98 episodes
PicklePod Thomas Shields, Zane Navratil
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- Sports
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5.0 • 5 Ratings
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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 insights commentating on the good, the bad, and even the ugly sides of the sport as Pickleball undeniably rockets towards mainstream adoption. Weekly rotating topics, guests, tournament recaps, Pickleball pop-culture, player strategies, and more. No comment or topic can breach the PicklePod Non-Valley Zone, everything is in play. It’s on the PicklePod or it didn’t happen. Thomas Shields is the Founder Of “The Dink Pickleball” Media company and Zane Navratil is atop ranked pickleball pro who has won championships on the PPA Tour, APP Tour, and Major League Pickleball.
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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.
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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 D**k Team. We're looking for a full-time social media manager. Send us an email at thedinkteam@heydink.com 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
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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 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
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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 D**k Minor Leagues at https://officialminorleaguepb.com/
Subscribe to The D**k 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 thedinkteam@heydink.com 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 D**k 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
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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 D**k Team. We're looking for a full-time social media manager. Send us an email at thedinkteam@heydink.com 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 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
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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 thedinkteam@heydink.com 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 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
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How Zane upset the #1 Johns Bros
Zane recaps his big weekend at the Austin Open and how the conditions were right for a Johns upset. Pickleball United CEO Pranav Kohli stops by to explain the Pickleball World Series. The new international tour is set to kick off in 2025 and offers some of the largest prize pools in pickleball history.
Use code DINK10 to save 10% on the new CHUCK pickleball from GAMMA at http://gammasports.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 thedinkteam@heydink.com 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 Zane’s big weekend at the Rain Delay Open
5:20 Outlining the winning strategy
9:57 Upcoming pros vs 5.0s and a match vs the Klitchs
16:31 Collin’s scoop in game 2, carry or not
19:27 Play to your strengths with a new partner
24:30 Andrei’s hot streak and Christian’s ceiling
28:35 The curse of the PicklePod
32:34 MLP events overlap some APP events
34:27 Is the gap closing on Ben Johns?
37:14 Iggy on the hot seat and is Andrei #2
40:27 Is the APP vs PPA gap overstated? & Newman vs Wright
42:52 Proton paddles pushing the limits
48:10 Thomas’ rocketship paddle is on the way
51:04 New Vulcan balls in Austin
53:31 Listener questions
56:48 Secret patterns that the pros talk about
59:53 Introducing Pickleball World Series
1:04:45 What makes the World Series different
1:11:57 How is the Times Group involved?
1:15:50 Finals at MSG or the Sphere
1:19:38 What are you working on now?
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Insane fan stories and the pressure of being #1
What’s it like to be the world’s best player at just 17 years old? Anna Leigh and Leigh Waters join a very special edition of the PicklePod to give you a look behind the curtain.
They share some insane fan stories including groups of fans tracking them down at the airport. Finally, Anna Leigh explains how to hit one of her most dangerous shots.
Save 10% on the new Airbender paddle from GAMMA with code DINK10 at gammasports.com
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 Anna Leigh’s car collection
6:17 The pressure of being number 1
11:40 Partnership helps the mother-daughter relationship
16:00 ALW fandom reaches new heights
19:10 Tennis world recognizes the Waters
22:50 An average day of training
26:49 Adapting to paddle technology
32:15 Anna Leigh’s new paddle
36:39 Is Leigh Waters back?
42:49 Net worth rumors and sponsorship deals
48:12 Lessons from lob-gate
53:35 The pressure to win and the Tyra Black match
1:02:34 Innovating with the Happy Gilmore Serve
1:04:31 Anna Leigh’s two-handed backhand
1:08:10 RV life and ALW’s ‘bodyguard’
1:13:20 Rapid fire questions
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Customer Reviews
The best pro pickleball and pickleball news podcast
I'd like to talk about the various pickleball podcasts, what they offer, and give thoughts as to why a podcast for a sport is even important.
First up, let's look at the biggest pickleball podcasts out there:
Pickleball Kitchen Podcast with Barrett Kincheloe - 59 ratings at time of writing.
Pickleball Problems with Mark Renneson - 38 ratings at time of writing.
Pickleball Therapy with Tony Roig - 25 ratings at time of writing.
Pickleball Fire with Lynn Cherry - 29 ratings at time of writing.
I actually went on a road trip at the beginning of September, and I sampled a few of these podcasts as I've been really into the sport and generally enjoy podcasts. I had a lot of issues with these podcasts and it can mostly be summed up like this: these podcasts feel like audio versions of YouTube instructional videos and reviews.
It's a longer form version of instruction, formatted like a radio show. E.g. Pickleball Problems recently looked at what to do when a ball rolls onto someone's court. For a whole episode. It's probably something that could be covered in about 5 minutes, yet it was stretched into a whole episode complete with cliffhangers around the ads. I listened to the whole thing, and I have to say it was a little predictable and boring.
Also, a podcast has to be a pretty terrible format for equipment reviews. I can't say any other hobby I'm into has included reviews of physical items in a podcast as a regular thing.
The other issue with these podcasts is their demographic -- they're trying to communicate to recreational players and probably the biggest chunk of pickleball's demographics: seniors. I appreciate the sport's accessibility and love that it gets seniors moving, but social media and podcasts aimed at old folks are often different from those aimed at young folks. I'd say that the four podcasts I just pointed out are all senior-friendly, if not focused.
I think that this format of pickleball content is okay, but is probably better served as a blog article or a Facebook post.
That's where PicklePod (37 ratings) and Around the Post Show (not on Apple Podcasts) come in. PicklePod (from the Dink) is the new kid on the block. The Around the Post Show is hosted by Jonny Pickleball and Kyle Yates.
I'm gonna talk briefly about the Around the Post Show. It seems like a pretty solid bid for a pickleball show, but unfortunately it seems like they're more geared to the video format. They have a point of the week and show clips / highlights in video format. I think that as a show, it's a good idea and the hosts are well known in the pickleball world. As a podcast, listening to two people spectate a highlight and not describe what's happening? Terrible auditory experience. There's also another podcast called "Around the Post" which is a tennis podcast, so that's kind of funny.
Okay, this is supposed to be a PicklePod review. It's hosted by the Dink owner Thomas Shields and Tyson Apostle of Survivor fame. It's not to be confused with the Pickle Pod by AC4SA or this PicklePod comedy cast -- I found the name overlap confusing when it was first announced, but already searching on Google seems to turn up the right thing.
As far as podcasts go, it seems that they're still figuring things out, but there are things I like more about this podcast over other ones. First up, we haven't had any talk of strategy, equipment reviews, or anything else that you'd usually find in a YouTube video.
I think if I were to describe PicklePod in a sentence, I would say it's a weekly update on professional pickleball and industry news.
In running the Dink, Thomas seems very interconnected with the industry and is kept in the loop on all sorts of happenings, both public and private. The podcast looks over and dives into news of the past week in the sport, and generates a surprising amount of conversation. They have also have had on guests and done interviews, which have been pretty entertaining, enlightening, and informative.
I found that getting into the pro scene in pickleball isn't easy. I'm new to the sport and because the PPA and APP are in competition and don't have an excellent non-streaming presence, it can be hard to understand who the top players are, what their story is, etc. Thomas and Tyson are really interested in the pro scene and discuss it, and I've picked up a lot and feel like I have a good sense of where things are.
I love the personal touch and watching them figure out the format, discussing whether they're going to get a hip-hop jingle and who will produce it. I like the joking around that they do based on their history playing some pickleball together, and I love hearing how excited both of them are in the industry's taking off and scaling.
As cool as Major League Pickleball sounded, I hadn't heard much about the specifics except from the PicklePod, and I'm really excited to check it out when it airs in November. Thomas also seems really involved with them and hypes up news coming with teasing hints.
As for the demographic, I feel this is one of the only podcasts that's leaning toward the pro-side of the sport. I think that the format of an hour of conversation about the sport's happenings is a good one. It's just the right length to be deep, interesting, and funny and not so much that it overstays its welcome. Because we're not talking about when to third-shot drop or whether the new One Shot paddle met the hosts' expectations, we're instead focusing on things like pickleball as a college-level sport or the unseating of Ben Johns. It's exciting stuff. Just as the Dink skews to a more social-media-savvy audience compared to a lot of pickleball media, I feel that the PicklePod does too. It's the hip podcast on the block that embraces its format for its strengths instead of trying to shoehorn the exact same content into a blog, YouTube video, and podcast. I think that the Dink media offering as a whole is very varied: The podcast covers the newsletter and makes
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