104 episodes

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

PicklePod Thomas Shields, Zane Navratil

    • Sport

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

    Hot paddles, hotter mics, and pickleball's wildest fault

    Hot paddles, hotter mics, and pickleball's wildest fault

    Lawsuits are popping up everywhere in the world of pickleball. We share the latest in a growing class action lawsuit. Ben Johns was caught on a hot mic at the PPA Sacramento Open, Zane shares his take.

    The guys take a look at the upcoming MLP Washington D.C. event and revisit the unlikely James Ignatowich sticker fault.

    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/3VxEGoF

    Get away to the Pacific Northwest, book your Stay-and-Dink pickleball package at https://www.sunriverresort.com/sage-springs-spa-and-fitness/fitness-center/pickleball-1

    Protect your eyes with Tifosi and save 20% with code DINK20 at 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

    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/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
    ------------------
    0:00 The class action lawsuit
    6:30 Calling BS on the admin error
    16:58 What’s the etiquette for rec play and illegal paddles?
    23:29 Hot mics at the PPA Sacramento Open
    30:30 Other hot mic moments
    35:59 Play up the drama
    39:00 Extended broadcast on FOX
    41:48 George Killebrew joins UPA from Dallas Mavericks
    43:50 MLP Washington D.C. and the Seattle rebrand
    49:27 LOTTO joins the Brooklyn Aces ownership group
    52:15 Are Ben and Collin still number one?
    58:18 Big H and the pickleball grinders
    1:01:27 Where to move for top pickleball training?
    1:04:08 Papa Jimmy’s Sticker fault
    1:08:44 Must win on your serve…again
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    • 1 hr 12 min
    Worst attempt at "cheating" results in largest pickleball fine

    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
    ------------------
    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
    ------------------
    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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    • 1 hr 21 min
    Best of PicklePod 2024

    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
    ------------------
    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
    ------------------

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 1 hr 2 min
    Pickleball's leading organizations share insights at racquetX

    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
    ------------------
    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?
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 58 min
    Paddle disqualified for 'illegal substance'

    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
    ------------------
    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
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 1 hr 21 min
    Let's be blunt about pickleball with Travis Rettenmaier

    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
    ------------------
    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
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 1 hr 16 min

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