing [00:48:03 - 00:53:43] * The role of influencer marketing in Montis' growth [00:48:03 - 00:49:07] * Approach and experimentation with marketing strategies [00:49:07 - 00:53:43] * @edjupickleball  impact on Montis Pickleball's market presence [00:53:43 - 01:30:45]7. Future Vision and Goals for Montis [01:30:45 - 01:44:09] * New product launches and colorways [01:33:45 - 01:40:06] * Investment in marketing and brand identity [01:40:06 - 01:42:50] * Moving forward with large inventory and financial strategies [01:42:50 - 01:44:09]8. Lessons from Other Businesses [01:44:09 - 01:51:52] * Insights from working with CEOs of major companies [01:44:09 - 01:47:50] * Importance of understanding business details and culture [01:47:50 - 01:51:52] * Differences noted in leadership and management styles [01:51:52 - 02:00:56]9. Personal Fear and Ambition [02:00:56 - 02:06:28] * Managing dual roles between Montis and his full-time job [02:00:56 - 02:04:28] * Balancing life commitments with entrepreneurial goals [02:06:28 - End]Montis Pickleball Shoes: CODE - FAILFIRSThttps://montispickleball.com?sca_ref=7897033.ur7601pbpbov5

In this episode of the Fail First Podcast, we sit down with Kyle Yates, a former number one men's pickleball player and recent inductee into the Pickleball Hall of Fame. Kyle shares his journey from being a top-tier athlete to becoming a mentor and coach for the next generation of pickleball players. He dives deep into the challenges young athletes face, particularly the mental hurdles and self-doubt that come with intense competition. Kyle also emphasizes the importance of building good human beings through sports, teaching values like respect and perseverance, which translate beyond the court into everyday life. Join host Alec Martone as he explores Kyle's motivations, experiences, and his new role in developing future pickleball stars. Whether you're a pickleball enthusiast or someone who appreciates the life lessons sports can teach, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Tune in to hear more about Kyle's inspiring perspective on failure, success, and the journey in between.

BONUS RESOURCES - Here is a link to all the resources (diagrams and worksheets) from Dr. Cassidy's book that we used within the episode to built Alec's Alter Ego.

00:00 Alter egos enhance intentional personal traits.

06:16 Words shape identity; choose carefully.

13:23 Balance eagerness with patience.

20:26 Trust instincts, avoid overthinking.

25:29 Optimus Prime's traits resonated deeply.

28:22 Adopting DMV lady's unfazed attitude.

38:59 Optimus Prime-inspired reset routine.

42:14 Create secondary brand; transform intentionally.

48:53 Routines enhance mindset and performance.

55:10 Create identity through meaningful narratives.

58:47 Alter egos boost confidence and commitment.

01:04:20 Visualize, prepare, perform, reflect.

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Fail First Podcast! Today we are joined by the brilliant Dr. Scott Frey, a cognitive neuroscientist and founder of Cerebral Performance. In this episode, Scott delves into the fascinating realm of cognitive training for athletes, discussing how managing and expanding our limited mental resources can significantly enhance performance.

Another exciting episode of "Fail First Podcast"! Today we have a special guest joining us—Ken Kerrmann, the founder driving force behind the Association of Pickleball Players (APP) Tour. In this episode, Ken takes us on an insightful journey through his experiences in the world of high-performance coaching and tennis club ownership, leading up to his significant role in pickleball's growth today.

Welcome to the latest episode of the Fail First Podcast! Today, we're diving into the entrepreneurial journey of Troy and Tyler, the dynamic duo behind No Apologies Nutrition and acquiring C&D Nets. In this episode, we'll explore their candid insights on scaling businesses, overcoming challenges, and leveraging personal connections to fuel growth. From calculated risks and strategic networking to the specifics of launching a nutrition brand intertwined with the world of pickleball, Troy and Tyler share invaluable lessons learned through both failures and successes. BONUS: we discuss the development of a PERFECT PICKLEBALL from start to finish. Join host Alec Martone as he unpacks their stories of resilience, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of business excellence. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration to help you navigate your own entrepreneurial path. Let's get started!

00:00 Entrepreneurs purchase net company after unexpected offer.

08:03 Building relationships and assessing risks before investing.

11:14 Entrepreneurial ventures succeeded together after individual failures.

19:20 Good chemistry elevates relationships and performance.

23:47 Created "Picked Perfect" product with pickle science.

28:25 "No Apologies" ethos for pickleball and nutrition.

36:34 Unique hydration blend offers immediate muscle relief.

39:53 High-quality salt in hydration boosts performance.

46:42 Overcoming adversity through determination and resilience.

53:30 Keep grinding, work hard, overcome challenges, succeed.

59:17 Take action first; everything else follows.

01:02:44 Product launch delayed, losing opportunities but gaining insights.

01:10:36 Share ideas with friends; seek advice first.

01:16:44 Less science in balls than paddles, evolving.

01:21:21 Build brand excitement through organic local engagement.

01:24:48 Expanding marketing through high-end sports connections.

01:29:09 Consistency in action is key to success.

01:37:14 Expensive, disliked nets: common pickleball player complaints.

01:42:15 Live without regrets, pursue passions daily.

01:46:31 Prioritize networking and relationships over career goals.

01:52:24 Avoid blinders; engage, connect, and rejuvenate.