Kitchen Talk: Pickleball Edition

Chong Kim, better known as CK, is on a mission to break the Guinness World Record for the longest pickleball marathon, aiming to play for an incredible 36 consecutive hours with three of his friends. The current record stands at 34 hours and 5 minutes, and CK is pushing past it not just for the thrill, but for a meaningful cause. The entire event will raise awareness and funds for Taylor’s Gift Foundation, which supports organ donation and families impacted by loss. You can watch the livestream and donate at ⁠www.taylorsgift.org/pickleball⁠ starting April 12 at 6 AM. CK also shares his unbelievable journey of playing pickleball in all 50 states in under 44 days, proving he’s not just playing for records, but he’s playing with purpose.

Jose Moreno is the Chief Marketing Officer of USA Pickleball, which is the national governing body for the sport in the United States. Jose dives into the excitement of USA Pickleball’s golden ticket events, which give players a chance to qualify for the prestigious national championships. But beyond the competition, Jose shares the heart of their mission—giving back. Through USA Pickleball’s nonprofit initiative, Pickleball Serves, the organization is using the sport to uplift communities across the country. From building courts to providing lessons for kids and supporting charitable causes, USA Pickleball is proving that the game isn’t just about playing—it’s about serving. Tune in to hear how pickleball is making a difference, one rally at a time.

Forrest Smith set out to build a mission-driven company that truly helps people—and that’s exactly what he did with Kineon. In this episode, we dive into how Kineon is making advanced light therapy accessible and affordable with the Move+ Pro, a compact yet powerful device delivering clinical-level therapy without the $50,000 price tag. Used by PGA golfers, NFL players, and everyday individuals, this device is changing lives by reducing joint pain, speeding up recovery, and enhancing overall wellness. Tune in to learn how this cutting-edge technology is keeping people healthier for longer. Plus, get $100 off your own Move+ Pro with code MILLER at kineon.io!

In just four months, 12-year-old Rocco Monteleon has skyrocketed from pickleball beginner to medaling in 4.0 tournaments and winning two bronze medals at his first national junior tournament. A former USTA tennis player, Rocco made the switch to pickleball and hasn’t looked back—so much so that his family is moving to Florida so he can train year-round and chase his dream of going pro. With a natural talent, fierce dedication, and a big personality that shines on and off the court, Rocco is a rising star you need to know. Tune in for an episode full of passion, energy, and the future of pickleball! Follow this page if you like our content.

For the first time ever, an 11-year-old is joining the podcast! Ethan Lefkowitz is one of the youngest rising stars in pickleball, competing on the junior tour and already making a name for himself. Growing up in New York City, he learned the game by playing against adults, facing challenges and proving that age is just a number. Now a Selkirk-sponsored athlete, Ethan shares what it’s like to be the youngest player on the court, how he handles expectations, and his dreams of going pro. This episode is a glimpse into the future of pickleball.

What does it take to thrive in the fastest-growing sport in America? Evan Specht, Co-Founder of Diadem Sports, knows firsthand. Starting in his garage, Evan built a tennis brand that quickly pivoted into pickleball, driven by his love for innovation and the challenge of a fast-paced industry. In this episode, he unveils Diadem’s latest breakthrough: BLUCORE Technology, the first solid-core paddle made with aerospace-grade materials and backed by a lifetime warranty. Get an insider look at the future of paddle design and an exclusive preview of Diadem’s 2025 product lineup, including their cutting-edge footwear collection. Give us a follow if you like our stories!

In this heartfelt episode, Stephen Jones shares his deeply personal journey with Stage 4 cancer and how the pickleball community has shown up for him in extraordinary ways. While he’s no longer able to play the sport he loves during his chemotherapy treatments, Stephen’s connection to the pickleball world has remained stronger than ever. He reveals how this community has inspired him, lifted him up, and even performed what he calls “miracles” during one of the most challenging times of his life. Tune in to hear an inspiring story of resilience, hope, and the power of community both on and off the court. Link to Stephen's GoFundMe: http://bit.ly/3Emj0Wu

Christine and Peter Burrows started PB-CB to provide corporate teams the opportunity to learn and play the fastest-growing sport while also enjoying some cohesion, communication, collaboration and fun! Whether you’re a small team or an enterprise organization that wants to build departments or cross-functional teams, PB-CB provides a unique and engaging experience. By integrating the camaraderie of sport with the nuances of professional development, they've crafted a holistic approach to team building that uses the pickleball court as our whiteboard.

Doug Snelson is the author of the award-winning book Pickleball Poetry: Fun and Whimsical Verses to Dink About. Collaborating with renowned referees and players, Doug crafted 32 playful and insightful poems that celebrate the techniques, emotions, and camaraderie of the pickleball community. His book, which has earned rave reviews and accolades like the Pinnacle Achievement Award, is designed to make readers smile. Doug’s personal touch shines through as he takes the time to autograph several copies and he sometimes includes a heartfelt note. Join us as he shares the inspiration behind his work and the joy pickleball brings on and off the court.

Anthony Flores, a Charlotte native with a lifelong passion for sports, turned a post-injury spark into a thriving entrepreneurial venture. After discovering pickleball in 2021, Anthony combined his competitive spirit with his love for building community to create CLT Paddle Battle, a flexible pickleball league that’s now the largest in Charlotte with over 3,000 participants. What began as a grassroots effort with a few players has grown into a massive league featuring innovative scheduling tools, social events, and unmatched camaraderie. Driven by his entrepreneurial goals, Anthony has developed a scalable platform and plans to expand CLT Paddle Battle’s unique concept nationwide. Tune in to hear how he turned a setback into a booming success and the exciting plans he has for the future of pickleball.