Kitchen Talk: Pickleball Edition

Get ready to be inspired by the youngest guest on our podcast to date! In this episode, we chat with 15-year-old Volly Johnson, a rising star in the pickleball world. Coming from a three-generation pickleball family, Volly trains alongside her mom and is already making waves on the national circuit. As she pursues her dreams, Volly has transitioned to online school, allowing her to travel the country for tournaments. Volly shares her unique perspective on balancing high school life with her passion for pickleball.

Karen F. Geiger is an award-winning writer and speech-language pathologist and has brought her love for journaling and creativity to the pickleball court. Karen, a certified therapeutic writing instructor, created "Drives: The Pickleball Planner" and "Dink: The Pickleball Playbook" to help players enhance their performance, mindset, and creativity. With a deep understanding of the benefits of analog living, Karen's tools are game-changers for pickleball enthusiasts looking to improve not just their skills, but their overall approach to the sport and life. Tune in to learn how journaling can transform your pickleball game!

Diadem founder, Evan Specht, unveils the remarkable evolution of Diadem from a tennis brand creating innovative racquet strings to a trailblazer in the pickleball world. Evan shares their inspiring mission to make pickleball accessible to all, highlighting the exciting development of Diadem Pickleball Complexes designed to foster community and support amateur players. Discover their cutting-edge innovation, The Hush Paddle, which revolutionizes the game by being 40% quieter than standard paddles. Packed with insights on their motto "Live to Play," this episode is a must-listen for pickleball enthusiasts and anyone intrigued by the sport's rapid growth. Learn from the journey of a brand that is not only shaping the future of pickleball but also breaking new ground in sports technology. 

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.