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

  1. 6 HR AGO

    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 strategy behind youth vs. win-now rosters, whether Jack Sock is still a “fool me three times” situation, and why MLP might desperately need a salary cap (and floor). Then things get unhinged. James Ignatowich returns to the pod to talk about: - His UPA contract termination - Building RPM from scratch - Selling 10,000 paddles in a month - Why he’s moving to China - Getting blocked by the PPA - Whether he’s ever playing pro again - And yes… the Johnson siblings rumors We also dive into: - The new post-match cheating fines system - Why more transparency could grow the game - Whether one superstar pro is worth the ROI for a paddle brand - And the wild reality of manufacturing in China - This one is chaotic, honest, and surprisingly insightful. Be the first to try Zane's new course here: https://tzpickleball.com/ #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 ------------------ 0:00 Intro 2:36 Anna Bright draws $1.23 million bid 6:24 The Flash miss out on Jorja Johnson and new salary cap ideas 11:40 More surprises from the MLP Draft 16:49 Trade targets and sharing auction prices 20:21 Zane optimistic on cheating penalties James Ignatowich 25:55 James Ignatowich joins the show 27:43 RPM spawned out of dopamine detox 34:24 Building a cult following 38:39 Banned on social media 42:36 Why James was terminated 45:01 James sells Zane on moving to China 47:00 Questions from the audience 56:35 The “Jade” paddle story 58:53 John Kew’s decision to donate 3:04 Drafting paddles that impacted pickleball history Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 19m

  2. 3 DAYS AGO

    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. Give Blue Cannatine a try at https://troscriptions.com/DINK or enter BETTER at checkout for 10% off your first order. Be the first to try Zane's new course here: https://tzpickleball.com/#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  / thedinkpickleball   -Follow us on IG -Continue the convo in our private FB Group:   / 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    11 min

  3. 24 FEB

    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 videos. Before the stinky dinky… before the shirtless skits… before the millions of views… there was Afghanistan. Evan opens up about: - Serving as an infantryman in Afghanistan - Surviving an IED explosion and receiving a Purple Heart - Struggling with opioid addiction after returning home - Learning pickleball in rehab - How humor helped him heal - Turning TikTok videos into a full-time career - Creator vs pro influence in the paddle world - The business side of brands like Volair Pickleball - The future of pickleball in pop culture (including Apple TV+’s upcoming pickleball movie) This episode goes way deeper than social media clips. It’s about resilience, recovery, and how pickleball can literally change a life. If you’ve ever laughed at a Fit2Serve video, this is the story behind it. There’s a completely new way to optimize your health. Give Blue Cannatine a try at https://troscriptions.com/DINK or enter BETTER at checkout for 10% off your first order. Follow Evan at https://www.instagram.com/fit2serve1/ Be the first to try Zane's new course here: https://tzpickleball.com/ #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 ------------------ 0:00 The only 8.0 player in the world 3:33 When will Anna Leigh steal Big H? 5:59 The greatest motivator in pro pickleball 10:23 Women’s doubles matchup we’ve been waiting for 15:10 Is Anna Leigh bad for the game? 19:36 Evan Slaughter joins the podcast 22:04 Purple Heart heroics 32:32 He discovered pickleball in rehab 38:37 Who moves more paddles, pros or creators? 46:10 Evan should be the lead in The Dink movie 56:17 Pickleball marathon and the 11 beer challenge 1:03:37 Evan’s new signature shot 1:09:03 Is celebrating after the dome shot bad etiquette? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 15m

  4. 17 FEB

    Paddle of the Year Award, Star Players DROPPED, The APP's Master Plan

    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 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 which teams won, which teams fumbled the bag, and whether Major League Pickleball just reshaped the power structure for 2026. Pickleball and the Olympics Are we overhyping the Olympic dream? Would 2032 in Australia change everything for the sport — or is the pro tour already the real prize? We debate what Olympic inclusion would actually mean for player development and global growth. Does Pickleball Need an All-Star Weekend? If the NBA can reinvent its format, why can’t we? From Ernie contests to reset challenges and paddle toss competitions, we design what a true pickleball skills showcase could look like. Grayson Goldin Update We react to the news of Grayson’s stroke, discuss player health coverage in pro pickleball, and send our support as he works toward a full recovery. The Dink Awards Finale We wrap up the 2025 Dink Awards with: - Best Facilities across the country - Best International Tournament - Paddle Reviewer of the Year - Paddle of the Year And yes, things get a little spicy during the paddle reviewer segment. We also sit down with APP Chief Marketing Officer Tom Webb for a direct conversation about the future of the APP, the evolving pro landscape, and where the sport is headed long term. Drop your thoughts in the comments: What would you include in a pickleball All-Star competition? Subscribe, leave a review, and share this with the doubles partner who still doesn’t understand pro pickleball. 120/Life is a once-a-day functional drink made with ingredients that help support healthy blood pressure. Listeners get 20% off their entire order with code DINK at https://www.120life.com/ Be the first to try Zane's new course here: https://tzpickleball.com/ #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 ------------------ 0:00 Intro 3:12 The Palm Beach Royals won the trade deadline 5:18 Anna Bright and Jorja Johnson dropped from MLP team 14:59 Do the Olympics matter? 19:41 Pickleball is like curling for the summer games 22:52 All-Star Game and skills competition for pickleball 29:03 Thoughts and prayers to Grayson Goldin 32:44 The 120Life Dink Awards conclusion 41:24 Paddle Reviewer and Paddle of the Year 48:59 Tom Webb joins the PicklePod 50:15 Sofia Sewing under the Will Howells contract 56:42 Do you need a big name to attract the audience? 1:00:44 What will the APP look like in 2030? 1:04:10 Who will be the winner in 10 years? 1:11:00 Rapid-fire questions from the listeners Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 21m

  5. 10 FEB

    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 the unique format, 18 straight days of matches, and what it was like playing against elite international talent — plus Eric Lang’s final pro tournament ever. From there, the conversation takes a sharp turn into one of our hottest debates yet: Is doubles pickleball closer to professional gaming than tennis? We dive into reaction time, pattern recognition, neuroplasticity, and why former gamers may actually have an edge at the highest level of the sport. Tanner also opens up about his journey from full-time Fortnite streamer to pro pickleball player and content creator, sharing hard-earned lessons on social media growth, consistency, YouTube strategy, and why the packaging of content matters more than most people realize. Finally, we roll into the Dink Awards, spotlighting the most influential voices, best on-air personalities, and top pickleball podcasts — with plenty of opinions, debates, and classic Picklepod chaos along the way. This one hits pro pickleball, content creation, gaming crossover, and the future of the sport — don’t miss it. Maui Nui Venison has more protein per calorie than just about anything else out there, and it tastes unreal. Order your Ohana Reserve Box today and receive a free 12-pack of jerky sticks http://mauinuivenison.com/THEDINK Follow Tanner https://www.instagram.com/tanner.pickleball/ Be the first to try Zane's new course here: https://tzpickleball.com/ #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 ------------------ 0:00 Tanner Calls In From India: World Pickleball League Explained 3:04 Does Pickleball Need a Mercy Rule? (7–0 Skunk Debate) 8:00 Tanner’s Background: From Fortnite Streaming to Pickleball 17:27 Discovering a niche in pickleball content 23:30 Who will be the Mr. Beast of pickleball? 27:01 The 120Life Dink Awards Most Influential Voice 34:53 Best On-air Personality and who you want to see in the booth 41:55 Podcast of the Year and the co-host tournament challenge 49:59 Pickleball YouTuber of the Year Award and Best Instructor 53:27 Content Creator of the Year completes the triple crown 58:39 The Viral Moment of the Year Award 1:05:31 Pickleball Journalist of the Year Award 1:07:02 Does pickleball have its Super Bowl event? 1:14:38 Start every match with a Nasty Nelson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 24m

  6. 4 FEB

    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 legitimate argument that Gabe Tardio might be the best men’s doubles player right now, even in a world where Ben Johns still reigns supreme. The crew debates whether the right-side player is becoming more important than the left, breaks down ideal pairings to challenge Ben & Gabe, and power-ranks potential teams heading into the season. They also recap the first wave of the Dink Awards, including Player of the Year, Breakout Player, Fan Favorite, and more — plus Anna reacts to being nominated in seven categories and winning Fan Favorite Player. On the content side, Anna opens up about the growth of her newsletter and social presence, what motivated her to start creating more off-court content, and how she balances being a pro athlete with being a content creator. Naturally, things spiral into typing-speed competitions, Reddit beef, and questionable hypotheticals. Topics include: • Is Gabe Tardio the best men’s doubles player in the world? • Right-side vs left-side importance in modern pickleball • Best teams to challenge Ben Johns & Gabe Tardio • Dink Awards winners and surprises • Anna Bright’s rise as a content creator • Fan favorite debates, viral moments, and more Like, subscribe, and drop your hottest takes in the comments — especially if you disagree with Anna. 😅 Maui Nui Venison has more protein per calorie than just about anything else out there, and it tastes unreal. Order your Ohana Reserve Box today and receive a free 12-pack of jerky sticks http://mauinuivenison.com/THEDINK Blue Cannatine from Troscriptions is designed to support the mental and physical flow state that pickleball players chase: focused, responsive, smooth, and adaptable — without jitters, crashes, or chaos. Try it today at https://troscriptions.com/dink Be the first to try Zane's new course here: https://tzpickleball.com/ #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 ------------------ 0:00 Intro 2:11 Gabe Tardio GOAT debate 5:37 A diabolical typo 8:18 The right side player defines a partnership 13:56 Hypothetical team to beat the best 18:47 120Life Dink Awards winners 25:32 Anna is leaning into the content game 36:18 Men's and Women's Player of the Year 38:11 The gap between #2 and the rest of the field 42:55 Men's and Women's Breakout Player of the Year 47:16 Upset of the Year - Anti-ball knower allegations 49:57 Fan favorite and Best On-court Personality 56:56 Zane snubbed on Best Dressed Player of the Year 1:00:30 MLP Preseason is underway 1:04:40 Zane traded and will Anna get dropped? 1:11:03 Mean tweets from AB 1:17:16 Pickleball Court - No games after clinics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 30m

  7. 27 JAN

    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 Minnesota Challenger, including huge upsets, the rise of 14-year-old phenom Cam Chaffin, and why the new narrowed singles court could fundamentally change the way singles pickleball is played. They also debate whether shrinking the court is the right solution, what the PPA is really trying to accomplish with singles, and if we’re headed toward a future with fewer (or no) triple crowns. Plus, the guys react to the viral medical timeout involving Andre and Gabe, discuss the unwritten rules of being a good pickleball partner, unpack the buzz around the new sport “Tipti,” and hit Guess My Duper, Pickleball Court, and more. If you like hot takes, rule debates, and behind-the-scenes pro tour stories, you’re in the right place. 👍 Like, subscribe, and drop your thoughts in the comments — should pickleball shrink the singles court? Maui Nui Venison has more protein per calorie than just about anything else out there, and it tastes unreal. Order your Ohana Reserve Box today and receive a free 12-pack of jerky sticks http://mauinuivenison.com/THEDINK Blue Cannatine from Troscriptions is designed to support the mental and physical flow state that pickleball players chase: focused, responsive, smooth, and adaptable — without jitters, crashes, or chaos. Try it today at https://troscriptions.com/dink Be the first to try Zane's new course here: https://tzpickleball.com/ #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 ------------------ 0:00 Intro 4:02 The next ‘chubby’ singles court 10:35 A different ball for singles 16:10 Typti is gaining momentum 21:15 Everybody was sick in Minnesota 23:47 Pickleball Court - Abusing the medical timeout 28:04 Unwritten rules for good partners 33:19 Using Pickleball Survivor theory to weed out the cheaters 40:22 14yo Camden Chaffin’s breakout weekend 46:06 Alshon & Black win and break up 57:04 Arnold’s paddle throw lands in the crowd 1:05:54 Blind ranking iconic crashouts 1:09:30 Mean comments and Guess My DUPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 16m

  8. 21 JAN

    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—from heated on-court moments and crowd chirping, to new paddle deals shaking up the pro scene. Blaine shares stories from competing at the highest level, what it’s like adjusting to new partnerships, and why high-variance pickleball might be the only way to challenge the top teams. The crew also dives deep into Major League Pickleball’s new format, including substitutions, expanded playoffs, and whether singles specialists are about to change the Dreambreaker forever. Plus, Nico relives the painful moment he realized he missed an email that could’ve made him an MLP GM. Other topics include: - New paddle deals and which switches actually mattered - Whether Ben Johns wins another singles gold - Jack Sock’s ceiling in pro pickleball - Anna Leigh Waters’ dominance (and who could possibly stop her) - The lob serve debate 🔥 - Minnesota weather, rental car danger, and elite sideline vibes It’s part pickleball analysis, part story time, and fully unfiltered. Like, subscribe, and welcome to PicklePod 2.0. Maui Nui Venison has more protein per calorie than just about anything else out there, and it tastes unreal. Order your Ohana Reserve Box today and receive a free 12-pack of jerky sticks http://mauinuivenison.com/THEDINK Be the first to try Zane's new course here: https://tzpickleball.com/ #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 ------------------ 0:00 Nico’s weather report 5:13 MLP’s new rule rollout 10:59 Tournaments are back in MLP 17:23 Blaine inks deal with Six Zero 19:35 New paddles debuted at Masters 21:41 Early round action for team Blaine/Zane 26:46 The high percentage strategy against Ben 33:24 Jack Sock almost broke Nico 38:18 ALW’s 40 triple crown 42:55 Is the lob serve here to stay? 46:10 Pros vs the weather in Minnesota 58:38 Pickleball court bodybag edition 1:08:29 The comments section is lit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 15m
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About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Thomas Shields, Zane Navratil
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    179
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All Rights Reserved. The Dink, LLC & The Props Network
  • Show Website
    PicklePod

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