What does it take to stay at the top of professional pickleball for more than a decade while continuing to grow as a player, coach, and person?

In this episode, Pickleball Hall of Famer Wes Gabrielsen shares his journey from first discovering pickleball in middle school in 1998 to becoming one of the most accomplished players in the sport. Wes talks about the early days of pickleball in the Pacific Northwest, his path into professional competition, and the incredible experiences he has had playing and coaching around the world, including in Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, and India.

He also reflects on the life lessons pickleball has taught him about patience, grace, partnership, and understanding the different reasons people come to the court. From teaching and coaching to competing on center court at the sport’s biggest events, Wes brings a thoughtful perspective on what makes pickleball special both on and off the court.

This is an inspiring conversation about professional pickleball, coaching, international competition, partnership, patience, sportsmanship, and the life lessons that come from the game we love. 

https://wesleygabrielsenpickleball.com

https://facebook.com/wesley.gabrielsen

@wesley_gabrielsen_pickleball

📘 Our book Life Lessons from Pickleball™ is now available on Amazon

Order the book here: https://a.co/d/0bHPFYve

A collection of short, true stories from players around the world about community, resilience, and joy through the game of pickleball.

A portion of proceeds supports Operation PaddleLift, through the Global Pickleball Federation, distributing paddles, balls and nets to underserved communities around the world.

Contact us:  [email protected]

Follow and watch:
https://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.com
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557275391316
https://www.instagram.com/lifelessonsfrompickleball/
https://www.youtube.com/@LifeLessonsFromPickleballPod

Music gifted to us by Ian Pedersen: @ianpedersen 

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

JHow can pickleball help build community, create flow, and even shape the way we think about leadership and civic life?

In this episode, Jim Lopez, Deputy City Manager for External Affairs for the City of Kirkland, Washington, shares how his work in public service, law, communications, and civic engagement connects with his growing love for pickleball. Jim talks about his role in city administration, what it means to help a community feel informed, heard, and connected, and why creating spaces for belonging, communication, and collaboration matters so much in local government. He also gives a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at what the Deputy City Manager for External Affairs actually does, from economic development and diversity initiatives to arts, tourism, library support, and public engagement. 

Jim also opens up about how pickleball became part of his life, why the sport immediately appealed to him as a tennis fan, and what he loves most about the game: fun, fashion, and flow. He reflects on the growing demand for pickleball courts in Kirkland, how cities are thinking through the challenge of meeting that demand, and why pickleball has become such a powerful source of community, health, connection, and joy. Along the way, he shares one of his favorite life lessons from the court: sometimes you have to take a step back to take a step forward, whether that means learning soft shots in pickleball or slowing down in life to build something stronger over time. 

This is a thoughtful, upbeat conversation about pickleball, Kirkland, public service, community engagement, city leadership, local government, tennis, civic connection, flow, strategy, healthy aging, and the life lessons that remind us growth often starts when we are willing to slow down, listen, and play the long game. 

📘 Our book Life Lessons from Pickleball™ is now available on Amazon

Order the book here: https://a.co/d/0bHPFYve

A collection of short, true stories from players around the world about community, resilience, and joy through the game of pickleball.

A portion of proceeds supports Operation PaddleLift, through the Global Pickleball Federation, distributing paddles, balls and nets to underserved communities around the world.

Contact us:  [email protected]

Follow and watch:
https://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.com
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557275391316
https://www.instagram.com/lifelessonsfrompickleball/
https://www.youtube.com/@LifeLessonsFromPickleballPod

Music gifted to us by Ian Pedersen: @ianpedersen 

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

What if pickleball could do more than build courts and actually help build community?

In this episode, Bainbridge Island’s own “Mr. Pickleball,” Clay Roberts, shares how his work in youth development, prevention, and community building naturally shaped the way he approached the growth of pickleball in the place where the game began. Clay talks about helping create more courts on Bainbridge, preserving the spirit of the founders, and why pickleball can be a powerful force for connection across age, politics, grief, and difference.

Clay also reflects on the lessons he has learned through the game, from the importance of keeping pickleball friendly and inclusive to why he believes it may be one of the best models for youth development and healthy community life. This is a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about pickleball history, Bainbridge Island, youth development, civic connection, and the deeper spirit of the sport.

📘 Our book Life Lessons from Pickleball™ is now available on Amazon

Order the book here: https://a.co/d/0bHPFYve

A collection of short, true stories from players around the world about community, resilience, and joy through the game of pickleball.

A portion of proceeds supports Operation PaddleLift, through the Global Pickleball Federation, distributing paddles, balls and nets to underserved communities around the world.

Contact us:  [email protected]

Follow and watch:
https://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.com
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557275391316
https://www.instagram.com/lifelessonsfrompickleball/
https://www.youtube.com/@LifeLessonsFromPickleballPod

Music gifted to us by Ian Pedersen: @ianpedersen 

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

How can pickleball help transform a life, rebuild health, and create community across every age, background, and skill level?

In this episode, Pablo Granados shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Costa Rica dreaming of soccer, to surviving a life-threatening medical crisis, moving to the United States, struggling with major health challenges, and eventually finding a new path through pickleball. Pablo talks about his early years as a competitive soccer player, the injuries that changed his direction, the devastating surgery complications that nearly took his life, and the difficult seasons that followed as he gained weight, lost confidence, and searched for a fresh start. 

Pablo also shares how pickleball entered his life at exactly the right time, beginning with one welcoming moment at the YMCA that opened the door to a completely new future. He reflects on losing more than 100 pounds, rediscovering competition, becoming a USA Pickleball ambassador, running tournaments with a player-first mindset, and eventually stepping into leadership as general manager and tournament director at Pickleball Kingdom. Along the way, he opens up about the mistakes he made, the lessons he learned, and why kindness, inclusion, and remembering where you came from matter so much in the pickleball community. 

This is an uplifting and heartfelt conversation about pickleball, Costa Rica, health transformation, weight loss, community, Pickleball Kingdom, tournament directing, sportsmanship, inclusion, teaching, resilience, and the life lessons that remind us never to underestimate anyone and never to say no to the chance to welcome someone in. 

http://www.zz2pickleball.com

https://pickleballkingdom.com/lynnwood-wa/

📘 Our book Life Lessons from Pickleball™ is now available on Amazon

Order the book here: https://a.co/d/0bHPFYve

A collection of short, true stories from players around the world about community, resilience, and joy through the game of pickleball.

A portion of proceeds supports Operation PaddleLift, through the Global Pickleball Federation, distributing paddles, balls and nets to underserved communities around the world.

Contact us:  [email protected]

Follow and watch:
https://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.com
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557275391316
https://www.instagram.com/lifelessonsfrompickleball/
https://www.youtube.com/@LifeLessonsFromPickleballPod

Music gifted to us by Ian Pedersen: @ianpedersen 

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

What was it like growing up as the son of one of pickleball’s creators and discovering years later that your father had also lived a secret life as a CIA operative?

In this fascinating episode, Joel Bell shares the origin story of pickleball through the eyes of his family and reflects on the surprising legacy of his father, Bill Bell. Joel talks about how the game was first created on Bainbridge Island, how it got its unforgettable name, and how it gradually spread far beyond the backyard.

He also opens up about writing his memoir, Five Star Trust, and what it was like to piece together the truth about his father’s hidden work, his family’s years abroad, and the emotional impact of growing up in a home shaped by secrecy. Along the way, Joel shares thoughtful reflections on therapy, music, identity, family, and the enduring power of pickleball to bring people together.

https://drjoelbell.com/

Five Star Trust: A Memoir by Joel Bell   https://shorturl.at/jKDZj

📘 Our book Life Lessons from Pickleball™ is now available on Amazon

Order the book here: https://a.co/d/0bHPFYve

A collection of short, true stories from players around the world about community, resilience, and joy through the game of pickleball.

A portion of proceeds supports Operation PaddleLift, through the Global Pickleball Federation, distributing paddles, balls and nets to underserved communities around the world.

Contact us:  [email protected]

Follow and watch:
https://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.com
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557275391316
https://www.instagram.com/lifelessonsfrompickleball/
https://www.youtube.com/@LifeLessonsFromPickleballPod

Music gifted to us by Ian Pedersen: @ianpedersen 

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

How can indoor pickleball help solve one of the sport’s biggest problems while also creating more community, connection, and joy?

In this episode, siblings Mara and John Hylton share how their family partnership and professional experience led them into one of the most exciting developments in the Pacific Northwest pickleball scene: bringing Pickleball Kingdom to Washington. John, with a long background in real estate development, and Mara, with decades of experience in operations, HR, marketing, and business development, explain how pickleball first entered their lives during COVID and recovery from injury, and why they quickly saw the sport as more than just a game. For John, pickleball became an instant competitive obsession after getting humbled by older players in Arizona. For Mara, it became a meaningful way to reconnect with her family and find a sport she could enjoy despite a knee injury. 

They also share the behind-the-scenes story of how Pickleball Kingdom came to Washington, what makes the concept different from simply building indoor pickleball courts, and why their mission is so focused on creating an experience. From free Pickleball 101 sessions and beginner-friendly programming to community rooms, mezzanines, replay technology, organized open play, and a hospitality-first mindset, Mara and John are building spaces designed to make players feel welcomed, supported, and excited to return. They talk about the explosive growth of pickleball, the challenge of finding places to play, and why indoor pickleball in the Pacific Northwest is such a game changer for people who want year-round access, better court availability, and a strong social environment. 

Along the way, they reflect on working together as siblings, serving the pickleball community with intention, and the life lesson both of them keep coming back to: relationships matter. This is an upbeat and inspiring conversation about pickleball, indoor pickleball, Pickleball Kingdom, Washington pickleball, Pacific Northwest pickleball, community, family business, beginner pickleball, open play, hospitality, connection, and the life lessons that remind us life is better when people have a place to gather, play, and belong. 

www.pickleballkingdom.com

📘 Our book Life Lessons from Pickleball™ is now available on Amazon

Order the book here: https://a.co/d/0bHPFYve

A collection of short, true stories from players around the world about community, resilience, and joy through the game of pickleball.

A portion of proceeds supports Operation PaddleLift, through the Global Pickleball Federation, distributing paddles, balls and nets to underserved communities around the world.

Contact us:  [email protected]

Follow and watch:
https://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.com
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557275391316
https://www.instagram.com/lifelessonsfrompickleball/
https://www.youtube.com/@LifeLessonsFromPickleballPod

Music gifted to us by Ian Pedersen: @ianpedersen 

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

How can pickleball become a lifelong calling, a ministry of service, and a way to help kids, first responders, seniors, and entire communities feel stronger, healthier, and more connected?

In this episode, Diane Baumgartner shares her extraordinary pickleball journey, from first being introduced to the game as a middle school PE teacher in Oregon in 1981 to becoming a USA Pickleball Ambassador in both Arizona and Oregon, an IPTPA certified instructor, and a medalist in 14 different states. Diane also reflects on her background as a middle school principal, athletic director, PE teacher, and college tennis player, and how all of those experiences prepared her to become one of pickleball’s most passionate advocates and coaches. 

Diane talks about learning the finer points of pickleball from top players like Wes Gabrielson, how she continues competing at a 4.5 level in her 70s, and why the game remains so meaningful to her after all these years. She also shares the inspiring work she does with kids, college students, first responders, and local pickleball clubs, including helping schools and communities get paddles, nets, and balls, introducing beginners to the sport, and creating programs like Night Glow Pickleball and Helping Hands Pickleball to build both fun and support into the pickleball community. 

Along the way, Diane opens up about the joy of helping young players discover they can do a sport, the power of pickleball to create belonging for people who feel left out, and why she believes this game offers so much more than competition. This is an uplifting conversation about pickleball, USA Pickleball ambassadors, IPTPA instruction, youth pickleball, senior pickleball, Arizona pickleball, Oregon pickleball, first responders, community service, Night Glow Pickleball, and the life lessons that remind us everybody deserves a place to play, belong, and be seen. 

📘 Our book Life Lessons from Pickleball™ is now available on Amazon

Order the book here: https://a.co/d/0bHPFYve

A collection of short, true stories from players around the world about community, resilience, and joy through the game of pickleball.

A portion of proceeds supports Operation PaddleLift, through the Global Pickleball Federation, distributing paddles, balls and nets to underserved communities around the world.

Contact us:  [email protected]

Follow and watch:
https://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.com
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557275391316
https://www.instagram.com/lifelessonsfrompickleball/
https://www.youtube.com/@LifeLessonsFromPickleballPod

Music gifted to us by Ian Pedersen: @ianpedersen 

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

What does it take to become one of the brightest young stars in pickleball while overcoming major health challenges along the way?

In this episode, junior pickleball standout Ella Cosma and her mom, Angie, share their remarkable story of resilience, family, and determination. Ella opens up about the serious medical issues she faced as a child, the long hospital stays that shaped her perspective, and how those experiences helped build the mindset she now brings to the court.

Together, Ella and Angie talk about discovering pickleball as a family, growing from beginners to tournament players, and the journey that led Ella to become the first female to earn a Triple Crown on the Junior PPA Tour. They also share powerful insights about handling losses, trusting yourself, staying mentally strong, and learning to let life unfold.

This is a moving and inspiring conversation about junior pickleball, perseverance, family support, mental toughness, and chasing big dreams on and off the court.

📘 Our book Life Lessons from Pickleball™ is now available on Amazon

Order the book here: https://a.co/d/0bHPFYve

A collection of short, true stories from players around the world about community, resilience, and joy through the game of pickleball.

A portion of proceeds supports Operation PaddleLift, through the Global Pickleball Federation, distributing paddles, balls and nets to underserved communities around the world.

Contact us:  [email protected]

Follow and watch:
https://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.com
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557275391316
https://www.instagram.com/lifelessonsfrompickleball/
https://www.youtube.com/@LifeLessonsFromPickleballPod

Music gifted to us by Ian Pedersen: @ianpedersen 

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

What if the key to better pickleball is not just better shots, but a better understanding of the game?

Senior pickleball pro Tony Roig joins us for a thoughtful and energizing conversation about strategy, mindset, and what it really takes to improve. As co-founder of Better Pickleball, host of Pickleball Therapy, and a full-time coach, Tony helps players understand the game from the inside out.

In this episode, Tony shares how he found pickleball after a strong tennis background, why losses often teach us more than wins, and how understanding the framework of the game can completely change the way we play.

He also offers powerful life lessons about competition, self-talk, and why every time you step on the pickleball court, you still deserve a bowl of ice cream.

📘 Our book Life Lessons from Pickleball™ is now available on Amazon

Order the book here: https://a.co/d/0bHPFYve

A collection of short, true stories from players around the world about community, resilience, and joy through the game of pickleball.

A portion of proceeds supports Operation PaddleLift, through the Global Pickleball Federation, distributing paddles, balls and nets to underserved communities around the world.

Contact us:  [email protected]

Follow and watch:
https://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.com
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557275391316
https://www.instagram.com/lifelessonsfrompickleball/
https://www.youtube.com/@LifeLessonsFromPickleballPod

Music gifted to us by Ian Pedersen: @ianpedersen 

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

What happens when life falls apart and you have to rebuild from the ground up?

In this heartfelt episode, Michele Heffron shares how a difficult divorce became the beginning of a powerful personal transformation. After years as a stay-at-home mom, Michele found herself having to reinvent her life, rebuild her confidence, and learn how to truly support herself.

Today, she is a certified life, relationship, and divorce coach who helps women navigate major transitions with more clarity, self-worth, and intention. Michele opens up about grief, anxiety, people-pleasing, boundaries, and the deep inner work that helps us create a life with more joy, love, and purpose.

This is a meaningful conversation about personal agency, healing, and becoming who you are meant to be.

https://micheleheffron.com/

📘 Our book Life Lessons from Pickleball™ is now available on Amazon

Order the book here: https://a.co/d/0bHPFYve

A collection of short, true stories from players around the world about community, resilience, and joy through the game of pickleball.

A portion of proceeds supports Operation PaddleLift, through the Global Pickleball Federation, distributing paddles, balls and nets to underserved communities around the world.

Contact us:  [email protected]

Follow and watch:
https://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.com
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557275391316
https://www.instagram.com/lifelessonsfrompickleball/
https://www.youtube.com/@LifeLessonsFromPickleballPod

Music gifted to us by Ian Pedersen: @ianpedersen 

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