Welcome to the first PicklePod episode of 2026 — and we’re kicking off the new year with a full reboot presented by Marek Health. Use our code THEDINK for 10% off your $299 Intake Assessment at https://MarekHealth.com/

This episode marks the debut of PicklePod 2.0, featuring a refreshed format, new segments, and a new voice behind the mic as Nico the Lefty officially joins the show. Thomas Shields is back, Zane Navratil is firing off takes, and things get unhinged fast.

🔥 What’s in this episode:

- Guess My DUPR returns as we break down Nico the Lefty’s game (lazy footwork, elite hands, and all)

- The entire pickleball world reacts to Anna Leigh Waters’ paddle situation — Franklin, JOOLA, PaddleTek, or something bigger?

- Is this pickleball’s first-ever eight-figure paddle deal?

- Who actually moves paddles in 2026: pros, reviewers, or creators?

- Major paddle movement news: Dekel Barr, Gabe Tardio, international brands entering the space, and what it means for pros

- Why some paddle companies fear reviewers more than losing top players

- A full 2025 Pickleball Year in Review — who really won the year?

- Has pro pickleball officially matured, or are breakout stars still coming?

Plus: new segments, new beef, sponsor reads that somehow turn into hot takes, and plenty of PicklePod nonsense you’ve come to expect.

👇 Drop a comment and tell us:

- Who actually moves paddles in pickleball?

- Did MLP or UPA win 2025?

- Is Nico really a 5.0… or nah?

Like, subscribe, and welcome to PicklePod 2.0.

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Be the first to try Zane's new course here: https://tzpickleball.com/

#Pickleball #PPATour #PickleballPodcast

Leave your voicemail for the PicklePod at (512) 200 - 4299

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0:00 Introducing Nico the Lefty

4:05 Guess my DUPR returns

11:06 Nico's origin story

16:15 The Anna Leigh Waters paddle sweepstakes

29:38 More paddle signings to start the year

42:39 Who won 2025?

50:36 Pickleball reaching maturity in pro competition

58:44 Pickleball Court - Request Denied

1:07:16 What are you looking forward to in 2026?

1:13:13 Go vote in the Dink Awards

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