This is Pickleball

Rick Witsken & Fabian Rodriguez
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Join host and Senior Pro Rick Witsken as he sits down with the sport's biggest names to uncover their stories. With a unique perspective from his own career and deep connections to the pro tours, Rick facilitates a fun and inspiring deep dive into their personal "why"—how they found the sport, the sacrifices they've made, and the lessons they've learned along the way. Whether you're a new player or a seasoned veteran, you'll get pro tips, stay up to date on all the latest tour news, and leave every episode with a fresh perspective on the game we all love. From the court to the clubhouse, we're telling the stories that make pickleball great. This is more than a game—This Is Pickleball.

  1. 6 hrs ago

    The Truth About "Going Pro": AC Baby (Alex Crum) Keeps It a Buck

    Links:  Buy an Aireo Cyclone: Save 10% using code FABIAN10 Buy an RPM Friction Pro: Save 15% using code FABIAN15 Think the pro pickleball lifestyle is all first-class flights, massive paddle contracts, and easy money? Think again. We sit down with the PPA Tour's ultimate giant-killer and Columbus Sliders singles specialist, Alex "AC Baby" Crum, to completely shatter the illusion of the pro tour. If you've ever thought about quitting your 9-to-5 to chase the pickleball dream, this episode is the ultimate reality check you desperately need to hear before turning in your resignation letter. AC Baby is here to keep it a buck on what it actually takes to survive as a touring professional. In this unfiltered conversation, Alex pulls back the curtain on the brutal financial math of the tour, revealing that traveling to tournaments costs an average of $1,400 out of pocket every single week for flights, hotels, rental cars, and meals. With the PPA shifting to a performance-based tennis model, Alex drops a heavy warning to young grinders: unless you are firmly in the Top 10 in the world or a top-tier content creator like Anna Bright, you cannot survive on paddle deals and winnings alone. Tune in to hear how Alex balances working a full-time tennis coaching job with knocking off legends like Ben Johns and Federico Staksrud, and a surprise announcement about an upcoming Dallas Worlds rap collaboration with Fabian. Hit play and get the real story! Timestamps:  00:00 Alex Crum Intro 00:48 Bourbon Talk 05:00 Pickleball Origins 06:59 Early Pro Tournaments 09:23 Breakout Wins and Injury 12:24 Rapper Backstory 17:15 Authenticity Online 20:39 Pro Life Money 26:58 Storytelling In Pickleball 27:42 Standout Pickleball Content 29:51 MLP Draft and Team Fit 32:21 Dream Breakers and Pressure 34:11 Building Team Chemistry 36:05 Travel and Ownership Support 37:00 Rap Names and Tour Banter 38:57 Andrei Mindset and Elite Doubles 41:52 Signature Shot Breakdown 43:11 Gear Talk Eyewear and Grips 47:30 Blind Ranking White Rappers 49:17 Dallas Worlds Theme Song 51:48 Closing Thoughts and Where to Follow

    53 min
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    6 hrs ago ·  Bonus

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    Introducing Did Google Predict Venezuela Earthquakes Before it Happened? & GTA VI’s Launch Plan Irks Gaming Purists from Morning Brew Daily. Follow the show: Morning Brew Daily #876: Two powerful earthquakes devastated Venezuela and there are reports that Google alerted millions before it happened. Apple is taking some heat after it raised prices on its products due to the memory chip supply crunch. Oil prices have fallen down to pre-war levels. Grand Theft Auto VI has a release date, but some fans are irked by a digital-only release. Finally, is Taylor Swift having her wedding at Madison Square Garden? To learn more visit https://www.servicenow.com Grab tickets to our Performance Revue show! https://www.morningbrew.com/events/brew-performance-revue-2026?utm_campaign=performance_revue_2026&utm_source=mbd Subscribe to Morning Brew Daily for more of the news you need to start your day. Share the show with a friend, and leave us a review on your favorite podcast app. Listen to Morning Brew Daily Here:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.swap.fm/l/mbd-note⁠⁠⁠  Watch Morning Brew Daily Here:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@MorningBrewDailyShow⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. From Chessmaster to Singles Specialist With John Lucian Goins

    Jun 19

    From Chessmaster to Singles Specialist With John Lucian Goins

    Links:  Buy an Aireo Cyclone and save 10% with code FABIAN10 Buy an RPM Friction Pro or Q2 and save 15% with code FABIAN15 This week, host Fabian holds down the studio while Rick is out in full swing crushing tennis and pickleball lessons. Fabian sits down with the man of many names—PPA Tour World No. 6 singles phenom and St. Louis Shock weapon, John Lucian Goins. We unpack a wild, full-circle realization as John reveals that our very own Rick Witsken was actually his first-ever tennis coach at age four, complete with memories of post-practice Jolly Ranchers! Fast forward to age 15, and John completely walked away from a promising pro tennis development track to dominate the pickleball landscape within 48 hours of a random Florida rainstorm changing his athletic destiny forever. In this exclusive sit-down, we map out his incredible journey From Chessmaster to Singles Specialist. Johnny G pulls back the curtain on how his legendary 953-day unbroken Chess.com streak acts as a daily cognitive weapon to decode opponent tendencies, read lightning-fast hands battles, and maintain an impenetrable flow state on court. We also get an unfiltered inside look at the St. Louis Shock—the youngest, highest-energy squad in Major League Pickleball. John details the suffocating psychological pressure of modern MLP Dreambreakers, the mechanics behind his signature two-handed backhand cross-court drop, and drops massive breaking news regarding his committed second-half 2026 doubles partnerships with tour veteran Tyler Loong and Victoria Dimuzio. Grab your paddles, get your feet set, and let's dive in! Timestamps:  00:00 Meet Johnny G 00:54 Chess Streak Talk 02:17 Tennis Roots Indiana 04:40 Rainy Day Pickleball 05:52 Why Pickleball Wins 08:11 Chess Mindset Edge 12:43 First Tournaments Breakthrough 15:00 Training Crew Bradenton 17:08 PPA Rise And Medals 19:09 Shock Dreambreaker Role 21:08 Pressure And Team Chemistry 24:00 Young Team Chemistry 24:56 Keeping Focus Balance 25:52 Country Music Roots 27:10 Pre Match Mindset 28:08 Season Goals Ahead 30:39 Crowd Energy Flow 31:18 Qualifier Advice Networking 33:01 Doubles Partners Plans 34:45 Signature Third Shot Drop 36:34 Gear Picks Wristbands 39:04 Tough Singles Matchups 40:47 Wrap Up Worlds Plans

    44 min
  4. Why The Aireo Cyclone Is Taking Over the Internet with Matthias Kling and Scarlett Chen

    Jun 12

    Why The Aireo Cyclone Is Taking Over the Internet with Matthias Kling and Scarlett Chen

    Use code FABIAN10 to SAVE 10% off the Aireo Cyclone!! In this episode Fabian sits down with Scarlett Chen and Matthias Kling, the visionary co-founders behind Aireo Sports, to break down the incredible internet hype and cutting-edge paddle technology behind the Aireo Cyclone—the exact paddle that just carried Fabian to his very first 3.5 gold medal. From a chance meeting on a flight from Paris to Shanghai to combining a 20-year background in materials physics research with global supply chains, discover how this dynamic duo is completely disrupting the multi-million dollar paddle market. Matthias, a literal physicist, pulls back the curtain on paddle engineering, exposing how major brands use deceptive "titanium" marketing and why cheap spray-on grit can actually make a paddle illegal over time. They dive deep into the design matrix of the viral Cyclone paddle, explaining how pro player Levi Daniels aggressively helped them fine-tune its balance, weight, and unmatched control across 12 different prototypes.  Plus, the team drops massive announcements—including the market metrics behind their brand-new Hybrid Cyclone, an exclusive "Godzilla" partnership launching in Japan this July, and a deeply emotional look at how their global ambassadors are using pickleball to inspire cancer survivors worldwide. Tune in for the ultimate masterclass in viral paddle tech! Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome and Guests 00:51 Host Paddle Story 01:40 Scarlett Background 03:15 Matthias Research Roots 05:03 Why Pickleball Innovates 07:36 How They Met 11:13 Titanium Paddle Breakthrough 14:07 From Hawk to Cyclone 15:43 Rapid Prototyping in China 20:35 Grit Durability and Rules 21:42 Cyclone Feel and Tuning 24:56 Finding Trusted Pros 25:12 Finding Elite Testers 27:10 Keeping The Line Simple 28:20 Why A Hybrid Paddle 32:25 Grassroots Word Of Mouth 33:13 Next Wave Paddle Tech 39:37 Tour Players And Growth 42:13 Global Expansion And Godzilla 45:27 Pricing Under $200 47:47 Ambassadors And Stories 50:34 Where To Buy And Wrap Up

    52 min
  5. Road to 4.0: We're Officially Going to the World Championships!

    Jun 1

    Road to 4.0: We're Officially Going to the World Championships!

    WE ARE DALLAS BOUND! ✈️🤠 Fabian won GOLD and officially punched his ticket to the PPA World Championships! In this episode, we are taking you inside the emotional roller coaster of our recent tournament run at the Greatest Spectacle Qualifier. Fabian kicks things off with a raw, completely honest recap of his first-ever singles bracket—where a brutal 0-5 run provided a massive reality check (and a hilarious way to spin a loss by "lowering his opponents' DUPR scores"). But the real magic happens in the 3.5 doubles division. We take you play-by-play through his journey, detailing how he shook off an early pool-play loss, executed a clutch mid-match strategy shift using tactical stacking, and rode an aggressive driving strategy all the way to a Gold Medal! 🥇 Rick breaks down the exact science behind the triumph, using our real-match adjustments to teach a masterclass in tournament survival. We dive deep into why losing the same way twice is the biggest mistake amateur players make, and drop elite coaching nuggets on footwork, mechanics, and court positioning. We also cover the massive NPL rebrand to CSP (Champions Series Pickleball) and share how you can get your squad into the upcoming summer session of the Indiana Pickleball League! TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Indy 500 Pageantry & Mindset 03:00 - How to Handle Outdoor Rain Delays 05:30 - NPL Rebrands to CSP (Champions Series Pickleball) 06:40 - Fabian's 0-5 Singles Reality Check 09:00 - Rick's "No Man's Land" Transition Masterclass 14:40 - 3 Reasons You SHOULD Play Singles 16:00 - The Stacking & Driving Strategy That Won Fabian Doubles GOLD! 21:00 - Changing Your Tactic: Don't Lose the Same Way Twice 24:50 - Pickleball Footwork: Banish the Crisscross Step 28:10 - Should Amateurs Drop Back Off the Kitchen Line? 31:00 - Fixing the Service Yips & Mixing Up Your Serves 33:00 - Indiana Pickleball League Summer Session Registration 35:40 - The "One-Thing" Rule to Explode Your Skill

    41 min
  6. How to Find the Perfect Pickleball Partner

    May 15

    How to Find the Perfect Pickleball Partner

    What actually makes a "good" partner? It isn't just a DUPR rating. In this episode, Rick Witsken and Fabian Rodriguez break down the intricate dance of pickleball partnerships. Rick shares his "Big Rick" philosophy on taking the middle, the importance of high EQ during timeouts, and why phrasing your suggestions as "we" instead of "you" can be the difference between a gold medal and a blowout. We also recap a wild weekend in the PPA, featuring the "Tama Time" phenomenon—a 15-year-old surfer from Hawaii who just put the pro circuit on notice. Rick shares a major personal announcement about his return to the Indy Drivers, and Fabian gears up for his "Revenge Tour 2026." From deep-dive strategy on singles serving to the upcoming Summer Series at Third Shot Pickleball, this episode is packed with the insights you need to level up your game. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome and Subscribe 00:59 Upcoming Events Rundown 01:27 Interclub Combine Details 03:17 Indoor vs Outdoor Debate 04:41 Third Shot Summer Series 08:21 Citywide and Fall Events 10:19 Fabian Tournament Updates 12:44 Rick Returns to CSP 14:59 CSP Format and Expansion 18:03 PPA Finals Recap 24:18 Mixed Doubles Recap 25:06 Tama Time Breakout 27:16 New Blood Rising 28:45 Partnerships Docuseries 30:20 Finding The Right Fit 32:58 Partner EQ And Trust 35:31 Strategy With New Partners 37:41 Communication On Court 41:22 Mixed Dynamics And Timeouts 43:15 How To Find Partners 46:23 Mixed Vs Gender Doubles 48:06 Singles Tournament Tips 51:34 Closing Shoutouts

    53 min
  7. The DUPR Reset: Why Your Rating is Tanking & How to Fix It

    May 6

    The DUPR Reset: Why Your Rating is Tanking & How to Fix It

    In this episode, we sit down with Steve Hoy, a certified DUPR assessment coach at 3rd Shot Pickleball. Fabian opens up about his "Road to 4.0" which recently hit a massive speed bump—an 0-4 tournament finish that led to a literal identity crisis (and a fresh haircut). Rick provides a masterclass on player accountability, explaining why focusing on the process rather than the result is the only way to escape the "quicksand" of a downward spiral. We then dive deep into the controversial world of DUPR ratings. Steve Hoy breaks down the "Reliability Score," why your rating might tank even after a win, and the myths surrounding playing lower-rated opponents. Plus, we explore "Moneyball" tactics in the Indiana Pickleball League and get a high-level coaching tip on how to deaden the ball against "bangers." Whether you're obsessed with your rating or just want to win your local league, this episode is packed with the data and discipline you need. Key Takeaways: Self-Correction via Video: You aren't playing how you think you are. Watching your raw footage is the only way to bridge the gap between perception and reality. The DUPR Reliability Factor: A low reliability score makes your rating volatile. If you haven't played in a while, one bad match can cause a massive "tank" in your numbers. The "No Swing" Reset: To handle high-velocity speed-ups, keep the paddle closed, don't swing, and use a grip pressure of about 3 out of 10 to deaden the ball into the kitchen. Process over Result: Obsessing over your DUPR identifies "who you are" too much. Focus on performance metrics (consistency, resets, balance) and the rating will follow. League Strategy: Utilizing data and "Moneyball" analytics on opponents is becoming the new standard for winning competitive team pickleball. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:37 Meet Steve Hoy 01:51 Fabian Tournament Reality Check 03:41 Process Over Results 05:43 Redemption and Mindset 07:31 Indiana Pickleball League Talk 10:21 Community and Sportsmanship 11:57 Moneyball Captain Strategy 14:28 DUPR Certification Setup 16:02 What DUPR Is 17:58 DUPR Myths and Reliability 20:36 When Ratings Tank 22:25 Ratings as a Gatekeeper 22:56 Rating Gates Frustration 23:40 Why Clubs Enforce DUPR 26:05 Mindset Over Ratings 29:34 Coach Assessments Limits 32:16 Algorithm Shifts Brackets 35:51 When To Move Up 38:45 Tip Of The Week 42:18 League Combine Details 44:37 Sponsors And Wrap Up

    46 min
  8. Nico The Lefty: How to Make $10k/Month in Pickleball (Without Going Pro)

    Apr 24

    Nico The Lefty: How to Make $10k/Month in Pickleball (Without Going Pro)

    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

    1h 3m
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About

Join host and Senior Pro Rick Witsken as he sits down with the sport's biggest names to uncover their stories. With a unique perspective from his own career and deep connections to the pro tours, Rick facilitates a fun and inspiring deep dive into their personal "why"—how they found the sport, the sacrifices they've made, and the lessons they've learned along the way. Whether you're a new player or a seasoned veteran, you'll get pro tips, stay up to date on all the latest tour news, and leave every episode with a fresh perspective on the game we all love. From the court to the clubhouse, we're telling the stories that make pickleball great. This is more than a game—This Is Pickleball.

Information

  • Creator
    Rick Witsken & Fabian Rodriguez
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Culture Collaborative Media 2025
  • Show Website
    This is Pickleball

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