PicklePod

Thomas Shields, Zane Navratil

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

  1. 1 G FA

    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 💰 Thoughts on the new prize-money model and how one win can change your year 🧠 Advice for up-and-comers trying to break through in pro pickleball Plus, the guys break down: • The Virginia Beach Open results • Jack Sock’s resurgence and near-upset of Connor Garnett • Colin Johns’ surprise move to Vietnam • And how Anna Leigh Waters just had maybe the most dominant weekend in pickleball history 👉 Subscribe for new episodes every week and stay plugged into the fastest-growing sport in the world. Head to GoodChop.com today and use code DINK130 for $130 off your first box 👉 https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-101298884-17151417 Momentous is the gold standard in creatine, save 35% on your order with code THEDINK at http://livemomentous.com Follow Chris at: https://www.instagram.com/chrishaworth.pb/ Be the first to try Zane's new course here: https://tzpickleball.com/ Contact Zane to work at ProXR here: https://zanenavratilpickleball.com/pages/contact #Pickleball #PPATour #PickleballPodcast 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.thedink.beehiiv.com https://www.instagram.com/thedinkpickleball/ -Follow us on IG -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 #pickleball #pickleballcourts ------------------ 00:00 – Intro: Virginia Beach recap + Chris Haworth joins the pod 05:00 – Chris on winning gold in Virginia Beach and his PPA breakthrough 06:10 – Leaving the APP Tour after a slump and betting on himself 07:30 – Why he made the switch to the PPA and how rankings work 09:40 – From 57th seed to top 10 — passing Ben Johns in singles 11:00 – The paddle certification drama and what Chris is hitting with now 13:30 – Hitting with Carlos Alcaraz at a Babolat shoot 16:10 – Advice for players trying to break into pro pickleball 18:45 – Thoughts on the PPA’s prize money model and “betting on yourself” 21:10 – Lifetime Open preview: $50k prize pool + 3 of 5 set format 23:50 – How the new “baseline-heavy” singles meta is changing the game 27:00 – What to expect at Lifetime and who’s playing 30:30 – Why Jack Sock’s locked-in mindset could make him dangerous 34:10 – Anna Leigh Waters’ most dominant weekend ever + Ben & ALW back to owning pickleball 41:30 – Colin Johns moves to Vietnam + UPA Asia expansion 46:30 – APP Tour recap: rising names to watch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    51 min
  2. 9 OTT

    “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 international play, the rise of Asian talent, and that controversial call that rocked the finals. T-Dog rejoins Zane later to unpack what Asia means for pickleball’s future — from China’s booming scene to Vietnam’s meteoric rise — and how international play might reshape the sport. 📍 Watch the full episode for: - Wild paddle throws and hot pot adventures 🍲 - The story behind Eric’s MLP breakout - Why 8,000 fans were screaming mid-point - How Asia is changing pickleball forever 🌏 👉 Subscribe for more pro insights, chaos, and comedy every week. Head to GoodChop.com today and use code DINK130 for $130 off your first box 👉 https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-101298884-17151417 Momentous is the gold standard in creatine, save 35% on your order with code THEDINK at http://livemomentous.com #Pickleball #vietnam #malaysia 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.thedink.beehiiv.com https://www.instagram.com/thedinkpickleball/ -Follow us on IG -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 #pickleball #pickleballcourts ------------------ 0:00 – Intro 3:15 – How Eric ended up in Asia (and landed business class seats) 6:10 – Pickleball’s rockstar status overseas – “Ben Johns is Justin Bieber” 7:45 – Surviving Asian street food (and avoiding food poisoning) 9:00 – The rise of international players and cat-and-mouse pickleball 10:45 – Playing in front of 8,000 fans – pure chaos and adrenaline 13:00 – Eric’s backstory: From Brazil tennis to pickleball in Florida 18:20 – Simone Jardim’s mentorship and living at her training house 24:45 – Money ball meltdown: how Eric met Johnny Goldberg 27:30 – Getting drafted, grinding APPs, and his 28-tournament season 30:10 – Behind-the-scenes of Malaysia and Vietnam victories 33:00 – Zane & T-Dog talk Asia’s talent boom and China’s growth 42:30 – The Ben Johns upset, “the hook,” and paddle controversies 55:00 – Why Asia might be pickleball’s next big frontier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1 h 3 min
  3. 2 OTT

    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 (Kate’s pool dive 🏊‍♀️) - Paddle drama and PPA’s last-minute crackdown - Why screaming on court gets love and hate - Kate’s advice for staying authentic despite online critics - Predictions for her future and pickleball’s next big moves Plus, Zane recaps the wild action from the PPA Kuala Lumpur Open, including upsets, international standouts, and Tyson McGuffin & Eric Oncins’ electric doubles win. Head to GoodChop.com today and use code DINK130 for $130 off your first box 👉 https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-101298884-17151417 Big thank you to our sponsor, Momentous. Momentous is the gold standard in creatine, save 35% on your order with code THEDINK at http://livemomentous.com Don’t miss this one—Kate brings the fire 🔥 on and off the court. 👉 Subscribe for weekly pickleball insights, pro interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories. #Pickleball #PicklePod #KateFahey #PPA 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.thedink.beehiiv.com https://www.instagram.com/thedinkpickleball/ -Follow us on IG -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 #pickleball #pickleballcourts ------------------ 00:00 – Intro from Vietnam 03:00 – First impressions playing with wood paddles 05:20 – How wood paddles changed strategy & style of play 09:07 – Who benefited vs. struggled with the wood paddle 10:45 – Paddle drama: souped-up paddles banned 12:05 – Should wood paddle events stay as exhibitions? 15:40 – Balancing pickleball tournaments with wedding week 18:12 – Mini-moon plans & pickleball friends at the wedding 21:00 – Facing Genie Bouchard in the singles final 24:11 – Mixed doubles finals vs. the Johnsons 25:52 – The “screaming debate” and sports psychology 29:50 – Generational divide on emotion in pickleball 35:22 – PPA Malaysia recap & early upsets 47:01 – Tyson & Eric upset Ben & Christian in epic final Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    52 min
  4. 17 SET

    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 craziest weeks in pickleball yet: - PaddleGate 2025 – why 15 of 16 pros used different paddles on Championship Sunday. - PPA Cincinnati Slam – shocking results as the Kawamoto twins take down Anna Bright & Anna Leigh Waters. - Cheating drama – Tyson McGuffin vs. Mo Alhouni and the calls that shook the tour. - Sports betting in pickleball – the PPA partners with Kalshi to make wagering on pickleball legal in the U.S. Plus: streakers, celebrity owners, and the latest MLP team shakeups. This episode has it all—gear talk, controversy, and the future of the sport. 👉 Drop your thoughts in the comments: Will RPM shake up the paddle market? And do you think PaddleGate changes the game for good? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode of the PicklePod. Big thank you to our sponsor, Momentous. Momentous is the gold standard in creatine, save 35% on your order with code THEDINK at http://livemomentous.com #PicklePod #Pickleball 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.thedink.beehiiv.com https://www.instagram.com/thedinkpickleball/ -Follow us on IG -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 #pickleball #pickleballcourts ------------------ 0:00 – Welcome back + PaddleGate 2025 explained 3:38 – James “Iggy” Ignatowich launches RPM Paddles 5:00 – The origin of the RPM Yeti (AI gone wild) 7:52 – Why RPM isn’t UPAA-approved yet 13:32 – Iggy’s deep dive into paddle engineering 14:37 – RPM paddles selling out worldwide 20:41 – Biggest challenges of starting a paddle brand 24:10 – RPM launch promo: free Cameo with purchase 26:05 – PPA partners with Kalshi for sports betting 34:45 – PaddleGate chaos in Cincinnati 37:53 – Ben Johns singles withdrawal controversy 41:58 – Fed vs. Alex Crum rivalry 43:46 – Tyson McGuffin vs. Mo Alhouni cheating drama 50:44 – Liz Trulock pushes Anna Leigh Waters in singles 52:22 – Kawamoto twins upset Bright & Waters 54:00 – Hunter Johnson vs. Christian Alshon + streaker incident 57:41 – Andre & Anna Bright rise as a mixed team 1:01:08 – The “Big Four” in men’s doubles 1:03:39 – Kawamotos’ first-ever PPA gold Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1 h 25 min
  5. 3 SET

    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 future of MLP 🔥 Addressing the collusion rumors around the Ben Johns trade 🎉 The fan experience debate: should MLP embrace louder crowds? 🏆 Highlights from PPA Las Vegas, APP Chicago, and even PPA Asia 💬 Your fan questions – from wooden paddle tournaments to the rise of the lob Alex brings fresh perspective, some pushback, and honest answers about what it takes to run a pro pickleball franchise. Big thank you to our sponsor, Momentous. Momentous is the gold standard in creatine, save 35% on your order with code THEDINK at http://livemomentous.com 👉 Subscribe to PicklePod for weekly episodes breaking down the pro game, insider stories, and candid conversations with the biggest names in pickleball. #PicklePod #Pickleball #MLP #BenJohns #LAMadDrops 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.thedink.beehiiv.com https://www.instagram.com/thedinkpickleball/ -Follow us on IG -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 #pickleball #pickleballcourts ------------------ 0:00 Intro 02:45 – Introducing Alex Geesbreght, new LA Mad Drops owner 04:40 – Why Alex bought into Major League Pickleball 06:55 – The family story that inspired his love for the sport 10:00 – Team valuations & building long-term value in MLP 13:15 – How engaged are MLP owners really? 16:00 – Should fans be loud during points? The tension vs. noise debate 22:00 – Trade deadline drama & Ben Johns acquisition explained 25:05 – Alex addresses collusion rumors head-on 28:50 – Zane answers fan questions: paddles, lobs & lighting Erik Tice 35:50 – Coaching shakeups: Christian & Lee Waters split 38:10 – Rollout courts controversy + player withdrawals 43:00 – Singles upsets: Crum vs Fed, Looch’s rise, and more 52:15 – Mixed doubles lobfest: Anna Bright goes sky-high 56:30 – Men’s doubles drama: Travis & Julian meltdown 59:00 – Women’s doubles fireworks: Tyra & Georgia upset ALW/AB 1:05:50 – Finals recap + Looch’s back-to-back titles 1:08:00 – PPA Asia: Connor Garnett’s triple crown 1:10:20 – APP Chicago recap + TO (Terrell Owens) plays pickleball 1:12:30 – Looking ahead: Cincinnati Slam preview Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1 h 13 min
  6. 29 AGO

    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, including the heartbreak, the big wins, and the gritty performances that defined the weekend. Plus, listener Q&A on MLP’s future, roster moves, controversial rules, and more. Big thank you to our sponsor, Momentous. Momentous is the gold standard in creatine, save 35% on your order with code THEDINK at http://livemomentous.com 📺 Don’t miss the MLP Finals live on CBS, Saturday Aug 23 at 12 PM ET. Subscribe for more unfiltered pickleball takes and pro insights. 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.thedink.beehiiv.com https://www.instagram.com/thedinkpickleball/ -Follow us on IG -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 #pickleball #pickleballcourts ------------------ 0:00 MLP Exhibition in Chicago 2:15 NYC pickleball event with Carlos Alcaraz goes wrong 7:36 MLP Semifinals recap 16:53 Challenger Level Finals recap 21:21 MLP Finals reaction 26:33 Listener Questions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    35 min
  7. 13 AGO

    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 he plays doubles differently than singles - His mindset for taking down the best in the game Plus: 🏓 Bristol PPA recap – Stompgate with Christian Alshon, Anna Bright’s singles return, Matt Wright’s big run, and contract updates shaking up pro pickleball. 🎯 Hot takes on the most complete singles player on tour. 💰 Inside scoop on the new UPA prize money model. Whether you’re here for the strategy, the drama, or just love seeing a new star born — this one’s loaded. 📲 Follow Johnny G: https://www.instagram.com/johngoinspb/ on Instagram #Pickleball #PPA #Picklepod #JohnLucianGoins #MLP #BenJohns #AnnaBright #PickleballPodcast. Cycling Frog is giving away their best-selling THC seltzers for free. You just pay two bucks for shipping. That’s it. Get yours here: https://cyclingfrog.com/pages/seltzer-giveaway?utm_source=TheDink&utm_medium=TheDink&utm_campaign=TheDink If you’ve been on your feet a lot lately, especially at tournaments, do yourself a favor and check out these shoes from G-DEFY: https://www.gravitydefyer.com/discoun... 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.thedink.beehiiv.com https://www.instagram.com/thedinkpickleball/ -Follow us on IG -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 #pickleball #pickleballcourts ------------------ 00:00 Intro & Bristol Recap Preview 02:20 Meet John Lucian Goins 05:15 Doubles vs Singles Practice 09:50 Upsetting Ben Johns in Cape Coral 12:15 Leveling Up the Doubles Game 14:35 Bristol Mindset & Surprising Win 16:55 Why Johnny G Excels in Singles 19:50 Joining the Elite Teen PPA Winners 21:10 How Chess Improves Pickleball Strategy Erik Tice 26:50 Sword Story & Self Defense 32:35 Bristol Men’s Doubles Surprises 39:30 Anna Bright’s Singles Return & Power Ranking 43:30 UPA Contracts Explained 48:55 Teen Gold Medal Club Stats 51:55 Anna Leigh Waters’ Historic Dominance 55:15 Stompgate with Christian Alshon 01:01:40 MLP Playoffs Schedule Quirks 01:04:25 Listener Q&A: Tyra Black vs Annalee Waters 01:08:15 Listener Q&A: Is the ATP Worth It? 01:10:35 Listener Q&A: Lifetime Ball Opinions 01:12:50 Listener Q&A: Best Padel Players in Pickleball 01:14:40 – Rapid-Fire Instagram Q&A Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1 h 18 min

Descrizione

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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