Pickle Me This — Sharing the fun, friends & stories of rec pickleball play

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

John reveals his unexpected path to pickleball after facing significant physical setbacks. Following an ACL injury from basketball and a subsequent freak accident, John discovered that pickleball offered not just physical rehabilitation but a whole new outlook on life. What began as casual fun evolved into a passion that reconnected him with his competitive spirit while teaching him valuable lessons about patience and community. Join host Deirdre as she explores John's journey and how the sport transformed his approach to recovery, relationships, and finding joy in unexpected places.

Highlights

• The unexpected silver lining of a freak accident that introduced him to a new passion
• John's growing dedication and obsession to improving his pickleball skills after a lifetime of athletics

• Finding balance between competitive drive and enjoying the moment
• His welcome to the league moment on the courts
• Memorable mishaps and embarrassing moments that became learning experiences
• Navigating couples play and his girfriend's perspective on John's pickleball dedication
• The unwritten social rules of pickleball that challenge and sometimes frustrate new players
• Discovering shared interests through sports and building community with unexpected others
• The profound emotional and psychological benefits John gained during his physical recovery journey

Chapters

00:00 Intro

03:06 His athletic past and injury in basketball

06:08 An unusual start to pickleball: a freak accident

12:08 Obsessed with getting better, after starting for fun

15:17 New friendships that blossomed on the courts

22:38 Learning how to be more patient and enjoying the journey

26:12 Chasing the ball, swinging, missing and falling flat

29:50 Targeting is one of his biggest pet peeves

32:57 His welcome to the league moment

35:02 Aubrey, his girlfriend, talks about how he goes missing on the courts

40:22 Playing together: the couple dynamic of giving advice

44:01 Building community and discovering shared interests

50:32 Reflecting on the impact pickleball has had on his life

Pamela, founder of Black Girl Magic Pickleball Group, shares her transformative journey from being picked last in childhood gym class to creating inclusive pickleball spaces where everyone belongs. Pamela opens up about overcoming self-doubt and the perspective of what it feels like to want to play with others that "look like you". How pickleball also becomes what she calls "a slippery slope of addiction" that transforms both physical health and social connections. Whether you're a seasoned player or considering your first game, her story proves it's never too late to discover the magic of pickleball.

Highlights

• From playground last-pick to starting tennis at 40 — it's never too late to become an athlete
• The mental game —transforming self-doubt into confidence on and off the court and "why not me"
• "It's just nice to have a girl's game" — why affinity groups matter in sports
• How the Black Girl Magic Pickleball Club creates belonging for underrepresented players
• Pickleball as the perfect blend of competition and fun
• The social "addiction" that keeps players coming back for more
• Moving to a new city? How pickleball creates instant community
• Why playing makes you "feel like a kid again" at any age

• The perfect balance — maintaining a competitive spirit while prioritizing fun and connection

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Pickleball and Community

03:33 From being picked last on the playground to adult athlete

06:11 The competitive spirt while still having fun

10:03 Surprising moments of resilience running a marathon

12:31 Winning vs losing mindset of pickleball

15:23 From missing faces of color to magical movement

21:22 How playing pickleball makes you feel like a kid again

24:41 Pet peeve - convenient blindness syndrome

27:05 Serves that just won't go in

28:54 The social dynamics of pickleball

31:01 A great way to meet new people after moving to a new city

33:50 Professional parallels: pickleball and career Insights

36:18 Encouragement for new players

37:46 Evolving to be more social and becoming a connector

39:22 Having to play singles during league "dream breaker"

Summary

In this episode, we explore the powerful connection between pickleball and mental wellbeing with Dr. Jonathan Casper, a tennis-player-turned-pickleball-enthusiast who studies the intersection of recreation and mental health. Discover how those friendly games on the court act as powerful mental health interventions, fostering social connections that combat loneliness across generations. Dr. Casper shares research on pickleball's physical benefits, its accessibility for all ages, and how the evolving community dynamics create opportunities for more inclusive practices to engage diverse populations. Whether you're 18 or 80, this episode reveals the science behind why pickleball makes you feel so good!

Highlights

• Why your pickleball addiction is actually good for your mental health
• The science behind why court friendships feel so meaningful and lasting
• Why players of all ages find deeper connections on pickleball courts than in other sports
• How even casual players are secretly meeting CDC exercise guidelines without trying

• When pickleball became unexpected therapy during a personal crisis
• How our beloved sport's explosive growth is changing the culture of play
• The accessibility of pickleball makes it an inclusive sport for all ages.
• Intergenerational play in pickleball promotes community bonding.

Chapters

00:00 Jon's introduction to Pickleball

04:18 Jon's Journey from Tennis to Pickleball

05:45 Transformation power of pickleball

07:58 A sweaty encounter and pet peeves

09:15 Evolution of welcoming beginners at the courts

13:01 Research on why people start playing pickleball

14:41 The competition craving

16:56 Social connections extend beyond the courts

22:37 Why pickleball can be used as a health intervention

25:04 Even introverts can enjoy rec play

27:30 Accessibility and affordability of the sport

29:19 Psychological benefits of causal vs. competitive play

30:53 How pickleball helped his friend go through a difficult time

33:01 Intergenerational connections and friendships

36:07 Tennis vs. Pickleball: Community Perspectives

37:39 Future research directions as the sport continues to evolve

Host Deirdre welcomes her daughter Shannen for an inside look at what it's like to be family to a pickleball enthusiast. From almost missing family portraits for tournaments to tracking mom's location through phone apps, Shannen shares candid and often hilarious stories about life with a pickleball-obsessed parent. While she's tried the sport herself, Shannen offers a refreshing perspective on pickleball culture through the eyes of a casual player who appreciates the community benefits yet hasn't caught the same intense passion. This episode highlights the relatable family dynamics, the powerful connections formed through recreational sports, and the special mother-daughter bond that thrives despite (and sometimes because of) pickleball's presence in their lives.

Highlights

• Shannen's hilarious impressions of her mom's animated on-court reactions
• Playing with strangers at open play can be nerve wracking
• Parallels between finding love through recreational hockey and making friends through pickleball
• The infamous "dinner reservation incident" that became family lore

• The family intervention that led to mandatory phone location tracking

• How a pickleball tournament almost derailed a long-planned family portrait session

• The competitive dynamics when playing doubles with her fiancé, sister, and brother-in-law
• How Shannen's fiancé's natural athletic ability led to some good-natured jealousy

• Why making friends as an adult is hard, and how recreational sports can help

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:30 Family Perspective on Mom's Playing Pickleball

05:07 Almost Missing Family Portraits for a Tournament

06:33 How Open Play Can Make Newbies Like Her Nervous

09:37 The Dinner Reservation Incident

14:17 The Kids Insist Tracking Phone Locations

17:24 Making Fun of Mom's Animated Reactions

20:04 Shannen Playing Pickleball With College Friends

23:07 Deciding to Step Back from Pickleball

24:47 Welcoming Culture of Pickleball

26:03 Meeting Her Fiance Through Rec (Hockey) Play

29:42 The Bonding Power of Recreational Sports

31:21 Making Friends as an Adult Can Be Hard

34:38 The Benefits of Pickleball for Mom

38:20 Origins of Calling Her Mom by Her First Name

40:24 Annoyed That Her Fiance is Naturally Good at Pickleball

41:18 Dynamics of Playing With Her Sister and Their Partners

Ever wonder what pickleball was like before it exploded in popularity? Join host Deirdre as Matt shares his pre-pandemic pickleball beginnings—from creating makeshift family rules on Friday nights to the reality check of learning "real" pickleball.

Matt reveals how this paddle sport transformed an introvert into a social butterfly, strengthened his marriage, and fostered meaningful connections through his weekly men's coffee group (the C&Bs). The episode highlights the power of the pickleball community when players rallied around his wife Riki after an accident. Hear stories about his serving "yips" to Deirdre's missing dinner reservations for "just one more game,".

Matt's journey captures the heart of what makes pickleball special—it's never just about the game, but the community that happens one dink at a time.

Highlights

• Matt's early adoption of pickleball before it became mainstream
• Friday night family pickleball with makeshift rules
• Why he resisted learning "real" pickleball rules for a long time
• How an introvert found his social stride through open play
• Marriage dynamics on the court: playing pickleball as a couple
• The infamous missed dinner reservation due to "just one more game"
• Battling the serving "yips" and how he got over them
• Formation of the "C&Bs" men's coffee group
• How the broader pickleball community rallied around Riki after her accident

• From hesitation to participation: Matt's number one tip for new players

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Pickleball Before It was Cool

05:31 Telling His Co-Workers About Pickleball

07:28 Friday Night Family Play and Their Own Rules

08:51 Learning the Real Rules of the Game

12:11 His Resistance to Learning the Skills and Getting Better

16:11 Embracing the New Style of Play and Evolving

19:03 Moving Past Being an Introvert and Joining Open Play

20:38 Marriage Dynamics Through Playing Together

24:03 Completely Missing a Dinner Reservation Because of Pickleball

26:29 Funny Moments From Playing

27:54 Pickleball Mishaps - The Serving YIPS

31:29 Playing Partners Personalities - Pet Peeves

34:04 Making New Friendships Through PIckleball - The C&Bs

36:12 The Community Rallying Around Riki After Her Accident

38:57 How the Community Brings a Sense of Belonging

39:55 The Strategic Side of the Game

41:24 Put Yourself Out There - His Advice to His Former Self