In this season finale, Deirdre sits down with Maddie and Jeramy, a couple who proves that pickleball isn't just a sport - it's a relationship game-changer. From competing against each other (with Maddie secretly hoping she'd finally found a sport where she could beat Jeramy) to creating their legendary friend group "Dinking Academy," their story is packed with laughs, love, and a few heated moments that almost canceled Christmas. You'll hear about their epic wedding week tournament, a honeymoon victory that came with unexpected perks, and how a simple paddle became the most thoughtful gift ever.

Highlights

• Meet two rec league addicts who somehow found time for yet another sport in their already packed schedules
• Maddie's confession about her secret competitive agenda against athletic Jeramy
• The Christmas meltdown that almost happened over a pickleball serve (yes, really)
• How golf evolved from Jeramy's excuse to enjoy time with friends outdoors into his serious #1 sport
• Why "Dinking Academy" is the perfect name for a bunch of gym friends who don't dink

• Two college kids who lived one floor apart but needed a dating app to finally meet six years later
• How extended family who traveled from far away for the wedding enjoyed the day-before tournament
• The honeymoon tournament win that came with a cool perk

• Why some recreational players need a serious reminder about the "recreational" part
• The family members who got sucked into the pickleball vortex thanks to these two

Chapters

00:00 Intro

04:27 Their active lives playing in many rec leagues

08:34 A reason to hang with friends, have fun and have a drink

12:08 Maddie hoping that pickleball would be the sport she was better than Jeramy at

14:00 Establishing the Dinking Academy to slow down their game - but has it?!

15:39 How their pickleball friends have become the ones they lean on

19:08 When pickleball brought the whole family together, the day before "I Do"

22:16 Living in the same dorm at college but not meeting until years later

25:04 Winning a pickleball tournament while on their honeymoon

28:37 How Christmas almost got canceled over Jeramy's new serve

32:23 People who are too serious when playing and the ones who call "out"

36:45 The joke about being out on the courts for "fun and fresh air"

40:55 A thoughtful gift - her first "nice" paddle

42:36 The impact of pickleball on strengthening their relationship with each other and more

45:38 Their passion for pickleball has been contagious for family members

Vladee and his family have become legendary in the Raleigh pickleball community for their incredible warmth and welcoming spirit. Over nine years in the sport, Vladee and his family have earned a reputation as the unofficial "welcome committee" at the local rec courts, greeting every new player with genuine kindness and infectious positivity. While they're all skilled players, what truly sets them apart is how they make everyone feel included and valued on the courts. From family dynamics and tournament adventures to the mental game challenges we all face, this conversation celebrates the beautiful community connections that make pickleball so much more than just a sport.

Highlights

• How Vladee's entire family became the beloved "welcome committee" of Raleigh's rec courts
• The contagious effect of starting pickleball together as a family at the YMCA
• Mastering the mental game
• Why a positive mindset can put nervous players at ease instantly
• Tournament stories from scenic Utah courts to nearly passing out from heat
• The family bickering and coaching dynamics that every pickleball family will relate to
• How genuine kindness on the courts creates lifelong friendships
• Why picking on weaker players is the ultimate pickleball pet peeve
• The magic of turning strangers into your pickleball family through pure warmth

Chapters

00:00 Intro

01:53 The family starting together at the YMCA

04:27 How it becomes a mental game and you get into your own head

08:03 Overcoming the mental challenge of the early days

10:10 His dad getting hooked and it being contagious

11:44 The family dynamics of playing together - the bickering & coaching

14:01 The power of a positive mindset and putting people at ease

17:44 A pickleball haven in Utah with beautiful scenery

21:02 Playing in his first tournament with his brother Kenny

24:05 Almost heat stroke during a summer tournament

27:52 Pickleball in the hot summer vs. the cold winters

32:12 His family being the welcome committee at the rec courts

37:49 People who have become an important part of his life, through the sport

42:25 Picking on the weaker player is his biggest pet peeve

44:24 His favorite moments on the courts

What happens when your neighbor knocks at the door and your life plan falls apart? Morgan's story starts with playing with her partner and neighbor and leads to an unexpected obsession that saved her after her broken engagement. In this raw and hilarious episode, Morgan reveals how pickleball became her lifeline during the darkest period of her life. From getting a fat lip the size of a pickleball hole to discovering a community that rallied around her when she needed it most, this former gymnast's journey is heart warming. Warning: her addiction to the sport is contagious.

Highlights

• A stranger's knock at the door became her salvation
• From broken engagement to "pickleball princesses" group chat
• The fat lip that was perfectly pickleball-hole sized but didn't deter her
• Reigniting the competitive drive she didn't realize she missed
• The community that showed up when her world fell apart
• Playing in any weather because addiction doesn't care about comfort
• The comeback tournament win that won her gold
• Why she can't imagine life without this "crazy" sport anymore

Chapters

02:10 A knock at the door inspired her pickleball journey

07:11 An athletic background of gymnastics and cheerleading

09:49 The "pickleball princesses" girl group chat

11:11 A sense of belonging with the pickleball community

15:16 Pickleball as a lifeline during difficult times

19:36 Support from her pickleball friends after her breakup

23:14 Playing when it's freezing outside to when you are sweltering

25:00 Getting a fat lip from a ball during play

26:54 Assuming women don't play as hard

28:31 Coming from behind to win gold in a tournament

33:11 The impact of playing in women's league

34:58 When you know you are really addicted to the sport

39:00 Imagining life today without pickleball

What happens when a tough-as-nails fighter and security professional discovers pickleball? Shawn Paul's story will draw you in. From throwing punches to serving aces, he reveals how this "simple" sport literally saved his life, connected him with strangers who became family, and turned him into a traveling pickleball evangelist. Shawn's story is a testament to resilience, personal growth, and the power of community in sports.

Highlights

• Life-changing transformation - How pickleball pulled him back from the brink and gave him purpose
• Stranger becomes family - The incredible Naples story that will restore your faith in humanity

• Cross-country pickleball adventures - Epic travels and the characters he's met along the way
• Social media magic - How he's building genuine connections in the digital age
• The unwritten rules - What "playing accordingly" really means and why it matters
• Random acts of kindness - The new shoes story that'll make you smile
• Court pet peeves revealed - The behaviors that drive even the nicest players crazy
• Why it's addictive - The real reason you can't stop playing once you start

Chapters

00:00 Intro

02:14 His life in private security and as a competitive fighter

12:11 Working at the YMCA as the pickleball coordinator

13:51 How pickleball saved his life

16:00 It's up to you to decide what kind of player you want to be

21:15 The amazing pepople he has met through pickleball

22:44 The gracious stranger in Naples who took him in

28:05 His adventures traveling the country playing

29:45 Shawn Paul hero patrol and his appreciation for law enforcement

32:17 His social media presence and personal connections

34:22 "Reading the room" and dropping F bombs

36:08 Pet peeves like jumping too fast and calling "You!"

39:34 The generosity of strangers - new pair of shoes

41:03 Practicing kindness and how you treat people

44:49 The addictiveness of the sport

Meet Jason, the creative mind behind TikTok's Destination Dink! What started as his wife's gentle nudging during COVID turned into a life-changing journey filled with unexpected friendships, daily mood boosts, and creating viral pickleball content that has resonated with many. Jason proves that it's never too late to find your community - and have a blast doing it.

Highlights

• From reluctant to obsessed — Jason's complete 180 on a sport he initially avoided
• How pickleball became his daily mental health game-changer
• Why his relatable TikToks resonate with so many players
• Career meets passion project — leveraging marketing skills to grow the pickleball community
• When pickleball replaces everything else you used to do, and what was that again??
• Jason's philosophy on keeping the fun in the game
• Using his Destination Dink TikTok account to unite players across the globe
• Building genuine friendships and connections beyond just hitting balls

Chapters

00:00 Intro

01:31 His wife finally convincing him to play during COVID

03:54 Being critical on the courts to the ones we love the most

06:16 Looking forward to playing after work each day and the mood uplift

09:00 Celebrating holidays with others on the courts

10:17 The "always out" guy is his biggest pet peeve

12:47 Getting pickled when they least expected it

16:16 The rise of his Destination Dink account on TikTok

19:03 Playing pickleball vs. golf at home and on trips

21:20 The fun content he enjoys making for TikTok

23:26 How his career in digital marketing has influenced him

26:10 The rebranding of pickleball names & rules to be cool

27:37 Building friendships through the game

29:58 The social impact of pickleball on daily life

33:02 Bringing connection and a sense of purpose for empty nesters

35:05 Favorite part of connecting with the broader pickleball community

What started as a way to stay active after a sand volleyball injury turned into Andy's most unexpected life transformation. Without even trying, he lost 80 pounds through pickleball and discovered energy levels he never knew were possible. But the real magic happened off the court — from finding someone to tie his tie for a wedding to building an incredible social network, Andy's story proves that pickleball isn't just a sport, it's a community that shows up for you in the most surprising ways. His journey from competitive-on-court, chill-off-court player to someone whose entire lifestyle changed will have you looking at pickleball in a whole new light.

Highlights

• Lost 80 pounds without trying — pickleball was just supposed to be fun
• Energy transformation: went from tired to having energy he never knew existed
• The tie story: needed help getting ready for a wedding, headed straight to the courts
• How an injury playing sand volleyball accidentally led to his best life decision
• Competitive beast on court vs. bubbly and chill personality off court
• The exhilarating scream heard 'round the court after winning a close game
• Living in Philly but practically a North Carolina pickleball ambassador
• Why he won't let his partners down — the pressure and motivation of team play

• The surprising costs of pickleball addiction (spoiler: it's all the gear!)

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:13 How an injury playing sand volleyball led him to pickleball

04:56 Intensively competitive on the court and bubbly chill off

07:38 Unexpected weight loss playing pickleball

12:01 How losing so much weight has changed his life off the courts too

15:42 Not wanting to let our partners down on the court

18:24 The exhilaration (and a loud scream) of winning a close game

21:19 Frustrations build when his opponent called multiple points out

24:26 Living in Philly but you'd swear he lives in North Carolina

27:08 Him and Anh - future Youtube'ers?

29:26 Need help with something like tying a tie? Head to the courts!

30:43 Embarrassing moments and pet peeves

32:46 Before serving, say the score loud and proud!

36:06 The surprising cost of pickleball - all the equipment

38:03 Pickleball has changed his life

As the founder of the For Fun Pickleball group, Wayne reveals how a simple invitation to play evolved into a thriving community of over 2,000 players that transformed lives across North Carolina. We dive into Wayne's story of building connections during COVID, the use of MeetUp and GroupMe to unite players, and the meaningful friendships that extend beyond the courts. He talks about the behind-the-scenes challenges of growing a grassroots pickleball movement and Wayne's heartwarming philosophy on empathy that keeps players coming back.

Highlights

• How a single friend's invitation sparked a pickleball revolution in the Triangle

• Wayne's GroupMe decision that solved the communication puzzle for pickleball communities
• The joy of introducing beginners to pickleball and watching their progression
• The positive impact of pickleball on players' lives and the importance of empathy and kindness

• Life-changing connections made through the For Fun Pickleball Meetup

• Hosting fun DUPR events and community gatherings
• Wayne's journey from Chicago to choosing Raleigh as home

• How pickleball transformed Wayne's social connections and enriched his life

Chapters

00:00 General Intro

00:36 Starting the first pickleball meetup group in the triangle

05:56 Moving to North Carolina and meeting new people

07:04 Organizing events for the Meetup group

09:15 Building connections through GroupMe

13:37 The evolution for ForFun pickleball

19:56 The transformative impact his meetup group has had on people

22:09 Funny stories and pet peeves from playing

24:37 Future DUPR events and other events

26:57 Leaving Chicago and how they chose Raleigh

33:24 Reflections on empathy and life lessons

Meet "Wild Willie", a retired lawyer who refused to let retirement be a sentence to boredom. After 45 years of legal battles, Willie strategically mapped out his freedom years with five purposeful activities to ensure longeivity —pickleball being one of them. In this fun-filled episode, Willie serves up laughs with stories of embarrassing court moments and impromptu pizza deliveries, while also sharing the secret sauce to his 58-year marriage. From pandemic paddle-newbie to passionate player, Willie shows us that retirement isn't about slowing down—it's about finding new courts to conquer! Discover how this grandfather of nine balances family adventures, continued mentoring, and competitive play in a second act that might just be better than the first.

Highlights

• Willie's strategic five-pillar approach to retirement planning that goes beyond finances
• How pickleball became one of his five intentional retirement activities during the pandemic
• His ongoing work as a professional mentor, sharing leadership wisdom accumulated over 45 years
• The unexpected origin story behind his "Wild Willie" nickname
• His 58-year marriage secret: friendship as the foundation of lasting love
• Surviving a devastating financial crisis in the '80s and rebuilding for retirement
• The embarrassing court moment that had everyone laughing (including Willie)
• Why multi-generational family vacations create memories that last a lifetime
• His practical advice for those approaching retirement: plan for purpose, not just pension
• The surprising social connections that make pickleball about much more than just the game

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Wild Willie

03:06 Leadership and his career as a lawyer

06:33 Happy to have a large number of his grandkids close by

07:51 Golf brought him to North Carolina

08:48 The secret to being married for 58 years

11:53 Transitioning to retirement by truly preparing for it

18:01 Deciding that he was going to start playing pickleball during retirement

21:15 Why having a close knit relationship with his grand kids is important

23:10 Multi generational family vacations

28:48 Embarassing moments on the courts

30:03 Meeting the coolest people on the courts

31:50 Doing what he was told and delivering pizza

33:57 Pet peeve of people not following the rec play rules

35:03 Mentoring the next generation is so important

43:03 "Younger next year" ad staying active is his secret

46:30 The impact of the pickleball community

What began as Jed's pandemic hobby turned into a family obsession that Stacy initially resisted. Now she's the one who has to be peeled from the courts! The Gants reveal how pickleball became more than just a sport — transforming into Stacy's escape from her packed schedule, Jed's solution to making new friends midlife, and even a competitive battleground with their teenage son Oliver. From heated league disputes to cross-country road trips with pickleball buddies, this episode uncovers how three yellow balls changed everything for one family.

Highlights

• Jed's COVID beginnings turned pickleball obsession
• Stacy's journey from "isn't that for retirees?" to being a huge enthusiast
• How pickleball became Stacy's escape valve while juggling teenagers, career, and PhD studies
• Jed's candid take on male friendships after 40 and how pickleball has enriched it
• The unexpected deep bonding during a cross-country road trip with a pickleball buddy
• The complete family bonding that sport has brought, even with their daughter who doesn't play
• Son Oliver joins to share the satisfaction of beating his parents on the court
• How tempers flaring during competitive league play over an "out" call
• How pickleball transformed from a casual hobby to the family's social lifeline

Chapters

00:52 Introduction

04:37 The family dynamic while just Jed was playing

06:14 Stacy joins the pickleball fun after FOMO

10:44 Balancing their schedules and squeezing in pickleball

14:37 Why they jokingly call their kids "pickleball orphans"

19:33 The role of pickleball as a coping mechanism

23:12 Discovering playing styles and how to be a supportive partner

29:46 When others give unsolicited advice on the courts

30:47 Their embarrassing moments on the courts

32:11 Opponents who really want to win and competitive leagues

37:49 Oliver's own take on pickleball and how it has bonded their family

43:48 Future goal of playing pickleball in all 50 states

46:43 The surprise of amazing new friendships and deep bonds

From teenage friends to pickleball besties! In this heartwarming and hilarious episode of Pickle Me This, host Deirdre dives into the evolving friendship between Anh and Jennifer — who initially disliked each other but now can't imagine life without each other and pickleball. With laugh-out-loud stories about their wrong-door entrance that stopped the courts, secret on-court communication codes, and "one more game" mishaps that literally sent them flying, this episode captures the true magic of pickleball.

Highlights

• From teenage frenemies to inseparable pickleball partners — the ultimate "enemies to besties" story!

• Secret hand signals, trash talk tactics, and the hilarious truth about keeping score
• "One more game" gone wrong: - when enthusiasm meets gravity (and gravity wins)
• The sacred post-game ritual that involves food, more food, and did we mention food?
• Why they refuse to let anyone "take it easy" on them—and how they're proving doubters wrong
• Finding belonging in the pickleball community (even when you can't remember anyone's name)
• Their mission to show everyone "we're not the same players we were last year"
• How pickleball transformed their friendship from occasional hangouts to quality time every week

Chapters

00:00 How they became friends as teenagers

03:38 The Journey to Pickleball

04:11 Jenn had to harass Anh to just try pickleball

07:25 Everyone stopped playing to watch them come in the wrong door

09:46 The moment they knew they were hooked

10:31 Their playing dynamic is about having fun

11:23 Trash talking and competition

15:45 Their secret communication style on the courts

18:24 Challenges and frustrations

19:59 Post game ritual - eating!

22:04 "As long as I don't get hit" - and getting hit in the face

24:54 Staying for "one more" and falling flat

28:16 Pet peeves - when people "take it easy" on you

29:40 Anh is the official score keeper

32:51 Finding belonging and forgetting people's names

35:33 The surprising and fun things about finding community

37:25 Personal growth through pickleball

39:45 Wanting to prove themselves: we're better now

43:24 Future aspirations in pickleball

45:01 Strengthening their friendship with more quality time