Kitchen Talk: Pickleball Edition

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.

Mark Vermylen shares his journey from being laid off two years ago from his tech sales job to going off and starting his own pickleball paddle and lifestyle brand. Mark’s love for racquet sports led him to create House Pickleball, a brand born from the streets of Manhattan and now thriving as a lifestyle hub. From paddle designs inspired by the streets of NYC to building a community through events and neighborhood play, Mark's story proves that sometimes life's best rallies come after a tough setback.

Meet the Walker sisters! Alex and Angie Walker are a powerhouse sister duo shaking up the pickleball scene. Former collegiate tennis stars turned pickleball pros, these sisters are a force to be reckoned with on the court.As best friends and sisters, they get to go through this journey together. And now, with Angie gearing up for her MLP debut with the Atlanta Bouncers, the excitement is real.

Brookes Jones went from preaching sermons to running the first dedicated pickleball facility in Chattanooga, TN. Brookes shares his unexpected journey of purpose and passion. For Brookes, the power of community takes center stage, proving that whether you're swinging a paddle or spreading a message, the goal remains the same: changing lives for the better. Don't miss out on this inspiring tale of two worlds colliding with a mission to make a difference. Follow our page.

Sarah Lister’s life took a remarkable turn thanks to an unexpected hero: pickleball. Sarah bravely shares her struggles with hitting rock bottom and battling thoughts of ending it all, a dark period that seemed never-ending. But then, in 2019, she stumbled upon pickleball and everything changed. What started as a simple hobby quickly morphed into a passion that ignited Sarah's competitive spirit. Before she knew it, she was dominating tournaments and clinching a pro win. Supported by the pickleball community and fueled by her newfound purpose, Sarah found herself sponsored by Rokne and Halara, opening doors she never thought possible. Pickleball wasn't just a game to Sarah—it became her lifeline, her motivation, and her reason to keep fighting. Her story is a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, there's always hope and the chance for a comeback, sometimes in the most unexpected places.

Get ready to step onto the court with pickleball Hall of Famer and MLP coach, Wes Gabrielsen, as he shares his remarkable journey from middle school PE class to the professional circuit. In this episode, Wes opens up about his introduction to the game, his transition from tennis to pickleball, and his impressive accomplishments on the court. From competing in the inaugural pro tournament to securing victories at nationals and the US Open, Wes provides a unique perspective on the evolution of pickleball as both a player and coach. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the sport, Wes's anecdotes and insights offer a captivating glimpse into the world of pickleball.

We delve into the fascinating backstory behind the iconic Necker Island Pickleball Forum & Pro Am event, hosted on Sir Richard Branson's luxurious private island in the Virgin Islands. Join us as co-founder Casey Brown shares the incredible journey of how this star-studded event came to be, from its inception to its realization with stars like Drew Brees, Morgan Evans, Tyson McMuffin, and several more. Get ready for a behind-the-scenes look at the years of hard work, dedication, and unexpected surprises that went into making this event better than anyone could have imagined.

Kaitlyn Kerr better known as 'Pickleball Chick' is the owner of the Las Vegas Night Owls and a well-known MLP host. Kaitlyn shares her insights into the 2024 MLP Draft and discusses how it's different this year following the major merger between PPA and MLP. She delves into her recent adventure to the luxurious Necker Island Pickleball Forum alongside top pros, A-list celebrities, and influential investors.