PicklePod

By The Dink & The Props NetworkSports

PicklePod episodes

October 22, 2024 Competition Breeds Excellence w/ Christian Alshon
Christian Alshon is the special guest on a new PicklePod. We dive into Alshon's Twitter battle with James Blake, Nick Kyrgios, and the rest of the tennis world.
Alshon shares why tensions have been high between him and the Johns bros at recent PPA events. He also explains his plans for creating content while competing at the highest level.
Want to own a piece of the pickleball growth? The Pickleball Club is now accepting investors. Learn more at https://www.thepickleballclub.us/invest/
Find an event near you and register to play in The Dink Minor Leagues at https://officialminorleaguepb.com/
Create your own The Dink Minor Leagues event here: https://forms.monday.com/forms/bec208e8a148b8ed4eb36889404fd9fa?r=use1
Pickleball's #1 subscription box is here https://www.thedink.shop/
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.thedinkpickleball.com/signup/
-Follow us on IG @thedinkpickleball
-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
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0:00 The ‘villain’ that pickleball needs
4:22 What does the real Christian look like?
7:24 Will Howells is the new bad boy of pickleball
9:26 Alshon’s Twitter battle vs big tennis
17:19 James Blake challenged Alshon to a racquet vs hands match
24:20 Christian weighed the pro tennis option
28:55 Transferring to a better academic school
34:22 The beef vs the Johns bros
40:04 Running into Matt Wright on a bad day
41:48 One for the conspiracy theorists
44:20 Missing MLP Vegas with the Texas Ranchers
48:19 Alshon’s knee injury and MLP under fire
53:32 The content creation game
56:02 Christian’s first vlog
1:00:09 Breaking down pro pickleball matches
1:05:44 Christian’s take on the state of paddles
1 hr 9 min
June 06, 2024 Worst attempt at "cheating" results in largest pickleball fine
Kyle Selinko co-owner of Boxcar Productions and Close Call Relay joins the pod to solve pickleball's line call headache. Selinko explains the technology he's employed to automate line calls and remove subjectivity.
Zane and Thomas catch up after Zane's honeymoon and cover the Andrei Daescu suspension, JOOLA Gen 3 paddles getting de-listed, and the haters who watch Pros vs 5.0s.
We've teamed up with Olukai to present the Aloha Showdown at Austin Pickleball Ranch. Register to play at alohapickle.com
Win on any court with Olukai footwear https://olukai.com/collections/olukai-pickleball-shoes
Right in time for Father's Day, it's the Pickleball Match Tracker. Get yours here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Pickleball/Trey-Sizemore/9781507223000?utm_source=partner_marketing&utm_medium=adams_collab&utm_campaign=&utm_content=DinkPodcastAd
Watch Thomas and Zane compete in the Pros vs 5.0s video here: https://youtu.be/Kgm9RYZEEaQ?si=-I4gwk3Ah3wx-_2r
Find an event near you and register to play in The Dink Minor Leagues at https://officialminorleaguepb.com/
Create your own The Dink Minor Leagues event here: https://forms.monday.com/forms/bec208e8a148b8ed4eb36889404fd9fa?r=use1
Pickleball's #1 subscription box is here https://www.thedink.shop/
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.thedinkpickleball.com/signup/
-Follow us on IG @thedinkpickleball
-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/
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0:00 Introducing the Aloha Showdown
5:51 Mean tweets for Pros vs 5.0s
11:38 The infamous foreign substance
15:00 Andrei's response
21:09 Zane’s Take on the punishment
27:45 What would you do if you’re UPA?
35:00 Girlies photo shoot breaks the internet
39:24 JOOLA Gen 3 de-listed
49:38 Kyle’s humble start streaming from a phone
54:40 The 240 frames per second revolution
1:01:20 What about the backcourts?
1:05:27 Using AI to make calls
1:08:49 Challenges that build the excitement
1:11:03 Proof from DUPR collegiate events
1:13:40 Any application for the NVZ?
1:17:47 Where broadcasts can improve?
1 hr 22 min
May 28, 2024 Best of PicklePod 2024
Zane is still on his honeymoon so we've compiled some of the best moments so far this year. Catch some of our favorites here and go back and listen to your favorite personalities in the game.
Show Notes:
0:00 Intro
3:19 Collin Johns - Building Ben's backhand
12:22 Anna Leigh Waters - Insane fan stories
15:32 Riley Newman - The Pancake Grip
22:30 Riley Newman - DJ Selkirk’s song choice
25:36 Zane’s win over the Johns Bros
30:50 Lea Jansen - Unretiring from singles
34:48 Travis Rettenmaier - The demise of pickleball
44:45 Jaume Martinez Vich - Pickleball Sugar Mamas
46:03 Dekel Bar - Neutralizing a big serve
50:49 Jimmy Miller - Vulcan ball remake
56:14 Augie Ge - Unorthodox training
59:22 Dan Martinson - Zane’s most offensive shot
It's not just the weapon, it's the warrior. Save 10% at https://warstic.com/collections/pickleball with code: DINK
Recover faster. Play Longer. Get 10% off devices that help reduce the risk of injuries with code DINK10 at https://www.therabody.com/
Save 20% on Tifosi sunglasses with code DINK20 at https://tifosioptics.com/
Find an event near you and register to play in The Dink Minor Leagues at https://officialminorleaguepb.com/
Create your own The Dink Minor Leagues event here: https://forms.monday.com/forms/bec208e8a148b8ed4eb36889404fd9fa?r=use1
Subscribe to The Dink 3x weekly newsletter https://thedink.beehiiv.com/
Want to work in pickleball? Join The Dink Team. We're looking for a full-time social media manager. Send us an email at [email protected] to apply.
Pickleball's #1 subscription box is here https://www.thedink.shop/
To support Stop Alzheimers Now and submit your question for the pod visit: https://www.stopalzheimersnow.org/donate.html
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.thedinkpickleball.com/signup/
-Follow us on IG *@thedinkpickleball*
-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
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1 hr 3 min
May 22, 2024 Pickleball's leading organizations share insights at racquetX
Back in March, leaders from pickleball’s top organizations gathered under one roof at the racquetX Conference to discuss the future of the game. The Dink’s own Thomas Shields led a panel that included:
Anne Worcester - Strategic advisor, MLP
Bryce Morgan - President, PPA Tour
Tom Webb - Chief Marketing Officer, APP
Mike Nealy - Chief Executive Officer, USA Pickleball
Find an event near you and register to play in The Dink Minor Leagues at https://officialminorleaguepb.com/
Create your own minor league event here: http://www.minorleaguehost.com/
Create your own The Dink Minor Leagues event here: https://forms.monday.com/forms/bec208...
Subscribe to The Dink 3x weekly newsletter https://thedink.beehiiv.com/
Pickleball's #1 subscription box is here https://www.thedink.shop/
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.thedinkpickleball.com/sig...
-Follow us on IG @thedinkpickleball
-For everything else we do, visit https://linktr.ee/dinkfam
------------------
Show Notes:
0:00 Intros
2:33 Insights from professional tennis
6:50 Amateur participation growth
14:05 Challenges to build the next great pro sport
20:40 Running a startup organization in a startup industry
24:50 How is USA Pickleball adapting?
26:30 The growth of pickleball internationally
31:01 Creating a space for the youth to play
37:39 International regulation for grass roots growth
41:02 Is there room for two tours?
47:22 IS software development a focus?
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
59 min
May 15, 2024 Paddle disqualified for 'illegal substance'
What's your DUPR? Are you above or below the average player? DUPR CEO Tito Machado breaks down how the game is exploding among younger players and in more countries.
Plus Zane and Thomas recap events from MLP Atlanta including illegal substances, players earning penalties, and a dust-up between The 5's and Hustlers.
It's not just the weapon, it's the warrior. Save 10% at https://warstic.com/collections/pickleball with code: DINK
Recover faster. Play Longer. Get 10% off devices that help reduce the risk of injuries with code DINK10 at https://www.therabody.com/
Save 20% on Tifosi sunglasses with code DINK20 at https://tifosioptics.com/
Find an event near you and register to play in The Dink Minor Leagues at https://officialminorleaguepb.com/
Subscribe to The Dink 3x weekly newsletter https://thedink.beehiiv.com/
Want to work in pickleball? Join The Dink Team. We're looking for a full-time social media manager. Send us an email at [email protected] to apply.
Pickleball's #1 subscription box is here https://www.thedink.shop/
To support Stop Alzheimers Now and submit your question for the pod visit: https://www.stopalzheimersnow.org/donate.html
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.thedinkpickleball.com/signup/
-Follow us on IG *@thedinkpickleball*
-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
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0:00 Big time college grad
5:13 Initial takeaway from MLP Atlanta
9:32 #Freethefreeze
14:11 A new serve rule for MLP
18:47 Tiered points system
23:34 An Illegal substance found on a paddle
26:03 Getting rowdy with the Hustlers
30:01 Dekel launches a ball onto Grandstand court
32:46 The $2.5 million dollar man
36:32 Tito Machado joins the pod
40:06 Fake profiles and the DUPR Police
42:02 What’s the status?
44:13 The Great Divide
50:02 Where is pickleball growing internationally
53:04 Getting younger, younger, and younger
57:11 Get started in The Dink Minor Leagues
1:04:34 The fastest-growing groups
1:07:30 Should pros be allowed in college events
1:13:45 What’s on the horizon?
1:18:08 5.0s used to be the standard
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 hr 22 min
May 07, 2024 Let's be blunt about pickleball with Travis Rettenmaier
Travis 'The Rattlesnake' Rettenmaier joins the pod fresh off a PPA Bronze with Zane Navratil. Travis shares the life-changing pickleball experience that led to him becoming a pickleball pro and MLP team owner.
Travis is not shy to call out cheating at the pro ranks. He goes in on how new paddles have changed the identity of the game overnight.
Recover faster. Play Longer. Get 10% off devices that help reduce the risk of injuries with code DINK10 at https://www.therabody.com/
Save 20% on Tifosi sunglasses with code DINK20 at https://tifosioptics.com/
Find an event near you and register to play in The Dink Minor Leagues at https://officialminorleaguepb.com/
Subscribe to The Dink 3x weekly newsletter https://thedink.beehiiv.com/
Want to work in pickleball? Join The Dink Team. We're looking for a full-time social media manager. Send us an email at [email protected] to apply.
Pickleball's #1 subscription box is here https://www.thedink.shop/
To support Stop Alzheimers Now and submit your question for the pod visit: https://www.stopalzheimersnow.org/donate.html
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.thedinkpickleball.com/signup/
-Follow us on IG *@thedinkpickleball*
-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
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0:00 Still a skeptic of the pro game
8:50 Showing the love for St. Pete
13:12 A new facility on the way, showers optional
15:47 Pickleball is for the misfits
20:19 Most prestigious tournament in pickle
22:29 Is Fed actually #1?
25:18 Ben Johns' 1 weakness
26:14 Alshon's tennis beef
30:30 The infamous 2 vs 1 challenge with NML
35:21 The Jackie Moon of pro pickleball
37:20 A norm that drives you crazy
40:59 Zane wants to change all the rules
43:36 Cheating is very, very prevalent
48:20 Are there personal vendettas?
51:08 You can buy skill, buy force, buy spin
57:38 How did it work in tennis? Spaghetti strings
1:03:55 Controversies from the Red Rock Open
1:10:10 Travis carried Zane in LA and the top shit talkers
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 hr 17 min
April 29, 2024 Let the players do the talking w/ Lea Jansen
Lea Jansen joins the pod after her first singles title in nearly three years. We discuss paddle technology, her return to singles, drug testing, and the new wave of players in the women's game.
A big change is imminent in the pro game. Find out what Lea would change to help the game keep up with other professional sports.
Save 20% on Tifosi sunglasses with code DINK20 at https://tifosioptics.com/
Find an event near you and register to play in The Dink Minor Leagues at https://officialminorleaguepb.com/
Subscribe to The Dink 3x weekly newsletter https://thedink.beehiiv.com/
Want to work in pickleball? Join The Dink Team. We're looking for a full-time social media manager. Send us an email at [email protected] to apply.
Pickleball's #1 subscription box is here https://www.thedink.shop/
To support Stop Alzheimers Now and submit your question for the pod visit: https://www.stopalzheimersnow.org/donate.html
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.thedinkpickleball.com/signup/
-Follow us on IG *@thedinkpickleball*
-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
------------------
0:00 Zane demands a trade
4:29 What you’re hearing about JOOLA
6:28 Lea joins the pod
11:09 Why Lea retired from singles
16:10 Also retired from Twitter
20:50 Drug testing and line calls
25:10 Refs fandom an issue
32:09 Want a grievance system
36:46 Inconsistencies in paddle testing
42:22 Only a high-profile incident will create change
44:07 Should be able to capitalize on natural advantages
49:24 Bringing a stack of paddles to be tested
53:56 The upper limit of power
1:00:31 Devil’s advocate on bad line calls
1:02:30 Power ranking beefs
1:07:50 Women’s players that are on the rise
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 hr 12 min
April 22, 2024 Paddle technology and legality with paddle expert Dan Martinson
Dan Martinson from PIKKL joins the pod to discuss the current state of paddle technology. Dan's material science background and passion for pickleball have led him to become a paddle expert. His new approach to maintaining paddle integrity could have a big impact on how players use and replace paddles.
Find an event near you and register to play in The Dink Minor Leagues at https://officialminorleaguepb.com/
Subscribe to The Dink 3x weekly newsletter https://thedink.beehiiv.com/
Want to work in pickleball? Join The Dink Team. We're looking for a full-time social media manager. Send us an email at [email protected] to apply.
Pickleball's #1 subscription box is here https://www.thedink.shop/
To support Stop Alzheimers Now and submit your question for the pod visit: https://www.stopalzheimersnow.org/donate.html
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.thedinkpickleball.com/signup/
-Follow us on IG *@thedinkpickleball*
-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
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0:00 A gift for Zane
3:42 The Dink Minor Leagues and major league valuations
9:45 Lea’s revenge tour
12:14 Is Donald Young for real?
15:01 The rise of Fed and Tina Pisnik
18:59 M/W doubles recap
21:33 Dan joins the pod
24:01 Understanding the rules
28:38 Weight sidebar
32:26 Favoring a drive/drop hybrid
36:26 Paddle brand sources and protecting IP
40:29 Who is innovating in the paddle space
44:40 Generating more RPMs
51:04 Will paddle manufacturers set a standard?
53:14 Diving deep on grit details
56:08 Not in the final state of innovation
59:56 Carbon fiber could become obsolete
1:05:16 Customization options
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 hr 9 min
April 15, 2024 Unique pickleball drills that fueled rapid rise to top pro
Augie Ge’s unique entry into pickleball had an unfortunate beginning but became a blessing in disguise. After losing his biostatistics job, Ge went all-in and pro pickleball.
His own brand of obscure drills and tennis/ping pong background have led him to a PPA Silver Medal, MLP Premier Level, and an Arizona Pickleball League title.
Ready to wield something as bold as your backhand? Swing by Warstic’s collection and let your paddle do the talking. https://warstic.com/collections/pickleball-paddles
Subscribe to The Dink 3x weekly newsletter https://thedink.beehiiv.com/
Want to work in pickleball? Join The Dink Team. We're looking for a full-time social media manager. Send us an email at [email protected] to apply.
Pickleball's #1 subscription box is here https://www.thedink.shop/
To support Stop Alzheimers Now and submit your question for the pod visit: https://www.stopalzheimersnow.org/donate.html
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.thedinkpickleball.com/signup/
-Follow us on IG *@thedinkpickleball*
-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
------------------
0:00 Introducing Augie Ge
4:24 Augie’s blessing in disguise
9:18 Early pro days and Zane’s wedding
13:10 The social bump after good results and salary talk
17:55 Credit to HeyShay
21:47 AZ Pickleball League influence
25:41 The Silver Medal run with Jaume in NC
27:51 Power ranking the lefties and
30:56 Unorthodox training methods and unique wall drills
34:04 Do you train grip changes?
38:11 Table tennis crossover and extra emphasis on the volleys
41:46 Augie’s win over Zane
46:14 MLP Forecast for the DPC
49:20 Augie’s college tennis experience and April schedule
54:10 ALW’s dominance and 100th title
1:00:02 Do you watch when not playing?
1:01:40 Voicemails
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 hr 7 min
April 09, 2024 This episode is for pickleball nerds only
Newly appointed GM of the Texas Ranchers, Ryan Dawidjan, joins the pod. The guys grade and analyze all of the MLP teams following the draft.
The Ranchers' first pick Christian Alshon has started a Twitter feud. The guys discuss how the back and forth shook out and a new possible on-court challenge between Alshon and James Blake.
Ready to wield something as bold as your backhand? Swing by Warstic’s collection and let your paddle do the talking.
Want to work in pickleball? Join The Dink Team. We're looking for a full-time social media manager. Send us an email at [email protected] to apply.
Pickleball's #1 subscription box is here https://www.thedink.shop/
To support Stop Alzheimers Now and submit your question for the pod visit: https://www.stopalzheimersnow.org/donate.html
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.thedinkpickleball.com/signup/
-Follow us on IG *@thedinkpickleball*
-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
------------------
0:00 Introducing Ryan Dawidjan
6:30 Ryan’s draft experience
8:17 How do you prep in just 48 hours?
14:30 Factoring in growth potential
18:58 Seattle Pioneers
25:02 New Jersey 5’s
30:01 Humberg and Howells
35:07 St. Louis Shock
37:04 Columbus Sliders
40:52 AZ Drive
45:39 NY Hustlers
52:51 Texas Ranchers
59:17 Christian Alshon’s Twitter Feud
1:03:04 Alshon vs Blake hypothetical
1:09:30 DC Pickleball Team
1:10:20 LA Mad Drops
1:11:23 Orlando Squeeze and wedding talk
1:14:03 Dallas Pickleball Club
1:16:30 Utah Black Diamonds
1:18:44 Premier Level snubs
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 hr 22 min

About PicklePod

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On “PicklePod”, Thomas Shields and Zane Navratil deliver an entrée of updates from around the Pickleball World. Some would say it’s a “Picklers” dream podcast with the duo’s loud and unfiltered…

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