Pickle Me This — Sharing the fun, friends & stories of rec pickleball play

Deirdre
  • 5.0 (6)
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  • Updated Weekly

Sharing the fun, friends & stories of rec pickleball play. Whether you're a seasoned player or just picked up your first paddle, you'll connect with our diverse guests as they share their personal journeys—what drew them to the game, how pickleball has transformed their lives, and the meaningful connections they've made along the way. More than just a sport, pickleball is building friendships, community — and changing lives one dink at a time. Subscribe now to laugh, be inspired, and feel part of the worldwide pickleball family. #pickleball #pickleballstories #pickleballrecplay

  1. May 30

    S2 Ep. 15 — He almost quit PT but then pickleball changed everything (Reece)

    Reece didn't plan on pickleball changing his life — but then again, nobody does. What started as a reluctant 7am Sunday invitation turned into both a passion and a career pivot, as this physical therapist found a whole new purpose helping pickleball players stay healthy and on the court. In this episode, Reece gets honest about the moment he almost walked away from PT altogether, how pickleball gave his work new meaning, and what it's like to find your people on the court — including the pranks, the laughs, and the guys who just get it. Plus, he shares the warm-up and injury prevention advice that every recreational player needs to hear. Highlights The Sunday morning invitation that started it all — and why he almost said noHow pickleball reignited his passion for physical therapy when he was ready to quitWhy drilling matters more than most recreational players thinkThe truth about playing through pain — and what to do insteadHis first pickleball patient, Candy, and how getting her back on the court made her feel like a kid againWhy warming up properly before you play is non-negotiable (and how to actually do it)How pickleball has made him a better clinician and a better player@reecethepickleballpt is where you can find him on social media Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Pickleball and Personal Journey 02:19 Living life fully and filling his cup 03:53 When Rick asked him to try pickleball at 7 am on a Sunday 06:26 Running his tail off around the courts when he started 09:08 The Importance of Drilling and Skill Development 10:28 How motor memory factors in to getting better 12:10 When he almost left physical therapy altogether 15:07 How pickleball changed his outlook on physical therapy as a job 18:31 His advice to the players wearing a brace or having pain 20:11 Helping his first fellow pickleball player Candy - and how she felt like a kid again 24:02 The challenges of health care not covering PT 26:13 Giving PT advice for pickleball on social media 28:20 Finding his group of guys - ones that are in the same stage of life 30:53 Getting body bagged and pranking them 32:50 The importance of preparing your body before playing - and how to warmup 39:07 How pickleball has deepened his skills as a player and clinician 41:27 The meaning of pickleball - opportunity for him to help others

    43 min

  2. Apr 11

    S2 Ep. 14 — Flashlights, crushes, and finding her people on the pickleball court

    Shireen was just looking for a tennis court when pickleball found her — and nothing has been the same since. In this episode, she shares how the sport reignited a childlike joy she didn't know she was missing, and how showing up to open play led to friendships that now extend far beyond the courts. As a dentist, Shireen brings a fascinating lens to the game, drawing unexpected parallels between the focus required in her work and the mental presence pickleball demands. Highlights How stumbling onto a pickleball court while searching for tennis completely redirected her relationship with sport and playThe vulnerability of showing up to open play as a total beginner — and why it was worth itThe unexpected joy of playing outside again like a kid, and why that feeling mattersWhat dentistry taught her about focus — and how it shows up in her pickleball gameUsing her phone flashlight to light up the courts for early morning sessionsHow being an outdoorsy person from New Mexico has influenced her love for the game Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:40 Stumbling upon pickleball when looking for tennis courts 05:04 Th first time at open play and not being able to play 09:07 Rediscovering the joy of playing outside again like a kid 12:21 Sizing people up to play 17:47 Finding community and connection during life ups and downs 20:27 Friendships that have moved beyond the courts 22:14 The thrill of a pickleball crush 23:45 Using her phone flashlight to light up the courts for early morning play 25:14 Blasting Sarah Landry on the courts 27:41 Pet Peeves in Pickleball 30:52 The Dentist on the Court 35:36 Lessons on focus from dentistry on the courts 36:58 How pickleball makes her feel so different than tennis

    42 min

  3. Apr 4

    S2 Ep. 13 — Building a dating app because pickleball kept bringing people together (Anneliese)

    Anneliese, CEO and co-founder of PickleMatch, didn't set out to build a dating app — she just needed a way to meet people after a big move and a breakup. Pickleball became her safe place, her social lifeline, and eventually the spark behind an idea that turned into a full-blown business. In this episode, she shares how the courts became her community and how that community became the foundation for PickleMatch, an app designed to help pickleballers find love, friendship, and connection. If you've ever felt like pickleball is more than just a sport, this episode will hit different. Highlights How pickleball helped Anneliese rebuild her social life after a move and a breakupThe birthday party moment that made her realize something bigger was happeningHow PickleMatch started as a joke and grew into a real platform for connectionReal dating success stories straight from PickleMatcHow proximity is the secret ingredient to making new friends as an adultThe court pet peeves we all secretly relate to (bad line calls, anyone?)How pickleball taught her that it's never too late to learn something new Chapters 00:00 Intro 03:44 After her move, pickleball was a way to meet new people 08:47 How pickleball became her safe place after the breakup 14:37 The realization at her last birthday party 18:51 A dating app for pickleballers - yes please. Meet Pickle Match 21:53 How PickleMatch started as a joke 23:12 Launching the app by hosting events & limiting geography 25:13 Dating success stories from the app 27:55 Playing pickleball obsessively every day 30:36 Being overly competitive and bad line calls - big pet peeves 34:39 When a bunch of Scorpios played together on the courts 35:26 Pickleball has made her realize she can always learn new things 37:05 Navigating dating and pickleball on the courts 38:28 How to meet new people is all about proximity Resources PickleMatch Website - https://picklematch.co PickleMatch Instagram - https://instagram.com/picklematchapp PickleMatch TikTok - https://tiktok.com/@picklematchapp

    42 min

  4. Feb 14

    S2 Ep. 12 — From rock bottom to the pickleball court - he found healing and hope (Thomas)

    Thomas' journey from the foster care system to becoming a pickleball coach is a story of survival, healing, and purpose. After sports saved his life as a young person, he found himself at rock bottom before discovering pickleball—a game that gave him peace, community, and a new calling. Now as a coach and on social media as Night Train Pickleball, he's dedicated to empowering others and building confidence, one player at a time. His story proves that our darkest moments can lead us to our greatest purpose. Highlights How growing up in foster care shaped Thomas's reliance on sports as a lifelineThe moment he walked past older women playing pickleball and felt drawn to try itLosing everything and finding healing on the pickleball courtHis favorite coaching moment: giving a retiree the confidence to believe in themselvesThe voice from his childhood that still motivates him todayWhy being told "no" continues to fuel his drive to make an impact Chapters 00:00 From Foster Care to Pickleball: A Journey of Resilience 05:16 Walking past a court of older women playing pickleball 08:07 How sports saved his life after growing up in the foster system 13:24 The voice he heard when he was younger, that provided motiviation 15:03 How he got started in the fitness industry 22:05 Losing it all and finding peace and healing in pickleball 27:16 How coaching pickleball was serendipitous 29:50 How he came up with the name - Night Train Pickleball 31:23 His favorite coaching story - giving a retiree confidence 35:24 Pet peeves - out balls and foot faults 41:14 The Ripple Effect: Impacting Lives Through Pickleball 43:35 Motivation comes from being told no

    49 min

  5. Feb 7

    S2 Ep. 11 — Building a pickleball community where everyone belongs (Daniel)

    Daniel left a corporate IT career behind to do something that truly matters — building a space where everyone belongs. Known as @chaoticdad on social media, Daniel is also the owner of Dill Dinkers in Atlanta — and he's turned pickleball into more than just a sport. It's become a safe haven where people of all walks of life can connect, belong, and truly feel at home. His journey from disaster recovery volunteering and a corporate career to the court is a beautiful reminder that the most meaningful work we do often starts with simply opening a door for someone else. This is a conversation that will leave you thinking long after you press pause. Highlights How Daniel walked away from corporate IT to pursue something deeper — and why he's never looked backThe way Dill Dinkers has become a hub for some of Atlanta's most diverse and intentional pickleball communitiesThe way Daniel welcomes special needs schools, Pickle Latinos, Pickleball Queens, LGBTQ+ groups, and more — and why making everyone feel at home comes firstThe heartwarming moment a beginner class erupted in cheers — and what it meant to everyone in the roomHow pickleball helped Daniel personally rebuild his life after divorceDaniel's take on empathy, legacy, and what it means to leave the world a little better than you found it Chapters 00:00 Intro 03:36 Building a community through pickleball 08:19 Intentionally building one of the most diverse pickleball communities 14:19 Welcoming groups like special needs schools, Pickle Latinos, Pickleball Queens, LGBTQ, and more 17:10 The Meaning of Legacy and Community 21:22 How working in disaster recovery shaped who he is today 28:52 Building a community and legacy that he can be proud of - leaving the world in a better place 30:18 How the pickleball community helped rebuild his life after divorce 34:53 How mens' games are very different than womens' games 37:52 Pet peeves on the court - targeting, blatant bad calls and playing in your skill level 40:40 Embarassing moment on the court - happened while he was live 42:20 Stumbling upon random pickleball courts in other countries 43:57 The beginner class where the court errupted in cheer 46:54 Personal growth through pickleball and doing what he is meant to do 49:44 The power of emapthy and making everyone feel welcomed and included

    52 min

  6. Feb 2

    S2 Ep. 10 — From growing up cheering at Fenway to playing pickleball on that same field (Danielle)

    Danielle, the face behind Paddle Battles on social media, discovered pickleball during the pandemic and found something tennis never gave her: pure joy without the stress. While she's fiercely competitive on the courts—her first tournament win ignited a fire that still burns—her comedic personality shines through her relatable social media content that resonates with players everywhere. From a childhood spent watching baseball games at Fenway Park to the surreal moment of playing pickleball on that same legendary field, Danielle's journey captures the magic of how this sport creates unforgettable experiences while building lasting friendships and community connections.Highlights: Traded high-stress tennis for the social, joyful nature of pickleball during COVIDBalances fierce competitiveness on the court with her comedic, relatable social media presencePlaying pickleball at Fenway Park—a field she grew up watching from the stands—was a full-circle, unforgettable momentThe infamous "Dream Breaker" game showcases her competitive fireFound emotional fulfillment volunteering with the Special OlympicsBuilt lasting friendships and community through the sportChapters00:00 Intro02:18 Transitioning from high stress tennis to pickleball10:39 How pickleball unleashes her competitive side13:29 The infamous Dream breaker game18:42 Tearing her miniscus21:00 Volunteering with the special olympics and how that has affected her24:21 The comedian side vs. the competitor side of her26:34 The new pickleball reality show shares her name - Paddle Battles28:42 The unintentional way she started her Paddle Battles social media account31:26 How playing pickleball on the Fenway field was unforgettable34:37 Biggest pet peeve - unorganized tournaments41:56 Helping give back to her local community

    44 min

  7. 12/20/2025

    S2 Ep. 9 — From video games to pickleball courts (Jack)

    Jack journey from video game enthusiast to pickleball devotee showcases the sport's power to transform lives and build unexpected connections. After a friend's invitation led him to the courts, Jack discovered more than just a new hobby—he found a vibrant community that transcended age gaps and sparked genuine friendships. His story proves that sometimes the best cure for isolation is a paddle, a court, and people who show up ready to play. Highlights The addiction moment: knew he was hooked when he bought his first new pickleball shoesFrom screens to courts: ditching video games for an active lifestyle filled with real human connectionAge is just a number: finding mentorship and friendship across generations without noticing the gapsGiving back: the joy of playing with beginners and sharing what he's learnedBuilding a crew: how pickleball friends became travel companions and his social circleNavigating the Charlotte pickleball scene after relocating to a new cityHis competitive yet laid-back playing style that adapts to partners' energy Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jack's Pickleball Journey 06:11 He knew he was addicted when he bought new shoes 07:24 Hanging with pickleball peeps & traveling together 10:15 How his cheetah print hair came about 13:22 Sometimes he wishes for longer waits during rec play 14:22 Not really noticing the age gaps - people are just people 17:00 His playing style - competitive yet laid back 18:38 The infamous lob story and other memorable moments 22:45 Reserving spots in the rack - a pet peeve 24:17 The pickleball scene since moving to Charlotte 28:51 His plans for the holiday break - getting in pickleball of course!

    34 min

  8. 12/13/2025

    S 2 Ep. 8 Branching out solo on the pickleball courts changed everything (Diego)

    Diego's pickleball journey took a pivotal turn when he decided to venture beyond his friend group and show up at the courts solo. That brave decision transformed his post-college isolation into a thriving social life, as the welcoming pickleball community helped him develop confidence and master the art of small talk. It has evolved into meaningful friendships, professional networking opportunities, and a healthy coping mechanism for life's stresses. Diego's story showcases how stepping outside his comfort zone on the courts built both his confidence and connections in everyday life. Highlights Finding an instantly welcoming community that encouraged growthLearning small talk and social skills that opened doors beyond pickleballAdopting a "yes mentality" that helped him push past social anxietyBuilding friendships that extend beyond the courts into everyday lifeThe unexpected professional networking opportunities through the sportExperiencing memorable firsts like his ATP and Ernie shotsUsing pickleball as a healthy coping mechanism for stressLooking to enter his first tournament and continuing to grow in the sport Chapters 00:00 Intro 02:53 Mustering up the courage to go to the courts alone 07:30 How pickleball helped him build self confidence off the courts 13:55 The "yes" mentality and no longer worrying about social anxiety 17:28 Friendships beyond the court and seeing pickleball people out in the wild 19:55 Making new friends as an adult 22:42 Professional networking through pickleball 24:34 His first ATP and Ernie 26:33 Getting hurt on the courts is no fun 30:29 Pet peeves like keeping things moving and being open to playing with newbies 34:20 How pickleball has become a healthy coping mechanism for him 39:27 His most impactful connections made from pickleball 41:53 The essence of pickleball and how he is looking forward to his first tournament

    46 min
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Sharing the fun, friends & stories of rec pickleball play. Whether you're a seasoned player or just picked up your first paddle, you'll connect with our diverse guests as they share their personal journeys—what drew them to the game, how pickleball has transformed their lives, and the meaningful connections they've made along the way. More than just a sport, pickleball is building friendships, community — and changing lives one dink at a time. Subscribe now to laugh, be inspired, and feel part of the worldwide pickleball family. #pickleball #pickleballstories #pickleballrecplay

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