Nico The Lefty is everywhere. In less than a year, he went from a corporate strategy role at Intuit to becoming one of the most recognizable (and polarizing) voices in the sport as the co-host of the Picklepod. But how did it happen so fast?

In this episode, Fabian Rodriguez sits down with Nico to peel back the curtain on the "Nico The Lefty" persona. They dive deep into the business of being a creator, including the exact breakdown of how Nico hit a $10,000 month through affiliate marketing and authentic brand partnerships. Nico also addresses the "Industry Plant" rumors, his ongoing "beef" with Jimmy Miller, and why he thinks the first year of playing pickleball is actually the most fun you'll ever have.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The 100-Day Sprint: The "all-in" strategy Nico used to quit his job and build a brand.

• The Creator Economy: Why views are a vanity metric and where the real money is made.

• Hot Takes: Dealing with trolls, the Lea Jansen "Rec Play" controversy, and the strategy behind the Nasty Nelson.

• The "Statue" Meta: Why Nico refuses to bend his knees and how he uses fast hands to bait his opponents.

Timestamps: 00:00 Meet Nico the Lefty 01:35 Industry Plant Origins 03:19 From Utah to Pickleball 06:16 Valencia Bros Era 08:50 Hot Takes to Pickle Pod 12:38 Pickle Pod 2.0 Vision 16:44 Beyond Going Pro 18:51 Finding Your Niche 23:18 Going All In on Content 27:45 100 Days No Misses 29:48 First 10K Month Breakdown 31:09 Affiliate Paddles and RPM 33:46 Authentic Affiliate Picks 35:44 UGC and Brand Outreach 37:59 Views vs Real Revenue 40:53 Viral Fears and Community 41:54 Handling Trolls and Hate 50:54 Leah Jansen Rec Debate 54:58 Viral Hits and Nasty Nelson 57:52 Dirty Soda and Home Club 01:00:33 Why I Dont Bend Knees

Welcome back to the studio! Rick and Fabian dive headfirst into the massive legal bombshell rocking the pickleball world: JOOLA has filed patent infringement lawsuits against 11 major brands. We break down the "Propulsion Core" controversy and discuss whether this is a move to protect innovation or an attempt to "buy the industry." From the merger of the NPL into the Championship Series Pickleball (CSP) to the new partnership with the MLP, the landscape of professional pickleball is shifting beneath our feet.

On the court, Rick shares a masterclass in mindset, explaining why "Entitlement Aggression" is the #1 reason amateur players stall in their development. Learn how to "change gears" from offense to defense and get the final word on when stacking is a strategic win versus a confusing mess. Finally, we address the viral controversy surrounding Lea Jansen's comments on amateur celebrations—is showing intensity "Bush League," or is the community the heart of the game?

Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:49 Pickleball Headlines 02:02 Indiana Pickleball League Launch 02:45 Format Clubs and Season 06:52 Growth Midwest Expansion Plans 07:44 NPL Rebrand Meets MLP 10:03 Chicago Dallas Event Details 11:14 RPM Paddle Ambassador Vlog 12:05 Road to 4 0 Tournaments 14:47 Mindset Smart Aggression 16:35 Stop the Soft Dinks 17:12 Offense to Neutral Mindset 17:59 Tournament Vlog Tease 18:34 Joola Patent Lawsuit 20:10 Innovation vs Copycats 24:12 Same Gear Tournament Idea 25:04 When to Stack 28:47 Lea Jansen's hot take Debate 32:59 Wrap Up and Promos

What happens when you combine three guys from Kansas City making "dumb videos" with three Yale grads crushing e-commerce? You get Friday Pickleball, the fastest-growing (and funniest) brand in the game. We sat down with Isaac and Scott from Friday Pickleball to go behind the scenes of their meteoric rise. The guys get transparent about the initial legal friction and tense first impressions that almost prevented their partnership from ever happening to the shocking decision to turn down a massive sponsorship deal from Selkirk, and talk about what it takes to bet on yourself in the "wild west" of the pickleball industry.

We also dive deep into the gear war—discussing the development of the Aura Pro, why they're signing top pros like Rachel Rohrabacher and Kyle Koszuta, and the hilarious story of the "Dom Eggering" tournament scandal. Whether you're a gear nerd looking for the truth about paddle tech or a fan of the comedy skits that put these guys on the map, this episode is a masterclass in authenticity and entrepreneurship.

4. Key Takeaways The Power of Branding: Friday Pickleball started with goofy designs (bananas/falcons) to fill the "fun gap" in a market saturated with dry, instructional content.

The Selkirk Pivot: The guys turned down substantial guaranteed money from Selkirk to maintain ownership and build a unique brand from the ground up.

Legitimizing the Gear: Signing Rachel Rohrabacher and seeing the Aura Pro on Championship Sunday proved that "budget" paddles ($100 range) can compete at the highest professional level.

Content is King: Their background in social media allows them to market paddles through entertainment rather than just "dry" reviews.

The "Dom Eggring" Scandal: A hilarious and true story of a high-level player entering a tournament in a full wig and sunglasses disguise to bypass DUPR requirements. Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro 01:37 – The Origin Story: How Isaac, Scott, and Jake met in Kansas City. 02:47 – The "Falcon" Paddle: Humble beginnings and the Amazon gear era. 04:12 – Identifying the Gap: Why Pickleball needed "Fun" content.05:32 – Jake's Secret Weapon: The background in viral content creation. 07:37 – Turning Down Selkirk: The "Spicy" trademark DM and the big decision. 12:25 – Betting on Bananas: Joining forces with Yale e-commerce experts. 15:58 – The Power of Collaboration: Turning competitors into partners. 19:53 – Evolution of the Gear: From goofy designs to the Aura Pro. 21:30 – Testing 120 Prototypes: The science behind the Friday paddle. 27:11 – Signing Rachel Rohrabacher: Legitimatizing the brand on tour. 31:36 – The $100 Paddle on Championship Sunday: Crowds taking notice. 33:10 – The Kyle Koszuta (Pickleball Playbook) Connection. 34:55 – Signature Shots: Backhand flicks and mid-court speedups. 35:54 – The "Lost" Tape: The UFC fighter with zero hand-eye coordination. 38:11 – The "Dom Eggring" Scandal: The pro who played in a wig and sunglasses. 41:11 – Round Robin Nightmares: Playing Dylan Frazier as a 3.5. 43:30 – Closing: Where to find the Aura Pro (before it sells out!).

In this episode, we dive deep into the most controversial news in the sport: the DUPR Reset. Is it a necessary validation tool for the "boots on the ground" players, or is it just a $35 money grab? Rick shares a personal horror story of how winning a gold medal actually caused his rating to tank and why he refuses to play another tournament without paddle testing.

The guys also lay out the ultimate blueprint for tournament success. From 48-hour hydration windows and the "Bazooka" paddle setup to the psychological art of calling a timeout right as your opponent winds up to serve. Whether you are a 3.5 player looking to jump to 4.0 or a seasoned veteran, Rick's 48 years of competitive pickleball experience will give you the edge you need to stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay winning.

Key Takeaways

The DUPR Reset: Starting March 16th, players can pay $35 to reset their rating by playing 8 games with 2 different partners.

Hydration is a 48-hour Process: Don't wait until the morning of the tournament to drink water; start two days prior to avoid cramping.

Drive the Thirds when Nervous: The drop is a "touch" shot; if your nerves are high early in a match, use a drive to settle in.

Timeout Tactics: Use timeouts not just for score runs, but for mental resets—especially if your partner just got "tattooed" (hit) by a speed-up.

The Lob Return: Amateurs should use high, slow lob returns to ensure they have enough time to get to the kitchen line safely.

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Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:21 DUPR Reset Debate 05:51 Ratings And Paddle Testing 09:40 Spring Invitational Preview 10:32 Choosing Your Division 13:03 Pre Tournament Prep 16:12 Bracket Anxiety And Sleep 20:39 Arrive Early Warm Up 22:10 Partner Practice Reps 24:47 What To Pack And Wear 27:26 Lead Tape Setup 28:23 Backup Paddle Essentials 28:50 Carbon Face Cleaning 29:31 Hydration Against Cramps 30:34 Edge Guard Style 32:51 Extra Shirts Strategy 33:33 Base Camp Planning 35:27 Rapid Fire Decisions 38:18 Third Shot Under Nerves 40:30 Timeouts And Momentum 44:08 Bounce Back Mindset 48:01 Handling Long Delays 52:39 Vary Serves Returns 53:49 Wrap Up And Thanks

Are you plateauing because of your paddle, or because of your brain? In this episode of This Is Pickleball, Rick Witsken and Fabian Rodriguez sit down with pro player, club owner, and former military linguist Susannah Barr to dive into the core of high performance: The Pickleball Grit Mindset.

Susannah reveals her 77-day military-inspired blueprint designed to harden your mental game and eliminate "playing for giggles." If you've ever felt distracted on the court or frustrated by a lack of progress, this is the reality check you've been waiting for. We also get into the hilarious history of Rick's "Dad Bod" legendary matches and why the 40+ pro scene is the most competitive it's ever been.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The 77-Day Grit Challenge: The exact habits Susannah uses to stay at the top of the APP Tour.
• Military Discipline: How 5 years as an Arabic linguist prepared Susannah for pro-level pressure.
• The Death of "Rec Play": Why deliberate drilling is the only way to break the 4.0 barrier.
• "Dad Bods" vs. "Hot Bods": The story behind Rick's most famous tournament run.
• Gatekeeping Greatness: The secret shot from Malaysia Susannah is currently mastering in the lab.

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Timestamps: 0:00 Intro and Guest 0:23 From Army to Academic Lessons: Susanna's Road 2:28 First Paddle Day with My Son 3:14 Hooked: Early Tournaments & Coeur d'Alene Weekend 4:00 Breakthrough Weekend at Coeur d'Alene 7:16 Breaking Through: Open Play & Partners 8:21 Coaching as a Path to Play 9:46 Texas Open Breakthrough 12:07 Mindset: Joy, Attitude, and Sport 16:11 Current Peak: Confidence & Future 21:01 Online Academy and Club Programming 24:40 Pickleball Grit: 77-Day Plan 29:02 Training for Longevity in Pro Pickleball 34:28 Signature Shot and Drills 36:59 Flying Pickle: Club Story & Expansion 40:56 Building a Community: Culture & Experience 45:28 CSP and Age-Group League Opportunities 57:49 Sponsors and How to Follow Susanna 58:52 Outro

Ever wonder what it takes to organize 7,000 players, 500 pros, and 56,000 fans in a single week? Welcome Inside the Biggest Pickleball Party in the World. In this episode, we sit down with Ben Weinberger, President and Tournament Director of the US Open Pickleball Championships. Ben reveals the staggering growth of the 10th-anniversary tournament, the "humbling" reality of turning away thousands of lottery applicants, and the business strategy behind the DraftKings-backed acquisition of the sport's most iconic event. Key Takeaways Record-Breaking Demand: A record 7,126 players entered the lottery for the 2026 event, a massive jump that forced the tournament to turn away nearly 50% of applicants. Unmatched Inclusion: For the 10th year, the Open is expanding its reach with an official Special Olympics tournament and the largest wheelchair field in the sport. The "Electric" Environment: Pros consistently rank the Zing Zang Championship Court as the most atmospheric venue in pickleball due to fan proximity. Strategy for Players: Ben emphasizes "Hydration and Acclimation," recommending that players from the North arrive in Naples several days early to adjust to the 90-degree humidity.

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Timestamps:

00:00 Intro 00:39 Meet Ben Weinberger 01:45 Ben's Pickleball Origin Story: DraftKings, Venture Funds & Acquiring the US Open 04:18 The Lottery Numbers: 7,126 Entries, 3,500 Spots & Global Reach 06:45 Inclusivity at Scale: Juniors, Wheelchair Field & Special Olympics Partnership 09:19 How the US Open Evolved: From 800 Players in 2016 to a Weeklong Takeover 12:50 Behind the Scenes: 500+ Volunteers and 150+ Referees Powering the Event 18:14 Inside Zing Zang Championship Court: Electric Atmosphere, Tickets & VIP Seating 20:20 Fan Experience Up Close: Free Park Access, Pro Interaction & 59 Courts of Action 22:41 Giving Back: Charity Support & Free Pro Matches Across 59 Courts 23:40 Rising Stars in the Pro Brackets: Can a Teen Win? 24:59 Record Demand & Qualifiers: The Youth Surge in High-Level Divisions 27:01 Does Ben Play? Plus One Must-Have Player Tip: Hydrate & Embrace the Big Stage 29:37 Spectator Pro Tips: Specialty Drinks, Best Food Finds & Beating the Parking Rush 32:20 Make It a Trip: Acclimate Early, Explore Naples & Set Up in Player Village 34:36 Quickfire Either/Or: Mixed vs Doubles, Open vs Senior Pros, and More 36:39 Celeb Sightings & Pro Athletes Who Play the US Open 39:03 What's Next for the US Open: Growth, New Events, and Venue Expansion 41:36 How to Stay Involved: Website, Connections Group, and Final Wrap-Up

In this episode of This Is Pickleball we dive deep into the crossover between pro tennis and pro pickleball. Rick gives an exclusive "Uncle Rick" perspective on Ben Shelton's recent Australian Open run and discusses the tactical evolution of the world's best tennis players. But the real drama starts on the pickleball court, as Rick shares the "spite-fueled" story of winning the US Open with Scott Moore after overhearing locker-room talk, and why he is officially a free agent in the paddle market for 2026.

Fabian and Rick also break down their recent match against the Kawamoto sisters, explaining why their "smoke detector" mentality makes them the hardest out in the PPA. From recovery secrets involving mustard packets and pickle juice to a masterclass on shifting gears from offense to defense, this episode is packed with professional insights you won't find anywhere else.

Key Takeaways The Entitlement Trap: Never assume a point is over just because you hit a "great" shot; always adjust to your opponent's reset.

The "Stick Shift" Mentality: Successful players must constantly shift between offensive, neutral, and defensive gears within a single rally.

Recovery Secrets: Rick swears by mustard packets and pickle juice for near-instant relief from debilitating match cramps.

Pro Mindset: The best players (like the Kawamotos or Ben Shelton) often have a calm, introverted exterior that masks an unrelenting competitive fire.

Industry Shift: High-level coaching and league ownership (like Rick's involvement in CSP/NPL) may offer more "boots-on-the-ground" value to paddle brands than traditional pro sponsorships.

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Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:26 Recap of Interview with Jackie and Jade Kawamoto 02:06 Insights on Playing Against Top Players 05:14 Ben Shelton's Australian Open Journey 15:06 Discussion on Tennis and Pickleball Tournaments 19:38 Overhearing Doubts and Proving Them Wrong 20:14 Winning the US Open Against All Odds 21:11 The Significance of the US Open 22:07 Defying the Odds at Nationals 23:45 Rick's Tip of the Week: Split Personality on the Court 27:41 Choosing the Right Paddle Sponsor 35:41 Upcoming Tournaments and Final Thoughts

In this episode, we sit down with the PPA's most synchronized force: Jackie and Jade Kawamoto. From their childhood in Maui to their Division 1 tennis days at the University of Dayton, the sisters share their unique path to the podium. Unlike many full-time pros, Jackie and Jade maintain careers at the NCAA, a "diversion" they claim keeps them mentally sharp and prevents the burnout seen in specialized athletes.

The sisters take us behind the scenes of their historic Cincinnati win, where they overcame a massive deficit to beat the world #1s. We dive into the "paddle gate" drama that forced a mid-tournament equipment change, the mechanics of Jade's lethal lefty forehand, and the heartwarming (and hilarious) reality of competing alongside your sibling. Plus, Rick shares a moving tribute to the family bonds that drive their success on and off the court.

Key Takeaways

The "Diversion" Strategy: Having a full-time job at the NCAA provides a mental break from the high pressure of the pro tour, preventing burnout.

The Cincinnati Miracle: The sisters proved that in Pickleball, you are never out of it—coming back from 0-2 in the finals and 4-9 in the third during the semis.

The Lefty Edge: Jade utilizes unique angles (the cross-body forehand) that many opponents aren't accustomed to seeing on the women's tour.

Disguise is King: Jackie's lob is successful because her preparation is identical to her dink, forcing opponents to lean in before the ball goes over their heads.

Multi-Sport Value: Both sisters attribute their success and lack of burnout to playing soccer and tennis growing up rather than specializing in one sport too early.

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Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 00:54 The Kawamoto Sisters' Journey to Pickleball 03:02 Balancing Careers and Professional Pickleball 08:14 College Experience and Its Impact 24:34 Beating Anna Leigh Waters & Anna Bright 31:19 Switching Paddles and Ice Cream Motivation 31:45 The Impact of Sponsorship 34:35 Signature Shots and Strategies 36:23 The Rise of the Lob Shot 40:16 Crowd Energy and Player Dynamics 42:48 Sibling Telepathy on the Court 46:56 Future Plans and Tournaments 47:44 Social Media and Sponsorship Shoutouts 49:09 Final Thoughts

From the historic $10 million contract for Anna Leigh Waters to the emotional origin story of the Ripsken brand, this episode covers the entire spectrum of the sport. In this episode of This is Pickleball, Rick and Fabian break down the massive "Paddle Shuffle" of 2026—tracking the moves of Rachel Rohrabacher, Chris Haworth, and rumors about the Johnson siblings. Rick then opens up in a rare, vulnerable segment about his late brother, Todd Witsken (former World #1), and the spiritual connection he shares with his nephew, tennis superstar Ben Shelton. Plus, Rick drops essential coaching advice on why you need to stop "ego playing" in Rec games, and Fabian leads a heated discussion on how to fix toxic club culture from the ground up.

Key Takeaways

The $10 Million Woman: Anna Leigh Waters signs a historic 5-year deal with Franklin and partners with Nike, setting a new financial standard for the sport.

The Paddle Shuffle: A breakdown of the major moves: Rachel Rohrabacher to Friday, Chris Haworth to Luzz, and the "personality" reasons why the Johnsons likely will no longer be with Franklin.

The Ripsken Legacy: Rick shares the touching story of his brother Todd, the "Ripsken" (RIP + Witsken) brand, and the bald eagle that follows the family during major moments for Ben Shelton.

Rec Play Mindset: Rick's coaching tip: Stop playing the weaker player for an ego boost. Play the better player and focus on performance, not the win.

Club Culture: Why the responsibility of policing sandbaggers and court etiquette falls on the members, not just the staff.

Timestamps 00:00 Intro: IU Football Hype 05:07 ALW's $10M Contract & Nike Deal 06:18 The Paddle Shuffle: Friday, Luzz, & Facolos 12:33 New Partnerships in Pickleball 21:24 The Ripsken Story: Ben Shelton & The Eagle 30:30 Rick's Coaching Tip: The Truth About Rec Play 34:31 Fixing Toxic Club Culture 40:31 Teaser for the Next Segment: Lessons from Investing in Pickleball

From quitting his job as a Deloitte auditor to becoming the World #1 and inventing the most controversial serve in pickleball history, Zane Navratil is the ultimate disruptor.

In this episode of This is Pickleball, Rick and Fabian sit down with the "Moneyball" king himself to discuss his wild journey, his new role as President of the UPA Pro Player Committee, and the explosive drama surrounding player contracts and firings. Zane doesn't hold back on the "hot paddle" controversy, the future of Anna Leigh Waters (is a $10 million deal coming?), and why he believes tennis players are finally starting to respect the game.

Plus, Zane drops his signature "hot takes" on coaching myths, reveals his new favorite shot, and plays a hilarious round of "Blind Ranking" with holiday desserts.

🔑 Key Takeaways The "Moneyball" Origin: How Zane used his CPA background to analyze the game and quit his corporate job to go pro.

The UPA Drama: Zane's insider perspective on the termination of James Ignatowich and others, and his role in protecting players moving forward.

The $10 Million Rumor: Zane breaks down the 7 brands that could afford Anna Leigh Waters (and why she might just start her own company).

Coaching Myths: Why "never use your wrist" is bad advice for pros, and how to find the right coach for your level.

The Future of Tennis: Why top-ranked tennis players in Southeast Asia are switching to pickleball, and what that means for the sport's global growth.