Are you a banger who relies on sheer power, or do you actually have the control to place the ball where you want it? In this episode, Gina and Neil discuss the fine line between aggressive play and reckless endangerment. They break down why adrenaline often leads to bad mechanics and how swinging without looking isn't just a strategy error... it's a safety hazard for everyone on the court.

Gina and Neil also dive into the mental side of the game, sharing a story from the Chicago Open where experienced players underestimated their younger opponents and paid the price. They explain why you should never "play down" to your competition and how to navigate Open Play with inclusivity without sacrificing your own game quality.

From learning to let the game come to you to understanding when to dial back the intensity, this conversation is all about playing smarter, not just harder.

Do you control the point, or does the point control you?

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So you have a discount code for a paddle company, but does that mean you are actually sponsored? In this episode of Keeping it Real, Gina Cilento and Neil Friedenberg peel back the curtain on the business side of pickleball. They explain the massive difference between being a true sponsored athlete and an affiliate, and what it really takes to get paid to play versus just getting free gear.

The conversation shifts to the mental game, specifically your closet. Does looking like a pro actually make you play like one? Gina and Neil debate the psychology of sports attire, drop a hilarious comparison to Adam Sandler’s signature style, and discuss why Gina refuses to wear anything but black on the court.

They also touch on the fine line between confidence and ego, and how psychological strategies can impact sportsmanship during high-stakes tournaments.

Does wearing the latest gear give you a mental edge, or is it just an expensive placebo?

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You just smashed an overhead and oops, it tagged your opponent right in the chest. Do you apologize immediately, or is saying sorry a sign of weakness?

In this episode of Keeping it Real, hosts Gina Cilento and Neil Friedenberg settle the debate on court etiquette. From Gina's horror story about hitting an opponent in the throat during her first tournament to the unwritten rules of net cords and wind gusts, they break down exactly when sportsmanship demands an apology and when you should just play on.

Gina and Neil also dive into the Body Bag rule, why you shouldn't apologize for the weather, and how true competitiveness can coexist with being a nice person. Whether you are a tournament pro or a recreational player, this conversation will help you navigate the awkward art of the pickleball apology.

Make sure to sign up for the Empower Pickleball newsletter for more etiquette tips, gear reviews, and community stories at https://empowerpickleball.beehiiv.com/subscribe.

If you hit the net and the ball trickles over for a winner, do you actually feel sorry?

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Gina and Neil recorded this one live at Pickleball Kingdom in Menomonee Falls, WI, where the courts stay full and the community is the whole point. They dig into why pickleball facilities are exploding, how each one builds its own culture, and why people show up at the same place day after day.

Throughout the episode, they bring a rotating cast of players and instructors into the conversation: new players trying their first tournament, longtime athletes crossing over from other sports, die-hard community members who treat Pickleball Kingdom like a second home, and even a few surprise guests who flip the script and start interviewing them. They wrap with a look at Vibe Getaways and why pickleball trips have become the sport’s newest obsession.

It’s loose, funny, and full of the stuff you only hear when the mics are set up courtside.

👇 Follow + subscribe:
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Gina and Neil are back, and they’re diving straight into the side of pickleball nobody likes to admit exists: the drama.

From pro-level chaos to everyday rec-court fallouts, the sport is seeing friendships end, relationships blow up, and reputations shift fast. In this episode, they walk through what they’ve witnessed, what they’ve experienced, and why character matters more than any ranking or match result.

The real question every player should ask: What do you want to be known for?

Gina and Neil also highlight the people who consistently show up with integrity, because not everything is messy, and some players genuinely set the standard.

It’s honest, direct, and very much Keeping It Real.

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At a recent NPL event, Gina was struggling with serious back pain when she stumbled across Xtreme Brands, a pharmaceutical-grade wellness company known for their CBD-based products. One quick try of their CBD Pain Relief Balm and Spray, and the results? Immediate. Neil tested it on his knees... same story.

We’re talking about what makes these products work, what’s inside them, and why they’re worth keeping in your pickleball bag.

👉 Shop Xtreme Brands: https://xtreme-brands.com/
🎟️ Use code GINA for a discount on your order.

Why We Love It:
✔️ Pharmaceutical-grade ingredients
✔️ Fast, noticeable relief
✔️ Non-greasy, easy to use
✔️ Smells great

💬 Let us know if you’ve tried it! We love discovering products that actually work for athletes and everyday players.

👇 Follow + subscribe:
Website → https://www.empowerpickleball.com
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In this episode of Keeping It Real with Gina & Neil, we’re diving into the mental side of pickleball, from quirky rituals and nervous habits to how we motivate ourselves (and our partners) when the game gets rough.

We’ve all been there. You lose a few points in a row, your partner’s off their rhythm, and the pressure’s creeping in. So what do you do? Take a timeout? Shake it off? Crack a joke? Neil calls it “the game of runs,” and he’s right... pickleball moves fast, but there’s always another rally, another reset, another chance to get it together.

How do you handle the mental swings? What’s your go-to reset when things start to spiral? And maybe the bigger question... how do you bring your partner back up without making it worse?

🎧 Tune in for an honest, funny, and relatable chat about staying grounded on the court, handling pressure, and embracing all the weird rituals that make us who we are as players.

This episode is sponsored by Centerline.
Performance pickleball apparel that fits, on and off the court.
Our listeners get 20% off with code EMPOWER20 at checkout.
👉 Shop Centerline here: https://bit.ly/3J3oPuv

👇 Follow + subscribe:
Website → https://www.empowerpickleball.com
Instagram → @empowerpickleball
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In this episode of Keeping It Real with Gina & Neil, it’s all about paddles — where they started, how they’ve evolved, and where innovation is headed next.

Neil shares a bit of family history from the early days of Pro Lite Pickleball and breaks down the details of the wooden paddles players had to use at the recent PPA Sacramento Vintage Open. From handle length and paddle faces to weaving patterns and honeycomb cores, Gina and Neil take you through the shifts that changed how the game is played.

They also look ahead at trends in paddle design, what passes (and fails) in the approval process, the role of R&D, and whether your paddle actually matches your style of play.

If you’ve ever wondered how we went from heavy wooden paddles to textured carbon fiber weapons — this one’s for you.

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Pickleball is fun, social, and healthy—but what happens when it takes over your entire life? Gina and Neil dive into the growing obsession with the sport and how it can spill into every area of life, from friendships and relationships to work and responsibilities. They talk about what makes pickleball so addictive, how to find balance between passion and everyday life, and why it’s important to have joy outside of the court.

They love the game, but they don’t need to play every single day—and they want to know how you see it. Are you noticing pickleball becoming too much for people around you, or maybe even for yourself? Share your thoughts and join the conversation.

👇 Follow + subscribe:
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This week’s episode is packed with real match talk and lessons from the court. Gina shares her run in the senior pro bracket at the APP Chicago Open, while Neil breaks down his local flex league tournament — including how he adjusted against opponents towering at 6’7” and 6’8”. The two dive into strategies for handling taller players, why partner chemistry is everything, and how trust builds when you play with someone new.

They also explore what it means to learn from high-level competitors, from facing D1 tennis players to finding confidence against elite talent. Wrapping up, Gina and Neil talk coaching — highlighting styles, strengths, and how court positioning and awareness are key to growth.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from playing with a new partner?

👇 Follow + subscribe:
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