PicklePod
PicklePod is a weekly pickleball podcast hosted by top pro Zane Navratil and creator Nico The Lefty, produced by The Dink Pickleball media. The show offers candid, unfiltered commentary on the sport's growth, covering tournament recaps, player strategies, guests, and pickleball pop culture. The hosts aim to discuss every aspect of the game, with no topic off-limits, as pickleball moves toward mainstream popularity. Each episode features rotating subjects and insights from the competitive pickleball world.
Episodes
Anna Leigh Waters Won Her 200th Gold. She's 19.
The biggest indoor pickleball business story of the year collides with a wild Chicago recap, and the debate around Annalee Waters, Ben Johns, and the future of pro pickleball gets surprisingly deep fast. If you want the sharpest takes on the PPA Chicago chaos, the Pickler bankruptcy, and the next wave of stars, this is the episode.
Zane and Nico break down everything that mattered from Chicago,
Anna Bright Joins PicklePod: Why She Challenged at 11-0, 10-0
Anna Bright joins Zane and Nico after her gold-medal run in Las Vegas to explain the moment everyone was talking about: challenging a ball at 10-0 with a double pickle on the line.
In this episode, Anna opens up about her competitive mindset, her partnership with Anna Lee, and why she won’t apologize for playing to win. She also talks about returning from a solo backpacking trip through Vietnam
Zane Navratil Won a PPA Gold in Barcelona. Nobody Saw It Coming.
Zane Navratil is a PPA gold medalist again—and Nico Acevedo nearly turned a grueling tournament run into a championship of his own. Zane shares what made PPA Barcelona feel like a throwback, while Nico joins the conversation to unpack his breakout performance alongside Yuta Funemizu.
Nico talks about going from college tennis to the pro pickleball tour, the support that helped him take the leap
The 15 Seed That Beat Ben Johns
One of the wildest pickleball Sundays in a long time just got even crazier. A 15 seed nearly hijacks men’s doubles, a bird literally crashes the singles final, and the new PPA format changes are already reshaping who gets rewarded, who gets punished, and who might be gaming the system.
Nico and Zane break down the finals day in Mesa from top to bottom, starting with Chris Haworth vs Federico St
We Texted Ben Johns for Episode 200
200 episodes in, the PicklePod is celebrating with one of its most revealing conversations yet about where pickleball is headed next.
Zane and Nico break down everything that happened at the PPA event in Kuala Lumpur, including the results, the impact of international competition, ranking points, and whether the current system is rewarding the right players. They also discuss the MLP Asia draft
Christian Alshon Blamed Singles. Ben Johns Got Pickled. Anna Leigh Lost.
Pickleball’s biggest assumptions just got blown up. From 100-degree chaos in Cary to the sport’s new ranking system, this episode breaks down the rule changes, schedule quirks, and surprising matchups that could reshape how pro pickleball looks all season.
Nico and Zane react to a brutal North Carolina swing where heat, humidity, and weird timing all hit at once, then get into the real debate:
Anna Leigh Waters: 'Sometimes I Question Myself' | Full Interview
Anna Leigh Waters joins the Picklepod to break down the Fives’ MLP championship win, the pressure of the DreamBreaker, and the team decisions that helped them get over the hump.
She shares how Federico Staksrud changed the team, why beating the St. Louis Shock made the victory even more special, and how she handles criticism, social media noise, and the pressure of being considered the face of
The Most Unfair Team in MLP History
The most chaotic, electric MLP finals yet gave us the league’s defining rivalry, a controversial game-ending fault, and Federico Staksrud celebrating like he’d just survived a war. If you care about the future of pickleball - or just love a good sports meltdown - this is the episode to hear.
Nico and Zane break down the New Jersey Fives’ championship run in Central Park, where the crowd, the cl
Anna Leigh Waters vs Anna Bright for the MLP Title? One Might Not Make It.
Brooklyn is the team nobody wants to draw, New Jersey may have made the wrong pick, and St. Louis looks like a machine built to steamroll the bracket. If you care about the MLP playoff picture, this is the episode that makes the whole weekend feel bigger.
Nico and Zane break down the biggest decisions heading into New York, including the shocking New Jersey vs. Brooklyn matchup choice, whether
Ben Johns Is Out. Anna Leigh Waters Is Wobbling. Now What?
The singles specialist era may have died this weekend. Dreambreakers, lineup decisions, and one jaw-dropping run of 17 straight points exposed what actually wins in MLP playoffs right now: rhythm, confidence, and clutch under pressure.
Zane and Nico break down the wildest playoff weekend yet, including the LA Mad Drops' Dreambreaker collapse, Ben Johns' stunning 0-2 day and 17-point skid, and why
Zane Owns The Scream: "I Lost My Mind"
Zane screamed at Casey Diamond and the internet had thoughts. We're not letting it slide — Zane walks through exactly what happened in the Palm Beach playoff match, whether he regrets it, and where the line on screaming actually is (spoiler: he found it by crossing it). Then we read the meanest comments the internet had for him, rank pickleball's biggest beefs, debate the Memes of Pickleball contr
Zane: "This Is My Favorite Pickleball Moment Ever"
Zane and Nico are joined by California Black Bears star Zoey Weil to break down the best MLP event of the season — MLP Orlando. They relive the Dream Breaker for the ages between the Chicago Slice and Black Bears, where 13-year-old Elsie Hendershot saved match point and clinched the win to end California's season and keep Chicago's playoff hopes alive.
Plus: the debate over player-GMs setting
Federico Staksrud Has One Job: Take Down the St. Louis Shock
MLP Chicago is in the books and the playoff picture is getting brutal. Zane and Nico break down whether the Dallas Flash are actually contenders or just riding a soft schedule, argue about whether Dream Breaker power is overrated after JW Johnson's demolition of Chris Haworth, and recap Zane's week with the Chicago Slice — including Christian Alshon's first pitch at Wrigley Field and the blue card
Ben Johns Just Had the Worst Week of His MLP Career
Ben Johns scored FOUR points all weekend and Nico thinks he's already quit on the Mad Drops.
Plus: Anna Leigh Waters' ESPYs purse gets roasted, the Dallas Flash prove everyone wrong, and a bucket hat starts a war.
Zane & Nico break down the wildest weekend in MLP San Diego, trades that actually worked, rookies stealing Rookie of the Year, a mystery rec player who turns out to have two pros on h
Is the Pickleball Boom Actually Over? The Owners Respond
$20K, one point, zero room for error — Nathan joins the pod fresh off winning the first-ever Paddletek One Point Challenge with Zane as his partner. We break down how they actually pulled it off, plus the chainsaw serve that almost got them DQ'd in the final.
Also this week: the Shock swept the 5s at Beer City Open, Zane's prop bet died in front of everyone, and there's a new S-tier. Federico S
Jack Sock + Danni Townsend NEEDS to Happen | Every MLP Trade We Want Before the MLP Deadline
Zane is fresh off a trip to PPA Tokyo and lands straight in Grand Rapids for the Beer City Open / MLP Mid-Season Tournament — so he and Nico have a lot to cover.
They break down the mysterious dueling "Team USA" pickleball announcements, preview Match Day prop bets for the Beer City Open, draft the most Silent Assassins in an MLP-style event, and dig into Jay Devilliers' surprise move to the A
How Good Was Anna Leigh Waters at Soccer, Really?
Is the best pickleball player in the world sitting on a pro soccer career she never cashed in?
Zane Navratil and Nico the Lefty sit down with Clem McAuley, Anna Leigh Waters' former club soccer coach, to find out just how real this "she could've gone pro" storyline actually is.
Clem recalls his first training session with a 12-year-old Anna Leigh – a kid who, in his words, practiced like it
Did the Shock Just Guarantee a Title AND Blow Their Future?
Zane's calling in from a hostel kitchen in Tokyo and Nico's posted up at Gino the Righty's place in California, but somehow they still pulled off the wildest PicklePod yet.
This week: the New Jersey Fives win their third straight MLP event and take over first place in the standings, the league's first-ever four-team trade reshuffles the Chicago Slice and St. Louis Shock, and the guys break down
What Tiger & MJ Have in Common With Pickleball's Best
Zane Navratil and Nico the Lefty break down MLP St. Petersburg — the stunning blown foot-fault call that saved Nico and Mari Humberg's mixed doubles match, the eleventh-hour Casey Diamond signing drama between the Palm Beach Royals and Columbus Sliders, and why "super teams" like the St. Louis Shock, LA Mad Drops, and Columbus Sliders keep struggling out of the gate.
Then St. Louis Shock star K
Did Jay Cross the Line? The Body Bag That Blew Up MLP
This might be the biggest news week in MLP history. Zane and Nico break down the Hurricane Tyra Black ↔ Danni-Elle Townsend trade, debate whether the New Jersey 5s need to make a move of their own, and dig into salary floor/cap rumors that could reshape the league.
Then Danni-Elle Townsend joins fresh off the trade to tell her side of the story, followed by Florida Smash's Zoey Weil for a no-h
Targeting Ben Johns ON PURPOSE — And It's Working
Last week Zane called out Hayden Patriquin's Columbus performance. Hayden texted back one sentence — and then went 10-0 in St. Louis. We cover all of that, the Shock's total demolition of the Mad Drops, a deep dive on how to actually beat Ben Johns, and full MLP power rankings with a new segment: the James Ignatowich Terminated Team of the Week. 🪓
We also run a brand new age-based MLP draft (te
Zane Had Game Point Against Anna Leigh Waters (Here's How)
Zane's calling in from Match Point Pickleball in Columbus (winners of the Dink Award for best pickleball facility) after surviving a six-hour clinic, MLP, and accidentally yelling "Let's go 5s" for his old team. Classic.
We break down everything from MLP Columbus — New Jersey Fives sweep their way to 25 standings points, St. Louis Shock falters, and Zane comes THIS close to beating Anna Leigh W
This Is What Happens When You Doubt Ben Johns
MLP is BACK — and Week 1 in Dallas did not disappoint. The Mad Drops took the whole thing, Ben Johns reminded everyone he is NOT to be slept on, and Danny Townsend made the entire pickleball world do a double-take. Nico and Zane break it all down.
Also this week: The Philippines tournament chaos (double gold, two balls, no final), Bao Duong absolutely owns Nico in a text exchange, Owl AI line-c
MLP Commissioner BREAKS DOWN Massive Changes
Major League Pickleball is back, and Commissioner Samin Odhwani joined PicklePod to explain all of the new changes heading into the season.
We break down:
- The new MLP tournament format
- Super Sunday / Super Monday explained
- Dreambreaker substitution strategy
- MLP Asia plans
- Why million-dollar player spending may not be sustainable
- The biggest challenge facing MLP's future
Sam
No Sleep. No Rules. Just Winning. w/ Gabe Tardio + Hayden Patriquin
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 bal
Emergency Pod: A Pickleball Brand Just Sold for MILLIONS
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
Pickleball Finals Are Season 8 of Game of Thrones
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 proposa
Jack Sock Gets the Last Laugh after BRUTAL Bodybag
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…
She Thought Pickleball Was a Drinking Game Now She's a Top Pro
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
Andre Agassi & James Blake Beat Anna Leigh Waters. Is that a Problem for Pickleball?
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” cont
The JOOLA Lawsuit, Ben's Impossible Draw, and the $1M Slam
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
Zane Defends the Most Hated Man in Pickleball
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Pickleball just had one of its most controversial moments ever…
This week on the PicklePod, Nico and Zane break down the viral line call from PPA Hanoi that has the entire pickleball world debating:
👉 Was it in or out?
👉 Was it cheating… or just inconclusive?
Pl
Pickleball Paddle BANNED from Pro Tour… and Not for the Reason You Think
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, Nico and Zane break down the Proton controversy, rumors of unpaid players, and what the UPA crackdown could mean for the future of the sport.
Then things get even crazier as they build the Mount Rushmore of Pickleball Fraud & Shadin
Lea Jansen Called It The Karen Committee And She's Not Wrong
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, we’re joined by one of the most outspoken and unfiltered voices in pro pickleball — Lea Jansen.
From her viral Newport outburst to calling out the “Karen Rules Committee,” Lea pulls back the curtain on the chaos behind the scenes of
The First Triple Pickle in Pro History + Steve Kuhn on Pickleball's INSANE Growth in Asia
PicklePod 2.0 is presented by Marek Health. Use our code THEDINK for 10% off your $299 Intake Assessment at https://MarekHealth.com/
What happens when pickleball chaos meets global expansion? 🌎
This week on the PicklePod, we’re joined by Steve Kuhn for a deep dive into what might be the future of pickleball—and it’s happening in Asia.
We cover everything from:
- The INSANE wind conditio
Adam Bobrow vs. Zane | Snake Shot vs. Chainsaw Serve Challenge
PicklePod 2.0 is presented by Marek Health. Use our code THEDINK for 10% off your $299 Intake Assessment at https://MarekHealth.com/
Table tennis superstar and viral content creator Adam Bobrow joins the PicklePod to talk about his surprising dive into pickleball—and what the sport can learn from the global growth of ping pong.
Bobrow, one of the most recognizable personalities in table ten
Emergency Pod: The TRUTH Behind Quang Duong's APP “Signing”
Emergency pod activated. 🚨
We just got off the phone with Duc — father, manager, and mastermind behind Quang Duong (QD) — to break down the shocking APP announcement and what it really means.
Is this another tour war?
Did QD actually “sign” with the Association of Pickleball Players (APP)?
Is the door closed with the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA)?
And what actually happened
James Ignatowich Was TERMINATED and Now Sells 10,000 Paddles a Month
PicklePod 2.0 is presented by Marek Health. Use our code THEDINK for 10% off your $299 Intake Assessment at https://MarekHealth.com/
The MLP draft just BROKE the internet… and we’re unpacking all of it.
From Anna Bright going for over $1 million to the Dallas Flash meltdown, this Major League Pickleball offseason might be more entertaining than the actual matches. We break down the bidding wars
The Most Expensive Draft Pick in League History
Nico the Lefty reacts to the massive moves in the 2026 Major League Pickleball Draft. Anna Bright goes for $1.23 Million, Jorja Johnson says bye-bye to big bro and joins Gary Vee and Anna Leigh Waters in Clown Town.
Plus the MLP youth movement is in full effect. More Teams are taking chances on teenage players both international and domestic.
There’s a completely new way to optimize your health.
He Was Awarded the PURPLE HEART and Now He's Generating MILLIONS of Views
PicklePod 2.0 is presented by Marek Health. Use our code THEDINK for 10% off your $299 Intake Assessment at https://MarekHealth.com/
The funniest guy in pickleball has a story you probably didn’t see coming.
This week on the PicklePod, we sit down with Evan Slaughter (@fit2serve1) — creator, comedian, CrossFit athlete, and Purple Heart recipient — to unpack the journey behind the viral vide
Paddle of the Year Award, Star Players DROPPED, The APP's Master Plan
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The PicklePod is back on The Dink Pickleball YouTube channel with one of our most wide-ranging episodes yet.
This week we cover:
MLP Trade Deadline Fallout
Ana Bright. Georgia Johnson. Jack Sock. Major names dropped ahead of the deadline. We break down whi
How to go Pro in Pickleball and Content w/ YouTuber Tanner Tomassi
PicklePod 2.0 is presented by Marek Health. Use our code THEDINK for 10% off your $299 Intake Assessment at https://MarekHealth.com/
In this episode of the Picklepod, we’re joined by Tanner Tomasi, calling in from India at 4:30 PM while Zane grinds at 6 a.m. and Nico barely keeps his eyes open at 3 a.m. 🌍☕
Tanner breaks down his experience competing in the World Pickleball League, including
Anna Bright Sparks NEW GOAT Debate in Men's Doubles
PicklePod 2.0 is presented by Marek Health. Use our code THEDINK for 10% off your $299 Intake Assessment at https://MarekHealth.com/
On this episode of the PicklePod, Nico and Zane are joined by Anna Bright for a wide-ranging (and slightly chaotic) conversation that dives into hot takes, hot debates, and the latest from the pro pickleball world.
Anna explains why she believes there’s a legitima
Pickleball Chaos in Minnesota: Chubby Singles, Paddle Toss Drama, and Questionable Timeouts
PicklePod 2.0 is presented by Marek Health. Use our code THEDINK for 10% off your $299 Intake Assessment at https://MarekHealth.com/
Chaos in Minnesota, a brand-new singles court experiment, a potential “pickleball competitor” sport, and one of the wildest medical timeout moments we’ve seen on tour… this episode has it all.
Zane and Nico break down everything that went down at the PPA Minne
The Crowd Turned on Us at the Masters w/ Blaine Hovenier
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, we’re joined by pro pickleball player Blaine Hovenier for a wide-ranging episode packed with tour stories, hot takes, and behind-the-scenes chaos from the Masters.
Zane and Nico break down everything that went down at the Masters—fr
2026 Pickleball Over-Unders: Is Ben Johns washed? Is the APP Cooked? And more
PicklePod 2.0 is presented by Marek Health. Use our code THEDINK for 10% off your $299 Intake Assessment at https://MarekHealth.com/
On this episode of The PicklePod, we break down the biggest story in the sport right now: Anna Leigh Waters signing with Nike—why it’s bigger than any paddle deal, what it means for the PPA, and how it could completely reshape pickleball’s place in pop culture. I
Pickleball's First $10 Million Player
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 Shi
PPA Daytona Sparks New Beef, The Fight Against Fake Paddles & MLP Is Headed to Disney World
The PicklePod closes out the year with a wide-ranging look at the stories that will shape pro pickleball in 2026.
This episode breaks down what actually mattered at PPA Daytona, why the Jorja Johnson–Anna Lee Waters discourse has gone off the rails, and how recency bias continues to distort conversations around Anna Bright. We also look at emerging singles talent, including former tennis player
YOU’RE FIRED: UPA Drops the Hammer on Contract Violations
This episode of the Picklepod is absolute chaos—in the best way possible.
We break down the UPA contract terminations involving James Ignatowich, Vivian Glozman, Ryan Fu, and Paris Todd, and debate whether the league is enforcing rules fairly or simply protecting exclusivity at all costs. Is this about contracts… or relationships?
From there, we hit a packed slate of pickleball news:
The Tesla
The Hidden World of Counterfeit Pickleball Paddles
This week, Zane is joined by The Dink’s own Alex Weaver for a deep-dive into one of the wildest and fastest-growing problems in pickleball: counterfeit paddles flooding the market.
You’ve seen them on T-Mu, Facebook Marketplace, maybe even at your local rec courts… but the scale of the problem is WAY bigger than most players realize.
Alex breaks down:
- How knockoff brands are copying top paddl
Pros Head Overseas, $100K Amateur Nationals, Global Pickleball Alliance
This week on the PicklePod, Zane and Tice dive into one of the wildest slates of global pickleball we’ve had in a while — even if half of it was nearly impossible to find online. We break down tournaments in Vietnam, Australia, and China, plus look ahead to the biggest December events in the pickleball world.
From the mystery surrounding DJOY Vietnam, to Bondi’s underdog run at MLP Australia, to
Lakeland Controversy, 17-Point Comeback, & $250K Drama
This week on the PicklePod, Zane and Tice break down one of the wildest weekends of pickleball we’ve seen all year. The Lakeland Open delivered everything—controversial calls, insane comebacks, breakout stars, near meltdowns, and another dominant run from the tour’s heavy hitters.
We kick things off with Part 2 of last week’s viral Create-a-Player Draft, where Zane and Tice build the ultimate w
Inventing New Shots With Pickleball OG Kyle Yates
This week on the PicklePod, we switch things up — no PPA or MLP action to recap, but a massive week of storylines, debates, and one of our favorite interviews of the year.
Zane and Tice debut a brand-new segment: Build-A-Player — where each builds the “perfect” pro pickleball player using only 11 unique skills… but they can’t use the same player twice. The results? Chaos, controversy, and an ab
Tears, Triumph & Redemption w/ Federico Staksrud
The 2025 World Pickleball Championships had everything — drama, emotion, controversy, and the best pickleball of the year. 🏆
In this episode, Zane and Tice break down the wildest moments from Worlds in Dallas — from insane out calls and rule drama to Anna Leigh Waters’ untouchable dominance. Then, Federico Staksrud joins the pod fresh off his emotional semifinal win to talk about:
🔥 The story be
"I GUARANTEE Those Four Are on MLP Teams Next Year"
Zane and Tice break down everything that went down at the MLP Cup in Dallas — from player absences and team drama to the rise of the Junior All-Stars. The guys debate what went wrong with the event format, the Nashville Chefs controversy, and how MLP can fix it moving forward.Then, they preview the biggest pickleball tournament of the year — Worlds. Who’s hot, who’s slipping, and who’s about to ma
Pickleball’s Most Broken Rule Strikes Again w/ Andre Mercado
The distraction rule strikes again 😤 Zane and T-Dog (Eric Tice) break down another chaotic call from Vegas, analyze the newest mixed partnerships before Worlds, and debate the worst rule in pickleball.
They cover everything from Genie Bouchard’s breakout run and Jack Sock’s resurgence to the young guns taking over — including 16-year-old Andre Mercado, who joins the show after his breakout perfor
The $250K Question: Will Singles Ever Surpass Doubles?
Zane and Tice break down the most talked-about event in pro pickleball — the Lifetime Open, the first-ever singles-only tournament with a $250,000 prize pool. So why didn’t top pros like Ben and Anna Leigh show up? The guys dive deep into what went wrong, what Lifetime nailed, and how the event could bounce back next year.
They also cover:
💰 The prize money dilemma and why pros skipped the big
What It Takes to Go Pro in Pickleball w/ Chris Haworth
After just a month on the PPA Tour, Chris Haworth has already made a massive statement — winning gold in Virginia Beach and climbing past Ben Johns in the singles rankings 👀
Chris joins Zane Navratil to talk about:
🏆 His switch from the APP to the PPA
📉 What caused his APP slump and how he bounced back
🔥 Why men’s singles is more exciting than ever
🎾 Hitting with Carlos Alcaraz at a Babolat shoot
“The Most Insane Pickleball Experience of My Life” w/ Eric Oncins
Zane is back from Asia with wild stories, record-breaking crowds, and gold medals galore. This week on the PicklePod, he sits down with Eric Oncins, who just took back-to-back golds in Malaysia and Vietnam with Tyson McGuffin.
They relive the 8,000-fan crowd, the chaos of Southeast Asia, and Eric’s unbelievable journey from Brazilian tennis player to pro pickleball star. The guys break down inter
Wood Paddle Woes, Iconic Celebrations, and Screaming Debates w/ Kate Fahey
This week on the PicklePod, we’re joined by rising star Kate Fahey, fresh off her singles win over Jeannie Bouchard at the Sacramento Wood Paddle Open. Kate opens up about competing with vintage paddles, teaming with Dylan Frazier for silver in mixed, and what it’s really like balancing pro pickleball with planning her wedding (happening THIS week!).
We also dive into:
- Iconic celebrations
The Biggest Indicator That a New Paddle is Good w/ James Ignatowich
The PicklePod is back, and this week we’ve got a jam-packed episode. James Ignatowich (aka Iggy) stops by to reveal how he went from pro pickleball player to paddle engineer with the launch of his new company, RPM. He breaks down the grind of designing paddles, the wild stories behind his prototypes, and what sets RPM apart from the competition.
Meanwhile, Zane and T-Dog dive into one of the cr
Newest MLP Owner Shuts Down Rumors of Collusion
Alex Geesbreght is part of the investment group that purchased the majority stake in MLP's LA Mad Drops. Alex opens up about how pickleball became a family passion, what inspired him to buy into MLP, and how his ownership group plans to grow the game.
We dive into:
🏓 The story behind Alex’s investment in pickleball and the Mad Drops
💰 Team valuations, ownership responsibilities, and the futur
Zane Reacts to Agonizing MLP Finals Loss
Fresh off the MLP Finals in New York City, this special Picklepod episode comes straight from a Starbucks parking lot. We break down everything you missed—from the chaos at Wrigley Field to the messy pickleball showcase with Carlos Alcaraz, and of course, the Cinderella run of the Columbus Sliders.
Hear behind-the-scenes stories, player smack talk, and a candid look at how the Finals unfolded, in
From Title Defense to Total Disaster: Sliders Upset the Reigning Champs
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Chess, Strategy & Singles Gold: Inside Johnny G’s Breakthrough
17-year-old phenom John Lucian “Johnny G” Goins just shocked the pickleball world, winning his first PPA Tour singles title in Bristol. We dive deep into his rapid rise — from upsetting Ben Johns earlier this year to joining the elite list of teenagers to win on tour.
Johnny shares:
- How online school fuels his training schedule
- The chess strategies that make him deadly on court
- Why h
MLP's Unofficial Season Awards w/ Nico the Lefty
This week on the PicklePod:
Zane Navratil and T-Dog (Erik Tice) break down the final MLP regular season event in Salt Lake City, where the Utah Black Diamonds shocked the league, Christian Alshon was mysteriously benched, and the Orlando Squeeze might’ve been playing 4D chess. Grayson Golden delivered the ultimate one-match flex, and the Lifetime Ball is officially the new PPA standard — whether
The LOUDEST Crowd in MLP History + $250K Singles Tourney Announced
The PicklePod is back with one of our most jam-packed episodes ever.
🏆 MLP Dallas shattered attendance records and delivered wall-to-wall chaos. The LA Mad Drops made their controversial debut… and immediately got swept. The Shock are rolling, Dreambreakers were electric, and Kate Fahey might be the most polarizing player in pro pickleball right now.
💰 Then, we talk to Lydia Hirt, VP of Mark
SHOCKED: Ben Johns Trade Reactions and MLP's New #1 Team w/ Ross Chaifetz
In this episode, we dive into the dynamic world of Major League Pickleball with Ross Chaifetz, owner of the St. Louis Shock. We explore the intricacies of hosting a major event at the iconic Chaifetz Arena, the strategic moves in the pickleball ecosystem, and the recent trade buzz surrounding Ben Johns.
Join us as we discuss the challenges and triumphs of building a diversified pickleball port
Training a New Breed of Pickleball Players w/ Connor Garnett
The MLP Mid-Season Championship was not short on storylines. The Dallas Flash exerted their dominance on the league, we got another middle finger sighting on a pickleball court, and of course, player absences led to the first UPA contract termination.Connor Garnett joins the pod to share how he is teaching the world to twoey and Brian Levine weighs in on the DUPR algorithm update.
If you’ve been
What Pickleball is MISSING w/ Sir Nick Faldo
This week we're joined by a legend from the world of golf, Sir Nick Faldo. Faldo is a recent pickleball convert and is building a court at his Montana home.
Faldo made news last year for using pickleball to roast LIV Golf's viewership numbers. We draw comparisons between golf and pickleball's different iterations of Tour Wars.
Plus Erik Forsythe was the biggest story coming out of MLP New York.
AUTOMATED LINE CALLS Are Coming to Pro Pickleball
This week on PicklePod, we break the news that fully automated line calling is coming to pro pickleball. No more arguments, no more missed calls — just cold, hard tech making the decisions. Finally!
Andrea Koop joins the pod to talk about ESPN bringing SportsCenter to the Beer City Open. How did Grand Rapids land the spotlight, and what does this mean for pickleball’s mainstream future?
We a
It Will Always be an EYE FOR AN EYE in Pickleball
It's a full house on this week's PicklePod. We're joined by the breakout stars from the Orange County Cup, Rafa Lenhard, Yufei Long, and Jamie Wei. We cover their journey to the pro ranks and the controversial call that is testing Lenhard's resolve.
Plus, there is big news in international pickleball as World Pickleball Federation Founder, Seymour Rifkind, breaks down a recent merger between th
Don't Hate the Player, Hate the Game
MLP Dayonta is being called the Event of the Year, at least according to Zane. We saw the first upset of a top-eight team and Ben Johns might be ready for the MLP stage.
Erik Tice lays out his playoff predictions and indicates how MLP teams are skirting the rules to acquire new players.
Plus, Nico the Lefty has made the leap from X all the way to the PicklePod. He debates Zane on dominance in sp
Pickleball Heist Leaves Police Searching for $60,000 Machine
Zane sits down with one of the most innovative founders in the sport of pickleball, The Picklr CEO Jorge Barragan. They cover The Picklr's expansion to Japan and why Picklr members 6X the national average of 5.0+ players.
Jorge expands on the acquisition of legacy brand Vulcan and divulges why the Vulcan ball made the deal a perfect fit.
Also, Erik Tice and Zane weigh in on the Quang Duong susp
Sideline Chirps, Ball Conspiracies, and a 27-25 Gold Medal Win w/ Armaan Bhatia
Matty Pickles was completely in his element hosting Major League Pickleball's Austin event. From data visualizations all the way to the broadcast booth, Matty had the event on lock. We get the inside scoop on how the Texas Ranchers transformed the Pickle Ranch into a pickleball paradise.
Armaan Bhatia picked up his first APP gold on the grand stage of the Billie Jean King Tennis Center. He join
'No Name' Upsets the #1 Player on Both Pro Tours w/ Alex Crum
Alex Crum is having the type of week most pickleballers can only dream of. He just upset the #1 player on both pro tours. We caught up with him on-site at the Billie Jean King Tennis Center just before the APP NYC Open.
Our guy Erik Tice stops by to recap the heated matches from the Atlanta Slam and discuss the dominance of ALW and AB vs the unparalleled parity at the top of the men's doubles g
USA Pickleball Strikes Back Against JOOLA Lawsuit
Despite ranking in the top 25 in men's singles, Grayson Goldin finds himself without a paddle contract and no guaranteed salary. For him, it's all about the results. After throwing down the gauntlet, Goldin won his second APP title and is on a mission to reach No.1. Follow Grayson's journey here: https://www.youtube.com/ @GraysonGoldin
Pickleball veteran Anderson Scarpa is fresh off a tripl
Quang Duong Lands Massive Paddle Contract
Quang Duong is helping to accelerate pickleball’s international growth. With guidance from his Dad/Coach, Duong is embracing his Vietnamese roots to launch a new signature paddle and apparel line.
Fresh off a double gold victory at the US Open, Jack Munro stops by to show Zane his new hardware. One of those medals came in mixed doubles, where Zane's prediction for Andre Agassi and Anna Leigh W
The heated exchange between Anna Leigh Waters & Hayden Patriquin
The MLP season is officially underway and we've got a lot to cover after an exciting opening weekend. Orlando Squeeze owner Ryan DeVos provides a behind-the-scenes look at the new standard for MLP events.
Christian Alshon was the center of attention again as new serve rules were challenged throughout the weekend. Alshon weighs in on the switch from rally to traditional scoring and hopes that we
Zane Uncovers Never Before Seen Serve Rules w/ Samin Odhwani
Major League Pickleball Commissioner Samin Odhwani is the special guest on a new PicklePod. Commish previews the opening of the 2025 season, explains the updates behind expanded distribution and owner-hosted events.
Next, Brooklyn Pickleball Team GM, Josh Gartman, breaks down the name swap between the Brooklyn and the DC team. Gartman recaps his offseason moves and the reunion of some of his cham
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