Will Parton shares how a major life move and starting over in a new country led him to discover the true power of the pickleball community. As a lifelong racquet sport athlete, Will found connection through pickleball and turned that experience into innovation by creating Hitch, an app designed to help players find partners, games, and meaningful community.

In this episode, we talk about belonging, entrepreneurship, technology that enhances human connection, and how pickleball makes it easier to build friendships at any stage of life.

If you have ever moved to a new place, walked up to open play not knowing anyone, or wished finding your pickleball people was easier, this conversation is for you.

Music gifted to us by Ian Pedersen: @ianpedersen

Contact us:

[email protected]

Social Media Links:
https://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.com
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557275391316
https://www.instagram.com/lifelessonsfrompickleball/
https://www.youtube.com/@LifeLessonsFromPickleballPod

Thanks for listening and you can also watch us on Youtube.

We are honored to share that Mani Barajas-Alexander is featured in our new book, Life Lessons from Pickleball™ and as this episode airs, Sher and Shelley are experiencing Pura Vida at Mani’s place in Costa Rica.

In this special encore conversation, Mani shares how Pura Vida House became far more than a luxury villa. It is a thoughtfully designed pickleball experience that blends movement, connection, nature, and the Pura Vida lifestyle.

From morning pickleball sessions and world-class instruction, to chef-prepared meals, beach sunsets, wildlife, and unforgettable adventures, Pura Vida House offers a week that nourishes both body and soul.

This is not just a pickleball vacation. It is an experience rooted in relationships, community, and living life fully.

If pickleball in paradise has ever crossed your mind, this episode is for you. 🌴🏓

https://www.thepuravidahouse.com/

Music gifted to us by Ian Pedersen: @ianpedersen

Contact us:

[email protected]

Social Media Links:
https://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.com
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557275391316
https://www.instagram.com/lifelessonsfrompickleball/
https://www.youtube.com/@LifeLessonsFromPickleballPod

Thanks for listening and you can also watch us on Youtube.

Brian Montgomery shares one of the most powerful transformation stories in the pickleball community. After reaching nearly 390 pounds and avoiding the doctor out of fear, Brian began with one simple goal: 5,000 steps a day. Step by step, he built momentum, changed his relationship with food, and ultimately lost more than 190 pounds, while also reversing Type 2 diabetes.

In this episode, Brian opens up about the emotional moments that made the change real, including seeing how his kids experienced his transformation. He also shares how pickleball became the “sneaky exercise” that brought joy, accountability, and a whole new community into his life.

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or waiting for “next Monday,” Brian’s story will inspire you to start today, one small decision at a time.

ProDrive Pickleball (affiliate): https://prodrivepickleball.com/?ref=BRIANMONTGOMERY

 PickleStrong: https://picklestrong.com/

https://www.instagram.com/briantmontgomery?igsh=ZXJib2w2MXA0ZmY5

TikTok: @brianmontgomery01

Music gifted to us by Ian Pedersen: @ianpedersen

Contact us:

[email protected]

Social Media Links:
https://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.com
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557275391316
https://www.instagram.com/lifelessonsfrompickleball/
https://www.youtube.com/@LifeLessonsFromPickleballPod

Thanks for listening and you can also watch us on Youtube.

In this uplifting episode, Audrey Phillips, a psychotherapist of more than five decades, shares how she has built joyful community through pickleball, travel, and connection. Audrey reflects on how she fell in love with the game, why pickleball creates a rare sense of equality on the court, and what she has learned about staying vibrant and positive as we age. You’ll also hear the heart behind her legendary all-inclusive pickleball adventures that bring players of all ages and skill levels together in meaningful ways. If you love pickleball and the people it brings into your life, this one will make you smile.

Music gifted to us by Ian Pedersen: @ianpedersen

Contact us:

[email protected]

Social Media Links:
https://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.com
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557275391316
https://www.instagram.com/lifelessonsfrompickleball/
https://www.youtube.com/@LifeLessonsFromPickleballPod

Thanks for listening and you can also watch us on Youtube.

In this joyful and inspiring episode, Rachael Kroog shares how a simple invitation from her dad led to a life transformed by pickleball. A national champion, creative performer, and beloved teacher, Rachael reveals how the game blends competition with connection, music, and meaning. From mind, body, and spirit on the court to generosity and joy off it, this conversation is a beautiful reminder that pickleball is more than a sport. It is a way of living fully.

Music gifted to us by Ian Pedersen: @ianpedersen

Contact us:

[email protected]

Social Media Links:
https://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.com
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557275391316
https://www.instagram.com/lifelessonsfrompickleball/
https://www.youtube.com/@LifeLessonsFromPickleballPod

Thanks for listening and you can also watch us on Youtube.

In this engaging conversation, Mike “Sleeves” Sliwa shares how living off the grid in a yurt shaped his perspective on time, community, and connection. As host of the Senior Pickleball Report and a trusted voice for the 50-plus pickleball community, Mike offers a unique look at how the game continues to bring people together across ages, lifestyles, and stages of life. From senior pickleball to innovation, media, and mentorship, this episode highlights why pickleball’s greatest strength is its community.

VAiR: https://www.vairified.com/

NPCA: https://ncpaofficial.com/

Sleeves website: https://sleeves-spr.com

PMA: https://pmaapproved.com/

Daily Travel: https://dailey-travels.com/

Music gifted to us by Ian Pedersen: @ianpedersen

Contact us:

[email protected]

Social Media Links:
https://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.com
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557275391316
https://www.instagram.com/lifelessonsfrompickleball/
https://www.youtube.com/@LifeLessonsFromPickleballPod

Thanks for listening and you can also watch us on Youtube.

In this engaging episode, we sit down with Scott Manthorne, author of The Pickleball Effect, to explore how this “silly game with a silly name” is quietly changing lives around the world. Scott shares powerful stories from his book, connecting pickleball to community, relevance, and human connection across generations and backgrounds. From military veterans to touring musicians and adaptive athletes, this conversation is a reminder that pickleball is far more than a sport. It’s a place where people belong.

https://www.theeffectseries.com/

Music gifted to us by Ian Pedersen: @ianpedersen

Contact us:

[email protected]

Social Media Links:
https://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.com
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557275391316
https://www.instagram.com/lifelessonsfrompickleball/
https://www.youtube.com/@LifeLessonsFromPickleballPod

Thanks for listening and you can also watch us on Youtube.

In this moving conversation, Sandy Smith shares how pickleball became a source of strength, healing, and deep connection after her cancer journey. A pickleball player, coach, referee, and community leader, Sandy reflects on resilience, belonging, and the power of community on and off the court. Her story is a heartfelt reminder that we are far more alike than we are different, and that sometimes the smallest pickleball court holds the biggest life lessons.

Reach Sandy at: 

             [email protected]

               https://www.facebook.com/share/1CeJux8WyU/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Music gifted to us by Ian Pedersen: @ianpedersen

Contact us:

[email protected]

Social Media Links:
https://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.com
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557275391316
https://www.instagram.com/lifelessonsfrompickleball/
https://www.youtube.com/@LifeLessonsFromPickleballPod

Thanks for listening and you can also watch us on Youtube.

What happens when a competitive 5.0 player realizes medals aren’t the point anymore? 🏅➡️💛Aaron Trost, founder of Pickleball Planter, has taken pickleball to 14 countries, from youth camps in Ukraine 🇺🇦 to packed courts across Southeast Asia 🌏 using the game to bridge cultures, faiths, and hardship. In this episode, he shares funny stories, powerful moments, and the life lesson that shifted him from chasing wins to serving others. 💚✨You’ll leave inspired and seeing pickleball in a whole new way. http://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.com

https://pickleballplanter.com/

#LifeLessonsFromPickleball #PickleballPlanter #GlobalPickleball #PickleballCommunity #PickleballForGood #GrowTheGame #UkrainePickleball #SoutheastAsiaPickleball #PickleballPodcast #InspiringPickleball

Music gifted to us by Ian Pedersen: @ianpedersen

Contact us:

[email protected]

Social Media Links:
https://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.com
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557275391316
https://www.instagram.com/lifelessonsfrompickleball/
https://www.youtube.com/@LifeLessonsFromPickleballPod

Thanks for listening and you can also watch us on Youtube.

Sean McCoy joins us to share a heartfelt journey from military service to mental health counseling, and how pickleball helped him rediscover play, belonging, and connection. We explore how the game can be used in therapy, why “you are enough” matters, and the healing courage behind his path forward. This conversation is full of hope, honesty, and reminders that life really is a team sport. Listen now http://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/4seanmccoy/

#Pickleball #LifeLessons #MentalHealth #Community #Connection #Therapy #Houston #Veterans #Wellbeing #EgalitarianSport #Couples #Mindfulness #RecPlay #Podcast #YouAreEnough #LifeIsATeamSport #Healing #Therapy #PsychedelicMedicine #Veterans #Kindness #Podcast #PickleballPodcast

Music gifted to us by Ian Pedersen: @ianpedersen

Contact us:

[email protected]

Social Media Links:
https://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.com
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557275391316
https://www.instagram.com/lifelessonsfrompickleball/
https://www.youtube.com/@LifeLessonsFromPickleballPod

Thanks for listening and you can also watch us on Youtube.