For this week’s PicklePod, we’re joined by two of the most exciting young stars in pickleball: Hayden Patriquin and Gabe Tardio of the St. Louis Shock.

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For this week’s PicklePod, we’re joined by two of the most exciting young stars in pickleball: Hayden Patriquin and Gabe Tardio of the St. Louis Shock.

We dive into everything from Shock team culture and MLP pressure to why Gabe ignored traditional pickleball advice and built his own game from scratch. Hayden also opens up about his on-court personality, social media backlash, and finding the balance between playing with emotion and staying under control.

We also get into:

- The “Shock are chokers” debate

- Why Hayden might have the highest ceiling in pickleball

- What makes Ben Johns so difficult to beat

- Signature shots and unique techniques

- The future of pickleball strategy

- Gambling stories, trash talk, and complete chaos

This episode goes all over the place in the best way possible. One minute we’re breaking down elite strategy and the next we’re talking baccarat, sleep habits, and why nobody actually knows the “right” way to play pickleball.

Subscribe and let us know: Who has the highest ceiling in pickleball right now? 👇

Blue Cannatine from Troscriptions is designed to support the mental and physical flow state that pickleball players chase: focused, responsive, smooth, and adaptable — without jitters, crashes, or chaos. Try it today at https://troscriptions.com/dink

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

Check out Zane's Pro Pickleball Talk channel on Discord: https://discord.gg/wzNVADmZb

#Pickleball #PPATour #PickleballPodcast

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

------------------

Like the ep? Do us a favor: subscribe to our channel and leave a review on Apple or Spotify

-Subscribe to our 'all things pickleball' *free e-newsletter* at https://www.thedink.beehiiv.com

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-For everything else we do, visit https://linktr.ee/dinkfam

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-Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball

#pickleball #pickleballcourts

------------------

0:00 Intro

2:02 St Louis Shock culture

7:27 Dealing with lofty expectations

13:10 Gabe chooses baccarat over pickleball

17:52 Hayden’s baseball prowess and reaction time

21:50 Doubling down that Hayden is #1

25:26 What does it take to beat Ben & Gabe?

27:38 How Gabe partnered with Ben

32:58 Where Hayden found his swagger

39:59 Gabe stays calm under pressure

42:17 Gabe’s jump from Challenger back to Premier

51:57 The difference from left to right

56:27 Hayden’s flick is totally unique

57:71 Gabe convinces us to choke up

1:01:38 More on Hayden’s flick

1:05:38 Pros vs 5.0s ideas

1:13:04 Guess my DUPR

1:16:12 Skill vs athleticism

1:27:07 Zane’s Gamer Theory

1:29:02 Building your pickleball IQ

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week’s PicklePod, we’re joined by two of the most exciting young stars in pickleball: Hayden Patriquin and Gabe Tardio of the St. Louis Shock.

We dive into everything from Shock team culture and MLP pressure to why Gabe ignored traditional pickleball advice and built his own game from scratch. Hayden also opens up about his on-court personality, social media backlash, and finding the balance between playing with emotion and staying under control.

We also get into:

- The “Shock are chokers” debate

- Why Hayden might have the highest ceiling in pickleball

- What makes Ben Johns so difficult to beat

- Signature shots and unique techniques

- The future of pickleball strategy

- Gambling stories, trash talk, and complete chaos

This episode goes all over the place in the best way possible. One minute we’re breaking down elite strategy and the next we’re talking baccarat, sleep habits, and why nobody actually knows the “right” way to play pickleball.

Subscribe and let us know: Who has the highest ceiling in pickleball right now? 👇

Blue Cannatine from Troscriptions is designed to support the mental and physical flow state that pickleball players chase: focused, responsive, smooth, and adaptable — without jitters, crashes, or chaos. Try it today at https://troscriptions.com/dink

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

Check out Zane's Pro Pickleball Talk channel on Discord: https://discord.gg/wzNVADmZb

#Pickleball #PPATour #PickleballPodcast

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

------------------

Like the ep? Do us a favor: subscribe to our channel and leave a review on Apple or Spotify

-Subscribe to our 'all things pickleball' *free e-newsletter* at https://www.thedink.beehiiv.com

https://www.instagram.com/thedinkpickleball/ -Follow us on IG

-Continue the convo in our private FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedi...

-For everything else we do, visit https://linktr.ee/dinkfam

-Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at https://zanenavratilpickleball.com/

-Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball

#pickleball #pickleballcourts

------------------

0:00 Intro

2:02 St Louis Shock culture

7:27 Dealing with lofty expectations

13:10 Gabe chooses baccarat over pickleball

17:52 Hayden’s baseball prowess and reaction time

21:50 Doubling down that Hayden is #1

25:26 What does it take to beat Ben & Gabe?

27:38 How Gabe partnered with Ben

32:58 Where Hayden found his swagger

39:59 Gabe stays calm under pressure

42:17 Gabe’s jump from Challenger back to Premier

51:57 The difference from left to right

56:27 Hayden’s flick is totally unique

57:71 Gabe convinces us to choke up

1:01:38 More on Hayden’s flick

1:05:38 Pros vs 5.0s ideas

1:13:04 Guess my DUPR

1:16:12 Skill vs athleticism

1:27:07 Zane’s Gamer Theory

1:29:02 Building your pickleball IQ

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emergency pod time.

Bread & Butter has officially been acquired by Selkirk, and the pickleball world immediately exploded with questions. So Zane and Nico brought Doug Sapusek on the podcast immediately to talk about the deal, the future of Bread & Butter, and whether the brand is about to change forever.

Doug breaks down:

- Why he said yes to Selkirk

- Whether Bread & Butter will keep its identity

- The future of Bread & Butter paddles and apparel

- What Selkirk actually wanted from the acquisition

- The realities of scaling a pickleball company

- Why more acquisitions could be coming

Plus:

- Doug joins shirtless from a hot tub

- Paddle nerd tournament leaks

- Malaysia pickleball talk

- Nico gets invited to Florida

- Zane talks pickleball drama and growing the game

Let us know what YOU think in the comments 👇

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

Check out Zane's Pro Pickleball Talk channel on Discord: https://discord.gg/wzNVADmZb

#Pickleball #PPATour #PickleballPodcast

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

------------------

Like the ep? Do us a favor: subscribe to our channel and leave a review on Apple or Spotify

-Subscribe to our 'all things pickleball' *free e-newsletter* at https://www.thedink.beehiiv.com

https://www.instagram.com/thedinkpickleball/ -Follow us on IG

-Continue the convo in our private FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedi...

-For everything else we do, visit https://linktr.ee/dinkfam

-Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at https://zanenavratilpickleball.com/

-Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball

#pickleball #pickleballcourts

------------------

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Zane and Nico break down the new “Partners” pickleball documentary series and debate whether it lived up to the hype. From Hayden Patriquin and Gabe Tardio stealing the show, to the Anna Leigh Waters spotlight, the Jaume/Hunter/Paris drama, and the biggest winners and losers of the series — nothing is off limits.

The guys also dive into:

- Why Championship Sunday feels broken

- Zane’s proposal to completely redesign Tour Finals

- Whether pickleball needs MORE drama

- UPAA rule changes and the serve controversy

- Why fans should be allowed to heckle during matches

- The future of pro pickleball entertainment

Plus: bachelor party Mount Rushmores, Toys R Us nostalgia, and listener comments.

Let us know what YOU think in the comments 👇

Listeners get 20% off their entire order at https://www.120life.com/ Just use code: DINK

One simple code.

A perfect time to refocus—or help someone you care about take their heart health seriously.

Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to https://www.zocdoc.com/THEDINK to find and instantly book a doctor you love today.

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

Check out Zane's Pro Pickleball Talk channel on Discord: https://discord.gg/wzNVADmZb

#Pickleball #PPATour #PickleballPodcast

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

------------------

Like the ep? Do us a favor: subscribe to our channel and leave a review on Apple or Spotify

-Subscribe to our 'all things pickleball' *free e-newsletter* at https://www.thedink.beehiiv.com

https://www.instagram.com/thedinkpickleball/ -Follow us on IG

-Continue the convo in our private FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedi...

-For everything else we do, visit https://linktr.ee/dinkfam

-Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at https://zanenavratilpickleball.com/

-Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball

#pickleball #pickleballcourts

------------------

0:00 Intro

4:44 Mount Rushmore of bachelor parties

9:02 Grading the Partners doc -- Hayden & Gabe unfiltered

14:29 Winners & Losers of the Partners doc

18:55 Zane & Nico's favorite part of the doc

21:02 The Ricky Bobby Mentality

25:01 Zane fixes the PPA Finals

35:37 PPA Malaysia preview

38:00 Best of 3 or best of 5 on Sundays

43:00 New UPA-A Rulebook no more blowing

50:59 Unsportmanlike penalties and fan behavior

58:02 The new 5s logo drop

59:32 Guess my DUPR

1:02:34 Listener comments -- Nico's proposal

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This might have been the WILDEST week in pickleball… and we’re breaking it all down.

From Nico’s pro debut at APP Sacramento to nonstop line calling controversy, a controversial body bag on Jack Sock, and a massive $225 MILLION investment shaking up the sport… this episode has EVERYTHING.

We dive into:

- Nico’s first pro tournament (and what went wrong 😅)

- The ongoing line calling drama… and when “mistakes” become cheating

- Zane vs Jack Sock 👀 (and the body bag heard around pickleball)

- The rise of Tamashima Mukuro and what makes him so dangerous

- Why championship Sunday felt… kinda boring

- And what the $225M investment means for the future of pickleball

Is pickleball growing too fast?

Do we need AI line calls ASAP?

And is dominance at the top making the sport less exciting?

Let us know what YOU think in the comments 👇

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

Check out Zane's Pro Pickleball Talk channel on Discord: https://discord.gg/wzNVADmZb

#Pickleball #PPATour #PickleballPodcast

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

------------------

Like the ep? Do us a favor: subscribe to our channel and leave a review on Apple or Spotify

-Subscribe to our 'all things pickleball' *free e-newsletter* at https://www.thedink.beehiiv.com

https://www.instagram.com/thedinkpickleball/ -Follow us on IG

-Continue the convo in our private FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedi...

-For everything else we do, visit https://linktr.ee/dinkfam

-Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at https://zanenavratilpickleball.com/

-Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball

#pickleball #pickleballcourts

------------------

0:00 Intro

3:06 Nico's first pro pickleball attempt

8:25 More from APP - Duong Bros in Sacramento

14:02 Bad line calls are becoming a reputation

21:13 Pickleball Inc’s $225 Million investment

28:24 Waiting on the right TV Deal

32:59 Zane gives Jack a 'Welcome to Pickleball' moment

41:18 Nico floored by Danni Townsend's erne

45:54 Number 1 seeds are 162-1 in 2026

52:35 Tama's breakout weekend in Atlanta

1:00:23 Partners show earns a B+ from Zane

1:03:18 Guess my DUPR

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Danni Elle Townsend didn’t plan on becoming a pro pickleball player…

Now she’s the #3 overall pick in MLP, playing for the defending champion Columbus Sliders.

We sat down with Danni LIVE at the Atlanta National Pickleball Club to talk about her journey from Australia to the biggest stage in pickleball—and what it’s actually like stepping into Major League Pickleball as a rookie.

In this episode, we get into:

How Danni went from casually playing to going pro

Making the move from Australia to the U.S.

Getting drafted to the Columbus Sliders

The pressure of joining a championship team

What surprised her most about MLP

Rookie life, team dynamics, and behind-the-scenes moments

Plus plenty of classic PicklePod chaos

If you want to understand where the next wave of pro talent is coming from—this is the episode.

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

Check out Zane's Pro Pickleball Talk channel on Discord: https://discord.gg/wzNVADmZb

#Pickleball #PPATour #PickleballPodcast

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

------------------

Like the ep? Do us a favor: subscribe to our channel and leave a review on Apple or Spotify

-Subscribe to our 'all things pickleball' *free e-newsletter* at https://www.thedink.beehiiv.com

https://www.instagram.com/thedinkpickleball/ -Follow us on IG

-Continue the convo in our private FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedi...

-For everything else we do, visit https://linktr.ee/dinkfam

-Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at https://zanenavratilpickleball.com/

-Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball

#pickleball #pickleballcourts

------------------

0:00 Intro

1:12 Australian roots

4:42 An illustrious table tennis career

9:05 Training for table tennis in Japan

12:59 How does table tennis convert to pickleball

23:04 Pro pickleball decathlon

27:52 Players in Asia living on moneyball tournaments

31:16 Does pickleball require more skill or athleticism?

35:47 Should blowing the ball be legal?

39:33 Danni + Zane challenge the rules

43:19 Known for playing loud and trash-talking

47:42 How Danni deals with pressure

45:10 Working with a coach

1:01:27 Nerding out on Star Wars

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PicklePod 2.0 is presented by Marek Health. Use our code THEDINK for 10% off your $299 Intake Assessment at https://MarekHealth.com/

This week on the PicklePod, everything goes off the rails.

From controversial line calls at the US Open to a shocking paddle-toss disqualification in Sacramento, this might be the most chaotic week in pro pickleball yet.

We break down:

- The “hooking” controversy everyone is talking about

- Why some calls went viral… and others didn’t

- The paddle toss DQ that has players divided

- Anna Leigh Waters & the Pickleball Slam fallout

- Jack Sock’s rise (and what’s next)

- Federico’s dominance in men’s singles

- Nico’s silver medal run (and what went wrong 👀)

Plus: fan roasts, hot takes, and a LOT of opinions.

Let us know in the comments:

👉 Was that ball IN or OUT?

👉 Should players still call their own lines?

👉 Was the DQ justified?

Blue Cannatine from Troscriptions is designed to support the mental and physical flow state that pickleball players chase: focused, responsive, smooth, and adaptable — without jitters, crashes, or chaos. Try it today at https://troscriptions.com/dink

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

Check out Zane's Pro Pickleball Talk channel on Discord: https://discord.gg/wzNVADmZb

#Pickleball #PPATour #PickleballPodcast

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

------------------

Like the ep? Do us a favor: subscribe to our channel and leave a review on Apple or Spotify

-Subscribe to our 'all things pickleball' *free e-newsletter* at https://www.thedink.beehiiv.com

https://www.instagram.com/thedinkpickleball/ -Follow us on IG

-Continue the convo in our private FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedi...

-For everything else we do, visit https://linktr.ee/dinkfam

-Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at https://zanenavratilpickleball.com/

-Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball

#pickleball #pickleballcourts

------------------

0:00 Intro

2:23 Struggles from the US Open

6:35 Hook of the week in women’s doubles

19:10 Can ALW win with every male in the top 10?

24:28 Nico’s bday and Zane ‘loves’ Sacramento

29:58 Eating crow at the PB Slam

32:50 Could Nico win the PB Slam with ALW?

34:45 Jim Kloss delivers a hot take

39:27 Zane lost in the Costa Rica jungle

41:07 Nico’s Sacramento experience

46:23 A new unethical hack unlocked

49:57 Nico vs Zane and the next gen of senior pros

52:02 Lea loses on a technicality

1:00:56 Hunter Johnson defaulted on paddle toss

1:08:40 Jack Sock upsets Chris Haworth

1:10:55 Fahey swims again + Johns/Tardio stay undefeated

1:13:39 First time winners Black/Oncins + Todd/Rohrabacher

1:20:36 We read your comments

1:24:08 College pickleball goals

1:31:33 Guess my DUPR

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PicklePod 2.0 is presented by Marek Health. Use our code THEDINK for 10% off your $299 Intake Assessment at https://MarekHealth.com/

The PicklePod is BACK and this one is loaded.

We’re breaking down everything happening in pickleball right now — from the massive US Open Pickleball Championships to the $1,000,000 Pickleball Slam, plus some serious controversy around the JOOLA lawsuit.

We also debate one of the hottest takes in the sport right now…

👉 Is pickleball actually MORE demanding than tennis?

And to top it off, we attempt to rank the top 10 best pickleball players in the world (pound-for-pound) — and things go off the rails quickly.

In this episode:

- US Open pickleball = biggest amateur tournament ever?

- $1M Pickleball Slam (Annali vs Agassi 👀)

- JOOLA lawsuit explained (and why it might not matter)

- College pickleball is blowing up

- PPA Sacramento preview + new partnerships

- INSANE Ben Johns singles draw

- “Guess My DUPR” returns

- Our chaotic Top 10 player rankings

👇 Drop your takes in the comments:

- Who wins the Pickleball Slam?

- Is pickleball harder than tennis?

- Who’s YOUR top 10?

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

Check out Zane's Pro Pickleball Talk channel on Discord: https://discord.gg/wzNVADmZb

#Pickleball #PPATour #PickleballPodcast

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

------------------

Like the ep? Do us a favor: subscribe to our channel and leave a review on Apple or Spotify

-Subscribe to our 'all things pickleball' *free e-newsletter* at https://www.thedink.beehiiv.com

https://www.instagram.com/thedinkpickleball/ -Follow us on IG

-Continue the convo in our private FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedi...

-For everything else we do, visit https://linktr.ee/dinkfam

-Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at https://zanenavratilpickleball.com/

-Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball

#pickleball #pickleballcourts

------------------

0:00 Intro

1:46 Do you miss playing in the US Open?

6:34 Could ALW win with a 5.5 partner?

9:49 Pickleball Slam 4 should be a blow out

19:37 JOOLA sues 11 companies

34:35 FAU wins DUPR Nationals

40:54 Changing PPA’s Race to the Finals

46:59 New partnerships on display in Sacramento

49:31 Why lefties struggle in mixed

53:42 The PPA hates Ben Johns

56:51 Nico’s hot singles take

1:01:57 Guess my DUPR revenge

1:05:00 Zane and Nico debate pound for pound

1:20:51 Zane alphas airport nemesis

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PicklePod 2.0 is presented by Marek Health. Use our code THEDINK for 10% off your $299 Intake Assessment at https://MarekHealth.com/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices