PicklePod Thomas Shields, Zane Navratil
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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. RSSVERIFY
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Worst attempt at "cheating" results in largest pickleball fine
Kyle Selinko co-owner of Boxcar Productions and Close Call Relay joins the pod to solve pickleball's line call headache. Selinko explains the technology he's employed to automate line calls and remove subjectivity.
Zane and Thomas catch up after Zane's honeymoon and cover the Andrei Daescu suspension, JOOLA Gen 3 paddles getting de-listed, and the haters who watch Pros vs 5.0s.
We've teamed up with Olukai to present the Aloha Showdown at Austin Pickleball Ranch. Register to play at alohapickle.com
Win on any court with Olukai footwear https://bit.ly/4cb66WP
Right in time for Father's Day, it's the Pickleball Match Tracker. Get yours here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Pickleball/Trey-Sizemore/9781507223000?utm_source=partner_marketing&utm_medium=adams_collab&utm_campaign=&utm_content=DinkPodcastAd
Watch Thomas and Zane compete in the Pros vs 5.0s video here: https://youtu.be/Kgm9RYZEEaQ?si=-I4gwk3Ah3wx-_2r
Find an event near you and register to play in The Dink Minor Leagues at https://officialminorleaguepb.com/
Create your own The Dink Minor Leagues event here: https://forms.monday.com/forms/bec208e8a148b8ed4eb36889404fd9fa?r=use1
Pickleball's #1 subscription box is here https://www.thedink.shop/
Leave your voicemail for the PicklePod at (512) 200 - 4299
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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 Introducing the Aloha Showdown
5:51 Mean tweets for Pros vs 5.0s
11:38 The infamous foreign substance
15:00 Andrei's response
21:09 Zane’s Take on the punishment
27:45 What would you do if you’re UPA?
35:00 Girlies photo shoot breaks the internet
39:24 JOOLA Gen 3 de-listed
49:38 Kyle’s humble start streaming from a phone
54:40 The 240 frames per second revolution
1:01:20 What about the backcourts?
1:05:27 Using AI to make calls
1:08:49 Challenges that build the excitement
1:11:03 Proof from DUPR collegiate events
1:13:40 Any application for the NVZ?
1:17:47 Where broadcasts can improve?
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Best of PicklePod 2024
Zane is still on his honeymoon so we've compiled some of the best moments so far this year. Catch some of our favorites here and go back and listen to your favorite personalities in the game.
Show Notes:
0:00 Intro
3:19 Collin Johns - Building Ben's backhand
12:22 Anna Leigh Waters - Insane fan stories
15:32 Riley Newman - The Pancake Grip
22:30 Riley Newman - DJ Selkirk’s song choice
25:36 Zane’s win over the Johns Bros
30:50 Lea Jansen - Unretiring from singles
34:48 Travis Rettenmaier - The demise of pickleball
44:45 Jaume Martinez Vich - Pickleball Sugar Mamas
46:03 Dekel Bar - Neutralizing a big serve
50:49 Jimmy Miller - Vulcan ball remake
56:14 Augie Ge - Unorthodox training
59:22 Dan Martinson - Zane’s most offensive shot
It's not just the weapon, it's the warrior. Save 10% at https://warstic.com/collections/pickleball with code: DINK
Recover faster. Play Longer. Get 10% off devices that help reduce the risk of injuries with code DINK10 at https://www.therabody.com/
Save 20% on Tifosi sunglasses with code DINK20 at https://tifosioptics.com/
Find an event near you and register to play in The Dink Minor Leagues at https://officialminorleaguepb.com/
Create your own The Dink Minor Leagues event here: https://forms.monday.com/forms/bec208e8a148b8ed4eb36889404fd9fa?r=use1
Subscribe to The Dink 3x weekly newsletter https://thedink.beehiiv.com/
Want to work in pickleball? Join The Dink Team. We're looking for a full-time social media manager. Send us an email at 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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Pickleball's leading organizations share insights at racquetX
Back in March, leaders from pickleball’s top organizations gathered under one roof at the racquetX Conference to discuss the future of the game. The Dink’s own Thomas Shields led a panel that included:
Anne Worcester - Strategic advisor, MLP
Bryce Morgan - President, PPA Tour
Tom Webb - Chief Marketing Officer, APP
Mike Nealy - Chief Executive Officer, USA Pickleball
Find an event near you and register to play in The Dink Minor Leagues at https://officialminorleaguepb.com/
Create your own minor league event here: http://www.minorleaguehost.com/
Create your own The Dink Minor Leagues event here: https://forms.monday.com/forms/bec208...
Subscribe to The Dink 3x weekly newsletter https://thedink.beehiiv.com/
Pickleball's #1 subscription box is here https://www.thedink.shop/
Leave your voicemail for the PicklePod at (512) 200 - 4299
------------------
Like the ep? Do us a favor: subscribe to our channel and leave a review on Apple or Spotify
-Subscribe to our 'all things pickleball' free e-newsletter at https://www.thedinkpickleball.com/sig...
-Follow us on IG @thedinkpickleball
-For everything else we do, visit https://linktr.ee/dinkfam
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Show Notes:
0:00 Intros
2:33 Insights from professional tennis
6:50 Amateur participation growth
14:05 Challenges to build the next great pro sport
20:40 Running a startup organization in a startup industry
24:50 How is USA Pickleball adapting?
26:30 The growth of pickleball internationally
31:01 Creating a space for the youth to play
37:39 International regulation for grass roots growth
41:02 Is there room for two tours?
47:22 IS software development a focus?
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Paddle disqualified for 'illegal substance'
What's your DUPR? Are you above or below the average player? DUPR CEO Tito Machado breaks down how the game is exploding among younger players and in more countries.
Plus Zane and Thomas recap events from MLP Atlanta including illegal substances, players earning penalties, and a dust-up between The 5's and Hustlers.
It's not just the weapon, it's the warrior. Save 10% at https://warstic.com/collections/pickleball with code: DINK
Recover faster. Play Longer. Get 10% off devices that help reduce the risk of injuries with code DINK10 at https://www.therabody.com/
Save 20% on Tifosi sunglasses with code DINK20 at https://tifosioptics.com/
Find an event near you and register to play in The Dink Minor Leagues at https://officialminorleaguepb.com/
Subscribe to The Dink 3x weekly newsletter https://thedink.beehiiv.com/
Want to work in pickleball? Join The Dink Team. We're looking for a full-time social media manager. Send us an email at 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 Big time college grad
5:13 Initial takeaway from MLP Atlanta
9:32 #Freethefreeze
14:11 A new serve rule for MLP
18:47 Tiered points system
23:34 An Illegal substance found on a paddle
26:03 Getting rowdy with the Hustlers
30:01 Dekel launches a ball onto Grandstand court
32:46 The $2.5 million dollar man
36:32 Tito Machado joins the pod
40:06 Fake profiles and the DUPR Police
42:02 What’s the status?
44:13 The Great Divide
50:02 Where is pickleball growing internationally
53:04 Getting younger, younger, and younger
57:11 Get started in The Dink Minor Leagues
1:04:34 The fastest-growing groups
1:07:30 Should pros be allowed in college events
1:13:45 What’s on the horizon?
1:18:08 5.0s used to be the standard
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Let's be blunt about pickleball with Travis Rettenmaier
Travis 'The Rattlesnake' Rettenmaier joins the pod fresh off a PPA Bronze with Zane Navratil. Travis shares the life-changing pickleball experience that led to him becoming a pickleball pro and MLP team owner.
Travis is not shy to call out cheating at the pro ranks. He goes in on how new paddles have changed the identity of the game overnight.
Recover faster. Play Longer. Get 10% off devices that help reduce the risk of injuries with code DINK10 at https://www.therabody.com/
Save 20% on Tifosi sunglasses with code DINK20 at https://tifosioptics.com/
Find an event near you and register to play in The Dink Minor Leagues at https://officialminorleaguepb.com/
Subscribe to The Dink 3x weekly newsletter https://thedink.beehiiv.com/
Want to work in pickleball? Join The Dink Team. We're looking for a full-time social media manager. Send us an email at 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 Still a skeptic of the pro game
8:50 Showing the love for St. Pete
13:12 A new facility on the way, showers optional
15:47 Pickleball is for the misfits
20:19 Most prestigious tournament in pickle
22:29 Is Fed actually #1?
25:18 Ben Johns' 1 weakness
26:14 Alshon's tennis beef
30:30 The infamous 2 vs 1 challenge with NML
35:21 The Jackie Moon of pro pickleball
37:20 A norm that drives you crazy
40:59 Zane wants to change all the rules
43:36 Cheating is very, very prevalent
48:20 Are there personal vendettas?
51:08 You can buy skill, buy force, buy spin
57:38 How did it work in tennis? Spaghetti strings
1:03:55 Controversies from the Red Rock Open
1:10:10 Travis carried Zane in LA and the top shit talkers
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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.
Save 20% on Tifosi sunglasses with code DINK20 at https://tifosioptics.com/
Find an event near you and register to play in The Dink Minor Leagues at https://officialminorleaguepb.com/
Subscribe to The Dink 3x weekly newsletter https://thedink.beehiiv.com/
Want to work in pickleball? Join The Dink Team. We're looking for a full-time social media manager. Send us an email at 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 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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