This week on the PicklePod, we switch things up — no PPA or MLP action to recap, but a massive week of storylines, debates, and one of our favorite interviews of the year.

Zane and Tice debut a brand-new segment: Build-A-Player — where each builds the “perfect” pro pickleball player using only 11 unique skills… but they can’t use the same player twice. The results? Chaos, controversy, and an absolutely stacked conversation that you’ll want to vote on in the comments.

We also break down:

🔥 PPA Melbourne (rain delays, surprises, and emerging stars)

🔥 Which partnerships are legit and which are temporary

🔥 Why the tournament format changes actually matter

🔥 The Lakeland draws — including matchups that could get spicy

🔥 How agents are now influencing pro partnerships (yes… really)

Then we’re joined by Kyle Yates, one of the OG goats of pickleball. Kyle breaks down:

🇺🇸 Team USA’s run at the Pickleball World Cup

🏆 Why the international scene is exploding

🥁 How Venezuela brought an actual marching band

🎽 The jersey swaps, the atmosphere, and the wildest crowds he’s ever seen

🎾 The origin story of “The Kyle Shot”

👀 Whether pickleball is getting closer to an Olympic future

👉 Subscribe for new episodes every week and stay plugged into the fastest-growing sport in the world.

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0:00 - Intro

05:20 - PPA Melbourne recap: delays, chaos & standout performances

10:48 - PPA Lakeland preview: Why this “open” feels like a Slam

15:04 - Singles shake-up: Fed back to #1, Ben seeded #8, chaos in draws

20:40 - Women’s singles danger zone: Seone Mendez & Salome in ALW’s path

26:01 - Mixed doubles storylines: Rachel & Andre reunited, matchup drama

31:30 - Doubles partnership chaos: agents, contracts & 2026 shakeups

36:50 — Women’s doubles preview: Tyra/Paris, Jackie/Jade & chaos in the quarters

42:30 — The “Build the Perfect Player” draft begins (serve, drives, drops)

58:40 — Introducing Dr. Scott (Troscriptions): Blue Cannatine for focus & energy

1:03:55 — Nicotine’s misunderstood role: low-dose benefits for athletes

Improved recall, relaxation, focus, and why delivery method matters.

1:09:20 — Methylene blue explained: endurance, energy & mitochondrial function

1:11:10– Kyle Yates Joins the Show

1:13:20 – Inside the Pickleball World Cup: Atmosphere, Format & Team USA’s Win

1:21:45 A preview for Olympic Pickleball

1:25:40 Kyle's Hall of Fame career and Kyle shot origins

1:33:39 Jersey swaps with other countries

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