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Episode 55 Pickleballers Next Door Podcast

🎙️ Podcast Description 

In this important and eye-opening episode of Pickleballers Next Door, Mike and Christana tackle one of the fastest-growing conversations in pickleball: player safety.

With eye injuries on the rise across recreational and competitive play, we break down why protective eyewear and pickleball goggles matter, how net-zone battles increase risk, and what players of all levels should know to protect their vision without sacrificing performance. KitchenBlockers are the glasses Mike & Christana use most of the time.  

We also dive into a commonly overlooked factor in injury prevention—the right shoes for pickleball courts. From indoor vs outdoor courts to lateral movement, traction, and ankle support, we explain how wearing proper court shoes can reduce slips, falls, and long-term joint strain.

Whether you’re a beginner, tournament player, or someone who lives at the kitchen line, this episode is packed with practical tips, real-world experiences, and expert-level insights to help you stay safe, confident, and competitive on the court.

👉 Protect your eyes. Protect your body. Play smarter.

https://kitchenblockers.com/discount/PBND26

https://holeyperformance.com/

https://www.denvericonics.com/

Support the show

Thank you to our sponsor A Sweet Sip CBD drink. Visit https://drinkasweetsip.com/ for more information.

Follow the PickleBallers Next Door at:

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🎙️ Special Guests from the Grand Opening at 3rd Shot River Point

This episode was extra special as we welcomed Chris Williams, his wife Katherine Williams, and their daughter Bella Williams onto the podcast — showcasing exactly what pickleball is all about: family, community, and connection.

We also sat down with Jeff Moulton, Head Pro at 3rd Shot River Point, who shared insights into open play, player development, and what makes this new Sheridan location such a standout for players of all skill levels.

Adding another key perspective, we were joined by George Tavares from Altitude Athletic Surfaces, diving into what goes into building high-performance pickleball courts and why quality surfaces matter for both safety and competitive play.

Rounding out the episode, we caught up with pickleball players Emily, Kaleb and Mark, who were checking out open play and sharing firsthand excitement about the courts, the atmosphere, and the energy of opening day.

From industry leaders to families discovering the sport together, this episode perfectly captures the spirit of pickleball and the vibrant community forming at 3rd Shot River Point.

https://3rdshotpickleball.com/home-river-point

Jeff Moulton - Head Pro - [email protected]

https://altitudesurfaces.com/

Support the show

Thank you to our sponsor A Sweet Sip CBD drink. Visit https://drinkasweetsip.com/ for more information.

Follow the PickleBallers Next Door at:

IG: @pickleballersnextdoor
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🎙️ Podcast Episode: Pickleball Kingdom Paddle Battle — 2 Winners have been picked for the Pro Sponsorship and will be aired on episode 8.  2 Winners will be voted by the audience to receive a franchise each.  Please vote every week for your favorite player. 

In this episode, we sit down with Ace Rodrigues, Owner and Founder of Pickleball Kingdom, to break down the launch of their groundbreaking new YouTube competition series, Pickleball Kingdom: Paddle Battle.

Episodes 1 and 2 drop Wednesday the 14th, just hours before this podcast episode goes live, giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the concept, stakes, and vision behind one of the most exciting new formats in pickleball entertainment.

🔥 What’s on the line in Paddle Battle?

• 2 professional players win a full-year sponsorship
• 2 professional players win a Pickleball Kingdom franchise

The sponsorship winners have already been selected — but the franchise winners will be decided by the audience. Fans get to vote and play a direct role in determining which pros earn the opportunity to become Pickleball Kingdom franchise owners, making this one of the most interactive pickleball series ever created.

We’re also joined by Tiffany Ash, Head Pro at Relish Food Hall, who is one of the featured contestants in Paddle Battle. A Colorado-based pro, Tiffany shares what it’s like competing in a high-stakes, on-camera pickleball series and representing Colorado on a national platform.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How Paddle Battle was created and why it’s different
• The power of fan voting in awarding pickleball franchises
• What a year-long pickleball sponsorship means for a pro athlete
• The future of pickleball as entertainment, media, and business
• How Pickleball Kingdom is redefining growth through community involvement
• Colorado’s role in shaping national pickleball talent

This episode is a must-listen for pickleball players, fans, sponsors, and entrepreneurs who want to see how competition, content, and opportunity are colliding to shape the future of the sport.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1mwK1LXsKjAdmWb55cTLUQ

https://pickleballkingdom.com/paddlebattle/

Support the show

Thank you to our sponsor A Sweet Sip CBD drink. Visit https://drinkasweetsip.com/ for more information.

Follow the PickleBallers Next Door at:

IG: @pickleballersnextdoor
TikTok: thepickleballersnextdoor

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🎙️ Podcast Episode 52

Friday Pickleball: The Brand, The Brotherhood, and the Future of Pickleball Culture

In this episode, we sit down with Scott, Isaac, and Matt, three of the  five incredible minds behind Friday Pickleball, live from 3rd Shot Pickleball in Wheatridge, Colorado. What started as a shared love for pickleball has turned into one of the fastest-growing lifestyle brands in the sport—and these guys are leading the charge with authenticity, humor, and community at the core.

Friday Pickleball isn’t just a paddle, it’s a movement. Built around the idea that pickleball should be fun, welcoming, competitive, and social, the brand captures the spirit of the game both on and off the court.  A culture that celebrates connection, competition, and camaraderie, Friday Pickleball has quickly become a favorite among players nationwide.

Scott, Isaac, and Matt share their journey from players to brand builders, what it really takes to grow a pickleball company in today’s booming market, and why relationships and community matter more than anything else. Their chemistry is real, their passion is contagious, and their commitment to growing the sport the right way is what truly sets them apart.

We talk pickleball culture, brand building, entrepreneurship, and how venues like 3rd Shot Pickleball are helping fuel the next generation of players. Whether you’re a recreational player, a competitive athlete, or someone interested in the business side of pickleball, this episode delivers insight, inspiration, and plenty of laughs.

If you love pickleball, good people, and brands that stand for more than just a logo—this episode is a must-listen.

fridaypickle.com

@fridaypickleball

@friday_pickleball

Support the show

Thank you to our sponsor A Sweet Sip CBD drink. Visit https://drinkasweetsip.com/ for more information.

Follow the PickleBallers Next Door at:

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🎙️ Pickleball, Singles & Real-Life Love Stories | PickleMatch.co Podcast Episode 51 🎙️

In this episode, we dive into the heart of PickleMatch.co, where pickleball meets real-world dating—and sparks actually fly. We recorded live from a PickleMatch singles event at 3rd Shot Wheatridge and interviewed the people who came not just to play pickleball, but to find genuine connection.

We’re joined by Jake and Brent, the sons of Mike, one of the podcast hosts, who share their perspective on the PickleMatch experience and what it’s like seeing pickleball bring singles together in a fun, low-pressure environment. We also sit down with Michael, co-owner of PickleMatch, who shares the vision behind creating an in-person dating experience that feels natural, active, and far removed from the swipe culture of dating apps.

Adding to the conversation is Sher, who runs the popular Facebook community ColoradoSinglesConnect, offering insight into what singles in Colorado are truly looking for right now—and why community-driven, in-person events are thriving.

We also welcome professional matchmaker Julie Ferman from Cupid’s Coach, who brings expert advice on modern dating, attraction, and why shared activities like pickleball create better opportunities for authentic connection.

And the highlight of the night? Masha and Sam, who actually met at the event that very evening, sharing their first impressions, chemistry, and what made the connection feel different from traditional dating apps.

This episode is a real-time look at how pickleball is changing the dating scene, why singles are craving offline experiences, and how PickleMatch is turning rallies into relationships.

Whether you’re single, curious about modern matchmaking, or just love pickleball culture, this episode proves that sometimes… love really does happen on the court. 🏓❤️

Support the show

Thank you to our sponsor A Sweet Sip CBD drink. Visit https://drinkasweetsip.com/ for more information.

Follow the PickleBallers Next Door at:

IG: @pickleballersnextdoor
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🎄 Merry Christmas and welcome to a very special milestone episode of Pickleballers Next Door! 🎄

Today, we’re celebrating Episode 50, and we couldn’t think of a better way to mark this moment than by spotlighting the incredible people using pickleball as a force for good. This episode is all about community, purpose, and impact, recorded live at Relish Food Hall Pickleball during a powerful Parkinson’s disease fundraising tournament.

We’re honored to sit down with leaders, advocates, athletes, and coaches who are changing lives—on and off the court. From national foundations to grassroots pickleball movements, this episode captures the true heart of why this sport means so much to so many.

So grab a warm drink, pull up a chair, and celebrate the season with us—this is pickleball with purpose.

🎧 Episode 50 – Pickleballers Next Door

🎄 Merry Christmas from Pickleballers Next Door—and welcome to our 50th episode! 🎄

In this milestone holiday episode, we’re coming to you from Relish Food Hall Pickleball for an inspiring Parkinson’s disease fundraising tournament that brought together players, advocates, and community leaders who believe pickleball can truly make a difference.

We’re honored to feature:

• Susan Swern, founder of Pickleball for Good, sharing how pickleball is being used nationwide to raise awareness, funds, and hope—not only for Parkinson’s research and support, but for a wide range of nonprofits and community causes.
• Polly Dawkins, Executive Director of the Davis Phinney Foundation, discussing the foundation’s mission to help people with Parkinson’s live well today. 
• Tom Carney, a respected pickleball coach and player with 13 years of experience, offering insight into how coaching, movement, and sport positively impact the Parkinson’s community.
• Team Husted, competitors in the tournament, sharing what it means to play for a cause bigger than the scoreboard.

This episode is a powerful reminder that pickleball is more than a game—it’s a platform for connection, advocacy, and meaningful change.

Thank you to our guests, our listeners, and this incredible community for supporting us through 50 episodes. We are so grateful for every story, every event, and every person who’s joined us along the way.

🎄 Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and here’s to the next 50! 🎄

Support the show

Thank you to our sponsor A Sweet Sip CBD drink. Visit https://drinkasweetsip.com/ for more information.

Follow the PickleBallers Next Door at:

IG: @pickleballersnextdoor
TikTok: thepickleballersnextdoor

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Tune in to hear the story behind MoodSwing, the challenges of opening a new venue, and what guests can expect when they walk through the doors.

Podcast Episode: Inside the Opening of MoodSwing with the Founders & Chef and the Owner of PickleWatch.

Episode Description

In this episode, we sit down with Colton Cartwright and Giovanni Leone, owners of MoodSwing, along with executive chef Nicholas Dalton, to talk about the vision, energy, and excitement behind the opening of one of Denver’s most talked-about new entertainment venues.

MoodSwing is redefining the social scene by blending pickleball, elevated food, craft cocktails, and immersive vibes into one unforgettable experience. Colton and Giovanni share how the concept came to life, what sets MoodSwing apart from other venues, and why community, fun, and connection are at the heart of everything they do. Chef Nicholas Dalton gives us a behind-the-scenes on his creative and great tasting pizzas. look at the menu, and how food plays a central role in the MoodSwing experience.

Whether you’re a pickleball enthusiast, a foodie, an entrepreneur, or just someone who loves discovering what’s new in Denver, this episode offers an inside look at how passion, creativity, and teamwork come together to launch a next-level destination.

In the same episode, we also meet with the owner George Yameen behind Picklewatch, a platform which turns your Apple Watch into a pickleball coach. Auto-detects swings & shot types, tracks speed, rally length, heart rate, and consistency—no phone needed during play. After a match, sync to iPhone for heatmaps, stroke charts, trends, and a single Quality Score. Get haptic cues for pace/time/recovery and see exactly how you’re improving.

This episode is a must-listen for pickleball players, entrepreneurs, venue owners, and anyone interested in the business, culture, and rapid growth of pickleball.

Special Thanks:

mood-swing.com

holeyperformance.com

PickleWatch app

Support the show

Thank you to our sponsor A Sweet Sip CBD drink. Visit https://drinkasweetsip.com/ for more information.

Follow the PickleBallers Next Door at:

IG: @pickleballersnextdoor
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 Episode 48: Special Addition - Adaptive Excellence, USA Pickleball Insights & Peak Pickleball Adaptive Tournament 2026

In Episode 48 of Pickleballers Next Door, we bring you one of our most powerful and inspiring episodes yet—packed with adaptive athletes, USA Pickleball leadership, and a deep dive into the future of equipment standards.

We sit down with Ryan Anthony and Zack Wentz, two extraordinary Adaptive Pickleball athletes competing at the USA Pickleball Nationals. They share their journey, their mindset, and what it means to represent adaptive players on the sport’s biggest stage.

We also highlight an man Mick Tingstrom, who plays standing as a doubles partner with Ryan Anthony in the wheelchair division—showing the true spirit of inclusivity, competition, and teamwork in pickleball.

Next, we connect with Scott Wilson of Peak Pickleball along with the great team for USA Pickleball to dive even deeper into the sport's growth, innovation, and future. 

From USA Pickleball, we interview:

• Justin Maloof, Executive Leader at USA Pickleball, sharing insights on the growth of the sport, the future of tournaments, and expanding opportunities for adaptive athletes.
• Devyn McCurdy Director of Event Operations from USA Pickleball, who gives us a closer look at the key forces behind the preparation and execution of the 2025 Nationals tournament, 
• Ryley Burgess, USA Pickleball’s Head of Paddle Governance, explaining everything you need to know about paddle approvals, regulations, and how equipment gets certified for tournament play.

This episode is a powerful mix of adaptive excellence, governing-body perspective, player inspiration, and deep-dive pickleball knowledge—perfect for athletes, fans, coaches, and anyone who loves the sport’s growing inclusivity and innovation.

Support the show

Thank you to our sponsor A Sweet Sip CBD drink. Visit https://drinkasweetsip.com/ for more information.

Follow the PickleBallers Next Door at:

IG: @pickleballersnextdoor
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Episode Description: Herb Livsey — Denver Nuggets Scout & 90-Year-Old Pickleball Coach

In this inspirational episode of Pickleballers Next Door, we interview the legendary Herb Livsey — longtime Denver Nuggets scout, basketball mentor, and a 90-year-old pickleball coach who continues to teach and inspire athletes every single day.

Herb Livsey has spent decades shaping the NBA by scouting elite talent for the Denver Nuggets. His eye for the game, his passion for player development, and his decades of experience have made him one of the most respected scouting figures in the league.

But Herb is more than basketball.
At 90 years old, he is still actively teaching pickleball, bringing his energy, knowledge, and love for sport to players of all ages. His commitment to movement, community, and lifelong learning is nothing short of remarkable.

In this episode, Herb shares:

• His journey through basketball and what it takes to scout true NBA talent
• Stories from his decades with the Denver Nuggets
• How he stays sharp, active, and motivated at age 90
• Why pickleball has become a passion — and why he teaches it
• His mindset on aging, discipline, and living a life filled with purpose and activity

This is one of the most uplifting and motivating conversations you’ll hear — a celebration of longevity, sport, wisdom, and passion. Herb Livsey proves that age is simply a number and that greatness can continue at any stage of life.

Also in this episode of Pickleballers Next Door, we chat with Donovan from Mint Sports  about building high-performance pickleball gear, paddle design innovation, and what sets Mint apart in the fast-growing pickleball world. A quick, insightful look into one of the sport’s rising brands.

mintsport.com

Special thanks to: 

denvericonics.com

holeyperformance.com

Support the show

Thank you to our sponsor A Sweet Sip CBD drink. Visit https://drinkasweetsip.com/ for more information.

Follow the PickleBallers Next Door at:

IG: @pickleballersnextdoor
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Episode 46 

Happy Thanksgiving! From Pickleballers Next Door.

Denvericonics.com

holeyperformance.com

Support the show

Thank you to our sponsor A Sweet Sip CBD drink. Visit https://drinkasweetsip.com/ for more information.

Follow the PickleBallers Next Door at:

IG: @pickleballersnextdoor
TikTok: thepickleballersnextdoor