The Joy of Padel

Minter Dial

The Joy of Padel podcast, hosted by Minter Dial, a Padel player since 1974, is an exhilarating show that delves into the captivating stories of notable Padel personalities worldwide. You'll be treated to exclusive anecdotes, valuable tips, and humorous moments shared by esteemed professional players, industry insiders, and passionate padel enthusiasts. Now in its fourth season that aligns with the pro tour, you can anticipate two engaging episodes per month. You will find the episode show notes on Joy Of Padel.

  1. Season 1 Trailer

    The Joy of Padel - Coming soon!

    The Joy of Padel podcast, hosted by Minter Dial, a padel player since 1974, brings you the stories of the people who make padel the fastest-growing sport in the world. Now in its fourth season, the show has welcomed legends and stars such as Juan Martín Díaz, Carolina Navarro, Alejandra Salazar, Ariana Sánchez, Jonas Björkman and David Gala, alongside coaches, industry insiders and passionate players. Expect exclusive anecdotes, practical tips and plenty of laughs. With each season aligned with the pro tour, you can look forward to two new episodes every month. If you've got comments or questions you'd like answered, send an email or, better yet, an audio file to nminterdial@gmail.com. You can always comment on the post with the full show notes (and transcript) on minterdial.com. And if you enjoy the show, please take a moment to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favourite podcast app. You can also follow the Joy of Padel on social: @joyofpadel on X/Twitter and Instagram. There's also a YouTube page. ¡Vamos! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  2. Oct 20

    David Gala: Patience, Effort, and Competitive Spirit in the Professional Padel Circuit

    In this conversation (recorded in Spanish with English subtitles on the Joy of Padel Youtube Channel), Minter Dial sits down with rising Spanish padel star David Gala, who, at just 20 years old, is already climbing the world rankings and making his mark on the professional circuit. Drawing on formative experiences growing up in Madrid and the influence of his family, David Gala reflects on his early days balancing football and padel, the pivotal decision to pursue his sporting passion, and the determination required to progress step by step in a fiercely competitive environment. In this wide-ranging exchange, David Gala opens up about the importance of team dynamics and mentorship, revealing how playing alongside more experienced partners has shaped his development both on and off the court. The discussion delves into the realities of life as a young athlete: adapting to elite competition, handling setbacks with resilience, and the delicate balance between patience, ambition, and explosive athleticism. With an eye on continual improvement, David Gala shares his strategies for learning from defeats and the routines that help him stay grounded amidst the pressure of rankings and results. The pair also explore the lighter side of the sport, recounting the joy, camaraderie, and even absurdity that keep padel compelling beyond the professional sphere. Whether you’re an aspiring player, a lover of competitive sport, or simply intrigued by the psychological and physical demands of climbing the athletic ladder, this episode offers candid insights and practical wisdom. Tune in as Minter Dial and David Gala discuss what it really takes to pursue excellence, embrace challenge, and find fulfilment through sport. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  3. Oct 6

    Inside the Little Book of Padel: Ross Thornley’s Personal and Professional Transformation

    In this episode of Joy of Padel, we explore the unique journey of Ross Thornley—entrepreneur, thought leader, and passionate padel enthusiast—whose insatiable curiosity has led him from founding AQAI, a company immersed in AI and adaptability, to writing the Little Book of Padel, a lively chronicle of his first ten weeks discovering the game. The discussion delves into the vibrant community and culture of padel, examining what draws people into the sport and why its low barrier to entry and joyful atmosphere make it uniquely accessible. Thornley brings a beginner’s perspective, unpacking how naivety and curiosity can fuel rapid learning, foster connection, and break down the usual barriers to improvement. The conversation further explores the sometimes ‘cliquey’ dynamics of padel clubs, the ego traps of progressing players, and how the social fabric of padel is built, sometimes echoing the etiquette-driven world of golf but with a distinctly welcoming twist. A key theme that emerged is the centrality of ego, vulnerability, and adaptability—on and off the court. The exchange considers how padel reveals character in the opening minutes of play, serving as a real-time test of unlearning, openness, and teamwork. The importance of celebrating not just personal or team wins but collective joy among all four players is highlighted, illustrating why padel stands out among racquet sports as an ongoing exercise in humility and shared triumph. Listeners will come away with fresh perspectives on why padel is the “sport du jour”—a uniquely modern game that blends physical challenge, social connection, and a continual invitation to adapt, grow and enjoy the process together. Tune in for this spirited deep-dive into the world of padel and the lessons it holds for anyone seeking more joy, community, and adaptability both on and off the court. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  4. Sep 22

    The Art of Joyful Play: Alfonso Patacho’s Winning Padel Mindset

    In this conversation, the Joy of Padel welcomes a dynamic exchange with Alfonso Patacho, whose unique background bridges Spanish, British, and Portuguese roots. A dedicated competitor and coach, Alfonso shares his journey from aspiring young golfer in Spain to representing Team GB in international padel, including a memorable bronze medal at the 2015 Junior World Championships and playing on centre court at the Premier Padel P1 in London. The conversation focused on the essential ingredients for progression in padel—balancing fun and discipline, fostering maturity on court, and the importance of playing with intention. One concept discussed was the transformative power of communication between partners, with Alfonso offering nuanced advice on tailoring in-game calls and adapting strategies for both amateurs and seasoned players. The discussion explored the art of choosing the right side and partner in competitive settings, emphasising self-awareness and adaptability as key drivers of success. We heard about the challenges and joys of playing against future world number ones, practical coaching insights for amateurs seeking real improvement, and why stepping outside one’s usual circle and mixing with various playing styles accelerates growth. Rounded out by reflections on handling pressure, managing energy, and what truly brings joy to the court, this episode is a treasure trove for anyone passionate about advancing in the sport of padel. Whether you’re a regular at local socials, dreaming of a future in competition, or simply curious about the subtle craft of great padel partnerships, tune in as the Joy of Padel unpacks the journey, mindset and methods behind building skill—and lasting enjoyment—in this fast-growing sport. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  5. Sep 8

    Finding Your True Padel Level: Rethinking Ratings and Enjoyment on Court

    In this solo episode of the Joy of Padel podcast, Minter Dial departs from his usual interview format to delve into one of the sport’s most contested and consequential questions: what level are you, really? Drawing on both personal anecdotes and the quirks of popular platforms like Playtomic, the episode focused on how self-assessment and padel ratings shape our experiences on and off the court. One concept presented was the temptation to inflate our abilities—whether through ego or optimism—and the pitfalls of relying too heavily on numbers alone. A key theme that emerged was the idea that knowing your real level is not a judgement but a gift, helping players select better games, improve their practice, and become stronger partners. The discussion explored the many variables that impact your rating: from communication, positioning, and shot selection, to your physical readiness and how you handle pressure at five-all in the deciding set. Several points were raised, including the limitations of automated rating systems, why communication with your partner is just as important as technical skill, and the value of curiosity and humility in honest self-assessment. Whether you’re striving to level up, searching for more satisfying matches, or simply seeking more joy from your time on court, this episode offers practical tips, heartfelt stories, and an open invitation to reflect on your own padel journey. Tune in as Minter encourages every player to approach their game—and their number—with curiosity, candour, and above all, joy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Finding Your True Padel Level: Rethinking Ratings and Enjoyment on Court

  6. Aug 25

    From Málaga to the World Champion: Carolina Navarro and the Passion for Padel

    In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Carolina Navarro Björk, a former professional padel player and a true legend of the sport. I recorded the full interview in Spanish and have provided an English-subtitled video on my hub website, minterdial.com/joyofpadel, as well as on my Joy of Padel YOUTUBE channel. In our chat, Carolina shares her story, from her binational Spanish-Swedish beginnings in Málaga to becoming number one in the world, touching on topics such as the evolution of padel, cultural differences between Spain and Sweden, and the challenge of maintaining the top ranking once you get there. We discuss the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone, choosing partners, and the valuable social work of “Palas Para Todos.” You’ll discover why padel is about much more than competition, and how passion and mindset make the real difference. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    From Málaga to the World Champion: Carolina Navarro and the Passion for Padel

  7. Aug 11

    Adapting to Padel: Giulia Dal Pozzo’s Transformation From Tennis To Top Padel Player

    In this episode of the Joy of Padel, Minter Dial is joined by Giulia Dal Pozzo, a rising left-handed Italian padel player who recently achieved her highest ever world ranking at number 31. The conversation focused on Giulia’s personal journey from junior tennis to embracing padel, the challenges and rewards of switching sports, and the unique appeal of playing as part of a team. Giulia shares her insights into the transition for tennis players entering padel, highlighting the nuances of wall play, communication, and adapting old habits to a new court. A key theme that emerged was the rapid growth and increasing competitiveness of padel in Italy, as well as the crucial role of international training—especially in Spain—and the importance of finding the right partner both on and off the court. The discussion explored how top players manage stress and partnership dynamics during high-pressure moments, and why open communication is central to teamwork and success. Several points were raised, including the evolving pace and physicality of women’s padel, the significance of daily training, and Giulia’s favourite shots alongside the technical skills she is working to improve. For anyone interested in the mindset and mechanics behind elite padel, this conversation offers an authentic look into the making of a world-class player. Tune in as Giulia Dal Pozzo and Minter Dial go beyond rankings and routines to unpack what truly drives the joy of padel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Adapting to Padel: Giulia Dal Pozzo’s Transformation From Tennis To Top Padel Player

  8. Jul 28

    Inside the British Padel Awards: Innovation, Community, and Growth with Anthony Daulphin

    In this episode of Joy of Padel, the conversation centres around the remarkable journey of Anthony Daulphin, founder and CEO of the British Padel Awards (BPA). Reflecting on his introduction to padel only a few years ago, Anthony shares how a holiday encounter quickly blossomed into a full-fledged pursuit, leading not only to his own involvement on court but to the launch of a womenswear padel clothing collection and a series of pop-up shops across the UK. The discussion explores the inclusive and social nature of padel, delving into why the sport uniquely brings people from all walks of life together, in stark contrast to sports with higher barriers to entry. A key theme that emerged is Anthony’s entrepreneurial drive—his determination to recognise the unsung heroes and innovators shaping the British padel community. The pair delve into the origins of the British Padel Awards, unpacking the challenges of galvanising support, defining 21 distinct award categories, and establishing a truly national platform for recognition in an industry still finding its feet. The conversation moves from concept to execution, revealing both the visible successes and the behind-the-scenes hurdles of staging such an ambitious event. Listeners will gain insight into the award’s evolution from a one-off idea to a structured national network, with the launch of the BPA Network and a suite of upcoming regional events designed to foster connection and celebrate achievement. For anyone interested in sports entrepreneurship, community-building, or the vibrant future of padel in Britain, this episode offers both inspiration and practical lessons—demonstrating the power of vision, collaboration, and resilience within a rapidly growing sport. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Inside the British Padel Awards: Innovation, Community, and Growth with Anthony Daulphin
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Trailer

About

The Joy of Padel podcast, hosted by Minter Dial, a Padel player since 1974, is an exhilarating show that delves into the captivating stories of notable Padel personalities worldwide. You'll be treated to exclusive anecdotes, valuable tips, and humorous moments shared by esteemed professional players, industry insiders, and passionate padel enthusiasts. Now in its fourth season that aligns with the pro tour, you can anticipate two engaging episodes per month. You will find the episode show notes on Joy Of Padel.

Information

  • Creator
    Minter Dial
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    79
  • Copyright
    © 2023-2026 Minter Dial – The Joy of Padel
  • Show Website
    The Joy of Padel

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