Pickleballers Next Door

Mike Paze and Christana Elliott

Welcome to the Pickleballers Next Door podcast. Mike & Christana will be traveling around the country recording episodes at pickleball courts inside and outside,  talking to the everyday pickleball player. Find out what they love about pickleball and build a big pickleball community. 

  1. 1D AGO

    Episode 56 Colorado Championship Cup III - Denver Pickleball Club - Okto Gear

    Send us a text 🎙️ Episode 56 — Colorado Championship III at 3rd Shot Pickleball | Event Insights & Gear Innovation In Episode 56, we’re live from 3rd Shot Pickleball for the Colorado Championship CUP III - Denver Pickleball Club. We sit down with Deven Gould to talk all things tournament life — from what makes Colorado Championship Cup III such a standout event to the growth of competitive pickleball in Colorado and beyond. Deven shares insights into player energy, event execution, and why this championship continues to draw serious talent and community support. We also catch up with Mae (Melanie) Romero - CEO & Founder from Okto Gear, diving into the design and engineering behind the innovative Okto pickleball bag. Mae gives us an exclusive look at what goes into building a performance-driven pickleball bag and teases the upcoming new Baby Okto bag, designed with portability, functionality, and player needs in mind. From championship-level play to next-gen pickleball gear, this episode is packed with insider perspectives from the people shaping the sport. 🎧 Whether you’re a competitive player, gear junkie, or pickleball community supporter, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. 3RD SHOT PICKLEBALL RIVER POINT  https://3rdshotpickleball.com/home-river-point DENVER PICKLEBALL CLUB https://www.denpickleball.club/ We want to give special thanks to the following contributors to the bags we handed out over the weekend.   BOUTTIME! PUB & GRUB https://www.bouttimepub.com/location/sheridan-colorado/ TORCHY TACOS - HIGHLANDS RANCH  https://torchystacos.com/ SUBWAY RIVER POINT AT SHERIDAN II https://restaurants.subway.com/united-states/co/sheridan/3602-river-point-parkway #HASHTAG A BOOZY BRUNCH JOINT - HIGHLANDS RANCH https://www.hashtag-restaurant.com/highlands-ranch A SWEET SIP - CBD BEVERAGES https://asweetsip.com/ Colorado Homes & Design  cohomedesign.com Merlan Salon Boutique & Spa merlansbs.com Support the show Thank you to our sponsor A Sweet Sip CBD drink. Visit https://drinkasweetsip.com/ for more information. Follow the PickleBallers Next Door at: IG: @pickleballersnextdoor TikTok: thepickleballersnextdoor

    42 min
  2. JAN 29

    Episode 55 Mike and Christana Talk about Eye Safety and Injuries

    Send us a text Episode 55 Pickleballers Next Door Podcast 🎙️ Podcast Description  In this important and eye-opening episode of Pickleballers Next Door, Mike and Christana tackle one of the fastest-growing conversations in pickleball: player safety. With eye injuries on the rise across recreational and competitive play, we break down why protective eyewear and pickleball goggles matter, how net-zone battles increase risk, and what players of all levels should know to protect their vision without sacrificing performance. KitchenBlockers are the glasses Mike & Christana use most of the time.   We also dive into a commonly overlooked factor in injury prevention—the right shoes for pickleball courts. From indoor vs outdoor courts to lateral movement, traction, and ankle support, we explain how wearing proper court shoes can reduce slips, falls, and long-term joint strain. Whether you’re a beginner, tournament player, or someone who lives at the kitchen line, this episode is packed with practical tips, real-world experiences, and expert-level insights to help you stay safe, confident, and competitive on the court. 👉 Protect your eyes. Protect your body. Play smarter. https://kitchenblockers.com/discount/PBND26 https://holeyperformance.com/ https://www.denvericonics.com/ Support the show Thank you to our sponsor A Sweet Sip CBD drink. Visit https://drinkasweetsip.com/ for more information. Follow the PickleBallers Next Door at: IG: @pickleballersnextdoor TikTok: thepickleballersnextdoor

    35 min
  3. JAN 22

    Episode 54 - 3rd Shot Pickleball River Point - Grand Opening!

    Send us a text 🎙️ Special Guests from the Grand Opening at 3rd Shot River Point This episode was extra special as we welcomed Chris Williams, his wife Katherine Williams, and their daughter Bella Williams onto the podcast — showcasing exactly what pickleball is all about: family, community, and connection. We also sat down with Jeff Moulton, Head Pro at 3rd Shot River Point, who shared insights into open play, player development, and what makes this new Sheridan location such a standout for players of all skill levels. Adding another key perspective, we were joined by George Tavares from Altitude Athletic Surfaces, diving into what goes into building high-performance pickleball courts and why quality surfaces matter for both safety and competitive play. Rounding out the episode, we caught up with pickleball players Emily, Kaleb and Mark, who were checking out open play and sharing firsthand excitement about the courts, the atmosphere, and the energy of opening day. From industry leaders to families discovering the sport together, this episode perfectly captures the spirit of pickleball and the vibrant community forming at 3rd Shot River Point. https://3rdshotpickleball.com/home-river-point Jeff Moulton - Head Pro - jeff@3rdshotpickleball.com https://altitudesurfaces.com/ Support the show Thank you to our sponsor A Sweet Sip CBD drink. Visit https://drinkasweetsip.com/ for more information. Follow the PickleBallers Next Door at: IG: @pickleballersnextdoor TikTok: thepickleballersnextdoor

    1h 26m
  4. JAN 15

    Episode 53 Pickleball Kingdom Paddle Battle - Founder/Ace Rodrigues & Pro Contestant/Tiffany Ash

    Send us a text 🎙️ Podcast Episode: Pickleball Kingdom Paddle Battle — 2 Winners have been picked for the Pro Sponsorship and will be aired on episode 8.  2 Winners will be voted by the audience to receive a franchise each.  Please vote every week for your favorite player.  In this episode, we sit down with Ace Rodrigues, Owner and Founder of Pickleball Kingdom, to break down the launch of their groundbreaking new YouTube competition series, Pickleball Kingdom: Paddle Battle. Episodes 1 and 2 drop Wednesday the 14th, just hours before this podcast episode goes live, giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the concept, stakes, and vision behind one of the most exciting new formats in pickleball entertainment. 🔥 What’s on the line in Paddle Battle? 2 professional players win a full-year sponsorship2 professional players win a Pickleball Kingdom franchiseThe sponsorship winners have already been selected — but the franchise winners will be decided by the audience. Fans get to vote and play a direct role in determining which pros earn the opportunity to become Pickleball Kingdom franchise owners, making this one of the most interactive pickleball series ever created. We’re also joined by Tiffany Ash, Head Pro at Relish Food Hall, who is one of the featured contestants in Paddle Battle. A Colorado-based pro, Tiffany shares what it’s like competing in a high-stakes, on-camera pickleball series and representing Colorado on a national platform. In this episode, we talk about: How Paddle Battle was created and why it’s differentThe power of fan voting in awarding pickleball franchisesWhat a year-long pickleball sponsorship means for a pro athleteThe future of pickleball as entertainment, media, and businessHow Pickleball Kingdom is redefining growth through community involvementColorado’s role in shaping national pickleball talentThis episode is a must-listen for pickleball players, fans, sponsors, and entrepreneurs who want to see how competition, content, and opportunity are colliding to shape the future of the sport. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1mwK1LXsKjAdmWb55cTLUQ https://pickleballkingdom.com/paddlebattle/ Support the show Thank you to our sponsor A Sweet Sip CBD drink. Visit https://drinkasweetsip.com/ for more information. Follow the PickleBallers Next Door at: IG: @pickleballersnextdoor TikTok: thepickleballersnextdoor

    46 min
  5. JAN 8

    Episode 52 Friday Pickleball Crew - Friday Pickle - Keep Paddles Accessible!

    Send us a text 🎙️ Podcast Episode 52 Friday Pickleball: The Brand, The Brotherhood, and the Future of Pickleball Culture In this episode, we sit down with Scott, Isaac, and Matt, three of the  five incredible minds behind Friday Pickleball, live from 3rd Shot Pickleball in Wheatridge, Colorado. What started as a shared love for pickleball has turned into one of the fastest-growing lifestyle brands in the sport—and these guys are leading the charge with authenticity, humor, and community at the core. Friday Pickleball isn’t just a paddle, it’s a movement. Built around the idea that pickleball should be fun, welcoming, competitive, and social, the brand captures the spirit of the game both on and off the court.  A culture that celebrates connection, competition, and camaraderie, Friday Pickleball has quickly become a favorite among players nationwide. Scott, Isaac, and Matt share their journey from players to brand builders, what it really takes to grow a pickleball company in today’s booming market, and why relationships and community matter more than anything else. Their chemistry is real, their passion is contagious, and their commitment to growing the sport the right way is what truly sets them apart. We talk pickleball culture, brand building, entrepreneurship, and how venues like 3rd Shot Pickleball are helping fuel the next generation of players. Whether you’re a recreational player, a competitive athlete, or someone interested in the business side of pickleball, this episode delivers insight, inspiration, and plenty of laughs. If you love pickleball, good people, and brands that stand for more than just a logo—this episode is a must-listen. fridaypickle.com @fridaypickleball @friday_pickleball Support the show Thank you to our sponsor A Sweet Sip CBD drink. Visit https://drinkasweetsip.com/ for more information. Follow the PickleBallers Next Door at: IG: @pickleballersnextdoor TikTok: thepickleballersnextdoor

    45 min
  6. JAN 1

    Episode 51 Happy New Year's - Love Really Does Happen On The Court - Picklematch - 3rd Shot Wheatridge

    Send us a text 🎙️ Pickleball, Singles & Real-Life Love Stories | PickleMatch.co Podcast Episode 51 🎙️ In this episode, we dive into the heart of PickleMatch.co, where pickleball meets real-world dating—and sparks actually fly. We recorded live from a PickleMatch singles event at 3rd Shot Wheatridge and interviewed the people who came not just to play pickleball, but to find genuine connection. We’re joined by Jake and Brent, the sons of Mike, one of the podcast hosts, who share their perspective on the PickleMatch experience and what it’s like seeing pickleball bring singles together in a fun, low-pressure environment. We also sit down with Michael, co-owner of PickleMatch, who shares the vision behind creating an in-person dating experience that feels natural, active, and far removed from the swipe culture of dating apps. Adding to the conversation is Sher, who runs the popular Facebook community ColoradoSinglesConnect, offering insight into what singles in Colorado are truly looking for right now—and why community-driven, in-person events are thriving. We also welcome professional matchmaker Julie Ferman from Cupid’s Coach, who brings expert advice on modern dating, attraction, and why shared activities like pickleball create better opportunities for authentic connection. And the highlight of the night? Masha and Sam, who actually met at the event that very evening, sharing their first impressions, chemistry, and what made the connection feel different from traditional dating apps. This episode is a real-time look at how pickleball is changing the dating scene, why singles are craving offline experiences, and how PickleMatch is turning rallies into relationships. Whether you’re single, curious about modern matchmaking, or just love pickleball culture, this episode proves that sometimes… love really does happen on the court. 🏓❤️ Support the show Thank you to our sponsor A Sweet Sip CBD drink. Visit https://drinkasweetsip.com/ for more information. Follow the PickleBallers Next Door at: IG: @pickleballersnextdoor TikTok: thepickleballersnextdoor

    1h 10m
  7. 12/25/2025

    Episode 50 Merry Christmas

    Send us a text 🎄 Merry Christmas and welcome to a very special milestone episode of Pickleballers Next Door! 🎄 Today, we’re celebrating Episode 50, and we couldn’t think of a better way to mark this moment than by spotlighting the incredible people using pickleball as a force for good. This episode is all about community, purpose, and impact, recorded live at Relish Food Hall Pickleball during a powerful Parkinson’s disease fundraising tournament. We’re honored to sit down with leaders, advocates, athletes, and coaches who are changing lives—on and off the court. From national foundations to grassroots pickleball movements, this episode captures the true heart of why this sport means so much to so many. So grab a warm drink, pull up a chair, and celebrate the season with us—this is pickleball with purpose. 🎧 Episode 50 – Pickleballers Next Door 🎄 Merry Christmas from Pickleballers Next Door—and welcome to our 50th episode! 🎄 In this milestone holiday episode, we’re coming to you from Relish Food Hall Pickleball for an inspiring Parkinson’s disease fundraising tournament that brought together players, advocates, and community leaders who believe pickleball can truly make a difference. We’re honored to feature: Susan Swern, founder of Pickleball for Good, sharing how pickleball is being used nationwide to raise awareness, funds, and hope—not only for Parkinson’s research and support, but for a wide range of nonprofits and community causes.Polly Dawkins, Executive Director of the Davis Phinney Foundation, discussing the foundation’s mission to help people with Parkinson’s live well today. Tom Carney, a respected pickleball coach and player with 13 years of experience, offering insight into how coaching, movement, and sport positively impact the Parkinson’s community.Team Husted, competitors in the tournament, sharing what it means to play for a cause bigger than the scoreboard.This episode is a powerful reminder that pickleball is more than a game—it’s a platform for connection, advocacy, and meaningful change. Thank you to our guests, our listeners, and this incredible community for supporting us through 50 episodes. We are so grateful for every story, every event, and every person who’s joined us along the way. 🎄 Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and here’s to the next 50! 🎄 Support the show Thank you to our sponsor A Sweet Sip CBD drink. Visit https://drinkasweetsip.com/ for more information. Follow the PickleBallers Next Door at: IG: @pickleballersnextdoor TikTok: thepickleballersnextdoor

    1h 22m
  8. 12/18/2025

    Episode 49 MoodSwing Denver's New Pickleball Event Center, Owner - PickleWatch

    Send us a text Tune in to hear the story behind MoodSwing, the challenges of opening a new venue, and what guests can expect when they walk through the doors. Podcast Episode: Inside the Opening of MoodSwing with the Founders & Chef and the Owner of PickleWatch. Episode Description In this episode, we sit down with Colton Cartwright and Giovanni Leone, owners of MoodSwing, along with executive chef Nicholas Dalton, to talk about the vision, energy, and excitement behind the opening of one of Denver’s most talked-about new entertainment venues. MoodSwing is redefining the social scene by blending pickleball, elevated food, craft cocktails, and immersive vibes into one unforgettable experience. Colton and Giovanni share how the concept came to life, what sets MoodSwing apart from other venues, and why community, fun, and connection are at the heart of everything they do. Chef Nicholas Dalton gives us a behind-the-scenes on his creative and great tasting pizzas. look at the menu, and how food plays a central role in the MoodSwing experience. Whether you’re a pickleball enthusiast, a foodie, an entrepreneur, or just someone who loves discovering what’s new in Denver, this episode offers an inside look at how passion, creativity, and teamwork come together to launch a next-level destination. In the same episode, we also meet with the owner George Yameen behind Picklewatch, a platform which turns your Apple Watch into a pickleball coach. Auto-detects swings & shot types, tracks speed, rally length, heart rate, and consistency—no phone needed during play. After a match, sync to iPhone for heatmaps, stroke charts, trends, and a single Quality Score. Get haptic cues for pace/time/recovery and see exactly how you’re improving. This episode is a must-listen for pickleball players, entrepreneurs, venue owners, and anyone interested in the business, culture, and rapid growth of pickleball. Special Thanks: mood-swing.com holeyperformance.com PickleWatch app Support the show Thank you to our sponsor A Sweet Sip CBD drink. Visit https://drinkasweetsip.com/ for more information. Follow the PickleBallers Next Door at: IG: @pickleballersnextdoor TikTok: thepickleballersnextdoor

    43 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Pickleballers Next Door podcast. Mike & Christana will be traveling around the country recording episodes at pickleball courts inside and outside,  talking to the everyday pickleball player. Find out what they love about pickleball and build a big pickleball community.