Maria and Len Dinoia are the dynamic duo behind The Tennis Store of Franklin, where they celebrate both tennis and pickleball. Maria, with her expertise in apparel buying, and Len, with his business acumen, share how their store caters to the growing pickleball community while still honoring their tennis roots. They discuss the rising interest in pickleball gear, the unique perspectives of their customers, and how major tennis brands are now embracing pickleball. Join us as we explore how this family-owned store balances the demands of two passionate sports communities.

Dr. Erik Korem is a pioneer in human performance, having implemented the NFL's first sports science programs and coached Olympic gold medalists. Now, as a leading authority in pickleball, he's revolutionizing the game with AIM7, a cutting-edge health and performance app. Endorsed by DUPR and pro players like Zane Navratil and Megan Fudge, AIM7 offers injury prevention, personalized warmups, mobility exercises, and more to help players stay healthy and enhance their game. Join us on Kitchen Talk: Pickleball Edition as Dr. Korem shares his insights on boosting performance, reducing injuries, and speeding up recovery.

Ty Butson is a dynamic pickleball content creator and aspiring pro player. After a track injury in high school led him to discover pickleball, Ty's journey has been one of resilience and passion. He has turned his love for the game into engaging and educational content, quickly growing a following on social media. Despite initial setbacks, including a rejection from Selkirk, Ty's dedication paid off, earning him a coveted sponsorship from the brand. In this episode, Ty shares his story, his approach to content creation, and his ambitious plans for the future.

Kendall Graves is a dynamic pickleball advocate and entrepreneur who turned his darkest days into a beacon of hope. Amidst a painful divorce, Kendall found solace and purpose in pickleball, eventually becoming a pivotal figure in the community. With his friend, he co-founded Elevate2Victory, a business dedicated to spreading the joy of pickleball and giving back. Tune in to hear about his upcoming journey to the Philippines, where he’ll teach the sport to underprivileged children, and the incredible moment when his community came together to replace his car after a devastating fire.

Thomas Yelloweyes is a former pro Ultimate Frisbee player turned pickleball coach. Raised in a traumatic foster care environment with no support and constant adversity, Thomas defied all odds to rise above his past. His journey from a troubled childhood to becoming a beacon of hope and transformation is nothing short of inspiring. With a relentless spirit and an infectious smile, Thomas now dedicates his life to coaching and changing mindsets on the court. His story is a testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit's ability to overcome even the darkest of beginnings. 

Landon Hallam witnessed the explosive growth of pickleball during the pandemic, transforming a GroupMe chat of a few hundred people into a thriving community of over six thousand members across Tennessee with Dinkville. By organizing leagues, tournaments, clinics, and celebrity events, Landon has not only created a special community for all ages and skill levels but also has raised significant funds for charities. Despite Nashville lacking a permanent pickleball facility, Landon's innovative approach has brought together top pros and country music stars, creating a vibrant pickleball scene that continues to flourish through partnerships with hotels, universities, and more.

Lee Whitwell better known as Lady Gibraltar is the number one ranked senior pro pickleball player in the world. As the first woman to transition from the pro level to senior pro with a distinguished career, Lee's story is filled with groundbreaking achievements, including being voted MVP for the inaugural Major League Pickleball season. Known for her dynamic personality and vibrant social media presence, Lee entertains both on and off the court, consistently finding herself on the podium at every tournament.

19-year-old Miranda Cabieses is the visionary founder of the first-ever Pickleball World Games. Scheduled for October in Lima, Peru, this groundbreaking event is set to bring together pickleball enthusiasts and leaders from around the globe.Miranda shares her journey of organizing the World Games, the involvement of international players, and the participation of notable figures from the U.S. pickleball community, including pro player Kyle Yates and commentator Hannah Johns. More than just a competition, the event aims to raise funds for the Cabieses Foundation, which provides paddles and balls to underprivileged children worldwide. Discover how Miranda and her family are spreading the love for pickleball on an international scale.

Honcho Pickleball League, a social pickleball league, started just eight months ago in a humble backyard court in Houston, TX. What began as a casual get-together among friends, organized via a simple Google Sheet, has rapidly expanded across 14 cities with plans to add another 10 this summer. This innovative league is not just about the game but also about fostering connections and building a vibrant community. Learn about their unique approach to networking, the thrilling expansions, and the enticing $600 cash prize and more for the top player—known as the "Head Honcho."

Dereck Prince is one of the most well-recognized and respected referees on the pro pickleball tour. Dereck is a true jack of all trades in the pickleball world. Not only does he officiate matches for the top pros, but he also trains new referees, serves as an IPTPA certified instructor for professional players, develops his own software to track pickleball stats, and hosts tournaments. Dereck shares his unique insights into what it’s like to be on the court making those split-second decisions that can change the course of a match.